It has been in English usage long enough to have a definition: Realpolitik is politics or diplomacy based primarily on considerations of given circumstances and factors, rather than explicit ideological notions or moral and ethical premises; a system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations.
I have been active in local government in the US for many years and have seen quite a lot of 'realpolitik.' Generally, when sorting out local issues, it's a good idea to leave your ideology at the door and get all the stakeholders around the table. Then you need to hash out the issues, come up with a compromise, roll up your sleeves and move forward.
HOWEVER, our system in DC is very corrupt because of a) the primacy of shareholder doctrine, b) Citizens United, c) lobbies and the revolving K-Street door, d) absence of a Fairness Doctrine and overturning of net neutrality, e) corporate funded propaganda as released through AM talk radio and Fox 'news, and f) the fear of politicians they will not be reelected. Now, this is an incomplete list, granted, but you get the idea. Lots of big money lined up against doing the right thing.
An example is the Green New Deal as introduced by AOC in the US House.
It is a NON-BINDING resolution that calls for the creation of a Green New Deal with the goals of
-achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions;
-establishing millions of high-wage jobs and ensuring economic security for all;
-investing in infrastructure and industry;
-securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and
-promoting justice and equality.
The resolution calls for accomplishment of these goals through a 10-year national mobilization effort. The resolution also enumerates the goals and projects of the mobilization effort, including
-building smart power grids (i.e., power grids that enable customers to reduce their power use during peak demand periods);
-upgrading all existing buildings and constructing new buildings to achieve maximum energy and water efficiency;
-removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and agricultural sectors;
-cleaning up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites;
-ensuring businesspersons are free from unfair competition; and
-providing higher education, high-quality health care, and affordable, safe, and adequate housing to all.
So, the bigwigs in the House have not voted yet on the resolution even though it has 89 co-sponsors - it's in a bunch of committees. And Chuck Schumer reportedly is trying to get his people to vote 'present' when the Turtle brings it to the Senate floor.
And, there's the problem. To vote 'present' on this non-binding resolution shows a cravenness that bespeaks the complete abrogation of any moral principles - in plainer English, these people are putting aside what they know is right for most Americans and waffling around because they are afraid the big, bad Republican super PACs will run negative ads against them when they run for another term.
So, to me, when fear of losing the next election is greater than the urge to do the morally right thing, and that morally right thing is compromised out of existence, then I call that getting crucified on a cross of 'realpolitik.'
It is one thing, you see, to sit at the table with conservatives and work toward solutions that will necessarily require compromise, but will move us forward. It is quite another thing to sell out and do nothing because of fear.
This global warming crisis is existential for our species. If we do not take vigorous policy action around mitigating climate change NOW, then we will likely get into irreversible trouble. And if we keep denying it and gutting all regulations, and drill, baby drill (the US is now the biggest oil exporter, did you know?) then my grandchildren will be breathing through masks in ten years if they can even go outside, and in a hundred years, the earth might be a smoking cinder upon which nothing can live.
And healthcare is another example. Everyone tells me I can't have Medicare because 'it will cost too much.'
When I point out that health insurance ALREADY costs me too much, they tell me I can't have it because it I like my employer-provided coverage too much.
When I point out that I don't like my employer-provided coverage because it is a shitty, rationed healthcare plan with financially crippling copays, they tell me I can't have Medicare because I wouldn't be able to choose my doctor.
When I point out that I cannot choose my doctor now, unless s/he is an employee of my HMO, they tell me I can't have Medicare because it would be (gasp!) socialism (shudder!).
When I point out that ...
So you can see what I mean. I'm tired of nothing getting done that benefits me, my family and humanity in general and instead having the people we elect to go to DC and represent our interests forget those interests the minute they get there and instead tow the corporate line.
So - realpolitik. It is fine, but only if you do not go too far away from your principles. There really is a right an a wrong, you know. We are mortal beings. Why do we allow greed to take over everything? I know I won't be taking anything with me when I die, and I suspect you won't either. So why not organize around human need rather than corporate greed?
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from Germany
liquid through the nose isn't pleasant
