Matter as matter rather than matter as symbol is a conscious political position, essentially Marxist.

My art will reflect not necessarily conscious politics but the unanalysed politics of my life.

Gale Norton was an unpopular symbol of unpopular policies.

You're a Marxist now?

In point of fact, 'Simpson-Bowles' has become a symbol, or SimBowl, rather than an actual plan, political shorthand for the process of long-term deficit reduction.

Group personification obscures, rather than illuminates, important political questions.