"Is it possible that all these blogs we've been reading and laughing at are all elaborate spoofs?"

[babylonsister]

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_04/023286.php


THE WIT AND WISDOM OF FAR-RIGHT BLOGS.... Long-time readers may recall that I was the editor of Salon's now defunct "Blog Report" a few years ago, and highlighted posts from all kinds of blogs from across the political spectrum. As part of my duties, I read more than my share of far-right bloggers on a daily basis.

I've long since given up on them, but Andrew Sullivan flagged an item from a relatively noteworthy right-wing blog that reminded me of the kind of content I'm missing.

"Palin's view of nuclear weapons was shaped by her stint as the commander in chief of the Alaskan National Guard, our first line of defense against Soviet nuclear weapons. Obama has held his same views since he was a stoner college student and has showed no signs of maturing. Which of the two would you trust?"

Keep in mind, the writer wasn't kidding. This was an actual, sincere observation.

As John Cole asked, "Is it possible that all of these blogs we've been reading and laughing at are all elaborate spoofs, and the joke is on us?"

Sure, it's possible.

For the record, in case anyone is tempted to find the argument credible, I should note that Palin, during her two years as governor, had no national security responsibilities with the Guard, and never had to make a command decision during her brief gubernatorial tenure. Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell, the adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, has said nice things about Palin, but he's also acknowledged that the former half-term governor played no role in the Guard's activities, and wasn't even briefed by federal officials on decisions related to the Guard. She had about as much of a connection to nuclear policy as I do.

To argue, without a hint of sarcasm, that Palin's views of nuclear arms and proliferation were "shaped by her stint as the commander in chief of the Alaskan National Guard" is one of the dumbest arguments I've seen in a while.

—Steve Benen

[hewitt]

1. I wish.....

Unfortunately, these people are serious. I'm in the heart of republican territory: you should see the ignorant letters to the editor. Every day, there are letters deploring Obama's turning us into a third world country, or socialist one, or communist one. It's appalling. I honestly don't know where these people get their information.

[Lint Head]

2. Is it possible that all of these blogs we've been reading and laughing at spoofs?

Sadly, no.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

3. That truly is the dumbest comment ever made

"the Alaskan National Guard, our first line of defense against Soviet nuclear weapons..."

I shudder to think what our second line of defense might be.

[rfranklin]

4. Duck and cover!

and then kiss your ass goodbye!

[4lbs]

9. I had no idea that the Alaskan National Guard had the equipment and training to be able to shoot

down Soviet ICBMs travelling 10000 kph (6200 mph) on average.

Oh wait... they don't.

[Tutankhamun]

13. I believe our second line of defense is our guns.

:sarcasm:

[geckosfeet]

5. It's not an argument. It is a lie. Or at best, a piece of propaganda intended to provide

a false and inaccurate representation of her experience - which I would say qualifies as a lie.

To suggest that the writers position is an "argument" legitimizes the lying thieves that spew this gibberish. I wouldn't encourage them by making them feel as if they are taken seriously.

[rhett o rick]

6. It is reich-wing double speak. "Palin's view of nuclear weapons was shaped...

What view? What does "shaped" mean. "Obama has held his same views since...." What views and how do you know they havent changed?

This double speak can be heard at all times on Faux News. "Someone should investigate Obama's association with (fill in the blank)." Well, Sean, go ahead and investigate and then get back to us.

[geckosfeet]

8. Oh dear - the original article was in fact satire. went right over my head until I read it closely.

[rhett o rick]

11. Guess I missed it too. nm

[bvar22]

7. About half the time...

...I feel that DU has become an elaborate spoof, especially since 2008.

On bad days, I suspect that even the Progressive Caucus is just another element of the Grand Kabuki Theater to maintain the illusion that the Working Class has a remote chance at a voice in our government....that after the floor show, they all (Republicans & Democrats) gather together in some Grand Palatial Chamber to receive their fat checks, toasting each other with campaign, and laughing over the success of their latest scam.

[Cha]

10. Thanks Steve Benen and babylonsister for

getting the 411 on palin..out there since she's surrounded by a swirl of lies.

[bobburgster]

12. I wish....

..my head feels like a bobblehead doll lately, with all the shaking of it that I have been doing lately.

The disbelief and utter perplexity at the amount of gullible morons we have in this country truly boggles the mind.

:crazy:

[Dr Morbius]

14. I'd like to see some evidence supporting the claim that

President Obama was a "stoner college student." He smoked weed briefly as a teenager. Everything I've seen suggests he put it aside before getting to college, especially considering how successful and focused a student he became.