Understaning Jebuz Land

I think that chidyke is absolutely right.. As usual.

One thing her post doesn't mention is that all humans, including those living in the Meth States of America, need ecstacy and transcendence. Poor people in today's America get that from meth, football, and religion. Until we find a way to offer people alternative ways to access ecstatic states, we shouldn't be surprised when they use what they know. As chidyke notes, the Conservative Movement has taken away things like access to education or the chance to run a business and spend time with your family that could have provided an alternative. I'll also add the constant encroachment on wilderness and privacy. People can't get out alone with nature to have transcendent experiences anymore, so they do what they can. They turn on the tv or head off to hear a fire-and-brimstone xian preacher. If the cost for a few hours of transcendent experience is voting against your own interest, or getting meth mouth, or killing off all your cattle, well, as chidyke's post shows, people are usually willing to pay that price.