A recent article in the New York Times used the word gaslighting. It sounded familiar but I had to look it up. The term comes from a 1944 movie with Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotton, and that always-a-villain, Charles Boyer. In Gaslight, Boyer drives Bergman insane by misrepresenting reality, convincing her that she is losing her grip.
Suddenly I recognized what was happening to me! Those Republicans are clever! All those lies and distortions had got to me! I am going mad from GOP gaslighting!
After GOP leader Kevin McCarthy’s backtracking statement, “I don’t think anybody is questioning the legitimacy of the presidential election,” I wondered, did I only imagine his prior agreement with the Big Lie?
When Rep. Andrew Clyde (R) described the Capitol invaders on January 6, “…you would actually think it was a normal tourist visit.” I asked myself, did I only dream that Republican Congressman and Senators voted to throw out the 2020 election results, and “the Other Guy” egged the mob on?
Wake up, Barry!
Now, I have to tell myself, get your head straight, Barry! One of your lifelong beliefs is that nobody wants to be a liar. Am I wrong? How can I make sense of this?
Though it’s peacetime, Republicans believe we are at a total scorched-earth war. They may be correct. We know the saying, “Politics is war!” And in war, the first casualty is truth. Lying, disorienting, and deceiving are winning strategies. In war, openness and honesty are alarmingly stupid and guarantee instant failure.
From that view, gaslighting is not lying, it’s simply an effective, battle tactic.
Same World, Two Views
But I must retain my sanity. I must at least be true to my lifelong belief that everyone thinks what they do is justifiable. Both the Democrats and the Republicans must be trying to do what is right — as they each see it.
Here is what I see. From day one, Biden focused on getting control of the pandemic and the accompanying financial suffering. In contrast, Republicans continue their relentless attacks on Democrats. In other words, Democrats focus on policy and problem solving, Republicans focus on fighting a battle. Same world, totally different approaches.
You may have heard the saying, “Republicans fall in line, Democrats fall in love.” With less than a handful of exceptions, such as Mitt Romney, the 262 elected Republicans are unified along a single battle line.
Wake Up, Republicans!
For a moment let’s imagine a United States where our leaders are united in solving problems, planning together how to best come out from the pandemic, determining how to best bring greater equality, managing climate change, reducing police brutality and racism, and so on and so forth.
Wake up, Republicans! This is NOT a war. This is peacetime! We have complex problems to solve. That requires cooperation.
Sadly, I imagine their response being “In your dreams!” To me, their version is more like a nightmare.
Martin Luther King also had a dream. He movingly spoke of unity.
I know which I prefer. How about you?
Stay safe. My best wishes.
Thank you for reading.
me, Barry Phegan
Add Your Name below to my list to know when I have posted a new blog.
