Waste of Space

Whatta load:

(CNN) -- Responding to queries from CNN.com readers, conservative commentator and former Cabinet secretary William Bennett expressed faith in the U.S. government's global standing and doubts about the mainstream media's objectivity and the viability of a strong third political party.

Host of the nationally syndicated radio talk show, "Bill Bennett's Morning in America," the CNN political analyst and Republican strategist touched on several controversial topics raised by readers as part of CNN's "Broken Government" series.

I'm sure you're thinking that Bennett took a long, hard look at himself and at the party he chooses to associate with, and attempted to seriously answer the questions of his viewers, no matter how painful the answers might be. This time, he won't just resort to stroking the egos of his viewers; soothing them with talking points. You're thinking that, since the Bush Administration has been such a complete failure, and America is facing some very serious problems, Bennett might be able to rise above the spin and smoke, and look at these questions with a critical eye, right?

You'd be wrong. (Bolds CNN's. Eye-rolling disgust mine)

Why has the rest of the world pretty much lost faith in our democracy and government?
Joaquin Garweg, Houston, Texas

BENNETT: I don't think the rest of the world has lost faith in our democracy and government.

It is fashionable in some precincts to condemn the United States. We have not been popular in the Middle East for many years, and the university class (in Europe, especially) has a "sophisticated" view that is aped by academia in much of the U.S. professoriate.

But many millions of people around the world love America, Americans and the things America represents. If [people] virtually anywhere in the world ... saw a group of soldiers coming over the hill and could pick which flag they were carrying, the American flag would still be the choice of many.

And you're basing this on... what, exactly? Funny, but from what I read and hear, the rest of the world isn't too pleased with us. When was the last time you heard someone say, "We are all Americans," before Bush squandered all of the goodwill created by 9/11? This sounds to me like Bennett pulled this information from somewhere near the seat of his trousers. Permit me to recycle this joke:

Bennett, Bill. Completely Pulled out of My Ass.
New York: Bennett, 2006.

After the actions of the Bush Administration, I would think that the sight of a group of soldiers coming over the hill carrying the American flag would create more thoughts of invasion than safety.

Nice little "freedom fries"-esque jab at those snooty Europeans and libbrul college professors as well, Bill. Wouldn't want to let a column go by without dusting off that relic.

How do we as citizens stop our representatives from disregarding the will of the people?
April Garlow, Franklinville, New York

BENNETT: Edmund Burke had this answer many years ago: "Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgment; and he betrays instead of serving you if he sacrifices it to your opinion."

The Founders believed there was a distinction between the "representativeness" between the members of the House and the Senate. The former should more directly represent the wishes of their constituents, the latter are supposed to filter those wishes and view them through a national prism. But the short answer: Vote 'em in or out of office as you see fit.

How nice and dismissive of you. This is a legitimate concern of many Americans, especially since Bush has become so drunk with power: How the hell do we stop these maniacs when they ignore the will of the people (remember how they reacted to the anti-war protests?) and our representatives are either powerless or too cowardly to help, without resorting to violence? "Vote 'em out" isn't a very helpful answer, particularly when elections don't exactly roll around that frequently, when black voters are casually being disenfranchised, when fear tactics are used to keep people from voting, and when they're obviously easily stolen. Our government flaunts their disregard for the wishes of Americans; this is a very serious question. When your only "voice" as an American is your vote, and they take that away from you, then what? We don't all have the opportunity to talk on CNN, Bill.

Is there a bias in the mainstream media against the Republican Party?
Mike Malloy, Paradise, California

BENNETT: Yes. And it is demonstrable. Survey after survey of powerhouse journalists -- on television, in newspapers and magazines -- show a clear liberal predisposition.

Demonstrable? Then prove it. Where's the "liberal" version of you, answering these same questions in a counterpoint column? Ass.

Isn't it time there is a strong third party?
Keith Berkner, Macon, Georgia

BENNETT: No, I don't think so. The history of third parties in America is not distinguished. They don't win, but often spoil. And they tend more to be eccentric than serious.

People can always try, of course. And it's funny and odd, but instructive, that the story of third parties in America doesn't come to much.

Again, how dismissive of you. Those nutballs that feel betrayed by both parties, and are working to break away from the two party system? A bunch of eccentrics, the lot of them. They couldn't have any serious concerns or ideas, therefore, we shouldn't pay the slightest bit of attention to them. It's also difficult for third parties to "come to much" when the two parties in power actively work to keep them out of the political process.

It's much more "distinguished" to stick to a party line, regardless of the facts staring you right in the face, regardless of the fact that your party has destroyed everything that they supposedly stand for, than to actually look at their actions with a critical eye and hold them accountable for actions that harm the country.

It's good to be the Blowhard.

(Give me land, lots of land, and the cross-posts above...)