Whenever you hear/read a story that cites a "consensus" supports any given position you should be very suspicious of that word that has no actual meaning. It is a word that is meant to convey an authoritative finding of experts who know more than We, The People about the topic/issue being discussed. It's a word meant to intimidate and silence the other side of that topic/issue. To demean, mock, diminish their credibility, "other" opponents as kooks, extremists. But, what really is a “consensus?”
As in, "the consensus of experts says”:
- Man causes climate change, due to carbon emissions, cow burps and farts, development, etc. Manufactured consensus, consensus and consensus says so.
- Masks work, work, are safe, safe, safe and effective
- We can vaccinate (even with a truly safe and effective one) out of a pandemic that a pathogen is constantly mutating away from
- Vaccination is superior protection to natural immunity
- “Sometimes God makes a mistake and puts little boys in little girls bodies” (and vice-versa)
- “White privilege” deprives unfairly others from being successful
- Voting systems are safe and secure and always can be trusted to produce the real winner. And Trump raising questions about the results was “reckless and dangerous, playing with fire in a closely divided country”
- Borders are secure...and even if they aren't we need every immigrant from the world who comes here, because, equity and equity.
- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act "Saved or Created*" 6.4 million jobs"
You name it. Any and all stories that cite a "consensus" are the product of deception.
"Consensus" is a word intended to deceive. It is a linguistic manipulation, a knowing lie of omission. A lie.
*Note: "Jobs Saved or Created" is another fiction. A meaningless measurement that had never been used before 2009 in any government unemployment statistical measure. Deceit. Meant to convey an authoritative finding of economists asserting there was a return on investment. When there was none, or it was nominal, and a net negative return.
One of the tricks of Linguistic Magicians. That Wizards behind the curtains create to fool the people of Oz. Clever Foxes don’t get fooled.
Well…how’s this for some verbal & logical gymnastics? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=raTOh2ZMDhQ
….Amazing. Thanks so much for this piece & ALL your fine & foxy work!!!
Consensus can have value when it arises spontaneously via a shared conclusion of many independent thinkers; as such it must always be subject to refutation by new voices with new evidence. The word becomes a tool of oppression when it is shoved down our throats and opposing voices are actively silenced.