I just spoke to my son and I am in tears. He is very intelligent and knows I support the Democrats

[katmondoo]

and knows I believe in Joe Biden. He talked about how everything Democrats believe in is wrong and always has been wrong. He thinks he is educating me instead I am horrified in what he believes and all the arguments he gives to support his view scares me. It hard for me to say anything to protect the Democratic views against the totalitarian views because he is much, much smarter than me and can refute all my beliefs. I am so sad. I can only hope he doesn't represent the majority of Republicans thoughts and ideas.

[Ocelot II]

1. Obviously he's *not* smarter than you if he's swallowed the GOP line.

Don't give him that credit! I don't mean to be insulting your son, but don't let him insult your intelligence by making you feel stupid. You're not and he is.

[JohnSJ]

3. +++

[StarryNite]

9. Exactly!

I have known way too many people who bully people around with that know-it-all attitude when in fact they don't know anything about what they speak. It gets old real quick. Unfortunately when it's somebody we love and care about we tend to back down to them. That doesn't do them or us any good. Truth to power!

[Roy Rolling]

155. Confidence is not knowledge

Breaking down pride in ignorance is the method. The problem is, the most ignorant people are the most confident and loud. Smart people speak softly, are humble.

That’s how they became smart in the first place.

[SouthernDem4ever]

157. Mush Bimbo tapped into that with his dumb radio show

He assisted his listeners into feeling proud of their dark thoughts, prejudices and paranoia. After 30 years of that crap blowing on the airwaves all over the country, here we are.

[calimary]

26. Couldn't agree more.

DO NOT let him make you feel stupid. He should show you RESPECT, and then shut up.

And NO. He’s NOT smarter if he’s embraced the GOP worldview. And he’s not very smart if he’s trying to push that crap on you - especially if he already knows how you feel about this.

[Samrob]

164. What was one thing he said that DU can help you refute? You have friends here. nt

[allegorical oracle]

49. People can be smart and ignorant at the same time. Your son is likely the latter. nt

[Rebl2]

54. So true

[zanana1]

77. This is true.

I've known quite a few smart/stupid people.

[BlueSky3]

88. I believe there's such a thing as

emotional intelligence. Even a person with a high IQ can lack it.

[Butterflylady]

103. I agree.

I know people who are very intelligent but completely lack common sense.

[NH Ethylene]

144. There is definitely an emotional component to far-right extremism.

[NewEnglandAutumn]

55. Indeed

it is him not ou

[Arkansas Granny]

68. This!

[Tommymac]

82. HE is the STUPID one. Following discredited sophomoric cult philosophies.

HE needs professional help. He really needs to be deprogrammed by a professional. But ...

Remember as a mother you will always love him...however nowhere does it say you have to like him.

Be patient, and just be there for him when his fake maga't world finally blows apart. He will need your love then.

Until then consider that he is just another stupid maga't unwilling to see past his conditioning.

I guess I still do give a fuck about people...it's just harder these days.

[Amishman]

83. The GoP platform has logical appeal if one is male, highly successful, and profoundly selfish

Last edited Mon Sep 5, 2022, 02:00 PM - Edit history (1)

My often mentioned brother-in-law is a good example.

Extremely intelligent, very successful, and generally unable to relate to those less gifted or less fortunate.

If social issues and the rights of others mean nothing to you, and you don't expect to ever need any form of government assistance, i can see the appeal.

[jmbar2]

91. I am seeing the same in daytrading circles

The white males who have made it daytrading, tend to view their success as due to their hard work and smarts, and resent anyone "transferring their rewards" to "lazy" and undeserving people. They don't think about the lives of so many working folks upon whom they depend for their daily existence - childcare workers, healthcare, food, clothing, auto care, etc.

Every opportunity they enjoy is due to the efforts of others, including government investment that enabled the internet, and the workers who actually do the work at the companies they trade on the stock market.

It reminds me of an old film, "A Day Without Mexicans". All the Mexicans in California suddenly disappear, and society comes to a screeching halt. None of the elites know how to do anything for themselves.

Perhaps we need a general workers strike for the privileged to understand just how much they depend upon those they so disdain.

[LiberalFighter]

102. Exactly. They think they did it all on their own.

Even the lowest are the success of others.

[Otto_Harper]

146. One comment about your self congratulating day trader friends

It's very easy to mistake a Bull Market for brains.

(From someone who has day traded for more than 2 decades)

[jmbar2]

148. So true!

I had gotten really complacent the last couple of years, and then suddenly trading became really treacherous. Forced me to develop much more discipline and better techniques.

Glad to meet another trader on this board!

[KPN]

100. That's an excellent summation of what's behind it all in a nutshell.

As MAGAs go, many lack the intelligence and success that your brother in law has, but they all lack compassionate empathy -- a trait that peace and community unity are dependent upon for their existence.

[whopis01]

105. It is a corrupted form of logic

In my experience it is a logic based on untrue fundamentals or it ignores inconvenient truths.

But that’s what makes it difficult to overcome. Much of the logic is solid, given that the initial assumptions were true (which they aren’t). The result is that once you get that train of thinking started, it is hard to change direction.

And those false assumptions and ignored truths are well tailored to appeal to certain populations.

(Just in case it wasn’t clear - I am agreeing with you completely. Just stating it a slightly different way)

[Ocelot II]

116. It's the old Ayn Rand-style libertarian philosophy

which has always been enormously appealing to boys of college age, who eat up her poorly-written drivel like The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. Not all of them mature in their thinking, unfortunately.

[quakerboy]

149. Unrealistic end

No way that sort actually does the hard work. Either they go canibal and eat eachother, or more likely try to go take what they want from those who do work, via force

[TreasonousBastard]

150. The same Ayn Rand who snuck on to social security...

and medicare to pay for lung cancer treatments.

For a middle class Jewish family, life must have been hell under Lenin, but she did go overboard when things lightened up over here.

[BlackSkimmer]

168. "Snuck on?"

As far as I can tell we don't have a choice but to go on Medicare at 65.

Regarding SS, I suppose a person could refuse their checks, but why? It's your money.

[TreasonousBastard]

169. She had a friend sign her up with a phony name...

(how? I have no idea)

She did not want to admit she went on a gummint dole program.

Galt would die before accepting gummint help, and it sent her objectvism all to hell.

[BlackSkimmer]

172. That makes no sense.

As I approach 65, I'm being inundated with correspondence from the government, insurance companies, social security, you name it.

Her age would certainly be known. It's essentially automatic.

[TreasonousBastard]

177. She apparently signed up under the name Anne O'Connor...

one of her several legal names.

As much as she hated "welfare", cancer treatments were expensive back in the seventies.

[3catwoman3]

179. Frank O'Connor was her husband.

They stayed married despite her long-lasting affair with Nathaniel Braden, a student of her philosophy.

[BlackSkimmer]

180. Her name was Anne O'Conner.

She was married to a man with that name.

Most women took their husband’s name in that era, so really hard to see this as some kind of fraud.

[Ferrets are Cool]

86. This x 1000

[sheshe2]

121. +1

[yobrault1]

122. ding ding ding

You get the prize!

[Deminpenn]

163. This

Knew a person who said everything very loudly and confidently, didn't know anything, but fooled a lot of people that way.

[malaise]

2. Certification doesn't make him smarter

You are the one who provided him the opportunities that facilitated said certification.
Hold your ground.

[moonscape]

4. He might be smart, but he's not

too smart to be brain-washed. I’m so sorry. Making an agreement not to talk about politics might be a good idea.

[onecaliberal]

5. You are the smart one. Look what the right in this country has taken us to.

Every awful thing in this country can be attributed to republicans.

[dalton99a]

6. One day that worthless piece of shit Donald Trump will be gone

Not worth losing family over

[txwhitedove]

33. However, sometimes it happens. My last 5 birthdays came with a political gag gift

some found hilarious. I stopped nervous laughter, stopped being a good sport and flat out said nothing about that orange turd is funny. The last gross anti-Biden t-shirt I turned into 5x7" reusable wipes. I was laughed at and poohed when Covid started. I hide at home a lot.

[DownriverDem]

127. So sorry

I would have stayed home too. Is there any kind of Democratic Pary campaign offices in your area? They are always looking for volunteers. You will get to know like minded folks like you.

[RKP5637]

7. With all respect, he sounds rather uneducated, and frankly quite ignorant! And

illiterate in terms of world history.

[Rebl2]

58. Yep

[JohnSJ]

8. The fact that republicans are actively campaigning against social security, medicare, a woman's

right to choose, voting rights, civil rights, environmental rights, etc. etc., and the fact that republicans support a pathological liar, con man, racist, bigot, doesn't say much for your son's criticial thinking skills

[RKP5637]

29. K&R!!!!!! n/t

[uponit7771]

153. +1

[Ponietz]

10. Joseph Goebbels was "smarter" than I am

Look what it got him. This is about right and wrong. Malevolent means never justify or produce beneficial ends.

All the Nazi ringleaders were “smarter”.

[multigraincracker]

11. Give him a big smile and say...

Yes dear.

[vanlassie]

34. Not my kid. I would kick his ass and slap his face.

Rude brat.

[jimfields33]

40. Violence doesn't help.

I’d just say no politics in the house or on the phone period. Families have a ton of other subjects to discuss.

[vanlassie]

92. Haha. I can say that since my kid went to Berkeley.

But in a serious vein, I would never allow a kid of mine to lecture me and make me wrong. I taught them manners for that. Respect is a two way street as well. I don’t make them wrong either.

[jimfields33]

118. True. You did good. Great parent!

[lindysalsagal]

12. It's simple: GQP words never match GQP actions.

"Pro-life" means no help for the poor
"Pro-life" means more gunz and less regulation, more deaths
"Pro-religion" means only their version of christianity, and those sects all fight among themselves, which is why the founding fathers knew to separate politics and religion: Because religious people never stop hating and fighting each other.

Sorry your son has been co-opted, but you can keep loving him and proving him wrong. Sons need their mothers. That will never change. HIs hatred is covering some deep-seated fears. Figure out why he's feeling vulnerable, and you'll know why he's clinging to these childish compensations.

[dchill]

13. He is foolish. You are smart.

[karynnj]

14. At least on some things, he is not smart at all

He may be very articulate, well educated, partially to your credit, but no one is ever equally "smart" in everything. Many brilliant engineers, surgeons, financial professionals are far less competent outside their area of expertise. However, their confidence due to that expertise and articulateness may make them think they are competent in other areas.

One question is whether it is Republican (or libertarian) policies he believes in over Democratic policies. Is it economic issues or cultural/social issues or both where he disagrees with you? At the root of those beliefs, are his values similar to yours, but he sees a different path? Thinking through these questions MAY help with the anguish I read in your post, possibly incorrectly on my part.

If the answer to both are more positive than negative AND he agrees that Trump is, at this point, a danger to the country, there may be a limited space where you can agree, as you disagree on things like taxes and the social net.

[katmondoo]

19. What my son believes is more far right than the most far out Republican believes. There is no

argument that could change him. Where this came from I don't know. He was in the Marines many years ago. They are a very conservative group. I just have to keep away from politics from now on, his beliefs may get beyond worse. The good thing is he doesn't act on any of his thoughts, he just talks.

[karynnj]

21. My sympathies, keeping away from politics seems wise

[Walleye]

63. Someday he will need help from someone and he will change his tune. They all do,when it's their pain

[2abigbman]

74. You just named it

Your son is a former Marine. In my experience that is where and why he's so conservative. The Marines trained compassion and mercy out of him. There is no deprogramming possible. The Marines and their war fighting capabilities are necessary. But Marine battles with PTSD and civilian life have become the norm. Love your son. Ignore the preaching of conservative orthodox at you. Unless he becomes threatening.

[LittleGirl]

125. Bingo. He was brainwashed in the military

He thinks liberals are traitors.

[FelineOverlord]

109. Is he a QAnon believer?

There's a very good subreddit that can help:

https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/

[NH Ethylene]

143. This happened to one of my sons too.

And it is heartbreaking. The saddest thing is that he was always trying to convince me of his views and hurt that I would not read his links, etc. Now we don't discuss politics or CT theories. It's been about two years and I think he is mellowing slightly. I have hope he will 'recover' someday.

[plimsoll]

173. Yep, but no mellowing.

I read the links. They were often opinion pieces gussied up as "facts." When you'd go research the incidents the opinions were based on you'd find that 1) they didn't happen at all. 2) they didn't happen the way it was presented. 3) The logic was fundamentally flawed that led to the conclusion.

But this has been my experience with rightwing propaganda in general. It's designed to mislead, but debunking it takes time and is exhausting. I get pretty upset with liberals who lie about events to prove their point, but I don't assume all liberal points are based on lies while I think the majority of conservative points currently are.

[NH Ethylene]

178. It does take huge amounts of time - all wasted.

Because nothing we say can change that belief system.

I do try to find common ground. If he says something that's not totally outlandish, like say the possibility of a massive power outage someday due to solar activity, I will ponder with him. I'll lament the over reliance on technology and talk about how we could prepare for such a thing, etc. I am always on the lookout for something we can share. I think that helps.

[uponit7771]

154. "...He was in the Marines many years ago..."

[duhneece]

175. My husband's daughter, on his recent trip to Louisiana, told him Obama is gay, Michelle was born Mic

She post Candace Owens and other nuttiness.

She's an amazing mother and grandmother but can't see through Trump's lies.

As an amateur psychologist, I think he is able to entirely stay smooth with her is because he lost his only other child to suicide 30 years ago. He truly doesn't care what comes out of her mouth. I wouldn't recommend that to anyone.

His siblings, all Republican but one special-Maggot, he does not stay smooth with when they spout shit. Their main justification for supporting Trump is that 'his' judges have been so successful in what they wanted (they never mentioned abortion, but I know that's it). He told them they were all taught better, asked if they wanted their sons to talk like tfg? His sister cried, but hubby didn't back down. They made up...hubby just lost his twin, the first of 9 siblings to die. We all know time is short.

[ratchiweenie]

15. My cousin always used to say " I may not be that smart but at least I'm not ignorant".

[OMGWTF]

38. My husband says "I may be dumb but I'm not stupid "

[momta]

57. Mine says "I'm smart enough to know how much I don't know." n/t

[soldierant]

138. That is the highest form of smart.

And it is not easily achieved, either.

[yardwork]

16. There are different kinds of intelligence.

Maybe your son is clever in certain ways, but right now he has foolishly fallen for a con. Nothing you say is likely to change his mind. Try not to discuss politics with him. It's not going to help him and will only upset you both. Show him love in other ways. And lay down boundaries. If he verbally abuses you, end the conversation and tell him you're doing so because you won't allow yourself to be berated. Tell him you will be happy to talk with him again if he is respectful and considerate to you. Repeat as needed.

[FM123]

17. I am so sorry you are going through this.

As a parent, it is always scary to see your kids (even grown ones) being sucked into a dangerous place by crazy folks. Hang in there, just because he refuses to see the truth TODAY it doesn't mean he never will. Good luck.

[leftyladyfrommo]

18. If he really believes that stuff he is not smarter than you. nt

[BSdetect]

20. I would disinherit any child who spewed that gop crap. Might not even tell them.

[lostnfound]

22. Smarts do not equal wisdom."Sweetheart, don't bother, you're too young."

Last edited Mon Sep 5, 2022, 12:10 PM - Edit history (1)

With kindness, of course. And then don’t engage. Hopefully he will start to get curious, eventually, and shift to a mindset that is more flexible. He should not be so certain. Has he traveled the world, or lived through a depression, or raised a disabled child, or faced bankruptcy from a life-threatening illness? Was he born with serious physical or mental disabilities? Did he get a deadly cancer in high school like a friend of mine? Did he get robbed and raped on the side of the road in his college years, like another friend of mine? Has he had personal friends who have faced any of these things?

It is too common for young men to assume that because they are successful or smart or equipped to stand on their own feet, that everyone else ought to position themselves to do that, too.

You can also tell him that you failed as a parent for not adequately teaching him empathy. I’m not saying that it’s true — but you could say it anyway.

[lostnfound]

65. Lack of empathy shown 2 ways: Politically and toward his mom.

You should call him out on that.

[kentuck]

23. We all have to make choices in life.

Sometimes it feels like we have to choose the lesser of two evils. For sure, the Democratic Party is not perfect but it is inclusive. That is no small deal. If they start excluding people from the Party, then they become less American and less of a political Party. The Republicans are an exclusive Party. They do nothing for the common people. Their tax breaks and their divisive cultural issues do not help anyone except those in power. They are a fraud.

[Red Pest]

24. I am sorry to write this, but why do you think that "he is much, much smarter than" you?

I am only guessing that he may have more education than you, but you are his parent and must have encouraged him to become educated. Unfortunately your son appears to lack empathy. What specific policies does your son think are wrong? Is he against Social Security, Medicare, civil rights, voting rights, minimum wage, a progressive income tax, the Affordable Care Act, action to deal with climate change? Does he just want to promote the ability of the wealthy to run everything? Does he believe that women should not have the right to choose whether or not they become pregnant and to continue that pregnancy?

I am sure that you can express arguments to support your views. You can certainly ask DU members to help you with some of this by supplying references and links to excellent articles that layout very logical arguments, supported by facts, to help you with this.

I hope that this is a bit helpful. I am sorry that your son is rejecting you in favor of...Trumpism?

[onethatcares]

45. that's the question

What specific policies does your son think are wrong? Is he against Social Security, Medicare, civil rights, voting rights, minimum wage, a progressive income tax, the Affordable Care Act, action to deal with climate change? Does he just want to promote the ability of the wealthy to run everything? Does he believe that women should not have the right to choose whether or not they become pregnant and to continue that pregnancy?

You say he was in the Marines a long time ago. Is he in favor of a standing army?,

Really, you can't make a horse drink. Save yourself some heartache and be yourself, not him. Another question. Would you want to know him if you just met him at a social gathering?

[Mariana]

25. Intelligence doesn't make a person immune to propaganda.

[Aristus]

61. That's a fact.

Joseph Goebbels, referenced above, was the only high-ranking Nazi to possess a doctorate, and a lot is made of that. But he bounced around to five universities before getting his PhD, which was in literature and language. No serious historian thinks of him as a world-class intellectual.

[ColinC]

27. I have a friend who uses pseudo intellectualism to try and justify his right wing extremism

It never ends well for us when a conversation like that comes up. He is in the process of getting a PhD and often vents about having to toe the line to basically trick professors into thinking he is not an extremist. It is sad, but this is a path they have taken. They have been brainwashed beyond repair, most likely.

[Tetrachloride]

151. As for myself, I would likely have a word

with the professors

[CrispyQ]

28. Curious if he's been political in the past?

You could try & debate him, but my experience is they don't/won't hear the truth/facts of your words. They are blinded by ideology. If you don't want a confrontational relationship with your son & you don't want to risk ruining your relationship, my advice would be to make a rule to not discuss politics & stick to it. If he brings up politics just say no, we're not talking about that.

I'm so sorry about your son. My mother went from a JFK democrat to a Limbaugh right-winger in about 18 months after she got a job at a place where they listened to Limbaugh every day—two hours of non-stop blame-the-left-for-everything bullshit. My BIL went from a Zen studying, guitar player to a gun-toting right-wing nut job in about a year, when he met a girl he liked & her whole family are trumpers. Newsmax & OANN are a big part of his media diet.

[Evolve Dammit]

39. Sorry to hear your experience as well. National brain-washing for over 40 years. I have a

contractor friend who can hear the hate radio all day long on job sites. Some of the listeners (other contractors) became visibly and audibly enraged and he would tell them he knew why, as they hadn't arrived at the job site like that. Don't know if he ever was able to get any of them to think enough to rationally think about the crap they consumed for hours every day, but I did appreciate that he pointed it out to them.
I guess millions of us understand and want to help others, and millions don't after the daily indoctrination. Goebbels would be so proud.

[Evolve Dammit]

30. That really stinks. Any idea where he is getting his life-changing information? I would be really

sad too. I listened to Limbaugh occasionally just to re-affirm the daily brain-washing and for forty years, it was damn effective. Now there are over a thousand Limbaughs using the same model of propaganda that he pioneered (largely) in 1987 or so. I tuned in in 1989 largely because the car for work only had an AM radio and I had lots of time behind the wheel. The first time I heard his "program" all I could think and say was "Who is this asshole??" So blatantly lying and to so many eager listeners.

And siblings or good friends that might be able to help?

Take care.

[Frustratedlady]

31. Unfortunately, you are not alone. I know the hurt and disgust you feel, made only worse

by biting your tongue. I have a son and everyone knows not to talk about politics. Considering the fact that Trump has dominated the news for years, nobody mentioning politics stands out like a sore thumb. He doesn't mention Trump, but he will start any comment on any other Repuke with, "I know you don't approve of her..." and then makes his comment about, for instance, our governor who is worse than worthless.

I suspect a lot of this brain-washing is coming from RW radio programs and online web sites. Sean Hannity and Bannon are two constant feeders to the trough. I tried to listen to Hannity, but could only listen to a couple minutes. I know I would never have the stomach for Bannon, so I never tried.

I DID watch Trump's rally Saturday night. (I planned to count his lies, but gave up after a few minutes!) A lot of those people spent most of their time looking at the monitors to see if their hair was lookin' good...MAGA hat on straight?...ad nauseum. I did notice that when he told some of the biggest lies, a lot of them stood silent with no applause at all. They know! They just have to get to a point of accepting the fact they've been had. I hope my family member learns before the 2022 election.

[Hortensis]

32. As said above. I'm sorry, Katmondoo. His personality traits

are dominating what he chooses to believe and interfering with honesty and intellect. He has good points you're proud of and apparently is smarter in some respects, but not in this.

I hope you can both "agree to disagree" and enjoy common ground, like meat loaf, friends, and daffodils.

Btw, this era is a very low point for conservatives, whose worst personality traits have been encouraged to take over. He's among millions who've become very bad versions of themselves and encouraged in genuinely extremist views. Give him some more years.

And no more crying?

[subterranean]

35. What specific Democratic policies does he object to?

Affordable access to healthcare?
Expanding access to education?
Social Security/Medicare?
Control of environmental pollution?
Addressing climate change?
Equal rights for everyone?
Workplace safety regulations?
Consumer protections?
Women's reproductive rights?
Background checks on gun purchases?

Those are all policies that Democrats have supported (along with the majority of Americans), but Republicans have generally opposed. Does he argue against those?

Or maybe he gets distorted ideas about Democrats from right-wing media, and is against things like "defunding the police" and "critical race theory," which are not really part of the Democratic agenda.

Edit: I just read some of your posts above, and agree it's probably best if you avoid talking about politics with him. But if he insists, these are a few points you could bring up.

[CrispyQ]

48. I sent my right-wing mother a copy of that old "A Day in the Life of Joe Conservative" essay

& asked her, "What liberal ideas in this essay do you think are bad things that we shouldn't have implemented or that we should do without?" and I got crickets for an answer.

https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Essay:A_Day_In_The_Life_of_Joe_Conservative

[FailureToCommunicate]

89. Thanks! I had not seen the "alternate" Day In The Life essay before. Yikes. Pottersville...

Or Back to the Future ll

[FailureToCommunicate]

90. Is this a recent change for your son? Maybe he's listening to a RW radio station or

/and FOX?

[3catwoman3]

36. How very difficult this must be.

And if he is refuting your talking points by just spewing standard, right-wing knee jerk responses, keep in mind something that the judge said to Alex Jones at his recent trial - “Just because you
believe something to be true doesn’t make it true.

[Demsrule86]

37. Don't discuss politics...just ignore it. It is not worth losing your kid for Trump...hopefully the

kid wises up. My son who was raised partly in GA had absorbed some of that crap. I refused to argue with him and said this is American, we can all have our own views. But he eventually became a Democrat and now is practically a socialist. If I had argued and fought with him, I expect I would have lost him...so not worth it. Trump isn't worth losing your kid as I said earlier.

[tiredtoo]

41. My son is also my polar opposite politically speaking.

Personally, I don't consider him to be smarter than me, but he is smart. We love each other more than politics so we keep our political discussions to a minimum. He recently expressed his disgust with the governments passage of the Camp Lejuene law. A law giving citizens the right to sue the government. He says the trial lawyers lobby bought off the government. My response was yes all laws are bought and paid for by lobbyists. We have to get money out of government. He didn't like that part, he only wants to get the money that does not support his desires out.
Take politics out of your relationship. Just share your loving moments.

[fightforfreedom]

42. Sorry, If he were my son and he told me everything Democrats believe in is wrong.

I would shove my boot up my sons ass.

[Botany]

43. The pull and power of right wing web sites is huge

"They" have spent billions of dollars that messages in such a way that it reinforces believes, prejudices,
and makes the person getting that message feel good about themselves. Your son is in part a victim of
that effort.


You can point out that Joe Biden saved this. The Copper River watershed and Bristol Bay Alaska which is the
greatest wild run salmon area in the world.

[OMGWTF]

44. My former BFF's MAGA Republican husband

has two Masters degrees, a Ph.D, and a law degree yet they lap up any bullshit Traitor Tot spews. SMH.

[roamer65]

69. Being smart and having common sense are two different beasts.

One can have one and lack the other, like your son.

Sorry, but true.

[packman]

46. Right now he's burning with the fire of his own convictions

He believes he's discovered "THE TRUTH" and he is excited about it - probably some so-called friends are talking to him.

Sorry you have to live with this - my son was the same. He was a rabid Rush Limbaugh puke full blown, couldn't reason or get thru to him it was all B.S. Got to the point he didn't pay his taxes because of his beliefs. He was a real pain and it cost him a marriage.

THEN- he lost his income, lived with us for awhile, had to work to pay various debts associated with his right-wing beliefs and FINALLY got back on his feet - as a Democrat. Now all I hear is about Trump is an asshole, Republicans are monsters,they have no agenda, how stupid they are, etc., etc., etc.

Like the Good Book says, this too shall pass- just smile, nod,and remember he's still your little boy acting out.

[Demobrat]

47. He's not smarter than you. Just a better talker.

That’s not the same thing.

[lostnfound]

64. +1 well-stated.

[dawg]

50. I'm curious as to his angle and "brand" of right-wing thought.

Is it that he's primarily anti-tax and anti-government spending?

Or is it primarily the religious angle? Abortion and denial of gay rights?

Or is it primarily the racist and misogynist angle? For example, does he think only "certain" people should have the right to vote?

Or is is primarily guns?

Or is it something else altogether?

[hunter]

51. Tell him to turn off the fucking television, it's making him stupid.

My family tends to be very direct.

[TeamProg]

53. Gather up the economic facts: Dems run a better economy. Trickle down is a farce. Tax breaks DO NOT

create more revenue.

Big corps are NOT job creators, consumers are. No rich investor is gong to build any new business if consumers don;t have the $$$ to BUY the rich guy's new product.

Big corps ONLY HIRE when it's necessary to help profits / sell their service or products.

Is your son a pro-gun idiot? That means he's not seeing the entire world picture.

[Heather MC]

56. I recently had a conversation with my brother-in-law

If you ever met him in person hes a nicest person you'd ever meet the. However his Republican views are the absolute most cruel things I've ever heard a person say. When I pointed out to him that undocumented workers pay 13 million a year to taxes. He said yeah well they still get benefits like going to the hospital.
And I said, have you ever traveled overseas come wouldn't you want to have someone take care of you in a foreign country if you need medical care?

And I kindly as I could say it I told him that his thought process was incredibly cruel while on Earth would he want to live in a country that denies a fellow human being medical care?

Instead of him reflecting on his thought process he of course got angry but hes a nice guy so when he gets angry he just stops talking.

I thanked him for the lovely conversation and said I really enjoyed it him enjoyed it hell not so much lol

It's not my fault somebody had to call his beliefs cruel🤷🏾‍♀️

Republicans are monsters the world they want has no room love.
That's why their horrible

[peacebuzzard]

59. its hard to get over "ignoring the facts" from others.

especially your special people, and I am sorry he went off on you.
Multiple times I have faced situations as such on the job, or acquaintances, and I just shake my head and bite my tongue.
I would rather not create a tempest in a teacup especially because of the short relationship duration (predominately).
But it must hurt from your son. That is sad, and I am so sorry.
By the way, he sounds indoctrinated versus the "smart" you described.

[Ocelot II]

60. "I don't care how smart you think you are. I didn't raise you to be selfish, cruel and bigoted.

Maybe I failed as a mother, but if you're advocating for policies that do nothing but crush and hurt others, that make the education you're so proud of unreachable for most people, that make sure the rich get richer and the poor stay poor, I must have done something wrong. I never wanted a child of mine to hang out with people who are mean and dumb, and I sure never thought somebody as smart as you claim to be would end up in a cult. Or else maybe my real son was abducted and swapped for a troll child. I'm so disappointed in you. And I will not allow you to disrespect your mother ever again."

That's the ass-chewing I'd be tempted to deliver, anyhow.

[Joinfortmill]

62. As a mother, I feel for you. Remember this, the truth is always simple, always. Take care.

[The Wizard]

66. When ever he spouts Pox News talking points (Russian propaganda)

Ask him to furnish you with peer reviewed empirical data to support his assertions. No doubt he'll use Pox, Newsmax or another right wing source. If he does, ask if its been peer reviewed.

[Dalton555]

67. Don't engage with people's canned talking points

If he's repeating talking points that he's consumed in rightwing disinformation networks, he's going to just hit you over and over with the stupid talking points. That isn't logical argument. He's just quoting people he heard.

I'm also concerned that he's literally overturned all Democratic principles? Like, he's argued that elections need to be ended? Our economy needs to switch over to a totalitarian command economy? Publication and broadcasting needs to be put under direct federal control? That is concerning. Don't engage with his talking points. He's not making logical arguments, I guarantee you.

[DFW]

70. If he is smart

He already doesn't represent the majority of Republicans. Also--don't mistake rapid fire repetition of talking points from Fox Noise for intelligence--the same trick can be performed by a tape recorder or a parrot.

[jerseyjim]

71. Dunning Kruger Effect

A truly "smart" person knows what s/he doesn't know. People who think they know everything and don't question their own knowledge are not very smart. Trump and his followers are perfect examples. He thinks he is the best at everything, but isn't good at most things. I say most because I have to give Trump the credit for having the skill to bamboozle or con numerous people.



https://michaelgearon.medium.com/cognitive-biases-dunning-kruger-effect-ea1419038eb6

[paleotn]

72. He believes what he wants to believe. Smart has nothing to do with it.

I can't really say since I don't know him, but he may be going through a greedy phase. Republicanism appeal to that. Maybe it's simply to be different than his parent(s). Common denominator is, there need be no sound logic behind it so don't think he's right simply because he may be intelligent. Even smart people take on irrational beliefs. I know I've had my share and I'm not all that smart.

[mainer]

73. I am so sorry. This has to be terribly hard.

We raise our children hoping they will share our values, only to find they have veered in a different direction. I have 2 sons, with very different political views from each other, but both raised in the same liberal environment. How did I raise both an ultra liberal and a libertarian? It’s a puzzle.

You have my deepest sympathy and a well-earned hug.

[birdographer]

75. You can't engage with them

even if they are your children. We know this, and it's just uselessly frustrating to try. Just be a broken record if it happens again. "Trump stole classified information, some of which is now missing." What else matters when it comes to trump's criminality? I'm afraid your son has no "smart" explanation for that. Otherwise, don't engage. He is the one with the problem, not you.

[sir pball]

76. "May I Disinherit My Right-Wing Daughters?"

Something to consider. He doesn't love you, nor anyone besides himself…why give him resources to that end?

So don’t change your will because you’re angry and upset with your prospective heirs. A better reason is that people with their views are doing a great deal of harm.
----
Even if your daughters are, in some sense, more sinned against than sinning, you could reasonably worry that putting resources in their hands will allow them to support destructive causes.
----
[D]on’t think of your updated will as a way to punish them for their mistaken beliefs. Think of it as taking measures to prevent your assets from being used to bad effect.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/01/magazine/disinherit-right-wing-daughters-ethics.html

[surrealAmerican]

78. The one question smart people always ask themselves ...

... is, "What if I'm wrong?"

Has he entertained that possibility?

[dlk]

79. I'm sorry for the pain you son has caused

One of the hardest parts of being a parent is understanding we can do our very best to instill our positive values in our children, yet when they are adults, they can reject every bit of our teachings, and take a vastly different path. It’s heartbreaking and it’s out of our control.

[peppertree]

80. That - and much, much worse.

Whatever he said, I'm sure your son is a downright moderate compared to most in today's radicalized GOP.

For instance, I'm certain your son would never brook the idea of having some Democrat/Green/etc. killed on account of their views.

At least half of today's Repugs think otherwise.

[GuppyGal]

81. Book smart and life stupid

[FakeNoose]

84. This is what "smart phones" and SMS have done to our children and their cohorts

Smart phones are doing this - pumping right-wing batshit craziness into their heads 24/7/365.

They wouldn't be getting this nonsense if it weren't on their smart phones. All kids (of all generations) think they're smarter than their parents, including the ones who are being assaulted with this right-wing garbage on the SMS. Problem is, they don't have the experience and objectivity to reject the bullshit for what it is.

We allowed this to happen when we didn't step in when it first started, and stay "Enough! This cannot continue."

I include myself in those numbers because I didn't see it while it was happening. By the time I did it was already too late.

[halfulglas]

113. My theory is that it isn't so much the SMS itself, it's the unlimited plans

So they don't have to choose their content and how long they are going to hang on sites and get directed to other content and another, going down a misinformation hole, or feeling like the people on their favorite sites are the real deal and know these things. (Don't get me started on people who cross streets while reading their phones.)

It's why teenagers are especially susceptible to depression after hanging out on sites like Tiktok, etc. They compare it with their lives and think have to go along because EVERYONE is doing these things. If you had limited minutes, you would save most of them for texting or calling.

[WhatTheFlux]

85. If he thinks the vote is stolen, WHERE IS THE EVIDENCE??

[Pepsidog]

87. When I was 18yo I voted for Reagan. I loved the guy but I was totally ignorant to his political

beliefs except making the government smaller. I was immature and it was the macho thing to support Reagan over Carter. As I grew older I stared to learn the differences between the republicans and Dems. As a lawyer representing injured people I saw all the republicans wanted to do is protect business and limit lawsuits. I also practiced bankruptcy law and saw Bush II reform the bankruptcy law to screw the little guy and benefit the banks. I learned that republicans didn’t stand for the people and voted for Dems since Clinton. Hopefully, your son will see the truth.

[Loki Liesmith]

93. Love transcends ideology.

He’s going to be wrong about things in life. So are you. Focus on the aspects of your relationship that are positive. He may come around politically. He might not.

[Nixie]

94. Sorry to hear this, but remember they are spoon fed these superiority

talking points and they internalize them. A lot of it started with Rush Limbaugh’s hate radio decades ago, calling liberalism a “disease.” Etc, lots of repetitive hate. They are conditioned to assume those condescending attitudes.

You’re lucky that he is still at a polite stage with you. My alcoholic brother just drunk texted my mother and me some vile hateful goodbyes at 6:00 am after being up all night drinking (it’s a pattern). He said “Biden started it.” (He did this the morning after Biden’s speech). But he is also deep into drink at this point in his life, so that’s part of his problems.

My mom is bummed he took this stand, but we both aren’t about to let Trump humpers take our energy. He can have his cult.

[The Grand Illuminist]

95. Disown him.

Remove him from the will, and deny him.

[KarenS]

96. Seriously,,,,

I am NOT telling you what to do, this is what I do. I have a dear friend who is 85 and a FoxWatching-TrumpLoving Republican. I will not talk politics with her Period-End. If she brings up politics I tell her will not discuss this subject with her. That if we discuss it I will judge her harshly. If she says something that is a lie I tell her that I will not discuss lies with her. It seems harsh but that what I do. It is terrible what has happened in our country. We have co-existed in this fashion for about 9 years. We was my Father's companion and I care about her.

[ismnotwasm]

97. Let me guess, he's a libertarian

[haele]

117. There's a saying in our house - calling someone a Liberatarian Asshole is redundant.

Anyone who buys into Any Rand's cynical Objectivism, Trickle Down Economy, or "Compassionate Conservatism" is a selfish short-term thinker who gravitates to any snazzy looking smooth talking grifter promising to make his or her entitled life easier without any hard work or guilt - because it's always going to be someone else's fault when the bad things eventually happen.

Sorry for the run on sentence, but most Republicans I know are always looking for someone else to blame, and will listen to anyone who will tell them what they want to hear.
And sometimes, sadly, the same goes for supposedly "liberal" children of adult years who like to think they're edgy or radical. Nothing new - that's what happened to a lot of those Boomer and Gen X Hippies/Casual Dude types, and is happening to a lot of Millennials now.

They don't think about working for the long betterment for society around them at large, they only really think about comfort for them.

Haele

[Stargleamer]

134. this is what i thought too

and arguing with a libertarian is often just utterly futile, as trying to justify why one should have a caring response to those in need/oppressed/marginalized typically carries no weight with them.

Often the only way for them to change their minds if they suddenly experience some catastrophe in their lives that causes them to re-evaluate things, such as if they become suddenly severely disabled and have to rely on the government due to their disability. It can cut through their rugged individualist John Galt self-image.

[barbtries]

171. i.e, republican.

the libertarians i know vote republican and as far as i know worship trump. i haven't talked to them for a couple years about it but unless they had a come to jesus moment somewhere down the line, that is that. one, i still consider a friend. i'd be just as glad to never have to run into the other from here on out.

[JudyM]

98. I would be in tears, too.

But it highlights the power and effective broadcasting of GOP messaging (poisoning). It’s their only strong point, but it’s a damned good one. We have to improve. We can’t continue expecting that the truth will eventually be self-evident, because they expertly play on emotions when they serve up their misinformation.

The issue I might raise with him is whether he believes that facts matter, and, if so, whether he is 100% certain that he is basing his views on objective sources for facts. You don’t have to debate him on the facts, just suggest he check out other sources that are not in the echo chamber. He can make his own decisions but is he possibly being swayed… You might find this article interesting: Conservatives’ susceptibility to political misperceptions https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abf1234

Hopefully his views will change, with time.

Wishing you strength as you come to terms with this heartbreak.

[orleans]

99. just because he knows how to talk circles around someone doesn't mean he's right

as you know

he's listened to the right wing crap enuf to learn how to do it

fuck that --

does he sell cars, aluminum siding, or have some other high pressure sales job? sounds like he's extrapolating those skills into the conversation with you which is too bad.



kids can be a real pain in the ass sometimes

[LiberalFighter]

101. It is easy to be misled when time is not taken to understand the situation.

There are ways for someone to support their truth on the face without it being the truth.

If someone owes you a hundred dollars and they give you all singles are you just going to accept there are a hundred single bills?

Tell him for every attempt he tries to use lies in his arguments you will deduct $1,000 from his inheritance. And it will also apply to his wife and children. Or make it $10,000 for each attempt.

[NNadir]

104. It is wise to not confuse intelligence with wisdom. n/t.

[BlueJac]

106. Intelligence does not always mean smart!

You are probably smarter than him!

[DownriverDem]

107. Is he rich?

Does he know women? It's pretty clear he has no heart, soul or mind. Will he support you if you lose Social Security and Medicare?

[Silent3]

108. I hope this doesn't sound too harsh, but it's something to consider

Perhaps you support the right cause (supporting Democrats and Biden) for the wrong reasons, or bad reasons.

If you've thought deeply about why you support Democrats and Biden, then you should be able to vocalize your reasoning and defend your point of view.

If, however, your support of Democrats and Biden is mostly emotional or intuitive, you have to expect you will be at a loss in a discussion of the sort you had with your son.

To become of better advocate of your position, delve into your own mind and reason out why you believe what you believe.

[Shermann]

110. Are you looking to win these debates or avoid them?

If you are looking to win, I might be able to help.

By "smart" I assume you mean he is well-versed on current events, history, literature, etc. These conservatives are the most challenging to debate. Their strategy is generally to equivalize the debate subject to an obscure one from history, or to cite a shitty book that only they read. But all the "facts" in the world won't make an unsound argument sound or an invalid one valid. The counterstrategy is to identify the logical fallacies and call them out. There is always a fallacy with these types.

The master of this is Matt Dillahunty. You can watch his Atheist Experience videos on YouTube to see him put on an epistemological clinic.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCprs0DXUS-refN1i8FkQkdg

Whether it is religion or politics, the winning strategy is the same.

[moondust]

111. Germans weren't stupid

in the 1930s-40s. They had Panzer tanks, Luftwaffe, industrial strength, etc.

I suppose in some cases the tangible rewards of human greed and ambition overpower the intangible rewards of moral behavior.

[judesedit]

112. Remind him how the dems always have to go in and clean up the messes repugs make

Tell him he may want to go in and research that little issue. If he supports Dump he has no common sense. Sorry. Nothing personal. I know he's your son and it's hard to keep peace and tell him anything he doesn't want to hear. Hopefully, someone somewhere who's not emotionally involved will say something to wake him up.🤞

[AverageOldGuy]

114. You described my son exactly.

I put u with his shit from 2016 to January 2022 when I told him to go fuck himself and leave me alone. Now, when i visit my grandsons or when they visit me, he is nowhere to be seen. His 16-yr-old son knows just what a piece of shit his father is and wants to move in with his grandparents, ditto for the 13-yr-old.

We are talking with a family law attorney to see if that can happen.
Daughter-in-law is caught in the middle.

[GreenWave]

115. Liberals vs. your son's puerile jactations.

Revolutionary War fought by Liberals against Tories and British.
Liberals wanted an end to slaughter of Native Americans.
Liberals wanted an end to slavery.
An end to children working to death in factories,
a 40 hour work week
women have equal rights
public education to fight nationwide ignorance
save the environment
etc.
Have your son list his side's greater accomplishments. (I had the same problem with my son who is way too gullible to Internet idiots who have simple solutions for lazy minds.)

[BannonsLiver]

119. Another great reminder why I'm glad I don't have kids

[Skittles]

120. um....katmondoo?

he is NOT smarter than you

he is supporting a party that is anti-American

[BlackSkimmer]

128. Thank you. I read this OP hours ago and had no words.

I've had a lot of thoughts.

But your words make sense.

[bluecollar2]

123. Sorry luv

He's not smarter than you. He's just ignorant...not. stupid...just ignorant.

[Hekate]

124. I am so sorry. These are very rough times to live in, and you are NOT alone...

Two words: Serenity Prayer
My 2 offspring are well into their 40s, and I can’t tell you how much it’s helped me.

[Gary 50]

126. Tell your son Trump is a fascist and he is supporting fascism by being a member of the maga cult.

Unless he is proud of being a fascist he will deny it. Then ask him to google "the fourteen points of fascism." Ask him which ones do not apply to the bloated gas bag. You win.

[diane in sf]

129. Smart people can be brainwashed as easily as dumb ones, and they come up with better

rationalizations for their beliefs than dummies.

[LakeArenal]

130. Please don't fall for the idea he's some smart person.

Smart people don’t act like the know everything.

Smart people know well enough not to tell other people what to think.

Smart people distinguish between opinion and fact.

He’s not smarter. He just plays someone who is.

Smart Alec maybe.

[JHB]

131. He may be more agile in argument, but he ain't smarter than you.

He's swallowed bowl after bowl of brown stuff and isn't shy about supersizing.

You took one sniff and noticed something he didn't: that stuff ain't chocolate.

[Demovictory9]

133. Yep..rightwingers are often glib but not smart

[OnionPatch]

132. He's smart enough to memorize their talking points

and alternative facts in detail.

[Cosmocat]

135. Intelligence has nothing to do with it

LOTS of people w higher IQs, and more oriented to being verbally assertive w their OPINIONS than us.

In debating or "educating you / us they just work to bullshit themselves even more.

What we have is clarity, intellectual honesty, integrity and decency.

You won't be able to change how he thinks.

Just hear him out a bit, don't even try to change his mind, speak your truth, whatever it may be, tell him you love him but directly (in your words) tell him he's deluded and end the conversation. Tell him in no uncertain terms you have no interest in talking to him about it until he comes to his senses, and stick to that

[Ohioboy]

136. What is it he thinks is so bad about the Democrats?

Has he fallen for the whole "Democrats are really Communists" line? That BS has been repeated by republicans ever since I can remember.

[highplainsdem]

137. I've had MAGAt relatives try to "educate" me. I've discovered they can't handle

responses. It sometimes annoys but more often amuses me when they try, since I majored in poli sci, did better in school than they did, and also was on debate teams. I've discovered they usually can't handle any sort of discussion/debate. They're happy to try to lecture me as long as I don't try to respond.

I've reached the point where I usually just point out their sources are wrong. If they're foolish enough to try sending me links, I'll send links to truly neutral sources. They usually give up fast.

Whatever your son's IQ, if he holds those beliefs about Democrats, he's been brainwashed by RW sources.

Unfortunately even fairly intelligent people can be brainwashed, given enough limitations on the information they get.

And your son, like most brainwashed people, would probably find it very painful to listen to neutral or left-leaning media, since his first reaction to anything challenging his beliefs is likely to be defensive. He'll want to shut it off.

But just tell him he needs to listen to more REAL news.

Tell him he doesn't have the facts. Because he doesn't.

I typically check RW media as well as tweets. I want to know what they're saying.

Years ago I could, if necessary for debates, argue both sides of any issue. (This freaked out some high school students when we did demonstrations.) But that didn't mean I couldn't tell which side had the stronger argument based on more facts.

Don't let your son intimidate you or upset you.

I still love my relatives, including the ones who are brainwashed MAGAts. I've seen some of them change their views and beliefs over the years. I'm hoping some of them will regain a more balanced perspective.

I don't waste time discussing politics with them any more because they don't know anything important about it.

And the same is true for your poor brainwashed son.

[MustLoveBeagles]

139. I'm so sorry

It would be best if you made a no political discussions rule and stick to it like other posters have sugguested. Politics isn't worth talking about with him if it upsets you so much.

[KatK]

140. Heart-breaking! It's not your fault. You can't change him. Perhaps agree "no political talk" n/t

[wryter2000]

142. You should have a rule with him

No politics. If he can’t respect that, he doesn’t respect you and you’ll need to decide where to go from there. As many others have said, he may be more educated than you, but he’s not smarter than you.

The devil in me wants to ask him if he’d like to support you when your Social Security is canceled by Rick Scott.

[machoneman]

145. He should read the brilliant William L. Shirer account in "Berlin Diary".

Had read long ago his seminal book "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich". Now reading the prelude to it, Berlin Diary. It' s chilling in the last pages as his account of the 1933-late 1940 period of how the German people fell under Hitler's spell and essentially endured all his madness, later ending in the 1945 total collapse of the country.

What's significant though is his analysis, as a pre-war CBS/NBC radio man, of just how similar the Trump era parallels the rise to power of Hitler and his gang. Truly, the propaganda, lies, militaristic bent and more are eerily the same as employed by him and the MAGAT crowd in brazen attempts to seize power and punish all critics, legally or not. Your son should read the Diary as he'd realize just how dangerous the R crowd, not just MAGATS, has become in efforts to delegitimize our democratic (small d) principles, laws and way of life.

[ribrepin]

147. I feel you Katmondoo

My son is the same. I try to keep the doors open and swallow my disappointment. I don't know how I raised this asshole.

[betsuni]

152. Not your fault!

Last edited Tue Sep 6, 2022, 06:58 AM - Edit history (1)

My brother had a very high IQ and was wrong about everything, right-winger. He was born that way. He doesn't refute all your beliefs, he's wrong. I'm stupid and am right about most things because horse sense, common sense.

[alphafemale]

156. He isn't smarter than you

You allow him to be rude and speak over you.

If he talks politics and is rude hang up the phone or kick his butt to the curb and out of your house.

[UpInArms]

158. I listened to Sean Insanity once, a long time ago, and was amazed

at how he could string together his arguments … and they sounded so reasonable.

Simultaneously, I knew they were entirely bullshit.

I could see how easily he could deceive people into believing what he said, if they did not know better.

I am so sorry you are dealing with this.

[Dorian Gray]

159. Why talk politics with him at all?

He's your son. I don't know how old he is, but if he's in his teen years, he may be trying to sow his independence.

I have a friend whose son went Maga as a teen. She was a very very vocal liberal. Involved in local politics and constantly posting on social media. Her son bristled and went maga a few years ago, and she very publicly attacked him on FB.

I don't know if you're in the same situation. For all I know, your son may be a whole grown adult. In which case, if you want to maintain a loving relationship with him, agree to disagree and don't talk politics. Ask him about his life.

If he is still a child? Then disengage from argument. Love him wholly. Ask him questions about his day to day life and show interest in the things he's doing and the people he's doing it with. Know that kids rebel.

[Maine Abu El Banat]

160. Are you trying in a roundabout way

That the right wing argument is the more intelligent? I think this is a Suttle jab at us on the left.

[obamanut2012]

166. I kinda read it that way, too

I hope we are wrong.

[retread]

161. John Cleese on "very intelligent people".

[Emile]

162. My grandfather (a coal mining immigrant from Belgium and shortly after

obtaining his citizenship) was facing on who to vote for when the owner of coal mine told the miners if they vote for FDR he would shut down the mine. That's when my grandfather knew he was à democrat. The coal mine never shut down and the workers formed a union. My grandfather taught his children to be democrats and my father taught his children the same. I only have one child, but I raised him to be a democrat too. I worried about my son growing up rural red Indiana and all his friends were from republican families, but he listened to his parents and is now a red hot school teaching democrat.

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

165. Fox News Disease. It is a deadly infection of the consciousness,

and is all but incurable.

The pathogen almost universally infects Fox News viewers. The disease progresses rapidly into full blown psychosis, until the ability to think rationally and logically is replaced by belief in bizarre delusions and hallucinations, causing an almost complete break with reality.

Symptoms include inappropriate fears, confusion, loss of empathy and sense of ethics, and intense, inappropriate rage brought on by experiencing psychotic delusions and hallucinations. This rage eventually leads to aggressive, violent behavior if the victim of FND is not prevented from harming others by existing laws and law enforcement.

This individual and collective disease of the consciousness has a similar precedent, in the plague known as Nazism that occurred in parts of Europe between the years 1930 to 1945.

[obamanut2012]

167. How in the world can he "refute your beliefs"

No one can do that but you.

[Scalded Nun]

170. Do no think he is smarter than you just because he can recite talking points

The devil can recite Bible scripture all day long.

You stick to your positions. You are the one on the correct, intelligent and humane path.

[dwayneb]

174. Plenty of intelligent people swallow right wing propaganda

That your son, as smart as he is believes all of it, demonstrates the power of populist propaganda. In the Internet age it is especially scary to see the way this weapon of war is being used against democracy.

When you look at the statistics, about 70% of Republicans believe the Big Lie. Shocking, but the fact that 30% reject it is going to be a huge problem for Trump going forward.

Is he a Big Lie believer? That says a lot right there. This requires someone to set aside their rational mind and believe a fairy tale.

[jaxexpat]

176. Not intelligent.