Doug Henwood wrote:
> Max B. Sawicky wrote:
>
> >"I wouldn't be surprised if the 3/4 of the Dems
> >who voted against NAFTA were allowed to do
> >so only after it became clear that they had enough
> >votes to pass it; that's the way Congress works
> >sometimes."
> >
> >Our reportorial zeal for facts seems to be on hold.
>
> So do you know the facts Max? Correct me if my supposition is wrong.
If I knew, you'd know. Since I don't, I feelobliged to rely on crude
empiricism. The
closeness of the vote did not serve the
political interests of the WH and the "free-
traders." It made the WH look weak and
the issue look problematic. Ergo, the
votes against are data in support of
the thesis that in the right circumstances
Dem pols will represent the interests of
their base. I don't expect politicians of
any stripe, even socialist, to defy the world
in parliamentary votes. I do see their
behavior as not automatic in support of
Capital. Once we admit this, the political
world becomes too complicated to explain
by mechanical ex post pronouncements.
The roles of constituencies, public opinion,
the semi-autonomous media and state,
and even the individual consciences of some
legislators come into play. In other words,
really-existing politics, rather than what is
often observed in these precincts (PEN-L),
namely routine classification and
judgement on moral criteria abstracted from
politics.
Cheers,
MBS
====================================================
Max B. Sawicky 202-775-8810 (voice)
Economic Policy Institute 202-775-0819 (fax)
1660 L Street, NW [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036
