I am close to the limit of my tolerance for this political season. It is too bad television programming does not operate like Google – click on this 30 second ad only if you really want to hear it.
The newest topic of national significance seems to focus on whether John Kerry can tell a joke. I am trying to decide this for myself. The punch line was not that funny, but then punch lines taken out of context rarely are. I spent about 30 minutes this morning exploring YouTube attempting to find a piece that would include the minute before and after the 13 second punch line that seemed to imply those who serve in Iraq are stupid (CNN sound bite with spin). No luck.
My guess is that Kerry was speaking to young people and making a vague reference to the Viet Nam era and perhaps attempting to raise the spector of a draft. At least in such a context, the punch line would have made sense. Perhaps the comment would not have been funny, but at least it would have made sense. Those of us who faced the draft would understand – at one time college performance did have something to do with whether or not one ended up in the military. At one time, you left college and you would hear from the draft board.
I think the proper criticism of Kerry is that he was attempting to raise fear in young people that the draft will return. Unfortunately, targeting someone as engaging in fear mongering is not sufficient. Every politician does that. If spin options are available, it is desirable to label someone (despite the medals for valor he has been awarded) as unpatriotic.
I hate to leave you on this heavy note. Why not tell a joke!
“I thought you said your dog don’t bite” I said. “Ain’t my dog,” was the reply.
(Please do not ask for an explanation. I would rather be labeled as unable to tell a joke than spend any more time on this topic.)
