(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . MAGA Cults, Political Scandals, Self-Deception and Fascism [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2024-06-15 Mega-liar, racist and misogynist Donald J. Trump. Whether it’s history, advertising, car sales, marketed drugs, housing costs, the news media or politics and the latest war, truth these days is on trial. While it didn’t start with Trump’s mega lies, he certainly accelerated the crisis. We’ll stick mostly to the political class and their followers in this case, along with the butchering of history. While some politicians are mostly truthful, many people on the street will exclaim they all “lie like rugs”, a generalization often made, especially by the less political among us. It’s often said that such folks have difficulty believing anything a politician says anymore and don’t know who or what to believe. Or what’s right or wrong anymore! Which is exactly what the indisputably fascist Republicans seek for the masses, and are succeeding at it. Lies and Deceptions Come in All Shapes and Sizes MAGITES on January 6th. There are many ways one can be less than truthful without rising to a Trumpian level, such as the claiming the Earth is flat or that Biden stole the 2020 election. Or that bleach can cure Covid. One type of lie, at least as common as the Trumpian ones, and that can be just as damaging, are the lies of omission. This category applies both to the political classes and elite individuals. It is my belief that to join a cult like Trump’s MAGA, you have to be willing and eager to deceive yourself and suspend reality. Same is likely true of those that join other cults. Fascism is a Cult Cults are often joined for valid social reasons but sometimes end in horrible tragedy. We are a social species by nature and there is a natural desire to be part of a social grouping or organization. Joining a social grouping magnifies both risk and reward. We see the risk aspect of this in youth, who are more likely to misbehave in group behavior than alone. Their immaturity and living conditions makes them susceptible to dares and the urging of others. Some are much more vulnerable than others, but given certain conditions, virtually anyone at any age can wind up joining a cult. Nazi cult leader Joseph Goebbels, who also promoted white supremacy, 91 years ago in Germany! The following profile lists some on the factors making an individual vulnerable to join a MAGA styled fascist type cult: Alienation/dislike for America’s recent cultural changes. Anger with organizations that support these changes. Democrats blamed for these social and cultural changes. Dependency on authority/god-like figures, a belief in dictatorship and a proclivity to follow such leaders. Misogyny and a belief in patriarchal domination of society. A disturbed nationalist identification with white supremacy. A need to be led and have others make decisions for them. Infatuation with the greatness and military might of America. A susceptibility to group pressures and self-deception. Some of these traits may be found in other cult organization members and not every individual will manifest all of these traits. Fascist cults can also be large enough to become mass movements involving millions of followers. The group social nature of the cult can enable extremely violent tendencies in some individuals when the cult leaders command them, including horrible crimes against humanity. The Most Serious lies of Omission Today: Ignoring Global Warming Does anybody in government care? Our country and the world face an existential threat from Climate Change. One which is causing a potentially deadly global crisis. Yet all we hear about this most of the time from our leaders are crickets chirping. Their response is in no way proportional to the threat. I find this the best example of a damaging political omission that’s current. It’s the best example of the power of corporate/capitalist media influence and big oil to suppress and neutralize the truth and penetrate government. An omission that threatens the life on the entire planet. Honorable Mention: Trump’s omission to pay his contractors. 25 of the Biggest Political Scandals and Lies Since 1950 My top biggest 25 since 1950, in no particular order, include: Quite a list, isn’t it? And it could be much longer. [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/6/15/2245425/-MAGA-Cults-Political-Scandals-Self-Deception-and-Fascism?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=more_community&pm_medium=web Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/