, 8 tweets, 4 min read Read on Twitter
1) We need something like a new Fairness Doctrine on steroids. We need bright, progressive legislators like @AOC to recognize the danger of viral ideas and their huge influence - documented by researchers in racism like @DrIbram and @ava - in manipulating humanity to do harm.
2) Whether following the clarion call of @FoxNews and @700club to dovetail one's religion with extremist politics, or letting one's addiction to @facebook and @Twitter lead to manipulation of one's habits, or letting popular preachers further exploitation and intolerance...
3) ... our failure to react to the threat of global warming, to stop the harm of @realDonaldTrump, or to speak out sooner against the wrongs of the past that killed, enslaved, or exiled MILLIONS, is unconscionable.
4) It is unconscionable because we let viral ideas put forth by the shrewd and powerful convince us that all of these wrongs were somehow right. We participated fully in the corruption of our own actions and attitudes, for the preservation of their prosperity.
5) And it is all harming the world so badly. So @AOC and others, please please PLEASE consider legislation that does acknowledge the destructive effect of viral ideas over the entire span of our country's centuries, and makes the promoters of such ideas accountable.
6) I would refer you to Richard Dawkins' work, along with that of Daniel Dennett, in understanding how the viral nature of ideas can make them spread regardless of their actual merit. I also mention, as before, @ava and @DrIbram who understand practical examples of the harm done.
7) I don't think it's enough to be anti-capitalist. I think we have to rein in a lot of the viral-ideas basis for how the world has worked - and how America has always worked - for a shamefully long time. It may be very helpful in fighting International Organized Slime.
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