Immanentize the Eschaton

For much of my adult life, some people have have said that America needs a “new politics”, that the way the government works is broken. These folks always seem to complain about the “meanness” of our politics, and decry “personal attacks”. They call for a “new spirit of co-operation”, “national unity”, and bipartisanship.

They’re full of crap. (Oops. Sorry if that offended anyone. I meant to say “They’re full of shit.”)

Politics has always been and will always be rancorous. Prioritizing scarce resources while preserving liberty always involves disagreement. Always. People have strongly held principles and beliefs about the proper and fitting role of government. These beliefs and principles will differ, and some times the circle cannot be squared.

Campaigns, whether for election to office or for a particular piece of legislation, will always involve debate and disagreement. To disagree with an opponent’s position and point out where s/he is wrong is not a “personal attack”, even if the pointing out is done with relish and invective.

It seems to me that those calling for a “new politics” or “bipartisanship” are really just trying to say “Shut up and roll over.” Case in point: when Obama met with congressional GOP leaders and, in replay to their request for more tax cuts and input to the “stimulus” bill, told them “I won.” He expected them to just roll over and abandon their principles (such as they are) so Barry O could have a “bipartisan” bill and show that he’s “unified the country”.

Well Barry, just ’cause you won doesn’t make you right, and the only time a nation should be unified behind a leader is if it faces a true existential war. All else leads to fascism (which is where I think you really want to take us).

Oops! Not very bipartisan of me! Too fargin’ bad!