Letters to the Editor
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2 days ago I didn't know who Tim Grieve was
And today, I pretty much hate him. Isn't it funny how life works? The odd thing is that Tim & I are probably on the same side, politically, on most issues. But the way that he has sniped and made lazy smart ass comments about this incident in Virginia has reminded me that the left can hold its own in the battle of Which Side Has the Most Assholes. Tim, why don't you leave Virginia Tech for those who would like to spend a few days with compassion and healing, rather than those who see the GOP boogeyman around every corner?
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Other examples
Number of days that passed between the shootings at Virginia Tech and George W. Bush's expected arrival for a convocation there: 1
Number of days that passed between the death of an American soldier in Iraq and George W. Bush's expected arrival for a funeral: 4+ years and counting
Number of days that passed between the shootings at Virginia Tech and George W. Bush's order to fly flags at half staff: 1
Number of days that passed between the death of an American soldier in Iraq and George W. Bush's order to fly flags at half staff: 4+ years and counting
His response to the Virginia Tech is appropriate, the others - not so much.
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metrics
Much as it pains me to point it out:
- Virginia is alot closer to Washington than New Orleans
- with the shooter dead, the danger has passed; one day after Katrina made landfall, there was still wind and rain.
This is a sad event, but I can't help but thinking that 30 dead and 30 wounded constitutes a pretty good day in Baghdad. While we grieve for our national loss, I sure hope that we don't wallow in self-pity, and forget the misery other parts of the world endure every single day.
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Ugh
Nasty comment, Mr. Grieve, and totally uncalled for. What do you expect Bush to do, NOT come to a convocation? Yeah, yeah, I know what you meant: Bush dawdled on Katrina. We got that point a year ago. Using the Virginia Tech shooting to bring it up again (much as Katrina should not be forgotten) is low and unprofessional. Also, it made you sound like the inflammatory liberal boogey-man Bill O'Reilly's been ranting about. Not cool.
Very often you come up with really good commentary and I enjoy reading your blog. This, however, was not a good entry and I hope you realize that you may not have said quite what you meant. (I, for one, sure hope so.)
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I'm sorry...
Bush's response time is relevant. This is an adminstration that doesn't care about anything that can't help it politically. They've shown that through 5 years of bungling idiocy at every moment of national crisis.
Why should we think that GW Bush is going to VT for any other reason than cosmetic leadership? He didn't even go back to DC during Katrina. You can't be late to the party for EVERY SINGLE NATIONAL TRAGEDY in 5 YEARS and then show up on time for once and not expect everyone to think you're trying to put up a good show now that your poll numbers are two guys in Tulipa, MS.
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Please stop with the petty jabs
I read War Room daily, but it is this kind of thing that drives me nuts. Why would you use this tragedy to make a cheap political point about Katrina? Seems sort of, well, O’Reillyian. Second, what is the point about the guitar and the cake? This happens about once every other week and is completely ridiculous.
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So
If you note that Virginia Tech's ban on handgun possession on campus was an aggravating factor in this case, you're using a horrible tragedy to make a crass political statement. You're a gun nut, as well.
If you use this tragedy to attack Bush for trying to show some compassion--as despicable as I think the man is, he does seem to be trying at compassion in this case--your point is worthy of publishing. I submit that you're an asshole, as well.
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I don't think he SHOULD go to the convocation
It becomes all about HIM instead of all about the people who were killed, and those who are mourning them.
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Heck of a job indeed
Thank you for remembering us here in New Orleans. The rest of y'all in other places in the country might think the time has passed when we can forget that Bush forgot us here, but we're still living through it, just like those in Iraq are dealing with things every day that we don't here in the US, etc. I honestly think he should attend, but stay in the background because the convocation is not about him, but him being there is the support we all need as a nation. I commend him for attending.
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Missing the point
I don't interpret Tim Grieve as being disrespectful towards the students at Virginia Tech. I interpret him as being disrespectful towards a man for whom I lost all respect some time ago.
You want to feel outrage? Go after the John McCain, who felt compelled to use this tragedy to reiterate his devotion to the right to bear arms. Go after the wingnuts who insist that the only problem here is that students weren't allowed to carry concealed weapons on campus and in the classroom. Go after the crazy-assed opportunists who will think nothing of banning video games, regulating entertainment and curbing our right to free expression (because exposure to violent thoughts promotes violence) but who will politically tar and feather anyone who dares suggest that we TAKE AWAY EASY ACCESS TO FUCKING GUNS as a solution to violent crime.
I have long since passed the time where I am able to give George W. Bush any respect as a human being, let alone as President. Every single things he does is to court favor with his rich, white, redneck asshole political benefactors, so by all means, give him hell Tim. And fuck off, all you assholes who post your criticisms anonymously.
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I agree with Harrington
And furthermore, my first thought when I heard W was going to VA Tech: Photo opportunity! But where's the compassion when it comes to the dead soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan? Not such a good photo opp, huh, W?