Democrats again fail to realize their opponent’s anti-democratic radicalism. Wisconsin Democrats are stunned. Corporatist interests using their GOP facade unilaterally disembowel 50 years of bi-partisan consensus supporting public sector collective bargaining.
The appropriate lessons will be drawn by onlookers around the country. Radicalism triumphs over beleaguered status quo if the will to escalate is obeyed. Destabilization can be launched using the flimsiest of pretexts. Minority interests can openly hijack governments for their zero sum enrichment ignoring public sentiment. Democrats demonstrate their inability to defend the existing social fabric.
How far we’ve come since November 2008. And how far we’ve yet to go.
A million recall signatures in Wisconsin encouraging. Let’s see if the non-Rightists there can play smash ball. Not only recall Walker, spike it in the end zone (and maybe hint to the Boy King he can’t take them for granted — that would be double plus good).
@Sam Lowry
Yeah, some kind of calculated strategic capitulation. (As opposed to the typical Non-Rightist simple capitulation). My gut suggests, however, it’s profit. That if they are able to help disassemble medicare they have a strategic choke poke of access to seniors and thus in a better position to sell them coupons/vouchers/alternatives. In other words, prey off their own members. It’s what they did under Bush.
@DrLeoStrauss
My only guess would be they realize what a bad bet they made supporting Health Care Reform (and being tagged by Rightists as collaborators with the radical left/anti-colonialist/George Soros/ACORN/New Black Panther Party/SEIU/fascist/communist/socialist/marxist/Islamo-Kenyan/seekrit muslim conspiracy).
Thus, it’s possible the leaders of AARP see the narrative arc for America unfolding and are already thinking about their testimony before some future House Un-American Activities Committee. Or their defense strategy for their inevitable Crimes Against America, Freedom, and the Baby Jesus tribunal (for that one my recommendation would be to go with The Chewbacca Defense, but I’m no lawyer). Like vintage Michael Steele, they’re lookin’ to “Change the Game”! Yo!
Then there’s AARP’s cutting and running on SS cuts – worse possible time for the issue, best for them in an internal institutional way not yet clear.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304186404576389760955403414.html
@Sam Lowry Maybe too soon – some like Corner wouldn’t understand the irony. But maybe not too soon to practice the lines in the morning before anybody else is awake.
@Dr Leo Strauss
Merci beaucoup for deleting duplicate post (the one sans link). You read my mind. There are times when, like Keyrock the Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer, I find things about the modern world confusing and frightening. Such as posting comments on websites. But if there is one thing I do know, it looks bad for non-Rightists in America. Is it too soon to start saying something like “I for one eagerly await creationist museums replacing those currently dedicated to arts and science” in an effort to curry favor with our christianist overlords?
@Sam Lowry
Sam, yup, narrow but intense interests overwhelms broad-based institutions. If one were a democratic voter in Wisconsin, one could be forgiven if thinking there was no national party.
Put one in the “W” column for the Movement in Wisconsin.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/123921154.html
@Comment
One can sympathize with their dismay. At least the Dane County Republicans didn’t drop the t-bomb, saving tofu burgers for a future clash.
Movement explains that laws can be ignored if Judge shops at fancy organic shops:
http://www.danegop.org/latestnews.aspx?ID=234
Those poor judges, thinking the Movement will obey a mere court order. Let alone two.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/118839999.html
Democrats’ innate compulsion to play for the refs (courts, media) is exposed as another weakness for the twilight times. Besides stomping their heels and gnashing their teeth, Dems may go on MSNBC to express dismay. That plus a press release will make them feel better.
@Comment: “Produced solid liberal filler for the Times” — nice turn of phrase. Perfectly apt.
Talked to a believing Dem acquaintance yesterday, who clued me in on The Grand Plan: After the glorious victory on 2012, Obama will be unleashed, will do all the things that he’s really been meaning to do all along. It’s hard to know what to say to such people…..
@DrLeoStrauss
That Professor iis about to get an education he did not suspect. He still thinks it matters that he regards himself as a moderate and respects Eisenhower Republicans.
Bob Herbert – seems like a nice guy. Produced solid liberal filler for the Times op-ed, but now he’s gone before he mattered. Krugman matters – but not as much a Safire used to. Pretty soon their all irrelevant. Keller whines:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/magazine/mag-27lede-t.html
@Comment A towering oak. The recall movement surely will remedy all.
“What I did not anticipate …” Deer in the headlights from a portentously titled blog:
http://scholarcitizen.williamcronon.net/2011/03/24/open-records-attack-on-academic-freedom/
@Comment
Michael is genuinely funny. Same with RP. Spontaneously witty. The rest of the gang are tedious.
@Comment
Form Voltron !
Taking on the Movement
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/27/fashion/27YOUNGPUNDITS.html?_r=2
https://twitter.com/michaelledeen/status/51395811866710016
Heard the GOP has declared war on the Prof. who wrote this interesting op-ed:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/opinion/22cronon.html?_r=1&src=twrhp
Walker is a true believer – His emotional reaction at the vote was fantastical. However, he is doing the bidding of others. He is their tool. A happy tool, however.
Democrats suprised AGAIN at Movement radicalism.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/118677754.html
Who’s more pathetic?
Brilliant illustration for this post, good Dr.
It’s thin gruel, the rationale justifying his presidency.
It is an understatement I know, but it is amazing how silent Obama has been on events in Wisconsin. I guess he doesn’t believe in “da woiking man” and outdated concepts like “collective bargaining.” But then again how could he? After all, this is the guy who made Wall Street whore Larry Summers his “chief economic advisor.” Need I say more?