Southern Write - Contrarian commentary on issues African and global.

 In the 17^th century perhaps the greatest political philosopher of all time produced his masterpiece, his name was Thomas Hobbes and his book was titled Leviathan. Using comparisons with the British Monarchy and the Catholic Church he stipulated that the state needed to be strong and powerful to father triumph for its people. Despite inventing political realism with his figurative descriptions it seems the left in America, rather than the right have taken Brother Thomas for a father figure.

 Well they’ve seemingly tried anyway. The state might not be strong as it is fat, and powerful as it is generous but it’s big and it’s getting bigger. It’s mean too and loves to hold a knife to important pillars of the American economy like the fair constitution. Picture Jabba holding Princess Leia hostage from Star Wars. The problem with the picture this time around is that Luke, Hans and the Jedi aren’t coming to the rescue.        

 It is interesting to note grand anticipation for the American congressional elections this coming November. The GOP, right wing leaning tea partiers and conservative commentators are salivating for a righteous Republican win on Capitol Hill. A win it seems they are sure to get. The question is, who really cares anyway? 

 Traditionally mid-term elections always go to the opposition. The best the class of 2010 can hope for is a real rout of both houses. Something similar to the results of 1994 that Newt Gingrich delivered on a silver platter. Being tied to Newt turned out to be both a blessing and a curse for the victorious Republicans as he tripped in-front of the Clinton steamroller thereafter.

 The question this time around is what are the Jedi Knights to do with their new found authority? The answer is nothing, well nothing of consequence anyway.

 Obamacare won’t be repealed. Firstly, it’s highly improbable they will be able to win a two-thirds majority in both houses. Something they’ll need to ignore a certain presidential veto. Secondly the marathon document that was Obamacare wasn’t read by any of the Republicans so they probably wouldn’t know how to go about changing it anyway.

 Will the economy be sorted out and the suicidal debt levels reduced? No again. Democracy will fail its people once more as politicians on both sides of the fence run scared over possible cut backs, lay-offs and social care reductions that will get their constituents whingeing. How actually do you reduce a US$1.5 trillion deficit in the first place? I certainly don’t know. Bailing out forever bankrupt businesses would have to stop as a start.

 Will they reduce illegal immigration and enforce the constitutional obligations they have proffered oaths about? No. Party big wigs like John McCain are all set to sign over amnesty to the 15 million illegal immigrants already in the state. This despite record levels of American unemployment.

 Will the stupid war in Afghanistan be halted? Unlikely. The recent surge in troops was largely supported by the GOP. Just lucky that war these days is so cheap and the economy is so prosperous she can afford it.

 What is most worrying from the conservatives is their dearth of leadership, resolve and lack of ambition. Why do they so badly want power in DC? What are they going to do with it? We all know the left’s aspiration. The dark side has almost achieved it anyway. ‘It’ being complete socialisation of the economy and culture and the eradication of individualism.

 The excuses for the conservatives are starting to run dry. Insidious liberal mouthpieces like the New York Times are almost bankrupt in comparison to a furiously supportive right wing media. Radio shows, news channels and talk programmes endlessly proclaim conservative views and opinions to hundreds of millions across America every day. Just last week conservative radio and television favourite Glenn Beck hosted 300 000 thousand people at the National Mall in Washington DC without even breaking a sweat. The crowds went wild as Beck and others (including Martin Luther King’s niece) regaled the crowds with promises of a return to freedoms proffered by the constitution.

 But this is where the good news ends for conservatives. Their leadership is frighteningly scarce despite their burgeoning popularity. It’s like living in the greatest rugby nation on earth and having P Divvy as your coach. The GOP’s most prominent leader is not their most promising. As much as I admire Sarah Palin’s success I wouldn’t trust her to run a bath let alone the greatest country in the free world.

 So come November and a clean out, certainly in the House of Representatives, conservatives around the world will cheer in victory. Unfortunately the victory will be a disappointing one as Republicans follow their counterparts in the UK (The Conservative Party) and provide nothing more than a feeble foil to the liberals. My worry is that like England, soon there will be nothing left to conserve. And all we need wait for is Barrack to reach out to whomsoever the great young hope might be, and say, “ I am your Father”.

• Posted on Monday, September 6th, 2010
• 2 comments