Like the Bible, column is misread

I once wrote that the Bible is read carelessly and misinterpreted by many to serve their purposes, and apparently, so too are political columns.

In response to the well-written response entitled “Liberals cause Conservatives to prosper” by Mr. McMullen in last week’s issue, I will be careful not to condemn his beliefs based on 500 words; I know how this feels, and it is ridiculously unfair.

But respond I will.

I hope you all paid close attention to what McMullen had to say, most notably, where he labels me a “radical.” Though it would be convenient for him to think so, as it would dismiss my words and make it easier for him to sleep at night, believing all rational Americans are there to keep his pillow fluffy, I am sorry to say to you, sir, I am no radical.

No, I do not believe in appeasement, especially with Islamic fundamentalists. As it stands, more than 55 percent of this country agrees the hasty decision of invading Iraq, a feeble nation with no ties to 9/11, was indeed a mistake. I guess 55 percent of America consists of radicals? The oxymoron of the radical majority-I see. Are those Republicans, who call the war ill-planned and poorly-handled, extremists? What about Colin Powell, who prophesized that a war with Iraq would bleed this country of everything it’s got?

To level the playing field, as you put it, I’ll save you the suspense: The answer is no. They simply disagree with you, Mr. McMullen, and they are not afraid to question leadership when necessary. Opposing this war is not a matter of politics or appeasement, but cold facts. Hate to break it to you, but the “radicals” who hold these opinions won the presidential popular vote by a considerable margin only six years ago.

In other news, the House committee– Republicans and Democrats–who last week called the federal government’s response to Hurricane Katrina a “disaster,” were assessing the facts, not utilizing radical ideology.

That word, “radical,” does carry quite a punch though. I was reminded of the old mission statement of the Klu Klux Klan, which waged war against “coloreds, Jews, and other radicals,” and that was chilling. Joseph McCarthy harshly labeled those who questioned his politics in this manner once, when in truth, he was the radical. You asked for an adjective, so here you go: neo-McCarthyan.

You believe you represent “sensible-minded Georgians,” but I say you speak for simple-minded Georgians. Ask older African-Americans about “sensible” Georgia politics–they are nothing to brag about. As for “obsolete relics,” know that your opinions will someday be defined as so. Like segregation, endorsed by previous generations of “sensible-minded Georgians,” they will inevitably rot in the soil as America’s most beautiful attribute smiles over their graves: that of progress.

Finally, how kind of you to bestow your “deepest gratitude” on me for my strengthening the conservative cause. While we’re in such an allied mood, I’d like to offer my own sincere appreciation to your friend, Mr. Cheney, for steadily strengthening mine. You’re right; sensible people are realizing the insanity.

To all of you, liberal, moderate or conservative, remember: Our “juvenile,” “insane,” and tireless voices referred to so eloquently last week, will, as history proves, change this God-forsaken world.

Then again, I’m just a radical.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Feb 24 2006. Filed under Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry