Comments on: Populism: Just Like Racism!

By: Alright netroots, we got Warren in the door, now lets see if we can do a repeat:Leo Hindery to replace Larry Summers! - Politics and Other Controversies -Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Conservatives, Liberals, Third Parties, Left-Wing, Right-Wing,

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 00:48:48 +0000

[...] he writes about their shenanigans; even though he claims to sympathize with working Americans he openly acknowledges to part of the evil establishment/corporate world and thus is of dubious sincerity to the [...]

By: Danielle Masursky

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:21:03 +0000

I find it deeply ironic that Brooks should take this smug tone when scolding anyone using populist rhetoric or engaging in “class warfare” since he is responsible, more than anyone, for popularizing the whole red state/blue state meme with latte drinking, Volvo driving liberals from the coast engaged in battle with Salt of the Earth conservatives from the heartland. He has actively encouraged these “types” to see themselves as different from each other and involved in some Darwinistic zero-sum game from which one must emerge victorious. He should be ashamed for what he has wrought and he should be doubly ashamed for trying a different tack now.

By: legrandpolatouche

legrandpolatouche — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:44:04 +0000

I agree with Matt’s analysis across the board. What is missing is what to do about it. My contention is that the Wall Street types and their fellow travelers and defenders have not suffered the pain of their injury to the common folk and institutions that they defrauded.

I suggest that some direct action and guerrillas tactics are in order. These people need to feel fear not where they work , but where they live. In my area of the country there are many trophy homes some behind gates and some just out there. It is relatively easy to find out who owns this property from the online tax records at the local assessors office. One can then Google the names and find out where the owners work and get their money. Also, one can look up the directors and executives of major financial corporations and work the system that way.

When you have located some culprits, plan demostrations at the gates of these enclaves and trophy homes especially during the summer and holiday periods when they are likely to be coming and going. Bring signs, you will know what to say, and print up a press release on who lives there and what their crimes against the public are to hand out to the press and those who are not paying attention.

At the very least you will make the local if not national media. Isolated property can be posted with appropriate signs in the public right-of-way to be seen when the transgresssors arrive or look for signs of occupancy like lights at night etc. to see if they are home. Mind you, I am not advocating any crimial activity, no personal threats, no property damage or anything like that–just the right of people to assemble and express their thoughts and opinions. If it scares the hell out of some people who deserve to be scared, great! Its time to bring the pain to those who really deserve to feel it!

By: Deep Fried » Archive » Pop Culture

Deep Fried » Archive » Pop Culture — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:50:32 +0000

[...] Here’s a worthwhile blog entry from theÂ nuclearÂ powered Matt Taibbi, taking on snob apologist David Brooks over the merits of populism. A good read, and it will angry up your blood! [...]

By: sethk

sethk — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:01:02 +0000

If you substitute the word “anti-Semite” for “Populist” and “anti-Semitism” for “populism” in Brook’s piece, his motivations in defending Goldman Sachs from the ire of the people starts to become clearer. ‘Codes within codes, bendrith, codes within codes.’

By: dreg

dreg — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:32:29 +0000

I agree that their isn’t anything noble about them and that it’s a crime story but I disagree about them being stupid.
They are people that are very well informed about the realities of climate change, peak oil and what it will take to compete with China in a globalised world.
I think everyone would be doing themselves a favour to consider the pragmatism they used and success they have had in ensuring that they will still be the “elite” when the shit hits the fan.
A future, it seems, that won’t include even the pretense of democracy or accountability.
Dissing them as merely stupid thieves is a tad off the mark man.
They both own and govern the U.S.A.
That’s a fair effort.

By: Sticks and Stones… and Populism : NO QUARTER

Sticks and Stones… and Populism : NO QUARTER — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:52:41 +0000

[...] Taibbi takes down Mr. Brooks here. Thank you all for purchasing our advertised products. We defray blog costs solely [...]

By: Remember, when you point a finger… « all the juicy details | very berry boom boom

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:05:17 +0000

[...] Tags cute dreams econobabble interesting politik pretty things random Remember, when you point a finger… February 3, 2010, 1:05 am Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: econobabble, politik NYT Op-Ed – The Populist Addiction vs. this guy… [...]

By: textdog

textdog — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:02:51 +0000

Right now, the Securities Industry Lobby is meeting with key policymakers in Washington at the Gaylord National Hotel, Jan 30 – Feb 4.

Banksterusa.org awarded Chief Executive and President of the Securities Lobby a cheeky “Golden Throne” award for his leadership during the economic crisis, specifically the Lobby’s “cashroots” campaigning to blunt the “populist overreaction.” Bankster exposes their tactics: http://www.banksterusa.org/content/golden-throne-awarded-tim-ryan-spinmeister-us-securities-industry

By: billmmelb

billmmelb — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:19:15 +0000

I’m sure his use of Hamilton and Lincoln probably aren’t that suitable, but even if they were correct, neither of these greats were known for cultivating or creating a middle class, which was the great development (correct me if mistaken) of the twentieth century, largely that of FDR. And what was it FDR and his predecessors did? Tempered the power of the railroads and elites and brought stability and accessibility to the economic system. Which required great minds who, unlike Brooks, acted on principle, not the protection of his financial supply lines.