Prior to Trump, I think I would have agreed with you, EEE, but I've come to realize how economic issues can be trumped (no pun intended) by cultural issues. Right wing media is skilled at waving shiny cultural objects in its viewers faces and embedding fear and outrage in the consciousness of its viewers. A significant portion seem to fixate on them and be willing to forgo any economic or even health gains associated with Democratic policies. Look Bubba, they are going to take your guns away (never mind that Bubba has type 2 diabetes and SCOTUS has clearly ruled in favor of the 2nd amendment). Or, Bubba, the liberals are trashing our religion with their secular ways (never mind that that Bubba lives in squalor and the churches he favors are thriving and exempt from taxation). The GOP is so skilled at exploiting similar issues related to gender, fear of "the other", education, language (pronouns), etc. And of course, some on the far left foolishly set the table by their overreach. Tribal identity and signaling to your fellow travelers is done by everyone and it's of paramount importance in Trumpistan. Peter T.
Shiny Objects
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Prior to Trump, I think I would have agreed with you, EEE, but I've come to realize how economic issues can be trumped (no pun intended) by cultural issues. Right wing media is skilled at waving shiny cultural objects in its viewers faces and embedding fear and outrage in the consciousness of its viewers. A significant portion seem to fixate on them and be willing to forgo any economic or even health gains associated with Democratic policies. Look Bubba, they are going to take your guns away (never mind that Bubba has type 2 diabetes and SCOTUS has clearly ruled in favor of the 2nd amendment). Or, Bubba, the liberals are trashing our religion with their secular ways (never mind that that Bubba lives in squalor and the churches he favors are thriving and exempt from taxation). The GOP is so skilled at exploiting similar issues related to gender, fear of "the other", education, language (pronouns), etc. And of course, some on the far left foolishly set the table by their overreach. Tribal identity and signaling to your fellow travelers is done by everyone and it's of paramount importance in Trumpistan. Peter T.
