Cults are protected under the First Amendment which preserves freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of assembly.

But cults become illegal when the activities of their members become unlawful. The Manson Family killed five people in the attack on 10050 Cielo Drive. The Republican Party killed five people in the attack on the Capitol Building. Why isn’t the leader of the Republican Party serving a life sentence at Corcoran State Prison in Central California?

A cult is a group or movement held together by a shared commitment to a charismatic leader or ideology. It has a belief system with all the answers to all of life’s questions and offers a special solution to be gained only by following the leader’s rules. A cult requires a high level of subjugation and commitment from members.

Transcendent belief systems, systems of influence and systems of control now define the Republican Party. Far-right crazy thinking has become foundational belief.

Opposing critical thinking with magical thinking now drives more and more members. Belief in the rule of law, democracy or a pluralistic America is giving way to debunked conspiracy theories and ontological gaslighting.

Republicans ban books, outlaw speech, try to steal elections, condone violence, normalize hate speech, promote bigotry, dehumanize political opponents, and shred constitutional principles.

For all their wild allegations, there are reams and reams of evidence of their crimes and misdemeanors in fostering insurrection and seeking to overturn the 2020 election.

Not coded messages. Not hints. Straight-out shocking declarations to overthrow democracy. It’s not a question of freedom of speech. It’s a question of freedom.

The Republican Party is out to destroy democracy and take over the nation by any means necessary. Its members are hellbent on taking over government on every level everywhere.

It’s time to start demanding fast, and widespread investigations and testimony. (Another tidbit from the First Amendment? It protects the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.)

The Capitol Building attack was a well-orchestrated dress rehearsal for how Republicans intend to try to hijack free and fair democratic elections in this country going forward.

Republicans know that if everyone participates in the democratic process, they cannot win. The only recourse they believe they have to gain power is by throwing out democratic norms and overthrowing elections. Even if that means using lies, violence, fear and terror to do so.

It’s for these unlawful activities that the Republican Party needs to be outlawed.

References

“Trump’s cult-like control of Republican party grows stronger since insurrection” The Guardian (2022)

“GOP becoming a cult of know-nothings” The Hill (2022)

“The seven signs that you’re in a cult” The Atlantic (2014)