Disinformation and division is the perfect recipe for political violence

The politically motivated attack on the husband of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi once again highlights the dangerous effect of the inflammatory rhetoric of Republican politicians that occurred just days before the midterm elections. His words influence unbalanced people who pass off real conspiracy theories and lies, such as that the 2020 election was “stolen” from Donald J. Trump.

This is not a script drawn by the most bizarre minds of those who produce political intrigue series, but rather a reality that determines the future of a nation that is currently testing the legitimacy of democracy as we know it.

What happened to Pelosi also raises concerns and questions about the possibility that the midterm elections, held in a divided country where disinformation is also common, could lead to other acts of violence before, during or after the results are known. . . In fact, the disastrous coup attempt on January 6, 2021 is very fresh in our memory, as a reminder of what lies can breed among Trump fans.

This trend, not reaching the level of ideology, but rather of a “cult”, also shows the rattles of that part of the population that refuses to develop as a civil society framed in the field of human rights, but prefers to cling to reaction and historical anachronism in order to “restore” privileges. promoted today by white nationalism.

In fact, last Friday, following the attack on Paul Pelosi, security agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the FBI, and the Capitol Police issued a bulletin warning of the possibility of violent acts ahead of the November 8th election. .

According to the bulletin, “domestic violent extremists” who feel “exacerbated” by the election challenge “see the infrastructure, personnel and voters” involved in the electoral process as “attractive targets even in public access areas such as polling stations.” places, ballot boxes, voter registration sites, campaign events, and political party offices.”

After all, fanatics like the man who wanted to “interrogate” Nancy Pelosi and “break her knees” if she lied are simply waiting for any signal from their leaders to strike. He was not the only one and not the last of this class of characters who will do everything possible not only to destabilize the democratic process, but also to change the order in a society that, right or wrong, still serves as a beacon of hope for millions of people around the planet.

On the other hand, while the polls give Republicans an advantage over Democrats in the fight for control of the House of Representatives – and anything can happen in the Senate – Trump and other Republicans continue to raise the specter of voter fraud to ensure that his hosts are prepared for any possibility. If they lose, we are expected to see Republican candidates demand a recount or claim that “fraud” has taken place. “Fraud” only exists if they lose.

Not without reason, the director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Jen Easterly, said on the CBS program “Face the Nation” that they warned government agencies to ensure the security of their voting systems; and this ranges from cyber attacks to structures and mechanisms such as disinformation.

When in recent times in the most developed country in the world was there such a level of insecurity at all levels, including in electoral processes? Those of us who come from other latitudes have witnessed fraud, corruption, or constant political violence; but seeing this again leads to a rethinking of America’s role as a social model. And maybe this time I’m failing.

It should be noted that especially in this 2022 election cycle Media in Spanish throughout the country widely reported disinformation and created their own mechanisms to preserve informed audience whom true and what is a lie.

In this sense, Hispanic voters will play a central role in deciding particularly close elections in important states that will determine control, especially of the Senate. This is the case, for example, with the seat of Hispanic Democratic Senator Katherine Cortez Masto in Nevada, opposed by Trump-backed Republican Adam Laxalt who promotes conspiracy theories.

The same Republican Party that demonizes immigrants is trying to win over Hispanic voters, especially those who are disillusioned with the Democratic Party because they feel their priorities have not been taken into account. Unfortunately, they do this through disinformation and divisiveness, which are the main components of fueling violence.

Author: Maribel Hastings and David Torres
Source: La Opinion

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