Twin Forces Paralyze Washington - WSJ.com

FOUNDING FATHERS: Twin Forces Paralyze Washington - WSJ.com

Do you recall when presidential primaries were introduced to combat back-door politics.

It is somewhat the same today where the primary system in many states lets only the die-hard (read: extremist) party members choose candidates.

There are clearly now two extreme views of the economy. The same different views are displayed around the world.

Many learned people in America believe high taxes and more government create prosperity, yet the results around the world and even in the US would suggest a direct correlation between such policies and low growth and higher unemployment.

The founding fathers may have tried to set up good checks and balances, but right now we are seeing that there are two extreme views.

Those who support either view are rather like those who believe in God and those who don't (no relation to the religious right intended). But, it is a belief in the individual vs. big government.

Those who run businesses and can create jobs want to restrain government; and, those who believe government can provide the answers (e.g. like communists in all too many ways) are on the other extreme.

If Obama was an economic Hitler, one rather gets the point. Should the Republicans be Chamberlain?

Clearly of course many believe Obama is only out to defend middle class rights. But, the policies are like those of Carter - i.e. no growth and only redistribution.

We are going through trying times and I certainly have no final answers and am but a fly on the wall as the forces battle it out.

Of course, I'd rather see prosperity than socialist penury; but, who knows.