I say YES. YOU say NO....Numero Tre! Enjoy!
Comments
-
This is an interesting article from Rolling Stone about how the wives of some country music stars help stoke the conspiracy theories. These women have millions of social media followers. I will be scrubbing their music off my iTunes and Spotify playlist,
Why Are Country Music Wives Pushing Baseless Conspiracy Theories?
With nearly 2 million followers on Instagram, Jason Aldean's wife Brittany is at the forefront of an emerging trend in Nashville: the country-wife political conspiracist
Joseph Hudak January 8, 2021 3:21PM ET
On Wednesday night, just a few hours after a mob of Trump supporters, egged on by President Donald Trump, forcibly broke into the U.S. Capitol, Brittany Aldean shared an image of two of the rioters on her Instagram stories. "Antifa disguised as Trump supporters," the wife of country singer Jason Aldean captioned it. "Shocker."
But like much of what the Trump loyalists who stormed the Capitol believe, the information Aldean shared was false. The two bearded men in her post were not members of "Philly antifa," as a since debunked story in the Washington Times claimed. Instagram knew it too: On Thursday, Aldean's post was removed, and she took to the platform to complain.
"Instagram wanted me to know that it was against their guidelines to post," she said in a straight-to-camera video. "It's getting so ridiculous the filters you put on everyone that's against your narrative. It's unbelievable and it's ridiculous. It's just really sad what this world's coming to."
During a week that has seen both a historic political shift in Georgia and an American insurrection, what a country star's spouse thinks of the world likely wouldn't warrant a second look — until you learn that Brittany Aldean has 1.8 million Instagram followers. (By comparison, Grammy-winning country singer Marin Morris has 1.5 million.) An online influencer who posts about hair and makeup products, and a former American Idol contestant, Aldean is at the forefront of a bizarre, emerging trend in the country music sphere: the country-wife political conspiracist.
She is also, arguably, an extension of her husband's brand, appearing with him on his own social media and on red carpets. Both have posted right-wing memes in the past. When election fraud conspiracies caught fire following the November 7th call for Joe Biden as president, Jason Aldean posted a blue-and-red graph equating Biden and Trump's urine streams with their vote counts (Biden's dramatically bounced ahead, an allusion to his late surge in the count, which Trump claimed was a sign of voter fraud).
Brittany Aldean shared a more direct post — asking if the "same people counting the Corona cases aren't counting the mail-in ballots are they? What a damn shame." In another post, she appeared in a Trump sweatshirt with the caption "Still my president." And prior to the election, she suggested her followers watch right-wing commentator Dinesh D'Souza's film Trump Card, a documentary that peddles dubious theories about the Democratic party and Hunter Biden.
Brittney Kelley, the wife of Florida Georgia Line member Brian Kelley and another fashion designer and influencer, is following her lead. After the election, she posted an Instagram story rife with conspiratorial buzzwords: "There are still a lot of conscious people who've done their research at the elite power players behind the candidates & their agendas. This runs deep. May we all unite and prevail against the powers that be." Earlier in the summer, Kelley amplified the Wayfair child-trafficking conspiracy, which believes kids were being trafficked by an online furniture company, and she and her husband have also questioned if Covid lockdowns were part of some "agenda." "Curious when we (or if we) will hear about Covid #s rising," she wrote over an image of people celebrating Biden's win. "I'm sure, but only when they are ready to lock us down again for their agenda."
But Kelley has also gone out of her way to say she doesn't condone the type of violence that occurred Wednesday at the Capitol building. During the uprising, she called for unity and posted a photo of herself holding a flowing American flag in the couple's convertible Ford Bronco driven by her spouse. "God please protect our Country & the people who fight for our freedom everyday. Praying for peace and unity for all," she wrote. She elaborated on Thursday in another post: "I do not believe in violence, or mobs/cults rioting or storming buildings. I do not believe 'patriots' are the people storming the building."
It's not just the wives of contemporary artists who are wading into the political sphere. Theresa Tritt, the wife of outspoken Nineties country star Travis Tritt, has also been unafraid to co-sign baseless theories. Utilizing an account on the social media app Parler as @tstrittkikireese, she's "echoed" — Parler parlance for "retweeting" — pro-Trump conspiracy posts by the Proud Boys, former NFL star Herschel Walker, and one by a user that contained the hashtags #joebiden, #deepstate and #pedogate. One post featured video of the assault on the Capitol and asked Parler users to "Echo if you support these brave patriots." Theresa Tritt did.
Representatives for Jason and Brittany Aldean, Brian and Brittney Kelley, and Travis and Theresa Tritt did not reply to requests for comment as of press time.
As for Aldean, she has said she's representing her followers who are afraid to speak out over fear of losing jobs or friends. "It is disgusting to me that 'freedom of speech' applies to everyone but Republicans," she once posted. But it's not a Republican-Democrat issue. It's about an assault on facts and truth, which the Trump administration upended the very week of his inauguration.
Aldean, Kelley, and Tritt — each of them with their own thriving careers and powerful followings — can't plead ignorance about the content they're sharing. It doesn't even matter if they really believe it. The danger is if their followers do. During a momentous time in U.S. history of attempted coups and a pandemic gone unchecked, their messages and scope of influence can be devastating.
At least one of their husband's peers thinks so.
Asked Maren Morris on Twitter: "How do some singer's wives conveniently not know the difference between marching for racial injustice and Nazis breaching our Capitol because their guy didn't win?"
0 -
0 -
Ruth: The above is so true. I have been to both Dachau and Auschwitz and find it hard to believe that those who lived close by didn't know what was going on. Yes, I realize many were afraid to voice their concerns but are we not experieincing the same with those diehard Republicans who supported trumps antics?
There was a time we thought the Berlin wall was atrocious and played our part in its removal, but many regard the Mexican border wall as acceptable, how does this equate?
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. Martin Niemoller
0 -
None of my "smart appliances" other than streaming TVs (on a VPN), have ever been activated. My fridge doesn't need to talk to anyone, and my thermostat is an old-fashioned manual one.
0 -
The value of all service lies in the spirit in which you serve and not in the importance or magnitude of the service. Even the lowliest task or deed is made holy, joyous, and prosperous when it is filled with love. -Charles Fillmore
0 -
Jelson, I am glad you are here and I'm fine with your post.
0 -
I guess what I keep having trouble understanding is not so much that we don't agree with Reps. That is why there are two parties. I guess what I have trouble with is that based on scientific as well as other facts, the other side keeps presenting me with more and more reasons to disagree. Our facts are different and to me Democrats base their arguments on those facts -- the other side considers it a win if they can silence you some way by ignoring facts or at times presenting alternate facts with a tidbit of truth here or there.
I am amazed at those in power who are okay with using an alternative reality/facts ( not particularly thinking Trump here, but anyone ) to get some power, or increase it. If they know and still do it for the power then I'm afraid of them. It is difficult to have power and always use it wisely and I would think all they would have to do is look at someone like Trump. They seem intent though in somehow interpreting that ( in this case Democrats ) we are trying to take something away from Trump or them. Is it more of my party right or wrong or maybe that and some power too.
I cannot go along with anyone who in my mind is delusional about truth or facts. We will never find much common ground if we don't at start with facts or with truth. I guess I can't see what makes the other side think 2 plus three equals four but as long as they do -- we can't do much to work together.
0 -
There used to be a MySpace group out of Nashville--back during W's first term--called "Music Row Democrats." Wonder if they're on FB now? They were mostly writers & publishers, but founded to support the Dixie Chicks (now the "Chicks").
And remember Nazis' rise in Germany began with "the Big Lie:" that elites & Jews had undermined the Kaiser's army in order to "throw" WWI. It resonated with those WWI vets who returned home injured, with no economic prospects. And it was spread by radio, newspapers and word of mouth. I shudder to think how infinitely worse it would have been had social media existed.
Jim Jordan was just given the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Every such medal given since 2017 is a flashing red beacon of who is a right-wing racist conspiracy theorist.
The alt-right QAnon-loving morons screaming that their "freedom of speech" has been violated obviously slept through Social Studies class. Otherwise, they'd have known that the 1st Amendment forbids ONLY A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY from censoring private-citizen speech. ALL social media, Internet providers & hosting platforms, and websites without a .gov or .(abbreviation for a state) e-address, are PRIVATE entities and are absolutely entitled to censor, suspend, and expel other individuals & organizations. (Even a "publicly held" corporation is a PRIVATE entity).
And poor crybaby Devin Nunes, who has lamented that his online voice & freedom of expression has been stripped away from him? Well, whatever did folks do to communicate with each other & publicly express themselves before there was social media? Oh, right: letters (to people or to the editor), phone calls, bulletin boards (physical & online), message boards, newspaper comment sections, street corners, bullhorns...
0 -
Thank you all for being here. I have absolutely no idea how I even found this thread, as I don't usually click on random posts with random names! But it was a very fortunate click as you all helped keep me sane in the run up to the election, the election and aftermath, the run up to the Georgia election and holy cannoli the past week!
I will admit to being in a bubble here in Vermont. The single Trump campaign sign I pass on my way to work (and was not surprised they kept it up well past the election) actually got taken down sometime during the day on Wednesday, which heartened me somewhat. So reading the controversial post here was eye-opening to me, that anyone could have (ostensibly) been at the Capitol and still claim it was a peaceful crowd with only a few paid miscreants is truly bone-chilling.
Still good news that only 5% (still a massive number) of Americans believe that those who stormed the Capitol are patriots. I wish that few acknowledged that the confederate flag is the flag of traitors to our nation (embraced only during the civil rights movement, of course) .
On a brighter note -- Illinois -- I always love your calm, peaceful posts of wisdom. I do try even in these times not to meet hatred with hatred, but oh is it hard!!!! And then the lovely news about the Parler hack. And I do have hope (at least at the moment) that the long arc of history is bending back. A giant boil was lanced, and there are more yet, but as long as we press the incoming governments at every level, I do truly believe there is hope.
0 -
0 -
Some of the fall-out from January 6th gives me hope. Not only have the many apps banned Trump, and Parler shut down, but businesses are going after those who continued to dispute the electoral vote even after the riot. Hallmark wants campaign contributions returned from Senators Hawley and Marshall citing they do not condone violence and believe in the peaceful transition of power. The PGA will no longer use Trump's golf course for its tournaments. It appears some who took part in the riot are now on the no-fly list; I guess that means they're branded as domestic terrorists. Many of the rioters have lost their jobs.
It's reported that Trump was unhappy that the supporters who showed up for him on Tuesday looked “low-class". Hey, Don, that's how your radicalized cult members look, and they were thrilled you gave them the national spotlight so they could show off their horned helmets and war paint. I'm sure they spent a good deal of time finessing their “look".
And still, Pence hasn't heard from Trump. I bet he never does. Poor Pence. He thought he was special. He thought his bromance with Donald was true. He was drunk on da koolaide.
Security is being beefed up in DC. Does that fence around the Capital look very intimidating? I don't think so. Some think there may be an uprising the days before inauguration so Trump can declare Marshall Law. I don't even know what that means, so of anyone can enlighten me, I'd appreciate it. It sounds scary.
And Colin Powell states that he no longer considers himself a Republican.
0 -
So maybe due to the long day I started giggling when I read this. I think sometimes the truth does that to you.
0 -
Thanks for the clarification, Jelson. I apologize for having misinterpreted the intent of your post.
0 -
Jackie, I hope Mary Miller isn't your Congresswoman. If she is, you're welcome to move up here to Edgewater, where Jan Schakowsky is ours!
Those who despair of even the new Dem-controlled Senate marshalling 67 votes to convict a repeat-impeached Drumpf should take heart that it takes only a simple majority to disqualify him from ever again holding public office.
0 -
0 -
Impeachment is the new NSAID!
0 -
0
-
Yes, Sandy. I have the great dishonor of having Mary Miller. Hard to live down. Likely a gift from my Reps. bil's. Yech. !!
0 -
0 -
FBI is going to love it, if it is true.
0 -
Claire is from Mo. and Josh Hawley took her Senate seat in 2018.
0 -
Hmmm, never thought of that.
0 -
I bet you can suspect how much company you have that thinks the same thing.
0 -
New York State Bar Association Looking to Remove Rudy Giuliani from Membership
The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) is looking to remove Rudy Giuliani from its membership, citing his involvement in inciting last week's attack against the Capitol. "Thankfully, Congress overcame this assault and fulfilled its constitutional responsibility in certifying the Biden-Harris victory. However, we must address the root cause of this abhorrent incident, the blame …
Continue reading "New York State Bar Association Looking to Remove Rudy Giuliani from Membership"
0 -
I went for a Covid test today. Tho I practice all the things, on Saturday I got chills and a cough and on Sunday was running a fever. Results come back in about two days.
Currently, I do not feel bad other than the annoying cough. I'm isolating from dh. For those of you on this thread who've had it, I would appreciate any advice. I'm instructed to contact my pcp if the test is positive. Will he prescribe an antibiotic or anything else? What should I be doing in the meantime? I've read that symptoms can be mild then turn worse. So I'm on the anxious side.
0 -
Divine, keep track of your temperature & if you don't have an oximeter, get one (Target, Walmart, drug stores carry them) and keep track of your oxygen level too. Document both just so you have a record). Take Tylenol for a fever (not Advil, aspirin etc.). Drink tons of water, get up and move around so it doesn't settle in your lungs. You won't get antibiotics unless you have a secondary infection, but your doctor may prescribe an inhaler and/or steroid (which is what mine did). When I had a Zoom appointment with my PA, she said as long as I was able to talk in a complete sentences and could get up and move around my house....self-monitoring is all could be done. That was two months ago, so the advice may have changed since then.
0 -
divine,
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you! Take it easy
0 -
(CNN) New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has announced that he is declining the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which he was scheduled to receive from President Donald Trump on Thursday.
Belichick cited the "tragic events of last week" as leading to his decision. Pro-Trump rioters rampaged in the US Capitol last Wednesday. Five people died as a result of the chaos, including a US Capitol Police officer. House Democrats want to impeach Trump, accusing him of "incitement of insurrection."
"Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honor represents and admiration for prior recipients," Belichick said in a statement. "Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award. Above all, I am an American citizen with great reverence for our nation's values, freedom and democracy."
Belichick concluded his statement Monday acknowledging, "I also represent my family and the New England Patriots team."
"One of the most rewarding things in my professional career took place in 2020 when, through the great leadership within our team, conversations about social justice, equality and human rights moved to the forefront and became actions," he said.
"Continuing those efforts while remaining true to the people, team and country I love outweigh the benefits of any individual award."
0 -
Divine, fingers crossed you're okay and all you have is a cold or flu. This is a reminder that we are exposed whenever we leave our homes or let anyone else in. And with the new more contagious strain, it'll be a race against the clock till we can get vaccinated. There are times I just want to go into suspended animation until I can get my shots.
0 -
DivineMrsM- sorry to hear you are ill, I hope it is not Covid, regardless - get well quick please!! If it is Covid, you might consider asking about the availability of Regeneron's anti-body cocktail which reduces symptoms when administered early, the sooner the better after diagnosis. Here is a New England Journal of Medicine article. I heard a story on NPR about it's being underutilized. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2035002
0
