Why are Republicans such dicks? (Part 469)
Today, it seems obvious that racism, greed, selfishness, lack of empathy, and "fuck everybody but me," are probably the answers to that question. But they're not the only ones.
Religion plays a big part in it. Fundamentalist Christians believe in Armageddon which is a prediction in the bible that Christ will not return until the Jews return to Jerusalem. After that, anyone who doesn't accept Christ as their savior will burn in hell. Therefore, according to this Armageddon thing, if the Jews who returned to Jerusalem don't buy Jesus, they've performed their part of the prophecy and can now be discarded to a place of fire and brimstone.
Many ultra orthodox Jews who voted for Trump are not blameless. Some buy into the backing of fundamentalist Christians without knowing the burning in hell part of that scenario. Others, because Trump agreed to move the Capitol of Israel to Jerusalem. This very action says "Fuck the Palestinians." Is there a bit of lack of empathy here?
Extremism is not limited to fundamentalist Christians, ultra orthodox Jews, or any other group of "true believers" on the face of the planet. The Taliban and many others have made this exceedingly clear.
But back to the point. Republicans have a firm grasp on the Christian fundamentalist vote, the votes of those they've terrified with "Muslim terrorism," and the votes of many ultra orthodox Jews who are unknowingly voting for a party that is using them and doesn't care if they live or die.
To be more clear about this, Republicans use religion as a weapon with which to garner votes. They've never accepted the principle that people's personal beliefs have nothing to do with politics. But then, perhaps I'm the naive one, because religious votes have a hell of a lot to do with politics.
This time around, we got lucky with Trump's defeat. But don't for a second believe that the Republican Party is going to drop the tactics that have made them successful (their belief that religious dogma and hatred are stronger motivators than love).
Most of us despise the Republican Party and their tactics of turning people against each other through religion, geographic location, education, and so much more. So I guess that a modified version of my original question is, "How did Republicans become such amoral, uncaring dicks?"
PS: Let me add that I am a devout agnostic. People are entitled to be left alone regarding their organized religions, and their own beliefs. What they are not entitled to is the use of force to make others believe as they do, or to eradicate them.
= new reply since forum marked as read
But I feel like this administration has empowered the worst of us even more. Social media is a huge booster for that and you can almost always tell which side they are on because of their mean-spirited demeanor and tendency to be a dick.
And as I keep saying if your sole motivation to vote is to "own the libs" or to "make liberals cry" then you're a shower curtain and a distorted violin solo from going full on Norman Bates levels of psycho. 
