Michael Steele's latest cult-type threat to other Republicans that 'if you don't do as we say', and 'vote in lock-step with us' [paraphrasing], not only reinforces the reality that the Republican Party is becoming more and more like a cult, but it is perpetually undermining true democracy. It wasn’t until this past year and a half that I was forced to see clearly how both Jim Jones, David Koresh, Adolf Hitler and others were able to immobilize an entire people towards a definitive end - even to death. The constant propaganda, the lies, praying on fears and anxieties, the not-so-subtle hints of wanting a pure race and society, extreme hatred that is constantly being fed by O’Reilly, Beck, Limbaugh, Hannity, Dobbs, Malkin, Bachmann, the Palin rallies, top politicians, clergy, the Teabaggers and the Internet. The Republican Party/Right-Wing Extremists have their Jim Jones prototypes in variety and in multiplicity.
http://crooksandliars.com/...
Each day it becomes more and more apparent that the Republican Party as a whole is becoming more and more cult-like in its beliefs and behaviors. I know that this topic has been written about often, but when you see something as tragic as this unfolding before your very eyes, you cannot help but marvel at the people who are buy into it, and who are constantly allowing themselves to be sucked in. We could be looking at history in the making of the largest cult to ever be recognized in America. Add in the political component, and it becomes both frightening and unfortunate.
The similarities between the Jim Jones cult followers and the Republican Party/Right-Wing Extremists followers are uncanny. Many of the Jim Jones followers, despite the fact that they all had been taught sound Scripture, had attended church for many years, were Biblically aware (and had their Bibles with them as a matter of course), knew the difference between right and wrong, and had strong family ties and community attachments, still allowed one man to talk them into doing all manner of things that they knew was not only contrary to what their own leader had taught them before, but contrary to their own personal beliefs and experiences through the constant massaging of their minds. Despite their knowledge and understanding, they succumbed and allowed Jim Jones total power and influence over their minds, bodies and souls, thereby paving the way for him to rob them of all of their money, to sleep with their children, to separate their families and rob the husband and wife relationships. All of the red flags were there. Even Jim Jones’ own son saw the red flags, but did not act on the obvious until it was too late and he had lost everything.
When I look at the Republican Party today, I don’t see a political party at all. In fact, I don’t see anything that has to do with politics or advancing our Country as a viable and competitive worldwide force to be reckoned with. I only see and hear the viability of the formation of a cult. When someone says to you that they are a Republican because that is just what they have always been, with no foresight or interest in learning or knowing about the issues that will affect all of us, including them, it makes me realize that for the sake of being associated with a particular party or cause, they will latch on to anything. Therein lies the danger. When a person responds in an auto-pilot way of thinking and does not even consider engaging in dialogue about a particular issue or exchanging ideas, but just clings to the fact that they are a Republican because that’s what they’ve always been, it is the perfect set-up for the formation of a cult-like mentality. The perfect example of this mentality is the Republican followers' refusal to stop, think and listen to the questions, issues and answers as it relates to healthcare. The woman who wanted to make sure the government stayed out of her Medicare exemplifies someone who is so brainwashed in all things Republican and Right-Wing, and its resulting isolation, that she didn’t even know or equate her Medicare as being government-sponsored. For years she and others in her cult have had the luxury of taking advantage of the government-sponsored Medicare program. But for reasons that are not even known to her, while her cult members cheered her on, she foolishly ranted and raved over something that did not make any sense. In other words, it’s okay for her to have a government-sponsored healthcare system, but not 47,000,000 women, men and children to have health care, also. It defies logic. Even if one of the cult members knew the truth, they would be damned if they told it. But you cannot be logical with someone who has been brainwashed. At least not until they have been deprogrammed. Oftentimes, that deprogramming comes too late.
Michael Steele's threats to conform 'or else' removes the most important legacy for the American people as outlined in the Constitution - freedom. For without freedom, we are and have nothing. The Teabaggers have no idea that they themselves are giving away their fundamental right to think for themselves and to have freedom of choice - even if that choice means stepping outside the boundaries of their own political affiliation for their own good.
See also, Michael Altemeyers book entitled "The Authoritarians". This book is free online via PDF at http://members.shaw.ca/...