Eleanor A. Kassell – 2/16/05

This page was last updated on February 26, 2005.

The writing is on the wall; Eleanor A. Kassell; Beaver County Times; February 16, 2005.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Attention, this is a Bush Administration Alert or BAA.”

[RWC] Ms. Kassell should have issued a BS alert.

“Well, the warmongers are dressed in sheep’s clothing once again. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has issued a warning to Iran about its nuclear weapons program, and pretty soon George W. will be running around, not unlike Chicken Little, telling the American people that the free world is in grave danger from Iran.”

[RWC] It’s always good to start off with name-calling, then to continue and condemn someone based on your speculation. While we’re at it, let’s speculate an Earth-destroying meteor will hit us and let’s blame President Bush.

“Sound familiar?

“It is not a question of if but when George W. will decide that Iran is too big a threat and enlist the military to invade that country.”

[RWC] I guess Ms. Kassell forgot that such an action would require approval from Congress. In case Ms. Kassell forgets, Congress gave President Bush approval to attack Iraq in House Joint Resolution 114.

“I just wonder where he will get the military personnel from, unless an involuntary draft is formed. And if it is, I certainly hope he starts it in all the red states that put him back in the White House for another term. That certainly would be just desserts.”

[RWC] Are there voluntary drafts? Again Ms. Kassell demonstrates an ignorance of how our government works. No president can order a draft. A draft requires authorization by Congress.

“I am sure that many will disagree with me, but there are many who, like me, can see the writing on the wall.”

[RWC] I am 100% sure there are many like Ms. Kassell.

“The Bush administration is like an iceberg - one only sees the tip and not the most dangerous part because it is hidden from view.

“Mark Twain was quoted as saying that one must support their government at all times and their administration only if it deserves it. How very true.”

[RWC] Not surprisingly, Ms. Kassell got the quote wrong and in the process distorted its meaning. The quote is, “Patriotism means being loyal to your country all the time and to its government when it deserves it.”

In any case, other than being good at his craft, why should we use a writer’s quote as guidance?