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Surprises?

Posted January 26th, 2012 by Mark Evans
In Reference to:
And Then There Were Four: The Latest from the Republican Primaries

 Anyone who studies US elections knows that the prediction markets are the best predictors of elections and polls (which get cited in all the news stories) are useless.  Intrade.com shows the Mitt at 4 to 5 times the Newt.  Friends, the primary was over in November and no one who purports to be informed should say anything else and only the death of Mitt will change that (since he's already been vetted (a process John McCain is inadequately informed about)).  Expect the Republican hangers-on to get an additional 15 minutes from time to time however.

Markets show Obama leading at 50-55%.  That's too close to call and could be discussed.

Here's a link to an article by my favorite Integral (and Democratic) political scientist who's so frustrated by Obama's inability to get anything done that he's considering voting for Mitt.

http://thomaspmbarnett.com/globlogization/2012/1/21/deficit-myths-its-still-all-about-healthcare-so-obama-was-ri.html

Now I'll go listen to the discussion with my jaundiced ear.

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a surprising canadian strategy

Posted January 26th, 2012 by Layman Pascal

--

As a Canadian, obviously, I vote for Obama.  We all do.  It's like Canadian Turrets syndrome.  Add to this my sense that it would be really fabulous to maintain the radical depth & personal sincerity of Ron Paul's socio-economic critique for as long as possible.  That's definitely where the action is.  But he can't triumph here & some of his solutions are dubious.  Who's left?  Mitt & Newt.

In this context -- I'm for Newt Skywalker.  A lot of forces are arrayed against him.  Every boring, soulness, vision-less, self-conflicted, institutional piece of "republican" and so-called "independent" gullibility is arrayed against him.  These deadened nerves mistakenly think that Romney might be a safe choice.  They are dead wrong.  I'm for Newt Skywalker.  He's not only the Republicanss'best chance and would make the best president of the four of them.  

It's patently obvious that pundits and the so-called "republican establishment" are out of date & out of synch with the free-wheeling weirdness of this historical moment.  Yes, Mitt has the requisite aggression and false confidence which conservative voters love so dearly. But Newt can do really angry and weirdly confident.  Those are important energetic and theatrical qualities in a planetary shaman-king.

 

THE CASE FOR EMPEROR GINGRICH

Romney: Get America back to 1985

Santorum: Get America back to 1955

Paul: Get America back to 1855

Gingrich: Put Permanent Colonies on the moon!

 

It's important that the "Leader of the Free World" know that the future takes place IN THE FUTURE.

Given that I never want a Republican president "down there", I do still think any president should:

  • be able to enjoy the presidency
  • have a full & obvious emotional range
  • know the energy-skills of political judo (Taoism...)
  • have experience with how Federal legislative bodies operate
  • be funny, clever & above all SUPRISING (basic shamanic magic)
  • have a broad intellect with strong historical awareness
  • be at peace with his choices

Romney has none of this.  He's just the polished Nixon -- and under pressure or in the face of the unmanageable novelty that the presidency throws at a person Romney will crack.  All his lack of integrity (in his own eyes) will emerge.  

And what a drag it will be put up with Obama/Romney debates.  Whereas Gingrich & Obama will push each other in smart, funny places that make weird sparks fly.  The US Presidency is not about a safe managerial phony who lacks sympathy for American, does not share the values of his own party, and clearly wants to make life better for corporate raiders like himself.

I'll take self-enthusiastic, megalomaniacal & and sexually indulgent any day.  Those qualities go just fine with an Emperor of the World.

 

ACTION PLAN

1. Select Emperor Gingrich

2. Vote Obama

3. Pressure the System for change as Deep or Deeper than Ron Paul wants.

 

No?

 

Thanks, I've been...

Layman Pascal

 

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