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It begins like this:

Bit by little bit, misleading words grow in shadows where they are picked up and spread.

Bit by bit, false conspiracies are created and multiplied.

Lies spread, becoming a wildfire of hate from those who feel isolated, threatened, fearful.

According to a Washington Post/University of Maryland poll, twenty-five percent of Americans . . . 25 percent! . . . believe that the FBI instigated the January 6 attack on the Capitol in Washington DC.

An independent voter from Texas echoes millions of voices. “The government implants were the violent ones: the FBI, the police people that were put in there, the antifa and BLM hired by George Soros; everybody knows that.”

Despite the fact that some 700 defendants pleaded guilty to federal crimes for taking part in the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol . . .

Despite the fact that 130 have been convicted . . .

Despite the fact that “In numerous hearings and trials, attorneys for defendants . . . have blamed Trump for the attack or their behavior in subsequent rioting that day, citing Trump’s encouragement to ‘fight like hell’ and his false claims of massive voter fraud.”

Despite White House attorneys and aides admitting their guilt in a conspiracy to overturn the will of the people, the truth is ignored by millions who pledge their allegiance to one man, wildly cheering his words:

“[Immigrants are] poisoning the blood of our country.”

“If you go after me, I’m coming after you!”

“We pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country.”

“I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed: I am your retribution.”

But these are the words that should matter to all of us:

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty . . .  and justice for all.”