In his first interview as the chairman of the Arkansas Republican Party, Dennis Milligan told his fellow Republicans that it was “time for a rediscovery of our values and our common sense.”
And he told a reporter that America needs to be attacked by terrorists so that people will appreciate the work that President Bush has done to protect the country.
“At the end of the day, I believe fully the president is doing the right thing, and I think all we need is some attacks on American soil like we had on [Sept. 11, 2001],” Milligan said to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “and the naysayers will come around very quickly to appreciate not only the commitment for President Bush, but the sacrifice that has been made by men and women to protect this country.” [story]
Straight-talking, gun-toting, God-fearing Republicans seem to enthusiastically alter reality in order to display their loyalty – a beautiful web of words, vindicating every position. Bruno Giussani calls it ‘endless depths of delusion’.
Johann Hari went on a cruise for the Independent with conservative Republicans.
Setting sail with America’s swashbuckling neocons, he learned that the Iraq war has been an amazing success, global warming is just a myth – and as for Guantanamo Bay, it’s practically a holiday camp.
The conversation ebbs back to friendly chit-chat. So, you’re a European, one of the Park Avenue ladies says, before offering witty commentaries on the cities she’s visited. Her companion adds, “I went to Paris, and it was so lovely.” Her face darkens: “But then you think – it’s surrounded by Muslims.” The first lady nods: “They’re out there, and they’re coming.”
Mitt Romney is worried. He’ll install a filter on every computer sold in America to clean up the ‘cesspool of violence and sex and indolence and perversions’. Who will filter the pulpit?
‘The Authoritarians’ is a scientific look at the key characteristics of followers (Right Wing Authoritarians) and their leaders (Social Dominants).
Professor Bob Altemyer, who was the basis for research data in John Dean’s recent book “Conservatives without Conscience”, explains,
Briefly these people are unquestioning followers of strong leaders who believe in a hierarchical social structure.