Radical Rationalist

Democratic leadership seems to be breaking down. The White house has dropped the ball on a number of core civil libertarian issues. Well-qualified servicemen and -women continue to be dismissed for the incredible dereliction of duty that is being attracted to the wrong gender. Now the Obama Justice Department has come out in favor of DOMA. Add to that continuing secrecy issues, including but not limited to blocking access to White House visitor logs and continuing Bush-era executive privilege policies. The problem extends beyond the President himself. Nancy Pelosi has proven herself to be strangely gun-shy, continuing to take care to incorporate Republican demands into new legislation despite that party’s impetuous refusal to reciprocate with Republican votes. The stimulus package? Watered down with useless tax cuts. Efforts to close Guantanamo? Collapsed in the face of fear mongering. Universal health care? Don’t hold you breath, I’m afraid. [...]