prole

During the last 30+ years, there has been far more agreement in terms of economic outlook and policy between Democrats and Republicans than there has been disagreement in any substantial sense. Neoliberal policies and the financialization of the global economy enjoyed a broad consensus amongst political elites from across that narrow spectrum. The "antiglobalization" heyday, of which a critique of broad deregulation and "casino capitalism" was always a part, took place under Clinton's watch. I'm a little surprised at this point that people are still having trouble understanding that Republicans and Democrats share far more of the blame for the financial crisis than the two parties are willing to let on. At this point the question is whether or not there will be a significant shift away from the failed neoliberal policies of the past. The author of the essay suggests that Obama's appointments do not represent a break with the monetary policies that have resulted in many of the problems we're now seeing. I'm not sure what posters' disagreements with this are.

The differences between the US and Chinese bailouts could not be starker. The main differences being that the Chinese one will actually work and that they can afford it.

"Purging the officer corps" is right-wing fantasy. Not worth breath.

Is the "change" we're looking for only skin deep?

[video:youtube]

This is one of the better post-Obamalection pieces I've read. Thought y'all would like it...

If by "growth" you mean the boil that's been festering on our collective face that's now ruptured and drowning us in pus, then yes you might be on to something...

Perhaps he should have included references to "horny-toads" and "stuck pigs", clearing brush, or the Ole Miss football program? Would that make you feel better?The guy is thinking for Christ's Sake. How refreshing!

Great Scott, man! Are you suggesting that guy was some kind of an "architect" for the mess we're in today?!

Followed up with the highly successful "Just Don't Fuck" program.

Ohhhh. Sarcasm!

Doing a seance in the White House would be rad. Who would turn down that opportunity?

Uh yeah whatever...I'm hoping that he, not to mention the rest of us, have bigger issues to deal with.

Good stuff. He's probably plotting some "upper-deckers" as we speak.

You can think of it as a kind of coded message: "The cat's out of the bag, Reagan is toast. God is dead. The end of history is over."

Ted Stevens, Republican elder statesman, lion of the Senate, convicted felon. Him, Trent Lott, and Tom DeLay should start a doo-wop group.

"Golden Shower Boy" Brilliant.

This is not a sit back and see what happens now moment for the left. It's important for the constituencies that got him elected to remain mobilized to ensure that he "delivers the goods", the change he promised. The Obama Administration will need its feet held to the fire by the workers, the poor, and middle class that bought into the message. The economic meltdown may force his hand in a more progressive direction, even if the organized left is relatively weak outside of electoral politics since the DNC will have evaporated now that their guy is in.

Thanks PP.

It seems to me that Pres. Obama needs as much assistance and help as he can get. The budget needs to be submitted by Feb, a scant few weeks after the inauguration. I'm glad Bush is being so generous and helpful to get the guy up to speed with briefings etc etc. He could be locking the door, doing things his way, then blaming Barak when Barak is forced to deal with all the shit which would happen right after he first sits down in the chair. That's my opinion....and you know what they say about opinions:-) Yeah, what a great guy...

The Chief of Staff is, by its nature, an "enforcer" role. Who did you think he was going to pick, this guy?

Yeah, you're going to want to bury your moral views really, really deep if you want to have a "serious" discussion about this. Either that or turn off the critical thinking centers in your brain, limit your exposure to the news, and pretend you're this guy: [video:youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLJx2vJdlJQ

Just wait to you see who Obama's got lined up for his economic team! Hey Bill, what did you think he was going to do, raise FDR's cabinet from the dead like Aragorn? This country's had its head so far up Milton Friedman's ass for so long you'd have to go back 40 years to find anyone with a clue about what "real change" looks like. For the left prepare to have your expectations lowered, for the right you can wake up from your "socialism" fantasies.

Huh, well that sounds pretty rosy (Elevated rates for alcoholism, drug use, domestic abuse, post-traumatic stress, homelessness, disability, etc. notwithstanding).