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It Could Happen Here
Nut Country Revisited feat. Steven Monacelli & Dr. Michael Phillips
Jan 28, 2025
This discussion features Dr. Michael Phillips, a historian specializing in racism and eugenics in Texas, and Steven Monacelli, an investigative reporter focused on political extremism. They explore Texas's rich history of conspiracy theories, from the Alamo to QAnon, revealing how such beliefs provide emotional comfort to adherents. The conversation highlights the dark financial roots of McCarthyism in Texas and the historical context of extremist ideologies, framing these elements as pivotal to understanding contemporary far-right politics.
38:58
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Quick takeaways
- Texas has a historical legacy of conspiracy theories rooted in fears of rebellion and governmental distrust, shaping political discourse and beliefs.
- Belief in conspiracy theories provides individuals with a sense of community and purpose, framing complex issues in terms of a moral struggle.
Deep dives
The Rise of Conspiracy Theories in Texas
Alex Jones emerged as a prominent figure in spreading conspiracy theories in Texas, notably questioning major events like the Apollo 11 moon landing and the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, asserting they were staged. Through his platform, he fueled fears around government control, claiming U.S. military exercises were fronts for imposing martial law. The response from Texas's political leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, showed how deeply these conspiracy theories penetrated the state's political discourse. Even national figures like Senator Ted Cruz aligned themselves with constituents' fears, illustrating the significant impact of conspiracy narratives on political action in Texas.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode