Thursday, June 30, 2011
Understanding American Politics
I always said that the best field of academic study to understanding American politics is theatre arts. After handing over the keys to the U.S. Treasury in the bank bailout, Obama is now decrying tax breaks for the wealthy.
While on the surface that may seem incongruous, it actually makes perfect sense. Obama knows Congress -- also in the pocket of the aristocracy -- will do nothing to upset their benefactors. Thus, by exhibiting false bravado, Obama deflects criticism while providing cover for his next betrayal.
Were Obama not so obvious in his performances, he might avoid accusations of fraud, but his repetition of this pattern of misbehavior and dishonesty makes it difficult for all but the infantile and ignorant to believe anything he says. Unfortunately, that describes a lot of Americans.
While on the surface that may seem incongruous, it actually makes perfect sense. Obama knows Congress -- also in the pocket of the aristocracy -- will do nothing to upset their benefactors. Thus, by exhibiting false bravado, Obama deflects criticism while providing cover for his next betrayal.
Were Obama not so obvious in his performances, he might avoid accusations of fraud, but his repetition of this pattern of misbehavior and dishonesty makes it difficult for all but the infantile and ignorant to believe anything he says. Unfortunately, that describes a lot of Americans.
