So Bill Clinton had an op-ed in the New York Times yesterday in which he used the anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building Oklahoma City as a platform to make a political, rather than a compassionate, point. It took him a while to get there, but there it was, the very last line of his carefully articulated piece:
Fifteen years ago, the line was crossed in Oklahoma City. In the current climate, with so many threats against the president, members of Congress and other public servants, we owe it to the victims of Oklahoma City, and those who survived and responded so bravely, not to cross it again.
Now, there’s a lot wrong with that quote–but let’s start with who this message is for. He says, “we owe it to victims,” not to cross this line again. We? It’s as if he’s asking all of us not to blow up buildings. Generally, people who would agree to that weren’t planning on it anyway.
And later when he mentions “contentious” and “partisan” types, it only makes me think of… Clinton. When his face wasn’t red with embarrassment, it was red with anger. And sometimes, ketchup.
But more important, is the whole “current climate” thing. Fact is, this time is no more violent than any time before, and most likely less. Look at the vast tea parties from last week. I’ve seen scarier office picnics.
So when Captain Busyhands talks about the “vast echo chamber,” he’s really talking about people like him who constantly smear their intellectual adversaries as violent racists.
It’s happening so much, it’s starting to make me really, really angry!
Maybe that’s the point.
And if you disagree with me, you’re probably a racist homophobe who hates tofu.
Tonight we’ve got Pat Monahan from Train performing live! Also, the great comedian Joe DeRosa, and the delightfully delicious Diana Falzone!