Trump 1.0 delivered wealth increases to the super rich and nothing to the poorest Americans, I believe? Now Trump 2.0 will build on that, impoverishing almost everyone?
Yes, one of the consequences will be a smaller US economy. But I don’t think Trump or his supporters will care. We need to get our heads around the simple fact that outcomes don’t matter now. We are are in the full grip of a cult that has its own reality.
Thanks Deirdre. Trump has already blamed ‘globalists’ for the decline in the stock market. That’s a classic anti-Semitic dog whistle of course. And another card always played by cult leaders: blame always lies elsewhere.
Cult members love the togetherness, the sense of belonging, the warm glow that comes from ‘knowing’ stuff that ordinary mortals do not, the positive vibes that flow from membership of an ‘exclusive’ club, the tribalism, the symbols & rituals (leather aprons for Masons, silly hats for priests and MAGA members). It’s all very comforting knowing how the world works and how your life has meaning.
It’s so familiar it’s boring. THE key attribute for the cult member is the brain is switched to ‘off’ on joining. Independent thought automatically leads to expulsion.
Expulsion leads to all those positive things going into reverse: connections and friendships are lost. It’s lonely when you are shunned. It’s awful if what you believed to be the meaning of your life turned out to be a crock of shit. So best not to abandon those beliefs. It’s much easier and psychologically comforting.
So, when the economy and the stock market go down the toilet, don’t expect many changes of mind.
Can you take look at this recent interview with Howard Lutnick and let me know what you think? It gives some details on what they are doing. Would be great to get your view on this? I am utterly confused - very smart and successful financial experts are doing something that everyone else says will damage the economy.
Trump 1.0 delivered wealth increases to the super rich and nothing to the poorest Americans, I believe? Now Trump 2.0 will build on that, impoverishing almost everyone?
Yes, one of the consequences will be a smaller US economy. But I don’t think Trump or his supporters will care. We need to get our heads around the simple fact that outcomes don’t matter now. We are are in the full grip of a cult that has its own reality.
There is nothing as certain as a cult member’s beliefs! You’d want to starve them to near death & they’d still support the cult leader
Really mind boggling
Your article is spot on
Thanks Deirdre. Trump has already blamed ‘globalists’ for the decline in the stock market. That’s a classic anti-Semitic dog whistle of course. And another card always played by cult leaders: blame always lies elsewhere.
Cult members love the togetherness, the sense of belonging, the warm glow that comes from ‘knowing’ stuff that ordinary mortals do not, the positive vibes that flow from membership of an ‘exclusive’ club, the tribalism, the symbols & rituals (leather aprons for Masons, silly hats for priests and MAGA members). It’s all very comforting knowing how the world works and how your life has meaning.
It’s so familiar it’s boring. THE key attribute for the cult member is the brain is switched to ‘off’ on joining. Independent thought automatically leads to expulsion.
Expulsion leads to all those positive things going into reverse: connections and friendships are lost. It’s lonely when you are shunned. It’s awful if what you believed to be the meaning of your life turned out to be a crock of shit. So best not to abandon those beliefs. It’s much easier and psychologically comforting.
So, when the economy and the stock market go down the toilet, don’t expect many changes of mind.
Can you take look at this recent interview with Howard Lutnick and let me know what you think? It gives some details on what they are doing. Would be great to get your view on this? I am utterly confused - very smart and successful financial experts are doing something that everyone else says will damage the economy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=182ckTL2KBA
Thanks.
Democrats Smearing Trump For the Biden Economy
https://tinyurl.com/ycy7y4rx