Plans change.
I was all set to make this post about comparisons to the Democratic Party's current woes to the Weirmar Republic, Germany's government in the 1920s (1919 to 1933). It was a democratic system, with a diverse parliament, that failed to rule effectively and ended with the rise of Hitler and the Nazis. It faced major problems with hyperinflation and political extremism. It was led by an elderly statesman, Paul Von Hinderberg, who became President at the age of 78. Although a well-meaning man, his inability to lead and handle Germany's problems, and his concessions to the negative forces in the country, helped pave the path for the end of Germany's democratic experiment.
But then, Friday happened.
Economic News
The October Jobs Report was PHE-NOM-A--NAL!!! Over 500,000 jobs added, with both Seprember and August adjusted upwards by hundreds of thousands! And the unemployment rate fell form 4.8% to 4.6%! In ten months, more jobs have been added during the Biden administration than in the first two years of the Trump adminstration.
The stock market reached record highs. Granted, not my favorite indicator of economic progress - nevertheless - whoops! There it is!
Covid News
The rates of Covid cases are dropping substantially (newly crowned moron Aaron Rodgers notwithstanding), The vaccine is now available for those 5 and up. And the best news Friday? Pfizer now has a pill that works on those who have Covid, reducing the hospitalization and death rate by 90%!
It ain't over. There are still pitfalls. But off in the distance, I faintly hear the fat lady singing.
Political News
Democracy ain't pretty. Sausage making is easier to watch than seeing legislation ground out. But the logjam may have been partially broken. The Physical Infrasture part of the agenda has been passed by the House and Biden will sign it into law.
The Build Back Better bill, although not dead certain, passed major roadblocks in the House, and, unless the tiny handful of corporate Democrats are lying to us (what are the odds of that?), should pass the House by no later than November 15th.
Of course, even once out of the House, it has to go through the buzzsaw of the Senate (specifically, ManChinema). We're not out of the woods, but at least we're in it.
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No, it ain't over. The Weimar ghost still lurks in the shadows. But, gee whiz, people, we should take out glimmers of hope where we can get them.
One of the problems the Weimar Republic had is that they were under the impression that they could work with the Nazis and contain them by keeping them in the fold. Boy, did that bacfire!
So, one of the things that we must not do (Democrats and Progressives and true Independents) is remove pressure form the Trumpists. We must not ever let up on the Trumpists and Insurectionists. Those who don't believe in Democtracy must be called out, and when they do criminal things, THEY MUST NOT GET A PASS.
The world is still a perilous place. We have much to do, and many challenges to doing it. But today was a bright day.
I pray for many more days like it.
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