Voters Mad as Hell

Through this primary season a consistent theme on the Republican side is Republican voters are angry and frustrated and are letting their anger and frustration decide who to gets their vote.  Not to suggest this is a failing that only afflicts Republicans, people on the left are prone to the same tendency, but the angry lefties are more marginalized in the Democratic party at this point in time.

Some of this is just media blather but judging by the behavior of the candidates they perceive a large element of the Republican primary voters are motivated not by gathering data on how to solve problems, but by identifying enemies and bad guys who are the source of all the perceived problems.  Ironically apparently many of these angry Republicans are Evangelical Christians who seem oblivious to the admonition from Jesus that if you are angry you are in danger of hellfire (Mathew 5-21). 

Makes one wonder if these folks follow their emotions in all their important decisions in life.   

It also makes one wonder if these folks have any clue how easily they can be manipulated through their anger.  We see that playing out in the success of Donald Trump, the master marketer.  In the same way some business folks jump on whatever marketing strategy will make the most money, Donald seems to look at whatever marketing strategy will get him the most votes.  While other Republican wannabees look to pollsters and consultants to figure out what to say to get votes, the Donald knows instinctively.

Hitler's ability to stir up anger to gain power in Germany was the direct cause the most horrendous war in history.  I don't think the Donald is another Hitler - he seems to be a pretty happy guy.  But the worst atrocities in history generally can be traced back to political leaders who created enemies to blame for all problems and then stoked anger at those enemies.  

Politicians of all stripes are always going to be tempted to cultivate anger or disgust since that is the easy way to motivate voters.  It is up to we the voters to not reward that tactic.