Washington Post columnist Courtland Milloy let 'em have it today. 'Em being, the current version of D.C.'s "ruling troika," Mayor Fenty, Chancellor Rhee and Attorney General Nichols.
What happened Tuesday involved more than just the unseating of a mayor with an abrasive style. It was a populist revolt against Fenty's arrogant efforts to restructure government on behalf of a privileged few. The scheme was odious: re-create a more sophisticated version of the plantation-style, federally appointed three-member commission that ruled the city for more than a century until 1967.
It all makes for a kind of friendly fascism in which D.C. government serves the interest of business leaders and landed gentry.
"Friendly fascism." About time somebody started naming what it is. Although I'm not sure how friendly it is. Kind of like getting killed by "friendly fire." You're still dead.
ReplyDeleteGreat article! I am so thrilled with the 'populist revolt' and ecstatic that there is still hope for a truly representative democracy. Maybe the tides are turning...
ReplyDeleteThanks Mr. Milloy.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have said it any better.