The Official Website of Michael Corthell

 December 16, 2020 Michael Corthell If you are wondering why America was “blessed” with the Trump presidency, wonder no more. His rise was precipitated by nationalism. If you further wonder if “all will be well” when he is gone from office the answer is no — at least not right away. What swept him into office still remains, and it is something that needs to be addressed by the Biden administration. Climate change may indeed be the world’s No. 1 existential threat. But nationalism is America’s immediate existential threat. Nationalism is not patriotism. It is, rather, a perversion of patriotism. Nationalism sees inclusion and diversity as weaknesses, while patriotism views these ideals as a way to lift each other up and unify us. Embracing our diversity is the source of our nation’s strength. “We the People” does indeed mean all the people. America must unify. America needs true patriots.

December 17, 2020 Michael Corthell  As the Trump presidency fades, let’s look at his chief propaganda tactic — gaslighting. Why do we need to do that? Because another wannabe dictator will use the same methods to confuse and manipulate the people. Gaslighting is a tactic in which a person or entity makes a victim question their own reasoning and reality. Anyone is susceptible to gaslighting. It is a common technique of abusers, dictators, narcissists and cult leaders. It is done slowly (like dimming a light), so the victim doesn’t realize how much they’ve been brainwashed. In the movie Gaslight (1944), a man manipulates his wife to the point where she thinks she is losing her mind, hence the name. The number one tactic in gaslighting? The perpetrator tells blatant lies, (see The Big Lie) and makes the victim less able to use reason and critical thinking. The gaslighter then, in effect, creates a very strong delusion, making himself appear to be a victim who requires unquestioned l...