Their ideas (Republican ideas) on race had slightly more leverage in the last two US elections than their conservative views. The example of Obamacare consistently revealed the Krugman-cited “epistemic closure:” loved the coverage, hated him. The GOP endorsement by voters was a backlash about the ideas of race-in-power and reflected strong state organizing activity more than any real affinity (proved by Obama’s 2nd win).

The GOP is still a majority-of-minorities party (groups from anti-women’s rights/civil rights, zealots, and disciples).

It does see awaiting victory: the world’s 4th largest political economy! The federal budget ranks 4th among global GDPs! Solely controlled by Congress and the President — the people have no direct say.

Looking for nuggets of gold? Inside the budget is a safety net (social security!) whose legal obligations on the budget make it the world’s 25th largest GDP — the largest pool of firewalled public cash anywhere!

That Ryan’s function: to teach and educate the Freedom Caucus about the trillions at stake! Trillions for the private sector — not for cuts! Ryan knows the numbers. He’s persuasive in his element.

The GOP is campaigning in their cultural element (taxes, fear, failure), avoiding every mention of the real prize: control of a giant political economy that would rank 4th among global GDPs, with a pool of cash that would rank 25th among all national outputs.

The strategy here is theft! Pilgrims called to refute racist views declare the government the culprit! The rich — the best, the brightest! — the helpers, share the spoils.

Signares. African Women from St. Louis. Senegal. circa1740s.