Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Political Drama

As the drama unfolded across the tabloids and internet, all the tidbits and stories only served to pique my interest in the ongoing saga.
So naturally, forums and columns were my instant source of information and discussion but alas, they served to only tell what everyone already knew.

People were looking for answers, and I believe the answer is right here.

Politics.

Judging up today's media content, it's apparent that we live in a world where politics and the economy are the primary concerns, and everything else is secondary. That being said, is it really that absurd to believe politics can exist in other forms besides the aforementioned two?

This is a classic case of Left v Right, and mark my words, this scenario will be reflected in the annuls of political journals in time to come. (Most likely to be under section named Politics in Other Forms/Medium)

Allow me to establish the respective parties, and indulge in some historical facts.



Why is Rafa a socialist?
#1 He is a self-styled revolutionary, as his time at Liverpool has been termed "Rafalution".
#2 To apply to this context, socialism is the system that arises after a revolution.
#3 He created a siege mentality, not only amongst the players but everyone else. This is also linked to his preference for the perennial underdog status, and ability to flourish under that.
#4 He is after all, Spanish. Spain was ruled by General Franco (well-known nationalist and fascist) till 1975, and democracy only arrived in Spain in 1978. Isn't it possible for its sons to hold true to their history and perhaps, roots?
#5 The colour of socialism is red, and Rafa has been quick to adopt the primary colour of the club.
#6 Rafa creates an atmosphere akin to the Labour Government, if you will, to ensure everyone has a part to play.



Why are the Americans capitalist?
#1 They came in with their big wads of money, promising support and ensuring that Liverpool would be a global force to be reckoned with.
#2 By laying down their foreign investment and a right to ownership, it was almost viewed as corporatism. Put any other way, Americans taking over.
#3 Financial distribution is determined through the workings of the economy. Therefore, Rafa's transfer budget would be dependent on his "economy", which refers to the success of the team.
#4 While avoiding a far-right position by adopting various aspects of democracy and allowing Rafa to have a certain degree of freedom, they have disguised their position by being one with the people. (Though not as blatantly as Mike Ashley of Newcastle United.) Speak of tradition and honouring the virtues, they were able to endear themselves to the fiercely protective fans and staff.
#5 They may adorn the colour red but the true colour inside them is really green.


The conflict
There is no need to go over the conflict once more but by putting things into a political perspective, is it really that hard to imagine what happened really did happen?

Rafa created a siege mentality, and this time, the opposition were the very men who owned the club. While he did not have weapons of mass destruction, he fired his own version of guerrilla tactics.

"I'm focussed on my training and my team..." said to a tune of 15 times during a press conference. While bordering on petulant childishness, it was his way of standing up to the big corporate giants and indicating the rebellion stirring up inside.

The giants were able to sound out Jurgen Klinsmann as "an insurance policy" in case Rafa left but most know that very move undermined Rafa and it was their way of showing him who the boss really was.

Consequences
When both parties seemingly came to a ceasefire, they pledged allegiance to the central figure of Liverpool and of course, swore that they would do their respective utmost to achieve success at the club.

After those tumultuous months, the smoke-screen has cleared but we all know that the team is still in shambles, and the board is still uncertain about the future.

Talk of takeover bids by Dubai Investment Company may have given some hope but in truth, it destabilizes the club at a time when it desperately needs some form of stability.

And the tragedy that Rafa will slowly come to realize, is that most revolutionists and/or leaders must deliver on their promises or risk the wrath of the very people they swear to appease.

Certain sections of fans have already voiced their displeasure at Rafa following tired and uninspired displays in both the league and FA cup, and it may get worse for Rafa if his "economic performance" continues to dovetail.

The future
Will George Gillett and Tom Hicks still be the owners come May? Will Rafa still be at the helm come August? Or would the fans perhaps launch a takeover bid and own the club? Will DIC ever be involved?

There are so many questions and so little answers.
The time at Liverpool is truly reflective of the world economy: Dark, gloomy and uncertain.

We all know it is only going to get worst, we just don't know when.

References:
http://www.wikipedia.org
http://www.football365.com
http://www.teamtalk.com