A Party of One
By Mumia Abu-Jamal
[col. writ. 4/30/09] (c) ‘09

That great observer of American democracy, Alexis de Tocqueville noted that U.S. political parties were like nations at war with one another.

While that’s certainly true when it comes to the average rank-and-file party members, who work, sweat, bite and fight against their political opponents for ascendancy, the same cannot be said of those at the highest levels.

That is but one lesson to emerge from the abrupt party-shift of U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, who, up until til quite recently was the senior Republican senator from Pennsylvania, and among the institution’s longest-serving.

Facing an increasingly difficult primary election in the fall, he ditched the party on which he has run and won (as a senator) for almost 30 years, and cast his lot with the opposing majority party (Democrats)

Political pundits and talking heads went almost apoplectic in their overheated responses and predictions.  “Earth-shattering!”, said one. “An earthquake!”, said another.  In moments, they counted his votes on Democratic bills and proposals that had yet to be written.

The truth was quite simple: he wanted to win re-election, and he couldn’t do it in the GOP.

It’s often been said that the Senate is a millionaire’s club; but it’s more.  It’s one of the most exclusive clubs on earth. It’s only 100 men and women, who are essentially princes and princesses of power.  In each U.S. state, only 2 people can sit in the Senate, and once in, it’s quite difficult to lose an election.  Because Specter had an irritating independence streak, his upcoming Republican primary would’ve been among those seen as unsure.

Richard J. Needham said, “Power is a drug on which the politicians are hooked.”

Power.  That’s it.

Specter, who has spent his adult life as a prince, didn’t feel like giving up that incredible power.  And his switch virtually insures that he won’t have to.

By switching parties he gives the Democrats one vote closer to a bulletproof majority — to 60 votes with which they can virtually run the table (assuming former comedian Al Franken can hold his lead over the GOP’s Norman Coleman).  By so doing, he virtually insures that his former party-mates will be powerless, as without 41 votes, they can’t stage a filibuster – or effectively block any legislation.

He therefore becomes the most powerful member of that body, for his vote becomes crucial.

The great wit, Alexander Pope said, “Party-spirit…which at best is but the madness of many for the gain of the few.”

Arlen Specter is a Party unto himself.

–(c) ‘09 maj

Today’s photo of the day shows Manny Ramirez, who was banned 50 games by Major League Baseball for taking banned substance. To be honest, I’m not surprised that he took banned substances. Contrary to what the media would have you believe, everyone, not just Barry Bonds (allegedly), took performance enhancers. I am, however, surprised by the ridiculous excuse Manny and his team gave for his behavior. Apparently he had a “personal health issue” that forced him to fly 2000 miles away from training camp, and the Dodgers team doctor, and begin using a female fertility drug. Hmmm. Perhaps something was wrong with his ovaries…

Today’s video of the day has had me laughing for two days. In this video, Rafer Alston gives Eddies House a “Kufi Smack” during Game 2 of their series. I hope House’s kids weren’t watching the game…

Today’s video of the day is an interesting piece on Stephon Marbury. Unfortunately, he seems destined to go down in history as a phenomenally talented athlete who just couldn’t play with others.

Nation Ready To Be Lied To About Economy Again

WASHINGTON—After nearly four months of frank, honest, and open dialogue about the failing economy, a weary U.S. populace announced this week that it is once again ready to be lied to about the current state of the financial system.

Tired of hearing the grim truth about their economic future, Americans demanded that the bald-faced lies resume immediately, particularly whenever politicians feel the need to divulge another terrifying problem with Wall Street, the housing market, or any one of a hundred other ticking time bombs everyone was better off not knowing about.

In addition, citizens are requesting that the phrase, “It will only get worse before it gets better,” be permanently replaced with, “Things are going great. Enjoy yourselves.”

“I thought I wanted a new era of transparency and accountability, but honestly, I just can’t handle it,” Ohio resident Nathan Pletcher said. “All I ever hear about now is how my retirement has been pushed back 15 years and how I won’t be able to afford my daughter’s tuition when she grows up.”

“From now on, just tell me the bullshit I want to hear,” Pletcher added. “Tell me my savings are okay, everybody has a job, and we’re No. 1 again. Please, just lie to my face.”

For the rest of the story, click here.