News of the terrorist Zarqawi’s death must come as a relief to a world weary of zealous hatred and wanton maliciousness. It is regrettable that civilization must at times use the sword on those who come with the sword, and it is painful that there seems to be no other practical way to defend civilization than to actually battle its enemies.
It is painful, too, to see the fate of civilization being used as some hapless soccer ball in a political game of kicking. CNN’s droning report Thursday claimed that Republicans aimed to make political capital on Zarqawi’s death. Such a statement by the “Clinton News Network” may be simply a smear of Republicans, but I’m afraid there’s probably at least some truth to it. Politicians want votes, they need attention, we don’t care, and they start acting like conniving circus clowns. A bit disheartening.
Democrat John Murtha notes his interest in becoming Speaker if (when) the Democrats win the House in November. A Republican speaker called it something—I think an “imaginary fantasy land” that the Democrats would win the House. For his sake, I hope that speaker is a little less confident in his own mind, because I bet he’s cruising for a pretty nasty surprise in a few months.
Bitterness and partisanship and calculation is getting as boring as it is aggravating.
Which brings up Tom Delay. Delay’s recent little farewell address was (if NewsHour’s excerpt is any guide) an apologia where there should have been an apology. It’s like Delay just doesn’t get it—America is all on the same team. The Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and the other (tiny) groups which will rankle at not being mentioned and not appearing on the radar—we’re all in the same boat on the economy, the environment, terrorism. Even if we don’t see things the same way, it’s going to affect all of us.
That’s why Zarqawi’s death is a positive thing, that’s why a polluted earth is a bad thing, and why outsourcing, etc. should concern us all enough to pay attention. Delay is not alone in not getting the message; we’re on a crowded boat and everybody seems to have sharp elbows.
PS: please drive safely and pass with care, eat your vegetables, and split your ticket in November.