New Substack post from me about the central role "derp state" conspiracies play in the political culture of today's GOP, and how that those absurdities mark both a continuity and a departure in the history of the US right. https://sethcotlar.substack.com/p/down-the-derp-state-rabbit-hole-with
Down the Derp State Rabbit Hole with the Chair of the Marion County (OR) GOP

Cleon Skousen's conspiracy theories, Chinese commandos invading from Mexico, and other oldies but goodies from the right wing playbook

Rightlandia
I recognize that the very online term "derp" may not track for everyone. But how could I NOT put that pun/joke in the title once it came to me?
Anyway, believing "derpy" things is not a crime, nor is it particularly uncommon. The problem isn't individual derpy-ness, the problem is when you build the political culture of an entire political party around it.

@sethcotlar

It's been awhile since you posted and I'm getting worried about you. You ok?

@sethcotlar derp state has been right there this whole time and I didnt see it lol