Real American Heroes (It only shoots t-shirts!)

by Ripley

Thers was kind enough to offer me a Saturday posting slot, here at the ol'... um, alcohol-fueled, burning menace to gracious behavior and uppercrust sensibilities. And I'm nothing if not premature, so... wait, that came out wrong. Wait, that came out wrong, too! Shit! Regardless, here's something you can read while you're pretending to work.

You’ve probably already seen this pandering, disgusting, heartless, piece of shite “tribute” the GOP trotted out for the last night of their Convention.

“And kill us they did.” Are you kidding me?!? Assholes.

I saw the video online, last night, but as I thought about it this morning I realized something interesting. Maybe you had the same thought I did: ’What’s missing?’ I’ll show you.

Where was America’s hero, George W. Bush? Banished to the political cheap seats of satellite speech. Deliberately and conspicuously left out of John McCain’s “new Republican” National Convention. One might almost think the McCain campaign was trying to avoid association with America’s Worst President, even as they promise more of the same from a man who was proud to accept Bush’s endorsement, who voted with George W. Bush 75-90% in the last few years. That’s my impression, at least.

I chose the title of this post deliberately. Bud Light started their “Real American Heroes” ad campaign in 2000, iirc. The concept was so strong they’re still using it today, with one minor adjustment. See, after the attacks of 9/11/2001, they decided that their goofy, tongue-in-cheek descriptions of Real American Heroes would be offensive to Americans’ views of police and firefighters, so they changed the tag to “Real Men of Genius.” Still goofy, still tongue in cheek, still witty and funny, but appropriately reverent to America’s suffering after 9/11/2001.

I can dig that, I suppose. Courageous men and women gave their lives to help complete strangers. While I, and most of America, looked on in slow-motion shock, they ran into burning, disintegrating buildings to save those who could be saved. They didn’t run to the Republican floors or the Democratic offices - they deliberately ran into fire and smoke and Hell on Earth to save their fellow human beings. Rich, poor, powerful, CEOs and brokers to janitors and interns - fellow human beings.

And the GOP decided to exploit this tragedy. For political purposes. Again. Just as they’ve done for the last 7 years. But, now, even they had the “good sense” to leave George W. Bush out of it. Even though John McCain has played pilot fish to Bush’s shark for the last 7 years. Mr. Maverick - well, at least on the campaign trail.

He, with the Media’s obedient droning, tells us he’s a reformer. Sarah Palin, with the Media’s gran mal head nods, tells us she’s a reformer. Reformers. But… but, they just can’t help themselves. Like well-dressed junkies, they go back to get their fix; like spoiled children, they break down and cry and demand attention; like washed up athletes and Little Misses, they can’t stop talking about their Glory Days, when what they did mattered, at least to them.

And they expect America to sit quietly, smile politely and listen, once again, to how they could throw that football over that mountain. How, if things were different, they would have won. But always, always, revisiting whatever scene makes the best excuse and gets the most sympathy. And for Republicans, it’s always 9/11/2001. Always.

So, be afraid, America! Fall to your knees and let your Freedom dribble down your leg. If nothing else, your taxes will go down. Well, maybe not your taxes, but…

And, back to the title:

Trivia, for those who care - the singer in the Bud Light commericals is Dave Bickler, from Survivor.

I’ve rambled long enough.

Rip -

Comments

[actor212]

Where was America’s hero, George W. Bush?

Interesting that Palin never mentioned his name. Not once.

[Jemand von Niemand]

Krugman (and Rick Perlstein) hit it: The Thugs can't run on accomplishments because they've diminished, not enhanced, the United States and the general good. There aren't any accomplishments. They can't run on Cheney / Bush.

Bush, and Cheney, will retire with untroubled consciences -- Bush into the warmth and plenty of a large inherited fortune; Cheney into more ruthless business, probably from Haliburton's new Abu Dhabi headquarters.

Their physical security will be paid for by yours and my taxpayer dollars -- when it isn't going to pay for the war and rot and damage they left behind, and when they appear at all, it'll only be before the same selected audiences of soldiers, veterans and corporate friends, or at Bohemian Grove.

They don't give a damn whether the party mentions them, or not. In their own minds, they're legends -- they're the Best Americans, those Born To Rule. And, hell -- even if the Dems win, who the hell cares; they got their cut.

But, over 60 per cent of Americans don't think well of Cheney / Bush. All the Thug party has left is to play the Resentment Card, and (to those listening for the Dog Whistle) the Race Card: The Left is elite and sinful. They're Uppity. We're just folks. They think they're better than Us. But we're bigger than that -- and we're gonna show 'em who's really good and loyal Americans -- and together, we're gonna take care of them elite snobs.

As Rick Perlstein pointed out, it's all high school bullshit -- but it's all the Right has left.