So I Lied

Like I said, this economic crisis thing is just so damned pregnant. (I love John Stewarts "Free Levi" campaign) I admit to being taken aback by the fierce reaction by both liberals and conservatives. I assumed they would just be rolled over by the "emergency bailout" but the level of (deserved) distrust of the Administration and Congress has engendered a real reaction, a march on Wall Street even, by a joint ideological contingent.

The liberals have fallen back on the narrative of FDR and the New Deal, slapping the hands of "greedy CEOs", re-regulation of industry, re-investment in social programs, etc.. to save capitalism from itself. They keep talking about giving the American people "shares" so they can somehow profit in the event of a big turn around. This is a red-herring. The conservatives want to let the market wreak it's "creative destruction" and let the bodies fall where they may. Right-wing radio is throwing blame at irresponsible minorities who foolishly thought they could afford homes in America. Stirring up hate is their only tactic left.Politicians, meanwhile, are caught in a vise between their campaign contributors /corporate allies and a terrified and pissed off constituency. All of them are invested in seeing that the basic structure of capitalism remains unchallenged, despite critiques along it's periphery, and in saving their own hides (and portfolios).

Of course what is most conspicuous by it's absense is a response from anything that might be described as "the left". Democracy Now puts on clowns like Jesse Jackson and Ralph Nader to provide analysis. Bill Moyer asks a few penetrating questions but comes back to "progressive" reforms. So I guess it's up to me. Hey everybody, capitalism is barbarism. That doesn't mean we have to go through some apocalyptic crash for socialism to emerge, quite the opposite. (I believe a crash will precipitate fascist overthrow) We just use the pregnant moment to show that a re-distribution of wealth combined with a participatory economic model would serve the mass of citizens much better than any attempt to prop up a discredited and failed market system. The "crash" is simply Condi Rices "mushroom cloud", a way to de-mobilize the public with fear and force them to rely on "leaders". Resources and labor exist, therefore needs can be met. We don't need leaders.Find a soapbox and plant some seeds. Use the language of justice and emancipation. I'm not saying the revolution is around the corner, but potential revolutionaries are!