paleryder
2004-02-14 04:23:01 UTC
Slight variations on a theme, but an endless rehashing of the
arguments between those who favor a more powerful, centralized,
federal government, with power, wealth and property concentrated
(essentially the Republican position), and those who would see a
decentralized goverment with power, wealth, and property dispersed
throughout society (essentially the Democratic position).
The balance between the two positions has shifted many times, and
it has generally not been too lopsided in either direction because the
availability of resources and the ability to find or create new resources
could absorb the energies of both sides. A crisis has been created
because now there are finite resources, and there is nowhere for the
truly disgruntled and disenfranchised to go. At the same time, one
position has gained ascendancy in political power, wealth, and property.
Absent some distraction, for instance a foreign war or entertainment,
the stage is set for serious class conflict.
arguments between those who favor a more powerful, centralized,
federal government, with power, wealth and property concentrated
(essentially the Republican position), and those who would see a
decentralized goverment with power, wealth, and property dispersed
throughout society (essentially the Democratic position).
The balance between the two positions has shifted many times, and
it has generally not been too lopsided in either direction because the
availability of resources and the ability to find or create new resources
could absorb the energies of both sides. A crisis has been created
because now there are finite resources, and there is nowhere for the
truly disgruntled and disenfranchised to go. At the same time, one
position has gained ascendancy in political power, wealth, and property.
Absent some distraction, for instance a foreign war or entertainment,
the stage is set for serious class conflict.