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A wonderful Internet radio program, Howard Bloom Saves the Universe, is hosted by Chad Dougatz. Howard invited me to join the show to explore the question, “Why does Donald Trump stir us (either negatively or positively).” I rarely comment on phenomena I haven’t researched for a year or more. However, there are many commonalities between Trump’s ideas and those of political leaders I’ve studied my entire life (such as Adolf Hitler). The most significant similarity is the idea that one’s nation is in a state of decline—has lost its greatness—and that the cause of national collapse is the presence of certain classes of people within the body politic (e. g., Mexicans, illegal immigrants, Muslims). I was particularly struck by the idea that deporting millions of people—removing them from within the body politic—was the key to restoring the nation’s greatness. I came into the interview with ideas I wished to discuss. However, the conversation took many twists and turns. Howard and Chad are great performers. One idea led to another. One of the important topics that emerged was the (seemingly bizarre) presence of sexual themes that have dominated the campaign. One thing we agreed upon was that Donald Trump has drawn people into the domain of political culture. By presenting certain unorthodox ideas—playing upon collective fantasies—many people could not resist paying attention to the political process; even becoming addicted. Readers of the LSS Newsletter have become familiar with my “voice” through the written word. Now you have the opportunity to hear me speak. I hope you will click through and enjoy this program—and that it generates some valuable insights. Best regards, |
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