Fraters Libertas

Roosevelt Lied, Private Ryan Died!

Lileks lights up the Star Tribune for a lengthy editorial that appeared yesterday on the "lies" that lead us into war. I could not bring myself to read the editorial when I opened the paper yesterday, knowing full well the sort of specious drivel that saturated it. I wanted to enjoy my breakfast and although you might think it difficult to spoil two pieces of toast and a glass of OJ, the Strib editorial writers have proven adept and doing just that in the past.

The sad truth of the matter is that you could pick a Star Tribune editorial on a daily basis and take it apart. In fact between Power Line, Mitch Berg, Lileks, and us not a week goes by when at least one (usually more) of their pieces doesn't get put through the wood chipper.

Today there is an editorial that actually supports the Ninth Circuit Court's recall decision, an opinion shared by very few nationwide regardless of political affiliation. Even the Strib's ideological brethren, the LA Times, came out out against it. But for the Strib editorialistas the court's decision is the proper one because it's "fair":

From the outset, the California recall has been an appalling spectacle -- a mean-spirited abuse of process, masked as citizen initiative. This alone is reason to wish it be done with, and quickly. But even an election as farcical as this one must be fair.

Note the condescending tone. The recall is a "spectacle" and "farcical". Apparently a million Californians signing petitions is a "mean spirited abuse of process". Exactly how delaying the election would makes things more "fair" is never really explained in the editorial nor are the difficulties that will arise if the decision is not reversed, but why the let the facts get in the way of writing an editorial that makes you feel good about yourself? It hasn't stopped the Strib in the past and I'm afraid it won't in the future.

I foresee a lot more spoiled breakfasts ahead of me.