Don't misunderstand, Sanguine - it's not so much a matter of optimism, because I'm angry just as you are. It's a matter of constructive vs. destructive anger. Those who insist we tear everything down will be faced with the task of rebuilding. And more to the point, destructive anger has consequences. A Trump nomination will scratch that itch, but it won't heal the wound. It will lead, almost all experts agree, to the GOP's loss of both the Presidency and the Senate.
Constructive anger means we keep in mind that much of the puzzle is in place. We maintain control of Congress, and that gives us the ability to set a positive agenda if we can just add the missing piece - the Presidency. Obama IS the heart and soul of the problem - he's forced us to abandon a positive agenda in favor of obstructionism.
Kasich can spark a new Reagan-style revolution. His inclusive appeal gives us the best shot at the whole enchilada - gain the Presidency, and retain the Congress. That ought to be our eye-single goal - to grasp the prize that is so close within reach, if we can just temper the destructiveness of our anger and not throw the baby out with the bathwater.
There are many ways to get rid of a pest problem in your home. Burning your house down to the ground with everything that you own inside certainly is one of those ways, just not the smartest one,
I had a friend of mine explain (on Facebook) why he supported Trump. He detailed how running the country like a corporation, with the Presidency working closely with corporate leaders to bring about changes and order, would be the solution to our problems. If needed, he said, the President would take charge of some industries, for the betterment of the nation.
I quoted Benito Mussolini explaining how Fascism was really corporativism, and basically describing the exact same situation my friend had just described.
His response was astounding. I'll post the entire exchange:
My post:
"The corporate State considers that private enterprise in the sphere of production is the most effective and usefu [sic] [typo-should be: useful] instrument in the interest of the nation. In view of the fact that private organisation of production is a function of national concern, the organiser of the enterprise is responsible to the State for the direction given to production.
State intervention in economic production arises only when private initiative is lacking or insufficient, or when the political interests of the State are involved. This intervention may take the form of control, assistance or direct management." (pp. 135-136) - Benito Mussolini, 1935, Fascism: Doctrine and Institutions
His response:
If that's fascism this country could use some.
He is a good guy. Known him for years.
He's more of a mainstream conservative that I am. I am too much of a libertarian for him some times.
That was a frightening response.
Last month, at a rally in the University of Virginia, Trump made a promise to the crowd:
"We’re going to get Apple to build their damn computers in this country instead of other countries."The crowd cheered wildly an chanted his name.
Never mind that there is no legal way for Trump to force Apple to do that.
Never mind that it makes absolutely no sense for Apple to willingly do that.
Never mind that the cost of Apple products would become prohibitive for the majority of US consumers if that actually happened.
Never mind the fact that Apple wouldn’t be able to find enough skilled U.S. workers to fill its manufacturing jobs.
People liked the sound of it, so they support Trump. They don't know it, but by supporting Trump, they're supporting Fascism.
We're about to set the house on fire to get rid of the pests in the walls.
The pests will survive, but we'll be left homeless.
