The language of power

The function of political propaganda is far closer to naked bullying than to persuading.

That fact alone does the whole job of explaining its coarseness, its crudity, its normal tone of outrage overt or just beneath the surface, its frequent recourse to violent personal vilification, and its offensive vulgarity and stupidity.

There is no need to attribute these qualities to the politicians, pundits, bloggers, and partisans whose discourse it is.

It would be an error, even a dangerous misunderstanding, to do so.