Just when, exactly, did this country turn into a nuthouse?

[loyalsister]

82. I agree

Maybe it was a slow progression from the 90s on and all about 2000 on?
I have no data to back up my speculations, but I think most agree that anxiety over the new century did freak a lot of people out.

People started believing or questioning radical change and end days stuff in the 90s. It was easy to get people who wanted to be sure they were right with god to separate themselves from people with whom they didn't agree. Political split based on religion built- religious right gained more power.

Some who indulge in extreme self interest\preservation at a practical level joined forces with people motivated by religion to be safe- just in case. Demonizing others is a comfort and serves the agenda well. Good vs. evil. Clinton provided an unfortunate contribution. My point is not to demonize Clinton. It's a coincidence that it happened to be him. They would have found a way to demonize any Democrat in office at that time. We were extremely lucky to have him. There is no shortage of Democrats who would have gone all in with the agenda republicans created.

From what I can tell 2000 was perfect timing to solidify the formula that has been developed by Rs over time. Starting when Reagan recruited people with strong religious beliefs. There was actually a slight slide toward reason during the poppy years allowing Clinton to be elected. Again, we were very lucky to have him. Although, as Grover Norquist promised, he could not govern like a true blue liberal Democrat. And, the religious right's superstitions were stoked.

Then 2000 hit and survivalist meanness and superstitions escalated and morphed and have continued to do so since. All of the political tools have been implemented. Corporate greed and devaluation of people turned out to be a big money maker for the greedy survivalist and they have maintained the loyalty of the religious right.

I have noticed that a reaction to Obama has been for some racists to feel entitled to come out of the closet.

People who just felt reservations and cautiousness when it came to race now feel comfortable going all out.

It was a cultural shift that has persisted and grown because the people who were young- mid adults during those years coincided perfectly. Late baby boomers groomed
the current early- mid Xers who according to my connections and counts of middle age adults in high level and government positions appear to make up a considerable number of both.

I think it is too pervasive to be less than a cultural phenomenon. BUT many of the young adults I interact with now seem to want to reform our country.