David Broder urged Obama to save his presidency by murdering thousands of people.

[JackRiddler]

In his Washington Post column of October 31, 2010, the Pulitzer-winning dean of American pundits, David Broder displayed a frame of mind that fairly exemplified most of his work through the decades:

SNIP

What else might affect the economy? The answer is obvious, but its implications are frightening. War and peace influence the economy.

Look back at FDR and the Great Depression. What finally resolved that economic crisis? World War II.

Here is where Obama is likely to prevail. With strong Republican support in Congress for challenging Iran's ambition to become a nuclear power, he can spend much of 2011 and 2012 orchestrating a showdown with the mullahs. This will help him politically because the opposition party will be urging him on. And as tensions rise and we accelerate preparations for war, the economy will improve.

I am not suggesting, of course, that the president incite a war to get reelected.

SNIP

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/29/AR2010102907404.html

No, because once the war is imminent, the likes of David Broder (or now: his willing replacement) will be there, as was the case so many times in the past, to explain in pious terms why the war is just, and why it is actually the designated foreign enemy who is inciting the US to attack.

Broder continued: "But the nation will rally around Obama because Iran is the greatest threat to the world in the young century."

I say the greatest threat to the world in the young century has demonstrably come from the heads of the empire and their waging of aggressive war. This is not a threat, it is a criminal reality. And David Broder always served piously in his role as one of their leading propagandists, the veritable symbol of all that is stubbornly supremacist and hateful in the American media establishment.

To those who want to tell us we should let the dead rest, and therefore say nothing bad about Broder, first, get real. Nothing we'll say is going to affect him now.

Second, ask yourselves honestly: Would you say a rest-in-peace at the death of the Iranian president, Ahmedinejad?

I bet you can think of a hundred nasty characters whose demise you would not bemoan with solemn words of how we should respect the dead and feel their family's loss.

How you would talk about Anwar al-Awlaki? The "al-Qaeda cleric," an American citizen, is on the president's list of US citizens to be assassinated on sight, without due process, in violation of the US Constitution. Doesn't he have family who would mourn him?

Al-Awlaki is not known to have ever killed anyone. He is merely said to have endorsed murder for political ends. Just like David Broder.

What's the difference between Broder and al-Awlaki, that you should mourn now for Broder if you're not willing also to mourn for al-Awlaki should he be killed by a drone?

Is it that Broder is a real American?

[louis-t]

1. It is a sickness being a republican.

[CBGLuthier]

37. good thing no democratic presidents ever waged war

Otherwise our high horses could collapse under the weight of our hypocrisy.

America Loves War more than life, children or song. We are the all-time masters of the sport.

[eleny]

2. My feelings toward Broder are as flatlined as he is right now

Sure, he can rest in peace, afaik. But the world is better off without his voice.

[malaise]

43. Wish I could be so nice

I'll save my tears and compassion for people who care about fellow human beings everywhere.

[Bandit]

3. Broder just died

:shrug:

[JackRiddler]

8. What better time to remind everyone what an evil man he was, before the lies in his praise congeal.

[hlthe2b]

12. Sorry, Jack. It only serves to emphasize

the extent to which you let your hate and anger drive your thoughts, words, and actions. Not merely unpleasant, but unhealthy for you, as well.

[JackRiddler]

15. Yeah, it's really killing me. Thanks for your advice.

[WhiteTara]

33. The Earth is a better place without some in it

and Broder was one.
May he receive his just rewards.

[DJ13]

4. Bad timing

Washington Post: Columnist David Broder dead at 81

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110309/ap_on_re_us/us_obit_broder

[JackRiddler]

5. No better timing. I like my obituary better than the Washington Post's...

Again, if it was al-Awlaki who had just been killed in a drone attack, would you be complaining about unflattering obituaries?

[Vinnie From Indy]

14. It is rather funny the way some reflexively offer RIP

I admit I am guilty of that as well in Broder's case. I wonder if fair-minded DU'ers will contemplate your uncomfortable offering. Why do we offer condolences to some and not others and not even think about it as being inconsistent.

How many offered RIP to Hitler or Stalin or Pol Pot or Idi Amin etc. ?

[JackRiddler]

16. Thanks for considering it...

Only one thing. Let's not say Stalin, Pol Pot, etc. But let's imagine their propagandists. Harmless men in aspect, who never killed anyone, never gave an order to kill. Only used their natural talents (such as they were, in Broder's case) in sophistry to justify the unjustifiable. Would they merit the days of honor we're about to see Broder get?

[hlthe2b]

20. Condolensces are not for the indvidual, but for the family left behind

There seems to be some cognitive dissonance that one could espouse beliefs with which most of us vehemently disagree, yet have been a loved figure to family or have had facets of life where they were held in some honor and esteem.

This need to lump our political opponents as no different than the most horrific and non-redeemable individuals who have ever lived is a bizarre attitude. Fortunately, not one held by the majority of Duers and other progressives.

[JackRiddler]

22. Al-Awlaki has family he will leave behind.

And again, all he's ever known to have done is to advocate murder. Like Broder.

"The most horrific and non-redeemable individuals who have ever lived" also had family, and they have been "loved figures."

You don't give them honors as these great people just because they died.

Broder is not my "political opponent." He is a propagandist for aggressive war, and bears responsibility for that.

[hlthe2b]

24. Who here is giving honors. We aknowledge those left behind..

That you can not distinguish between a political foe and the most egregious and hate-filled figures in history is your problem. I have compassion for you as well, but it is your problem to solve.

[Vinnie From Indy]

28. Really?

You write,
"This need to lump our political opponents as no different than the most horrific and non-redeemable individuals who have ever lived is a bizarre attitude."

My post was clearly an exercise in thinking about a larger concept. You chose to make it personal and deceptively imply that my post was "lumping" David Broder's life experiences with those of the men named in the above post. That is not only bizarre, it is highly unfair.

Cheers!

[hlthe2b]

44. dupe.... delete

[hlthe2b]

45. My comment was directed towards the other poster, with whom

I've had a long back and forth on this thread. Your post was caught in the mix. Sorry.. it was not intended for you.

[JackRiddler]

6. dupe

[hlthe2b]

7. If it were Ahmedinejad or al-Awlakii, I would say NOTHING...

There is a group of horrendous individuals who deserve nothing be said whatsoever--tyrants, murderous dictators, serial killers, terrorists.

How is it that you can not see a difference in that non-redeemable group and an individual, whose political views were contrary to our own and in some instances, absolutely abhorrent. You must have one hell of a hate list if you can not differentiate between these figures. Progressives tend to be compassionate. Feeling compassion for the family of a deceased media figure and pundit-- with whom we vehemently disagree is what separates us from the hate and rage-filled Freeper community. At least in my mind.

[JackRiddler]

9. Al-Awlaki has not killed anyone - only advocated murder. Just like David Broder.

[hlthe2b]

10. And you know this, how?

By your bizarre view, then all who have ever participated or enabled a war---no matter whether justified or NOT, are equally "guilty" of advocating murder.

[JackRiddler]

11. As this in no way reflects what I said, there is no need to answer.

Thanks for the kick.

[hlthe2b]

13. As I said above.. that you can not set aside your anger

and inability to distinguish between those who may advocate vile viewpoints versus those who act to conduct them--at the expense of others-- and even for one day, is a sad commentary. I hope you may "come around" before those feelings devour you.

[JackRiddler]

19. Again, you're avoiding the key example.

Al-Awlaki has never been accused of killing anyone, only of advocating murder in his sermons. Just like Broder.

[hlthe2b]

23. Al-Awlaki has not died, is not well known.. Were he to die, I would

not feel inclined to say anything. Just as I would for the majority of Americans who die each day and with whom I was not familiar. If asked, I would express an understanding that he likely had family who loved him and were mourning and for whom I would feel human empathy.

I know enough about Broder to know that while I fervently disagreed with him on many many occasions, that he was respected and loved by friends/family. That suggests he is mourned by some for reasons that I may not share but can acknowledge. None of that diminishes the fact that I vehemently and fervently disagreed with him on most occasions.

[JackRiddler]

25. Okay, fine. I feel empathy for his family's loss. But that ends with the published obituary.

Am I hoisting a sign that says "God Hates Propagandists" at his funeral?

No.

I am commenting on his legacy as a public figure.

In the hours and days to come, we'll be forced to hear quite a bit about this person's supposed public legacy. It won't be as bad as with Russert (since that was a king of the TV news-clowns, and this is merely a print pundit king), but it will be bad. And it will be bullshit.

[hlthe2b]

27. No one is saying you need to "bury" the truth along with the deceased...

I'm certainly not defending his views.

[gratuitous]

17. "I'm not suggesting, of course . . ."

Translation: Yes, I am suggesting this, and will endorse any such course of action in my column.

And after all, what the hey? It's not like it was going to be David Broder doing the killing and the dying in any war he fomented. Far more likely to be some kids whose limited prospects made the military look like their best option, and since they're accustomed to a life of hardship already, they can snuff it for all Broder cared. Or, if they survived and came back broken in some non-apparent way, they weren't likely to trouble Broder in his ivory tower. So, hell yeah, let's get another war going. It's good for business and good for Broder. What's not to like?

Fucking bloodthirsty ghoul. Rest in peace.

[JackRiddler]

21. "I'm not suggesting, of course..." that Broder doesn't merit the honors we are about to witness.

I am absolutely flat-out saying it!

[OHdem10]

18. Wrong, It was not World War II. It was FDRs policies which saved

Capitalism and Democracy.

MY GOSH, if Wars are the answer to the Economic problem
we should be dancing in the streets with wealth. We have
two wars going right now and they are sucking the life
blood out of the economy.

Democrats, do not let them get away with the Republican
Talking Point--World War II.
Yes, the war jobs contributed way back then.

Globalization means jobs are all over the world. You have
to get parts from all points around the world.
A War helps no one fincancially in this Globalized World.

RIP, Mr Broder.

[apocalypsehow]

26. But, then, we both know this OP isn't *really* about David Broder, now don't we? UnRec. n/t.

[JackRiddler]

29. You might, but I honestly don't know what the hell you're talking about.

Luckily, I also don't care. Thanks for the kick.

[apocalypsehow]

31. Oh yes you do. Which is why you're so busy protesting that you "don't care" even as you reply.

You're welcome, BTW (for the :kick:).

[JackRiddler]

34. Are we back in grade school? Sorry, Mr. Principal, I don't know what you think I did.

Given your way of presenting it, I know that it's going to be silly. So no, I don't care in the sense of letting it affect me. But of course I'm curious. (Same way I was sometimes curious what Chief Propagandist Broder had to say.)

And of course you want to clarify your point of view for the dozens or even hundreds of readers who also have no clue what you mean.

[apocalypsehow]

36. And right on cue another reply to something you claim you "don't care" about. And a personal attack

to boot. Textbook.

[JackRiddler]

38. Sir/madam, I would not attack your person. Your writing here is silly, however.

Anyway, I think I figured it out. Thanks!

[apocalypsehow]

39. And it only took you three posts, the first of which stated you cared nothing about the matter

whatsoever. Congrats! :thumbsup:

[sabrina 1]

30. From what I've read, Obama is very fond of Broder. Another disturbing piece

of information that came out during the HC debate.

These people are sick, so how come there are so many of them in this country? What is in the water that has produced so many evil people and allowed them to take over this country?

[JackRiddler]

35. Ah, that may be the clue that solves Post 26.

So if we criticize Broder, we're actually attacking Obama!

By which logic, we should never criticize Reagan, either. We shouldn't criticize any of our Republican friends, because that would actually be an attack on Obama.

I think it's going to be in the DSM V: Vicarious Persecution Complex. The persistent belief that everyone is out to get a third party you don't even know personally, such as your Imaginary or Celebrity Friend.

[sabrina 1]

41. Yes, I believe you are correct.

I was quite shocked when I read that article, about who this president talks to and listens to, and Broder was on that list as someone the WH calls frequently.

[apocalypsehow]

42. Actually, "Post 26" has nothing to do with Obama or any criticism of him. But, then, you know that.

For someone who claimed to care nothing about the contents of "Post 26," you sure do seem to talk about it a lot.

[JackRiddler]

46. If a guy in a clown suit was singing Latin in front of my house, I'd also wonder what it was about.

You seem not to know the difference between curiousity and caring.

And if Post 26 wasn't about Obama, then I AM honestly stumped. Why don't you believe that I really don't know what you're on about?

Most of the people reading this probably don't either. So explain. Thanks.

[WhiteTara]

32. may you receive all your just rewards

David Broder. The Earth shrugs off your passing.

edited for correct verb

[GreenTea]

40. Never cared for Broder, far too right-wing he never ever made sense. A repug shill to the end. RIP.

[JackRiddler]

47. kick

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

48. ''He's dead Jim.'' nt

[JackRiddler]

49. Clearly, I overestimated the attention Broder's death would get...

Still stuck in the Old Newsprint World, I figured this would be, say, like a quarter of the month-long hypocrisy and quasi state funeral treatment given to Russert.

Nope.

[JackRiddler]

50. last kick