Norman Podhoretz, one of the most articulate representatives of the “neoconservative” school of political thought, had an excellent article in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal. In it he likens the “panic” among the Left regarding our efforts in Iraq to the “sunshine patriots” of the Revolutionary War. The term refers to those who began to question and undermine the wisdom of the venture after it became apparent that it might actually be a long and arduous struggle.
The article offers a refreshing and much-needed counterweight to the dismal, defeatist drumbeat one hears from mainstream media sources (and from youthful film and pop stars and similar political theorists). Podhoretz makes reference to the tireless work of Australian blogger Arthur Chrenkoff, who spent a great deal of time and effort making sure that the good news from Iraq (and there is an awful lot of it that you have probably never heard) was brought to the word’s attention as well. You can see what he found – and it will take you a long time to read it all – at his website.
I urge you to read Podhoretz’s article. You can find it here.
I also recommend his exceptional essay from August 2004, World War IV: How It Started, What It Means, and Why We Have to Win.
Sorry to go all political in these last two posts, but it’s going to happen from time to time. Living in New York (see my previous post), and working in the music business, I have been hammered for years now for expressing the opinion that overthrowing the foul and murderous despot Saddam was justified both morally and politically. I believe it no less now, though, than I did in 2003.