Politicians who are legitimately stupid rarely get elected.

[tw]

Originally Posted by Griff

I do know smart people who put their brain through a lot of hoops to match their belief system.

Over 50% of us routinely do that. Ideological concepts are automatically converted into truth. Then seek soundbytes to support those myths. Many European dwellars still have no grasp of how strongly Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, etc do this brainwashing with extreme popularity.

Most ideology comes from "it was the first thing we were told". Most will hear something. And not say, "He provided no facts or number; so he is probably lying." That is always required to perform intelligent thought.

Those ‘always required’ underlying facts are necessary to not be an extremist. To not automatically believe what was told. How many drink Gatorade or Powerade because advertising (and no facts) says so? How many foolishly buy Red Bull at $2.50 a can. How many now buy Danon Yogurt because a miracle ingredient - digitalis rectalitis - creates better digestion. When science says no such proof exists. To know means always demanding the underlying facts and numbers. Most of us never do. Therefore have no idea how easily we are brainwashed.

How can that be? Only others are brainwashed? Therefore brainwashing works so easilyl. Those most manipulated by myths and lies will also deny the resulting brainwashing.

We have a benchmark for identifying those most easily brainwashed. Facts and numbers said no proof exists for Saddam's WMDs. How many were taken in by outright lies when even numbers said otherwise? It demonstrates how many can be easily brainwashed. That (and not some result of torture) is brainwashing.

Why did an overwhelming majority in Delaware vote against the once popular (9 time Congressman and Delaware Governor) Michael Castle to instead nominate the witch Christine O'Donnell? She went on Fox News as a wacko extremist spokesperson for Tea Party philosophies. Then was suddenly popular. She preached an ideology - was not a moderate. She demonstrated no intelligence nor educated grasp of facts. Did not even know major benchmarks in American history. Did not even know many fundamental concepts of the US Constitution.

Her extremist ideology alone was sufficient for so many in Delaware to make a decision. She did not waste time learning facts or history. Her philosophy was sufficient. Many choose her ideology (an emotion) rather than think logically. They entertained their emotions rather than intelligence. Brainwashing is that widespread.

You would think those so many in Delaware learned how easily they were manipulated. Nope. It requires a part of the brain that does not develop in many until after the age of 16. Many still never develop or learn how to use that part. Do not learn from their mistakes. Remain a target of extremist concepts promoted by soundbytes and the resulting brainwashing.

Study 1930 European history to appreciate how routinely and effectively it can be performed. Most people cannot separate their emotions from fact.