The Republican Party of the United States is not a political party. It is, and has been for some time, a cult of personality. Just look at their official statement of beliefs. At their 2016 Convention, the Party adopted a platform that was put together, more or less, by the traditional means of a committee … Read more
I have a friend who always asks me why I am so “negative” about the United States. Why am I so full of criticism about Trump and the Republicans? Why can I not be optimistic and find more “balance” and “joy” in the world? Isn’t everything in God’s hands? Doesn’t HE know what he is … Read more
Great literature allows the reader to vicariously live and learn about other times and places. It challenges us to think critically and engage with new ideas. The genre of science fiction, specifically, can ask us to think about technology and its uses (and abuses). Often, a science fiction story is a cautionary tale about a … Read more
Previously in this blog I pointed out that AI is a tempting, seductive, snake that will make us stupid and steal our agency for the benefit of selfish billionaires. You can read that post here. I am not a Luddite. I use computers constantly and even have a Master’s degree in Educational Technology. However, this … Read more
“The Big Lie” is a propaganda technique in which an outrageous falsehood is repeated constantly until the public accepts it as truth. The premise is that since no one would presume to invent such a massive lie, it must be true. Of course, people like Nazi propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, and other more recent politicians, … Read more
Most people don’t want the truth. They want to be right. And if the truth gets in the way of being right, their minds will do something odd – they will lock down. And according to the philosopher Chris Ranalli, when this happens, we should start to call it indoctrination. Jonny Thompson Indoctrination isn’t just … Read more
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods…. –Genesis 3:4-5 In the familiar story known as “The Fall of Man” the serpent enticed Eve to partake of the fruit … Read more
Demagogue (noun) – a political leader who seeks support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people rather than by using rational argument. – Oxford Languages Our political discourse today is filled with demagogues. There is much power to gain, and money to be made, by cultivating a mass following of devoted fans. … Read more