Ian S. Thompson – 10/16/08

This page was last updated on October 21, 2008.

Repairing damage Bush has done; Ian S. Thompson; Beaver County Times; October 16, 2008. An editor’s note says “The writer is a former resident of Beaver County and a graduate of Ambridge Area High School.”

As background, Mr. Thompson began writing letters as a Penn State student. His fields of study were English and international politics and he graduated in 2005 with a B.A. in International Politics. In letters to the Penn State Daily Collegian, Mr. Thompson identified himself as the political director of Allies, a PSU organization now known as SpeakOut. The mission statement of SpeakOut reads, “Works to organize the family, friends, supporters and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally (LGBTA) community at PSU and is committed to a safe and social network open to all students, political and social education, and to increasing visibility and fostering a positive climate for LGBTA students at PSU.” When he “signed” an anti-landmine “treaty” on the web, Mr. Thompson indicated he was a member of Amnesty International.

From August 2004 through August 2007 Mr. Thompson wrote at least 20 letters to the editor. You can find my critiques of them in the critique archives section of this website. If you’ve read Mr. Thompson’s letters, you know he’s a full-blown socialist (“a proud progressive” in his own words from 2003) who tends to resort to name-calling and unsupported talking points. This letter is no exception.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“I commend The Times for taking the Bush administration to task for its many abuses of power and assaults on our Constitution and fundamental liberties (‘American Gulag,’ Sunday).

“After the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, we were often told, by members of the administration no less, that those who were responsible hated our freedom and liberties.

“Now, after seven years and some of the most disgraceful abuses of our Constitution in this country’s history — illegal wiretapping on the communications of American citizens, torture, etc.— it is painfully clear that the Bush administration has done more to undermine American freedom and liberty than Osama bin Laden could ever dream of accomplishing.

“The fact that our government can now strip American citizens of seemingly every shred of constitutional protection simply by labeling them ‘illegal enemy combatants’ should be a cause of great concern to every American, regardless of political persuasion.

“The next president will have a lot of work to do in terms of repairing the damage done to our Constitution and standing in the world as a champion of human rights. Let’s keep that in mind when we go to the polls on Nov. 4.”

[RWC] Blah, blah, blah. Forgive me for being lazy, but this is pretty a rehash of Mr. Thompson’s previous letters. Please read my critique of Mr. Thompson’s letter entitled “Casey and Altmire caved in” or any of his letters in the archive section to see what I mean.