Readers, undoubtedly, are aware that the large, populist hordes, evidently, paying homage, with, quasi- religious fervor to Donald Trump, have, been described by the media, as “cultish,” and his sycophants, characterized, as a veritable, “cult.” Far too little is revealed, however, regarding the fundamental, etiology of the attributed, charisma, of their sporadic appearance, over time, nor, concerning the dynamics of the irrational obeisance of their adherents. To attempt to ensure against repetition of this pathological, phenomenon which is, inarguably, perilous to democracy, an insightful analysis and understanding of the same, to the degree, rationally, possible, would be of vital importance. In this essay, we will bravely, attempt, to hazard our own, considered, perception of the dynamics of this existentially, anti-democratic, pathology, which, in its current, configuration, we have referenced, the “Trumposis Syndrome.” Some, additional examples of the heartrending, ravages of this dire human affliction, may be illustrated by examination of the malign political epidemics which flourished during the autocratic eras of, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, and more recently, Vladimir Putin.
The pathogenic leader of the examined, syndrome, clinically, diagnosed as cult of personality, typically, and lustfully, consolidates his desired power, among the populist masses by a ceaseless attack on the purported, “privileged elites,” the demonstration of extensive, systemic injustice, the tactical designation of (“scapegoats”), the denigration of “truth,” an expressed, (alleged) passion in support of “justice,” the break with established governors and mode of governing, the claimed support of radical, universal change, as perceived to be desired by the disgruntled, populist citizen, the creation of a fictional, dark inside government (or selected ethnic or racial group) as the culprit in ideations of manufactured, conspiracy, the designation of parties, or policies, allegedly, responsible for the extant, and all-pervasive, injustice, and the intentional and tactical, fanning of the perceived, flames of discontent.
The cult member entirely surrenders his personal identity and previously, established self-image, point of view and principles, in willing, exchange for the communal “groupthink” (empirically, in accord with the dogma and perceptions of the cult leader) and his acquisition of (a neurotically needed) sense of security, from his, perceived, acceptance and recognition as a member of the perverse group. Thereafter, effective, recognition of factual reality, itself, is no longer, empirical, but, strictly in consonance with the perception and dictates of the cult leader and the, unwaveringly, compliant, sycophants of the cult.
The persona, lack of moral compass, serial mendacity, bigotry and incompetence of cult leader, Trump, we perceive, has been sufficiently, commented on in our past writings and clearly demonstrated in the daily media. Also, indisputable are the repugnant, anti-democratic sequelae of the subject virulent disease. These, as evident, include, (with the stereotypic assent of his cult,) the denigration of the existential virtue of “truth,” itself, in favor of “alternate reality, the deprecation of the legitimate, media, the ignorant reshaping of federal policy, the elimination of environment policies, the negative immigration policy, racial injustice, immoral, and self-serving, Presidential behavior, spread of misinformation, especially, regarding Covid and other pervasive propaganda, sexual and gender bias, incessant falsity, conspiracy ideation, treasonous relationships with the Nation’s enemies, injury to the Nation’s traditional partners and significant treaty relationships (NATO, Paris Accords), substantial breach of the Emolument Clause of the Constitution, interference with the right to vote ( including the “Big Lie and the insurrection against the government by his cult followers, bribery and extortion.
It is our empirical observation that, disappointingly and perilously, our National population, appears to include a rather substantial population of inadequately, educated and poorly informed citizens. Such a grim observation necessitates the recognition that the rational and appropriate operation of the American government as a democratic republic remains a matter of periodic and occasional risk.
We have recently and exhaustedly, lost confidence in our previously expressed, (optimistic) view, that programs of humanistic enlightenment might be construed to educate and inform the “populist underbelly” of our Nation; current events have shown that such an effort would be analogous to the mythical labors of Hercules. Instead, and more pragmatically, we would emphasize our earlier expressed admonition, that all aspiring candidates for Presidential office, be mandatorily, and thoroughly, vetted by an officially designated committee, of non-partisan (or bi-partisan) experts, for fitness for office. Such a prophylactic measure would be no more onerous, yet, far more fiduciary, than the customary job interview for citizens, seeking far less intrinsically, impactful employment.
Such vetting, psychological, educational, personal and moral, would, at minimum, have prevented our Nation’s ship of State, to have been commanded by a neurotic and self-interested, Captain, with a morally aesthetic atmosphere, analogous to a late August afternoon, “Porto-Potty.”
-p.
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