General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I am noticing a lot of full-blown denial over Obama calling torturers "patriots" on DU. [View all]Johonny
(20,818 posts)From Websters dictionary. Clearly by definition the word Patriot referrers to people that supported what the state was doing. The word should never, ever have been used in a rebuke of torture. It can ambiguously be used to claim those following the Bush white house or those opposed to it were the Patriots. It is an empty word here and a terrible word to have used.
Don't you think the ambiguity of the comment speaks for itself. Instead of a clear cut rebuke he went with a mixed message when there was no need. When America needed a clear cut calling out of torturers and a clear statement it was wrong, Obama went the middle road and sent a message that clearly could be read as praise for some folks. I'm not sure a clear rebuke needed to mentioned folks as Patriots. Since the proper definition of a Patriot seems to indicate support for the torturers. Whose a Patriotic in a country that was allowing torture? The people that objected certainly were morally right and might be considered in the future when the state authority has thoroughly rebuked torture: Patriots. But when Obama said those words?
The ambiguous mixed message is pretty much the calling card of the Obama legacy. It is almost certainly why he has trouble on the left and right with wavering support. Many people feel he rarely stands firmly for anything and Obama does take some blame for that.