A BuzzFlash Reader Contribution

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Put Those Attack Dogs on a Leash

A BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION
by Marjorie L. Swanson

Americans may have finally had enough of personal attacks on anyone who disagrees with this administration. Does the air seem a little cleaner when Americans in large numbers begin to reject Rovian smear tactics? Republicans have only three tricks. Bash Gays, Stop abortion and smear anyone who disagrees with them about anything.

Call me Pollyanna but it seems from my spot out here in the flyover that people are just up to “here” with a slimy barrage whenever anyone voices a differing opinion.

Attack dogs attack mercilessly and don’t respond to the views expressed by those who disagree with them. If you are right and I am wrong then prove it. Prove it with facts and civilized discourse.

Nowhere was this more apparent than on the floor of the House of Representatives when a freshman congresswoman dressed up like an American Flag nearly got herself run up the flagpole. It isn’t smart Ms. Schmidt to call a decorated Marine a coward. A little piece of advice: when you’re the new kid on the block it’s best to sit quietly and let the others make fools of themselves.

Whatever the reason, Americans may have at long last awakened to the fact that smearing someone doesn’t necessarily disprove what they are saying. Republicans have successfully convinced a good share of America that Democrats have no ideas. Yet whenever a Democrat does have an idea that is different from the lockstep, Republican agenda, the knives come out immediately.

Representative Jack Murtha did have an idea. It’s one that he says he worked on for a year. He studied it, thought about it, and then presented his idea. He has been in Congress for many years and he had to know that he was about to be Roved. Republicans did not disappoint.

Argue about why you disagree with Jack Murtha. State your case. Make your points. Enough smear tactics. Put those attack dogs on a leash and try using your brain. If you can still remember how to use it.

Marjorie L. Swanson
Kenosha, WI

BUZZFLASH READER CONTRIBUTION