When I first read that the White House had launched a Fight-the-Smears-style effort for the health care debate, it never occurred to me that it was a step down the grim path toward an Orwellian dystopia. Thankfully, the clear-eyed folks at Citizens for the Republican, with a little help from Senator Cornyn, have helpfully interpreted the true threat.
Join
“Obama’s Enemies List”
Watch What You Say
Because You’re Being Watched
Alexandria,
VA – Citizens for
the Republic today invited Americans to join their newly created “Obama’s
Enemies List.” The list is in response to the Obama Administration’s heavy
handed tactics of demanding names and information of those who “spread
disinformation about their healthcare plan. News reports have shown the White
House Director of New Media is asking to receive emails that are “fishy” and
critical of the healthcare plan.
“In true Nixonian
style, President Barack Obama cannot tolerate criticism or even the notion that
his cherished Government Health Care Plan may go down to defeat,” said
Stephen Manfredi, Executive Director of Citizens for the Republic. “By
urging citizens to turn in those who oppose the Administration’s healthcare
plan, he is summoning the tactics of Richard Nixon, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley
and the paranoia of Oliver Stone.
“Imagine, the very
idea of dropping a dime on fellow citizens dredges up some of the most bleak
episodes in American history, from Colonial times when King George III’s rule
was absolute to George Orwell’s 1984, where citizens were monitored by
Big Brother.
“Recruiting snitches
and stool pigeons may be Chicago-style politics, but in mainstream America,
speaking out against onerous government policy is legitimate, necessary free
speech. Obama may think he is JFK or FDR but he is acting like a Soviet
commissar. They cannot bear to lose this debate and they are not above
demonizing dissent."...
Demanding names and information? Big Brother? Nixon? Soviet commisar? King George III?
I have given up hope for a loyal opposition. I'd settle for a sane one.
--Michelle Cottle
Print
COMMENTS (14)
Amen! George Orwell's '1984' *was* a bleak episode in America's history!
I remember when they put the rat cage over my head. Finally, blinded by fear and loathing, I told them Rhubarbs was to blame. I can still hear my own voice screaming "He's the one you want!" over and over, and it shames me.
Amen! George Orwell's '1984' *was* a bleak episode in America's history!
I remember when they put the rat cage over my head. Finally, blinded by fear and loathing, I told them Rhubarbs was to blame. I can still hear my own voice screaming "He's the one you want!" over and over, and it shames me.
Um... this was done during that campaign as well. Obama solicited volunteers to send along chain e-mails or other rumors so they would have to opportunity to respond to some of the more hysterical claims.
They really should learn what "New Media" means. The guy who is responsible for mass e-mails and website design is hardly the sort of guy who will enact "big brother" policies. More likely he'll be too busy using hip new buzzwords to do any sort of illegal monitoring of nutcases.
Um... this was done during that campaign as well. Obama solicited volunteers to send along chain e-mails or other rumors so they would have to opportunity to respond to some of the more hysterical claims.
They really should learn what "New Media" means. The guy who is responsible for mass e-mails and website design is hardly the sort of guy who will enact "big brother" policies. More likely he'll be too busy using hip new buzzwords to do any sort of illegal monitoring of nutcases.
Did I just type "during that campaign"?
If I did, I just woke up from a nap - cut me some slack. If I didn't, the Obama Administration is obviously proofreading my e-mails so that my support of them is more coherent and easy to understand.
Did I just type "during that campaign"?
If I did, I just woke up from a nap - cut me some slack. If I didn't, the Obama Administration is obviously proofreading my e-mails so that my support of them is more coherent and easy to understand.
Do these people recall that Richard Nixon was a Republican?
Do these people recall that Richard Nixon was a Republican?
The danger of always referencing 1984 is that you enshrine it in the canon above all other literary texts, including the bible (how compatable are 1984 and the Bible, anyway?) and suddenly the only consciousness anyone has is a paranoid one. Which does well for Republicans, so its understandable that they would look nowhere else than Orwell to inflate their stupid points.
The danger of always referencing 1984 is that you enshrine it in the canon above all other literary texts, including the bible (how compatable are 1984 and the Bible, anyway?) and suddenly the only consciousness anyone has is a paranoid one. Which does well for Republicans, so its understandable that they would look nowhere else than Orwell to inflate their stupid points.
Richard Nixon would be drummed out of today's GOP for being too liberal and not ruthless enough
Richard Nixon would be drummed out of today's GOP for being too liberal and not ruthless enough
Michelle, below, notes the absurd Republican claim that the White House's attempt to correct disinformation
Michelle, below, notes the absurd Republican claim that the White House's attempt to correct disinformation
Whoa Nelly - we're in to hand to hand combat now. Knife fights in the jungle, etc.
Suit up Democrats! That means every weapon you've got. No, that doesn't mean mealy-mouthed whining. That doesn't mean assuming fairness, honesty, reason come in to this at all.
It means war. No bow ties, no "on the other hand", no prisoners.
Whoa Nelly - we're in to hand to hand combat now. Knife fights in the jungle, etc.
Suit up Democrats! That means every weapon you've got. No, that doesn't mean mealy-mouthed whining. That doesn't mean assuming fairness, honesty, reason come in to this at all.
It means war. No bow ties, no "on the other hand", no prisoners.
Thursday's Mini-Report THURSDAY'S MINI-REPORT.... Today's edition of quick hits: * Afghanistan: "In another sign of growing violence in the last two weeks before national elections, a group of civilians, mainly women and children traveling to a wedding
Thursday's Mini-Report THURSDAY'S MINI-REPORT.... Today's edition of quick hits: * Afghanistan: "In another sign of growing violence in the last two weeks before national elections, a group of civilians, mainly women and children traveling to a wedding
The most intriguing aspect of the Obama enemies list is how "President Obama" and "Candidate Obama" keep going on and off it. He just can't seem to pin down who the real enemy is here. Sure, he wants to be fair to both. But he only has so much time left. Once the right wingnuts publish their own roster, his persona's fate is sealed.
gw
The most intriguing aspect of the Obama enemies list is how "President Obama" and "Candidate Obama" keep going on and off it. He just can't seem to pin down who the real enemy is here. Sure, he wants to be fair to both. But he only has so much time left. Once the right wingnuts publish their own roster, his persona's fate is sealed.
gw
The Gingrich Congress did not break into the late 20th century equivalent of the Watergate.
The Gingrich Congress did not break into the late 20th century equivalent of the Watergate.
Another great typo from Michelle. "Citizens for the Republican" indeed!
Another great typo from Michelle. "Citizens for the Republican" indeed!
So this little jewel from the Libertarians landed in my inbox, contending that, when the White House
So this little jewel from the Libertarians landed in my inbox, contending that, when the White House
BROUN KEEPS BRINGING THE CRAZY.... Once in a while, I get the sense that prominent far-right officials ridiculous and offensive comments precisely because they want to drive crazy followers into fits of rage. It is, in other words, a feature,...
BROUN KEEPS BRINGING THE CRAZY.... Once in a while, I get the sense that prominent far-right officials ridiculous and offensive comments precisely because they want to drive crazy followers into fits of rage. It is, in other words, a feature,...