A Corollary to my previous post.

I have to admit to being curious as to how most Americans can remain ignorant and brainwashed by special interests: especially those that work against their interest.

I was going to call this post "wedge issues" since that is partly how americans can be distracted.

Brainwashing doesn't take any sci-fi gadgetry or Manchurian Candidate hypnotism bullshit. There are all sorts of tried-and-true techniques that anyone can use to bypass the thinking part of your brain and flip a switch deep inside that says "OBEY."

Ever notice how the gun crowd likes to use their little cliche sayings, which I am not going repeat here. But they are so simple. The use of slogans is referred to as thought-stopping techniques because it does just that. Simple phrases that make one believe.

Until they are examined in detail.

Then they like to give black and white choices and use fear. Such as refutation through emotion: "Well, how will you like it if your girlfirend is raped if guns are removed from the public."

That's why those who support regulations on guns are referred to as "anti-gun". They must not like guns because they will tolerate regulation. That makes those who support regulation "against" us.

This technique is relatively new, but you'll see a lot more of it in the future. Someone will say to his supporters, "These guys work for the enemy, don't believe a word they say. Their lies will only poison your mind."

It's a black and white choice, which makes it easier to remain stuck in their position.

Studies show the brain is wired to get a quick high from reading things that agree with our point of view. The same studies proved that, strangely, we also get a rush from intentionally dismissing information that disagrees, no matter how well supported it is. Therefore, people aren't really going to work too hard to challenge their opinions.

Neither are they going to want to hear they are wrong no matter how well supported the refutation.