The difference between Bismarck and the GOP is that Bismarck was firmly in control. It could make reasonable concessions like the industrial injuries law, while simultaneously suppressing the socialists as a political force, and regarding the whole matter as closed.
The GOP is stupid because it will now concede something that moves the ball further down field.
The difference is between co-opting forces that could be satisfied with reasonable concessions, and feeding a devouring beast that will never be satisfied. The former is quite reasonable. The latter is suicidal.
The difference between Bismarck and the GOP is that Bismarck was firmly in control. It could make reasonable concessions like the industrial injuries law, while simultaneously suppressing the socialists as a political force, and regarding the whole matter as closed.
The GOP is stupid because it will now concede something that moves the ball further down field.
The difference is between co-opting forces that could be satisfied with reasonable concessions, and feeding a devouring beast that will never be satisfied. The former is quite reasonable. The latter is suicidal.