Why I don't think it matters whether Durbin apologized or not

[Hippo_Tron]

Alright here goes...

For almost two weeks now the country has been arguing over Dick Durbin's comments where he compared the treatment of prisoners at Guantanemo Bay to the treatment of Jews in concentration camps. The right was outraged, the left was happy that somebody was speaking out. And then Durbin apologizes, the right is still pissed and now the left is pissed at him for not standing his ground.

Here's my interpretation of the situation. Durbin has, as far as I can tell, no ambitions to seek higher office. He may be Senate Dem Leader some day, but it seems pretty clear that he has no intention of running for President. Durbin's comments nor his apology were not about scoring political points for himself or for the Democrats. His comments were a way to get the issue of prisoner treatment at Guantanamo through the mainstream media. Clearly the mainstream media is more likely to pick up the story "Senator compares Guantanamo Bay prisoner treatment to concentration camps" than "Senator condemns prisoner treatment at Guantanamo Bay". And they did just that. Then Durbin made his apology so that the debate could be focused away from him and on to the actual treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo bay.

This isn't about Durbin anymore. This is about how America is treating its prisoners. Personally, I am thankful that Durbin was willing to take the heat in order to spark a much needed debate on this important issue.

[DanCa]

1. Excellent post

I did something like this when I met double D in washington. It in the illinois forum and I dont know how to link it.

[Hippo_Tron]

2. Kick