Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

babylonsister

(170,963 posts)
Wed Apr 24, 2013, 07:46 PM Apr 2013

The Republican De-Evolution: From Political Party to Cult


The Republican De-Evolution: From Political Party to Cult
Posted by Allen Clifton


For a while now, I’ve called the Republican Party a cult more often than I have a political party or ideology. The emergence of the Tea Party only solidified this belief.

Scientific research (not that science means much of anything to many Republicans) distinguishes 5 characteristics of a cult:

People are put in physical or emotionally distressing situations
Their problems are reduced to one simple explanation, which is repeatedly emphasized
They receive what seems to be unconditional love, acceptance and attention from a charismatic leader or group
They get a new identity based on the group
They are subject to entrapment and their access to information is severely controlled


I’ll tackle these one by one.

1) Any rational person who’s subjected themselves to a decent amount of right-wing media (I have, it comes with the job) would find it hard to deny that these individuals often thrive on fear, paranoia and anger. Anyone who has ever objectively watched Fox News, listened to Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh, has probably lost count of the references to apocalyptic destruction of our country even in just one broadcast. Even after the death of Osama Bin Ladin, something that should have been celebrated by every American, Fox News perpetuated the idea that President Obama was someone who proved that he has no issues going into a country without authorization, to kill whoever he wants—whenever he wants. Really? You take what should be an apolitical event and turn it into a means at which to paint Obama as some kind of tyrant who will stop at nothing to kill whoever he wants. It was simply ridiculous.

Even long after the “death panel” myth has been soundly debunked, many Republican still fear “death panels” in the Affordable Care Act. They’ve been conditioned to believe Obama is some kind of gay rights supporting, foreign-born, radical Muslim socialist set on destroying “traditional American values,” yet can’t pinpoint a time when we had those—for everyone. Hell, they can’t even comprehend that for someone to be a socialist, a radical Muslim and support homosexuality is nearly an endless line of contradictions that no one person could ever singularly encompass.

They’re told by most of their media sources to be afraid. These bad men are out to bankrupt your grandchildren, create panels deciding who lives and dies, and turn this country into some socialistic style of governing. You can’t constantly be bombarded with this kind of intensely negative and hate filled information and not come out emotionally compromised.

2) I’ve always said Republicans are all about simple thoughts and vanilla ideas, I call it bumper sticker politics. They create catch phrases like “Obamacare” or “job creators” because it’s easier to peddle to their followers. Their party is essentially based on 3 main ideas: God, taxes and guns. It’s simple and easy to repeat.

more...

http://www.forwardprogressives.com/republicancult/
9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The Republican De-Evolution: From Political Party to Cult (Original Post) babylonsister Apr 2013 OP
What's missing is a charismatic leader. Don't see one. n/t dimbear Apr 2013 #1
I agree, but it's still working. babylonsister Apr 2013 #2
Perhaps the main thing to worry about is that one could pop up. dimbear Apr 2013 #3
Who? nt babylonsister Apr 2013 #6
When these folk pop up in history, nobody seems to see them coming. dimbear Apr 2013 #9
republicans control the house and senate.....hardly de-evolution in real world political terms nt msongs Apr 2013 #4
SO nice to see you again, msongs! nt babylonsister Apr 2013 #5
Their new slogan may as be changed to "Us vs. Them". Jamaal510 Apr 2013 #7
The rethugs get it, but the teabaggers are thwarting them. babylonsister Apr 2013 #8

dimbear

(6,271 posts)
9. When these folk pop up in history, nobody seems to see them coming.
Thu Apr 25, 2013, 01:19 AM
Apr 2013

They just show up and draw a crowd of followers and trouble.

Jamaal510

(10,893 posts)
7. Their new slogan may as be changed to "Us vs. Them".
Wed Apr 24, 2013, 10:54 PM
Apr 2013

All they've been running on in recent times is resentment towards Obama, liberals, Democrats, minorities, gays, foreigners, non-Christians...you name it. Their modern agenda is built around divisiveness. Even as a Democrat, I think it's a shame to see, considering that they used to be a party that touted civil rights and a party that used to be willing to tax millionaires, and do whatever possible to preserve the environment. We need both major parties working in the interest of the country, but unfortunately one of them is not.
The Reagan era, combined with Obama's election in 2009, just completely drove the GOP off the wall...

babylonsister

(170,963 posts)
8. The rethugs get it, but the teabaggers are thwarting them.
Wed Apr 24, 2013, 11:04 PM
Apr 2013

I have no answer. I never thought these problems after the dim one would be the problem.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»The Republican De-Evoluti...