In the world of politics, the usual anecdote of left vs. right is often seen as self-evident. The Democrats or those on the left seem to stand in stark contrast to their apparent counterparts and rhetorical foes on the right and within the Republican Party. As the liberal rises in defense of the poor and seeks to avenge the victims of greed and corruption, the conservative reaches into his deep pockets lined with crisp Benjamins and remembers where his loyalties lie. While the Republican refuses to allow the hateful threats of religious fanatics to stifle the American Dream, the Democrat tucks his tail between his legs and waits for the proper moment to unleash his Marxist takeover.
Depending on which side of the alleged aisle you find yourself, this legislative folklore is accepted, and perhaps even embraced. Considering that such narratives are perceived as a given by most Americans, it's easy to understand why so many devote such time and energy to defending one group over the other. But a look behind the curtain reveals the noble tale of public-servants to be for the most part, a stage show in which you're forced to purchase tickets.
One of the greatest displays of this spectacle in recent years was this summer's debt-ceiling debacle consisting of the usual suspects. Joe Biden pandered to his constituents claiming the middle class will not "carry the whole burden" of deficit reduction while joining the chorus of Democrats demanding to see the debt ceiling raised. The irony of course being the more the federal government borrows and prints, the lower the standard of living becomes for the poor and the middle class, leaving unborn children to foot the bill. Not to be outdone the Republicans and House Speaker Boehner lambasted the Obama administration for "requesting business as usual" while reassuring the nation that "those days are over". In case anyone actually thought him to be serious, he and most of the GOP would soon reclaim their status as a party of charlatans, caving to the Democrats so as to avoid a non-existent crisis. Sure the dramatic speeches may have been convincing, but the talking points of choosing between default or raising the debt ceiling were more akin to an Oliver Stone film, than reality. But this charade extends far beyond fiscal issues.
The Bush Regime pulled the wool over the eyes of many, (including this writer) as well as anyone. It was a clever ploy of political theater to cast American imperialism as a defense of American exceptionalism. It takes a rather cunning and twisted group of individuals to turn one of the most blatant usurpations of power into a form of noble patriotism. It's no small task portraying blind nationalism as authentic conservatism, and convincing the right to turn a blind eye to the largest expansion of government since LBJ. From the relentless warmongering and propaganda, to the astronomical debt and personal liberty infringements, the authoritarianism of the Bush administration would have had statists like FDR and Wilson drooling with envy. But after eight long years, the country was in financial ruin, desperate for peace and in need of a fresh start. Sure enough, Bush's so-called opponents had just the man to play the part.
In 2008 we were promised by a re-energized Democratic Party to look no further than the charismatic senator from Illinois if we wished to challenge the status quo. He represented peace and progress. But rather than halting the assaults on civil liberties, corporate welfare, perpetual war or endless spending, Obama became Bush: The Sequel. Those who voted for hope and change were left with a young opportunist who has out-Bushed his predecessor. One would think the egregious abuses of power since Obama took office would have the bleeding-hearts running through the streets, but many of his supporters have yet to give up on their fairy tale.
This cycle of antics is not only expected, it's necessary for Washington to maintain their influence in our daily lives. Were it not for the constant scare tactics and partisan grandstanding used by politicians, the American people might actually realize there's more truth in professional wrestling than there is the bumper sticker rhetoric of the ruling class. Whether it's terrorism, economic depression, drug abuse or the swine flu, there must always be a villain to every story; otherwise the jig is up. It matters not if the soap opera is written in blue or red ink, it always ends with Uncle Sam portrayed as nothing short of a caped-crusader anxiously waiting to save us from any threat imaginable, even ourselves.
As the first term of Obama's presidency comes to a close, it's that time again for the circus to come to town. Waiting patiently for their cue, the GOP ushers in their latest crop of autocrats to audition for the leading role. Packed with southern rabble-rousers, a presidential ken doll and a lady of the heartland, critics have already labeled this next election cycle an instant classic.
But as these tales often go, the powerful few tend to underestimate the will of the many. After a century of new and improved despots, the country is longing to end the marathon of Old Guard puppets and close the curtain on a federal behemoth that's had too many re-runs. Despite D.C.'s best efforts, more and more Americans are seeing through the smoke and mirrors and turning to the most unlikely of heroes; a man who was ignored for decades, only to be ridiculed and slandered as he and his ideas gained popularity. Indeed, the notion that personal and economic liberties are not enemies but a unit, and a man who follows principle instead of oligarchs hardly fits in Washington's fictional paradigm.
The last few years have left the leaders of both parties looking for answers to quell the growing momentum for an individual who predicted the ending before the previews even started. If America truly wishes to avoid an encore performance directed by the establishment machine, they must first reject its host of actors, and elect a man who doesn't read from a script.
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