We have often been told that we face, today, a whole new kind of war. Only partly true. For more than half a century we have battled totalitarian regimes (the Soviets, North Vietnam, Cuba . . . ) and the terrorists they sponsored. Today we are battling totalitarian regimes (Baathist Iraq and the Taliban's Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea) and the terrorists they sponsor. What's changed? Since we became modern history's first monopower, our obligations and maneuvering room are both greater. But the basic nature of the struggle is the same.
Excerpting this any further is tough because Gelernter wades into deep water in trying to explain the irrational hatred of Bush and of conservatives by the reactionary Left. He cites the Orwellian inversion of reality characterizing their attacks on Bush, and the ways in which the Left has forfeited the mantle of progressivism to conservatives, led by the progressive, even radical presidency of George W. Bush. Gelernter says the hatred of Bush and of conservatives, especially white, religious ones, as a group, has all of the classic characteristics of other group hatreds...that is, racism. It's far from a blanket tarring of all Bush opponents, just an explanation for the unhinged, extreme wing.
Whether you agree or disagree, (and don't be turned off by the title) take a few minutes to read it all.
Posted by dan at September 5, 2004 02:33 PM