Fear-mongering is the most dangerous political tactic?

[SmokinAces2000]

I see this mostly when it comes to illegal immigration

Agree

Disagree

[Stevepro68]

Fear and the mongering are both open to interpretation. Now more than ever. It seems no one right or left is connected to reality. Just little silly echo chambers. Where they all say idiotic things. Trying to stir people up. Not just fear mongering, but inciting anger all to manipulate the mob. It works that's why they do it. What concerns me is when people with real power start talk about taking over neighboring states it worries me that it's not fear mongering.

[goaded]

Both-siderism is what's led us to this point.

[Stevepro68]

@goaded well maybe but decisiveness is a clear manipulation we put number the powerful by. Large margins if we ever applied that force to the rich elite they would be on trouble. Better to keep is fighting with each other over hot buttons. Meanwhile they rich minority continue to have freedoms we don't have and manipulate us at will. Laughing at us fight with each other over pennies letting us play checkers while they are playing three level chess. America has been in slow decline since the 80's they have been telling me since then. Just keep letting the rich get richer and it will result in a better life for you. That lie has failed. Now they say see the super rich aren't at fault. It's immigration, poor people, doctors, blm, liberals, conservatives, any ism you can think of. You think rich Democrats give a F about Ukraine, no. Is it in the best interest of this country to let Russia an obvious enemy, expend weapons people and coin in a war of conquest. The entire world wins. No matter what propaganda say. This is clear truth has nothing to do with the lies and the motivation of all politicians in the US. Who have made it clear for 20byears fuck the middle class.

[goaded]

There's literally nothing in what you said to justify talking "both sides".

"since the 80's"? What party held the presidency from 1981 to 1992? Republicans. Which president left office with the budget in surplus? Clinton. (That, to be fair, was partly due to careful trimming of the federal government forced by the Republicans in Congress, nothing like what's happening today.)

Who claimed "letting the rich get richer... will result in a better life for you"? Republicans.

"Is it in the best interest of this country to let Russia an obvious enemy, expend weapons people and coin in a war of conquest." 41% of Republicans think Russia is a friend to the US, and Trump is helping them take Ukraine. Republicans.

"fuck the middle class"? Who passed the ACA? Who wanted at least a government option, if not universal healthcare? All Democrats, who were held hostage by 39 Republican senators and one "Independent Democrat" (Joe Lieberman, who endorsed McCain for president).

[Stevepro68]

@goaded your making my argument for me. trickle down economics Republican economic theory and everything you just said about Democrats. When you agree it fear mongering when you disagree it's propaganda. It not reality the truth. The truth is both sides use fear as a tool to motivate and manipulate. When someone calls it fear mongering it's to dismiss it. When you agree it's truth. It is perception by the audience. I propaoe that we are better off always questioning when someone says fear (insert politician statements here). Fear is a lever to move you emotionally. It's a smoke screen. When some says fear big business it out or get you, or fear immigrants they are the enemy. Both can be called truth in a narrow lens both can be called fear mongering. Both are political. The US has been a delusional echo chamber for 20 years. Concentrated divisiveness. Critical thinking tells us that picking a side surrendering to the fear is how politicians leverage the mob. Convince us we have to pick a side and follow no matter how dumb that position is. Decisiveness is the most dangerous political tactic. fear mongering is just post hoc rationalized group thinking. Helps keep you angry and afraid of the wrong people.

[goaded]

There's a difference between provable facts and provable falsehoods, and only one side is willing to admit it. Claiming "both sides" on everything is just helping the liars.

ICE just arrested a green card holder for the crime of protesting. Are you OK with Trump sending goons to round up people he disagrees with politically? ↗

[Dargil]

There is nothing to fear from illegal immigration. Just finish the wall and use reasonable force to keep them out and deport them.

[UrsulaY]

It can be. Find what triggers people and keep hitting that mark. Then tell them who to hate for their problems. Intelligent people question this behavior.

[Anonymous]

^^^^^^^^

[NathanDavis]

whoever thinks that propaganda is the worst... they're too sheltered... lol

[seeyounexttuesday]

Yes, when you see the democrats in congress holding up signs that Elon will steal your money or Trump will get rid of social security, it's pure fear mongering.

[exitseven]

Locking people in a black hole for years for trespassing would be more dangerous.

[DrPepper12]

It's the most successful tactic! See exhibit A: Religion

[Pet68]

It's one of the main reasons why I try to ignore the "news" these days.

[beefcakebradybatson]

Just ask the dwindling number of Holocaust survivors.