I have been thoroughly convinced that the unthinking fanatic devotees to Trump actually represent a political cult, the definition of which was described many years ago as follows:

”Although we live in a democracy, cult behavior manifests itself in an unwillingness to question the judgment of leaders and the tendency to devalue outsiders.”

I did some research and found a number of characteristics of cults and their followers which are chillingly descriptive of this dangerous, destructive sheep like following:

·        Opposing news is ridiculed and misrepresented.

·        Claims of special exalted status for leaders.

·        The ends justify whatever means are necessary.

·        Unwillingness to question judgment of leaders.

·        Outsiders are devalued.

·        Critical thinking is opposed.

·        Seeking inappropriate loyalty.

·        Dishonoring the family unit.

·        Unreasonable fear about the outside world.

·        No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.

·        Belief that the leader is always right.

·        If the leader is questioned, it is characterized as persecution (i.e., witch hunt).

·        Anything the leader does can be justified, no matter how harmful.

·        One standard for the followers and another for the leader.

·        An “Us against them” attitude and philosophy.

·        Focus on an imagined enemy.

·        No meaningful financial disclosures.

·        Documented abuses of the leader.

·        Pathological fear of dissent and demonizing dissenters.

It’s not just our imagination.  These people really are robotic members of the cult of Trump.