Author: Carmen Celestini

Ever wonder what my social media FYP looks like? My new weekly round of conspiracies and cocktails will allow you a front row seat for the newest conspiracies! Sip a perfect Manhattan and come on a journey into my world.

Days after Canada, conservative MP Jamil Jivani posted accusations against the Liberal Party that they were forcing grant recipients for events in late June to name their events, Multicultural events. This accusation apparently came from a “friend in Newcastle” Ontario. What Jivani does not acknowledge, other than this is untrue, is that June 27th is Multiculturalism Day in Canada. The fake crisis he is creating reinforces anti-immigration hate in the nation.

I wrote a piece about CPC MP Jamil Jivani’s Canada Day and July 4th celebrations. They focused on hate, conspiracy theories, and fearmongering.

Rarely will I post this much on my Substack, but the Chris Rufo interview in the New York Times had to be addressed. Rufo’s disinformation, conspiracy theories, racism, and lies were not addressed at all by Ezra Klien.

Rufo reminded me of Paul Weyrich, who was a John Bircher, co-founder of the Moral Majority, The Council on National Policy, and the Heritage Foundation. Rufo is benefiting from those who came before him in the far-right political movement of the GOP, and using their lessons to shape an America led by the wealthy, Christian nationalism, and where those not in the 1% are controlled by conspiracy theories, fearmongering, hate, and lies.

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition!

I wrote a little piece on the viral clip from a Kentucky Vacation Bible School where children chant “Blow Him Up!” while men dressed in full military fatigues lead a mock execution. The Pastor’s response is this is a skit expressing the real world vision of Spiritual Warfare, but it seems to be indicative of the gun culture in America.

Two News Max and Fox News commentators appeared on a podcast to discuss the movement to make Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) a diagnosable disorder. Claims that Robert Kennedy too wanted this to move forward were announced, no one else announced this until this podcast episode. The entire discussion was an example of coded language to spread conspiracy theories, hate, and disinformation.

Religious studies departments are closing across North America. Yet, in these unprecedented times the scholarship and expertise they have is called upon by analysts, media, and podcasters. Religious studies scholars face precarious employment, contingent course loads, and often working in isolation. Using recent Christian response to Bill C-9 in Canada, I look at the influence of religion on these movements, and the importance of understanding religion in the context of society, current events, and political response.

Conservative MP, Jamil Jivani is copying some moves from the Trumpian playbook. Yesterday he was busy attacking DEI policies in Canada, and this is not his first time. Seems JD’s Vance’s close friend, shares the same tactics to prop up hate, and divide society.