Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. A. Lincoln 1863
The History Channel has some amazing definitions of what constitutes a history program, but some are interesting. A couple of years ago they they had a program applying Sun Tzu's military proverbs to the Battle of Gettysburg. There are lessons for Obama and the Democrats in this approach, as a new breed of uncompromising fire-eaters threaten the very life blood of this nation.
It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; Sun Tzu 500BC ?
It is easy to know the enemy they have shown themselves to be recklessly insisting on their extreme policies, even if the nation is at risk. There are many parallels between Tea'er rhetoric and Secessionist rhetoric of the 19th Century. I will make an unproven assertion, but I believe those who self-identify with the Tea Party are more likely to have Confederate ancestors than those who self-identify as Progressives. I think this is part of their anti-government leanings. I do not want to debate causes of the American Civil War, but we should remember that seven states seceded and formed the Confederacy before Lincoln was inaugurated. The war was fought because the planter South lost a legal election, not because they lacked representation in their government. They refused compromise insisting, yes demanding, their policy be the only acceptable policy willing to blow it all up rather than accept a political loss.
Lesson: the GOP/tea'er caucus can not compromise, do not expect it of them. Even in spite of majority sentiment to raise revenues and cut spending, they continue to believe the people and God are on their side.
Even though a battle is inevitable do not fight the battle on the chosen ground of your enemy. Often this is emphasized in the Battle of Gettysburg. General Lee insisted on an attack even on the third day of the battle. As General Burnside had insisted on a Union attack at the Battle Fredericksburg in 1862. An attack against an entrenched enemy across open sloping ground. Lee's Corp Commander Gen. James Longstreet advised against the attack, arguing that Lee should move around the right flank.
The movie clip can be found on youtube, the line goes "General, there is still that way around the Right." Search for Battle of Gettysburg -- Evening of July 2nd
North Carolina Monument on Seminary Ridge -- Gettysburg PA sculptor Gutzom Borglum
President Obama there is still that way around the right.
It is time to pull the rug out from under the GOP/Tea'ers. Obama should simply state the US will not default the constitution does not allow it. If Congress can not agree on a plan to not violate the constitution, he has sworn an oath to uphold the constitution. He can not allow an unconstitutional act of Congress to undermine the security of the nation, he has a duty and responsibility to uphold. He must assert the 14th Amendment and abolish the artificial debt limit. A Congressional creation for political posturing. He will continue to offer to negotiate to reach a balanced approach to solve our nation's real economic problems.
I do not know what the President will say tonight but I am sure the majority of people would praise him if he simply ended this nonsense. There is little the GOP/Tea'ers could do but howl; they can not even appeal to the Supreme Court without Senate approval.
Opportunities multiply as they are seized. Sun Tzu
(Be glad to simply discuss Battle of Gettysburg if someone wants to start that comment thread.)
Tue Jul 26, 2011 at 12:30 PM PT: In answer to a comment I found these two articles with opinions from legal scholars on the 14th amendment and the debt crisis.
No strategy is without consequence. The President would undoubtedly face an impeachment attempt in the House. I think Constitution does support a Presidential action to avoid default . Both these articles lay out legal premise and actions that would follow.
http://live.washingtonpost.com/....
http://www.nytimes.com/....
It is declaring political war on the GOP, but they did that the day Obama was inaugurated. In times of emergency the executive branch has great latitude, it is simply how you want to play the raw politics. Why play on their chosen ground when you have the ability to redefine the playing field.