|
|
|
|
 |
Global Crossroads
Garrick Utley, President, Levin Institute 
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Leftward Swing?
Wed,01/07/09
|
|
|
|
Sir Isaac Newton was a brilliant scientist, but even he would be confused figuring out the political “science” in these dramatic days as Barak Obama prepares to take office. Newton’s Third Law of physics states that “to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”. But in politics in most of the industrialized world we are not (yet) seeing it. Over the past 25-30 years the pendulum of free market doctrine, government deregulation of markets and the role of government in general swung decisively to the right. But now the conservative ascendency (or orthodoxy) has withered under the battering from subprime mortgages, financial meltdown, regulatory laxness, massive government bailouts and alleged Ponzi schemes to cite just some of the transgressions of our current era.
Given the painful facts above we might ask where the political pendulum will swing next? Conventional wisdom (and historical experience) would say, “to the left, of course”. But in most countries we do not see it happening. Barak Obama has planted his feet in the political center which irritates more left leaning fellow Democrats. In France, the Socialist Party shows few signs of life as the country’s conservative president calls for strong regulation of financial markets. Among Germany’s major parties the Social Democrats appear to be reaping little benefit from the crisis as they gird for this September’s election. Britain’s Labour Party remains more centrist than leftist.
In short, the pendulum is not swinging back to the socialist end of the political spectrum. It is hanging over the pragmatic center of politics and public opinion. That is not a bad position to be in as leaders struggle to deal with the problems and uncertainty felt by so many today. But it is unlikely that it will remain there indefinitely. In physics, bodies may achieve a position of inertia. But not in the body politic. Where will the pendulum swing next?
What do you think? |
|
|
| Comments(3)
|
Email This
|
|
Print |
|
|
| |
Thu,02/05/09
By : Isaias
I believe the pendullum would keep going back and forth to the left and right with not very short moments of being stuck at the center. Of course one cannot imagine Barack Obama espousing too extreme positions. He would want to keep himself out of harms way -- not to anger too many opposing sides. However, given his symbolic nature and the faith Americans and the world has put on him, he would likely want to ride safe. Further, there is a great of of possibilities that he would move further to the left once he establishes himself firmly. Isaias |
|
|
|
|
Sat,01/24/09
By : Erin E. Grosso
The election of President Obama has made history and inspired a change in many fellow American's. I sincerely believe that President Obama is taking into consideration only the crises of which are ever dominating our economy and country. I hope that his conservative views are beyond the sway of party interests because the facts are staggering. Unemployment rates are the highest in 26 years and stimulus package has to be arranged in order to pump up our economy.I believe that democrats represent one side and the republicans another but somewhere in the middle is a meeting ground where both sides need to understand the severity of the situation and let President Obama carry out what he thinks will help save our nation. |
|
|
|
|
Tue,01/20/09
By : Steven J Rayls
My sincere hope is that the pendulum will remain in the center. President Obama has consistently asked for bi-partisianship and as long as he continues with this trend, both Republicans and Democrats alike should take heed and work together for the good of the country verse's supporting their own private agendas. We must find nuetral ground and rebuild our relationships or continue down the path that spirals to self destruction. The "common good" is our business. We have experienced being torn apart, now it is time for healing. Steve |
|
|
|
|
|
