  |
8 November 2008
Obama's speech full of platitudes that entranced the PC faithful, but what significance for philosophical conservatives?
There is nothing that will entrance the PC mind more than the loud declamation of the PC Canon. Verbalising the rigid dogma of the PC canon, thus confirming one's fidelity, is of the first importance. Indeed, it is often of the only importance, and failure to do so will most likely mean direct expulsion from the group. Actions and consequences and their objective analysis are simply not on the agenda. The possible link between PC theory, the social policy thus generated and the worst problems (e.g. youth violence) in our liberal democratic society is outside the realms contemplation. There is a string of mythologies that excuse or distract the PC mind from an objective review of its delusory world.
In Australia, the PC mythology built around former Prime Minister John Howard held the asylum intact for many years. There is still no major mythology to replace the John Howard mythology and the anxiety is building. As much as throwing oneself into such faddish issues as the environment and same-sex "marriage" relieves the anxiety it is not enough to replace the salving power of the John Howard mythology. America's gigantic and powerful PC-class is now on the threshold of a similar anxiety with the removal of the hated George W. Bush and the election of PC Saviour Barack Obama.
Obama is an exceptional orator who conducted his campaign with grace and dignity - conduct that is in sharp contrast with that of many who support him. He makes somebody like Paul Keating appear as the guttersnipe Keating is. I don't doubt that there is more to his victory speech than the rhetorical flourishes that entranced the PC faithful, and that he is sincere when he says he intends to govern for all. But how realistic is that undertaking?
Obama says he is a Christian. But killing the unborn child is not compatible with Christian belief - unless you apply the stock PC trick of changing the meaning of the word. The media will of course adopt the changed meaning, but faithful orthodox Christians, whether protestant or Catholic, will never do so. The same applies to marriage. A faithful Christian will never accept that marriage is anything but the sacred union between male and female. The reasoning (philosophy) and the content of Revelation that underpin the stance on abortion and marriage informs an extensive and complete moral system, which in turn underpins the political organisation of society. Edmund Burke said famously that politics is merely morality enlarged. Offering the hand of friendship and respect, which is to be accepted, will never change this fundamental opposition.
Democrat Obama won 53% of the popular vote in a resounding victory. Nevertheless, 46% of votes for the Republicans represents a big slice of the population that he has to take into consideration. Obama may be sincere in promising a voice to those whose trust he has not yet earned, but the dominant political class that supports him will never allow it. They will do everything possible to force almost fifty percent of the American population to tow the PC line and will cynically manipulate the Obama victory to do this. Sarah Palin is the pre-eminent illustration of this truth and the tactics used. And the post-Bush anxiety will add a frenzied element to the political acton. This is the significance of Obama's win for conservatives.
Obama has a mammoth task ahead of him.
http://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/president/
comments: gerardwilson@dodo.com.au
What is Political Correctness?
  |