Human Nature

[Alan V]

I consider cynicism about politicians and democracy to be partly to blame for the political rise of a demagogue in the U.S.

The cult-like adulation of an authority figure is one of those atavisms I was referring to.

I would love political rise of demagogue in US cause that would mean someone giving a shit about common man but I'm not in habit of loving fantasy. Sanders ain't president.

Also democracy have itself to blame - if it couldn't provide citizens with European style healthcare (would be called single payer here?), lessening wealth inequality, or educating citizens on why voting for fascist is both immoral and counter effective then perhaps some shock is needed so political class could reassess it's priorities.

According to Google, a demagogue is "a political leader who seeks support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people rather than by using rational argument." That describes Trump certainly, but not Sanders who does indeed rely on rational arguments and facts IMO. (One can argue for different policies on the basis of the same facts, but Trump doesn't rely on facts.)

In the U.S., lower taxes are given priority over universal healthcare, even by a large number of voters. I don't agree with that either. Our highest priorities should be the basics.

In the case of democracy versus fascism, be careful what you wish for. In our case, it seems to be leading to a plutocracy -- just the reverse of what Trump's fake populism promised.