Open Left

I Don't Think We're That Far Apart

Oh, I agree that the DC culture is sick, sick, sick, and in much the way that you describe. (I used to think NPD was a minor matter compared to rightwing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation, but I've realized for some time now that it's quite important in its own right.) I also think that Kevin Philips has described this rather well in American Dynasty where he talks about restoration culture and politics, which puts it into a larger cultural context.

However, I think you're talking mostly about the courtiers, and I'm thinking of everyone.  In his earlier book, Wealth and Democracy, Phillips talked about cycles of imperial power, and how a period of elite excess eventually gets replaced by a democratic resurgence.  I think that's already started to happen with us, and that as it grows (god willing) a good many folks--even in DC--will start behaving much, much better, simply because the environment has changed, not because they have.

Of course, it won't hurt a bit to have a lot of new blood as well.  

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

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by: Paul Rosenberg @ Fri Jun 26, 2009 at 12:53:51 PM CDT