The far left is much more creative with their commentary epitaphs. They could teach the far right a few things, but unfortunately the far right is catching up with them, rapidly.
Political discourse has always been brutal, vicious, nasty, personal, and relatively creative. The difference in years gone by was the fact that even given the brutality, viciousness, etc. etc., it was fun. Like good social drinkers, those involved in said discourse knew their limits. They knew when to stop, pull back, regroup, and wait for the next bout.
We’re talking highly eloquent, well read grown-ups (note the use of the term “grown-ups” as a contrast to the childish behavior we are experiencing today from voters, pundits, and elected officials) who knew how to turn a phrase, how to behave, and how to say nasty things in a most exquisite manner. The list of political writers and muckrakers is like a who’s who of great American writers. Political commentary is an American tradition. The political editorial was an art form, if those written by my great-grandfather Thomas Jefferson Moore are any example. A contractor by trade, and a life-long Democrat, “Poppy” could teach all of us a thing or two about how to write a great comment be insulting and never not be a gentleman about it.
I wish I knew where the degradation began. I wondered if it might be after the founding of the ACLU in the 1920s, but soon realized that is not the case. It is entirely possible the current trend began in the 1960s as a result of the anti-war movement and the perceived assault on “American” values by the left. Note that I said “Perceived”.
There was no great liberal movement at that time. There were liberals like Phil Donahue on television, but they were counterbalanced by the hard-drinking, rough living Rat Pack and the likes of John Wayne and Bob Hope, who were basically Republicans (but would be castigated today as being ‘country club Republicans’). When you stop and examine the history of non-profits and lobby groups, you realize there were only a few on the political scene, and those appear to be based on anti-war, civil rights, or anti-communist theologies.
Conservatives like to wax poetic about William F. Buckley being the lone voice in the wilderness, but nothing could be farther from the truth. It wasn’t about “liberal” and “conservative”. It was about Democrats and Republicans. You could be of either persuasion, liberal or conservative and were welcome in either party. It was a kinder, gentler age.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Dave Nalle
You might appreciate my new series of jokes...
If you're convinced that your missing socks were taken by the Zionist Banking Conspiracy... ...you might be a Bircher.
If you find yourself hating communism, yet repeating communist propaganda as your argument against US foreign policy... ...you might be a Bircher.
Only two so far, but I'm sure I'll come up with more.
Dave
2 - Ruvy
It is fascinating how the same generation who had the courage to be the “Greatest Generation” and defeat both Hitler and Tojo, could not finish the job in Vietnam.
Say what?
Lady, you need to get your history straight. It was a very different generation that fought World War II from the guys who went to 'Nam.
I would suggest comparing Korea to WWII. In WWII, the US fought to win - and did win. In Korea, they fought to contain and did not win. They tried the same trick in 'Nam and lost altogether. Now, you guys don't have a clue what the hell you're all about - and it's driven you to the poor house.
3 - Ruvy
And the problem with being in the poor house is that you have no policy alternatives. And these days, you have very few. And the poorer you get the louder the screaming will get - because that is all you will be able to do - scream.
4 - Ruvy
And I haven't even finished reading your article!
5 - Clavos
Lady, you need to get your history straight. It was a very different generation that fought World War II from the guys who went to 'Nam.
Too right, Ruvy.
My dad fought in WW II (European theater) and I in Vietnam. Not even the lifers in Nam were WW II vets, though quite a few fought in Korea.
6 - Ruvy
Well, SJ,
I finished your article. Having been a Republican in the 1970's and a Democrat in the 1980's and 90's, I saw both sides of the coin. I liked the New York Republicans - they were welcoming of Jews, at least. The Minnesota Republicans were far too churchy a group for me. Their dislike (they couldn't hate Rudy Boschwitz who raised money the way a milk maid milks a cow) of Jews was palpable.
On the one side, there was the Infantile Left, praised (sorta) by the resident denizen of Christian County KY, and given a slight critique by his fan club, Tolstoy's Cat. On the other side, there was the Moral Majority Right, which tried mightily to gate-crash the Minnesota Democratic Party in the 1980's waving the abortion flag. The Infantile Left succeeded in getting control of the Democrats and now one of their number is your president (lucky you! - YOU get the Blessed of Hussein!). The Moral Majority has proven to be a bunch of moral midgets. In the meantime, the GOP is in the hands of Colin Powell (Colon Bowel).
So you have on the one side Obama - and on the other side, Obama-Lite.
Mazel tov!
There was once a guardian angel protecting America. G-d has seen fit to withdraw that angel and anybody who can open the eyes of his heart and his faith (that leaves out the militant atheists who remain blind as bats) can see that.
O, cry, the beloved country!
7 - zingzing
"The only real difference is the Far Left will do what it takes to win, and the Far Right is more interested in being "pure"."
i'd reverse that. the right has been struggling for (and getting) its voters for years. the left has been depending on some unseen force, as if it just should happen. sigh.
"Republicans were, contrary to revisionist history, the champions of desegregation and voting rights changes in both the United States House and the Senate."
yeah, sure. look at the numbers. 100% southern republicans against it. more northern republicans against it. sure, there were more southern dems, but this was a north-south divide, not a left-right. "revisionist?" not so.
"Something changed in the 1960s. By 1970 there was a difference. Perhaps it was the alleged revolution of campus liberals and professors and the Hippie movement that caused it."
southern strategy. look it up. that's what happened.
"a resurgence of Ayn Rand"
i have just found my new "i'm taking a shit" euphemism. congrats.
8 - Jeannie Danna
SJ, > [We’re talking highly eloquent, well read grown-ups (note the use of the term “grown-ups” as a contrast to the childish behavior we are experiencing today from voters, pundits, and elected officials) who knew how to turn a phrase, how to behave, and how to say nasty things in a most exquisite manner. The list of political writers and muckrakers is like a who’s who of great American writers. Political commentary is an American tradition. The political editorial was an art form, if those written by my great-grandfather Thomas Jefferson Moore are any example. A contractor by trade, and a life-long Democrat, “Poppy” could teach all of us a thing or two about how to write a great comment be insulting and never not be a gentleman about it.] What you wrote here, while very eloquent, is outdated. I have to add to this thread. We now have "Blowhards" out there with BIG MICS AND BIG PLATFORMS catching the "ears" of people that are to busy running out the door to make e buck! rather than slow down and flip through the channels to hear other points of view. Many Americans, myself included, have short attention spans today and the "plain speak" that does not contain eloquence and veiled insults is easier to comprehend and remember."
I am I guess "FAR-LEFT" because I want a fundamental change in "THE SOUL OF AMERICA" whether you are: LIBERAL,CONSERVATIVE,REPUBLICAN,FAR-LEFT,FAR-RIGHT,DEMOCRAT,INDEPENDANT,CONSERVADEM(a new party)OR CANADIEN :)
This not "hate-speech" this is "necessary -speech"
We have a real chance here in your comment thread to listen to each-others point of view respectfully...I'll try but I am very emotional and will probably have to apologise to each of you before it's over!
Also, I am pleased to read that you are a descendant of Thomas Jefferson Moore! [it's an honor to be writing to you] but this does not give you more "clout." We are all at the table in America now...
9 - Jeannie Danna
? >["The only real difference is the Far Left will do what it takes to win, and the Far Right is more interested in being “pure”."]
The Bush administration's elections {two of them) and history pure?
GIVE ME A BREAK!
And if you are referring to RELIGION. There is a clear separation of church and state defined in the FIRST AMMENDMENT
10 - Jeannie Danna
If you notice any errors in my grammar and punctuation, please bare with me as I am working on it! You all get my "drift" though..don't cha :)
11 - Ruvy
Jeannie,
please bare with me
Are you sure you want us to "bare" with you? This isn't Craig's List, you know. My wife might get rather upset with me if I took you up on that offer....
12 - Jeannie Danna
Ruvy, Please be patient with my Grammar and punctuation and any other writing rule you think I have broken!
Does this correction pull your mind out of the gutter?
13 - Jeannie Danna
Ruvy, I can always tell that I have made a good point with people who disagree with me when they do not respond after reading my words. I know you also read comments #9 & #8 :)
14 - Jeannie Danna
Ruvy, Did you attend private school as a child? I ask you this because I notice a pattern here. "Whenever a boy or a man hears or reads something a girl or woman says or writes that he does not like he imideatly tries to belittle her with references to "SEX". Please don't behave like a spoiled American boy...
15 - Jeannie Danna
Ruvy, Do you live in Israel now? and have you always lived there? I am fascinated! It must be very difficult having to worry about terrorist's bombs ... I am sorry for jumping on your #11 :(
16 - Ruvy
Does this correction pull your mind out of the gutter?
Jeannie,
I've seen spelling and grammar that was far worse in comments. But, I couldn't resist when I saw comment #10. I made sure to read it and my response to it to my wife before I posted it....
We used to live in the States. I met my wife in St. Paul MN 22 years ago, this time of year, in fact, taking her out to a restaurant, Muffaletta's, where I listened to her complain about how much lawyers had taken out of her settlement with the Metropolitan Transit Commission in the Twin Cities when she had fallen from a bus and injured her back. She's a native of St. Paul. I'm a native of Brooklyn, NY. I went to what was then the best public school system in the States (something that has changed for the worse since). And I didn't go to a sex-segregated school either.
It must be very difficult having to worry about terrorist's bombs....
Truth is,
17 - Jeannie Danna
Ruvy, If you want to leave a comment on my bog, "Me a Liberal: Honey I'm On Fire" was just spammed because aksmit couldn't read the language, please write in English..I will be happy to respond :)
18 - Ruvy
Truth is, Jeannie, I messed up that comment badly.
You get used to terrorism here, as horrific as it sometimes. What I really worry about is making a living and paying the bills, just like most folks.
I worry about it more than I ever used to; I was forced to become a writer and editor after a heart attack made it impossible for me to do what I'm used to doing, being a fast food restaurant manager. Nobody wants to touch a manager who can't heft boxes like an athlete around here. Most employees in restaurants are "post army" which means they are usually as strong as oxen. With a surfeit of "post-army" kids running around, restaurant owners don't need an old geezer whose ticker may give out (like me) in their kitchens....
19 - Jeannie Danna
Ruvy, Your country has reason to be afraid, but you and your wife are not governed by fear are you?
I am watching FORMER speaker Newt Gingrich on Meet The Press right now and I have an urge to throw my TV out the front door! We cannot let fear be the controlling factor in policy and laws any longer...It's a gamble just getting up in the morning,sorry to hear of your heart-attack Ruvy,but we are alive! all of us :) No matter what religion,party affiliation or economic class. I know I sound like "kumbaya" It's true! I am happy for every moment of my life(good or bad)well maybe not really bad! but you understand me don't you?
I have to leave right now...damn!
20 - roger nowosielski
Just a few reminders, Ruvy, and no, I can't be as diplomatic as Jeannie.
It's "the infantile Left" (and public opinion it forged) that forced LBJ to terminate his political career and withdraw from Vietnam;
It's "the infantile Left" (and public opinion it forged) that is responsible for holding the State of Israel as at least partly culpable for the unrest in the Middle East;
It's "the infantile Left" (and public opinion it forged) that is responsible for electing Obama president - both the fact and the person you so utterly despise;
It's "the infantile Left" (and public opinion it forged) that will be instrumental in forging a two-state solution to the Middle East problem, despite Israel's wishes to the contrary;
It's "the infantile Left (and public opinion it forged) which made you so hate America from the bottom of your heart;
Should I go on with a long laundry list as to how the mood and the climate of public opinion has changed in the past fifty years?
You may detest all these changes, stand on your head, spout vicious invectives, preach from the mountaintop - whatever you desire - but they're undeniable and real.
So go ahead and call it "infantile" or by any other name, but it only shows your impotence in the face of it.
Yes, Ruvy, the world has changed, and greatly, since the good old '50s when you were growing up in Brooklyn. You may detest the fact, but it doesn't change the reality.
21 - Ruvy
Roger,
The Infantile Left is just that - infantile. The title is terribly well deserved. There is, due to the Infantile Left, no freedom of speech on campuses in your nation. Those who do not toe the "Palestine Line" for example, are shouted down and hounded, whether violently or not, from the campuses and groves of Academe. This is why no son of mine will be allowed to attend any American university. No money of mine will pay the salaries of the sick bastards who run and teach in the universities in your country.
The Infantile Left is responsible for the racist slant of reportage in your nation, for it has killed all sense of objectivity in reporting. Most reporting in the news media these days is editorializing, and this stems from the "journalistic" theories of the Infantile Left. The racism stems from the fact that what interests the demented minds of the now grown children of America's white suburbs who make up the opinion leaders of the Infantile Left is when white folks get killed. Thus the paucity of coverage of Darfur, Burma, Rwanda, communal riots or civil wars in South Asia, the Pacific islands (like Fiji) etc. etc. etc.
It is not the Infantile Left, however, that causes me not to suffer fools gladly and you write like a fool.
There will be no "two state solution" in this part of the world because the neither Arabs nor the Jews do not want one. The Arabs want a one state solution - Palestine - with the Jews exiled or murdered off - and we Jews want a one state solution - Israel - where we do not have to deal with Arabs any further. Please do not continue to exhibit your basic ignorance of the Middle East and how things work here. Apparently living here for two years taught you nothing at all. The nation your left no longer exists except in the memories of oldsters who listen to the oldies stations here.
22 - roger nowosielski
It may be infantile, Ruvy, or whatever name you wish to append to it, or to me as well. As I said, you may not like the effects, but that's beside the point. They're real and even you and the state of Israel have to live with it.
So have a nice day. It's been nice talking to you.
23 - Glenn Contrarian
Dave -
You castigated me for calling certain individuals within the right 'chickenhawks'...yet in this thread you have others making insulting references against the entire left. I referred to single public individuals, and the other painted with a broad brush.
In the Navy, we believed in enforcing regulations fairly, firmly, and impartially. I recommend that you adopt the same standard. I've seen you kick off some from the right before and I know you have the capacity to be that fair...so please consider this as encouragement for you to uphold your position.
24 - Arch Conservative
Hannity and Limbaugh are "far right?"
The author obviously doesn't know the anything about the "far right" as Hannity and Limbaugh are pretty mainstream.
If you want to talk about "far right"
you need to be discussing people like Matt Hale, Bill Riccio, Fred Phelps, the National Alliance, Stormfront, etc etc...
That's "the far right" not Sean Hannity.
One distinction this article fails to make is the difference that the far right groups and far left groups have on society at large.
Currently far left groups like the ACLU, Acorn, Moveon.org, Answer, Code Pink, NOW etc etc have much more ability to subvert the American people to advance thier radical agenda than any of the right wing groups I mentioned.
25 - Ruvy
Nice talking to you also. Alert me in future to the upcoming pronouncements of the great Sage of Christian County - so I know not be bothered engaging them.