I owe a hat tip to someone, but I forgot where I first saw this link. At any event, I am grateful to whoever it was. David Brooks has a fascinating piece on the difference between Republican and Democratic perspectives. His theory explains why many prominent Democrats make inane statements about President Bush being a threat to the country (or comparing him to Hitler, or threatening our civil rights, etc.). If you think I am painting with a broad brush here, go read Brook’s column. He has many specific examples. However, I am most interested in his theory (which is really an extension of Kagan’s work) on why the Democrats are acting in such a destructive manner:
EARLIER THIS YEAR, Robert Kagan published a book, Of Paradise and Power: America and Europe in the New World Order. Kagan argued that Americans and Europeans no longer share a common view of the world. Americans are from Mars, and Europeans are from Venus. The essential reason Americans and Europeans perceive reality differently, he argued, is that there is a power gap. Americans are much more powerful than Europeans, and Europeans are acutely aware of their powerlessness.Something similar seems to be happening domestically between Republicans and Democrats. It's not just that members of the two parties disagree. It's that the disagreements have recently grown so deep that liberals and conservatives don't seem to perceive the same reality. Whether it is across the ocean or across the aisle, powerlessness corrupts just as certainly as power does. Those on top become overly self-assured, emotionally calloused, dishonest with themselves, and complacent. Those on the bottom become vicious. Sensing that their dignity is perpetually insulted, they begin to see their plight in lurid terms. They exaggerate the power of their foes. They invent malevolent conspiracy theories to explain their unfortunate position. They develop a gloomy and panicked view of the world.
Republicans are suffering from many of the maladies that afflict the powerful, but they have not been driven into their own emotional ghetto because in their hearts Republicans don't feel that powerful. Democrats, on the other hand, do feel powerless. And that is why so many Democratic statements about Republicans resemble European and Middle Eastern statements about America.
As an Independent, I must admit this theory makes more sense than anything I have developed. Many of the Democratic contenders for President are making ridiculous statements (e.g., I could not believe Gephardt said he would simply overrule the Supreme Court if he disagreed with it). This is not the way to appeal to swing voters. Appeal to our reason, our common sense. Tell us why you would do a good job (legally). It is OK to criticize the current president, but tell us what you would do better. Criticism with suggestions is constructive and appreciated. Criticism with no suggestions is a sign of weakness.
