ePub Conservatives Without Conscience by John W. Dean in History

Review

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy BookLuvRInteresting book to read in current political climate. Still relevant.36 of 36 people found the following review helpful. To understand the direction that W took us; and Trump et al. would like to take us; please read this book.By Sam WxnilI gotta tell ya -- this is one scary book; written by a smart lawyer who has clearly done his homework (despite what the negative reviews may claim) and has had first-hand experience with politically-powerful authoritarian personality types. The chapter on "Right Wing Authoritarians" (RWA; followers) and "Social Dominance Orientation" (SDO; leaders) explains a great deal of the observed behavior. That's behavior I've seen in others right in my personal life (we all have THAT uncle or brother-in-law; right?) -- and that we've all seen in the daily tragicomedy that is our national political news coverage.Note that these labels do not necessarily refer to political leanings; but certain personality types; although the studies he cites point to an empirical relationship between these personality types and hard Right political leanings; at least in North America. "Left wing authoritarians;" if they exist; are exceedingly rare. That's hard for some on the Right to except; but a profound lack of insight and deep denial of the facts (even when presented with them) are common characteristics of RWA followers. Dean summarizes the RWA follower personality type using the following headings:1. Submissive to authority; thus intolerant of criticism of that authority2. Aggressive support of authority; and pre-disposed to cause harm to others when that harm is sanctioned by authority3. Highly conventional; and intolerant of those that are notPlease see the book for details. He also goes into the "Double Highs;" that is; those that score high on both the RWA and SDO scales. These folks; comprising about ten percent of the broader category that can contains both RWA and SDO types; can probably also be called sociopaths; in that they see human beings as objects to be manipulated toward certain self-serving ends; and any means can be justified for achieving these ends. Double Highs do not possess a functioning conscience -- they will do or say anything to accomplish a goal; regardless of the consequences to others; thus the title of the book.Yes; this sounds quite familiar.10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. best analysis of current political authoritarianismBy Paul CorrIf the past is prologue; this book is essential reading. John Dean was on staff in the Nixon White House and began this book after an unprovoked attack on his integrity. As a result of his need to understand how this came about; we have this valuable book. Written in 2006; it has great ongoing relevance as the environment of political discourse has changed for the worse. Here's hoping media steps up and challenges and holds those in office accountable.