Reply #46: A look at the signs of a cult were posted on the thread below

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Posted Here http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4472184 someone posted the warning signs of a cult. I looked at it and saw at once that the Clinton campaign is a better fit than the Obama campaign.

To save you clicking here is my checklist

Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability. HRC - check, BHO pass

No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry. HRC - check, BHO - pass

No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement. HRC - check, BHO - pass

Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions. Clintons - check, Obama - pass

There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil. HRC - unknown, Obama - unknown

Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances. HRC - check, BHO - pass

There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader. HRC - Check (mainly from RW shills), BHO - pass

Followers feel they can never be "good enough". HRC - unknown, BHO - maybe

The group/leader is always right.HRC - yes, BHO - pass

The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible. Clinton supporters - check, Obama supporters - Check

Extreme obsessiveness regarding the group/leader resulting in the exclusion of almost every practical consideration. Clinton supporters - unknown, Obama supporters - unknown

Individual identity, the group, the leader and/or God as distinct and separate categories of existence become increasingly blurred. Instead, in the follower's mind these identities become substantially and increasingly fused--as that person's involvement with the group/leader continues and deepens. Clinton supporters - check, Obama supporters - check

Whenever the group/leader is criticized or questioned it is characterized as "persecution". Clinton supporters - check, Obama supporters - check

Uncharacteristically stilted and seemingly programmed conversation and mannerisms, cloning of the group/leader in personal behavior. Clinton supporters - pass, Obama supporters - pass

Dependency upon the group/leader for problem solving, solutions, and definitions without meaningful reflective thought. A seeming inability to think independently or analyze situations without group/leader involvement.Clinton supporters - check, Obama supporters - check

Hyperactivity centered on the group/leader agenda, which seems to supercede any personal goals or individual interests.Clinton supporters - check, Obama supporters - check

A dramatic loss of spontaneity and sense of humor.Clinton supporters - check, Obama supporters - pass

Increasing isolation from family and old friends unless they demonstrate an interest in the group/leader.Clinton supporters - unknown, Obama supporters - unknown

Anything the group/leader does can be justified no matter how harsh or harmful.Clinton supporters - check, Obama supporters - pass,just

Former followers are at best-considered negative or worse evil and under bad influences. They can not be trusted and personal contact is avoided.Clinton supporters - unknown, Obama supporters - unknown