Words of wisdom from Whitman

[Strawman]

"Though it is no doubt important who is elected governor, mayor, or legislator, (and full of dismay when incompetent or vile ones get elected, as they sometimes do,) there are other, quieter contingencies, infinitely more important. Shams, &c., will always be the show, like ocean's scum; enough, if waters deep and clear make up the rest. Enough, that while the piled embroider'd shoddy gaud and fraud spreads to the superficial eye, the hidden warp and weft are genuine, and will wear forever. Enough, in short, that the race, the land which could raise such as the late rebellion, could also put it down."
-Walt Whitman, (Democratic Vistas, 1871)

I have had the sense today that 2007 is really going to be a watershed year in our nation's political history. And it really has nothing to do with the quality of character or lack thereof of our elected representatives or the new Democratic leadership. It is, quite simply, based on an abiding faith in the good sense of American public opinion, which, though occasionally errant and sometimes even ugly, will eventually get the important things right.

The founders of this country weren't pure republicans (small r). They didn't worship at the altar of public opinion and they actually feared it's destructive capacity. But they did believe that our government should at least rely indirectly on the good sense of the people, filtered through their elected representatives. Currently, the good sense of public opinion is not merely missing in the executive branch, it is directly opposed by the executive branch. This president is trying to continue to govern in absolute opposition to clearly expressed public opinion. It is simply untenable.

The sense of the people is that this senseless war in Iraq needs to be brought to an end and this incompetent president is an embarrassment who cannot be allowed to continue in power too much longer. Over the course of the next year, the people will become increasingly impatient on these two issues. The disasters in Iraq and in Washington DC will be "put down," no matter how tepid the Democratic party in Congress is, no matter how corrupt the mainstream media is, and no matter how morally bankrupt the Republican party is. All of this will not be allowed to go on much longer against a rising tide of popular opposition. I can just feel it.

So Mr. President, why not accept the inevitable? Since you are not as intelligent or perceptive as Richard Nixon, who faced a similar situation, "let me make one thing perfectly clear" for you: it's time to RESIGN!

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

1. Well said. Politicians don't lead, they follow.

The American public is becoming more and more fed up with this travesty of an administration and it's murderous war waged in their name. While many, probably most, don't delve deeply into the causes of the catastrophe or the consequences, they are wise enough to see what is so obviously before them.

The politicians, of both parties, will become more aware of the growing discontent as more bodies return home and more of their rights are whittled away, and they are faced with paying for an endless yet failed war. And, then, when it is "politically realistic" they will act. The tide has turned and some of our "leaders" are scampering for shore.

Bush will not voluntarily leave office. He has to be pushed by the politicians. And, it is up to "We the People" to push the politicians.

[Strawman]

2. They are going to be unable to ignore what they hear at home over recess

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

3. I think, perhaps hope, that the drumbeat will become louder for removal.

If politicians are adept at anything, it's reading the polls. As the polls show more and more "opposition" to the war the republicans, and the dems who continue to support it, the politicians will be more eager to to be rid of it and it's authors.

However, the public is also adept at being bamboozled. If Bush and the generals can convince them that "something is being done" through the use of nifty smart-bomb videos and temporary "victories" they may put their rose colored glasses back on.