In 1850 there were two Americas. Only a brutal civil war could resolve the split.
I think that there are once again two Americas. Two Americas that cannot be reconciled.
One is an America that has been brutalized by the global economy that has stripped good jobs and services from their lives and left them maybe not bitter but certainly helpless. Is this not the America that wants a "strong" leader/parent figure - to make it all better. Bring back $60 an hour jobs. Seal the border. Drop oil prices. Save my home. Give me back my old life!
They don't want to participate in making their problems better, they want mummy to make them go away. It will be good to blame people. Look at Canada with all that water and oil taking our jobs in lumber. Look at those terrorists. Look at those immigrants.
If Mummy can't do it, they will vote for Daddy McCain.
The other America sees that these deep problems are not created or solved by one masterful parent but are complex and societal. They see that they are are of both the problem and the solution. They are inspired by a leader who asks them to step up and help. They don't need Mummy or Daddy.
But these people are not fighters. That's the point. They don't do blame and vengeance.
If I have this picture right, then Obama cannot reach the "kids".
But Mummy or Daddy cant reach the adults either. But as there are more kids than grown ups, we will get another 4 years of kindergarten and that much closer to a time when there is no solution possible for anyone.
I read the other day that "Tragedy" is when the ego triumphs over the soul.
It is surely tragic that America, founded in the idea of self reliance and the ability of the community to take charge, may fall because most Americans have become serfs looking for the big lady or man to save them,
