on striking faustian Bargains
They (“they” being that shadowy and uncertain collective that is assigned every uncertain dictum) might say, to the effect, that: Every great leader, successful businessman, or happy husband must certainly cut a deal with the devil, right?
Wrong. …maybe.
Just ask Gandhi, Ataturk, Martin Luther King, Jr., or Thomas Jefferson – and, that hardy and ferocious crew, the Founding Fathers.
These are men of measurable success – and, all of whom forged coalitions, and crafted compromises to be sure – but none made deals that poisoned the very institutions they fought so hard to craft. Yet, by unfortunate comparison, President Barack Obama has consistently dealt with those interested in stopping reform: lobbyists, megacorporations, and even fringe groups.
Imagine, for a second, if the Founding Fathers had cut deals with King George, so their nascent United States could “gain legitimacy.”
Would we still remember them as leaders?
By the way… I’ve never heard anyone phrase juxtapositional elements such as: “…cutting a deal…” with the Lord, or God. But, what about good men that might say to the effect: “please God, let me kill my enemies so that I shall live”, or, “Lord, let me kill our enemies in your name”.
One more thing… When (all too many) hypocritical members of our House (think in terms of “representatives”) and Senate pledge allegiance to [God] and Flag, who wins? God, or the devil?
We have to ask the tough questions. It’s what Prudent but Optimistic Gentlemen do. It’s at the core; the very nature of the Heterodox.
Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.
Brian Patrick Cork
Obama’s dealings with lobbyists, megacorporations and fringe groups are nothing compared to the deal makings he’s been engaged in within his own party. The lobbyists and megacorporations have rolled over very easily (Big Pharma and Insurance companies are in bed with him). Fringe groups? What fringe groups?
But Obama’s biggest problem has been with blue dog democrats who have been blocking the health care plan all the way. This is why we have Senator Mary Landrieus’s “Louisiana Purchase” and almost Senator Ben Nelson’s Nebraska Huckster…..and others that didn’t draw the interest of the main stream media.
If the entire Democratic Party had fallen in line like good little soldiers, we wouldn’t be having the Summit today. Because his own Party won’t roll over, Obama’s hoping he can get some Republicans to roll over for him. So the question is not if Obama makes a deal with the devil, but if any Republicans will.
Hello MTR.
And, welcome here.
Possibly modern-day Populists?
But certainly self-focused insiders at the treasury, and on Wall Street. Arguably, the leadership at the heart of the banking community itself.
I’m not convinced the Republicans are the problem. They are a problem. It’s the House, as a body, that is the problem because their own desires are not aligned with constituents.
Ironically, this makes the House a fringe-group.
I’m ready to take a LOT of heat for making that statement.
Cork