« The background picture | Main | Cheap oil is not good for us »
May 19, 2004
Rumsfeld is our Victimologist-in-Chief
The higher-ups have a tricky act. They have to tell the few who were caught, and who are now destined for all the official public blame, that they are rotten bad apples and that they should’ve known better.
Let's see now, how could they have known better?
By reflection, thoughtfulness and criticism of their role in the world.
But, oops, nope, can’t let that idea catch on.
So, Rumsfeld goes all the way to Iraq to personally tell them: “"Don't let anyone tell you America is what's wrong with the world because it isn't.” In one stroke, Rumsfeld creates this caricature, reducing all who criticize U.S. foreign policy or the conduct of the U.S. military to simplistic people who think “America is what’s wrong with the world.” He also tells the soldiers to ignore such criticisms, because, well, “it isn’t.” He wants to limit the national debate to “is too,” “is not,” “is too,” “is not.” I’m going to hold my breath now.
Obviously, there is plenty wrong in the world besides U.S. foreign policy. But other wrongs don’t excuse ours. Also, since American people are the “we” as in “we the people,” and since they, at least most of the time, get to elect their government, it’s only right that they hold the government accountable for what’s done in their name before needing to go out and make a comprehensive and full list every other wrong in the world.
And note Rumsfeld’s “It's been a body blow for all of us” and “we'll get through this tough period, let there be no question” and "I'm a survivor" rhetoric. Whaddya mean us, pale face? And what exactly are you surviving, again?
And to think how much the right criticizes the left for victimology; these guys are victimologists-in-chief. We get caught torturing and killing and that’s a body blow for “us”? "We'll" get through this?
Posted by zeynep at May 19, 2004 12:04 PM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.underthesamesun.org/mt-tb.cgi/16
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Rumsfeld is our Victimologist-in-Chief:
» Flash Games from Flash Games
Flash Games goal is to provide and encourage a creative environment and support system for current and aspiring Flash Games team. Look for this symbol of Flash Games resources. It signifies that the Web site... [Read More]
Tracked on July 12, 2005 01:06 PM
» Casino Game from Casino Game
Casino Game is the leader and innovator in advanced Web Site Casino Game Services. Now used in more than 150 nations, Casino Game brings dramatic and permanent improvement to people all over the world. Than... [Read More]
Tracked on July 13, 2005 07:44 AM
Comments
First, thanks to Rahul Mahajan for sharing your amazing site with me.
You wrote, "If we start talking about individual responsibility when it comes to soldiers, how long is it before we discover our own individual responsibility..."
I was growing increasingly excited as I read "Torture and Moral Agency: the Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations," and when I got to this sentence, I could no longer hold it back, exclaiming right out loud, "Exactly! Exactly! Exactly! This is exactly what I have been saying all along! I am responsible, and, dear Lord, I'm sorry! Now what do I do about it?
After this, I read your first May 18 entry (second chronologically). I am absolutely astonished at how right you are (unless I'm mistaken)!
Thank you. Your brave words of passionate truth strengthen me to carry on the good fight. I don't know who your God is, but my God blessed me with your words, right when I needed it most. Thank you.
I have only one complaint: I could not deduce from your web site who you are. I would like to see, at either the top or bottom of the main page, "About This Site" and/or "About Me", with the personal equivalent of a resume.
Again, thank you.
Posted by: Mark Demory at May 20, 2004 11:53 AM
Ditto from me, Mark! The internet is such a mixed blessing, isn't it?
Ms. Toufe: I have your site bookmarked at the top of my list -- even above Mahajan's! And I have alerted my daughters and my friends to start reading your posts. Thank You!
Stacy
Posted by: Stacy Urban at May 20, 2004 02:13 PM
And I also echo the above! Just discovered you blog as I am an avid reader of Common Dreams.
I too was excited about the article Mark mentions. I don't think we can rely on our leaders to show how 'individual moral agency' is done, however. If anything - I think we have learnt how to shuffle the buck! In fact - when I think of it - one of the things they teach in politician kindergarten must be how to be sufficiently vague and slippery so that nothing can stick all the while practicing 'daddy knows best' in their smoothest and most compassionate voice.
Keep up the good work! Thank you.
Supatra
Posted by: Supatra Gill at May 20, 2004 08:38 PM