The rise of the Extreme Right - an Alternative Theory

[Swede]

snip

I was watching another report of the Tea Party rallies and felt a strange sensation of deja vu. The views being presented, the way they were presented, the way the partiers reacted, the energy expressed were all familiar somehow. I sent my mind back to find out where this was coming from. All of a sudden, there it was. I saw it. I knew where I had seen all this before. I was shocked, then I realized I should have known all along. Follow me after the fold to my theory of where this extreme right ideology came from.

I realized that what I was watching was reminiscent of the Amway rallies I used to go to. It all made sense. I remembered how they got us involved - promises of wealth and the easy life. Promises that anybody could do it. Anger at the establishment and how the establishment had sold us all out. Religion. Protect the wealthy because you would soon be one of them and enjoy all the benefits. Super patriotism. Did I say Religion?

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2010/8/13/892895/-The-rise-of-the-Extreme-Rightan-Alternative-Theory

[RandomThoughts]

1. My view of religion is it is difficult.

And the rewards are not in ones own life, but many times with empathy comes the ability to share the joys others have.

So anyone that makes good gives you a great feeling. Although I think balance is important also, so people have to hold onto their dreams, while learning to find the best parts of them.

The Amway thing is helping people above you.

Most of what I think of as religion is helping people worse off then you.

[Swede]

2. I always enjoy your posts,RT.

Not sure if you're high on life,or just high,but your thoughts are usually well thought out,with a different way of looking at things.

[Martin Eden]

5. Romney Wordsworth, is that you?

Couldn't help but notice your photo of Burgess Meredith, and wonder if it's associated with "The Obsolete Man" episode on the Twilight Zone.
http://www.tv.com/the-twilight-zone/the-obsolete-man/episode/12649/recap.html?tag=episode_recap;recap

[eShirl]

3. it's no wonder they are called Scamway. n/t

[starroute]

4. I don't think you can blame them for the Tea Parties, though

Amway is part cult and part Ponzi scheme -- in some ways not unlike Scientology -- and it certainly tapped into a mindset that was willing to believe in its premises. But the extreme right is a lot older and a lot broader than Amway, and I don't see any cause and effect.

[SteveM]

6. I've been to pots & pans rallies. They ain't the Extreme Right...

The Far Right (as I call it) started up in the early 60s, and by the 80s had the plurality of influence in the Republican Party. Now, they dominate it and American politics. The Tea Party thing is a branch of this dominant force. Frankly, I think the GOP Far Right is a little uncomfortable with the Tea Party. For generations, the GOP has fed much of the American public a steady diet of "hateration," defining anything to the left of Eisenhower as corrupt, vile, weak, cowardly, evil and radical. That is why the Democratic Party has fled from almost anything with a philosophical tag, mute testimony to how very successful the GOP has been. Trouble is, the Teabaggers may start to ask questions along these lines: Okay, we hate the hell out of liberals, but now that they have been cowed and driven out of their own party, and my life and future still stink, what out there is going to help me?

The GOP, in reality, is the only game out there. They'll have to answer that question.