Democratic Transparency - James Gillray
The content of political rhetoric is fluff, spin, and image mongering. More so today than ever before? Perhaps. For those who are interested, the truth is not hard to find behind the colored pictures of the magic lantern show of television.
Every once in a while, I come across an article or a letter in the NYTimes that nails it right on the head. Simply, and without complications. Here is my latest entry:
To the Editor:
John McCain’s choice of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his running mate is reminiscent of President George H. W. Bush’s choice of Clarence Thomas for the Supreme Court.
Faced with public sentiment for an African-American to replace Justice Thurgood Marshall, Mr. Bush said, in effect: “You want an African-American? Here’s one who will consistently work against most African-American interests.”
Mr. McCain, thinking that he can seduce supporters of Hillary Rodham Clinton, says: “You want a woman on the ticket? Here’s a solidly anti-choice woman who’ll work against women’s interests.”
Interestingly, both choices play the same game of identity politics that Republicans claim to abhor.
Their cynicism is shameless.
Joseph Russo
Bristol, R.I., Aug. 29, 2008
Thanks, Mr. Russo.
