Sen. Kennedy, op-ed: Cheney goes too far; attacks Dems, democracy itself

[DeepModem Mom]

Hartford Courant: COMMENTARY
Demeaning Democracy
Cheney Paints Lamont Victory As Helping Terrorists
August 13, 2006
By Edward M. Kennedy

Vice presidents are notorious for serving as an administration's chief attack dog, and time and again Dick Cheney has been unleashed to accuse anyone who is opposed to the Bush administration of aiding the terrorists. But this time he has gone too far.

The comments he made on the result of the Connecticut Democratic primary - that it might encourage "the al-Qaida types" who want to "break the will of the American people in terms of our ability to stay in the fight and complete the task" - are an attack not just on Democrats, but on democracy itself.

What happened in Connecticut is in fact a model for democracies everywhere. The people of the state heard a vigorous debate between two competing visions of how to protect this country. Young citizens became deeply involved, and turnout was high. The primary reminded us of the miracle of our democracy, in which the nation is ruled by its people - not by any entrenched set of leaders. There are few better messages we could send the world in these troubled times.

Cheney's comments about the election were ugly and frightening. They show once again that he and his party will stop at nothing to wrap Republicans in the flag and to insinuate that anyone who votes against them is giving aid and comfort to the terrorists. It's obvious that this administration lacks basic respect for our fundamental freedoms.

Cheney and his crowd are all for free and open elections - as long as they turn out their way. They are all for free speech - provided it supports the administration. They are all for the rule of law - as long as the law does not prevent them from doing whatever they want to do. When elections, speeches or laws are inconvenient, he does not hesitate to declare that they are helping the terrorists. I can think of no graver offense against our democracy....

http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/commentary/hc-commentarykennedy0813.artaug13,0,5926112.story?coll=hc-headlines-commentary

[yurbud]

1. dang, you beat me by seconds--and picked the same paragraphs!

It's a good one.

[MrSlayer]

2. Fuckin A right Ted.

Now of course this will be dismissed as "partisan politics" and "the opposite side of the coin" which is absolute bullshit.

[Demeter]

3. Cheney Went Too Far During Nixon

and the Senate let him---this could have been prevented decades ago.
Or during the hostage crisis
Or during Iran/Contra

or during the South American little wars

or during the stolen election (one or two, take your pick)


Get this bastard in jail before he does a Ken Lay!

[silverweb]

4. Hear, hear!

Bravo, Ted!

Clear, direct, and to the point.

No word games, no name calling, no distortion or manipulation of meanings.

Stated with eloquent simplicity and direct honesty.

:applause:

[grannylib]

5. Go Ted! This is so right on...I hope every newspaper in the country

reprints this.