From one cult leader to another

“ He was dour. Irascible. Tempestuous. He rarely smiled.
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He rose to power by joining an existent right-wing political party.
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His speeches and writings were incoherent ramblings.
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Most everyone, even some in his inner circle questioned his mental state.
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But due to his popularity and fear of retribution, they pretended not to notice.
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They made him their leader.
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Before long, he remade that political party in his own image.
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It was nationalistic. Disrespectful of societal norms, regularly skirting the law. Racist. Sexist. Xenophobic. Belligerent. Constantly threatening their neighbors.
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The party merged interests with religious leaders, captains of industry, like-minded media moguls. They all fawned over him and asked their followers to join with them for the “good of the nation.” Most did.
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The party gave him unprecedented control. It became HIS party. Because no one dared stand up to him.
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His followers adored him because he told them what they yearned to hear. And the economy was good, so why rock the boat?
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The few party members who did criticize his policies were called unpatriotic, disloyal, even traitors. Some left the party rather than suffer the indignity of the cult-like wave that had swept over them.
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He called upon his followers to do harm to those who dared oppose him.
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And even THEN, the party remained silent. Fear had a firm grip on them all.
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But that was nearly a century ago, in a far off land. That could never happen here.”
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~ Bruce Lindner