The Washington Post article on Paul Bremer referred to here by Jim Grichar calls Bremer “America’s Viceroy in Iraq.” I can recall Michael Kinsley using this term on television several weeks ago, after which he was shouted down by the opposing neocons on the panel (I think it was “Crossfire”) who were outraged at the use of the term. The telling point here is that the Post article is not being sarcastic in using the term “viceroy.” The author heaps adoration on Bremer for being such a “benevolent” dictator. Kinsley was right, but some of his allies in the left-wing media obviously disagree with him on the propriety of having an empire. The Washington Establishment rather likes this viceroy business, and the Post is the official daily propaganda rag of that Establishment.
By the way, my Webster’s dictionary defines “viceroy” as someone who is appointed to rule a country “as the deputy of the sovereign.” Bush may not be King of America yet, but he is surely King of Iraq, for now.
8:33 am on June 19, 2003
