Paul Krugman - Op-Ed Columnist - New York Times Blog
The crisis isn't the only scary thing going on. Something very ugly is taking shape on the political scene: as McCain's chances fade, the crowds at his rallies are, by all accounts, increasingly gripped by insane rage. We've seen this before. ... What it came down to was that a significant fraction of the American population, backed by a lot of money and political influence, simply does not consider government by liberals (even very moderate liberals) legitimate. Ronald Reagan was supposed to have settled that once and for all. What happens when Obama is elected? It will be even worse than it was in the Clinton years. For sure there will be crazy accusations, and I wouldn't be surprised to see some violence. The next few years are going to be very, very tough.
The crisis isn't the only scary thing going on. Something very ugly is taking shape on the political scene: as McCain's chances fade, the crowds at his rallies are, by all accounts, increasingly gripped by insane rage.
We've seen this before.
...
What it came down to was that a significant fraction of the American population, backed by a lot of money and political influence, simply does not consider government by liberals (even very moderate liberals) legitimate. Ronald Reagan was supposed to have settled that once and for all.
What happens when Obama is elected? It will be even worse than it was in the Clinton years. For sure there will be crazy accusations, and I wouldn't be surprised to see some violence.
The next few years are going to be very, very tough.
The Right Wing Hate Groups are seeing their numbers and influence dwindle at the same time their economic situation is deteriorating. Iraq is teaching a generation war is the normal activity of life -- just like the Black & Tans in Ireland and the Free Corps in the Baltic after World War One. When these two groups unite, it's going to get ugly.
US liberals lived in the same country with these madmen, they should know them, they should have expected such post-election behaviour at the very start of the campaign already -- they should be prepared, not scared.
There isn't any organized Left in the US.
They should be very careful to proceed against the core group according to law and statute effective prior to B 43 and then use this as an object lesson why it is extremely unwise to leave such power in the hands of government. Then push a constitutional amendment through Congress and the state legislatures that re-balances the liberties of the people vs. the powers of the government.
Such a "teaching moment" could greatly enhance the authority and stature of Obama and restore the intended balance of power in the Constitution to our Government. With convictions in hand, clemency and or commutations of sentence could be considered on an individual basis. Magnanimity in such a victory would cement Obama's authority and further empower him to make other needed changes. In such a fashion we might regain a credible left in the USA. Just call it the new center. As the Dutch said while fighting the Spanish: "It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."
I'll be convinced when I see at least as much resources put on domestic terrorism as on the Middle-Eastern variety (not that I'm holding my breath).
Oh, and also look at the financial circuit: the money has to come from somewhere. States who are serious against organized crime do just that: they follow the money and go to the throat. Europeans think a hundred miles is a long way. Americans think a hundred years is a long time.
Fortunately, like I said, I don't think Obama's going to get killed. Most of the crazies are either going to turn their sights on each other after the election or see that Obama, as president, is not some kind of scary Manchurian candidate. Plus, most of the assassinations in the 20th Century we're familiar with happened to people who didn't have Secret Service protection. JFK did, but he was also killed while riding in a convertible out in the open in Dallas with plenty of places for a shooter to hide.
If he'd had proper protection, RFK would not likely have been killed that night in Los Angeles. It was because of his assassination that the Secret Service was authorized to protect presidential candidates before they became nominees or presidents.
Reagan was nearly killed, but at the same time his would-be assassin would probably never have gotten that close in 2008, since presidents generally only get that close to the public under tightly-controlled circumstances these days.
And I certainly don't think Biden's going to get killed. Nobody really hates him. Even the wingers respect Biden as being a legitimate adversary, probably because such a large chunk of the country -- definitely anyone who is a political junkie -- has known Biden forever. Conservatives want live babies so they can raise them to be dead soldiers. - George Carlin
Three weeks ago, they thought they were going to win. Now, suddenly, they're getting beat like a rented mule. The worse the beating, the more they'll lash out. Conservatives want live babies so they can raise them to be dead soldiers. - George Carlin
Guns? Bah. Piss off a talented chemist/biochemist ... see what you get!
Fuck em! In the end, might makes right. Nothing has changed since the caveman.
These are the fans who booed and threw shit at Santa Claus. It could be truly awesome. Conservatives want live babies so they can raise them to be dead soldiers. - George Carlin
