Friday Tab Clearing
Stories, links, and brief observations from the week that never grew into posts.
*Via WaPo: Iran’s new president Ebrahim Raisi consolidates hard-line grip as reformers pushed aside.
*Fro the “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” File (also WaPo): ‘Italygate’ election conspiracy theory was pushed by two firms led by woman who also falsely claimed $30 million mansion was hers.
*A thread on Tucker Carlson’s conspiracy theorizing from Texas A&M communication prof and expert on political rhetoric, Dr. Jennifer Mercieca:
*Meanwhile, Tucker calls General Milley a “pig” and “stupid” (and it seems whenever Tucker laughs like this it is a bad sign):
More here:
Tucker’s adherence to white nationalism is stark.
Here’s the full Milley clip:
“Mission accomplished.” -some guy named Bibi.
Thanks for the link to conspiracy theories, I will start a file of such links.
(I already have a file of QAnon links, which is basically a variation of Satanic Panic).
@charon:
Italygate is so convoluted I can barely follow it.
BLM, Antifa, now the FBI – you might wonder why they don’t get whiplash or overwhelmed.
I thought the Milley speech was brilliant and it gave me some faith in our senior military.
@CSK:
I think the Cliffs Notes version boils down to: A tale told by an idiot. Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
@Kathy:
I wonder if Trump would recognize even that quote, which has to be one of the most famous ever.
The TC Twitter thread used different language than I would have–but no less covers the main points of this family of techniques. It did not cover the tradecraft of TCs presentation which is where the real secret sauce lies. It does take a certain talent to execute which is TC has made himself wildly rich.
For comparison, both HRC and BO had the exact same training from the same consultant. HRC outperformed herself had she been untrained…but is a minor league compared with an equally trained BO.
The difference between Trump and DeSantis? Talent. You will never see a ‘God, Family, and Ron DeSantis sign on a run down trailer in rural America like you do for Trump.
I have a colleague who is a FB friend and a former Army Psyoper. We were part of a Task Force years ago to do [stuff] so I learn most of their trade during that period of time. Of course he’s a right winger so he posts memes all day. Very subtle persuasion, very good…but I know his game so I recognize the ingredients in his post and what they are designed to do. Many on his friend list do not so his meme logic strengthens their resolve that they have a just cause.
In a couple of conversations we’ve had when we crossed paths in person. He knows thse people are Rubes….but he hates Democrats so they are useful. I suspect this is a common sentiment amongst the Right Wing washed.
++ for Gen. Milley’s remarks. It’s what I would say, only better. It’s a great example of how communication skills are quite important for military leaders.
@CSK: I’m no better than Trump is on that one. While I recognize the quote itself, I have no idea which Ben Jonson play it’s from.
@Just nutha ignint cracker:
You’re such a japester.
@Just nutha ignint cracker:
Everyone knows it’s from Tennessee Williams.
@CSK:
I thought it was in Star Wars.
Gen. Milley expresses an interest in learning more about white rage, and Carlson rises to the call. Award that boy a gedunk and thank him for his service.