Brooks: The Bursting Point (Decent column for Brooks)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/04/opinion/04brooks.html?pagewanted=print

On Sept. 11, Rudy Giuliani took control. The government response was quick and decisive. The rich and poor suffered alike. Americans had been hit, but felt united and strong. Public confidence in institutions surged.

Last week in New Orleans, by contrast, nobody took control. Authority was diffuse and action was ineffective. The rich escaped while the poor were abandoned. Leaders spun while looters rampaged. Partisans squabbled while the nation was ashamed.

The first rule of the social fabric - that in times of crisis you protect the vulnerable - was trampled. Leaving the poor in New Orleans was the moral equivalent of leaving the injured on the battlefield. No wonder confidence in civic institutions is plummeting.

<snip>

Reaganite conservatism was the response to the pessimism and feebleness of the 1970's. Maybe this time there will be a progressive resurgence. Maybe we are entering an age of hardheaded law and order. (Rudy Giuliani, an unlikely G.O.P. nominee a few months ago, could now win in a walk.) Maybe there will be call for McCainist patriotism and nonpartisan independence. All we can be sure of is that the political culture is about to undergo some big change.

We're not really at a tipping point as much as a bursting point. People are mad as hell, unwilling to take it anymore.

[NRaleighLiberal]

1. He talked through this on Lehrer news hour the other night.

I thought it was a remarkable tone for Brooks and perhaps another hint that the tide is turning.

[aquart]

4. Yes, I saw that show.

Not even considering the possibility that George will teflon this.

[kodi]

2. economic democracy must be a part of the equation

if not the goal.

[jackster]

3. wow

tipping, bursting, whatever - something has to give or we ain't gonna survive at all!

[mcscajun]

5. "We're not really at a tipping point as much as a bursting point."

Has he been reading some of the many, many "tipping point" posts in here?

Or is the phrase part of the Gestalt?