America has always recognized that unity for its own sake is useless at best and dangerous at worst. Unifying behind a mysterious charismatic figure promising transformational change may make us feel good, but it is a betrayal of the open and honest governmental debate our Founding Fathers sought and so many Americans have fought and died to preserve.
Americans think they grew up during Election 2008. They think they moved beyond the past. In one way they did. In another, more important way, they regressed dramatically -- to a time before politics mattered. In the next four years, there will be plenty of growing up to do.
All the talk lately seems to be about unity, and I agree with Ben that this talk is useless and dangerous. Actions speak louder than this talk. Apparently the first decision Obama has made is to choose Rahm Emmanuel to be his chief of staff. One would have to have a real perverted definition of unity for its own sake to look at this choice of chief of staff as a unifying move. Let's just look at what Rahm Emmanuel said to his staff after the 2006 midterm elections.
I'll tell you this, the Republicans may have the 72-hour program. But they have not seen the 22-month program! Since my kids are gone, I can say it: They can go bleep themselves!
From here on for the next four years we've got to stop saying - This action by the President raises questions - and start realizing and saying - This action by the President answers questions.
Another thing I am getting tired of is the use of a label. I am convinced that so many people are so ignorant that they don't know the meaning of labels like Marxist or Capitalist. Instead of name calling let's try getting answers to this question - Which of these economic views do you embrace?
A. To enhance the wealth of a nation, every man, consistent with the law, should be free to pursue his own interest his own way, and to bring both his industry and capital into competition with those of ... other ... men. It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest. The individual is driven by private gain but is led by an invisible hand to promote the public good, which was no part of his intention.
B. Capitalism is an anarchy of production, in which the businessmen and capitalists run about like chickens without heads. Rationality, order, and planning emanate from the government, not from the participants in the market.
Capitalism and economic freedom are a formula for injustice and chaos, while government is the voice and agent of justice and rationality in economic affairs.
If they answer A they embrace Capitalism, and if they answer B then they embrace Marxism. A is a quote from Adam Smith, Father of Capitalism, and B is a quote from Karl Marx.
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