Posted on 12/14/2008 3:50:15 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
One of the greatest Democratic tricks this past 8 years has been the Patriotism Dodge: their inexplicable ability to convince the press that their patriotism was being attacked at every turn. Sadly, the press rarely followed up the Democratic harumphing with a simple corrective: "However, nothing had been said about their patriotism." Their feigned outrage after the Max Cleland ad was probably the first notable example of this misdirection tactic, but they used it routinely.
Even more impressive, if that is the word, has been the Democratic ability to play the martyred patriot even as they were explicitly questioning the patriotism of their opponents. Unfortunately, they've provided two more charming examples...
"[Some Southern Senators] unpatriotically blocked a bill..." -- Rep. Dingell
""It is unacceptable for this un-American, frankly, behavior of these U.S. senators..." -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm
Republicans have ignored the patriotism dodge for far too long; long enough that it developed into conventional wisdom. They even took to preemptively explaining that they weren't questioning Democrat's patriotism. And yet, what do they do when Democrats explicitly do this? Nothing. Well, that's how you find yourself stuck in a bad narrative.
Republicans need to confront these charges head-on. Not in tersely worded statements to the press, letters to the editor or even blog posts (though, of course, we'd welcome a guest post response from any of the Senators charged). No, the Senators who have been maligned need to confront Rep. Dingell and Gov. Granholm personally. Stand outside Rep. Dingell's office (video running) and challenge him to repeat the charge in person and on camera. Do the same with Gov. Granholm.
Is confrontation unbecoming of a US Senator? It shouldn't be. It's certainly not as bad as failing to challenge these charges. But if Republicans are unwilling to defend themselves, they'd better get used to being defined for the next decade by their opponents. By people like this...
* "John Ashcroft is not a patriot."—Howard Dean
* "[In the Bush administration, there is] a group of people around the President whose main allegiance is to each other and their ideology rather than to the United States."—Howard Dean
* "We hear them in the cries of the false patriots who bully dissenters into silence and submission".—Ted Kennedy
* "I don't think it's patriotic to put on a flight suit and prance around on the deck of an aircraft carrier looking for a photo op." — Gen. Wesley Clark
* "The policy that the administration is following in Iraq is ... anti-patriotic at the core..." — Sen. Bob Graham
Good question on how we do this!! But I don’t think it is the patriotism we are questioning, it is their ethics. How can these Liberals, as smart as they claim to be, confuse the two. To demand an ethics probe into Rangel’s ethic violations is now calling him un patriotic? Or how Feinstein used her position to get military contracts to her husband is now un patriotic to question? Are we suppose to be “good little soldiers” and let teh looney left take away our freedoms one election at a time and then be called un patriotic when we question their motives?
I’d love to see a DemocRAT, ANY DEMOCRAT, question my patriotism. The lowlife scumbag would be in need of “universal healthcare” for the rest of his/her natural life.
The Dems are playing a game that is effective in child’s play. The guilty point the finger at the innocent to shake off unwanted attention to the truth and to put the opposition on offensive. Not only are Republicans not patriotic now, they are “mean” to boot. We aren’t dealing with full decks here, and it will take a full frontal attack to expose the lies soon as they are made using any and all resources. Like Kerry’s sub par grades at Yale, the truth is out there, it just needs exposure. Go FR!!
I’m going to play devil’s advocate here. The patriotism card has been played more often by Republicans than Democrats since 9/11 IMO. I don’t think its wrong to use the issue, and I don’t think being questioned about patriotism is really a Republican problem either.
The only thing Democrats have to do to "convince" the press of anything is to make the claim.
The press runs with every slight against liberals, no matter how ridiculous.
I think the patriotism of both parties is in question. ILLEGALS, PRINTING FIAT MONEY, LOOKING THE OTHER WAY ON REGULATIONS, USING OUR MILITARY LIKE DAY CARE, NOT REGULATING ELECTIONS PROPERLY AND OF COURSE NOT CHECKING THE ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES COMES TO MIND.
Interesting point...
Both parties have used the “patriotism” card before...heck I use it a lot too....
Personally, I think it is OK to question the patriotism of any politician who supports illegal aliens, free trade deals, is weak on national secuirty, and giving bailouts to businesses with assets overseas, and the like.
There are plenty in both parties who truly are not patriotic
"What is patriotism? That's easy. Looking out for yourself by looking out for your country."
Patriotism (pey-tree-uh-tiz-uhm or, especially Brit., pa-) Noun.
Devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty.
Funny, I don't see anything in there about "dissent", "peace", blind obedience to Congress, or robbing the public coffers to bail out inept executives, crooked union thugs, and shadowy bankers.
Listening to Democrats talk about patriotism is like listening to virgins talk about sex. They see it all over the place, so they are convinced that they actually know something about it. They so want to try it (because it's forbidden fruit in their culture), but they're afraid they might enjoy it, and they instinctively know that it will change them forever. Nevertheless, until they actually do it, they'll never really be qualified to speak about with any credibility.
To Democrats/Liberals/Radicals (all part and parcel, of course) patriotism's about challenging the status quo. Until, of course they become the status quo, then suddenly it's all about toeing the party line. Unless of course they can successfully change the definition. Then, like everything else in their magical Land of no Absolutes, it can become whatever they decide it is.
"They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel will cling. Steal a little and they throw you in jail. Steal a lot and they make you a King" (SWEETHEART LIKE YOU: Bob Dylan, 1983)
We need for the Republican leadership to get some backbones and quit trying to be like Democrats.
The left’s definition of patriotism has been skewed by decades of indoctrination and self-loathing.They believe America is bad(to varying degrees)and must make amends for its past.BALGERDAS!!We must continue to fight for what makes America truly great and resist any other notion put out by those who would lead us to destruction.
If it comes to that, we’ll all know what to do. And will do it.
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