Irrationality and cheating in politics: A warning against Trump
In today’s political landscape, we increasingly see irrationality and cheating being employed as strategies to gain and maintain power. This phenomenon not only undermines the foundations of a healthy democracy but also opens the door for leaders who are willing to sacrifice ethics and integrity for personal gain.
What do I mean by irrationality and cheating?
Irrationality and cheating involve tactics such as lying, using illogical reasoning, making unfounded claims, and never admitting mistakes or falsehoods. Politicians guilty of this frame all their actions as successes, regardless of reality. By employing these strategies, they manipulate public debate and weaken voters' ability to make informed decisions.
The rhetorical advantage for politicians
Politicians using irrationality and dishonest tactics can benefit in several ways:
Attracting attention: Shocking and inaccurate statements generate media attention, keeping these politicians constantly in the spotlight.
Avoiding complexity: By simplifying complex issues with unfounded claims, they present themselves as effective problem-solvers.
Undermining opponents: Dishonest politicians discredit their rivals with lies and distortions without concern for the truth.
Emotional resonance: Irrational rhetoric can evoke strong emotions like fear or anger, which can mobilize voters.
Attractiveness for followers
Followers of these politicians also find benefits in embracing irrationality:
Simple answers: It offers simple solutions to complex problems, appealing to those who feel overwhelmed. This makes it easy for even those with limited knowledge of politics and society to be outspoken.
Confirmation of beliefs: Irrational statements can reinforce existing biases and beliefs.
Us-versus-them mentality: It fosters a sense of unity against a perceived enemy or establishment.
Less responsibility: By disregarding the norms of reason, followers are not held accountable for their views.
How they get away with it
This dynamic is often sustained by the increasing perception of politics as a game or sport:
Normalization of dishonesty: Dishonest tricks are admired as clever strategies rather than condemned as ethically wrong.
Media framing: Commentators sometimes praise the effectiveness of unethical tactics without highlighting the moral implications.
Lack of accountability: If there are no consequences for irrationality and cheating, these behaviors are encouraged.
A warning against Trump
I warn against Donald Trump, who takes these tactics to the extreme. His behavior poses a direct threat to democratic values and institutions. Here is a selection of examples:
- Undermining democratic processes: Trump pardoned loyal individuals and falsely claimed election fraud, eroding trust in the electoral system. This directly threatens the integrity of elections, striking at the core of democracy.
- Violation of laws and norms: Trump is involved in multiple legal proceedings related to election interference, financial misconduct, and fraud. He has been indicted in several criminal cases and found liable in civil cases, including one for sexual abuse and defamation. This pattern of lawbreaking undermines the rule of law.
- Attacks on the separation of powers: By appointing a large number of judges, Trump has secured lasting influence on the judiciary. His attacks on independent institutions like the FBI and CIA, as well as labeling the media as “enemies of the people,” weaken the essential pillars of a functioning democracy.
- Personal gain over public interest: Trump and his family financially benefited from his presidency. His refusal to distance himself from his business interests led to serious conflicts of interest and possible misuse of taxpayer funds.
- Weakening international relations: Trump maintained close relationships with authoritarian leaders while weakening traditional allies. This strained international organizations like NATO and diminished the United States' global standing.
- COVID-19 pandemic: Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by downplaying its severity and spreading misleading information. This likely contributed to higher infection and death rates in the United States.
- A legion of liars: Trump repeatedly made false claims and appointed staff willing to perpetuate these lies. Fact-checkers documented thousands of false or misleading statements during his presidency, undermining trust in facts and truth.
The fight against moral degradation: A call to action
The normalization of moral degradation—encompassing both irrationality and cheating—poses serious risks to democracy and the world at large. The upcoming US elections offer a crucial opportunity to vote against this decline, rejecting lies and deceit. Failing to do so will lead to significant problems, not only in the United States but also internationally.
It is essential that voters recognize these threats and choose leaders who are committed to truth, integrity, and the public good. By resisting the forces of moral degradation, we can work toward a political system that upholds the values of justice, transparency, and respect for all citizens.
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