Gun forum change of mood [View all]

[Chainfire]

I monitor one of the large US gun forums as a method of taking the temperature of the other side. It is a tough job sometimes. I used to post there, trying to insert a reality check on some of the nuttiest rants, but gave that up. These folks, with few exceptions, are the right of the right. They are, again, for the most part, hateful, gun slinging, red hat wearing, Hilary hating, foaming at the mouth Trump worshipers. I have been following this forum for nearly ten years and I know the way a lot of individuals think from their frequent posts.

Up until about ten days ago, the silly comments about the virus, jokes and funny cartoons were the overwhelming response to the virus.

The last few days, they have been getting more and more serious, and seemed to accept that we really do have a serious crisis on our hands. The most offensive naysayers have shut down, and adults are starting to control the conversations. There is still no indication that they blame our president for the way he blundered his way through this; that would be too painful for them. What has disappeared, almost entirely, is the word "hoax." But, who knows, once they start thinking and evaluating, instead of listening, with a religious faith, to the right-wing media, they may come to realize what a line of bullshit they have been getting from Fox and the President.


It will be interesting, going forward, to see the reactions if they come to the conclusion that they have been played for suckers for years. It will never be a majority of them because they have too much emotional energy invested, but I think I see some splitting from the herd. Those that do have a change or heart are probably going to be awfully angry when they realize the truth.