Political conservatism put under the microscope
I came across this description of a meta-study on the psychological underpinnings of political conservativism. It's interesting to note how apt the description fits the modern neo-con mindset that now has our nation in its iron, unyielding grip.
Researchers help define what makes a political conservativeI can't seem to find the actual study online. It would likely make for an absorbing and fascinating read.
The Anti-anti-war Rhetoric Will Backfire
There's been a sea change recently in the Bush Administration. No, they haven't admitted their mistakes and grown a sense of humility. That would be asking too much. Instead, Bush and his minions have decided to take the offensive against detractors of Bush's march to war and subsequent handling of the "peace". This is a serious tactical mistake.
As much as I detest the philosophy and incompetence of this administration as the country's executive branch stewards, their political moves thus far have been pretty savvy. Anybody who can get a president reelected who has turned surplus into deficit, peace into war, community into a landscape bitterly divided deserves respect. They had a game plan and they executed on it. Nobody ever criticized Goebelles as ineffective. However, they are making a big mistake by turning their sites on homegrown critics of what's become a less and less popular foreign policy.
This upbraiding of prominent skeptics and typical punching bags such as sad-sack Kerry and his crew of fence-sitters, inadvertently catches in its snares the majority of regular Americans that have come to the thoughtful conclusion that the Iraq war was a serious misstep. Americans are currently waking up with sleepy eyes to see clearly the Administration that they took home the night before, now that the intoxicant that is post-9/11 outrage is wearing off.
Does the Administration know that it is effectively calling a growing group of Americans traitors? Can it not see that this is ultimately a doomed strategy? Their "I know you are but what am I" attitude so successful on the schoolyards across America will be seen as the flimsy argument that it always has and always will be. One could characterize their previous strategy as "Sticks and Stones". Perhaps, they should have stuck with that.
Welcome
This blog will focus on constructive, forward-thinking strategy regarding the ousting of the Republican regime from power in America. This more than likely will come from a resurgent Democratic party, but third-party supporters are welcome.
I'm going to try to cull together articles and ideas that I think reflect steps forward for liberals/progressives and/or the Democratic party. We all have our reasons to be outraged at this administration and its cronies, and outrage has its place. However, I want to keep this forum completely focused, like a laser beam, on contructive ideas and actions to bring about the change we all desire and this country sorely needs.
