"If he can't control his own family, he can't control the country."

[Deep13]

This is what one Florida Republican voter said about Mr. 9/11 on NPR this morning. That summarizes the entire conservative philosophy. The father is supposed to "control" his family just as the president, the nation's "dad", controls the country and god controls nature. It is all really quite feudal and doesn't leave a whole lot of room for self-determination.

[patrice]

1. Let's Hope the Young People of this country are paying attention! nt

[rodeodance]

2. well, I have seen many use that in relation to Sen. Clinton--she is suppose to

control Bill.

[NoBorders]

3. That's exactly what I thought. Ever read 'don't think of an elephant'?

It is the book by George Lakoff that proposes the whole idea of framing. In it, he talks about the conservative 'world view', which is one of top-down authoritarianism, in government and in family and community. The patriarch's job is to mete out justice and keep things in control. That quote was a pretty good example.

[BarackBucks]

4. "If she can't keep her own house in order...."

I think Michelle Obama said pretty much the same thing. I don't think it is limited to Republicans.

[ananda]

5. Well, Bush couldn't control his daughters..

.. and they voted for him.

Sheesh.