Tyranny Averted

[many a good man]

I think few of us here realize the enormity of what was just narrowly avoided. Certainly the vast majority of Americans are unaware.

The American republic was born in violence and founded in opposition to tyranny. The system of checks and balances along with respect for the opinions of the minority (represented by the filibuster and other supermajority procedures) was on the brink of elimination. These are what has prevented the United States from succumbing to tyranny and despotism, a fate that has befallen so many other republics over the millenia before us.

Now is not the time to evaluate this historic compromise in partisan terms. The winner was not the Democrats or McCain and the losers were not the Republicans or Frist: Democracy has been given the chance to breath another day.

Had the tyrants won, I would have relished the opportunity of taking this issue to the American people. Of reminding and rekindling the true meaning of what America and democracy stands for. I would have relished the fight against these usurpers, these despots.

But look at the people around you today. No one I spoke to today was even remotely aware of what was going on. At present it would be impossible to mobilize the citizens of this country around a fight to defend their heritage of freedom.


America's real enemies are not found in the Middle East or central Asia. They are found in the corridors of power along Pennsylvania Avenue and K Street. They are found in the pulpits of mega-churches and and non-profit, non-taxed TV studios. We have seen what their intentions are. We have seen them nearly pull off the greatest assault against our Constitutional protections this country has seen.

The lion has retreated into its den. The rats have returned to their holes for the night. The wounds are not deep for their greatest enemy, the sleeping giant called the American people, was barely aware of the commotion.

Perhaps the greatest threat to our democracy is not the Frists and Cheneys, but the uninformed citizenry.



"Thus always to tyrants."

[MADem]

1. Well said!!!

Though 'averted' is a hopeful word. The cynic might say "Tyranny Postponed!!!"

It is amazing how slow people are to see the danger, and get smart on the issues. The only things that seem to motivate them are large numbers of dead citizens, and shrinking disposable incomes. As long as their kid isn't getting killed, and they have plenty of dough to buy crap at WalMart, they seem happy.

The "Bread and Circuses" crowd is hard to motivate, unfortunately.

[many a good man]

9. A tax on tea won't cut it this time

It will have to be something much more imposing.

In the wild west the "show down" took place in the middle of Main Street at high noon with all the townsfolk watching. Tonight they were all inside the house watching American Idol with the shades drawn, unaware of the commotion outside their window. They are unwilling to put down the remote and get off the couch to join the posse.

Will there be talk tomorrow around the water cooler? Or just a voiceless impression that the GOP is willing to compromise? Or an unspeakable feeling that Democrats are finally standing up for themselves?

We won't the answers until Nov '06.

[NVMojo]

2. I totally agree that a vast majority were clueless as to the importance

of this. What a shame!

[Gothmog]

3. I agree

Well said. This compromise would have destroyed the Senate and the last chance that we had to fight the gop.

[Selatius]

4. Tyranny doesn't necessarily need procedural changes to exist

Just look at the power of greed and money over Congress today. It bends the whole discourse to their interests away from the interests of the people. The rules mean nothing when too many of the people who are supposed to interpret them are on the take.

Just look at the bankrupcty reform bill that was passed. When you can get that many Democrats and Republicans to vote against the people, that, my friend, is true power.

Deal or no deal tonight, the ones who bankroll the politicians and the ones who have sway over the corporate news media still dominate. This is just a sideshow to get left and rightwing activists to attack each other.

[ananda]

6. compromise..

Was this really much of a compromise?

What good can come of it?

Checks and balances are thus given the right to die a slow and painful death instead of a quick one. BFD.

Sue

[many a good man]

10. We showed them pity

Moderate pukes badly wanted to distance themselves from this sort of overt tyranny. Dems WON'T see a hundred judges WORSE THAN Owen Brown and Pryor sitting on our courts. We get to deliver a black eye to the far right.

The only good that possibly could have from the nuclear option would be an aroused and enraged public. I doubt that would have occured so at least we came away with something.

[JanMichael]

8. You're wasting your breath. Remember that most here wish a return of the

...halcyon days of Welfare Reform and NAFTA ie. Clintonion days. Yes compared to the current shit it's very much preferable but the bar is pretty fucking low now.

[FlemingsGhost]

5. Americans are sooooooooo naive.

We find ourselves living in a Constitutional crisis for 4 years, but today we narrowly avoided disaster, and the rise of "tyranny."


I'm speechless.

[Mr_Spock]

7. Thanks for bringing some sense to the arguement - Freepers are here

stirring things up, that's all - everybody try to ignore them...

[MisterP]

11. yes, all dissidence must be freepers

[Mr_Spock]

12. Yes, by decree

:D

[DrZeeLit]

13. Quote re Tyranny:

"Of all tyrannies a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive." - C.S. Lewis

Ah.... for our own good. Sounds familiar.

[PowerToThePeople]

14. Tyranny Averted? My friend, it has been tyranny for some time..

n/t

[mzmolly]

15. One more nomination.

:toast: