re: #208 Dr Lizardo

What we’re seeing is an explosion of cultural atavism, a longing for a lost past, in which Christian, middle-class whites were at the very apex of the social pyramid - now, these same people see their socio-cultural position threatened and they’re lashing out in fear.

Not necessarily fear they’ll be displaced, but rather, that they’ll have to share some room at the apex of the pyramid. It’s an anti-egalitarian reaction, whether they’re aware of it or not.

And dividing people by their fears is exactly how conservatism works to maintain itself. That way the people who benefit from conservatism (the wealthy and corporations, who are the “pastors” of the religion), can deflect anger and hatred of the masses (the “parishioners”) on an external demon which is trying to destroy their faith.

That demon is usually progress which benefits everyone.

One good lie is the economic argument “a rising tide lifts all boats.” Not when conservative leaders tie the boats to the docks. Then the rising tide merely sinks them.