AND THE BAND PLAYED ON

Politics as usual has evolved into same old, same old: the Democrats dither and the Republicans rant. It looks like we're in for six more months of nothing being done by congress to face up to cure the economic ills that have beset us since 2008 (or earlier)until the election is over---and then, I'm not convinced, that it will get any better, as polarized as the two parties are.

A new book is out by two respected Congessional scholars, Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein, the title of which says it all: "It's Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided With the New Politics of Extremism". That title is so long, it gives away the whole thesis of the book--but I still think I'll read it. Both Mann and Ornstein are seasoned thoughtful observers of the political spectrum and much respected in political circles. Ornstein spoke at a forum here on our island a few years ago; unfortunately, I did not hear him, but those who did were impressed.

This is not the first time in our history that political impasses have occurred, but this one is turning into an epic confrontation whose worldwide implications cannot be ignored. You saw, for example, what happened to our national credit rating last summer when Congress stalled on increasing the debt limit---and we got zapped, downgraded on our bond ratings, not to mention the bemusement of the world viewing this spectacle of entrenched obstinancy in the premier world power.

It is pure bloodymindedness, this stubborness of the Republican Party. Now you have to PLEDGE, for God's sake, that you will NEVER increase taxes. How stupid can you get? How can you rationally in this uncertain world make such a hollow promise? It has become an era of inflammatory soundbites, concrete positions and increased vituperation. Not to mention, stupid.

That filthy word, compromise (almost the politcal "n" word to the neo-cons) is being drummed out of the political dictionary, along with civility, rationality, respect and all the other words connoting discourse between opposing views.

I think I'll just fix myself a nice Scotch and Soda.