Steyn is remembering the time before this new Doctrine was in force:
"The Kerry/Fonda/Kennedy Doctrine" as written by John Kerry (with a little help from his friends):
1. No civilian casualties or collateral damage.
2. No soldier deaths for the US. Nothing more serious than "invisible shrapnel" wounds requiring Bactine and a Purple Bandaid.
3. 100% cooperation of all countries- even those in the employ of the enemy.
4. Treat all Prisoners gently- even the ones that just ambushed and killed your buddies.
5. All negative news must be reported immediately so the enemy can get the most mileage from it.
6. No interrogation of suspected spies.
7. No interruption of food or medical deliveries.
8. Enemy country must be brought above the economic level of Massachusetts within 30 days.
9. 100% of the enemy civilian population must sign off on the action before any evil dictator may be removed.
10. All soldiers must be of the highest caliber, no bad eggs allowed, 100% angels.
11. US troops have 180 days MAX to be out of the country after the "action".
12. Both sides must be considered as morally equivalent. People using the word "evil" are reprehensible, on the level of Hitler.
13. We must give the enemy sufficient time to hide his WMD and establish his plans before any surprise attack. (the Colin clause) The UN is the preferred vehicle for this delaying tactic.
14 The opposition party gets to second-guess every decision but never has to state its own position.
15. The opposition party may also support and take at least half the credit for every thing that goes well, but do not need to go on the record ahead of time. (also known as the "I was for it before I was against it clause)
16. Religious builldings, schools, and hospitals are considered "Home Base" and safe, and we must yell "Ollly Olly Oxenfree" before uncovering our eyes in an enemy neighborhood.
17. All classified information shall be released to Sixty Minutes for review prior to being given to the President.
18. All bi-partisan commissions must be made up of partisan ex-Politicians (and spineless RINOpublicans) who are either hiding something that is being investigated, are sleeping with someone who is being investigated, or whose FBI files are safely stored in the "file wing" at Chappaqua.
19. All environmental laws must be followed, and war areas cleaned up to the level of "pristine" within 10 days or fines will be levied.
20. Medie shall spike all negative news about the enemy, especially beheadings and other forms of getting medieval on our @sses.
(to be) Implemented this 20th day of January 2005, 12:42pm
by His ROyal Highness the Reverent "Hanoi John" Kerry
Founding Member- Dipcusp (because all Caps would be too angry)
Dorky Imbecilic Peacenik Cowards against US Security and Prosperity
Priceless
That pretty well nails it...
Great reply. Maybe you can tune it up and post it as a vanity thread? It's worth it.
"The Kerry/Fonda/Kennedy Doctrine" as written by John Kerry (with a little help from his friends):
You forgot 'No Military'