Escalation of Dangerous Factional In-Fighting and Rivalry Forebode Civil War
The midterm election did nothing to resolve the intensifying conflicts among the ruling factions as they vie for the power of the presidency. Resolving conflicts short of civil war is a main role elections were originally designed to play. But with the dysfunction of the existing institutions, they no longer do so, just as they no longer maintain the illusions of democracy in the eyes of the people. It is a serious crisis for the rich and one they cannot solve, making them increasingly desperate.
The ongoing brinkmanship and splintering of factions indicate that the potential for open, violent civil war is increasing. Already, in preparation for the 2024 presidential elections, efforts are being made to engage working people in the debate over choosing candidates from among the rulers, something that diverts from the striving of the people to create a democracy that serves their interests.
Donald Trump officially announced his bid for the presidency November 15, a week after the November 8 election and while the final outcome was still undecided. He gave his usual reason for running, "to make America great and glorious again." He maintains an organized base, including among Christian fundamentalists and those like the racist neo-Nazi Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, who are used to foment divisions and target resistance among the people, such as the broad protests against police racist killings.
The Department of Justice then continued the brinkmanship characteristic of the Biden presidency November 18 by appointing a special counsel to continue the investigations into Trump concerning his January 6, 2021, coup attempt and his removal of sensitive government documents from the White House. The two criminal investigations will now be combined. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said he made the appointment, after long saying it was not necessary, because Trump declared his candidacy and Biden might run and he wanted no appearance of partisanship. Garland previously said that not appointing a special counsel would show the public that the Justice Department operates above partisanship. Now he is saying it cannot do so, as it would appear to be acting to target a political rival of Biden's, which of course it has been doing all along.
The talk about partisanship also ignores that the Justice Department is notorious for its partisanship to the private interests of the oligarchs, rightly earning itself the name Injustice Department. And while he appointed a special counsel, Garland still has final say.
Yet another debate the people are to be drawn into is whether the ongoing investigation will hurt or help the Trump forces. What is certain is that it will be used, alongside Trump's response, as part of the brinkmanship and to divert from the just demands of the people for an antiwar pro-social direction for the country.
This article was published in
Volume 52 Number 48 - November
23, 2022
Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/Tmld2022/Articles/D520483.HTM
Website: www.cpcml.ca Email: editor@cpcml.ca