“If Republicans don’t come with any substantial offers, this is what we would do.”
means;
“If the Republicans don’t totally capitulate to what we want, this is what we woulkd do.”
iow;
“Your money or your life.”
““Your money or your life.”
This is the Chicago way. Imagine a business trying to negotiate with another business about a proposed joint venture. Would they publicly pre-announce their intention to steamroller their partner in the event talks regarding the joint venture failed? No, because by definition, that is not negotiating in good faith.
Now imagine the head of a crime syndicate proposing to have a “chat” with you about his organization providing a little “protection” for your family restaurant. Amazingly, just a few days before your sit-down, another family restaurant located in the same block “happens” to burn down. The head of the syndicate calls to remind you about the meeting and says “Gee, it’s a shame about Tony and his restaurant, but I guess it just goes to show why it’s a good idea to get some protection, know what I mean?” I’m sure that the crime boss views this all as a “win-win” situation in which his organization and your restaurant both get something they “need.” But to the average guy on the street, it sort of looks like a shake-down. Know what I mean?