COVID DISINFORMATION RADICALIZES TRUSTING PEOPLE
The GOP’s Covid disinformation is a gateway to radicalize unsuspecting Americans into the anti-democracy movement.
QUICK READ: Covid can, and is being tamed. But not here in the US. Why? Because millions of Americans have been ruthlessly misled by people they trust, whose priority is not protecting lives. Republican politicians are driving this misinformation campaign, and it’s their constituents who are paying the highest price.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
BACKGROUND
Covid can, and is being tamed.
Not here, however, because millions of unsuspecting people have been ruthlessly misled. Trump and a constant stream of others they trust are purposely feeding them disinformation, and they care little about protecting their followers’ lives.
Repeated, long-term exposure to disinformation radicalizes people. Covid disinformation is a gateway intoxicant to political radicalization.
Nearly 4 in 5 Republicans have been exposed to Covid disinformation which, at the very least, sows confusion. The actions of Florida’s Governor DeSantis, which the Miami Herald calls a descent into “Crazyville,” are typical of these coordinated disinformation campaigns.
Republican politicians are driving them, and their constituents are paying the highest price. Over 90% of Democrats have received at least one shot of the vaccine, compared to 60% of Republicans. This translates into a death rate three times higher in Red counties.
The facts are instantly available on Google:
Vaccines are safe and effective.
Wearing masks cuts virus transmission in half.
Testing is vital.
Social distancing is also critical.
Today’s expert opinions will be refined and strengthened with tomorrow’s science. But this won’t stop the GOP propaganda machine.
Urge your friends to ask a doctor about proven ways to protect themselves and others. It can be done.
ACTION One: Call the Senate.
Script for Oregon Senators
SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753
My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Republicans, like Marco Rubio, are broadcasting Covid disinformation which leads directly to political radicalization. This is dangerous to both an individual’s health and the Republic. Please forcefully call out these dangerous actions and convince your colleagues to do likewise.
SEN. WYDEN: Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Republicans, like Marco Rubio, are broadcasting Covid disinformation which leads directly to political radicalization. This is dangerous to both an individual’s health and the Republic. Please forcefully call out these dangerous actions and convince your colleagues to do likewise.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
It is shocking that you knowingly allow Covid disinformation to spread, endangering your constituents.
ACTION TWO: Call the House.
Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Republicans, like Jim Jordan, are broadcasting Covid disinformation which leads directly to political radicalization. It is dangerous to both an individual’s health and the Republic. We urge you to forcefully call out these dangerous actions and convince your colleagues to do likewise.
Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)
Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
It is shocking that you knowingly allow Covid disinformation to spread, endangering your constituents. Please stop.
Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Republicans, like Jim Jordan, are broadcasting Covid disinformation which leads directly to political radicalization. It is dangerous to both an individual’s health and the Republic. We urge you to forcefully call out these dangerous actions and convince your colleagues to do likewise.
Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Republicans, like Jim Jordan, are broadcasting Covid disinformation which leads directly to political radicalization. It is dangerous to both an individual’s health and the Republic. We urge you to forcefully call out these dangerous actions and convince your colleagues to do likewise.
Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)
Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Republicans, like Jim Jordan, are broadcasting Covid disinformation which leads directly to political radicalization. It is dangerous to both an individual’s health and the Republic. We urge you to forcefully call out these dangerous actions and convince your colleagues to do likewise.
ACTION 3:
As January 6, the first anniversary of the Insurrection at our nation’s Capital last year, approaches, groups and individuals across the country have organized vigils and actions to remember the event and remind us of the fragility of our democracy. To find one near you, check out this link. And here.
FURTHER READING:
Omicron Threatens Red America - The New York Times
COVID-19 Misinformation is Ubiquitous: Kaiser Family Foundation
How anti-vaccine activists and the GOP are growing closer: NPR
Poll shows just how far COVID-19 misinformation has traveled | TheHill
