Presumably we've all heard enough about the junta's plans for the second Coming in January. Most of us have also heard enough about how disjointed the Democrats, reformers, and progressives have become since November 2.
In my last installment, I addressed stark differences in perspective between Ones and "the Others." [To review the background on the contrast between these two opposing camps, look here
This installment focuses on some core beliefs and weapons to dismantle "the Others'" claims this week. Can you hear the hobnailed boots goose-stepping in the background?
As Bob Herbert eloquently put it today "The White House seems to have slipped the bonds of simple denial and escaped into the disturbing realm of utter delusion."
Here are two main topics from this week:
Fiscal Responsibility:
Ones believe that large tax cuts for the wealthy are inappropriate at any time, but particularly when the government's deficits are embarrassingly high ($413 billion and counting), we are funding elective wars, the troops have inadequate equipment, 5 million people have lost their health insurance, and the middle class is bearing the brunt of the tax burden.
"The Others" believe in rewarding their base when they win elections because "It's our due" and "Reagan proved deficits don't matter." (Dick Cheney)
Ones believe that the talk about Social Security has created a fake "crisis," initiated by the same disinformation team that set up the WMD strategy for the war in Iraq. They further believe that SS is viable, supportable, and sustainable through prudent governmental management, corporate reform, and responsible spending. They further believe that the budget surplus generated by Bill Clinton's fiscal policies and available at the beginning of 2001 provided an opportunity to sustain the Program and to plan for any long-term adjustments needed for the Program.
"The Others" would prefer to destroy the program through privatization. They support, however, receiving their own benefits under the program, despite not paying an equitable and proportionate share into sustaining it. More importantly, "the Others" use deceptive numbers to skew the actual costs of and funding for the Program. They love the power of propaganda and "perception management."
Ones believe that a serious Economic Summit would involve various economic perspectives, experts, and authorities openly discussing genuine strategies and alternative solutions for the country's staggering trade deficit, out-of-control spending, job losses through outsourcing, the falling dollar, inflationary trends, the stranglehold from special interests, and other innovative ideas for re-establishing economic stability and strength.
"The Others" regard a pep-rally for friends, contributors, and supporters as an ideal opportunity to launch a disinformation campaign to promote Bush Doctrine, failed policies. They prefer pre-emptive strikes to initiate privatizing Social Security rather than to correct their past mistakes.
Defense and National Security
Ones mourn those killed (1453) or wounded (9844) in Iraq. [Note: the November total for KIA was 141 as of 11/27, the second highest monthly tally of the war. The second highest was last April.] Here's a link.
"The Others" draft a policy to forbid the press from showing casualties being returned home on TV.
Ones believe that the Secretary of Defense is responsible for the Department of Defense. When the Secretary showcases gross incompetence, neglect, micro-management, bad planning, prisoner abuse, courtsmartial for soldiers using survival tactics (like using abandoned equipment), rude responses to troops, and deceptive strategies for misleading the public, Ones believe it is time for the Secretary to resign.
"The Others" invite that Secretary to serve another term. The Secretary, who set the timetable and the troop strength for executing the invasion says, "You go to war not with the army you need or may want but with the one you have."
Ones welcome and applaud the resignations of those who have contributed to the debacle in Iraq, like "Slam-dunk Tenet" and Paul Bremer.
"The Others" give them the Medal of Honor to secure the Bush legacy of "catastrophic success in Iraq."
Ones embrace the 9/11 Commission's bi-partisan work and recommendations for immediate remedy to the errors of 3 years ago.
"The Others" reject the need for the Commission, delay the Commission's work and access to information, deny the Commission's authority, stall, revise, and re-write the Commission's findings, then claim credit for the Commission's achievements
An inexhaustive list, obviously. Add your own lines and comments here, and we'll keep track.
Ones move and march--when they need to--forward, maybe not at the same time or to the same beat, but in the same direction, progressively forward. Steadily, progressively, persistently, vigilantly forward. And they will resist all attempts to move our country, our culture, and our society backward.
Total loyalty is possible only when fidelity is emptied of all concrete content, from which changes of mind might naturally arise. Hannah Arendt
The truth is out there, but sometimes it's hard to get coverage.