Reply #8: Yes, when I read Krugman's book that part hit home for me too.

[Demit]

It seemed to explain exactly what was going on. But I have to wonder now (6 months after reading it) if there isn't an even darker explanation. I mean, surely elected Congress Dems are privy to at least as much as I know! Wouldn't they--being in daily professional contact with these idealogues--have long understood that this is what's happening?

So I don't think it's cluelessness anymore. It might still be a measure of spinelessness, in terms of holding onto their careers, and whatever personal power they have. But I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't downright collusion. In front of the curtain the Dems make a fine show of being agonized by their inability to effectively oppose this administration; behind the scenes they are sitting in a circle with the Repubs divvying up the spoils.

My darkest thoughts are that the fix has long been in. The oligarchs are united, Dem and Repub, and the rest is just theater.