Koch: When Will Dems Ever Learn?
Never presume.
That’s the critical question asked by former NY Mayor Ed Koch in his latest Jewish World Review column. I wish I had an answer for him.
Here’s the heart of Mr. Koch’s argument:
Harry Belafonte is widely associated with the Democratic Party, and leaders in the Party use him and his musical talents on many occasions for fundraising events. After I read his comments, I expected some Democratic Party leaders to denounce him publicly and distance the Party from his slanderous remarks. As far as I know, no one has done so.
———-Belafonte is not suffering from dementia. He knows exactly what he is saying. The impact of his words is enhanced when no one in the Democratic leadership denounces him. The country’s security and its fate are more important than partisan advantage. Criticism of the president and his policies is not only to be expected but is to be encouraged in debate.
But respect and deference for the office of the president is surely extremely important, and to be expected from political and cultural leaders in our country.
Harry Belafonte, rightly or wrongly, is linked to the Democratic Party, partly because many liberals share his perspectives of African-American conservatives. Hillary Clinton’s plantation statement and her appearing with Mr. Belafonte at a Chilrdren’s Defense Fund fundraiser are proof of that like-mindedness.
Mr. Belafonte’s calling the President the world’s biggest terrorist is protected by the First Amendment but his judgement in calling President Bush that is also subject to public scrutiny, and in this case, cause for shaming and scorn.
Most importantly, though, is that Belafonte actually thinks that President Bush is a terrorist, much the same way that the Fever Swamp’s poster child, Cindy Sheehan, thinks of terrorists as “freedom fighters”. In short, their view of the world and the war, are bassackwards.
That’s the surest way of guaranteeing your party won’t be taken seriously in wartime. It’s a lesson Democrats better learn soon or be banished from power for the next few election cycles.
Cross-posted at LetFreedomRing
January 19th, 2006 at 12:13 pm
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January 19th, 2006 at 7:15 pm
Okay, that bastion of freedom-loving (enjoying the fruits of a democratic society while “scolding” terrorists)groups, C.A.I.R., won’t say diddly about religious leaders promoting terrorism inside the United States.
So why should we expect any different from their bedfellows, the Dems? Seems to me Mr. Belafonte is just saying what most Demo leaders want to shout from the rooftops anyway, but they know what the vast majority of U.S. citizens would do if they did (they’d either be recalled or not re-elected in the next election).
If Mr. Belafonte wishes to be a moonbat, that’s his choice. He would be wise, however, to choose his words carefully. The backlash could lead to treason charges.