The Power of Propaganda

[kentuck]

It is a powerful tool in the hands of the wrong people. We have seen that throughout history. People follow a cult of personality. He becomes one of them. Day becomes night and black becomes white. They must always have an enemy.

America, unfortunately, is in the midst of one of those times. It's future is unknown. The people's faith has been put into elections and the right to vote. But, even those are now challenged.

Very smart people are susceptible to the right "message". How do we protect ourselves from sophisticated propaganda?

We have to educate ourselves. Not only do we have to know the facts, we have to know which direction they take the people. Are they being led into darkness or into the light? It is a battle we have fought since the beginning of man.

The divide becomes so great that it becomes very difficult to reach a compromise.

It seems to me that there is presently an assault upon the truth. In my opinion, this must determine which side we stand?

[DFW]

1. It was put in exactly those terms by Hitler's Luftwaffe boss, Hermann Goering

From his cell in April, 1946:

".....voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."

It works the same in any country. How true--even ours.

[Lonestarblue]

3. The Trump and Hitler tactics are quite similar.

A couple of years ago, I visited the museum in Hitler’s unfinished Nazi Party Congress Hall in Nuremberg and was struck at the similarities between Hitler’s mastery of propaganda and what Trump was doing at the time. The museum documents Hitler’s rise to power and the methods he used to manipulate the people of Germany. That rise took several years, but it too was based on grievances and the “mistreatment” of the German people by undesirable others. Trump created his cult in a very short couple of years, but, unlike Hitler, he has social media and 24/7 propaganda broadcasts to propel him and the US onto the fast track toward fascism.

[kentuck]

4. Unfortunately, unless we change course, that is the direction we are headed...

I would agree.

[treestar]

10. Though humanity ought to have learned by now

and specifically from that experience.

[duforsure]

2. trumps doing the same things as he's always used in business

By lying making claims he knows are false, promising things he knows he'll never deliver on , and corrupting the situation so he can get the results he wants , or he threatens to hurt all involved when he doesn't get his way. The only difference is its on a national stage now. He always ignores his promises , and threatens others with things he knows will hurt them then. He's setting his supporters up for this con job he's now promoting. When they eventually realize what he's done , its too late, and he's already conned them out of their vote. Bankers, contractors , and investors have all learned their lesson dealing with him ,and he can only deal with the most corrupt people on this planet now, like putin, and very corrupt bankers.

[TreasonousBastard]

6. There's one extraordinary he had in his businesses-- he had no need to perform. He could, and did...

walk away if things weren't going his way.

Sometimes it was bankruptcy, other times it was simply destroying your creation, like his football league.

Bullshit like the steaks an vodka were just throwaways. When any of his projects meant he actually had to work, it was history. The TV show was great for him, since he just had to pretend to work.

Now, he has a job he has to do. His answer is not to do it, but to pretend to do it.

You cannot blame the snake for biting you, since that is its nature, but you can, and should, blame those who put it there.

[mdbl]

5. We need to call out the Repugs that are enabling him

That's where to lies continue to propagate. I almost vomited at Nikki Haley's speech. That was the first and last part of the Con convention I will watch.

[TreasonousBastard]

7. Haley knows better. Why she didn't hang back and wait for Trump to pass I don't understand.

[kentuck]

9. That is a very good question.

She went "all in".

[StocktonNative]

8. This is the Reich Wing Harvest Festival 2020

Drumpf is piting his Country Mice Cult base against the bad City Mouses! He causes chaos in the streets then blames the general public.

He loves the good ol Hitler Playbook for sure.

[jimlup]

11. George Orwell warned us all

the truth though is stranger than fiction.

[Aussie105]

12. People follow a cult of personality.

Therein lies the problem.
Nice hair, nice teeth, speaks convincingly, yep, he/she gets my vote. Didn't quite hear what he/she said, or stands for, but it doesn't matter. Presentation is everything.

That is so far off what is needed, it isn't funny.

Policies, trustworthiness, proven competence in government should be the guiding factors.
I'd vote for a politician with those qualities, even if he/she was ugly, and in a wheelchair.

Propaganda can be countered. Talk to yourself. Create your own value system. Think that through carefully. Measure the messages you get against that value system. Reject, question, or accept the messages you get.
Don't just soak them up.

Gullible people are so easy to control and manipulate. Don't be one of them, you become part of the problem, not part of the solution.

[bucolic_frolic]

13. We're up against paranoia, fear, and demonizing of our candidate

It's very specific. Find a way to combat it. That's how we win, and win big.

[olegramps]

14. I lived among the type of people that support Trump.

I have extended family throughout the South. These are the type of people who flock to Tent Revivals and actually believe that some charlatan cured someone of blindness and others of a host of diseases and ailments. It is pure emotionalism and very difficult to counteract.

It is not unlike what takes place in the numerous mega churches throughout the nation. The dupes are subjected to intense theatrics and very little or no theology. The Republican Party tapped into this years ago by indorsing extreme evangelicalism that in turn capitulated to policies that are in direct contradiction to teachings of the Jesus. It is the same as what has transpired in numerous societies such as when the German people stood silently and watched their neighbors, including children, herded into box cars and sent to their death. Don't be misled that it was only a small segment of the population. The vast majority joined in the madness that can ensue when people are encouraged to vent their frustrations on helpless scapegoats.

The Republicans are convincing these people that they are under assault and that their way of life in being threatened and that they are their only hope. It is just basic fascism at work.

[kentuck]

15. Who is behind what happened in Kenosha WI last night?

It was utter destruction.

But these people believe it is the fault of Joe Biden and the Democrats. Donald Trump has told them that these are "Democratic" cities. So he has no responsibility at all.

But, Joe Biden is not the President. Donald Trump is the President. If the country is invaded by a horde of criminals while you are the President, then you are responsible for what happens on your watch. That comes with the job. If you can't handle it, maybe it's time to step aside and let someone else give it a shot?