Rather than shutting down dissenting voices, these leaders have learned to harness the democratizing power of social media for their own purposes—jamming the signals, sowing confusion. They no longer need to silence the dissident shouting in the streets; they can use a megaphone to drown him out. Scholars have a name for this: censorship through … Read more
Whenever I point out the evil being done by a Republican, or by the Republican Party, the standard defense I hear is usually some variation on, “But both sides do it!” This argument is a logical fallacy called “red herring.” It is a diversionary tactic designed to change the subject. Of course one can find … Read more
Look, it’s simple math. In almost every poll I’ve seen since the Democratic Primary race began, Biden has been ahead of both Warren and Sanders. However, in those same polls, Warren plus Sanders is greater than Biden. Elizabeth Warren was the first Democrat to announce her candidacy on February 19, 2019. I thought then that … Read more
Some moments are defining. For example, one may be a selfish, careless driver – speeding, failing to signal turns, cutting people off during lane changes – and you may get away with it for a while. But what if one hits a parked car with no witnesses around? Do you leave a note with your … Read more
Right-wing media and their allies in the Republican party have consciously and deliberately created the current extreme polarization in our society by completely rejecting the core institutions and norms of American democracy. They have managed to convince millions that our traditional institutions tell only lies and that reality resides only in the rhetorical universe they … Read more
In November 2009, Rush Limbaugh rabidly attacked the science of climate change in a portion of his radio show he called, “Climategate.” During that show he called the basic institutions of our society: government, academia, science, and media, the “Four Corners of Deceit.” Since then, the right-wing attack on these institutions has only intensified. The … Read more
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24 Ask yourself. When President Nelson speaks, do you feel comfort, love, and enlightenment? How do you feel when … Read more
… And then received ye spirits which ye could not understand, and received them to be of God; and in this are ye justified?… that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. Doctrine and Covenants 50:10-23 And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive … Read more