"We Kinda Agree With Mao That Political Power Comes Largely From The Barrel Of A Gun" UPDATE: With A Bit Of Context

Meet Ron Bloom, Obama's Manufacturing Czar, seems he's also a fan of Lee Atwater or something.

It is not the American tradition that "power comes form the barrel of a gun". Our tradition is that power comes from the consent of the governed. It's a distinction I don't think Mr. Bloom and too many of his colleagues gets.

Let me be clear, I'm not in the "Obama's going to round up conservatives and use force to stay in power forever" club. I have too much faith in America for that, checks and balances are there for the tough times, not the easy ones.

Still, the people that populate this administration are way to comfortable with radical thought and figures. Obama didn't run as a leftist (though the signs were there if you wanted to look) but he is one. It's not racism or crazy talk to point this out and hold them to account.

And what could possibly go wrong with having someone in a high level job, charged with formulating manufacturing policy, who disparages capitalism? Actually, since we don't do 5 Year Plans on what is an isn't made, why do we even need this kind of position anyway?

(Video via Lex. Since I swiped the link from him, make it up to him for me by checking out his site. There's always good story about the Navy and insights on flying and other stuff. Plus, you can follow him on Twitter.)

UPDATE: Maybe not such a big deal. Below the fold is what appears to be more of the video from the event. The Mao quote is not in it but he's talking about how the union does business. He may be saying they as a union play rough, which is likely true enough.

Still, in a better world, US government officials wouldn't be reaching for Mao to describe themselves and their outlook. Insert Hitler for Mao and it's just never cool.

posted by DrewM. at 07:16 PM

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