Ian S. Thompson – 11/7/04

This page was last updated on November 7, 2004.

Resisting reactionary fear; Ian S. Thompson; Beaver County Times; November 7, 2004.

In summary, this letter is a temper tantrum.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Forgive my rejection to simply lay down my principles and allow the fundamentalist Christian-right, which now seems to have a total lock on the Republican Party, to march uninterrupted toward its noxious goals.”

[RWC] As most folks who opposed President Bush and lost, Mr. Thompson appears to be looking for a single reason on which to focus.

When was the last time you heard anyone refer to Christian goals as noxious?

“For the sake of this nation’s democracy, I choose to resist the forces of reactionary fear and bigotry. I’m sorry, but I cannot just sit back and watch silently as this country moves ever closer to becoming a theocracy.”

[RWC] I believe Mr. Thompson missed the civics class in which he would have been taught the United States is a republic, not a democracy.

Regarding “reactionary fear and bigotry,” see my response to his letter of June 8, 2004, entitled GOP using fear and prejudice.

Exactly what has President Bush done or proposed over the last four years to lead anyone to conclude he wants a theocracy?

“The Bush administration is now accountable to no one.”

[RWC] I guess Mr. Thompson missed the civics classes in which he should have learned about the three branches of government. One of their roles is to provide checks and balances.

“Make no mistake. It will aggressively move ahead with an agenda as disgraceful and dangerous as any in American history.”

[RWC] Notice that Mr. Thompson didn’t describe the “disgraceful and dangerous” portions of the agenda and explain his position. If he did it would expose his true beliefs.

“What are those of us who totally reject what they stand for to do? Go along to get along?

“I realize that those of us who can’t go along with Bush’s agenda are now but lone voices in the wilderness; however, we will continue to organize and speak out and work to make this country a place that embraces the ideals of equality, peace and justice for all.

“The next four years are but a temporary road block on the unstoppable march of progress.”

[RWC] Make no mistake. When Mr. Thompson refers to “the unstoppable march of progress,” I believe he really means the “unstoppable” march of socialism. Fortunately, I believe Mr. Thompson is wrong.

“The forces of fear that now govern this country, try as they will, cannot succeed in permanently turning back the clock.”

[RWC] To a socialist, advancing individual liberty and responsibility is “turning back the clock.”

“For those who find themselves sick over the thought of what the next four years may bring, I urge you to not quietly sit back depressed, but rather speak out and express your dissent.”

[RWC] I support dissent, but those who dissent also need to propose realistic alternative solutions. I believe one of the many reasons the Kerry campaign failed was that it primarily “bitched and moaned” using 20/20 hindsight and failed to provide alternative solutions acceptable to a majority of voters.

“History, just as has been the case with those incredibly brave souls who fought for women’s suffrage and civil rights for African Americans, is on our side.”

[RWC] I hate to break it to Mr. Thompson, but conservatives championed civil rights, not socialists. Mr. Thompson really should re-take his civics classes. <g>