Reply #57: Interesting that you bring it up [View All]

[Zodiak]

I have a good friend (35 yrs old) who is an officer on a nuclear sub. He is anti-Bush.

Might as well state my opinion here. Let me begin by saying that I was raised in Freeperville by apatheitic Democrats. A bad pedigree, I know, but I grew out of it.

Here are the reasons why "good" people become neo-cons.

1. Imagery - We, as Americans, have all been raised on how great this country is. We have been to many 4th of July events. While in school, we learned what it was all about. I think that some listen tothe principles of America and adhere to them; others see the symbols and give them their loyalty. Both are patriotic, but one has far more potential to be manipulated. Neo-cons love waving the flags to get people to come running.

2. Religion - Most of America is raised under Christianity. Christianity has the same dual message of principles and imagery. One thing is agreed upon, though, that Christianity is "good", therefore those that follow it are "good". Those that follow the principles and adhere less to images are less likely to be manipulated. But both types of people are still trying to be "good".

3. Liberal-bashing - For two entire generations, Americans have heard over and over that liberals are undesirble without any appreciable counter-argument. Both the Republicans AND the Democrats have run as far from Liberals as possible to the point where the term has completely lost its meaning other than as a pejorative. As a result, politics in this country has radiaclly changed because a signifianct portion of it has simply not been allowed to come to the table. Liberals are still associated with the Democratic party, therefore any American who wants to be a "good American" MUST go for the Republicans because at least they do not have any dirty liberals.

4. Fear - This is not a new concept (been used to sell you everything since advertising was invented), but now the fear has risen to the level where ANYONE who wants to get tough on our perceived enemies and offer us security will be voted for without question and forgiven unbelievable tresspasses upon American principles. This works well across the board, but people who respond to images rather than principles (and there are a lot of them..not their fault) tend to adhere to the sellers of fear longer than most.

This is what I think has created this phenomenon of Hannity-listers who would otherwise be good people. It is a clever marketing strategy that takes advantage of the way a portion of any human population thinks. It is only successful because it is the only game in town.