by k3nt » Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:42 pm
Nope, I don't think it's only done by Republicans. Believe me, Beav ... I lived in Chicago for 8 years, I know just what kinds of crap Democrats are capable of!
No self-respecting intellectually honest Democrat could support the Chicago machine as an example of good politics. At least, nobody I ever ran across did. I don't see any difference in principle between the old (and new) Chicago machine, vs. George W.'s administration. It's all disgusting.
Thing is, Chicago doesn't have a strong "separation of powers" theory going on. The Mayor really is set up as almost a King. If there were a functioning separation of powers, Chicago would be way better off. And there used to be a functional separation of powers w/r/t the national government, but it's been completely destroyed. (Whenever you hear the phrase "Unitary Executive," that's ultimately what they're talking about: destroying the separation of powers.) And many, many people who call themselves "conservatives" can do nothing but applaud, because it's a guy on their side who's done it.
(And again, I'm not putting you in that camp.)