Representative Mike Johnson’s claim of reciting a daily prayer by Thomas Jefferson was demonstrably false, given Jefferson’s well-documented skepticism of organized religion. This falsehood, coupled with Johnson’s history of dishonesty, including his role in promoting election fraud claims, suggests a deliberate attempt to rewrite history. This action aligns with the broader strategy of Christian nationalists to reshape historical narratives to support their agenda, exemplified by figures like David Barton who actively promote misinformation. The normalization of such dishonesty within the Republican party, fueled by years of unchecked lying, erodes faith in truth and enables the spread of harmful falsehoods.
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Donald Trump’s rapid revision of the January 6th Capitol attack mirrors the decades-long Confederate narrative shift. Within four years, a deadly assault on American democracy became, for many, a peaceful protest against political persecution. This parallels the “Lost Cause” mythology surrounding the Civil War, where treason was recast as honor. Experts highlight the manipulation of facts and norms by bad-faith actors, enabling the acceptance of demonstrably false narratives. This swift rewriting of history demonstrates the power of repeated lies and unwavering loyalty within a political base.
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As a Virginian, I was stunned to hear the news that the Virginia Senate had passed a bill to strip Confederate organizations of tax breaks. My initial reaction was one of disbelief, followed by a sense of outrage. How is it possible that in 2024, Confederate organizations were still receiving tax breaks in the first place? It made me question the logic behind such a decision and the implications it carries.
The fact that Confederate organizations were benefiting from tax breaks is perplexing on many levels. These organizations represent a dark chapter in American history, one that is stained with division, hatred, and treason.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker