It’s out of fashion now, but Paul D. MacLean’s triune brain model still seems to have some limited application to the political sphere:

MacLean contended that the reptilian complex was responsible for species typical instinctual behaviors involved in aggression, dominance, territoriality, and ritual displays. [emphasis added]

Sound like anyone you know? Follow the links and find out.

Let us all agree, at least, that fear and paranoia are not neocortical functions, and perhaps for that reason are eminently marketable. While pointy-headed intellectuals are thinking, fercrissake, crimes are being committed. Dark forces are surrounding us.

“Let’s not talk about statistics, let’s talk about danger.” Fear is easy. Math class is tough.

[H/t mattt, via deBeauxOs b/c]