The article, and the two related responses from Dan and EEE, all make sense. Trump has to be at least contemplating the possibility of a loss and given how he desperately requires unquestioned adulation, a Trump network would seem to fit the bill. He could rant endlessly about any nonsense that passes through his small brain, and his fawning cult will hang on every word. For me, the big takeaway from his ascension to the presidency is what it says about a certain ignorant and highly insecure and needy minority of the populace: they will cling to any leader who provides community, reinforces their perceived grievances, and affirms their identity. Hell, they even get a uniform (MAGA hat and Trump tee-shirt, probably made in China as it's about profits). The religiosity and cultishness of it all is so apparent and it gives us a window into similar movements throughout history. How to break the spell? And what if the next guy does it smarter? And from a more overtly religious perspective? I find it especially alarming that Pompeo and Pence are religious zealots who, in the words of Anne Applebaum, "have convinced themselves that they are in a biblical moment" and that "we are approaching the Rapture." Similarly, Attorney General Barr said at Notre Dame, "militant secularists" are destroying America, and that "irreligion and secular values are being forced on people of faith." Perhaps if their presidential aspirations don't pan out they can compete for the Ed McMahon role. "Heeeeerrre's Donnny!" Wouldn't a Trump network be a logical next step for a nation that embraced the PTL (praise the lord) Club, the 700 Club, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, and so many more high quality, family-friendly programs? Only this time, the messiah is the star of the show! Peter T.
Heeerrre's Donnny!
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The article, and the two related responses from Dan and EEE, all make sense. Trump has to be at least contemplating the possibility of a loss and given how he desperately requires unquestioned adulation, a Trump network would seem to fit the bill. He could rant endlessly about any nonsense that passes through his small brain, and his fawning cult will hang on every word. For me, the big takeaway from his ascension to the presidency is what it says about a certain ignorant and highly insecure and needy minority of the populace: they will cling to any leader who provides community, reinforces their perceived grievances, and affirms their identity. Hell, they even get a uniform (MAGA hat and Trump tee-shirt, probably made in China as it's about profits). The religiosity and cultishness of it all is so apparent and it gives us a window into similar movements throughout history. How to break the spell? And what if the next guy does it smarter? And from a more overtly religious perspective? I find it especially alarming that Pompeo and Pence are religious zealots who, in the words of Anne Applebaum, "have convinced themselves that they are in a biblical moment" and that "we are approaching the Rapture." Similarly, Attorney General Barr said at Notre Dame, "militant secularists" are destroying America, and that "irreligion and secular values are being forced on people of faith." Perhaps if their presidential aspirations don't pan out they can compete for the Ed McMahon role. "Heeeeerrre's Donnny!" Wouldn't a Trump network be a logical next step for a nation that embraced the PTL (praise the lord) Club, the 700 Club, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, and so many more high quality, family-friendly programs? Only this time, the messiah is the star of the show! Peter T.
