Wednesday, September 7, 2011

True Republicanism Part 1

[My first post on this topic "Introduction to True Republicanism" is here.]

The following quotes in italics are an extract from Republican Platform of 1856 (The original and True Republican Party Platform):

Resolved, That the highwayman's plea, that might makes right," embodied in the Ostend Circular, was in every respect unworthy of American diplomacy, and would bring shame and dishonor upon any Government or people that gave it their sanction.

Note: The might is right plea is the same one embedded in Laissez-Faire Capitalism.

Resolved, That a railroad to the Pacific Ocean by the most central and practicable route is imperatively demanded by the interests of the whole country, and that the Federal Government ought to render immediate and efficient aid in its construction, and as an auxiliary thereto, to the immediate construction of an emigrant road on the line of the railroad.

Resolved, That appropriations by Congress for the improvement of rivers and harbors, of a national character, required for the accommodation and security of our existing commerce, are authorized by the Constitution, and justified by the obligation of the Government to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

The above two points are about infrastructure development projects. Without good roads you can't have reliable transportation for goods or even mobility between the states. In other words, good economic development projects not only provide temporary jobs and local economic boosts but provide an opportunity for business to grow and economic development to occur - All factors remaining constant that is or as it's called in economics 'ceteris paribas' [ Read more about government spending to develop infrastructure (if you haven't already) here.]

If you are aware of Republican politics of our times then you know that the above platform of 1856 is an obvious contradiction to today's modern "Republican" platform.

I call this new Republican party fake because it is controlled by a very small group of people with a great number of resources similar to Oligarchs. [Relevant article - Examples of Echo Chambers Part 1 ]

The following interview helps provide some perspective of the modern "Republican" party:

Daily Show: MSNBC's Michael Steele discusses the GOP's movement toward institutionalization and wants establishment Republicans to stop trying to widen the presidential field.


Note in particular: About elections, 'establishment republicans', change in republican party from the 1850s (from individuals to institutions). When you focus is an institution, which is obviously controlled by a small group of people then ONLY a small group of people can benefit. This new "Republican" stance is best expressed by Mitt Romney with his "Corporations are people my friend." comment (Which really pissed off Stephen Colbert). Also note that Michael Steele is a completely new person.

The following video is about Scott Walker (note: The prank caller is impersonating the Koch brothers which have been noted here, here and here.)



The following interview is the new Scott Walker after getting done with new Republican party campaigning. Makes me wonder what kind of governor he would be without Koch Brother or, as Michael Steele delicately phrases it, "institutional" influence.


This is the end of part 1 of True Republicanism.