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I think even that gives too much credit. Trump loves being antagonistic towards China (even though with the big picture of how much damage he's doing to global

I think even that gives too much credit. Trump loves being antagonistic towards China (even though with the big picture of how much damage he's doing to global perceptions of technology, the reliability of the US as a trading partner and Western alliances they really don't mind) and actively threatening the national sovereignty of random smaller countries that won't respond. But air quality is the sort of thing than libs care about, so from the point of view of his administration this woke nonsense must be stopped

Nevermark 2y ago
His power comes from managed appearances, bought with the destructive catharsis, that seems to sooth frustrated people with limited (social, economic, scientific, defense) horizons. Even his followers recognize that, but still respect him for pulling it off. “For them.” So yeah, there isn’t going to be a coherent plan behind this, other than adding chapters to the story he spins to keep his peeps engaged, as he dismantles and silences every form of effective opposition he can. The stories of who’s to blame for people’s frustrations, How he is the answer. What “we” “deserve” and he should take, others be damned. Who is for him vs. who is the “enemy”. What helps him vs. what is “waste”.
- TheOtherHobbes 2y ago
  The MAGA shtick is weaponised resentment and toddler rage against anyone who makes MAGAs feel stupid or morally defensive, on top of the usual conservative rage triggers against anyone "weird" or non-conforming, especially sexually. Science, scientists, any morally secure adult professionals, are near the top of the list. "These people make me feel dumb, so I have to punch them in the face to compensate" is the underlying motivation. If it's not checked it's going to turn into a bloodbath against science and rationality in general.

Nevermark 2y ago

His power comes from managed appearances, bought with the destructive catharsis, that seems to sooth frustrated people with limited (social, economic, scientific, defense) horizons. Even his followers recognize that, but still respect him for pulling it off. “For them.” So yeah, there isn’t going to be a coherent plan behind this, other than adding chapters to the story he spins to keep his peeps engaged, as he dismantles and silences every form of effective opposition he can. The stories of who’s to blame for people’s frustrations, How he is the answer. What “we” “deserve” and he should take, others be damned. Who is for him vs. who is the “enemy”. What helps him vs. what is “waste”.

TheOtherHobbes 2y ago
The MAGA shtick is weaponised resentment and toddler rage against anyone who makes MAGAs feel stupid or morally defensive, on top of the usual conservative rage triggers against anyone "weird" or non-conforming, especially sexually. Science, scientists, any morally secure adult professionals, are near the top of the list. "These people make me feel dumb, so I have to punch them in the face to compensate" is the underlying motivation. If it's not checked it's going to turn into a bloodbath against science and rationality in general.