Detoothing the Mastiff
Tuesday, May 24th, 2005What I learned about child psychology is that bullies bluster. If one stands their ground long enough the bully gives up, because bullies have no solid ground to stand upon. the technical term is “Calling a Bluff.”
A gentler expedient, allowed to slightly more mature bullies and their intended victims, is compromise. The disadvantage of bullying is having no room to negotiate. A bully tactic is a position of extremism, and any change in tactic is seen as weakness.
Such is the situation in Capitol Hill. The Repugnant Rabble is furious with the fillibuster compromise, their bully is now pronounced toothless, and that is no position for a political mastiff to be in. when one gambles everything, one should be prepared to lose everything.