Filling Holes

The Bush approach must obviously fill real needs among many people in the US. What are those needs?

I cannot know for certain, but here are some guesses...

Lack of meaning / sense of purpose
Many in contemporary society experience this lack of meaning and sense of purpose. It is a hallmark of our culture. And it has its roots in alienation - from the Earth, society, each other and ourselves. Bush does offer a sense of meaning and purpose: The US is the leader of the free world, promoting peace and prosperity internationally. Bush and the Bush supporters are aligned with God and the absolute Truth. Bush offer clear and simple solutions to complex and difficult problems. If we experience a deep lack of meaning, a deep hole in our lives, then maybe this is something that can help us fill it up. And maybe we are willing to overlook certain things if we can be filled up this way.

Of course, from the perspective of the neo-conservatives, this is a brilliant and shrewd tactic. On the one hand, we give people exactly what they need: a sense of meaning, purpose and of being aligned with the forces of Good. One the other hand, we can have them support economic and social policies that are not in their own interest. Those who could be our most dangerous opponents are made into our strongest allies.