Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Nevilledog

(51,196 posts)
Thu Jan 6, 2022, 05:16 PM Jan 2022

Ex-Oath Keepers spokesperson warns right-wing 'propaganda' is 'more dangerous than bullets'





https://abcnews.go.com/US/oath-keepers-spokesperson-warns-wing-propaganda-dangerous-bullets/story?id=82094999&cid=social_twitter_abcn


Showing off his latest paintings celebrating Pride Month -- what he calls "a whole body of work using only trans models" -- Colorado artist Jason Van Tatenhove looks and talks nothing like he did five years ago, when he was a national spokesperson and, as he put it, "propagandist" for the Oath Keepers militia.

At the time, wearing a camouflage jacket in Oath Keepers videos posted online, Van Tatenhove regularly warned "good Americans" that the federal government was trying to "take more of your liberties away," and urged "fellow patriots" to "take a stand."

It's "a battle between good and evil," he declared in a December 2015 video.

But now he rejects such rhetoric as "absolutely dangerous" propaganda, pushed by militia leaders and their right-wing media allies for personal and financial gain.

"I was wrong," said the 47-year-old, whose sand-colored mohawk sits atop tattoos that reach across his forehead. "I've grown, I've evolved, and I feel like now I have a wider view of what this is."

*snip*


Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Ex-Oath Keepers spokesper...