Letters to the Editor
Anonymust
Published Letters: 2032 Editor's Choice: 74
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Any way we have to expose them as hypocrites never seems to affect them, so long as the Dobson set never seems to mind.
[Read the article: Anatomy of Beltway conventional wisdom]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Maybe that's because hypocrisy is such an easy GOP target-- one of their main weaknesses. Instead, we should be going after their strengths and re-defining them.
For example: the "Daddy Party" meme. The GOP wants American voters to think of "Daddy" as someone who will provide and protect. Unfortunately, they haven't really done that. A more accurate name would be the "Deadbeat Dad Party." (I am not trying to denigrate any Dads here, but just employ a useful cliche.)
We could all come up with many examples of how the GOP really does exemplify the "Deadbeat Dad Party." How much repetition would it take to make it take hold?
Gingrich: not only had an affair while impeaching Clinton, but also served one of his wives with divorce papers in the hospital while she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. (The mid-life crisis variation on the Deadbeat Dad in the GOP.)
Giulilani: not currently on speaking terms with his son because of his discomfort with father's new wife, who Giuliani tried to install in the mayor's mansion while he was still married to mother of his children. (The blatantly philandering Deadbeat Dad.)
This might not seem as if it's about substance at first glance, but it is. After all, they did not provide for Katrina victims, but have attached impossible restrictions to funds that have not been spent yet. They have not made our country safer since 9/11, but less so. They have not enhanced our reputation (something Dads do), but have dragged it through the mud all over the world, but especially in the Middle East. They have not been judicious and fair in meting out punishment, but have codified torture, and have stripped out any means of recourse.
Key point: They (the GOP) seem to think that it is more important to maintain their own and their (business) cronies lavish lifestyles than to make sure that those in need are provided for, including our soldiers overseas (or when they return home), not to mention women and children in poverty (a more obvious link to Deadbeat Dads). In fact, the GOP is fond of blaming Deadbeat Dads, but have they ever considered how much they resemble Deadbeat Dads themselves? Not likely.
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I can't really watch right now
[Read the article: Alberto Gonzales testifies]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]but I'm glad I can tab over and check out these comments. I'll have to settle for excerpts on Lehrer tonight.
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biogirl, don't be embarrassed
[Read the article: The U.S. attorneys scandal gets dirty]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I have learned to presume that any GOP obsession is really a form of projection. How can I not, given recent history?
You'd think the Mark Foley case would have made them a bit jittery about exposing themselves via their obsessions, but it doesn't seem so.
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Just one problem with using those same standards...
[Read the article: GOP senator calls for Gonzales' resignation]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The real standard the USAttorneys were judged by was their loyalty to Bush. Actual competence and the ability to make sound management and administration decisions seemed to play not part (Iglesias, Lam, et al).
Certainly, if Gonzales is held to the same loyalty standard then he would put the rest of them to shame. Guess there's no one on the committee with enough appreciation for Irony today (but I only have access to comments not to actual video).
Still, I thought it was a great question from Coburn. And what if Gonzales had interpreted it as I did, and had answered truthfully. Wouldn't that have been something to make the BigMediaGuys sit up and take notice?
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Consequences?
[Read the article: The attorney general's "tremendous credibility problem"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Well, I can foresee a scenario in which Congress (both houses) may have enough investigations and hearings to come... that Gonzales may not be able to get anything else done. What with testifying and preparing to testify, and then testifying again, etc., etc.
Of course, for the rest of us, that may have its benefits. Less time for him to spend trampling all over the Constitution.
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Months to go still...
[Read the article: Down and dirty with the GOP down South]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]But what if the eventual Republican nominee is not even in the race yet? What a lot of wasted energy. From all accounts, none of the current candidates have really caught fire with the base, and some are hoping that Fred Thompson will enter.
Following on futhark and sob's comments on authoritarianism, the GOP clearly does "better" with an obvious nominee (as Bush was in 2000). Such an open field, especially one with so many candidates whose positions would be sorely challenged by a general election, is probably just a little bit too much democracy for them to stomach.
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Wow... this post just reminded me
[Read the article: Various items]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Of when Signe Wilkinson had a great political cartoon series titled "Shrub." (I think it was discontinued some time ago, but may still be available on line in some way.) All of the major figures of the time were there as some form of flora or fauna.
Paul Rosenberg's "Versailles" could/would be an equally entertaining series of cartoons. Just picture the easily recognizable faces of BigMedia's stars, struggling to hold up the their powdered wigs, necks craning, yet barely able to breathe while wearing their "Louis" costumes (meaning, not enough oxygen to their brains).
It would be either a huge success or else have a devoted cult following. Or maybe something in between. I would pay a subscription fee for that one.
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The Fool's Kabuki Dance
[Read the article: Various items]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]What else is amazing about our lame courtier media is the fact that they have been totally outclassed by the comedians -- when it comes to substance!.
I agree that it is amazing, but that's because only serious dramas are allowed to win Academy Awards, comedies (almost?) never. The high art of Comedy does not get its due respect.
And it is sooo ironic if you consider that early on (after Old Comedy, if I'm correct) the purpose of Comedy, especially satire, was to prick the bubble (ego) of those in power or to bring them down a peg or two. Isn't that dealing with real substance?
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As I wrote last year...
[Read the article: Various items]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Stephen Colbert is Hot!!!
I've never really seen a man act with such intellectual (and yet witty!) courage, while sustaining an almost impossible persona. And in front of a roomful of his comedic targets.
It was truly awesome. Unbelievable. Crush-inspiring, even.
The bar is set incredibly high for anyone else who ever follows him. Rich Little never stood a chance this year.