The Weeks Review

OF LIBERALS AND DEMOCRATS
Methinks They Doth Protest Too Much

Of late, it seems that nothing will arouse the ire of a Democrat faster than using the words "liberal" and "Democrat" interchangeably. In fact, many liberals have abandoned the term altogether in favor of "progressive." Clearly, a case of different name - same product. And "mainstream" Democrats (an endangered species, if there ever was one) bristle at the description of themselves as "liberal" as though it was a gutter term of derision. It would appear that liberals and Conservatives can agree on one thing; at least in name, liberalism has been thoroughly discredited.

It would also appear though, that old habits die hard.

The other day, Karl Rove made a statement in front of the Conservative Party of New York as to the way liberals responded to 9/11. The New York Times chose to begin their story thusly:

Karl Rove came to the heart of Manhattan last night to rhapsodize about the decline of liberalism in politics, saying Democrats responded weakly to Sept. 11 and had placed American troops in greater danger by criticizing their actions.

It would appear that The New York Times makes no differentiation between liberals and Democrats, though Karl Rove clearly does.

The story goes on, and includes the quote in question.

"Conservatives saw the savagery of 9/11 in the attacks and prepared for war; liberals saw the savagery of the 9/11 attacks and wanted to prepare indictments and offer therapy and understanding for our attackers," Mr. Rove, the senior political adviser to President Bush, said at a fund-raiser in Midtown for the Conservative Party of New York State.

Citing calls by progressive groups to respond carefully to the attacks, Mr. Rove said to the applause of several hundred audience members, "I don't know about you, but moderation and restraint is not what I felt when I watched the twin towers crumble to the ground, a side of the Pentagon destroyed, and almost 3,000 of our fellow citizens perish in flames and rubble."

Did Rove even use the word "Democrat"? He was clearly speaking of "liberals" and it appears that he chose his words very carefully in doing so. And he was absolutely correct, liberals have been atrocious on this issue from day one, and the farther left one goes, the worse it gets.

RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman has issued a statement and has included nearly two dozen examples of just what Mr. Rove stated.

Still, the usual suspects are frothing at the mouth, calling for apologies and resignation:

WASHINGTON -- Democrats said Thursday that White House adviser Karl Rove should either apologize or resign for accusing liberals of wanting "therapy and understanding" for the Sept. 11 attackers, escalating partisan rancor that threatens to consume Washington.

So, can we finally say with certainty that Democrats and liberals, MoveOn.org and the DNC are basically the same thing? The New York Times seems to think so and the Democrats seem to agree. Karl Rove cut the liberals and the Democrats are bleeding - case closed.