Required Reading: Conservatives without Conscience

For those of you who read slashdot, this post is in the spirit of the occasional book reviews they post. And now to the point... John Dean's new book, Conservatives Without Conscience, is absolute required reading (I am in no way affiliated with this book. I just thought it was that good).

Not only is the book well written, but it comprehensively and (I would say) conclusively answers the question - why are the republicans so mean spirited? Dean's short answer is the republican party is run by autocratic ego maniacs who couldn't give a lick about you, me or even their own lemming supporters.

The question that bothers Dean is one that has bothered me - namely - how could the supporters of the radical right not see how they are being played for fools? Dean's answer: their personal make-up will just not allow them to. They are classic lemmings and share many of the same characteristics of the Germans and Italians during the late 1930's and early 1940's

I don't want to summarize the book too much (after all this is not a 9th grade book report) but Dean approaches the topic masterfully. After describing how, in the late 80's the right wing attack machine went after he and his wife, he began to question why the conservative movement had become so mean spirited and the atmosphere in DC had become so toxic. Dean examines the question using social science, political science and historical analysis and quickly comes to the conclusion that the personalities of right wing leaders are simply classic authoritarians (indeed, he puts some of them - notably Chaney and Delay in a super-authoritarian category). His conclusion is downright scary as he paints a picture of the possibility of a fascist America that could develop over the next few election cycles.

What is even more fascinating is the questions that Dean's book raises. He concludes that 30% of the electorate are, and will always be, authoritarian-followers. If true, how does that bode for the moderate democrat's argument that we have to start appealing to those voters? How can you address a democratic message for people who will simply not listen, no matter what you say?

The second large question raised by Dean is probably the most terrifying. What happens if another terrorist attack occurs while Bush is still in office? Would the backlash result in more authoritarian policies and could that lead to a fascist America?

Finally, Dean lays out how the radical right wing authoritarians have destroyed the Congress by implementing procedures designed to institute the iron fist of the majority. What happens if (and hopefully when) the Democrats take control? Do they go back to the "old" rules of congress based on civility and protection of the minority (personally I say hell no. Let the repugs rot under their own rules for a few years).

Run don't walk to the nearest bookstore (or check out audible.com for the audiobook).