I hate it when they say Wilson was attacked for critcizing the prez

[librechik]

The MSM have adopted a standard phraseology regarding Joe Wilson, I notice. At first it seems plain stupid: Criticism is obviously protected speech, and it's petty for them to react to it in such a monstrous fashion. Calling it criticism merely highlights what fascists they are for focussing on it.

But here's why they do it: by calling what Wilson did "criticism" it miniaturizes Wilson's input and makes it seem less important. They can by extension make Wilson look small. By declaring his words mere criticism, ah, another of those flailing Bush-Hating critics, they say, they make Wilson's evidence look less damning.

Sure, by paying attention to critism instead of ignoring it, they make themselves look small too. Their side loses that point, true.
But all this misdirection they are throwing at us is meant to obscure a more important point:

What Wilson did was to dispassionately, without "criticism," debunk a key element of Shrub's rationale for war. He demonstrated, without "criticism," that Bush lied. Truthful evidence of reality hurts Bush far more than any criticism, and they know that. Therefore all the subtle language to make sure Wilson is branded as a critic rather than a witness to a crime.

[emdee]

1. I agree. n/t

n/t

[Toots]

2. Exactly.. any Democrat should ask them how he criticized Bush*

whenever they use this sound bite. Make them explain how telling the truth in a government report is criticizing Bush*.

[Jack Rabbit]

3. I think it's a fair statement

To debunk the regime's case for war (or, in this case, a small part of it) is a form of criticism.

Although I believe Wilson has debunked the regime's case about Niger uranium sales to Iraq, there are those who may dispute that and make something resembling an honest attempt to counter it. That's OK with me. Still, characterizing Wilson's remarks as criticism is fair, regardless of how one feels about them.

However, the talking points on the matter advanced by Ken Mehlman and Bush allies in the right wing media are a series of lies, half-truths and red herrings that refute nothing and do not constitute rational discussion. There's no place for that kind of thing.