TAKING THE ENEMY’S CAMP

In Grant’s first battle of the Civil War (the Battle of Belmont) he was deprived of a victory when his forces stopped to loot the Confederate camp. That gave the Confederates time to reform to counterattack and drive him off.

Later, at Shiloh, the Confederates did the same thing when they overran the Union camps, giving Grant’s forces time to withdraw and establish strong defensive positions.

It is understandable that green soldiers would not know what to do next after taking the enemy’s camp.

I was reminded of this when I heard Howard Dean being interviewed on CNN the day before the election. He was asked what programs would be put forward if the Democrats won. He replied that he couldn’t know that until they had won. Even after being pressed, that was the gist of his response. They will figure out the next move after they get in.

I think it’s good for America that the Dems won. We need a two party system. But winning might turn out to be disastrous for the Democratic Party. If they behave responsibly they will alienate the wacky left, the Daily Kos and Democratic Underground types. Without their help they could not have won this last election. On the other hand, if they cater to the wackos, it might be decades before they win another national election.

This will be interesting to watch.