Bushwhacked

I look for explanations of the things I see. I prefer explanations that connect seemingly disparate events.  But, if a thing cannot be explained, a metaphor will do.

Since the beginning, men and women have been fascinated with the forbidden.  Once the shackles of one law are broken, it is easier to break free of the others.  It only ends when the players are jaded, and complain of their useless lives.  It is then people realize that the main purpose of just laws is to prevent wasted lives.

The Caliph

This is what the Islamists seek, but they do not recognize the one already ensconced in Washington, DC.

This is what the Christians want, except they call theirs 'Messiah.'

No one else wants a Caliph.

What's a Caliph?  Maybe an Ayatollah,  like Khomeini was.  Maybe a Dictator, like Saddam Hussein was.  Maybe a President, the one George W Bush wants to be.

The Court

Caliphs, Kings, and Emperors - Monarchs all - rule in virtue of their personal prestige, family loyalties and political connections.  While a General can slash his way to power, or an influential family can put its scion on the throne, it is finally political connections that keep the Chief in power.

Those political connections are present in the Court.  There is always a Court, no matter what else it is called or however much it is disguised.  At its core, the Court is composed of various sycophants, hangers-on and power brokers.  These people are manipulators and gatekeepers,  around whom swarm a larger group of parasites who gain favors and dispensations in return for a piece of the action. Outside the Court, the parasites tend local chiefs and groups of all kinds by feeding them pieces of left over or undigested bounty.

Adults know how Courts work.  Children believe in the fairytale version.

The Come

Whoever is American President has achieved power and glory beyond the wildest dreams of Attila or Genghis, and even Hitler and Stalin.

George W Bush and his crusaders are only the latest and most vicious buccaneers to demand tribute and distribute booty. In the past, the demands of Washington were limited by other powers and insufficient reach.  But, all that is gone.  Today, the United States is 'first among equals,' which, according to George W Bush, means first, period.

This means there's no limits.

The Con

Now that the United States got rid of that bad guy, Saddam Hussein, George Bush, his neo-conservative advisors and (surprise?) Tom Friedman believe we are going to change the Middle East forever.

Somehow, they are going to bring about DEMOCRACY there.  Maybe that's why we call them neo-cons.

Trekkies will remember the episode in which Koik and sidekick Spock take over a copycat planet modeled on Capone's Chicago.

Right.

Check.

What's your cut?

March 19, 2004

Last update: 11/02/2007

© Copyright California Expert Software 2007

All rights reserved.