Posted on 06/10/2006 11:53:23 PM PDT by neverdem
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, in a commencement address yesterday in Chicago, denounced "a spirit of intolerance" in American politics and urged people to "stand up to those who would demagogue."
"Lately, a spirit of intolerance has permeated the political discourse, with people's patriotism being questioned," Mr. Bloomberg said at the University of Chicago.
"We all have to get together in this country and stop this right now, and stand up to those who would demagogue," he said. "There is nothing — absolutely nothing — wrong with criticizing our government, on any topic, and challenging it to live up to the democratic ideals."
The mayor added: "It is not unpatriotic; in fact, what could be more patriotic?"
In recent days, Mr. Bloomberg has repeatedly criticized what he sees as a shortfall in antiterrorism aid to New York from the Department of Homeland Security, even suggesting that pork barrel politics may have played a role in how the money was distributed in an election year.
In his speech yesterday, Mr. Bloomberg did not refer specifically to the Homeland Security money or single out any particular politician. His aides said later that he was talking broadly about democratic principles, such as free speech.
The mayor, who has spoken out recently about national issues like gun trafficking and illegal immigration, also criticized, but did not name, political leaders for making decisions based simply on polling results rather than on their own principles.
Mr. Bloomberg, who used polls to aid his own re-election campaign last fall, nevertheless asserted that leaders have become overly concerned with making politically popular decisions that would put them in office and keep them there.
"We watch these leaders repeatedly look to polls rather than to principles," he said. "There's certainly nothing wrong with asking people questions to learn how they...
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Possibly the safest sentiment one can put forth in an op-ed or commencement speech.
If one were to deliver a spiel on the joys of motherhood, or standing by the President during wartime, or the media having a responsibility not to publish stories without getting the facts and attributable quotes, though, you'd be drowned out by boos.
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks." -WS
NYC and that guy deserve each other.
Exhibit A: Patriotism as last refuge of scoundrel
To liberals treason IS patriotism.
Next: Why cancer is the healthiest thing that could ever happen to your body.
Bloomberg needs to stick to doing what he does best. Pushing the button to drop the crystal ball in Times Square on New Year's Eve.
Let me get this straight, if you critize something the administration says you are only being patriotic. But if you criticize something the looney left says, you are "questioning their patriotism."
The left is all for tolerance, except when it comes to any opposing belief or point of view.
More hogwash from the NYT.
Outright encouragement of disloyalty under the guise of defending freedom of speech in time of grave danger in a time of war. Pure sedition.
None of the "candidates" your'e quoting odds on have even a remote chance for serious candidacy in any foreseeable election year...all are tragically faulted, political twerps.
None of the "candidates" your'e quoting odds on have even a remote chance for serious candidacy in any foreseeable election year...all are tragically faulted, political twerps.
Where did I quote odds? We have had the third party nominees complicate the picture for quite a while.
Is it intolerant for those who are being criticized to defend their actions?
Or perhaps its intolerant when the other side doesn't automatically capitulate.
Bloomberg is one of the most intolerant people in America. I would donate to a fund that paid for his exile.
So let me get this straight...I have to learn to tolerate everything??? What if its wrong Bloomberg? IDIOT!
Allow me to say that I don't have to tolerate things that are wrong. This guy is sounding more and more like a candy-assed liberal everyday, who by the way are the most intolerant people on earth.
The guy was a nanny state liberal from the get go, except the NY Republican party was stupid enough to let him run under their flag. They owe the nation an apology.
or a gun owner
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.