the nastier characters on the right being exposed. Each time they have to lose the support of at least a handful of conservative faux-independents.

It's their mirror on the left, our own malcontent barn-burners, who are acting out their own reactionary negativism that alarms me. I thought most of us were a whole lot more rational and responsible than the haters on the right. And more honest with ourselves. Who'll balance them and protect the principles our nation was founded on if not us?

But I can't help but be concerned that a mob mentality is breaking free from restraint. They're all racing to sound as stupid and mean as Trump. The whole situation is giving free rein to the worst ideas that have been simmering out there all this time. Maybe fresh air will be good, expose the foolishness for what it is. But I'm not sure that's how it will all go.

would be shocked by some event into realization of how far they'd been lead into extremism and destruction of what conservatives used to protect, and every time they've supported whatever it was, often just by enabling the extreme right, but too often actively. Apparently nothing is as unthinkable as joining with those to their left would be.

That's why I look at candidates for their ability and eagerness to set extremists marching. Cruz still looks like one even though he's not doing well right now, extremely smart and talented, ruthless and willing to destroy to gain power, able to mobilize religious extremists as the "anointed one." What would a Scott Walker do with the power a fearful and enraged populace might allow him after a terrorist attack? I believe we could count on him to take it just as far as he could.

Many conservatives, including almost all highly vulnerable social cons, believe naziism and fascism are liberal ideologies, and the nation is full of people who believe "a little more" religion in government would be a very good thing. It COULD happen here.

It is a good read.

It's an incredibly seductive thing, to just not give a fuck, and to give the bird to anyone who insists that you should. Especially when they insist loudly and often. Perhaps the counter is a change of tactics away from all outrage all the time.