A Model, from anonymous
The best model I have for how the future will unfold is that of a "weakly" occupied country:
-The remaining enemy must be marginalized and denied growth opportunities
-Order maintained with a heavy hand (although without violence, as much as possible), those who are not with us are against us
-The "hero myths" of the Ancien Regime wiped out and/or turned upside down
-A new base of support and new institutions established
-Leadership enjoying the spoils of war without undue sensitivities
Kim Zussman writes:
This game is a perfect example of intelligent use of the source of power in democracy (majority rules):
Obama will only accept higher taxes on the minority (wealthy), which is supported by his constituency (the majority / non-wealthy)
The minority's representatives (house Republicans) lose in all cases. If they capitulate they will lose seats. If they don't, we go "over a cliff"– defined by Obama and the majority as increased taxes and decreased services for the majority — and Republicans will be to blame.