One of the themes of discussion around the 1/6 hearings is how there need to be consequences for the things that have been done by the various parties—most specifically Trump and the circle of people around him that pushed and enabled things.
What people mean by that is that there need to be negative consequences for the people who did these things—because there are always consequences for any action or lack of action—by definition.
So far, for many of these people, the consequences have either not been particularly bad or they have actually been positive. Overall, to this point, it looks like the overall outcome of pushing the Big Lie for the GoP will be largely positive. Donald Trump is currently the odds on favorite to win the Presidency in 2024. The GoP looks to regain at least a House majority in 2022. Things are looking good for Coup 2.0 in 2024 if the GoP Presidential candidate doesn’t actually win—by looking good I mean that 1) they will attempt it; and 2) it will likely succeed.
What it all comes down to is that our current system of incentives is inadequate to the times and the situations.
Incentives are, in one sense, the expectation of consequences based upon historical experience. If I do X, then it seems highly likely that the outcome (for me) will be Y.
Individuals and organizations do the things that they do based upon the expectation of consequences—incentive. If you are constantly (and well) rewarded for being (for lack of a better term) bad, then you will be bad. If you are rewarded for being good, then you will be good.
The media has helped to create a very antagonistic culture on the basis of incentives. This applies to both the traditional media and the newer forms (social media and infotainment). This is because strong emotion and antagonism motivates viewership—engagement. Bad news is more interesting than good news.
This puts pressure on other parts of the system. Politics tends to follow the flow of the media because it is highly media dependent. Politicians observe what works for the media personalities and they copycat in hopes of similar outcomes.
In both cases (media and politics) we end up with entities pandering and seeking views/market share because this results in increased profits (the media) or increased political power (politicians).
People—viewers and voters—see this as natural. It is expected. It is even desired. We decry the results of it, yet we continue to participate in the system, continue to provide the expected rewards. We like to perceive ourselves as the victims of the situation rather than major contributors (perhaps THE major contributors) to the situation.
Look at what the evil media and the evil politicians are doing to us! Look at how we are being manipulated! A surrender of agency.
Except people do have agency and could have a major effect. The problem is getting them to realize it (in sufficient numbers) and then getting them to use it (in sufficient numbers).
Hey, R...100% agree with this. Think the problem is indeed as you stated at the very end. So, what the hell can be done about getting 'sufficient numbers' in both the areas of realization and action, considering that realization must happen 1st to have any chance of the second.
Not being a smart ass here! This is all just so damned frustrating...knowing what 'needs' to happen and having not a clue as to what to actually try do about it. I realize an individual's options are limited by a lot of different things, but still...
Don't take this the wrong way. I'm just blowin' off a little steam here, I guess. I read a lot of things from a lot of places, and you and most others I read are pretty keen and skilled 'observers'. And I'm no slacker in the opinion / commenting department. Just wondering if you have a clue about the 'secret sauce' required to turn all this observing and commenting into something more than a balm for our egos? 'Cause that ain't gonna' be of much consequence in the end.
Sorry, guess that sounds a bit extreme and cynical, and like I said, it's not directed at you...or anyone in particular, for that matter. I know I have my 'vote' as a means to stand against all this bullshit, but beyond that, my tank seems pretty empty, and is running drier by the day.