I was watching "Gladiator" the other night, and a disturbing parallel occurred to me.

Someday, historians will look back on how half the people of our great nation were actually able to passionately support a guy like Bush and maybe be able to explain in psychological terms. The only thing I can think of is this: Similar to slapstick comedy movies or gladiatorial games in ancient Rome... he appeals to the lowest common denominator... the most base human instincts. Things like xenophobia, the lust for victory and power, and the need for security. He's whipped the nation up into a frenzy, fearing that a terrorist might pop out of your mailbox at any moment. The "Axis of Evil" is just waiting to bomb your child's school! Then, with his tremendous arrogance, he gave us confidence that he could rescue us... and he gave military victories (Iraq and Afghanistan). And he slew the foreign barbarian horde (non-Americans). Rome is safe again. Woo hoo!

Not that MoveOn.org is exactly the most impartial organization, but one of their "Bush In 30 Seconds" entries really struck home with me. It was one of the finalists entitled "What Are We Teaching Our Children?" Check it out, if it's still posted.

- Benzilla