Curmudgeons Corner

by John Dawson

February 2, 2005

More Dangerous Teddy Blather

The expression concerning “re-plowing the same field” could, in this instance, refer to touching on the same subject matter two columns in a row. In this, there is a serious risk of redundancy, or, worse, boredom. Last time, in this space, I took a shot at the senior senator from Massachusetts, Senator Teddy Kennedy – or, perhaps with his family history being what it is, it would be far better to say “I was sharply critical” of the senator.

In any case, even at the risk of being repetitious, some of the remarkable statements the senator made in a speech this last week cry out for a response. It was billed as a major foreign policy address and was delivered to the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

In his predicable diatribe, Kennedy railed on about how we have failed miserably in Iraq, how our troops there are the problem, not the solution, and how they are dying for nothing and are now regarded as an army of occupation, not liberators. He went on to say we should immediately remove at least 12,000 troops from the country to demonstrate what our “intentions” are. This from a man who a short time ago was complaining Bush didn’t have enough troops on the ground in Iraq!

And just what would you say our “intentions” should be in Iraq, Senator? To immediately eliminate any chance of democratic style government in that country? To make certain the 1400 military we’ve lost already did, in fact, die for nothing? To convey to the entire world that our “cut and run” policy you advocate truly means we have no national will?

Or, perhaps you made this amazing speech just three days before the Iraq election to make sure we do fail in Iraq, thereby defeating George Bush who in your mind is the real enemy? Is defeating the policies of an incumbent president from the other party really that important to you, considering what it will cost this nation in resources and lives in the long run?

Great numbers of Iraqi citizens risked their lives to vote in this step toward freedom and democracy. They exhibited bravery and heroism to a degree you neither understand nor are capable of, Senator.

And, finally, the question that must be asked: Where is that fine line between dissent and treason? Where ever one would chose to place that line, Senator, I think you are most assuredly on the far side of it.

It leaves a person wondering, Senator Kennedy, are you truly that stupid, or are you merely consumed with extreme political expediency, or with simple, old-fashioned cowardliness? Or, is it perhaps a combination of the three?

The Democratic Party must be very proud to have outstanding people like Michael Moore and Teddy Kennedy speaking for them. This is surely no longer the party of Roosevelt, Truman, or even Teddy’s older brother. Its most notable features today are extreme hostility, irrational rage, and moral confusion rather than leadership.

The United States Senate is often referred to as “the most exclusive club in the world.” It is somewhat of a mystery how this can be true when congenital idiots such as the senator from Massachusetts can achieve and retain membership.

A reader might wonder if I have somehow retained some microscopic element of appreciation for or admiration of Senator Kennedy. In other words, do I have any feeling for this person other than total contempt and loathing?

To be completely honest, no, I do not.