num_pages: 304
description: Finally the answer to the many questions that have been preying on the minds of millions of Americans has arrived. Why are Americans so vulnerable to divisive political tactics? Why did Americans get dragged into such an unwise war in Iraq? Why do fundamentalist religious groups Fox News and right-wing radio still play such influential roles in Americas political landscape? And why are long-accepted rational scientific ideas like evolution under siege? These questions hold Americas future in the balance. Ultimately they are questions about the American mind. Psychologist-attorney Dr. Bryant Welch has the answers.If America is going to change the mind-set that led us to war in Iraq and left us unable to confront our serious national problems this book is vitally important. Drawing on his unique experience both as a clinical psychologist and a Washington D.C. political figure with the American Psychological Association Dr. Welch shows how the long-term effects of sophisticated new forms of political manipulation have not only led to our debacle in Iraq but are also currently undercutting Americas ability to address its very serious problems. In the 1944 movie Gaslight  a husband drives his wife to the brink of insanity by playing games with her sense of reality. Just as in the movie Americas most recent political gaslighters such as George W. Bush Karl Rove Rush Limbaugh Ann Coulter and many religious leaders have generated and exploited confusion in the minds of countless Americans.Gaslighters prey on their victims vulnerability to paranoia sexual perplexity and envy to undermine the minds ability to function rationally. Welch examines why millions of Americans in response to such assaults subconsciously and dangerously create their own simplistic reality even if it is completely different from the more complex reality of the world.Most important State of Confusion explains how and why Americans must act now to fight back against this harmful manipulation before its too late. Dr. Welchs exploration of the American mind is both fascinating and frightening and State of Confusion is a must-read for everyone who cares about the future of this great country.
language: English
title: State of Confusion: Political Manipulation and the Assault on the American Mind
publisher: Thomas Dunne Books