I couldn't agree more with all you've said, Reg. I've been saying for years that we're witnessing the most massive brainwashing ever. Listen to how Trump*, Hannity, and many of the other voices of conservative media repeat their talking points over and over and over again, drilling them into their followers' heads to the point where they probably fall asleep uttering them to themselves. The truth doesn't stand a chance. I hear what you're saying about keeping in touch with those who are caught up in the cult of Trump*. As I've mentioned here previously, I have a sister that I haven't spoken with since before the election, and as much as I need to reach out to her, I simply have no desire to engage in that act of futility knowing that any progress I may make with her, if any, will only be erased as soon as she tunes into any number of the deceitful conservative voices she can't seem to get enough of. Your words give me pause. There's nothing left to lose at this point except a few minutes of my time.

I agree, Peter -- conservative media loves to take the most ridiculous example of someone acting stupidly and associate an entire group of people with that one bad actor. It's the height of disingenuousness but it's incredibly effective. Limbaugh wrote the book on this.

The only thing that gives me hope at this point (not so much for me but for my daughter) is that the conservative following is an aging demographic, and the younger generations don't seem to be so easily duped by its message.

Books will be written about what led up to this point in our country's history, and if they're honest they'll begin with the Fairness Doctrine (as Heathcliffe suggests) and conservative media.

Kevin g