re: I'm still waiting
Thanks for some interesting food for thought, Robert. The concept of "authoritarian conservatives" clarified some of the impressions I have had about what is happening in the US (and to a lesser extent in Canada, with the election of our MiniBush).
As you point out, much of this way of thinking (or reacting) comes from fear, and unfortunately the Bush administration has been quite adept in the past in instilling and exploiting fear.
There seem to be more and more rays of light coming out, though, including Mr. Olbermann's editorial and posts like yours. I hope that the light side can prevail before long and help the US become all it can be, and has been - a great nation leading the world in a positive direction.