> CB: Note that Congress is necessary to do social democracy. The idea
> that Obama can just "do" social democracy is a left anti-Obama
> exaggeration.
The fact that CB didn't mention the role of the Supreme Court above
says that he opposes rule by law.... No, that's not true. But it's
equally ridiculous to say that I'm engaging in "left anti-Obama
exaggeration."
what I said was: >>I agree that Obama isn't going to do anything like
social democracy
unless he's forced to do so by popular pressure. <<
Congress is obviously part of this, since it wouldn't allow any kind
of New Dealism (soft social democracy) without popular pressure on
them, most likely from outside "normal channels." The Supreme Court
would then try to gut any New Dealism that was passed. The people who
Obama has appointed the the Supes don't change this conclusion.
BTW, I wouldn't expect Obama to even try to institute New Deal-type
policies (unless pushed by the people), even though he currently has a
majority in both houses of Congress. Jacob Heilbrunn's review of
Jonathan Alter's THE PROMISE in Sunday's NY TIMES Book Review says
that Obama's perspective is one of Ivy League meritocracy, not
populism or New Dealism. That fits all the evidence I've seen. Of
course, he's just the POTUS and needs the consent of Congress and the
SCOTUS. But he doesn't seem to be the type who would mobilize the
citizens to oppose his opponents.
Heilbrunn: "Obama himself had two sides -- Chicago community organizer
and Ivy League meritocrat. The meritocrat won out... the contrast with
Franklin Roosevelt, who heartily reciprocate the enmity of the
privileged class from which he emerged, is striking."
--
Jim Devine
"Those who take the most from the table
Teach contentment.
Those for whom the taxes are destined
Demand sacrifice.
Those who eat their fill speak to the hungry
of wonderful times to come.
Those who lead the country into the abyss
Call too ruling difficult
For ordinary folk." – Bertolt Brecht.
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