Andrew Sullivan has been a conservative, that I am open to hearing out. I think he is sound in his social views, even his economic views (largely free-market diatribe) is something to listen to, as to understand the argument from the other side. HOWEVER, he was somewhat childish and hostile the other day on Real Time, in his exchange with Naomi Klein regading the current economic crisis that we are facing. To best understand my contentions with his attitude on the matter, join me below the fold for an email that I sent to him:
Hello Andrew,
I wanted to comment on your points made in the debate with Naomi Klein during your recent appearance on the Real Time with Bill Maher.
You made the point that the American people are just as complicit in this current economic crisis, as Wallstreet and the deregulators are. And while I believe in the notion of personal accountablility, I think you fail to consider the fact that 'people' have not made the 'system'. That being, the financial system, banking system and systemS around the investment markets. These were constructed, and made VERY complicated by the monied interests and 'geniuses' on Wallstreet. You fail to recognize that most Americans are looking to put in a honest days work for an honest days pay... They are looking for loans that will grant them the opportuntiy to improve their lives, most assuredly with the full intention of paying them back, on the terms as they understand them to be. The operative word here, is "understand". On that point, you rail against their ignorance in taking risky loans, but I submit to you that it is from ignorance on your part to even consider that most Americans would be necesarily informed and savvy about how the 'systems' work. They are indeed vulnerable to the inprudent practices perpetrated by the financial institutions, and it is just for the government to enact regulations to prevent these crises (in the Real Time discussion, you seemed to support the notion of regulation, but you also commented that the free-market is best... I am not sure that these two concepts reconcile).
To conclude, the 'people' are not wanton in their pursuit of opportunity, as can be said of those on Wallstreet (whom are supposed to be the knowledgeable sort). Thus, I suggest that the people are NOT as complicit in this crisis, as those on Wallstreet, nor as the deregulators in Washington. Bottomline, if the 'people' were necessarily informed on the reality of the 'systems' surrounding our economy, then there would be no reason for anyone to listen to Andrew Sullivan, Naomi Klien or any subject matter experts on anything. Were you vocal about the ills of the subprime lending situaton before it became a crisis??? Before it began to bubble in the first place???
My final point... regarding Ms. Kleins point on reality v. theory. There is no example in reality that has proven to us, that an unrestricted free-market is the best market system to best serve the interests of the people (quite the contrary I would suggest). But , perhaps you do not endorse true laissez-faire capitalism, since you cited Smith in you exchange on Real Time.
Thank you for your time,
Best Regards,
Rich Santoro