PrintApril 9, 2010
Coburn bashes Fox, praises Pelosi
Perhaps it's the political zeitgeist these days, but statements made by Tom Coburn (R-OK) at a recent townhall are puzzling. Coburn, speaking before constituents, one of whom expressed concern over jail should she reject ObamaCare, turned into a mouthpiece of fawning progressivism.
Coburn is conservative. According to his web-site:
Dr. Coburn's priorities in the Senate include reducing wasteful spending, protecting your liberty, balancing the budget, improving health care access and affordability, protecting the sanctity of all human life - including the unborn - and representing traditional Oklahoma values.
Seems clear. Not so clear, however, are his defense of Pelosi and his stab at Fox News. Said Coburn of the speaker:
"She's a nice lady." (Boos and hisses) "Come on, she's nice. How many of you have met her? She's a nice person. Just because somebody disagrees with you doesn't mean they're not a good person. What we have to do is make sure we have a debate in this country, so that you can see what's going on and make a determination for yourself."
He went on to bash Fox, saying, "Don't catch yourself being biased by Fox News that somebody is no good, the people in Washington are good, they just don't know what they don't know."
According to the Senator, constituents should balance Fox with CNN, because it's unhealthy to get the news from one source. He, himself, reads two newspapers, the New York Times and the Washington Post, because listening to both sides puts things in context, and knowing different views "makes you a better person."
A better person? If the Times improves character, may I suggest porn to enhance Bible study. Coburn sounds like a camp counselor who's spent too much time at a yoga retreat. To know thy enemy is good, but recognize one thing: they are the enemy.
To his credit, Coburn did come around. Quoting Ronald Reagan -- "Freedom is a precious thing, it is never a guarantee, it is not ours by inheritance alone, it must be fought for and defended by each generation" -- he gained traction.
But then something moved him to say: "He (Reagan) wasn't talking to our military, he was talking to you. And what we're seeing happen in America is not a reaction to President Obama, it's a culmination that would've happened anyway, because we can't afford the government we have today."
No, we can't. Nor can we (Americans) conclude that millions of patriots rejecting tyranny would've happened no matter the occupant of the White House. Coburn sounds like a "Kumbaya" minstrel in a Soho sub-station. Unfortunately, he put the cherry on top, adding: "I am disturbed when I hear things that are disconnected from facts. This comes from somebody (Fox) that has an agenda that is not in the best interest of our country."
Get that? According to the Senator, we should obtain "facts" from the New York Times, and what's happening in America isn't a reaction to Obama.
But with all due respect, the Times is the one with the agenda, Dr. Coburn. You might want to re-read the Reagan quote, then ask whether you think the Times "defends Freedom." You may also want to re-visit the suggestion that Fox doesn't act in the best interests of the country.
As for the "goodness" of Madame Speaker -- is it good to lie to pass laws? Nancy Pelosi is an abortionist, Dr. Coburn, and it's my understanding that you are pro-life.
Greg Halvorson is the founder of Soldiers Without Boots, and hosts The Soldier One Radio Hour on Blog Talk Radio.
