Why are we so gullible?

[Martin Eden]

18. Culture War

Engagement in Culture War is the key strategy of "conservative" politics in America today. It is the means by which they convince voters "their country" is under assault by sinister forces of "The Left" which is antithetical to their ostensible values of God, Country, Family, and the US Constitution.

The mere fact that we fight back against the scurrilous lies and propaganda of the rightwing smear machine constitutes further "proof" we are their enemies, guilty as charged.

Of course, the authors of this PSYOPS campaign and Republican politicians serve not the people but the malefactors of great wealth who finance their careers.

Their true purpose is revealed by their actions:

Huge tax cuts for the rich
Opposition to unions and a living wage
Opposition to universal affordable healthcare
Voter suppression
Poisoning our environment for profit

Abortion, racial animus, and LGBTQ bigotry are not profit centers so much as they are hooks used to ensnare and manipulate voters in the Culture War.

In order to defeat this mendacious strategy we must first understand it, then develop a better strategy based on truth and compassion for all people -- including those who've been hooked into the poisonous ideology of lies.

As long as we treat them like enemies they will remain so, firmly in the camp of the malefactors.

This does not mean we should turn a blind eye or compromise away our principles and goals, or fool ourselves into believing vicious racists can be made to change their hearts and minds.

But neither should we fan the flames of animus merely for the temporary satisfaction of feeding the flame of anger in our own hearts.

Does engaging in the Culture War in that fashion truly serve our long term goals of social & economic justice and a representative democracy which serves all The People?