Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that the terms "rioters" and "protesters" are coming to

[NoRoadUntravelled]

mean the same thing by the current administration and its supporters.
It reminds me of how the Bush administration would evoke Saddam Hussein within just a few words following mention of 9/11 again and again.
It didn't take long before the connection between the two was complete in the minds of supportive listeners. I believed at the time, and still believe, it was one of the ways they gained support for the invasion of Iraq.

The term "rioters" seems to be used much more often by this administration than the term "protesters" despite the fact that those doing damage are far outnumbered by peaceful protesters. Is this why so many gun carrying vigilantes believe they must also be on the streets now to add their bullets to the fray of thrown water bottles?

Maybe trying to understand it is pointless. idk

[kurtcagle]

1. Propaganda 101

Calling them protestors implies that the people have some reason to protest. Calling them rioters, on the other hand paints them as lawless anarchists out to destroy hard working business owners' livelihoods. Conflate the two and the association gets made. This is straight out of Goebbels' playbook. This is Stephen Miller's handiwork, as filtered through Trump's Aderal-affected brain.

[mr_lebowski]

2. This. And the 'Pukes are way better at it mostly because they're utterly shameless in their

depraved and insatiable quest for money and power.

There's no lie too vile for them when gaining power is on the line by telling it.

[NoRoadUntravelled]

4. They have no shame.

For them, the desired end always justifies the means.

[NoRoadUntravelled]

3. Yes, what you say makes a lot of sense.

More and more people seem to believe it as time passes. Other than wait for the election, I guess there's not much we can do. It's not possible to argue someone into a discerning or logical state of mind. I've given up trying.

[Wounded Bear]

5. Yep, conflation of terms is a propaganda tool...

Much like "Muslim extremists" came to mean that ALL Muslims are extremists.

Lather, rinse, repeat.

[NoRoadUntravelled]

6. Yes, and it's discouraging how many keep falling for it.

2016 was all about creating a fear of Muslims. What he did with travel bans caused so much suffering but his supporters didn't care because they bought the lie.
Once the election was over it became a non-issue.