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No synthesis here
The principle that an "idea or event (thesis) generates its opposite (antithesis) leading to a reconciliation of opposites (synthesis)" is attributed to Hegel. If we look at the last 75 years of American history through this lens (known as the dialectic) then the New Deal/Great Society era appears as thesis which inevitably generated its antithesis in the guise of Laissez-faire/"Reaganomics".
And, thus far in his administration, Obama seems determined to effect a synthesis in the Hegelian sense of "a unified whole in which opposites are reconciled." That at least seems to have been the theory. The practice, however, has not led to anything remotely resembling sythesis.
Conservative ideas incorporated into progressive legislation have produced a dilution rather than a melding, antilogy as opposed to synergy.
To date we've seen attempts to restrict a woman's access to health care inserted into a bill to provide access to health care, we've seen tax cuts, which studies have shown are not particularly stimulative, included in a stimulus package, and we looked on in disbelief as Republicans demanded that the development of a new "modern (nuclear) warhead" be made part of any nuclear disarmament treaty!
This last especially should dispel any remaining hopes Obama may have had for reconciliation (in the dialectical, not the parliamentary sense). Whatever comes out of this polarized process will not be a synthesis.
Mike Gruetzemacher
Cochise
And, thus far in his administration, Obama seems determined to effect a synthesis in the Hegelian sense of "a unified whole in which opposites are reconciled." That at least seems to have been the theory. The practice, however, has not led to anything remotely resembling sythesis.
Conservative ideas incorporated into progressive legislation have produced a dilution rather than a melding, antilogy as opposed to synergy.
To date we've seen attempts to restrict a woman's access to health care inserted into a bill to provide access to health care, we've seen tax cuts, which studies have shown are not particularly stimulative, included in a stimulus package, and we looked on in disbelief as Republicans demanded that the development of a new "modern (nuclear) warhead" be made part of any nuclear disarmament treaty!
This last especially should dispel any remaining hopes Obama may have had for reconciliation (in the dialectical, not the parliamentary sense). Whatever comes out of this polarized process will not be a synthesis.
Mike Gruetzemacher
Cochise
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FrankieLee wrote on Mar 6, 2010 12:04 AM: