[WS:] What does that mean? What specific actions would such a change entail?
As I see it, anything that can be considered progressive in this country - from support for the artists and writers during the great depression, to old age protection programs, to abolishing Jim Crow or providing access to abortion has been accomplished through actions of some progressive government official and against fierce popular opposition fueled by fiery congressional demagogues. However, as democracy in Amerika is perfected, fewer and fewer such government progressive moves are possible anymore.
I do not think that anything meaningfully progressive is possible today in this country. The only progressive thing a politician can realistically do is to refrain from fearmongering, mudslinging, and vile character assassination. Obama did just that and moved one step ahead - he tries to inject some civility to the political discourse, which is truly revolutionary in this barbaric polity. That is far better than 99 percent of talking heads in the political discourse.
Wojtek
On Thu, Nov 19, 2009 at 9:48 PM, Shane Mage <shmage at pipeline.com> wrote:
>
> On Nov 19, 2009, at 7:27 PM, Wojtek S wrote:
>
> BTW, what I really appreciate in Obama is his refusal to go with the
>> fearmongering mudthrowing and negativism that is endemic in US
>> electioneering - he tries to appear to positive emotions. That is a big
>> change in this vile political circus.
>>
>
>
> But the reason for the pathetic failure of Obama is also his refusal to
> advocate, or even his covert opposition to, any program for real social,
> political, or economic change. His excuse has been precisely that advancing
> such programs would be met with opposition even more violent than the stupid
> foxist outcry against his ineffective compromises and that he would be
> blamed for the ensuing "fearmongering mudthrowing and negativism." Clinton
> had much the same excuse. The cowering, whimpering liberals like Obama are
> in fact the main clowns in "this vile political circus."
>
>
>
> Shane Mage
>
> This cosmos did none of gods or men make, but it
>> always was and is and shall be: an everlasting fire,
>> kindling in measures and going out in measures."
>>
>> Herakleitos of Ephesos
>>
>
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