The Cult of Believability

          The revealing truths Rand Paul used to utter about Reaganomics, and their present day repercussions for Paul, have bared an ugly truth about the Cult of Believability: It only seems true if EVERYBODY says it is true.

If you want to sing with the Big Boy Choir, learn the words: climate change is a trick, Obamacare is ruining America, austerity is the only way to prosperity, Social Security has failed, Medicare must be vouchered, government has no business helping people in need, corporations and the wealthy are overtaxed, the minimum wage should be unchanged or abolished, Ronald Reagan’s economics were perfect, and no Democrat ever did anything worthwhile. Well, maybe Tip O’Neal, but never Carter.

           Alas, the Big Lie is turning to big plural lies, becoming complex and difficult to manage! Despite near hegemony on Obamacare, one can see enemy campfires multiplying in the hills surrounding austerity, climate denial, and the other lies. Reality is gaining strength. Like Rock & Roll, irreverent reality is making unwanted noise for the Big Boy Choir, taunting it as America’s “Liar Choir” and jostling the beliefs of the doubting loyal.

          Most scientists say climate change is real. Obamacare is helping. Austerity only benefits the rich. Social Security is a stellar success, vouchers cheat people, government is what we do together, income inequality is stealing our prosperity, Reagan was human, and even Carter did some things right. So around here, we want the Big Boy Choir to know something: Rock & Roll is Here to Stay!