The Devil Has Come To Collect

An Andrew Sullivan reader bottom-lines American conservatism (which is, of course, synonymous with the Republican party):

What American 'conservatism' has become fits closely within the definition of fascism: an intensely nationalist movement intent on defining membership in the 'nation' on linguistic, religious, and (increasingly) ethnic/racial criteria, accompanied by an unquestioning loyalty to (male) authority, enshrined in family leaders, business leaders, religious leaders, and especially, the leader of the nation, who is seen as embodying the Nation. Loyalty to the Party or Movement and its ideology is of great importance. Violence is the preferred means of accomplishing goals. Diplomacy, compromise, negotiation, are all identified with (feminine) weakness. The rule of law is also despised, because it lacks the immediacy of (violent) action, and its emphasis on balance and its concern with proper procedure is also seen as a sign of (feminine) weakness.

Yes, and the GOP can count on useful idiots such as Maureen Dowd to keep the "(feminine) weakness" equation (not to mention the predilection for unquestioning loyalty to (male) authority) alive and kicking for the benefit of the NYT's "liberal" readership. But I digress ...

Still think "facism" is too strong? Read this transcript of GOP candidates trolling for primary votes in this week's "debate." Sure, Edoroso is being funny (and by the way, Culture of Truth is the undisputed champ at such distillations), but his bottom line is also right on the money. It's "Faster GOP! Kill! Kill!" for the benefit of the suckers that compose the Republican party's vaunted "base:"¹

This is the outcome of the bargain the GOP made with the Devil back when it decided to go for the Wallace voters after the ’68 and ’72 elections. Kevin Phillips has repented a hundred times over for counseling the Southern Strategy, but too late. The GOP has discovered that when you sell your soul to the Devil, the only question is when does the Devil come to collect? Well, he's come.

My pals and I thought he'd come via judicial fiat in 2000. But I'm glad the rest of the world has finally been alerted to his presence.

¹The identity of the only "base" that matters is no secret.