Security? No, Let's make a $!

Yesterday, the bipartisan 9/11 commission concluded that our republican government deserved failing marks on it's performance in protecting the country. The republican chairman, Tom Kean said that"while the terrorists are learning and adapting, our government is still moving at a crawl." Another republican commissioner, James Thompson suggested that the "American people ought to demand answers...There is no excuse." Today's NY Times report indicates that basically our republican controlled government has taken money that was supposed to be spent on securing the nation, and diverted it into pork.

A true conservative believes that the highest duty of government is security, and deplores waste. So you'd expect to see a lot of outrage in the right-wing-o-sphere.  There is outrage, but not over this issue.

Instead the 'conservative' blogs are foaming at the mouth over the utterly fictional "War on Christmas," and on a hateful card received by a wounded soldier recuperating at Walter Reed.

The hospital receives cards that are not addressed to any specific individual, and distributes them amongst the wounded soldiers. It appears that this is how Joshua Sparling received a truly despicable card. In a childish handwriting his wish for the death of the soldier was expressed.

As you might imagine, Michelle Malkin went crazy. And in fact it was an unconscionable act. When you look at various right wing sites (for example here, here, here, here and here or there) and you read the posts and the comments, you will feel the fury.

But with no evidence whatsoever, the vast majority of them direct their hate squarely at we liberals. At this time, no one in the real world has a clue as to who sent the card. But the right wing knows. We're to blame,we caused it, and thus deserve scorn, hatred and suggestions of physical violence.

Security of the Nation? Who Cares?

(My theory is that it's another Limbaugh/Malkin conspiracy. In her post, Michelle suggests that something nice be sent to the troops. The first something she recommends is called "Adopt a Soldier" from Rush. If you give Rush $49.95: "Each adopted soldier will receive a complimentary, one year subscription to Rush 24/7, and the Limbaugh Letter."  Because he loves the troops, this price is a real discount.  If you were to subscribe for yourself, you'd have to pay $59.95. Of course with this deal you get an extra month free. So the comparable price is not $59.95, but $55. 33, and you get a free opus from Rush: "Why Liberals Fear Faith. And you get excerpts from"Illustrating Absurdity" So there really is no discount.   This is pretty low, even by Rush's standards. Did they raise the price on Oxycontin?  Is Michelle in need of funds to pay for a transplant in France?)

Comments

[Jonathan Leffingwell]

My theory is that it's another Limbaugh/Malkin conspiracy

Thanks for the trackback, and for proving my point that the left would blame some "neocon" conspiracy. Didn't go out on a limb with that prediction, did I?

[sybil]

I have read the blogs that you linked to in this piece – I am shocked by the hatefulness that they exude. I think that the attitude –sneering and misdirected anger- written in those blogs has more to do with producing the letter to Joshua Sparling than what one’s politics are.

[bbbustard]

Many Thanks for your comment Jonathan - But I wasn't serious about the Malkin/Limbaugh conspiracy. It was meant to be a joke. I really don't think that Michelle is going to France for a face transplant - I don't think she sees the necessity.