Demagogues and Dictators

Don't let the facts get in the way of a good tirade.

My head's made up. You can't confuse me with the facts.

   Few people pay much attention to statements on economic issues. Reporters think "it's too hard" to understand and explain these trends and concepts, and "nobody cares anyway." But many readers do and should care. The challenge to reporters is in making the story interesting. Failure or unwillingness to do so only indicates laziness.
   Granted, it's far easier to record and report on the bluster of aggressive politicians who rant on emotional issues, playing on deep-seated fear and bigotry. It "makes good copy," as the old newsroom saying goes. One example from the past is McCarthyism and the Red Scare of the 1950s, when Sen. Joseph McCarthy capitalized on fear of a Communist takeover, until he was exposed as a demagogue ranting half-truths and outright lies to advance his political ambitions.
   And while demagogues may "make good copy" in the short term, and may be entertaining to television audiences, they too often become dictators as they rise in political prominence.
   Consider also the posturing and bluster of Benito Mussolini in Italy in the 1930s. Now compare that to the bullying, insults and invective, coupled with half-truths and deliberate ignoring of fact when it does not fit their agenda, as practiced by some high-profile candidates today.
   If these tactics today remind you of past dictators, with their bullying and insulting dismissal of any who question or disagree with them, be afraid. Be very afraid.