• xyzzy@lemmy.today
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    1 day ago

    However, he admits his opinion has slightly changed recently.

    “Somewhat it has just because I’m going through it,” said Sahakyan. “I was very selfish before, but what I see now is there’s a reason for [this immigration enforcement].”

    Sounds like his support briefly wavered after his wife was kidnapped, then The Program kicked back in.

  • MountingSuspicion@reddthat.com
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    1 day ago

    I’m always torn when I read stories like this. Even though this is worse case scenario, both for the family and the country, at least he’s standing by his decision. It’s stupid because obviously he should see how irrational it is, but if he really believes there’s some kind of “sleeper cell” network that must be caught, at least he’s willing to sacrifice his own family’s rights as well as the rights of others. I wonder if he’d feel the same way if it was him instead of his wife, but at least it’s more consistent than the “I didn’t realize he meant MY family” crowd that stops supporting once they see the effects on their own family. Obviously, no longer supporting is preferred no matter how they get there, but at least he’s committed to being in the cult. I think it’s just that it makes their vote seem more based in ignorance than in selfishness. I’d prefer to believe that people legitimately think they’re surrounded by sleeper cells and this is the only thing that will keep people safe than think that they just don’t care about other people and are unwilling to endure hardships they happily force upon others.

    • otacon239@lemmy.world
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      1 day ago

      Standing by your decision for the sake of it is never strength. It takes a lot more to admit you’re wrong and change. These people are now in a position that if they admit they are wrong, they’re admitting they were okay with all the horrible things they believed in.

      Looking at your past self and distancing yourself from that is terrifying, harrowing, and humbling, so most people find it easier to just double down. I don’t think the lot of them truly believe anything anymore. Just what those in charge tell them to believe because then they can relinquish their moral responsibility. “If everyone else around me thinks this way, it must be right!”

      • MountingSuspicion@reddthat.com
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        1 day ago

        I understand that, but that imagines he’s standing by his decision for the sake of it. I’m not trying to go to bat for a Trump supporter right now, but in general my point is that his “reasoning” seems to hold even if he’s in the crosshairs. If his opinion is that sacrificing some freedom is necessary in order to ensure safety, then he seems like he still believes that even if it affects him personally. I understand your comment, but it doesn’t actually address his position or my point. I don’t think anything has happened to make him think he’s wrong about the sleeper cell things. You’re projecting your worldview onto him. He says he believes there’s a problem and he’s willing to face familial hardship to ensure the problem is rooted out.

    • valkyrieangela@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      23 hours ago

      It’s not enough. I want to see their lives torn apart for the stupid decisions they’ve made that have affected millions of others. I want them to feel the consequences of their actions.

  • SnarkoPolo@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    “Please spank me again, Daddy Donald! I’ve been very disloyal to my employer and not Jesusy enough!”