The consolidation of power in a society is surely an ugly thing: whether it be economic, military or political. The adversarial nature of the two party system, the theory goes, is to prevent a collusion of excessive power and provide at least a completing pull between the forces of popular mandate and those of entrenched privilege (ostensibly Democrats and republicans, respectively. or one would hope.)
Take a look at this---scroll down to "around the track" and read what it says about Bush "quietly advising" the Democratic presidential contenders regarding the war in Iraq.
# The Washington Examiner’s second day of excerpts of political reporter Bill Sammon’s new book, "The Evangelical President," teases the tale of back-channel discussions between the White House and Democratic presidential candidates such as Hillary Clinton. Sammon reports President Bush is "quietly" advising the candidates, urging them to "modulate" their rhetoric on Iraq so they can "effectively prosecute the war in Iraq if elected president."
Among the key quotes from Bush: "It’s different being a candidate and being the president. ... No matter who the president is, no matter what party, when they sit here in the Oval Office and seriously consider the effect of a vacuum being created in the Middle East, particularly one trying to be created by al Qaeda, they will then begin to understand the need to continue to support the young democracy."
Now, once can argue that this evidences a sanguine approach and a curiously presidential outlook by Bush, who has previously taken partisan antagonism of Democrats during his terms to new heights. He is realistically assessing the current political climate and acknowledging that a Democrat in the White House in 2009 is a distinct possibility.
But should the Democratic candidates, who are campaigning and running on everything the BushCo has done to tragically fumble and muck up the geopolitical scene, really be taking advice from Bush on Iraq? Does this make your head explode? Does it make you crazy?
Unfortunately, it certainly lends powerful credence to the notion that the "two party system" is merely an illusion and a dog and pony show to placate the masses, and there really is only one ruling class that dictates policy for us peons.