Weekly civic intelligence report ยท v2.2
Rep. Keith Self quotes Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels at congressional hearing. This represents norm erosion regarding acceptable congressional discourse.
This event scores extremely low on constitutional damage (A=0.58) but very high on distraction/hype (B=45.89), yielding D=-45.31. While quoting a Nazi propagandist in Congress represents norm erosion, the mechanism_modifier of 0.4 reflects that this is norm_erosion_only without institutional enforcement mechanisms. The quote itself doesn't directly threaten rule of law or civil rights institutions (scores of 1 each reflect minimal concern about discourse standards). The severity multipliers are low because the statement is easily reversible, has limited durability (single statement), and weak precedent value. However, the B-score is high: outrage_bait (4) for Nazi reference, media_friendliness (4) for shocking soundbite, moderate meme_ability (3) and novelty (3). Layer 2 shows some strategic elements (mismatch=2, pattern_match=2) but limited timing/pivot value. With intentionality at 3 (provocative statement), this clearly falls into List B territory as a high-distraction, low-damage event.
Monitor for pattern: Is this isolated poor judgment or part of broader normalization of extremist rhetoric? Track whether quote generates institutional response (censure, committee action) that would increase A-score. Current assessment: outrage-generating statement with minimal constitutional impact.