You can't skip ahead. The fast forward button is broken, folks.
Throughout the Kosiverse, I keep seeing poll data related to the Terri Schiavo matter waved about. Some say that it's going to be the straw that broke the camel's back, and when combined with the frowning poll numbers on the Prez's SS privitization efforts, it's suggested that the public may be finally turning against Republicans. Is the fever going to be broken soon? Is this a turning point?
In what is sure to be regarded as a diary entry worthy of being scrawled on the back of Napolean Dynamite's Dungeon Master's screen, let me use the Star Wars trilogy to better explain where I think we are.
The 2004 election was Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. It is a dark day for the rebellion. John Kerry was frozen in carbonite, and shipped back to Cheney the Hutt's palace. John Edwards escaped Cloud City, D. C. to fight another day, while Howard Dean lost his hand fighting the Dark Lord. Lucky for us, Emperor Rove was denied his prize, and Dean is ready to rescue the Democratic party, even though he struggles daily with the notion that Bush is really his father.
We are not at the end of Return of the Jedi, kids! It's still three years and several action figures away! We have yet to meet the Ewoks. We are just beginning our struggle.
I hope most liberals can at least agree that the Emperor enjoys general public support (at least much more than we think he should have at this point). The Republic is having a love affair with conservative fascism. Generally speaking, they're eating it up with a spoon. Many Bothans die to get us the information we need to mount effective attacks, but a few skirmishes in the Kessel sector do not an Empire topple.
The Republicans know their base - they know how to repair the cracks, and counter-attack. Even though they come out of lightspeed too close to the Hoth system every once in awhile, they are in full control in the big picture and the public's perception. I think they will come out on top in the public's eye with the Terri Schiavo case - because I think they'll legislate the final word after the fact, and more importantly -- they'll be seen by the people as have DONE something. You have to play to win, and Americans much prefer a good offense, no matter what the battlefield or subject, to a good defense. Democrats are confusing the American public by standing their ground constantly. Americans want to love the good guys - but they've been programmed to like the side who goes and gets what they want. The victory (in their eyes) will go to the agressor.
But I do believe that down the road, the fish-faced General Reid will lead us to that final battle, warning us that "It's a trap" before sitting back in his chair and watching Bush's Super Star Destroyer plow into Texas.
The first transport is away! (roar)