Bigger naifs

Even as we proclaim to be the greatest country in the world, we display the typical human characteristic of blissful ignorance. Iowa’s caucus chose the biggest naif on foreign policy without a care about its implication. A tiny number of politically motivated Iowans chose New Deal Religion with Huckabee without notice of how it would be implemented. The democrats chose a false image of moralistic, oppressive, bullying, socialistic statism with Obama because he looks and talks so well. Self-reliance, self-respect, personal responsibility, hope based upon personal choices - principles of conservatism traditionally guiding Americans - hid themselves under the hat of present prosperity. Too troubling would be thoughts based upon data or observation. When a Clinton, Edwards or Obama says "most Americans have seen their incomes stall," listeners believe them. Agreeing out of courtesy, acquiescing out of ignorance is the American way. When a wealthy Buffett takes the high road complaining that he’s willing to pay more in taxes because his secretary is assessed a higher percentage than he, listeners believe him too without demanding elaboration. Had the listeners been shareholders in Berkshire-Hathaway, they would have been forced to care about the profitability of their investment and the loopholes (often charitable) used by the CEO of the company to reduce his tax burden.

The devil dances in the details of each and every caucus, primary and election around the globe. Sometimes a violent tune provides accompaniment. Sometimes, usually in America, his laughter enhances the party’s atmosphere.