Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsA Heroic Book that Deserves to be Read and Discussed
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2019
Here is one that hits the trifecta for importance, timeliness, and accessibility.
If you have friends or loved ones who are utterly intransigent about recognizing ANY problem with this president (much less the great big problems, like his continuous deferrals to the dictator of Russia) this book will explain what's going on. It goes into the psychology of the situation in a way that will be accessible to a broad readership. No PhD required.
A lot of people who could benefit from reading this book may be put off by the title, but I can see why he chose it. Because we know so much more about what makes up a cult these days than we did back when the Jonestown massacre hit the news. There is now a pattern of behavior that makes up the defining profile of a cult. In the case of Donald Trump, you can go right down the list, checking off box after box. He really seems to embody every last bit of it.
Reality is whatever Dear Leader says it is, and you will notice, we always have to simply take his word for it. There are never any explanations given as to WHY something is fake news, or a witch hunt, or a hoax, or a diabolical conspiracy. The booming voice says it is. That had better be good enough for you, or you're not a good patriot.
Continuing deceptions and falsehoods, propped up by endless repetition, is another trait of those who would impose unethical influence over us. Fear is a key concept, too. The cultist is kept always on the alert against the evil doers behind every tree. Phobia indoctrination is how Hassan describes it. Robert Woodward's book on Trump was entitled "Fear," based on a quote from the president, that "real power is ... fear."
A personal history of Trump is outlined, starting with his dubious grandfather. Comparisons of The Donald with infamous cult leaders of history are presented. Trump, of course, takes a kind of giddy delight in all things dictatorial and authoritarian. Maybe the most chilling part of the book is the overview of the authoritarian, fascistic, and theocratic organizations that are backing Trump. The biggest of them are as immensely wealthy as they are antidemocratic.
This is the kind of book that should be read and shared, and defended from the kinds of attacks it will draw. The book is exhaustively researched and footnoted, which won't deter any of the anti-intellectual types who will go trolling against it. There is real heroism in producing a book like this. Of course, Steve Hassan has been busting destructive cults since the 1980s. He has written some of the most important books on this grim subject. This latest one deserves your support -- and "word of mouth."
He ends it on a hopeful and optimistic note. Keep the lines of communication open with those whom you may know in the Cult of Trump. Skip the name calling and vitriol. It only plays into the us-versus-them programming. Building trust and rapport is the way to reach people in any cult. Follow-up resources are offered, including Hassan's own Freedom of Mind Foundation.
I'm sorry I am limited to giving this book five stars. The Cult of Trump! Read it and pass it along.
