First and foremost, political violence is never the answer. It appears that the recent incident was the act of a lone psycho—a misguided youth and a registered Republican. The fear is that this event will further radicalize the MAGA movement, which has already been attacking the political and democratic structures we have in America. These attacks have ranged from targeting voting officials to FBI field offices. The concern is that this will embolden other lone actors or, worse, nation-states. The best course of action for both sides would be to use this as a reality check, though that is unlikely. The left is not innocent of all charges either; the consistent media fear-mongering about Trump’s dictator-like tendencies is not helpful.

However, this has now become a political issue. The right has made an industry out of creating and promoting conspiracy theories. Before 2015, most sensible people heard of various conspiracy theories, found them entertaining, and viewed them as fringe and mostly harmless. The now-infamous Van Jones was not mainstream Republican talking points. He started early with the Oklahoma bombings, Waco, 9/11, right on to the coronavirus, and everything in between. He has never had any proof of his claims, and even in the face of overwhelming evidence disproving his theories, he doubles down—the same technique Trump uses now. Rush Limbaugh perfected the insult game by insulting people and then claiming that the media was out to get him because they were trying to silence him. Sound familiar? This is a format that Trump would later master.

What was once fringe right-wing talk radio is now mainstream Republican talking points. I will not go in-depth about them; that’s your rabbit hole if you choose to jump in. I will simply point out some of their favorite lies that were once fringe but are now mainstream. Chemtrails—most see it as simple science or long-lasting condensation trails of frozen water. Operation Jade Helm—a supposed military exercise that was going to usher in martial law, which time has proven to be false. 9/11 was a government plot to create a crisis trigger; the planes and passengers were not real. HAARP is a weather control organization creating natural disasters. The Federal Reserve is secretly trying to usher in the New World Order by combining the currencies of Mexico, Canada, and America. “2000 Mules” is a pack of lies about illegal voting practices in the 2020 presidential election, debunked by every legitimate source and court. QAnon is pure fear-mongering and gaslighting—Pizzagate, no need to say more. Biden’s administration is not conspiring to go after Trump; it is simply the DOJ doing its job and pursuing Trump for breaking laws.

If the Republicans want to detach truth from reality and push narratives that have no factual basis or proof, then Democrats need to take this opportunity to return the favor. This will either lead to an escalation in the cold civil war—something that is happening anyway—or give them a reason to pause before they unleash their next big lie.

Trump’s assassination was a classic false flag operation. Proof? None needed! Reason to perpetrate a lie? To counter theirs. Trump has spent a lifetime spewing hate, so it’s not really a surprise that the hate you give is the hate you receive. Where do you start? His father, Fred Trump, defrauding our military heroes returning home from WW2 and being called before Congress in 1954 to testify, along with many other slumlords. Or how about the destruction of Steeplechase Park’s Pavilion by the Trump Organization in front of crowds of angry Coney Island residents? The Trump Organization’s 1973 civil suit for racial discrimination. Don taking out a full-page ad to push for the death penalty for the Central Park 5, who were later found innocent of all charges. His John Miller alias in the 1990s, calling up news outlets to brag about himself. Shocker. The birther conspiracy with Obama’s birth certificate—a baseless lie. The list is too extensive for this post to explore.

Why lie? Why “stoop” to their level? It’s simple: to give them a dose of their own medicine. If you let a bully bully you, they will continue to do it. You have to give them a reason to stop; you have to give them a reason to have second thoughts. The Republicans have created a cycle of lies that has created the monster we know as Trump, a populist who thrives off the Republicans’ newfound propensity to believe the lies that were once confined to the fringe. This country is at a reflection point. We will either succumb to the bully or punch back.

The lies and talking points needed to punch back at the bully. How many times over the past several years have you had a conversation with a Republican friend, co-worker, or even a family member who still insists that the 2020 election was “stolen,” despite every court adjudicating the election as fair with no significant levels of fraud? These lies will give you the ammo needed to punch back. “The election was stolen,” they say. You say, “Was it? Wow. Did you know Trump’s assassination was a false flag?” Trump had a small razor in his hand and cut his own ear, just like a WWE performer. He had expert training from his great friend Linda McMahon of WWE fame. Coincidence? I think not. Look at the angle—is it even possible to graze the ear and not hit his head? Is it even possible to take a photo of a bullet, or was it edited?

Taking on a whole new identity as a liar is not the goal, but giving them second thoughts and hesitation is. Will it work? Absolutely. On both a micro and macro level, it can work. Could you imagine the reaction a host on Fox News would have if someone called Trump’s assassination a false flag operation? Then, if pressed, just fall back on, “Well, everyone is saying it,” like they do with their lies. Next time you’re talking to a co-worker who is a MAGA cultist, lead off with, “So, it looks like it was a false flag operation,” and see their reaction. Watch how quickly they condemn it and recite one of their many BS talking points. The only difference right now is that the Republicans have mastered the art of the echo chamber and are being, unwittingly, manipulated by foreign entities aiming to sow discord through lies. Make no mistake: the “left” is not immune or devoid of manipulation from these same entities. Look no further than ANTIFA or the Free Palestine movement on campuses this summer. Both were heavily impacted by foreign actors amplifying the negative parts.

In summary, political violence is never the solution, and the current climate of misinformation and conspiracy theories only exacerbates division. Both sides need a reality check to recognize the damage being done. The rise of fringe beliefs into mainstream discourse has created a dangerous cycle of lies and manipulation, perpetuated by figures like Trump and his supporters. To counteract this, it’s essential to challenge these falsehoods and give those who propagate them a reason to reconsider their tactics. By doing so, we can hope to restore a semblance of truth and integrity in political dialogue and halt the escalation of this ideological cold war.

This isn’t just about fighting fire with fire; it’s about exposing the underlying issues that allow such radicalization to take root. The spread of conspiracy theories and the willingness of individuals to believe in them without question point to a deeper societal problem: a lack of critical thinking and an erosion of trust in institutions. The media, education systems, and political leaders all have roles to play in addressing this issue. We need a concerted effort to promote media literacy, teach critical thinking skills, and rebuild trust in our democratic institutions.

The media must move away from sensationalism and fear-mongering, focusing instead on delivering unbiased, fact-based reporting. Educators should emphasize the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning in their curricula. Political leaders must hold themselves and each other accountable for spreading falsehoods and work to create a more transparent and honest political environment.

Moreover, the rise of social media has significantly contributed to the spread of misinformation. Social media platforms need to take greater responsibility for the content shared on their sites. Implementing stricter policies to combat fake news, promoting verified information, and providing users with tools to identify false information can help mitigate the spread of harmful conspiracy theories.

On a personal level, individuals must take responsibility for their own beliefs and actions. This involves questioning the information they consume, seeking out multiple sources, and being open to changing their views when presented with credible evidence. It’s about fostering a culture of skepticism, not cynicism, and encouraging open, respectful dialogue between opposing viewpoints.

The political polarization we see today is not an inevitable outcome but a consequence of choices made by individuals, media, and leaders. By choosing to engage in good faith, prioritize truth, and challenge falsehoods, we can begin to bridge the divide. This is not an easy task, nor will it happen overnight, but it is a necessary one if we are to prevent further radicalization and violence.

It’s also essential to understand the psychological aspects of why people believe in conspiracy theories. Often, these beliefs provide a sense of control or understanding in an uncertain world. Acknowledging this can help us approach those who hold such beliefs with empathy rather than hostility. By addressing the underlying anxieties and insecurities that fuel conspiracy thinking, we can better guide individuals towards more rational perspectives.

Additionally, fostering community resilience is crucial. Strong, connected communities are less susceptible to the divisive effects of conspiracy theories and political extremism. Encouraging civic engagement, building social ties, and creating spaces for constructive conversation can help communities resist the lure of radicalization.

In conclusion, the issue of political violence, radicalization, and the spread of conspiracy theories is multifaceted and complex. It requires a comprehensive approach involving media reform