On Sun, 1 Feb 1998, valis wrote, about my worry that Buchannan-type
forces benefit most from the pornoization of politics, noting the Nazis'
promises of purpose and morality in government:
>
> True enough at a glance, Bill, but weren't conditions in late Weimar
> far worse in every way? We have a ways to go yet, though I'm not making
> an argument for complacency.
You are right; I didn't intend to suggest we are there yet, and crying
wolf on fascism happens too often. My point is that the degeneration of
politics (the stuff on TV) wins right wing populists (and the darker
forces as well) more converts than it does socialists, and this should
inform our reactions.
(I couldn't help be pleased, in some ways, that Clinton went _up_ in the
polls, thinking that perhaps it reflects a strong sense of fairness,
due process, etc. However, it also might tip the balance on if/when to
murder more Iraqians.......)
Bill Burgess
