Orwell Again --- By David Corn

[kpete]

Orwell Again
David Corn --March 29, 2006

It is always perilous to invoke the term "Orwellian." It has become such an easy-to-hurl cliché, often used too quickly and in such a carefree manner as to dilute the visceral power of Orwell's original nightmare world of dictatorial double-talk in 1984. But try as hard as I might, I find it impossible to escape the word's gravitational pull when considering an exchange that transpired during George W. Bush's most recent press conference.

Fox News's Carl Cameron asked:

On the subject of the terrorist surveillance program….The primary sponsor Russ Feingold, has suggested that impeachment is not out of the question. And on Sunday, the number two Democrat in the Senate refused to rule that out pending an investigation. What, sir, do you think the impact of the discussion of impeachment and censure does to you and this office, and to the nation during a time of war, and in the context of the election?

Bush replied:

I did notice that nobody from the Democrat Party has actually stood up and called for getting rid of the terrorist surveillance program. You know, if that's what they believe…then they ought to stand up and say it…They ought to take their message to the people and say, vote for me, I promise we're not going to have a terrorist surveillance program..

Before Bush answered this softball question, he had already, in a sense, scored a Big Brother-type victory. Cameron had used the administration’s preferred term for the no-warrant eavesdropping that Bush had authorized: the “terrorist surveillance program.” And in his response, Bush deployed that phrase twice.
more at:
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/2006/03/29/orwell_again.php

[rodeodance]

1. I call it a cocky decieptive comment by Bush!

...Bush replied:

I did notice that nobody from the Democrat Party has actually stood up and called for getting rid of the terrorist surveillance program. You know, if that's what they believe…then they ought to stand up and say it…They ought to take their message to the people and say, vote for me, I promise we're not going to have a terrorist surveillance program..

[grasswire]

2. Orwell was an optimist, David.

Good piece, thanks.

[BootinUp]

3. You know what it really is

just another sign that our education system is completely failing to educate. That these word games actually work on the masses is astounding.

[drm604]

5. Word games indeed.

Notice that he referred to the "Democrat Party". Anyone here ever heard of that party? Yo, Dubyah, it's the "Democratic Party". These kinds of petty word games are beneath the dignity of his office. Of course he drained it of all dignity a long time ago.

[stevietheman]

4. Notice Bush also calling Dems the "Democrat Party"...

Such lack of decorum by a President is nauseating... he should be impeached for that alone. A President who disrespects the American people doesn't deserve the office.

[drm604]

6. Looks like you and I had exactly the same thought.

:hi: