A bit of video for the election commercials just in case the Democrats don't all curl up and die on their own, what's the harm in that? I wish it was that simple. But what we really saw in that moment was a coup d'etat. The president isn't supposed to wear a uniform. He's a civilian. Rough Rider Teddy Roosevelt strapped on a pistol now and then and we've had generals who made president before. That Kennedy fellow was a war hero, too, and Bush Senior, the one who got elected, did his bit in the Pacific while Grampy Prescott was supporting the Nazis in Europe. But when they were president none of these men put on military uniforms. They understood that there are three sacred lines with regard to American democracy that can never be crossed: the line between privilege and power, the line between Church and State, and the line between civilian and military leadership. Cross any of them, and you're at fascism's doorstep. Cross two, you're on the threshold with your hand on the doorknob.

posted by Cyndy | link | | |