The Synapses Aren't as Supple as They Used to Be

So it took me a few days to figure out the nature of the Administration's spin problem with the sale of some of our ports to a company in Dubai. But here's the thing:

The first step in empire-building is to create an "other". There must be a scary "they" to fight against. For Rome it was the barbarians (everyone else). For Hitler it was the Jews. To win the West we had to have "savages". In the "war on terror" it's Arab terrorists.

We've heard a steady drumbeat of fear-mongering for 5 years. Even those of us who think this Administration is full of crap have been feeling the rhythm. It has gotten into our blood even if it hasn't found purchase in our intellect.

The port deal has sent shockwaves through the nation. The Republican leadership has broken with the President on this one, having finally stumbled across the concept of Congressional oversight. The Administration has gone so far as to suggest that the reaction is born of racial discrimination, that people are against this just because they don't like Arabs and shame on us.

But as is the case more and more, this is a mess of their own making. They've been telling us to fear the Middle East. Then, when we do, it gets in the way of a business deal and a whole new kind of spin has to happen. It's no fun when your own tactics start to bite you in the bum.