Glenn Greenwald Baffled on Democracy Now!

[followthemoney]

I heard Glenn on Democracy Now! using the word “baffled” concerning the capitulation of the Democratic Party in submission to the will of Bush. Glenn is not alone in using this word or others that convey the same meaning. The discussion of Democratic ineffectiveness usually tails off at this point of bafflement rather than leading to an examination of the commonly held assumptions that lead to and terminate the progression of logic in bafflement.

One means of becoming baffled is to see events unfold in ways logically contrary to one’s operating assumptions. A common assumption is that the Democratic Party actually wants to win and will always see its own interests furthered by winning. Another assumption is that the Democratic Party represents broader middle class interests despite being composed of upper class powerful people, whether they become members of this class before or during their terms of office.

Information is scarce, or not widely disseminated, about the motivations for the Democratic alignment with Bush. While not knowing what Democratic motivations are, new assumptions can be made that allow events to unfold as they have without being baffled.

For example, assume that the common class of the dominant factions of both the Democratic and the Republican parties are of the same dominant social and economic classes and are united in their shared class interests.

Assume that the 9 million unregistered black voters who will vote 90% Democratic, and will guarantee Democratic wins, are not wanted in the Democratic Party because they will further disrupt the parties class purity and unity, and move the party to the left, contrary to the advice of political consultants. The blacks, the left, and those opposed to illegal wars and violations of domestic and international law make up an undesired electorate and undesired constituents of an enlarged and winning Democratic Party.

Assume that the polity not in agreement with the Democratic Party has no where to go and are effectively owned by that party due to a greater disagreement with the Republican Party. Assume that no concessions need to be made to these “misfits” to capture their votes and they can be effectively ignored.

Assume that the Democratic Party will work to disenfranchise any third party that these undesirables may form or join with far more vigor than they will bring to the containment of the Republican party monarchical aspirations.

Banish bafflement by recognizing the changes in the Democratic Party and updating operating assumptions on how they will behave. Don’t be surprised. I’m not.

[lynnertic]

1. well said. kick!

you can hear the radio show today at http://www.democracynow.org

[Kagemusha]

2. Well, having read Glenn's blog post for today....

He just can't appreciate, and doesn't want to appreciate, that the Democrats on the Hill view their own political hides - which were increasingly vulnerable if, for whatever reason, an attack on the US by Al Qaeda took place and Bush would blame them for obstructing his precious spying program - as more important than legal protections for the constitutional rights of American citizens and residents. He doesn't concede, and doesn't care to concede, that the party is more important than the principle.

And that's why he's not up to the loyalty standards that some would like. He doesn't care about the party; he only cares about the country. Imagine that. That just doesn't fly in this day and age, people. :sarcasm:

[followthemoney]

4. Sarcasm and all species of dark humor are well received here.

Love it.

"And that's why he's not up to the loyalty standards that some would like. He doesn't care about the party; he only cares about the country. Imagine that. That just doesn't fly in this day and age, people."

[phantom power]

3. I often wish for a parliamentary system, which would break the 2-party stable-basin.

[followthemoney]

5. That would work. Think the masters would approve?

[phantom power]

6. I don't see how it could really happen...

short of a total breakdown of our current government. Which seems like a going possibility at this point, but that's another topic for another day.

[KoKo]

7. Interesting Read....k&r.