I essentially gave up on MoveOn in 2004. At the time they were promoting a boycott of the Walt Disney Company when Disney decided not to release a Michael Moore movie.
I suggested at the time that the real enemy of the moment was to defeat George Bush in the upcoming election, and to organize such a boycott was counterproductive, even if MoveOn was correct in their allegations, and they were not. They remained adamant regarding their actions, and to me, they missed the point, as they so often do.
In my opinion, they have done a great disservice to the anti-war agenda by running an add that led off with what I consider to be an ill considered play on a Generals name with the line: "General Petraeus or General Betray Us?
While I do not love their second line of text which is: "Cooking the books for the White House," it is the type of line that one can use if they wish, and have it appear to be a needless pejorative.
Although I have taken issue with our President on so many issues, I do try and retain a level of civility, and not allow my childish behavior to take over when I have an overwhelming desire to be "verbally" cute and abusive.
Notwithstanding that I have been reasonably well educated, I revert to the classic films of my generation for inspiration, and quote as a rule from "Animal House," "Young Frankenstein," and in this case Blazing Saddles."
"Mongo: Don't know. Mongo only pawn in game of life."
Generals are as a rule like Mongo, and are only pawns in the game of life.
Disagree with the Generals, of course. Try and have them replaced if need be, this is OK as well, but for goodness sake NEVER, EVER, RIDICULE THEM.
If the "left" on our country wishes to assist the "right" just vilify a General in particular, or our soldiers.
Moveon should be respectful of their political enemies and so should President Bush.
Moveon can be as critical of whomever as they wish, but they should never say insulting things like "General Betray Us.
Norman Horowitz