by Bob Schmidt

Created on: December 07, 2008   Last Updated: January 09, 2009

There are a lot of reasons why Obama runs a great risk that his supporters may be considered to be part of the Obama cult. America's recent history with cults do not bring forth good memories. David Koresh and the Branch Dividians come to mind. Who can forget Jim Jones and the People's Temple? Visions of mind control, and mindless actions of the indoctrinated come to mind.

Cults come in all sizes and types. Body worshipers of the nudist camp variety are considered to belong to the cult of nudism according to the Webster's Collegiate Dictionary. Members of the Unification Church founded in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon are also considered to belong to a cult. Memories of teenagers wearing robes soliciting passerby's for money for Rev. Moon are not good ones.

As relates to Barack Obama, is it his fault that adoring crowds have anointed him as their savior? While that is debatable, he has willingly fed their fervor in a number of ways during the 2008 presidential campaign. Who can forget the Styrofoam columns in Denver at his nomination acceptance speech? He prepared for, and received, one of the largest crowds to ever witness such an event.

Literally, he has been bigger than life throughout the political campaign. His speaking skills, and uncanny sense of timing set him apart from politicians of recent times. Combined with his exotic background, and ethnic heritage; he was viewed as something new. His message of change matched his political voice with the inner desires of an American electorate tired of politics, as usual.

Obama's appearances took on the characteristics of something beyond political rallies. The repeated chants of Ooooo-Baaaaah-Ma echoed as if a part of a religious awakening. Even the main stream media joined in support of his quest to lead the nation.

However, now the election is over. Barack Obama won, and in a convincing manner. With financial support that dwarfed his opponent, America now has it's Prodigal Son. Now, the problems begin for the new president who is bigger than life. The expectations for his presidency are so high that the cult of followers may be disappointed.

While Bush, and the Republicans will be blamed for the economic problems of the day, that will only work for awhile. Then, the harsh reality of excess spending and greed over the past decade will present a larger challenge than anyone could imagine. To the faithful Obama followers, relief from their problems may be a long time coming.

Many of these followers are new to the political

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