white with foam

Why do you hate America? I saw your media tour’s stop on this morning’s Today Show, during which you sounded what will no doubt be a talking point: that our civilian justice system is inadequate for terrorism suspects, what with all the presentation of evidence and fairness and that pesky Bill of Rights. The contempt in your voice when you dismissed the idea was not, thankfully, directed at the institution itself, but at immeasurable touchy-feelies like whether Americans have the stomach for such trials. It’s a peculiar refuge, and controversial enough in itself to give you the floor for a while. To that end it’s well played. I call bullshit on the idea though, not only because it betrays a deeper contempt for me, my family, and all our friends and neighbors, but also because it values perception over reality.

“The public doesn’t view them as having rights in the criminal system.” Really? I’d like to see your polls. And I hope you never see the business end of that notion. Suspects in the London and Madrid bombings went on trial; as far as I know, there was no public demand for less transparency, fewer facts or more secret evidence. I well up with concern-troll wonder at a party led by a guy who distrusts his fellow Americans like that.

Tags:   Michael Steele · terrorismNo Comments