Conservative mantra -- "Be self-reliant until you actually need something"

[Armstead]

That seems to be the message of Katrina.

For years conservatives have been pounding home the message that we should all be completeltly self reliant, and not look to government for anything, except a strong military for national defense.

The idea of thinking about anything in social terms, and economic policies to promote the common good, have been denigrated as "feminized liberal socialism." Instead, conservatives argue, all policies should asrise spontaneously from rugged individualism and the wisdom of the unfettered "free markets." We should count on the beneficial decisions and resources of the wealthy and corporate oligarchs for progress and compassion.

That may sound well and good when things are going well, or even just slightly bad, on the surface. When we're doing well individually, most people want to be left alone to enjoy their good fortune.

It also doesn't matter to conservatives when slow-motion disasters are slowly building pressure below the surface. For example, the economic crisis engendered by corporatist "free trade" policies seems managable if you ignore it. It seems different than a hurricane because it is occurring in slow motion. But the only difference is the speed of the devestation.

However, the fatal flaw in this self-indulgence and alienated Social Darwinism becomes especially obvious when life throws a disasterous and rapid curveball. Suddenly, complacent conservatism isn't enough when you're gasping for air or find the product of your life's work eliminated in one fell swoop.

That seems, IMO, to be the truth that liberals should be pounding hard right now in the wake of Katrina. WE ALL NEED LIBERALISM IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD.

Conservatives are trying to use it to advance their cause, while duplicitously also calling for government help. They want liberalism in disguise to bail them out. And the more cynical concervatives also want to use public money for private enrichment.

Liberals and progressives of all stripes (including Democratic leaders) need to fight back, even if it requires that awful phrase "We told you so."

[dave123williams]

1. It's not just their message on Katrina...

Remember 9/11? Remember the Airlines, who for years had been lobbying for de-regulation? Remember what all those freemarketing CEO's did the second they hit a real-world market condition?

They elbowed their way in front of widows and orphans, and RAN up the capitol steps to get a big, fat $15Bn handout from Congress.

It's really amazing how much of their own rhetoric they pick and choose to practice. "Big Government has no place in America, (sotto voce) unless it benefits my company." seems to be the memme.

[Armstead]

2. It's called wanting their cake and eating it too.

Or hogging the whole cake, and leaving everyone else with the crumbs.

[Armstead]

3. Kick