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Susan Martin's avatar

That is an amazing synopsis of what has been occurring. Your writing helps clarify why it has been done in the way it has. The explanation is that it is deliberate in order to convince the masses that the government is too stupid to lead. So, how generous for the smart rich guys to step in and save us! Do you have any ideas to turn this around? I know that educating us is part of the process, so thank you .

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Matt Tebbe's avatar

part of the turn around will be:

1. not obeying in advance or checking out

2. re-engage en masse with the democratic process

3. find common ground with those who ID with MAGA who are afraid/angry around the real needs they have

4. find and build communities of resistance and peacemaking

5. cultivate joy and hope in the midst of it all

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Susan Martin's avatar

Matt, you are wise and give me hope. One of those MAGA people is my retired teacher sister, who was raised by loving parents. I feel like I have lost her. No matter what I do or how I try to listen, all I get is MAGA propaganda.

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Susan Martin's avatar

Matt, you are wise and give me hope. One of those MAGA people is my retired teacher sister, who was raised by loving parents. I feel like I have lost her. No matter what I do or how I try to listen, all I get is MAGA propaganda.

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Susan Martin's avatar

Matt, you are wise and give me hope. One of those MAGA people is my retired teacher sister, who was raised by loving parents. I feel like I have lost her. No matter what I do or how I try to listen, all I get is MAGA propaganda.

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Susan Martin's avatar

Matt, you are wise and give me hope. One of those MAGA people is my retired teacher sister, who was raised by loving parents. I feel like I have lost her. No matter what I do or how I try to listen, all I get is MAGA propaganda.

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Jessica Yoder's avatar

What do you think Trump thinks about all of this? Like, for real? Does he know that his version of government is a circus? Does he care? Are there others behind the scenes actually running the show and using Trump as their circus monkey? I love what you are saying, but Trump takes himself SO SERIOUSLY that I have a hard time thinking he understands this strategy to the level you describe. Would love to hear your thoughts, Matt!

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Matt Tebbe's avatar

Here’s some thoughts on your good question:

Trump is the perfect stooge, shill, grifter for MAGA because he's

1. a narcissist so he's easily controlled by flattery and bootlicking toadies

2. compromised by deals he's made and the dirt in his past so he must dance for protection (looking at you, Putin)

3. as long as you can frame something as 'good for him' he'll do anything you want because he has no moral positions other than self-interest

and most crucially:

4. he's either a- not intelligent enough or b- not ethical enough or c- not self-aware enough or d- some combo of all

to care about 1-3 as a problem.

This is why DeSantis failed to replace Trump in 2024 as candidate imo: he was too smart (in comparison) and wouldn't dance for all the shareholders in MAGA the way Trump would.

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