From what I saw of its speakers the only new "star" was Dr. Ben Carson, who is the black, male, (medically) educated version of Sarah Palin--meaning his grasp of the political, which should encompass at least a passing familiarity with the economic and historical, reaches no farther than his personal ambition.
I'm still shaking my head in bemusement over Carson's spirited synopsis yesterday of modern history and ethical exigencies, a curious barfing of extraordinary ignorance that could not have been more Palinesque than if the clueless harpy herself had been speaking. As I quickly noted at the time, Carson professed
that socialism arose in response to Henry Ford's [et al] personal success, that the first transcontinental railroad was an ideal example of the entrepreneurial spirit, that churches should--and can--exclusively assist the poor, and that "we" really must stop our "War on God."
OK, nearly as quickly: In reality socialism arose in the early 1800s as a reaction against the brutalities--both material and spiritual--of industrial capitalism; the transcontinental railroad was a major fulfillment of Lincoln's old Whig Party dream of "internal improvements," i.e., it was a government project; church resources were almost instantly exhausted at merely the onset of the Great Depression, leaving millions still in need and with no other place--other than government--to go; and, finally, I'm sorry, but I haven't a clue as to what in hell Carson was talking about in terms of a "War on God."
Continuity, though. That's what struck me most about the man. His ignorance and demagogic pride in his ignorance were so seamlessly Palinesque and riotously received, we might be in for a real treat before movement conservatism collapses altogether. Yes, Palinism just might make a comeback yet--and next time at the top of the ticket.
And for Dr. Ben Carson, presidential nominee, there'd be another and really major upside to this. His candidacy would be such an indisputably Godly gift to even atheistic political junkies, all their warring against Him would immediately cease in a thankful explosion of secular gratitude.
The conservative movement indeed. As in constipated bowel movement. Can't we just pass this mess already?
Posted by: AnneJ | March 17, 2013 at 08:47 PM