Letters to the Editor
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How patriotism has changed
Scooter Libby was a treacherous functionary in a corrupt protofascist government. He helped bully CIA analysts for Dick Cheney in his warmongering disinformation campaign – and I’m sure he was handsomely rewarded. Then he crossed the line; Scooter Libby obstructed justice in the investigation of the treasonous leaking of identity of a covert CIA agent and perjured himself when questioned under oath about the sordid affair.
Benedict Arnold was a patriot and without contribution to the American cause, the American Republic might well have been lost. He distinguished himself early through acts of cunning and bravery. His many successful campaigns included the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga (1775), the Invasion of Canada (1775), victory at the Battle of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain in 1776, the battles of Danbury and Ridgefield in Connecticut (after which he was promoted to Major General), and the Battle of Saratoga in 1777.
In spite of his success, he was passed over for promotion by the Continental Congress while other general officers took credit for his many accomplishments. As his personal debts mounted, political adversaries conspired to have him investigated for corruption. Frustrated, bitter, and disaffected by the assaults on his honor, Benedict Arnold committed treason. When his scheme was detected by the capture of British Major John André, Arnold fled to the British at New York, a disgraced traitor. (thanks to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_Arnold)
I’m certain no one ever wrote testimonials seeking to exonerate Benedict Arnold, and that if he had ever set foot in the newly-founded republic he’d have been hanged. Not even among the British did he have any friends. I guess the founders lacked the patriotism of Bush’s loyal courtiers.