We have noted efforts to parallel current developments to the New Deal's coming in 1933. Now Paul Rubin in the Wall Street Journal has an article, “Get Ready for the New New Deal.” Rubin writes, “this election has been fought on the margins, over marginal issues.” I agree. It’s like 1932, when Roosevelt famously attacked Hoover for his deficit spending and promised a balanced budget. The big jolt won’t be the campaign, it’ll be what follows. Rubin says, “this election will make more than a marginal difference. It might fundamentally change America.”But how? The New Deal was an earthquake for America in 1933, but it makes a difference we’ve experienced that shake already. Obama’s not prepared or able to offer America something radically new. Instead, we’re going back to the time when our intellectual, liberal elite last totally controlled Washington and tried to make us love Big Government, the great days of the New Deal and Great Society, before Vietnam ruined it all.
It’s the American Restoration, putting the meritocracy back in power, where they believe they rightfully belong. In the English Restoration of 1660-1679, Charles II [top picture] got things right side up again, gave the nobility their lands back, and returned the Royalists to power after Oliver Cromwell’s ghastly interregnum, when Puritans ruled the landscape and even abolished Christmas celebrations. As Charles II restored the bawdy theaters, as Roosevelt brought back martinis [picture] with his end to Prohibition, Obama’s Restoration—fueled by the richest political campaign in history—will make our wealthy, secular, Europeanized cultural elite dominant again over mainstream America.
1 comment:
Laura Millman says:
I think Obama has radical and liberal ideas; perhaps not new, but he will try to make big changes. I think many people think we need changes in our government, but I'm not sure he is the one to make or suggest the changes. I think since he selected Biden and his hundreds of advisors, he has calmed down. He learned the average voters didn't go for his ideas, but the young people did, and they normally aren't voters. I think they will vote this time. He has followed Dean's use of the Internet in organizing the Democrats and getting his donations. The GOP has a lot to learn along this line, if we ever hope to catch up with them in the future. I don't think Obama will ever release his records on his donations, whether from the US or foreign countries, and Congress will not press him to release the info.
Getting Colin Powell's endorsement was a good thing for Obama. I think Race, plus his displeasure with George W.'s Iraq War during his last few years there, plus being pushed out the door so Condoleezza could step in as head of State Dept., all contributed to it. Also he will probably get a good appointment from Obama too, if he wants it.
Post a Comment