July 10, 2007
Republicans Also Want You To Cut Your Hair, Hippie
Associated Press' Scott Lindlaw reports that at yesterday's federal building grand opening, as Nancy Pelosi was in the middle of playing the time-honored role of ribbon cutter, "anti-war protestors" audibly chanted such gems as "Impeach now" and "How about cutting the funding for war?" What's more, they unraveled a large banner reading "Impeach" in front of the day's speakers.
But here's the best part: master of ceremonies and Bush administration official, Peter G. Stamison, tries to snap back at said protestors, busting out his own gem: “I think we all as taxpayers -- those of us taxpayers, as opposed to you people back there -- are the ones that make this work."
Dude, what? Is the Republican Party (or Bush appointees, for that matter) so out of touch as to assume that Bay Area war protestors just kick it in Golden Gate Park all day long, drop acid, and play the lute while waiting to catch a glimpse of that up-and-coming songstress gal, Janis Joplin? While that sounds like groovy fun, most anti-war protestors are also shockingly responsible adults cum tax payers.
Fortunately, one of the protestors shot back with, “"Excuse me, I pay taxes!"
Also, do you that think they had swag bags available at the grand opening? Brimming with La Prairie samples and day-spa gift certificates? If so, why, we're just kicking ourselves for not attending.
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Though the anti war movement is finally waking up to its image problem, there's obviously still a long way to go. But republicans will always be completely humorless, it's in their genes or something.
It's funny.. because with the Bush tax cuts, the protesters probably pay a higher percentage of taxes per income than good ol' Peter G. Stamison.
The most ridiculous part is that we stupid leftist taxpayers are having to pay for the salary of Bush criminals such as Mr. Stamison. These people have no shame, and wouldn't know the meaning of "public servant" if it bit them in the ass.
OK, the taxpayer comment was stupid. But do you really think Code Pink is having any effect?
These 21st-century Republicans have never been good at responding to protesters (see the Cheney in Mississippi post-Katrina incident). I guess surrounding themselves with yes-men and insulating themselves from the people kinda makes that skill wither away, you know?
Maybe Stamison should hang out in some of SF's comedy clubs. Watch how stand-up comics deal with hecklers. He might learn a thing or two.
It's fairly easy to punk Stamison because he's just a cog in the machine and not one of these fierce right-wing activists that actually could school those protestors. Don't get too full of yourselves, people.
The truth is, the right wing in this country is confident, efficient, intelligent (yes, I know, a paradox), fierce, and mean.
That's why they've been able to stomp all over us and the Constitution. Just keep that in mind - and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy; the enemy which is and has always been the American Right.
The reason why the Vietnam protests were successful in actually turning the tide of popular sentiment was that the protesters were genuinely concerned about ideas and beliefs of all Americans, regardless of party affiliation or geography. These protesters are so concerned with self-indulging their pathetic us-versus-them ideology, their ability to effect any real change is practically non-existent. Conflating being Republican with being pro-war is one of the many fallacies that have helped define this generation of protesters as ineffectual and out of touch with the nation.
guest #7, i do agree with you. too many people now fetishize war protesting and its aesthetic. it's become more about self-righteousness and cause-lumping rather than trying to promote a greater good. but I was thrilled to hear about impeach-Bush protestors at the opening.
#7
The Vietnam protests were "successful"? In what way? Last time I checked, the North Vietnamese kicked our butts and basically wore down the invading enemy (that, and of course we were stretched too thin). Homegrown opposition didn't end the Vietnam war: the Viet Cong did.
Your mythologies about then and now are interesting - but wrong.
And most Republicans are pro-war.
#9
If you had actually paid attention to what I wrote, you would have noted that I claimed the Vietnam protests were successful in "turning the tide of popular sentiment" - I made no claim about their efficacy with regards to actually ending US involvement in the conflict.
I was trying to discuss the idea that an inherently polarizing approach to any protest movement is counter-productive for everybody involved. As you've demonstrated with your close-minded final sentence, you obviously don't want to consider this view.
Have fun strutting and posturing!