Congressman Pete Stark's comment about soldiers having their heads blown off for the President's amusement has sent all of the right-thinking, hear-no-evil, see-no-evil, speak-no-evil political and media babblers into a collective snit, demanding a public apology for his remarks.
At a time when there is an insistent bipartisan support for no one saying anything that might be "offensive" or disruptive of the status quo, Stark's comment was refreshing. It reminded me of an age in which even political discourse was vibrant and to-the-point; when ideas were discussed and analyzed in depth, and with passion; and when frauds and charlatans in high office were called to account for their misdeeds.
I would not have used the word "amusement" as did Mr. Stark. My inclination would have been to speak of the President's "indifference" to the massive, pointless killings going on in Iraq; an indifference shared by those who condemn Pete Stark for his words, rather than Mr. Bush for his uncontrite evils.
