Good morning Kossacks...
A nice monday morning and I note without surprise that Bush has nominated a complete religious fanatic to the Supreme Court. I'm only surprised that so many people are surprised...
With that in mind, today's recommended short story is by Robert A Heinlein.
If This Goes On...
(Description on the flip)
It's a lovely little story about exactly how the United States votes itself a religious dictatorship. It covers pretty much everything, discounting the fact that the technology isn't as advanced as Heinlein thought it would be.
You've got pretty much everything here. Secret Police, torture, and mandatory religion. And the entire reason that it happens is because, to paraphrase the story, elections don't depend on convincing the other side. They depend on getting out your supporters.
Bush's base is exactly the type that would vote for this type of crap. Easily manipulated by fear and religion, obsessed with minutiae, and pretty much willing to do whatever their leader wants.
So, if you get bored reading about the next EVIL GENIUS, take an hour or so and read this fairly prophetic story. Heck, read the rest of that timeline too, since Heinlein didn't seem to like leaving things in hell... :)