Distortions
In Slate piece, TNR regular Jonathan Chait, points out the obvious. Namely that GWB distorts his opponents' positions on terror. Not really anything new there.
He fails to correct Right-Wing hack, and former W speechwriter David Frum who wrongly wrote in the nearly unmentionable National Review™ - A Rupert® Murdoch® Publication® when he penned(typed?) that "It was George W. Bush, first, who recognized that this war[against international terrorism] was indeed a war."
Frum knew better. Or at least he should have. It was another faux cowboy in the White House, Ronald Reagan, who in 1981 averred, "let terrorists be aware, that when the rules of international behavior are violated, our policy will be one of swift and effective retribution." Over the remainder of his terms in office, Reagan and his Cabinet would employ the tools of war, espionage, secret negotiation, and finally international law enforcement, in the effort to combat terrorism.
It should be pointed out that whilst Reagan was fighting terrorism in Libya and Lebanon, Reagan was also arming and training anti-communist groups like the Contras and the mujahideen.
Consider Frum's statement an example of the 'doctrine of change of course.' Simply put, every few years we move in a new direction - often a repeat of an old pattern - and conveniently forget the less glorious consequences of our past which we were denying even as it was taking place.
Iran - Contra is a notable example of 'the doctrine' in effect.
Oddly enough, W's dad never mentioned being at war, or fighting back against terrorists.
However, Clinton did.
Read Chait's piece at Slate. It's quite good. I promise. :)
He fails to correct Right-Wing hack, and former W speechwriter David Frum who wrongly wrote in the nearly unmentionable National Review™ - A Rupert® Murdoch® Publication® when he penned(typed?) that "It was George W. Bush, first, who recognized that this war[against international terrorism] was indeed a war."
Frum knew better. Or at least he should have. It was another faux cowboy in the White House, Ronald Reagan, who in 1981 averred, "let terrorists be aware, that when the rules of international behavior are violated, our policy will be one of swift and effective retribution." Over the remainder of his terms in office, Reagan and his Cabinet would employ the tools of war, espionage, secret negotiation, and finally international law enforcement, in the effort to combat terrorism.
It should be pointed out that whilst Reagan was fighting terrorism in Libya and Lebanon, Reagan was also arming and training anti-communist groups like the Contras and the mujahideen.
Consider Frum's statement an example of the 'doctrine of change of course.' Simply put, every few years we move in a new direction - often a repeat of an old pattern - and conveniently forget the less glorious consequences of our past which we were denying even as it was taking place.
Iran - Contra is a notable example of 'the doctrine' in effect.
Oddly enough, W's dad never mentioned being at war, or fighting back against terrorists.
However, Clinton did.
Read Chait's piece at Slate. It's quite good. I promise. :)
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