Full Reichstag Fire

[Whiskey]

And - if Antifa is "something that doesn't even exist," could the same be said about semi-fascists? Where do we draw the distinctions on existence or not?

I have been uncertain about this, just as I am uncertain about the claim that there are no extremist trans activists. I mean, who were the dudes who showed up at rallies to punch Neo-Nazis? The ones wearing makeshift body armor and such? I guess there is no Antifa headquarters and PO Box? On the extremist trans activists, I could have sworn I did read an article some time ago about a small group of online trans radicals who perpetrated acts of violence.

The problem I have with Trump's use of these terms like radical left is that he applies them pretty sloppily to anyone who opposes him politically. Everyone he does not like is in danger of being called a "radical left lunatic," or some such. I doubt Trump really cares who the actual radical left people are. He and his ilk find it a lot more useful to call everyone he hates, and everyone who hates him, a radical left lunatic, or Antifa, or a trans terrorist or some such.

The dude is completely irresponsible in his messaging.

Trying to make sense of something based on the words that come out of Trump's mouth and thumbs, is a fool's errand.

I prefer the challenge of figuring out this "doesn't exist" and "exists" distinction without that dude's contribution. In fact, your post piques my interest more in the foundation of the "doesn't exist" explanation/rumor. Where did it really, really, really start?

[Kishkumen]

OK, I stand corrected. I was thinking of the Zizians, who are lead by Ziz LaSota, the transgender computer engineer. They are hard to pin down exactly, but they kinda of seem like anarchists with a lot of overlap with the left. Wikipedia claims that the Zizians are predominantly transgender and non-binary. I don't know that it is a requirement, that said.

But I can see why someone would take this tiny group and hold it up as the poster child of wacko left-wing radicalism. Obviously the situation is a lot more complicated than that, but that never stopped propagandists from using such an opportunity.

[Kishkumen]

Trying to make sense of something based on the words that come out of Trump's mouth and thumbs, is a fool's errand.

True. I don't think his basic purpose is mysterious, but he does not speak and write in ways that make much sense.

I prefer the challenge of figuring out this "doesn't exist" and "exists" distinction without that dude's contribution. In fact, your post piques my interest more in the foundation of the "doesn't exist" explanation/rumor. Where did it really, really, really start?

Oh, well, I don't trust the Democrats when it comes to the claim that these things don't exist. I have noted many instances in which the first position they have taken is to act like something doesn't exist.

"What attack on Bernie Sanders?"

"What government collusion with the banks to root out Occupy Wall Street?"

"Occupy Wall Street has no objectives! They don't know what they want!"

It is one bizarre denial after another, to the point where I immediately question the idea that there is absolutely nothing underpinning the belief in the existence of Antifa, radical trans extremists, or some such.

I don't trust MAGA not to blow whatever it is they are talking about completely out of proportion and use labels in devious, divisive ways, but the Democrats have almost two decades of denying the existence of things that are pretty obviously in existence.

[Whiskey]

It is one bizarre denial after another, to the point where I immediately question the idea that there is absolutely nothing underpinning the belief in the existence of Antifa, radical trans extremists, or some such.

I don't trust MAGA not to blow whatever it is they are talking about completely out of proportion and use labels in devious, divisive ways, but the Democrats have almost two decades of denying the existence of things that are pretty obviously in existence.

This is not what I would call the horseshoe, but it is the same concept. THAT ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^, that conclusion there, that is where I sit until I am forced from that position with overwhelming conviction.

One side is denying what is there while the other side is seeing ghosts. And frankly, the sides are interchangeable on any given day or topic. From war to antifa to red soda pop, doesn't goddamn matter the topic. Didn't see it, saw something that ain't there, as needed, check back tomorrow.

ETA: Inflation. Nope, can't see it. Lookie here, can't buy a frozen dinner these days. The war on drugs. Trans social contagion. Nope, can't see it. Young men voting red and raging against the woke crap in their high schools - never happened and it is going to flip New Jersey Red. I could go on, and on, and on. By far, this is the most interesting part of the political theater right now.

[Whiskey]

OK, I stand corrected. I was thinking of the Zizians, who are lead by Ziz LaSota, the transgender computer engineer. They are hard to pin down exactly, but they kinda of seem like anarchists with a lot of overlap with the left. Wikipedia claims that the Zizians are predominantly transgender and non-binary. I don't know that it is a requirement, that said.

But I can see why someone would take this tiny group and hold it up as the poster child of wacko left-wing radicalism. Obviously the situation is a lot more complicated than that, but that never stopped propagandists from using such an opportunity.

Hell - YES! on this point. Hell yes. Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllllllllllllllllllll YES!

Why? Because it works. It works AWESOMELY. Charlotte hoax, rogue cop, a shooter, 4 chan and Q. It works. You ever see a KKK idiot walking through the Walmar, piggly wiggly or that beaver gas station? No. But half the country is represented by a KKK dude hanging black dudes every weekend, apparently.

[Kishkumen]

Yep. OK. Well, sorry Whiskey. I guess I spend a lot of time reacting to your style of posting. I think we have chosen different strategies for how to deal with the present situation, but maybe our views of some of the problems are not as far apart as I frequently suppose.

[Whiskey]

Yep. OK. Well, sorry Whiskey. I guess I spend a lot of time reacting to your style of posting. I think we have chosen different strategies for how to deal with the present situation, but maybe our views of some of the problems are not as far apart as I frequently suppose.

I think there is less distinction in our views than commonality. Particularly, if you remove the outcome from the conversation and look at the parts, factors and process. On the outcomes - yes, we are Miami v. the other school.

[Kishkumen]

I think there is less distinction in our views than commonality. Particularly, if you remove the outcome from the conversation and look at the parts, factors and process. On the outcomes - yes, we are Miami v. the other school.

So it seems!

[canpakes]

Particularly, don't do so when your conclusions are damned asinine and pulled from your ass like pork.

If that’s how you’re seasoning your BBQ, you’re doing it wrong.

[Whiskey]

I think there is less distinction in our views than commonality. Particularly, if you remove the outcome from the conversation and look at the parts, factors and process. On the outcomes - yes, we are Miami v. the other school.

So it seems!

Apologies - and understanding. Thanks, man.