Jay Reding - The Right Words
By Jay on Iraq
I've been thinking about the situation in Iraq (unavoidable really), and the way in which it's been treated. Unfortunately, I've scarcely been able to write about it without launching into a rant filled with some shall we say colorful adjectives...
Fortunately James Lileks, as always, manages to say it better than anyone else:
Started with the newspaper, of course. Headline: A DOZEN MARINES SLAIN. Subhead: “At least 20 wounded in fierce fighting; Iraqi attackers suffer ‘heavy casualties.’” Sidebar: "LATEST US DEATHS." Story from the Washington Post; three paragraphs before the jump with scant but sufficient context: there’s this Al-Sadr out there, a “radical Shiite cleric.” Last line before the jump: “In nearby Fallujah, meanwhile, Marine officers said Tuesday they control the city.”
Given the horrible headlines that followed the brutal deaths of four Americans last week, you’d think that would be the main story, or at least something that merited a mention in a headline. But a dozen dead Marines is the main story. The reason they died is not the main story. What has been accomplished is not the main story. To me, this is like printing “Four Thousand Dead in French Assault” and putting “Omaha Beach secured” in the subhead.
Which one honors the dead more?
Exactly.
Much, much, more on this later.
UPDATE: Even better:
Turn on the radio. The host is playing a clip of Ted Kennedy declaring “Iraq is George Bush’s Vietnam.” Well, Ted, we’re a long way from Vietnam, when American irresolution condemned millions to the gulag or to exile. Maybe we’ll get to that point, but as you might say, we’ll drive off that bridge when we come to it. But thanks for telling the troops that we’re going to lose, and that they’re dying for no reason.
You know what? The Democrats keep saying that they support the troops 100%.
Sorry, but saying irresponsible things like that proves it's an appalling lie.
Much, much, more on this later.
Kerry's Smear Master
By Jay on Campaign 2004
John Kerry has hired Zach Exley of MoveOn.org to be his director of online communications, further cementing the ties between Kerry and the radical left-wing group. Exley is known for his childish attacks on Bush from 2000 nationalreview.com before coming to work for MoveOn.org.
If this is a sign of the way Kerry intends to conduct his campaign, be prepared for the most hate-filled, childish, and invective campaign in recent political history. Exley is little more than smear merchant, a spoiled brat that engages in playground taunts and represents the slimiest element of politics.
There's an old adage that one is judged by the company they keep - and if these are the sorts of people Kerry wants in his organization it's a sign as to why he is unfit to be Commander in Chief. |
