1) There are 4 points of view that cause Russian disinformation to spread unchecked in the United States. They are as follows in this thread: The first point of view is that the Russian disinformation is “truth telling” and, therefore, it is believed by Americans. About that⬇️
2) In that point of view, Americans who hate or distrust the US govt believe what Russian disinformation tells them because it accords with their own perceptions. If they are told it’s Russian disinformation, they will say that’s a lie from the US govt. Then after that⬇️
3) The second point of view denies the existence of Russian disinformation and/or downplays its effectiveness. They also justify the Americans knowingly spreading it by saying they’re “duped” or doing so “unwittingly”. That’s true in some cases, but not all cases. Next⬇️
4) The third point of view demands ironclad proof that Russian disinformation is coming from Russia itself. As if the Russian FSB and GRU would give that proof. So valuable time is wasted seeking proof only a government intelligence agency could discover after much effort. Next⬇️
5) The fourth point of view is that Russian disinformation is inherently protected by the First Amendment. That Americans have the right to read it and have access to it. In this point of view, often all the 3 previous points of view coalesce together in agreement. About that⬇️
6) In that point of view, what’s missed is the essential nature of what Russian disinformation actually is: It is a weapon. No one would say Russia has the right to spread a biological weapon in the US. But disinformation spreads exactly like a contagious disease. Meaning⬇️
7) As a weapon, Russian disinformation is designed to harm the American people and the United States itself. This is missed by many people who mistakenly believe disinformation is not a weapon but just a bunch of preposterous lies. Except the lies are being BELIEVED. And⬇️
8) The reason Russian disinformation runs rampant in the United States is because these 4 points of view are held by elements of the news media and many politicians. Hence, stopping it would encounter resistance and accusations of “censorship” and so forth. Therefore⬇️
9) What you have is the perfect ecosystem for Russian disinformation to thrive in. Segments of the population who accept it and spread it. Others denying it exists or downplaying it. Some demanding ironclad proof. Some defending it as freedom of speech. And then⬇️
10) As a result, it is now nearly impossible to stop or thwart Russian disinformation entering the US. It has thrived here too long and is too deeply embedded. As hard as it is to contemplate, there are simply too many Americans who literally demand access to it. Finally⬇️
11) The EU took action to stop obvious sources of Russian disinformation. The US govt is probably incapable of doing this, because of the backlash. Backlash that would be incited by, you guessed it, Russian disinformation screaming “censorship”. Which it already does. Meaning⬇️ 
12) As you saw during the Covid pandemic, many Americans will stubbornly demand the “right” to engage in self-destructive behavior despite the costs to the nation and society itself. I don’t know what to tell you about this. Our nation is becoming impervious to the truth.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
