A very worthwhile and timely article
from today's Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists:
"How demagogues destroy democracy: a step-by-step global guide"
Well written, nicely researched, good bibliography, and excellent food for thought. I hope that some of you find it useful...
The government ... cheats and lies with impunity; the blarney and blather aim to persuade millions of followers that they’re living the lie together, and that lies are an instrument of resistance to their misfortunes (Sadurski 2022). Talk of conspiracies, scapegoating, boastful exaggerations, clownery, and bullshit continue to be spread by media organs loyal to the demagogue.
The Great Redeemer repeats, and repeats again, that the government enjoys the backing of an authentically “sovereign People.” That’s why winning the next election means creating a new “people”—a homogenized people who (it’s said) are the true foundation of a true democracy ruled by a true leader whose strength comes from the true “People.” It is as if elections are turned upside down. It’s an Alice in Wonderland dynamic: The government votes in the people...
https://thebulletin.org/premium/2024-09/how-demagogues-destroy-democracy...
Comments
that's a classic
.
the govt. elects the people .. looking glass indeed
just who are these 'real' people? Conscripted converts
to an alien way of thinking. Herded into a demographic
of 'likely voters'. For convenience of the narrative.
truth is considered foreign influence, world peace is a threat to national security
Hi ufs
Thank you for this article. I read it last night and noted some especially insightful and affirmative parts for myself.