re: #218 Anymouse 🌹

And dividing people by their fears is exactly how conservatism works to maintain itself. That way the people who benefit from conservatism (the wealthy and corporations, who are the “pastors” of the religion), can deflect anger and hatred of the masses (the “parishioners”) on an external demon which is trying to destroy their faith.

That demon is usually progress which benefits everyone.

One good lie is the economic argument “a rising tide lifts all boats.” Not when conservative leaders tie the boats to the docks. Then the rising tide merely sinks them.

I’m remembering my first semester of American history at community college. My professor was a guy around my Dad’s age. A southerner(contrasting with myself since I honestly don’t see myself as a Southerner, I don’t necessarily see myself as a Northerner either) but he seemed pretty liberal minded. Anyhow, one historical event he talked about as important was Bacon’s Rebellion. I’m not sure how famous it is nationally but it was something I had learned about in the 4th grade(Virginia in the fourth grade in the mid 90’s at least taught Virginia history that year). But Professor Reed’s point was that Bacon’s Rebellion was important because it began the scapegoating and later use of violence on a group in the so called frustrated majority. I was really happy when he wrote a reference for me when I transferred to GMU.