and even though this is in reference to the US's Republican Party, specifically, former President Trump's followers, it's a lot more appropriate to apply it to an actual cult, and not a political party of idiots.
Let's see
Absolute authoritarianism? Cobra is the only one in charge, so check.
No tolerance for questions? His forum is based on post approval and always blocks questions or posts he doesn't like, so check.
No meaningful financial disclosure? Check, plus the fact he's demanding gibs from his followers which cults often do.
Unreasonable fear about the outside world? Check.
No legitimate reason to leave, former members are always shamed and slandered into returning? Big check.
Former members detail similar accounts of abuse? The very reason this forum exists, so check.
Records that document the abuse from staff or leadership? None of a physical or sexual nature, but emotional and mental abuse is widespread.
Followers feel that they are never good enough? Big check.
The group/leader is always right? Check.
The leader is the exclusive means of "learning truth"? Big big fucking check from the very beginning. The clergy is always right, everything else is jewish.
So uhhh, even with the strictest interpretation of these warning signs, JoS still hits all of those warning signs.
