Rose,
You’re quite right I too enjoy the dog and pony aspect of democracy, done right. 2016 was indeed a rival to the election of 1800 where Jefferson’s and Adams’ men savaged each other in every print column they could find, and I certainly relished the show. But as you point out, its a misdirection. There is a real aspect to these Presidential elections but they are not actually the deciding factor in the direction the ship of state is heading.
Its funny you mention fireteams and safe houses, it brings to mind the ‘rural revolutionary’ discourse that dominated right wing twitter during the covid year. It was really a very visceral picture of how much the right has, in the words of an old film, “been trained incorrectly, as a joke.” The learned helplessness fills the heads of poasters with useless thought of retaking the country when the actual result of their stratagems would be rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic.
These networks we’re speaking of, their seeming innocuousness is paramount. Much of the work of our enemies has been in wiping out anything that might serve as networks for us. My mind is drawn to the repeated attacks on homeschooling I’ve seen over the years.
One of the issues I think the right has failed to understand is that public policy cannot simply materialize out of grievance. Because of the left’s effectiveness and because of a lot of attention on the dog and pony show, a belief in this has crept in. So we want school vouchers passed, its not sufficient to simply have people who think its a good idea or people who dislike public schools but actual living organizations and people who will directly profit from this. I remember an old episode of Myth of the 20th Century, the terrorwave one I think, where Hank was speaking of how insurgent groups were effectively funded. He stated the most effective situations were ones where material support was not given until the people in question had demonstrated their ability and capacity. Now, I don’t believe we necessarily have to be so stingy, but the point is one that bears repeating - we must have the actual manpower that is ready to absorb and consume the fruits of our public policy victories. To put it very simply, we cannot simply spin networks out of thin air via food, rather, we must feed what exists to grow it and make it more powerful.
My reputation for distaste of Romanist theology does indeed precede me, it seems. I have to check myself this very moment from being diverted into discussing it, as it’s hardly pertinent here.
You mention the Bush lawyers, and I think they are a great example to us. Looking at present America one could not be blamed for believing the WASP, the proper WASP of the old ivy league, with sharp eyes and iron constitution, had vanished from the earth. And yet to the terror of the Gore campaign, out of the woodwork they came to wipe out the enemies of George Bush’s legal case. This is the energy we need to channel, and victory will be ours as well.
I hope this letter reaches you before Christmas, and wish you and yours a very happy celebration and holiday season. I also look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Grant