Business as Usual

The Democrats have not even formally returned to power in the House of Representatives, and already the familiar disappointment has begun. Their first opportunity to demonstrate political accountability has ended in embarrassment. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, architect of the disastrous American war against Iran, has survived an impeachment effort that should have been straightforward.
Republicans voted 211 to 204 to bury the impeachment articles in committee. Eleven Democrats failed to vote, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Just eight additional Democratic votes could have defeated the procedural motion. For a party supposedly riding a wave of public anger against the Iran war, this is extraordinary incompetence.
It would be shocking if the pattern were not so tediously familiar.
Democrats campaign on change, condemn Republican militarism and promise accountability. They celebrate the election of Arab and Muslim politicians, the Zohrans and El-Sayeds, presenting their success as evidence of a more inclusive establishment. Yet representation means little when American imperial power continues operating without meaningful resistance. The party’s progressive imagery conceals its accommodation with entrenched interests. The Israeli lobby, oil interests and military-industrial complex retain their influence
regardless of which party controls Congress.
Barack Obama perfected this formula, offering a comforting image of American progress while continuing military interventions and expanding the machinery of warfare. His successors have learnt that symbolism is easier than confronting power.
Americans voted against the Iran war. They deserve representatives willing to challenge those responsible, rather than politicians who cannot even attend a consequential vote.
The Democrats will soon control the House and have another opportunity. But their opening performance inspires little confidence.
The faces change, the speeches reassure, and the business of empire continues as usual.