The myth of Bipartisanship and the language of Deception

[debbierlus]

According to Merriam Webster

bi·par·ti·san
Pronunciation: \(ˌ)bī-ˈpär-tə-zən, -sən, -ˌzan, chiefly British ˌbī-ˌpär-tə-ˈzan\
Function: adjective
Date: 1895
: of, relating to, or involving members of two parties ; specifically : marked by or involving cooperation, agreement, and compromise between two major political parties

The Obama administration laid the grounds for their governance around the terms of bipartinship and compromise. It was the theme of their campaign and the supposed foundation for unity among the people.

Interestingly, the definition of COMPROMISE has two meanings. Apparently, the democratic have chosen the second definition to define their version of compromise because there current means of legislating, in no way, shape, or form meets the first definitions parameters:

1com·pro·mise
Pronunciation: \ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, mutual promise to abide by an arbiter's decision, from Anglo-French compromisse, from Latin compromissum, from neuter of compromissus, past participle of compromittere to promise mutually, from com- + promittere to promise — more at promise
Date: 15th century
1 a : settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions b : something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things
2 : a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial <a compromise of principles>

Bipartisanship has always been a deceptive talking point with this administration. It is impossible to be bipartisan with a opposition who will not concede any ground. It simply can't be done. However, the language of bipartisanship has been central to this administration in providing a rationalization to their supposed capitulation to the right....which isn't capitulation to the right. And, it not the capitulation of their own goals or objectives because they are enacting the policy objectives they were hired to represent.

Interestingly enough the term capitulation has two meanings as well though for the purposes of this discussion we are utilizing the latter:

: ca·pit·u·la·tion
Pronunciation: \kə-ˌpi-chə-ˈlā-shən\
Function: noun
Date: 1535
1 : a set of terms or articles constituting an agreement between governments
2 a : the act of surrendering or yielding b : the terms of surrender

The peoples' interests, rights, and welfare are being surrendered for the benefit of the corporate wealth. That is the capitulation that is occurring. This has been on-going for decades but it has increased and intensified rapidly since the election of Ronald Regan and it started to peak with George W Bush and it is meeting its cresendo under Barack Obama. The elaborate gamemanship that has developed between the two parties to provide cover for the corporate rule has been lifted with the broken promises of the Obama administration. The game could have continued a bit longer, perhaps, if the corporations gave even some small concessions to the people through the Obama admistration. But, that did not occur. Which leads us to our last definition and where we are now....

Hubris:

: hu·bris
Pronunciation: \ˈhyü-brəs\
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek hybris
Date: 1884
: exaggerated pride or self-confidence

The corporations and the politicians that they hire to represent their interests have become so emboldened, arrogant and blatant, they believe there is no boundary they can not break and no limit they can't push. And, it is not surprising that the powerful believe this fallacy. After all, they have been allowed to get away with it with little to no repurcussions in the past, they expect it can go on forever. Only it can't and it won't.

Obama is governing at the height of the Hubris. He believed he could continue to play the game, the same as always. He miscalculated. The people have been pushed past the point of endurance. The betrayal on health care reform is just the final straw.

This is a most critical point in our journey as a country. Here lies opportunity.

[Echo In Light]

1. G.Carlin's definition of bipartisan: A larger than usual DECEPTION is being carried out

[debbierlus]

6. Brilliant!

[polichick]

2. Absolutely - and it is an opportunity. We're very aware of the smoke and mirrors now. k&r nt

[glitch]

3. Extremely well said. Not just for our country though.

There is sweat on the brow of our hubris, maybe just maybe the planet will finally get a breather from it.

We all have to move past the politicians and their owners.

[debbierlus]

7. It is going to take a lot of organization and on the ground work

We built our foundation around the democratic party, but really, it needs to be an independent organization that places good policy over party loyalty.

[madfloridian]

4. Well said.

[inna]

5. KR+9