It's bad enough that some leaders encourage this mindset to win elections. But when leaders in power perpetuate, even congratulate populist thuggery, it's far more damaging to our community than potholes. It's fairytale bullshit.
Journalists usually bear the brunt of legal attacks for defamation. But increasingly defamation is wielded as a weapon to punish political opponents and control community discussion by frightening people into keeping their mouths shut.