[Marxism] Swans Oct. 4, 2004

[Louis Proyect <lnp3@xxxxxxxxx>]

http://www.swans.com/
October 4, 2004 -- In this issue:

Note from the Editor: Handicapping the horse race in Punditland...Bush 
frowned, he looked confused, even angry at times; Kerry looked relaxed 
and presidential...great one-liners, "I'll hunt down and kill the 
terrorists wherever they are," "it's one thing to be certain, but you 
can be certain and be wrong," "I have a plan," (Kerry), "OBL doesn't get 
to decide," "we are winning in Iraq," "we've climbed the mighty 
mountain," "People out there listening know what I believe, and that's 
how best it is to keep the peace," (Bush). Is this the extent to which 
we're going to be treated till November 2? Keep It Simple Stupid? This 
is not just Dumbocracy, it's fast becoming a Childocracy, back to 
mummy's womb... What's next, fetusocracy, lobotomocracy?

Real issues may not be covered in 90 minutes but it sure would have been 
salutary to hear the candidates address, say, 10 percent of the 
questions Guy Burneko dissects in his far-ranging essay, from 
re-examining 9/11 in light of history, to pondering the unipolarity of 
our system of thoughts as well as government -- the single vision-single 
goal duality of our governing elites. But, then, as Louis Proyect makes 
obvious, you can't expect much change from a crowd that is not worth a 
dime of difference. If Proyect does not convince you and you need more 
data regarding the remarkable continuity and collusion of the 
bicephalous uni-party system, take a look at the Martian blips (you'll 
also get a short backgrounder on the Darfur "crisis," as well as 
additional tidbits).

Actually, the entire content of this edition has to do with items that 
are not even debated in Punditland -- forget the campaign trail. Phil 
Rockstroh makes the connection between our navel gazing consumerism and 
the rise of fundamentalist beliefs -- another bipartisan trend -- and 
Richard Macintosh shows the "danger of believing your own s***," with 
the help of several historical references. Michael Doliner reinforces 
the theme by analyzing the free-market ideology -- another set of 
beliefs with Milton Friedman as its Grand Priest. García takes a look at 
the world and the USA from out there in space and what he finds seems 
eerily close to what the Bush/Kerry team is fostering; not a pretty report.

Since rating the president and his contender is so important (we are 
told), to choose the next great US leader, Philip Greenspan went through 
an intriguing exercise in which he dug into the rating of former 
presidents. Lincoln practically always comes out on top of the various 
lists. Why's that? And was Lincoln such a great president? You'll be 
surprised by what he unearthed. As to the coming elections, if the 
Hawaiian case study that Milo Clark and his wife are observing from very 
close is generalized around the U.S., soon enough (a few election 
cycles?), we won't even have to bother going to the polls, or to even 
vote...

Ah yes, both Bush and Kerry mentioned Israel and her security, but not a 
word about Palestine and her security... Yet, the current and deadly 
incursion in Gaza by the IDF should exemplify once again that those in 
need of being defended are first and foremost the Palestinians. Where in 
the world is a 20+- foot concrete wall called a fence or a barrier? 
Where in the world are people being dispossessed, stolen, beaten, 
humiliated, poco a poco cleansed, all in the name of an ideology? How 
long will the famed International Community and the Humanitarian 
Brigades keep their heads buried in the sand? Justice and Palestine -- 
is it really an oxymoron? People, speak out, raise your voice! 
Finally, Gerard Donnelly Smith offers another poem and John Steppling 
has his usual say on our last issue (among a few other letters to the 
editor).     As always, please form your OWN opinion, and let your 
friends (and foes) know about Swans.

*****

Here are the links to all the pieces:

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/guyb001.html Collapse - by Guy Burneko

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/lproy18.html Jeffrey St. Clair & 
Alexander Cockburn: "Dime's Worth of Difference" - Book Review by Louis 
Proyect

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/procks35.html The War in Iraq -- The 
Consumer's Crusade - by Phil Rockstroh

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/rmac29.html Singin' The Blues With 
Vichy On My Mind - by Richard Macintosh

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/ga183.html Justice and Palestine: "An 
Oxymoron?" - by Gilles d'Aymery

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/mgc138.html A Day As Observer - by 
Milo Clark

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/pgreen51.html Transforming Reality 
Into Mythology - by Philip Greenspan

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/mdolin04.html Free Trade Ideology And 
The Constitution - by Michael Doliner

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/mgarci23.html Report From An Outpost 
- by Manuel García, Jr.

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/gsmith27.html The Cult Protection Act 
- by Gerard Donnelly Smith

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/desk003.html Blips #3 - by Gilles 
d'Aymery

http://www.swans.com/library/art10/letter51.html - Letters to the Editor

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