E Pluribus Unum

Just like you to pull out the money quote ;-)

That's why I get the big bucks.

:^)

You know, I see it every day, the drowing of the government (and our future) in a bathtub of debt, inaction, incompetence, and pocket-lining. But I still can't wrap my head around the idea that this really is their goal.

I get to the point where my heart wants my brain to reject what my eyes report. Honestly,

oops...
Honestly, are they really that greedy and just plain fuck-ups, or is there really a plan here that fits the pattern? Are we avoiding a future history that is so terrible that this current course will only put us in a bad alternate reality instead of an apocalyptic dystopia.

I can't answer your question, Mark. But you assume a level of understanding, moral turpitude and psychological fitness that is probably quite rare in the oligarchy.

It's not an assumption, just a a last bit of hope, a very small bit at that.

Sorry, Mark. Should have written "Your question assumes..."

My point was that we project our own understanding and convictions when we wonder how people can do what they do. From what I know, I'd say you're better man that many, many of the people who set the terms by which others live.

Take heart, my friend. The product of our present experiment in Republican government should provide a powerful tonic for understanding, at least for those who can still see. My prescription: read some Kevin Phillips or Bruce Bartlett and steer clear of the (presently) irredeemable partisans.