Yesterday, the
Pentagon announces a massive march and country music concert celebrating our freedom. On, ah, September 11.
- "This year the Department of Defence will initiate an America Supports Your Freedom Walk," Rumsfeld said, adding that the march would remind people of "the sacrifices of this generation and of each previous generation".
The march will start at the Pentagon, where nearly 200 people died on September 11, 2001, and end at the National Mall with a show by country star Clint Black.
Word of the event startled some observers.
"I've never heard of such a thing," said John Pike, who has been a defence analyst in Washington for 25 years and runs GlobalSecurity.org.
The news also reignited debate and anger over linking September 11 with the war in Iraq.
"That piece of it is disturbing since we all know now there was no connection," said Paul Rieckhoff, an Iraq veteran who heads Operation Truth, an anti-administration military booster.
AdvertisementRieckhoff suggested the event was an ill-conceived publicity stunt.
"I think it's clear that their public opinion polls are in the toilet," he said.
Rumsfeld's march had some relatives of September 11 victims fuming.
"How about telling Mr Rumsfeld to leave the memories of September 11 victims to the families?" said Monica Gabrielle, who lost her husband in the attacks.
Administration supporters insisted Rumsfeld was right to link Iraq and September 11, and hold the rally.
"We are at war," said Representative Pete King, (Republican, New York).
"It's essential that we support our troops."
It's certainly true that I am not a Bush supporter, and as a matter of mental exercise and fairness, I am trying to avoid a reflexive distaste for everything that this Administration does. I am also mindful that September 11 has become the third rail of American politics, such that saying ANYTHING about it will draw criticism.
All that said, is it just me, or is this in shockingly bad taste? Support the troops, yes, but using this particular date seems purposefully designed to wrap the Administration ever tighter in the American flag, an anatomical feat I presumed impossible at this point.
Can't we just have another photo op of Bush in South Dakota, where his mug appears adjacent to the other four presidents on Rushmore, and be done with it?
Gattigap
