1. The big mistake people are making is believing that the GOP politicians and commentators know they are spinning ridiculous, imaginary conspiracy theories. As the text messages made public in the Manafort case shows, they believe their nonsense. @seanhannity in private texts...
2...ranted about the “deep state” conspiring to take down Trump. Trump and other GOPrs believe the “Ukraine conspired to implicate Russia” conspiracy theory. I spoke to a congressman who blathered about CTs and when I asked “do you believe that?” He replied “it’s true!” It is...
3...horrifying but, as research shows, like most people consumed by conspiracy theories are not persuaded by fact and are far more likely to believe other conspiracy theories. They BELIEVE that babies are bringing executed after birth, that Obama was bringing the military to....
4...Texas to take over the state, and all the other nonsense they spin. That is why they are so enraged by an impeachment investigation - the facts being developed are irrelevant because they believe this is an attempted coup. The bottom line: it is impossible to have a....
5...a rational discussing based on facts and reality with the ones who are deep in the conspiracy theories. They have been brainwashed by decades of conservative media and no longer can think critically, because if they recognized that what they are hearing (deep state, coups...
6...etc) are irrational and supported by no evidence, then they have to admit to themselves that their entire worldview is based in fantasy and their longtime sources of information are propaganda vehicles. Conspiracy theorists and cult members cannot do that. All that can be...
7...done is for those who live in the rational world of facts and critical thinking - whether liberal, conservative or moderate - have to recognize that our shared interest is returning our government into one governed by reality. We have to ignore the deluded - in other words...
8....never argue with them, but - like when dealing with anyone who is brainwashed - ask them questions that may lead them to doubt their worldview. The questions can’t be challenging but presented In the tone of you really want to know....
9....couple of examples. Let them rant for awhile about deep state and then ask, “this sounds serious. Who’s in it? From what agencies? They should be arrested. Has anyone found their communications with each other plotting this coup? Or do they just have meetings? Wait, you...
10...really don’t know the names of anyone in it? Well, since this is so serious, I sure want to be able to read records or something about their conspiracy. Are there any you’ve seen?” Etc etc. Or, for imaginary voter fraud: “that’s terrible. Millions of fake votes? That...
11...”must have led to at least hundreds of criminal cases. Which state had the most of those? I sure want to read more about how this was done. Can you give me the names of illegal aliens who voted so I can look up their cases?” And on and on like this. Never make the point...
12...”how can you believe this if you don’t know the answers to basic questions”. Just, when they can’t answer, look a little disappointed and say “well, I really want to know more about this and I’d love to see whatever records are out there that helped you know about this.”...
13...then when they give you stuff that is just people ranting on blogs or tv or breitbart or whatever, say “wait, this is just peoples opinions. I want to know the details. Can you show me witnesses and documents? I want to understand for myself.” At some point they will say...
14...”do your own research.” Reply “I tried but I can’t find documents or witnesses. You must have some. Can you help me?” Eventually the conversation reaches a stalemate and ends. But you have planted a seed of thought in their heads which is the first step in Deprogramming...
15...our fellow citizens are not enemies. They are just lost in a maze of conspiracy theories. We can hope that someday they will emerge back into reality. But they won’t get there by yelling at them or presenting facts. Make them present facts in a kind, supportive way...
16...if all of us still in reality - conservative, liberal, and moderate - deal with this crisis intelligently and carefully, america may move back into a fact based nation. If not, america is done. Fantasy cannot be sustained and reality will come crashing down....
17...and that - particularly if there are many still lost in a fantasy world - will be devastating for all of us.
