January 9, 2010 6:04 AM

"A noun, a verb, and 9/11...."

One of the things that keeps this country mired in fear and reaction when it comes to terrorism is demagoguery. In this instance, as it is in most, the demagoguery emanates from the Right, as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani lies and dissembles with impunity. For reasons that I can't begin to understand, the "Liberal" Media seems hung up on the idea that Right-wing political figures are the only credible authorities when it comes to the War on Terror. Even worse, they seem unable to call the demagogues on their lies and propaganda.

When Giuliani frames the argument in a way that exonerates George W. Bush of any responsibility while simultaneously holding Barack Obama solely responsible, the Mainstream Media is a willing dupe. When a news outlet needs a comment on a security or terrorism-related issue, who do you see mugging for the camera? Giuliani, Peter King, Peter Hoekstra, and a boatload of other Right-wingers all to willing to lay the blame for all our problems at the feet of Barack Obama. You could be forgiven for thinking that no one on the Left has anything of value to add when it comes to discussing security issues...because that seems to be what most news outlet assume as well.

Demagoguery is abhorrent regardless of which side of the ideological divide it emanates from. Particularly when it comes to homeland security, politicizing terrorism really only serves to put one in league with the terrorists one professes to despise. Think about it for a moment; when Jim DeMint and Peter King can seriously opine that President Obama needs to use the word "terrorism" more often, how can we even take them seriously? What's their argument? That Americans aren't nearly scared enough? That only Republicans can sufficiently scare Americans? That no serious discussion of security-related issues is possible with a Democrat (and...GASP!!...an African-American!!) in the White House?

As long as demagogues are allowed to dominate the discussion, as long as the Right continues their efforts to keep Americans frightened and compliant, no serious discussion is even possible. How can we ever hope to be able to calmly, reasonably, and intelligent address homeland security when liars like Rudy Giuliani are allowed in front of a camera without being held accountable or even questioned? As long as those on the Right are allowed free reign to demagogue as they see fit, this country will remain unable to have a reasoned, rational discussion about security. As long as those on the Right are allowed to spread lies and propaganda unchecked, we will continue to be held hostage to our own irrational fear. And the terrorists will have won.

WE DESERVE BETTER.

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This page contains a single entry by Jack Cluth published on January 9, 2010 6:04 AM.

Maybe because they won't let you hold spring training in Florida? was the previous entry in this blog.

And this is why having an imaginary friend is such a good thing is the next entry in this blog.

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