The New York Times editorial page is on fire, calling the coordinated effort of Republicans to characterize Kerry campaign criticism of Mr. Bush (DODO*)'s failed Iraq policy as "pro-terrorism."
This is despicable politics. It's not just polarizing - it also undermines the efforts of the Justice Department and the Central Intelligence Agency to combat terrorists in America.
Pudentilla understands the NYT's sentiment, but suggests that their response to the Republicans takes the wrong approach. Let us consider this co-ordinated effort by the RNC and Mr. Bush (DODO*)'s campaign as indicative of the lack of knowledge about basic democratic principles that characterize Mr. Bush (DODO*) and his cronies. Since Mr. Bush (DODO*) claims to be promoting democracy in parts of the world whose history has not been enjoyed the political liberty in which he claims to believe, Pudentilla believes that friends of liberty, democracy and the Middle East would be well served to consider this moment in the presidential campaign as a "teachable moment."
Perhaps we could point out to Mr. Bush (DODO*) and his allies, that when a political opponent criticizes one's policies and their consequences, the electorate is offered an opportunity to evaluate their leaders and make a more informed choice in the election. Some folks call this "the marketplace of ideas." The most effective response to a critique of one's policies and performance in the marketplace of ideas is a response which defends one's policies and offers a critique of one's opponent.
The response of Mr. Bush (DODO*) and his cronies, in fact, is fundamentally undemocratic. Rather than defend Mr. Bush (DODO*)'s Iraq policy and its implementation, they wish to silence Mr. Kerry's critique by branding it "pro-terrorism." If successful, the marketplace of ideas will be impoverished and voters will have much less to consider when attempting to make an informed decision about their leaders.
Perhaps we should suggest to Mr. Bush (DODO*) and his cronies that when Mr. Bush (DODO*) refuses to defend his policy and record, choosing instead to try to silence Mr. Kerry's criticism, that a thoughtful electorate might conclude that now even Mr. Bush recognizes that his policy, its implementation and its consequences are indefensible.
*DODO: Doesn't Obey Direct Orders
