Tag Archives: MAGA

Charlie Kirk, Apathetic Farmer

Through his organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA), Charlie Kirk became a significant force in conservative youth politics by tapping into a feeling of cultural displacement among young white men—especially those outside elite institutions—by validating their frustrations and offering a political identity that felt empowering.

He successfully rebranded conservatism for youth by leaning into cultural grievances, opposing progressive ideas (like DEI, CRT, gender fluidity), which resonated with young men who felt blamed or sidelined in mainstream discourse.

In many ways, Charlie Kirk’s meteoric rise embodies the quintessential American success story, where money, power, and fame are all that matter and where kindness, empathy, and service to others are for suckers.

On the surface, some of what Charlie Kirk did and achieved seems almost noble. He reached out to a segment of society that felt politically voiceless and culturally alienated, and he gave them a voice. He recognized the underrepresentation and an utter lack of organized advocacy for non-college-educated white males in America and championed their needs.

The problem was how Charlie Kirk framed their economic disenfranchisement.

Kirk sold young white non-college-educated males on the simplistic notion that the source of their economic disenfranchisement were immigrants, women, minorities, and wokeism, when in reality, their alienation from mainstream American society and its institutions and their feeling of lost purpose and status stems from economic and social shifts that have eroded the traditional path of a stable, middle-class life for those without a bachelor’s degree. 

When a large segment of the population feels economically useless and politically invisible, it creates fertile ground for resentment, polarization, and instability. Discontentment is low-hanging fruit for the opportunistic and power-hungry, and Trump and Kirk cultivated and harvested that low-hanging fruit with great success, while continuing to spread the seeds of grievance, misinformation, and lies across the fertile minds of disaffected American youth for fame, fortune, and power.

Charlie Kirk and Donald Trump are emblematic of the deep rot in America’s political system, where politicians and influencers exploit the disaffected for their own personal gain, indoctrinating followers with cultural hot-button issues and identity politics to the point where the cultivated group doesn’t even care that they’re not being helped.

Like Trump, Kirk was never interested in helping his followers; he was only interested in exploiting them. To Charlie Kirk, America’s disaffected youth were a cash crop.

Genuine solutions to political disempowerment and economic disenfranchisement are complicated, expensive, and require systemic intervention from empathetic, pragmatic, and intelligent leaders who are genuinely interested in helping others. Amplifying polarization, promoting misinformation, and framing politics as a zero-sum cultural war are not solutions; those actions ensure the status quo.

We must connect the disaffected to hope and aspiration, rather than hatred and anger. It’s one thing to say, I feel your pain, quite another to do the hard work of alleviating the pain – and as we see with Trump and saw with Charlie Kirk, it’s a lot easier and more lucrative to point a finger and say, “them, they, those people, they’re the reason you are not flourishing.“

Doing the hard work to bring the disaffected back into the fold means investing in government-sponsored programs, training, and empathy, and those things are a tough sell in today’s political environment.

If you haven’t had a chance yet, please check out my book, My Paper, My Words: Rantings from a Progressive Boomer and Peeved Parent, from Amazon. And if you feel moved to write a review of the book, on Amazon, or anywhere else, I’d be honored.

My Paper, My Words is a collection of essays, stories, and poems that reflect the challenges of a middle-class husband and father trying to navigate a rapidly changing political, religious, and technological landscape of post-911 America.

American Graffiti

Cast your eye

ankle high

to the message wall

six inches tall

an instructive blurb

from the stony curb

inflicting think

with paint and ink

about a world

that’s on brink

Don’t be led by the moronic clown

who doesn’t know

what’s up from down

who sows the seeds

of discontent

and puts our feet

into cement

Don’t be fooled by the moronic clown

who doesn’t know

what’s up from down

who creates the chaos

in the street

then sends in troops

to “keep the peace”

who says that he’s

the only one

who can fix the shit

that he has done

Don’t be led by the moronic clown

who wears his lies

like a crown

who proffers hate

through Russian bots

while sending fascist

forget-me-nots

Shift your view

below your shoe

to the message wall

six inches tall

to the good advice

for one and all

inflicting think

with paint and ink

about a world

that’s on brink

If you haven’t had a chance yet, please check out my book, My Paper, My Words: Rantings from a Progressive Boomer and Peeved Parent, from Amazon. And if you feel moved to write a review of the book, on Amazon, or anywhere else, I’d be honored.

My Paper, My Words is a collection of essays, stories, and poems that reflect the challenges of a middle-class husband and father trying to navigate a rapidly changing political, religious, and technological landscape of post-911 America.

Robber Barons and Bullies

Marble-toothed titans
with sneers caked in madness
greed-fed on blood bags
in sweatshops of sadness

Kingpins with linchpins
thick carrots and sticks
deft robber barons
are up to their tricks

The morally crippled
gerrymander in Texas
felonious punk-thugs
that hate and perplex us

Gun toting douchebags
in Home Depot lots
promoting a fascist
while twisting the knot

The clown at the helm
of this powerful nation
is steeped in decline
and reverse escalation

Whitewashing history
attacking the truth
a maniacal misfit
both rude and uncouth

He creates chaos
to hold onto power
commanding the guard
from his fake ivory tower

Targeting cities
that are mostly all blue
a pig who gropes kitties
and pays porn stars to screw

Visions of heaven
black heart full of hate
He’s never come close
to making us great

If you haven’t had a chance yet, please check out my first book, My Paper, My Words: Rantings from a Progressive Boomer and Peeved Parent, from Amazon. And if you feel moved to write a review of the book on Amazon or elsewhere, I’d be honored.

My Paper, My Words is a collection of essays, stories, and poems that reflect the challenges of a middle-class husband and father trying to navigate a rapidly changing political, religious, and technological landscape of post-9/11 America.

Book Number 2

Hi folks,

I’ve just published “Imagine There’s No Donald” on Amazon.com.

Imagine There’s No Donald is a lyrical collection that channels the melodic cadence of (mostly) Beatles songs to deliver searing poetic indictments of Donald Trump, the MAGA movement, and their corrosive impact on American democracy.

Each poem echoes the structure and emotional resonance of iconic musical tracks—think “Rocky Racoon” reimagined as the tale of Donald Trump’s destructive path to the presidency, or Terry Jacks’ “Seasons in the Sun” transformed into a lament on Republican cowardice and lost democratic norms.

Through this fusion of pop nostalgia and political critique, the collection:

  • 🎶 Harnesses Familiar Rhythms: The song structures serve as scaffolding for verses that are both accessible and subversive, drawing readers in with rhythm before confronting them with truth.
  • 🔥 Excoriates Authoritarianism: Trump and MAGA are portrayed not just as political figures but as symbols of a broader erosion of truth, decency, and constitutional integrity.
  • 🕊️ Defends Democratic Ideals: The poems mourn the fragility of American institutions while fiercely advocating for civic engagement, accountability, and moral clarity.
  • 🎤 Amplifies Dissent: With a voice that is at once satirical and sincere, the book invites readers to sing along in protest, turning melody into a megaphone for resistance.

Whether riffing on “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window” to expose the sycophantic rot of the Trump administration or twisting “When I Saw Her Standing There!” into an elegy against oligarchs and authoritarianism, this book is a poetic rebellion—an artistic act of defiance that refuses to be silent in the face of democratic decay.

Most free thinkers, poets, and essayists are but a thorn in the side of the authoritarian regime that is running roughshod over America’s democracy. Writing and speaking truth to power sometimes feels like screaming into the void. But with critical mass and momentum, art can influence public sentiment and mobilize opposition to repressive policies and tactics, making it a powerful adversary to regimes that rely on propaganda and control.

Verbal resistance alone won’t revive our democracy. If we’re going to right the ship in America, we’re going to have to do more than sing and complain. We’re going to have to take to the streets and, as the honorable Georgia Congressman John Lewis famously said, “get in good trouble, necessary trouble” by the millions.

Get your copy of Imagine There’s No Donald on Amazon. Please feel free to share the link with others on your social media or simply by giving the book to a loved one as a gift.

Peace (and FUDT).

If you haven’t had a chance yet, please check out my first book, My Paper, My Words: Rantings from a Progressive Boomer and Peeved Parent, from Amazon. And if you feel moved to write a review of the book on Amazon or elsewhere, I’d be honored.

My Paper, My Words is a collection of essays, stories, and poems that reflect the challenges of a middle-class husband and father trying to navigate a rapidly changing political, religious, and technological landscape of post-9/11 America.

America’s Political and Cultural Sepsis

The wreckage that Donald Trump is inflicting on American democracy is analogous to the widespread inflammation, leaky blood vessels, reduced blood flow to organs, and ultimately, organ failure caused by Sepsis in the human body.

Trumpism is a sepsis-like response to a massive infection of aggrieved, uneducated, bigoted, greedy, and hate-filled Americans – it engenders fear, anger, misinformation, and Christo fascist ideology that surges through the bloodstream of American politics and culture, poisoning democratic institutions, values, and traditions, stressing the entire body politic to the point of systemic failure.

The only chance of America surviving metaphoric organ failure and a complete collapse from political and cultural Sepsis is to prevent further infection — the best (and perhaps only) chance of doing that is a blue wave in the midterm elections (which Republicans are trying to gerrymander the fuck out of).

Suppose the Democrats don’t regain control of the House in 2026. In that case, we can pucker our collective lips, plant a fat kiss on the cold, colorless cheek of American democracy, and usher in an era of darkness, corruption, and repression unseen in our history.

Will voters see Trump for the lying, cheating, sociopathic thug he is and wake-the-fuck-up in 2026?

If you haven’t had a chance yet, please check out my book, My Paper, My Words: Rantings from a Progressive Boomer and Peeved Parent, from Amazon. And if you feel moved to write a review of the book, on Amazon, or anywhere else, I’d be honored.

My Paper, My Words is a collection of essays, stories, and poems reflect the challenges of a middle-class husband and father trying to navigate a rapidly changing political, religious, and technological landscape of post-911 America.

Let’s Ask Arty About the Correlation Between Religiosity and Authoritarianism

Let’s Ask Arty uses existing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to query LLMs about politics in these troubled times.

Query 1: Are religious fundamentalists drawn to authoritarian political leaders? If so, why?

Yes, religious fundamentalists often show a strong affinity for authoritarian political leaders – and there’s a fascinating psychological and sociological logic behind it.

Shared Traits and Psychological Alignment

  • Rigidity and Certainty: Fundamentalism is rooted in the belief in an inerrant set of religious teachings; religious rigidity and certainty mirror Authoritarianism’s emphasis on strict rules, obedience, and moral absolutism.
  • Low Openness to Experience: Both religious fundamentalists and authoritarian personalities tend to resist ambiguity, novelty, and complexity.
  • Cognitive Simplicity: Studies show that fundamentalists often prefer clear-cut answers and hierarchical structures, which align with authoritarian leaders who promise order and control.

Perceived Threats and Social Change

  • Fear of Cultural Shifts: Fundamentalists may feel threatened by secularism, liberal social movements, or pluralism, as they perceive these as challenges to their traditional values. Authoritarian leaders often position themselves as defenders of “traditional values,” making them appealing protectors.
  • Us vs. Them Mentality: Authoritarian rhetoric thrives on identifying enemies—whether immigrants, minorities, or dissenters. An us vs. them mentality resonates with fundamentalist groups that view the world in moral binaries.

Political Strategy and Mobilization

  • Christian Nationalism: In the U.S., for example, white evangelical Protestants and Christian nationalists score high on authoritarianism scales and are more likely to support leaders who promise to restore religious dominance in public life.
  • Religious Endorsements: Authoritarian leaders often co-opt religious symbols and institutions to legitimize their rule. This creates a feedback loop where religious fundamentalists feel seen and empowered

Query 2: So, do all religious people have an affinity for authoritarians?

No, not all religious people are drawn to Authoritarianism.

The link between Religiosity and Authoritarianism is strongest among those with rigid, dogmatic beliefs. More open, reflective forms of spirituality tend to correlate negatively with authoritarian attitudes.

Query 3: Is there a link between Religiosity, the MAGA movement, and Authoritarianism?

Yes, there’s a well-documented link between religiosity, the MAGA movement, and authoritarianism—though it’s nuanced and varies across race, gender, and religious traditions.

How Religiosity Connects to MAGA and Authoritarianism

  • White Christian Nationalism plays a central role. Surveys show that white evangelical Protestants and Christian nationalists are among the strongest supporters of authoritarian politics and the MAGA agenda.
  • Dominionist Ideologies like the Seven Mountains Mandate—which calls for Christians to control key societal institutions—are embraced by some MAGA-aligned religious leaders.
  • MAGA figures frequently use Religious Rhetoric and Symbolism to frame political battles as spiritual warfare, reinforcing authoritarian narratives of good vs. evil

Psychological Drivers

  • Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) is a key predictor of MAGA support, especially among white men and white women. RWA includes submission to authority, aggression toward outgroups, and adherence to traditional norms.
  • Social Dominance Orientation—a belief in group-based hierarchies—also correlates with MAGA support, even among some women and people of color.

Race and Gender Matter

  • White Women show surprisingly high levels of authoritarianism and MAGA support, challenging assumptions that women are uniformly progressive.
  • Women of Color, by contrast, consistently show the lowest levels of authoritarianism and MAGA support, even when controlling for religiosity.

Religion as a Political Tool

  • MAGA leaders often invoke religious identity to legitimize their authority and mobilize voters. Trump’s use of phrases like “our religion” signals a vision of America as a white Christian nation.
  • Some former members of religious sects have even compared MAGA’s structure and messaging to authoritarian religious movements they escaped.

My Input

Religious fundamentalism and nationalist-tinged religious views are fueling authoritarian politics within the MAGA movement, putting Americans on a dangerous path, unseen since our war of independence in 1776.

Many of us probably never imagined America, a country that fought a world war to end fascism in Europe, would be on the precipice of falling to it at home. But we are.

Religion is fueling America’s flirtation with fascism.

We’re in a high-conflict / high-stakes environment, where groups (like MAGA) with an undying commitment to religious, political, and cultural identity flourish. Through Group Cohesion, Mobilization Power, and Clear Identity, MAGA’s loyalty, zeal, and adherence to rigid beliefs serve as the engine to Trump’s authoritarian politics.

To many in the MAGA movement, America’s constitutional democracy takes a back seat to religious and cultural identity. When MAGA members think the Constitution infringes on their perception of America’s religious or cultural identity, they’re okay with disregarding or tossing the Constitution altogether.

So, how do millions of Americans who don’t have the Group Cohesion, Mobilization Power, and Clear Identity of MAGA fight fascism and save democracy?

Because honestly, this fight is coming.

Fascism doesn’t go away on its own – it either takes root, or it’s rooted out.

Donald Trump manufactures and feeds the MAGA mob a constant diet of chaos, grievance, conspiracy theories, and lies. It’s the lifeblood of that movement.

Authoritarian forces are clamping down on democratic institutions and values in America. And because the confederacy of cowards in Congress refuses to serve as a check on executive power and because the judiciary continues to provide cover for Trump’s unchecked power, the last line of defense is citizen resistance, led by the pragmatic and morality-driven.

Pragmatic and morality-driven groups tend to be more adaptable and sustainable over time, as explained here by Arty:

  • Flexibility: Pragmatists can adapt their strategies to changing conditions, which is crucial in complex societies.
  • Cooperation: Morality-driven groups foster trust and reciprocity, which are essential for large-scale collaboration and innovation.
  • Reduced Internal Conflict: Moral norms help regulate behavior and reduce destructive competition within the group.

“While fanaticism is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that can dominate revolutionary movements like MAGA, it often burns out or fractures when the environment shifts. Whereas morality and pragmatism are slower-burning fuels that build civilizations, institutions, and long-term alliances.”

With the Epstein files we’re seeing a slight shift in the environment, causing some turmoil and fractures in the MAGA-sphere. But I don’t think we can rely on an Epstein-file-fueled MAGA collapse to save America.

Here is how American citizens can push back against fascism, with some help from Arty:

Build Parallel Structures of Power

  • Grassroots organizing: Form local networks that provide mutual aid, legal support, and community safety. These become lifelines when official institutions fail.
  • Alternative media: Create and support independent journalism to counter propaganda and amplify truth.
  • Solidarity economies: Support cooperatives and local businesses that resist authoritarian influence.

Shift the Narrative

  • Expose authoritarian tactics: Use storytelling, art, and social media to reveal abuses and rally public opinion.
  • Frame resistance as patriotic: Reclaim national symbols and values to show that defending democracy is not fringe—it’s foundational.

Strategic Nonviolent Resistance

According to civil resistance experts like Gene Sharp and Erica Chenoweth:

  • Disruption works: Strikes, boycotts, and mass noncooperation can paralyze authoritarian regimes.
  • 3.5% rule: Movements that mobilize at least 3.5% of the population in sustained nonviolent protest have historically succeeded in toppling regimes.

Forge Broad Coalitions

  • Cross-ideological unity: Bring together liberals, conservatives, religious groups, labor unions, and marginalized communities around shared democratic values.
  • Intersectional movements: Link struggles—racial justice, climate action, LGBTQ+ rights—to build a united front.

Protect Vulnerable Communities

  • Rapid response teams: Organize legal observers, medics, and safe houses.
  • Digital security: Train activists in encryption and surveillance evasion.

Defend Electoral Integrity

Even if institutions are compromised:

  • Monitor elections: Document abuses and mobilize international attention.
  • Run insurgent candidates: Use local races to build power from the ground up.

Learn from Global Movements

  • South Korea: Citizens blocked martial law by physically surrounding Parliament.
  • Chile: Small affinity groups quietly resisted Pinochet’s dictatorship through coordinated strikes and art.
  • Belarus: Decentralized protests nearly toppled Lukashenko despite brutal repression.

The Yellow Tangerine

Sing to the cadence of “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles.

In the town
where I was born
lived a boy
of wealth and greed

and his dad
was full of scorn
at his mediocrity

The child failed
in many ways
and wasn’t liked
by anyone

Dodged the draft
and spent his days
trying to shaft
the moon and sun

Now . .

We all know
he’s a yellow tangerine
yellow tangerine,
yellow tangerine

We all know
he’s a yellow tangerine
yellow tangerine
yellow tangerine

Russia knew
his debt had grown
So, they groomed the tangerine
and they threw
this Don a bone
To help him beat
ole Hillary

Now . . .

We all live
in a Donald Trump regime
a Donald Trump regime
a Donald Trump regime

We all live
in a Donald Trump regime
a Donald Trump regime
a Donald Trump regime

Bezos, Musk,
and Lindsay Graham
Zuckerberg
and Taylor Green

create the grift
inside the scam
that’s getting more
and more obscene

Now . . .

We all live
in a Donald Trump regime
a Donald Trump regime
a Donald Trump regime

We all live
in a Donald Trump regime
a Donald Trump regime
a Donald Trump regime

Epstein’s list
of pedophiles
is of course a great concern

that is why
the Tangerine
wants the congress to adjourn

He’s a crook
and fascist thug
a narcissist extraordinaire

But to some
he is a drug to help them deal
with their despair

So . .

We all live
in a Donald Trump regime
a Donald Trump regime
a Donald Trump regime
We all live
in a Donald Trump regime
a Donald Trump regime
a Donald Trump regime

Let’s Ask Arty about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

Let’s Ask Arty uses existing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to query LLMs about politics in these troubled times.

Query 1: Do DOGE employees have access to classified information, and do they have access to the social security data of private citizens? Who oversees DOGE to make sure they are not breaking laws or violating privacy rights of US citizens?

DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) employees have reportedly gained access to classified information and sensitive data, including Social Security records, through various federal systems. Concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency regarding how DOGE staff are vetted and monitored before being granted such access.

Regarding Social Security data, DOGE has been accused of accessing sensitive information, such as names, birth dates, and earnings, as part of an anti-fraud initiative. This has sparked legal challenges and privacy concerns, with unions and advocacy groups seeking court intervention to block DOGE’s access.

Oversight of DOGE appears to be limited, as it operates under the Trump administration’s directives to streamline government operations. However, lawsuits and congressional inquiries have been initiated to address potential violations of privacy rights and ensure compliance with laws like the Privacy Act of 1974.

The situation has prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability in DOGE’s operations.

Query 2: Please provide a detailed list of the erroneous information posted on the DOGE wall of receipts.

The “wall of receipts” from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been criticized for containing numerous inaccuracies and misleading claims.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of some of the errors:

  1. Overstated Contract Values:
    • A contract listed as an $8 billion savings for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was actually worth only $8 million.
    • A $232 million savings claim for the Social Security Administration turned out to be a much smaller $560,000 project.
  2. Duplicate Listings:
    • A $650 million USAID contract was listed three times, inflating the savings.
    • A single $25 million Department of Agriculture contract was quadruple-counted, resulting in a false claim of $100 million in savings.
  3. Misrepresentation of Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs):
    • DOGE included BPAs, which are catalogs of potential purchases rather than actual spending, as canceled contracts. This exaggerated the savings by at least $1 billion.
  4. Credit Lines Misrepresented as Savings:
    • Some contracts, like the ICE contract mentioned earlier, were credit lines that might never have been fully utilized.
  5. Savings from Previous Administrations:
    • Certain cuts, such as a $1.9 billion reduction at the Treasury Department, occurred under President Biden’s administration but were claimed by DOGE.
  6. Errors in Real Estate Savings:
    • DOGE attributed $144.6 million to real estate savings without providing supporting details, making independent verification difficult.
  7. Deleted Claims:
    • After scrutiny, DOGE removed its top five savings claims, including the ICE and USAID contracts, but did not adjust the total savings figure, which continued to grow without explanation.

These errors have raised significant questions about the credibility of DOGE’s claims and the methodology behind their calculations.

Query 3: Please list the “mistake firings” that DOGE made and the potential impact those firings had on America’s national security.

DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) has faced significant criticism for its mistake firings, which have had serious implications for America’s national security. Here are some notable examples:

Mistake Firings
  1. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA):
    • DOGE mistakenly fired hundreds of employees working on nuclear weapons programs, including those responsible for reassembling warheads. These roles require the highest levels of clearance and expertise.
    • Many of these firings were later rescinded, but the disruption caused confusion and delays.
  2. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA):
    • DOGE laid off 130 employees from CISA, which plays a critical role in defending against cyber threats. This move weakened the agency’s ability to counter malicious cyber activities, particularly from adversaries like China.
  3. Department of Agriculture:
    • Employees working on combating bird flu were mistakenly terminated. This error jeopardized efforts to control the outbreak and ensure food safety.
  4. Veterans Affairs (VA):
    • DOGE planned to cut contracts and lay off workers essential for veterans’ healthcare, including those involved in sterility certification and air quality testing. These cuts risked compromising patient safety and care quality.

Potential Impact on National Security

  • Nuclear Security: The firings at NNSA undermined the systems securing the nation’s nuclear arsenal, raising concerns about the safety and readiness of these critical assets.
  • Cybersecurity: The loss of skilled personnel at CISA weakened the U.S.’s ability to defend against cyberattacks, leaving vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit.
  • Public Health: The termination of experts working on bird flu and food safety posed risks to public health and the agricultural sector.
  • Veterans’ Care: Cuts at the VA threatened the well-being of veterans and the operational integrity of healthcare facilities.

Query 4: Compare the dollar amount of savings from the cuts made by DOGE to the deficit increase expected from the proposed budget from the Republican Congress.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claims to have saved $105 billion through various measures like asset sales, contract cancellations, and fraud detection. Meanwhile, the proposed budget from the Republican Congress is expected to increase the deficit by $3 trillion over the next decade, primarily due to $4.5 trillion in tax cuts offset by $1.5 trillion in spending cuts.

In comparison, DOGE’s savings amount to just 3.5% of the projected deficit increase from the Republican budget. This stark contrast highlights the scale of the deficit challenge and the relatively modest impact of DOGE’s savings in addressing it.

My Input

Imagine the collective apoplectic outrage from MAGA morons had a democrat President hired a private citizen (like George Soros) with deep partisan ties to the democratic party and no expertise in government to go on a slash-and-burn operation, with no concern about the impact on individual privacy rights, national security, and the health and wellbeing of American citizens. That is happening today with Elon Musk’s inexperienced, incompetent, unaccountable, and callous DOGE team.

There is a right way to audit government agencies for waste, fraud, and abuse, and then there’s the DOGE way.

The right way is to rely on non-partisan Inspectors General (IGs), which serve as watchdogs investigating waste, fraud, and abuse within federal government agencies. Trump undermined the independence of IGs when he fired (without cause) 17 of them early in his presidency and replaced them with loyalists. Trump’s claim that it is standard practice for an incoming president to fire and replace IGs is a lie (shocking, I know).

IGs are meant to transcend political transitions.

DOGE is supposed to collaborate with IGs in their federal agency audits. The Treasury Department’s office of the IG has already raised concerns about the collaboration. It recently launched an audit to investigate DOGE’s access to federal systems and handling of sensitive data. This audit of DOGE by the Treasury Department IG was fueled by concerns about DOGE’s potential misuse of government resources and the lack of transparency in DOGE operations (as mentioned by Arty).

The anti-government sentiment that propels DOGE is so prevalent and infective with MAGA that millions of MAGA followers don’t seem to care about the truthfulness of DOGE claims, the damage to America’s national security, the human cost to our fellow citizens, or that DOGE has no oversight or accountability for their actions.

And finally, the cartoonish display from Elon Musk at CPAC with his chainsaw encapsulates the lack of empathy and the dangerous and Social Darwinistic direction America is heading.

When it comes to DOGE, let’s be courageous and call out the outrageous.

Let’s Ask Arty!

Let’s Ask Arty uses existing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to query LLMs about politics in these troubled times.

Query1: Do humans seek facts or do they rely on information sources that confirm their existing biases?

Great question! Human behavior regarding information-seeking can be complex. People often demonstrate a tendency known as “confirmation bias,” where they favor information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs and overlook or dismiss information that challenges those views. This can create echo chambers, especially in today’s digital age, where algorithms can amplify content that matches one’s interests and biases.

However, this isn’t the whole story. Many people actively seek out factual information and strive to consider multiple perspectives to develop a well-rounded understanding. Some individuals are more inclined toward critical thinking and skepticism, which helps them scrutinize information sources more carefully. In the end, it seems to be a blend of both tendencies, influenced by factors such as education, cognitive styles, and the information environment.

Query2: What human traits and characteristics lead them to actively seek out factual information to overcome confirmation bias?

Certain traits and characteristics can drive individuals to actively seek out factual information and overcome confirmation bias:

  1. Open-mindedness: People who are open to new experiences and perspectives are more likely to seek out diverse sources of information and consider viewpoints that differ from their own.
  2. Intellectual Curiosity: A strong desire to learn and understand the world motivates individuals to gather accurate and comprehensive information, even if it challenges their beliefs.
  3. Critical Thinking: Individuals who engage in critical thinking are skilled at analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and questioning assumptions, which helps them identify biases and seek out reliable sources.
  4. Humility: Recognizing one’s own limitations and the possibility of being wrong fosters a willingness to update beliefs based on new evidence.
  5. Empathy: Understanding and valuing others’ perspectives encourages individuals to consider information that might contradict their own views.
  6. Education and Awareness: Higher levels of education and awareness about cognitive biases can empower individuals to actively seek out factual information and strive for a balanced understanding.

These traits and characteristics can help individuals navigate the vast amount of information available and make informed decisions. Do you see any of these traits in yourself or others around you?

Query3: Which nations are best at teaching students how to think critically?

Several countries are recognized for their strong emphasis on critical thinking in education. Here are a few notable ones:

  1. Finland: Known for its innovative education system, Finland emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and student autonomy. The Finnish curriculum encourages students to question, analyze, and engage in deep learning.
  2. Singapore: Singapore’s education system is highly regarded for its focus on critical thinking and creativity. The curriculum is designed to develop students’ analytical skills and encourage them to think independently.
  3. Canada: Canadian schools prioritize critical thinking and inquiry-based learning. The education system encourages students to explore, ask questions, and develop their own understanding of concepts.
  4. Netherlands: The Dutch education system promotes critical thinking through project-based learning and collaborative activities. Students are encouraged to think critically, solve problems, and work together to find solutions.
  5. Australia: Australian schools emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum is designed to help students develop the ability to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions.

These countries have implemented educational practices that foster critical thinking and prepare students for the complexities of the modern world.

Regarding the suppression of critical thinking to promote religious values and belief systems, some countries do indeed prioritize religious indoctrination over critical thinking. For example, in certain countries, religious education is heavily integrated into the curriculum, and questioning religious doctrines is discouraged. This can limit students’ exposure to diverse perspectives and hinder their ability to think critically about different belief systems.

My input:

You’re probably wondering what questions about critical thinking have to do with politics and the troubled times America is in.

Have you ever wondered why President Trump publicly stated, “I love the uneducated?” or why the Trump administration is so fixated on getting rid of the Department of Education? or why Republicans are pushing legislation on the state level to incorporate Christianity into public schools?

I contend that Donald Trump and the MAGA-infected Republican party understand a population of critical thinkers would be disastrous to their platform and agenda and that the dumbing-down of future generations is critical to their existence.

An electorate of religiously indoctrinated citizens who can’t think critically is susceptible to lies and manipulation. For example, an uneducated electorate stuck in their own confirmation bias without the intellectual wherewithal to differentiate fact from fiction or the ability to pick apart half-truths and misinformation inserted into political speeches and policy statements might vote for a convicted felon and self-acknowledged sexual abuser and send our democracy into a tailspin.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson told Americans the way to learn how he feels about any issue is to read the Bible. ‘That’s my worldview, that’s what I believe.’ The increase of religiosity in the Republican party should be a huge red flag to Americans who cherish living in a secular and pluralistic society.  The GOP’s embrace of Christianity as a national religion is a genuine threat to the American way of life and critical thought. Religion tells you what to think, not how to think.

The dumbing-down of Americans by Trump and the MAGA-infected Republicans is purposeful and strategic. It’s part of their long game to remain in power for decades.

Free thinkers and progressives better come up with a strategy of their own to counter this or we run the risk of being ruled by an American Taliban.

Spit and Gravel

Look at all the fabricated posts

from the father, son, and the wholly most

mother-Zucker serves a roast

and the saluting Nazi gives a toast

“All that matters is what we’ve grossed”

humility dies inside the boast

our nation’s veins become thrombosed

when hate and greed are double-dosed

We need a Dylan of our own

calling out the orange overgrown

fascist fuckwad on his throne

autocratic in his tone

his wind-filled ego overblown

a head that’s crammed with nothing known

as knives cut justice to the bone

he snaps her picture with his phone

he loves how she’s become so prone

to wickedness and testosterone

As lies unfurl and we unravel

As truth gets bashed by the Speaker’s gavel

The blood-soaked trail on which truth travels

gets paved with liar’s spit and gravel