It's kind of a chicken and egg question. If people were less online or not on social media, the Charlie Kirks of the world would certainly wield less power b/c fewer people would pay attention to them, their pull being primarily a digital phenomenon. (Sure, the guy debated kids in person, but he rose to fame b/c of social media. And these clowns seem so much more ubiquitous in the smartphone era. Of course, so does everything else, but I digress...)

In a way, it's similar to all the negative publicity the media—left and right alike—gave to Trump during his rise. Whether he was considered the new face of conservatives, a menace, or a reality-tv joke, he thrived on all of it. Roy Cohn taught him that shtick and well, you know that cliche about bad publicity. If people had engaged less in the first place, we might not be here...

As for social media, I think the companies that run the main platforms are probably worse than Kirk ever was. And so, I've never participated. Seemed addictive, manipulative, shallow, and driven by venture capital bullshit, ads, and anxiety-inducing "popularity" nonsense from the start. Not to mention pretty easy to opt out of, even now. So why bother. I wholly understand why some people want (or need?) to stay on top of things and I don't think less of them for it, but for me, it's really not so different than say, buying a Tesla Truck or being a regular Amazon shopper. It was designed to pretty much suck. And it's still relatively easy to avoid.

rsmurphy wrote: Sun Sep 14, 2025 10:57 am Watching Donna Braziile nod her head in affirmation to Reince Priebus' praise of Kirk on This Week makes me wonder if she is intentionally ignoring Kirk's views about black women's brains having low processing power. Shameful. I get that in the public eye one has to play the game, but, honey, gurl, you are surrendering to the patriarchy and white supremacy by smiling politely.

Fuck all them hoes.

She seems like an establishment idiot most times I see her on TV. She's a regular on Bill Maher, laughing and playing along there too.

penningtron wrote: Sun Sep 14, 2025 11:03 amshe's a regular on Bill Maher, laughing and playing along there too.

Reince Priebus

I will never believe this is a real person’s name.

Ever.

MSNBC is normie conservative media. Of course, they will lionize Charlie Kirk, because they are afraid of looking too violent to the outside world. Calling the left terrorists is just playing on the offensive. Want proof of this? Brian Kilmeade can say we should kill mentally ill and homeless people to get rid of them and only needs to have a simple on-air apology for "going a bit too far." Matthew Dowd can quote Charlie Kirk and say, "hey this guy isn't so great" and he ruins his career. One side puts their foot in the water to see how far they can stick it in the muck, the other tries not to even dip a toe. It's infuriating, but this is just another reason not to pay attention to mainstream media on either side.

The rest of the fucking non-braindead world is becoming aware of who Groypers are, and now it's just a shit show of watching people backpedal on their calls for violence and retribution, all the while their poor jesus boy is being exposed even more so. The GOP is going to will his martyrdom into existence, but it seems that people who are not a fucking cult member aren't buying it.

And then there's the people not paying attention at all.

cakes wrote: Sun Sep 14, 2025 10:19 pmAnd then there's the people not paying attention at all.

^^^ The true winners of the past week in social media. Bless their hearts.

By the way, could someone get fired for posting this?

As on of the finest chroniclers of political events from the forum once said...

Lu Zwei wrote: Fri Jul 12, 2024 7:35 am It has and always will be about money, with "people's rights" just a side show in the process. And this has gone to such levels in the world, that only a big reset will do the trick.

They are happy to be with Trump in on the grift. They are happy with some side attention and the occasional crumbs along the way. They are happy to be the instruments and a part of the good oiled machine. They feel like it's their rightful place, and they get that kick out of bringing others down and "winning" against the opposition, while you argue up front.

Gay this, trans that, antifa, owning the libs, where are the files, culture wars, racist much, living less. That's about it.

DaveA wrote: Mon Sep 15, 2025 1:31 am By the way, could someone get fired for posting this?

Wow, I didn't know Jacobin still existed.

Yeah, sure, people can be fired for just about any reason.