War, recession still the reality

No boos, hisses or catcalls were allowed. Unthinkable! The more pro-military, the more pro-big business were the president’s statements, the louder was the chorus of baritone cheers from somewhere in the vast chamber.

On cue, the select audience of politicians plus military brass, Supreme Court justices, Cabinet members and their special guests rose to applaud and cheer every few minutes—as has become obligatory during State of the Union addresses. If anyone disagreed, the most they dared do was sit on their hands.

What unity! What respect for the leader!

What crap!

The totally scripted event—camera close in on adoring face A, then pan to the medals on B’s chest—that took place in Washington on Jan. 28 could not have been farther from the reality. And millions of people knew it.

As expected, Bush talked about progress in Iraq (although he’s going to send more troops there), having a plan to fix the economy, and the success of his “No Child Left Behind” fiasco. He hit “the terrorists” and made it clear he was going to continue to fight to keep the massive tax breaks for the rich that have helped drive government debt above $9 trillion.

Out in the real world, all over this country, millions of workers are losing their homes and agonizing over which bills to pay. Jobs are disappearing at an alarming rate. Young people are deserting the military “option” despite few job opportunities and no money for college.

The people more than a year ago, when they voted so many Republicans out of Congress, showed they hate these wars and want the troops brought home. But Bush offered absolutely no hope on that score—and neither did his so-called opponents, the Democrats, who rose to their feet and applauded enthusiastically at every mention of “strengthening the military.”

Bourgeois ‘unity’ in time of crisis

It is hard to remember a time when the capitalist political establishment in the U.S. was more removed from the mood of the populace. In the political debates now going on—all to capitalize on mass discontent for electoral gain—candidates in both parties try to differentiate themselves from Bush and his record in order to gain mass acceptance. But their conduct during the State of the Union address, and the mild “critique” offered afterwards by the Democrats, shows their true unity behind the might of the capitalist state during a time of growing crisis.

Bush, as chief executive, is the symbol of that state, and no matter how much they fear and loathe him, they all bow down when his highness demands it.

This unfolding economic crisis can inconvenience the superrich, and may even lead speculators to suicide, but its true havoc will be wreaked on the working class of this country. Millions are already burdened by debt and can’t dig their way out because of low-wage jobs and rising prices. An economic downturn with massive layoffs can well be the straw that breaks many, many backs.

These are the conditions that lead to militant mass movements sooner or later. The capitalist politicians, who are so used to manipulating the electorate by passing out a few crumbs while the ruling class that sponsors them soaks up the gravy, are afraid. What’s going to happen when crumbs are replaced by cutbacks and apathy gives way to anger?

So they all get behind more brutal, repressive measures to shore up the power of the state. It’s not against “terrorists,” it’s against the mass of the people. But, as the civil rights movement of the sixties showed, police power cannot defeat a righteous mass movement seeking justice.

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