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E.J. Dionne: Learning from the Catch-22 Shutdown

Salt Lake Tribune | January 25, 2018

Related Topics: E. J. Dionne, Learning, John Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton, Democratic Party (United States), Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, Republican Party (United States), Donald Trump, Lindsey Graham, Catch-22

If power corrupts, powerlessness leads to paralyzing recriminations.

Clouds are reflected in the U.S. Capitol reflecting pool at daybreak in Washington as Day Three of the government shutdown continues, Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)

The lesson of the government shutdown is that it’s really rotten to be the side with almost no power. If power corrupts, powerlessness leads to paralyzing recriminations.

Among Democrats, neither progressives nor moderates have fully come to terms with the box the party is in. If they continue to put their internal quarrels above finding a better joint strategy, the victors will be President Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan.

See full article at Salt Lake Tribune