It Is What It's Not
or it's not what it is.
The government of the United States is essentially a machine to coordinate and advance the interests of private manufacturers and service providers. The bureaus and agencies of the government facilitate profit making in the private sector. Congress provides targeted funding and regulations to moderate competition between dominant economic interests and is in turn supported (through campaign funding) by these interests. The President provides symbolic support for the system by serving as a People’s Tribune and the primary “Reassurer in Chief” proclaiming that the country is strong, economic opportunity is plentiful and “the Dream,” the message of prosperity for all, is still viable.
This is one view of the U.S. government today. It is alleged to be the same no matter which Party is in power or shares power.
It is critique, analysis, and justification all rolled into one. Supporter of the “system” explain its virtues. Opponents describe its injustice. For most it seems a given, the framework that defines and conditions our actions as citizens, social activists, commercial interests and private lives.
It is what you might call “the regime.” It is a very general abstraction. Many political scientists will recognize it and largely confirm its “reality.” Possibly even teach it.
It is actually somewhat reassuring. It has all the advantages of a “system,” i.e. peace and order, law and safety, green lawns and stocked shelves.
Of course, it is also wrong.
I will try to explain why I think so in several future blogs. But first, and for today, let me try to define what I mean by “wrong.”
The entanglement that we call society is first and foremost a jostling of many narratives, that is, perceived patterns of change that interrelate in real time in more ways than we can grasp.
Put it another way. There is simply an h** of a lot going on. And, therefore, every attempt to describe “the elephant ahead of us on the road” is likely to be wrong as we send forth the blind to touch and feel “the thing.” That is, our guides are human.