Seems to misunderstand the political spectrum of left to right – calls Protestantism and anti-communism “far right”; seems to think the Klan was a right-wing organization (uh-huh. please look up Senator Byrd. The Klan was the terrorist arm of the democrat party); seems to think Germany’s National Socialists were some sort of “right-wing” organization because they hated communists – internecine war – purity purge
Written by a statist Kennedy worshipper in 2007 – attempt at resurrecting his legacy
MY NOTES:
- Until Kennedy, Americans believed the “far right” was the main enemy of progress and order
- In response to Kennedy’s death, this became the narrative:
- 1) the nation at large is to blame (98)
- 2) something is deeply wrong with America
- 3) conspiracy theory
- 4) communism could not possibly be to blame (97) – this was LBJ’s main concern
- 5) civil rights, not cold war focus (101)
“Reform” under Wilson-FDR-Kennedy-Johnson had been a tool for optimistic improvement. After Kennedy, “Reform” became a call for punishment for national guilt (207) – address grievances and parcel out blame. Especially racial grievances.
The cultural & political interpretation of Kennedy’s assassination became detached from the facts of the crime – a committed Marxist murdered Kennedy. (96)
FDR’s New Deal changed America from a market society to an administrative society – huge growth in government jobs – security through government jobs – government can solve all the problems!
There can be no rational opposition to “leftism” (11)
This book was written in 2007 by an aspirational liberal leftist – disappointed in leftism. Considers himself to be one of the “thoughtful liberals.” Thinks America got derailed:
- The 1960’s left turned to conspiracy theories, abusive insults of political foes, and hatred of America (prosperity, free economy, representative republic) – all under attack
- No more faith in government to solve problems (204)
- Left after Kennedy thinks America is a malignant development in world history
- Leads to Obama’s new imperative: reduce America’s influence & national pride
- No longer future-oriented democrat party; Focused on revenge
Reagan took over the mantle of optimism. Optimism lives with Republicans since the 80s
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