The Republicrat struggle, the ongoing tempest that has consumed our system of governance, has, it seems to me, two main escape valves. One is what Obama just did, trying to engage both parties–although I'm sure as we speak, the Republicans he spoke to are trying to figure out how to game Obama's olive branch for their gain, while the Democrats are trying to figure out how to abandon all hope. And that's the positive way out.
The negative one is perhaps best described as the continuation of the current trend, a gradual abdication of the governing process (by both parties) to the holders of the most real power in the country: corporations.
The latter is wonderfully (and terribly) illustrated by one of the most corrosive influences in American politics, a man for whom I cannot find enough four letter words in my dictionary, "Republican pollster" Frank Luntz. He's the potentate of focus grouping and studies in manipulation of mere voters to achieve the ends of his client list, which includes companies like American Express, Ameriquest Mortgage Company, Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Bear Stearns, Boeing, Blue Cross Blue Shield, etc., etc., plus a few stranger entries (Mike's Hard Lemonade??). The "about us" page at his company says: "We are a full-service market research and communications consultancy with a twist: we help clients take control of the issues that matter by redefining them."
And that is precisely what they do–undermine people's thinking in ways they never imagine. Luntz is the reason people say "climate change" instead of "global warming," and "death tax" instead of "estate tax."
But I bring all this up because the Huffington Post just obtained a new memo from Luntz (labelled "The Word Doctors–It's not what you say, it's what people hear"). On the one hand, the man is a publicity hound. On the other, exposing this stuff is helpful. Regardless of whether you support financial regulatory reform, it should concern you that people like Luntz are out there, being paid to poison the debate by those whose interest is solely the protection of profit, regardless of consequence.
The memo, tellingly, discusses convincing both conservatives and liberals of the same thing: that regulatory reform just won't work. While most folks are getting bogged down in left versus right, these folks are busy gaming both sides. And this is the stuff that will only get worse in the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision. What a joy.
You can read the memo here.
AND IN GOOD NEWS:
Bill Watterson, creator of the sublime Calvin and Hobbes, gives what the Plain Dealer says is the first interview since 1989. And that, as they say, is awesome.
