re: #243 Charles Johnson

Do you think any of the Republicans parroting this “WE DID BUILD IT” line actually understand that they’re not telling the truth? Do you think there’s a dim recess of their minds where it bothers them, just a little bit, to piss all over the truth?

This phenomenon really is fascinating.

What I’ve noticed recently about our political tribalism is that much of it is based on not understanding. There’s an intentional ignorance required for acceptance by the tribe. How much of it is actually believed is a difficult question but I’m leaning towards the concept that people see the intentional ignorance as a tool to demonize their opponents as well as a method to identify friends. It’s a bonding experience. I don’t think most people actually really believe the crap that’s being spread these days but a lot of people have fun with it and see it as politically useful.