Regressive Populism
For regressive populism, the ideal is America First ultra-patriotism
and xenophobia wedded to economic Darwinism, with no regulations restraining
entrepreneurial capitalism. The collapsing society calls for a strong
man in leadership, perhaps even a benevolent despot who rules by organically
expressing the will of the people to stop lawlessness and immorality.
Social problems are caused by corrupt and lazy government officials who
are bleeding the common people dry in a conspiracy fostered by secret
elites, which
must be exposed and neutralized.
Linda Thompson, a latter-day Joan of Arc for the patriot movement, represents
the most militant wing of regressive populism. She appointed herself "Acting
Adjutant General" of the armed militias that have formed cells across
the United States. Operating out of the American Justice Federation of
Indianapolis, Thompson's group warns of secret plots by "corrupt leaders" involving "Concentration
Camps, Implantable Bio Chips, Mind Control, Laser Weapons," and "neuro-linguistic
programming" on behalf of bankers who "control the economy" and created
the illegal income tax.
RW101
More Details: Theocratic Right -- White
Racial Nationalism -- Far Right
Excerpted from a chapter in the South End Press book
"
Eyes Right!: Challenging the Right Wing Backlash"
Edited by Chip Berlet
[Return to "Different Sectors of the Right."]
[Read or download the entire study]
(very long)
"Theocracy & White Supremacy:
Behind the Culture War to Restore Traditional Values"
by Chip Berlet & Margaret Quigley
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