by Deb Cupples | I'll never forget those first few years after 9/11 (and before Hurricane Katrina), when the Bush Administration, congressional Republicans, and some major media outlets convinced millions of Americans that if they opposed any policy of then-President Bush, they opposed America itself.
By thunderously pronouncing dissenters as "terrorist lovers" or "traitors," the Bush Administration managed to silence many people who disagreed with Bush's policies.
Less than two weeks ago, Glenn Beck (the GOP-friendly pundit on Fox) chatted with ex-CIA official Michael Scheuer -- who basically said that America needs Osama bin Laden to launch another violent attack against our homeland in order to get America back on track. Even worse, the self-styled patriots at Fox actually allowed the segment to air. (See video clip below).
With that in mind, I suspect that some elite members of the Republican Party will have severely ugly (and rather hypocritical) reactions to what The Politico reported that House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman Henry Waxman recently said:
"Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), who has had an eventful couple of weeks to say the least, believes House Republican opposition to climate change legislation and the stimulus indicates they’re cheering against the good ol’ US of A.
“It appears that the Republican Party leadership in the Congress has made a decision that they want to deny President Obama success, which means, in my mind, they are rooting against the country, as well,” the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee chairman told WAMU radio host Diane Rehm on Tuesday morning, promoting his new book, “The Waxman Report.”
One response has already been reported:
"A spokesperson for House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) called Waxman's comment 'outrageous,' adding, '[O]bviously Chairman Waxman owes the American people an apology.'" (Washington Monthly)
I suspect that this is only the beginning of the indignant GOP shrieks about cheap, divisive political tactics -- likely sans any reference to the GOP's own multi-year reliance on cheap, divisive political tactics.
I can't help thinking about pots and kettles. Given their addiction to double standards and hypocrisy, is it any wonder that some elite members of the Republican party have managed to all-but destroy the party's credibility -- while severely embarrassing their own rank-and-file voters?
Memeorandum has commentary.
Other Buck Naked Politics Posts:
* Congrats Sen. Franken (and How the GOP Lost Credibility)
* Public Option Needed, Because Insurance Execs Are Robbing Us
* Palin Lawyer Tells Media to NOT Question Criminal Probe?
* Floridians: Please Support Fair Redistricting
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