Questioning Petraeus’ Patriotism
A smear often used by the anti-war Left is wrapping themselves up as victims when people criticize their stance. When an anti-war zealot is confronted for wanting to bail out of Iraq they proclaim, “Don’t question my patriotism!” It doesn’t matter if the critic is questioning their love of country or not; it’s a smear used to put the critic on the defensive.
The same rules don’t apply to the Left. In a full-page NY Times ad MoveOn.org asked if General David Petraeus would be more accurately named “Betray Us.” They’re questioning the patriotism the man leading U.S. troops on one of the front lines of the Islamist War. That’s beyond disgusting.
Ed Morrissey agrees:
It’s drearily predictable. It’s also absolutely despicable. It’s character assassination of the lowest order. Petraeus has served his country as a military officer through several administrations. He has an unblemished record of service to this nation, and the least Democrats could offer him for that service is an opportunity to report progress from his command before ripping him to shreds. Instead, they have thrown the worst insult possible for a man of honor and integrity — traitor.
Gaius at Blue Crab Boulevard finds this to be MoveOn.org’s McCarthy moment:
I think they crossed a line this time, but ultimately the public will decide that. At the very least, they have made life very hard for the Democrats by handing the Republicans a gigantic club to beat their candidates with. Any district where MoveOn runs an ad will become a battleground with the Democrat scurrying to get distance from MoveOn.
There are serious differences in how to battle the Islamist threat or even acknowledging whether such an existential threat exists. I think I’ve been good and only tossed the accusation in the most grievous circumstances. When it comes to war opponents I try to assume they want what’s best for America. I wish MoveOn.org and their ilk would do the same towards war defenders.
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