[Peace-discuss] Gill on Lebanese war

[C. G. Estabrook]

Mark's endorsement -- indeed, praise for -- political lying is obviously 
of a piece with his notion that it's "treachery" and a "a dirty trick" 
to repeat what politicians actually say.  Imagine what would happen if 
people were to do such a thing with Bush, McCain, the Clintons et al.!


Chas. 'Mark' Bee wrote:
> ...
>  That's a great question, especially following on Carl's transparent 
> treachery.  Politicians who care will make the statements that will get 
> them into office where they can make the changes needed.  The stronger 
> the feelings, the more careful the PR management.  In America, in order 
> to make your way to the floor, a majority of people have to believe you 
> feel as they do.  Two months out from an important national election is 
> not exactly the ideal time to make headlines just to make oneself feel 
> good - a fact which several in the local activist community continue to 
> conveniently ignore, year after year and election after election.
> 
>  In short, the way to enable these folks to make the strong statements 
> needed is to make it safe for them to do so.  Getting publicly 
> castigated for a simple and trivial choice of words right before an 
> election doesn't exactly say to them, "we've got your back."
> 
>  Let's take a moment to be honest about what we just witnessed.  Carl 
> didn't ask Dr. Gill for a just-between-us assessment - he specifically 
> asked him for a statement to be disseminated publicly before an 
> election.  Then he publicly alligatored Dr. Gill in the anticipated 
> forum for complying, complaining he hadn't taken enough risk - a filthy 
> dirty trick on Carl's part.  I doubt that's the kind of home base 
> support that will make it easier to make the tough stands for peace.
> 
>  I think Dr. Gill will be much better served by ignoring Carl's offers 
> as a go-between in the future, and communicating with AWARE directly - 
> that is, if he still thinks there's any real support to be had here at 
> all.  If there is, you should probably let him know pretty quick.