Is America moving to the right or being forced there?

[Q]

- Since most voters didn't vote for Bush*...it's fair to say that there's no mandate for his far-right agenda. I submit that the Bush* administration's rollback of environmental protections, worker's rights, defunding public schools and the establishment of a doctrine of preemptive, aggressive war isn't supported by the majority of the people.

- This means a small group of unelected, rich and powerful men and their fanatical sycophants are setting the agenda for America. This is the antithesis of Democracy and representative government.

- Time and again I've heard that 'America is becoming more conservative'. How so? Is it that people now think that social welfare must die so that corporate welfare can survive? Is it that they think the United States has the right to invade and occupy countries that pose no threat to our security? Destroy the environment so that industry can make a bigger profit? Take from the poor and give to the rich? Do a majority of Americans now believe in deregulation? Supply-side economics? Theocracy? Secretive government?

- Could it be that most Americans don't think this way at all? Could it be that the government, corporations, media and the Religious Right have joined forces to spread the propaganda that America has become more conservative in order to manufacture a mandate for their puppet president?

[Cleita]

1. I know we aren't allowed to call Bush by the N word but

this is how Germany became the Third Reich.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. They're being seduced

The rightwingers have adopted the Moonie tactics of conversion: total information control and fake love.

[salinen]

5. Q

You see clearly through the haze of propaganda and false culture. This actually may be the beginning of a long , deep, and troubling period for democracy.

[waltisfrozen]

6. the art of seduction

Yeah, they're decorating their right-wing policies in left-wing rhetoric.

[POed_Ex_Repub]

3. Psst... I'll let you in on a secret.

Bush's support is very soft. In fact, if he had to go through a primary he'd have a heck of a fight on his hands.

Most of Bush's non-RW support comes from

1) Rah Rah around the flag from 9/11 and our daily Terror Threats

People dont' want to look un-patriotic by not supporting a sitting president when their country is in percieved danger.

2) The illusion that the economy is turning around

3) Incumbancy - They need to find a compelling reason to switch candidates.... something you won't see on CNN and Faux these days I'm afraid.

[Q]

7. Bush* could get one vote and still 'win'....

...or haven't you heard about selection 2000?

- And about 'illusions'...they've worked quite well for Bush*.

[DuctapeFatwa]

4. neither. what was already there is uncovered and celebrated

Goebbels understood it too.

[lapauvre]

8. I posted, some time ago

"How it happened."

I have lived long enough to know "how it happened that it happened."

Yes, we are propagandized. Yes, we are headed for a one party controlled system. Yes, the religious right wing that took over the Republican party is the mortal enemy of America. Yes, most American voters are not paying attention. Yes, we are permitting it to happen. Yes, we are being had. And YES, this is how the Nazis took control.

And YES, you better get out the vote. And be prepared for trouble.

[kentuck]

9. But the vast majority didn't think it was that important....

Things have always worked out in the past. Why should this time be any different? Nobody understands what is happening but it can't be that bad, can it??

[Q]

10. Americans are conditioned to trust authority...

...and the media tells them that Bush* is not only a 'great' leader...but has only the best of intentions. Whom are we to argue with the free press?

[candy331]

11. Perhaps we are nearing

the end of another world power since the past ones of history lasted on average of 225-250 years except the one unusually long power of Rome. I think it is food for thought at this point.

[Q]

12. The end of world power...or the beginning of Republican rule?

- Republicans have been in power now for a decade. Clinton...much like the Democratic party today...was bullied and intimidated into conceding and compromising to the point of irrelevancy.

- The Bushies came into power at a time when the Democratic party was floundering. They took advantage of a party split between the DLCers and traditional 'new deal' Democrats. While Democrats were finding their way...the Bushies grabbed power and have no intention of letting a little thing like an election get in their way.