Democrats especially are going through what looks like a form of schizophrenia
- On the one hand, any American can now be seized, tortured and killed by the government without trial.
- On the other hand, we’re just 37 days from daylight.
- On the one hand, the elections may have been stolen and could be again.
- On the other hand, people are minutely analyzing polls and talking about getting the vote out.
What gives?
First, all these attitudes are normal among those in the "out" party at a time of generational crisis. If you’re old enough think about how your parents reacted to the 1960s, or consider stories of how your grandparents reacted to the Great Depression. (If you’re younger think about how your grandparents reacted to the 60s.) Their parents felt the same in the 1890s, and their parents felt the same in the 1850s.
Second, all these things are possible. It is possible this year’e elections may be stolen. It is also possible that poll workers may demand an honest count, having become disgusted by the charges of fraud as anyone else. It is possible Americans could be seized by a knock on the door. It is also more likely that any systematic suppression would be forcibly resisted, not just by liberals but by conservatives as well. (They’re going to go after your guns next.)
If you can keep your head while all about you others are losing theirs you just don’t know the situation. I think that’s the phrase. Or, as we were constantly told 40 years ago, "May you live in interesting times" is a curse.
Being a natural optimist I am inclined toward the optimistic view. Sex scandals will cut Republican base turnout. Iraq will be the key issue, not its conflation with the War on Terror.
The elections next month unlikely to be close. If they are close then the fix was in.
