The rightwing media ecosystem spins up narratives to serve their agendas after tragic events, regardless of accuracy

The lies ignore overwhelming evidence of Boelter’s actual politics: his roommate David Carlson told reporters Boelter voted for Trump and “was a strong supporter”. Other longtime friends told local media Boelter was right-leaning. While Minnesota voters don’t list party affiliation, he was registered as a Republican in Oklahoma in 2004.

Boelter’s own recorded sermons expose his extremist views. Preaching in Congo in 2023, he is recorded as saying: “The churches are so messed up, they don’t know abortion is wrong.” He ranted against LGBTQ people as “confused,” claiming “the enemy has gotten so far into their mind and their soul”. His alleged hit list included abortion providers and pro-choice advocates.

  • pelespirit@sh.itjust.worksOPMEnglish
    21·
    5 days ago

    There are things you can do.

    • Call it out when you see it and then walk away. The trolls are very good at soft language to try and get you hooked into the conversation. I’m pretty good at spotting it and still get roped in occasionally.
    • Downvote titles that have “Trump said…” most of the time. He’s just using the firehose.
    • Downvote titles that have “Trump’s bill…” or “Trump’s DOJ…” (FDA, VA, etc.) type posts Most of these are Republicans doing this, not trump. Having his name in the headline makes it seem like it’s inevitable, when the Republicans can fire him at any time they want. They can also not let his shit through.
    • Don’t let people constantly go after the democrat(s) when the Republicans are literally burning the world down, grifting and stealing while killing people and being racist af.
    • Support your neighbors and community. If all of us protect the people in our bubbles, there’s going to be a lot of overlapping of protection.
    • sychthys@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      5 days ago

      These are all very excellent points, thank you!

      The fight needs to be bigger, though. Individual action is important and does cause a snowball effect with enough momentum, but we’re fighting multiple full-on _industries _ that manufacture and/or spread vast amounts of misinformation. And that’s just in the US.

      That’s the daunting part, and a big part of what I was lamenting.

      • pelespirit@sh.itjust.worksOPMEnglish
        2·
        5 days ago

        There’s a vast amount fighting, moreso than I’ve seen in my lifetime. That should cheer you up. Republicans were at these protests too, that alone is something.