As a long time observer of the political system in the US, I applaud The Right Nation as the one analysis of "conservatism" and "liberalism" in 45 years which is comprehendable by nearly anyone (not ideologically blinded as some of the other reviewers) and relatively free of bias. I have attempted to understand the relative merits of our political system for a long time, as well as understand how the players understand not only their erstwhile opponents but themselves. I have participated in religion from right to left over many years, puzzled always by the fervor of the evangelicals and fundamentalists (among whom I grew up). As a result I have been concerned for years as religious and political fundamentalists (of the right wing persuasion -- those who will force their views upon us all, no matter what in the name of ther God, who is the font of wisdom, justice and retribution) taken over the public forum viciously (think Gingrich, Army, Gramm, Cheney, DeLay, et al) and used abusive and coercive tactics as their primary tools, backed up by a greek chorus of 500 or so pseudo-academic right-wing think tanks occupied by intellectual eunuchs, all paid for ideological conformity at every level.
For years it has not been clear to me what was meant by liberal and conservative. These guys have made thing much clearer. And as they pronounce the "victory" of conservatives (the right wing), I sense their regret to report this. This means that a non-trivial portion of the US population is potentially psychotic on at least a part time basis, and that they are sure that the remainder are fully insane.
As closely as I can discover, the themes of the conservative/right wing movements are (1) "Screw you, I got mine", and (2) "My God told me you are always wrong and will be cast into hell, but I will sanctimoniously pray for you as that happens - but you are dammed anyway". And as the right wing has been taken over the GOP, it is interested to understand that without the Southern Racial Strategy, embraced by Nixon through Bush 2nd, which enlisted and expanded on the worst of the southern racist pathologies (still alive and well despite Powell and Rice, who appear to have no influence, except at "showtime" to sing and dance--shades of Mr. Bojangles).
The authors describe a country I to well recognize and regret. I am forced to remember that hubris always leads to fracture and fall, without exception. My primary hope is that we will quickly and thoroughly suffer the fall into which our current arrogance has led us, that we can rid ourselves of the current layer of idiots that control the bureaucracies which spend our money for their ideological satisfaction, an offering, a golden calf, for their rabid, right religious and political wings. But it does no good to deny the primary thesis of this book, that the Right, funded by corporations, have won, have made us course, arrogant and uncaring. What will bring us back to caring for the poor, caring for one another, remembering that we need to offer opportunities to all--the core tentets of Christ, but not the Christians of the day. Catastrophe? We are ignoring the moving tectonic plates under our feet (medical, food, environment, etc.) whilst engaging in unnecessary wars and military excursions to demonstrate our "defense departments" by aggressive pre-emptions, using a mercenary (volunteet) army and mercenaries (i.e. Haliburton). There is much to be said for the French Foreign Legion who are really expendable, although we are nearly there.
The resources and expanses which the US evolved from were placed here through chance, not some Calvinistic God who predestined each and every one of us to enjoy them. And were that so, he would be accountable for much sorrow, much woe and much destruction, tens millions of American Natives slaughtered by disease and simple slaying, millions of Africans slaughtered and used as slaves, peons and finally untouchables in apartheid. Let us also consider our manifold military adventures, most undertaken for gain under the guise of humanitarian actions. For these are part of the "Great Manifest Destiny" upon which the current fundamentalist administration so desperately pins its hopes. So much for humility, which we are enjoined to abjure in the name of a loving but destructive God ("if you get killed, you must have sinned and deserved it").
The authors have rather thoroughly uncoved the seamy underside of US political history. The simple fact that the right wing reviewers did not understand this means they are comfortable with all the baggage of "god driven politics and government" and all the associated pathologies that attend it -- it speaks clearly for their personal theologies and lack of concern for others (remember, "Screw You Jack, I GOT Mine" is the official right wing (conservative) anthem). But, there is time and the Jackals of the Right may even finally discern how this report exposes their pathologies and intentions for the rest of us. As for liberals, who should proudly wear their colours, you have only just barely begun to understand the fight in which you are engaged -- and I hope for the sake of civilization that you gird your loins to fight this pestilence, this political black death. For those in the middle, I advise you to wake up also and if you do not take sides, at least become enlightened sufficiently to understand that future of your children is being decided now by a bunch of people with theological and political intent to establish a basically fascist state, with themselves in charge (Calvin would be proud.)
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