LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Torture & The Regime

One wonders whether the unrelenting attacks on President Obama concerning the use of torture by the bush regime, particularly from Cheney, and the accusations that Pelosi knew torture was employed by them (but insisting that they didn't do it too) will force judicial action. It seems an ill chosen choice of strategy. But then, they're professional power players. What do I know?

Pelosi hasn't taken kindly to turning this issue into all about HER, when it is THEM.

Do they realize that their constant attacks are forcing into being the very thing that they evidently believe their attacks is supposed stop -- i.e. their usual tactics of yelling sit down and shut up or else! But, um in 2009, what 'or else' do they have to make people sit down and shut up?

2 comments:

K. said...

Cheney's attacks on Obama and defense of torture have mystified me from the onset. He makes the Republicans look pro-torture and anti everything else.

For all of his vaunted bureaucratic infighting skills, the guy has a tin ear politically, IMHO. He left office with something a 20% approval rating, which is hardly a strong base from which to attack a new and popular president.

Frank Partisan said...

Torture has always been the policy of the US imperialism, and always will. Obama is against the appearance of torture, while Cheney wants it legitimized.

The Republicans believe things can swing against Obama. I believe it can as well. That doesn't mean people will turn to Reaganism.