They lack mental focus -- or ability

Fool some of the people all the time

“A talented con man, or a slick politician, does not waste his time trying to convince knowledgeable skeptics. His job is to keep the true believers believing. He is not going to convince the others anyway.” – Thomas Sowell, a Harvard Scholar (1)

In Hitler's book "Mein Kampf" (My Struggle) he originates the idea of "das Grosse Luge" (The Big Lie): 

"But the most brilliant propagandist technique will yield no success unless one fundamental principle is borne in mind constantly and with unflagging attention. It must confine itself to a few points and repeat them over and over. Here, as so often in this world, persistence is the first and most important requirement for success."

Repeating the same “big lie” over and over, regardless of how often it is shown to be false, may be successful in Costa Mesa; with those who want to believe.

Knowledgeable skeptics here

One might think it would be hard to introduce falsehoods about the Mayor when he’s openly discussing his plans and policies with citizens; a lot of citizens are becoming “knowledgeable skeptics.” However . . .

Here are some comments, probably from locals. (Many of the chronic haters have set up phony Facebook accounts they can hide behind.)

Not intelligent discourse 

An article began with a history of Fairview Park, looking similar to Historical Society pamphlets. Then it suddenly changed in style and deteriorated into “cutesy-clever” diatribe. It earned a lot of remarks – from believers, apparently. A couple of them (copied as they appeared) from supposedly different citizens:

 “i swear, i'm starting to think these two guys (Mayor and Pro Tem) must just be ignorant and are following some puppet master-- who does this kind of crap and gives no explanation to residents? they must live in some bubble world. the sad thing is they seem to be able to get away with it.”

“The gravel-laying, scraping, and weed killing was APPROVED by Ernesto Munoz, Costa Mesa’s Director of Public Services. Why does this dim bulb still have a job? And why hasn't he been arrested as well . . .This whole sorry affair doesn't stink; it f(deleted) reeks. And has the smell of Costa Mesa’s a(deleted)ole councilmen all over it.”

Another place, another time

And, after a Daily Pilot Letter to the Editor “Stop Slamming the City Council” which addresses the Council’s accomplishments and performance:

“Hey there, lonely guy! Do you still have only one facebook friend? Righeimer?” (directed to the letter writer). And,

“. . . You need to resign from the pension oversight committee until your Bankruptcy is over” directed to another commenter. Note that nothing about the Committee pertained to the subject.

Meager repertoire

So, they insult and denigrate the Mayor, and they attack letter writers and commenters personally. They lack the ability – or the mental focus -- to discuss priorities or policies.

Different subjects, different commenters – same vitriol. Fortunately for Costa Mesa, the haters are limited in number as well as acumen. However, they are persistent in their hatred.

We'll look at rational comments, more likely to represent most citizens in "The City of the Arts,” soon.

1) Sowell:  Here

2) From Mein Kampf: Here