Salon takes a look at the psychology of Americans post 9/11. They explore why we’ve been so quick to forgive the ‘untruths’ about IRAQ’s WMD, but not so forgiving with Martha Stewart and President Clinton. Here’s a snippet:
Why, then, does Bush get a pass? The answer is that humans are hard-wired to believe their leaders, especially during times of anxiety and fear. Psychological studies show people are apt to identify with those who make them feel more powerful, says Keating, who studies charisma and leadership. In that sense, we’re less likely to criticize a leader if it would make us feel worse about ourselves at a time when we already feel vulnerable. If you doubt Americans feel insecure, consider the duct tape fiasco earlier this year, when the new Department of Homeland Security advised citizens to stock tape and plastic sheeting to seal their homes in case of biological or chemical attacks.