Senator Cornyn came in last.
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) took to the floor today to speechify on his Sense of the Senate resolution, an attempt to condemn MoveOn.org's recent ad, "Genral Petraeus or General Betray Us?". First, I have to say that although I agree that the title was not what I would have chosen, it was catchy. And the text of the ad was enlightening and fact-based.
In a floor speech, Cornyn condemned any attack on those who have served. Except he didn't.
"I call on all Senators to tell America that they do not condone such character assassination of those who are sworn to protect the very freedom that we enjoy ... and the very system of government in which we all serve ... Our military service members simply deserve better ..."
Unless they're Democrats.
When questioned by Senators Durbin and Boxer why there wasn't the same defense of Senators Kerry and Cleland when they were being attacked for their service, Cornyn hemmed and hawed, and then he said this:
I am not willing to amend my resolution ... He [Durbin] keeps emphasizing that this [Swift Boat Liars] is a Texas based group... I have no idea whether it is or it is not ..."
OK, I'm not saying Cornyn is either a liar or stupid or both. Maybe he doesn't read. Or watch TV. Or know who donated to his campaign. Or live on this planet.
According to information released by the IRS on February 22, 2005, more than half of the group's reported contributions came from just three sources, all prominent Texas Republican donors: Houston builder Bob J. Perry, a longtime supporter of George W. Bush, donated $4.45 million, Harold Simmons' Contrans donated $3 million, and T. Boone Pickens, Jr. donated $2 million.source: wikipedia
Senator Cornyn, who did not serve in the military, seems to believe that politicians are fair game for attack, even if that means attacking their military service, although he's against attacking a person's service. Unless he's for it. What makes this even worse is that Senator Cornyn's hypocrisy came on the heels of the Republican filibuster of the Webb amendment. So, the so-called family values, support the troops Republicans claim to support the troops even though they won't vote to give them time to spend time at home with their families. And they pontificate about defending the military from attack, but only if they're on the proper side of the aisle or adhere to the same ideology.
I don't get it. But since Cornyn's up for re-election in 2008, maybe someone should take his advice on the whole 'politicians are fair game' thing. MoveOn might be interested.
Comments (6)
Posted by Jo Crain | September 20, 2007 1:33 PM
The Swift Boat for "TRUTH" gives us an indication that titles are lies for the repubs. And any time they condemn somebody else they are just as egregious in their perfidy as anybody else. The Cleland incident is just outrageous and why anyone should have believed it is just unreal, but it tells us that ads have power. And the Move-On ad had power as well. Bush's poll numbers on his war efforts have not moved an inch. Cornyn should be looking to establish some hint of integrity and some show of understanding of his constituents needs rather than just link his reputation with Bush. But that is okay. One more repub on the endangered list is fine with me.
Posted by Jake | September 20, 2007 3:20 PM
"Cornyn is either a liar or stupid or both".
He is all of the above,and destined to be a one-termer.The dumbest thing he is doing ,is repeating the MoveOn ad.
Posted by David Anderson | September 20, 2007 3:58 PM
I agree with Durnin and Boxer!
Posted by Faith | September 20, 2007 7:22 PM
Oh, my.
Watching JK on the Senate floor right now talking about the situation in Iraq.
This is must see TV. C-SPAN2.
Posted by wisteria | September 20, 2007 9:19 PM
Thank you Faith, you put everything into perspective very nicely.
Posted by Otter | September 21, 2007 8:29 AM
Ain't no doubt about it, Cornyn's definitely one of these:
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9234/constructionjpgphpl1roamz4.jpg