adric mutelovic (207 posts)
Greenwald Derangement Syndrome
Last edited Sun Jun 30, 2013, 03:07 PM USA/ET - Edit history (2)
This is a response to a recent article written by Obama defender Johnathan Chait, entitled, "Greenwald is Ralph Nader."
From the blog The Heart of The Matter, written by Barry Eisler:
I just read an article by Jonathan Chait in New York Magazine that was so silly and self-indulgent I wasn't going to comment on it. What's the point of comparing Greenwald to Ralph Nader (or to anyone else, really)? What's the point of discussing Greenwald at all, compared to the importance of his reporting? Can you really try to castigate Greenwald for arguing that in various ways Obama is worse than Bush, when so many Constitutional law experts are arguing that indeed, Obama is worse than Nixon? Is Chait ignorant of the mountain of evidence behind this argument, or of the other people making it? Why does he refer to but fail to address the actual evidence in the supporting piece he links to, instead treating the argument itself as ipso facto evidence of sanctimony?
snip
And most glaring of all, did Chait really complain that "For Greenwald... the evils of liberals loom far larger than the evils of conservatives," when he's talking about a guy who's written no fewer than three books (and God knows how many blog posts) on the failings of conservatives -- with titles like How Would a Patriot Act? Defending American Values from a President Run Amok; and A Tragic Legacy: How a Good vs. Evil Mentality Destroyed the Bush Presidency; and Great American Hypocrites: Toppling the Big Myths of Republican Politics?
Read more here, including how Johnathan Chait's feelings are hurt in part because Greenwald once called him a "McCain worshipper": http://barryeisler.blogspot.com/2013/06/greenwald-derangement-syndrome.html
At DU, there is Bush, Palin, Nader, and now Greenwald Derangement Syndrome.
DirkGently (7,234 posts)
1. The frantic contortions to "destroy" truth tellers like GG speak of the fear he engenders.
Last edited Sun Jun 30, 2013, 03:20 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1)
Greenwald is a *threat.* Can't be bought. Can't be scared.
That's not to say he's right all the time -- no one is. And yes, his critique is judgmental and motivated. He develops an "agenda."
But that's not where all this is coming from. Insinuations he's a criminal. A pornographer. A traitor.
These are the weapons of the status quo. This is the rage of entrenched power at an actor failing to recognize its preeminence.
Greenwald is "cheating" in their minds. He hasn't paid his dues. Bought his legitimacy by participating in the accepted channels through which power is wielded. He might, at any moment, undermine a carefully developed, highly expensive power structure.
They can't even see how silly they look in their bloodlust to exterminate the Other, the unincorporated, the "disloyal."
Take note of who's carrying torches against this guy. They have chosen power over truth, and they will do it every time.
villager (19,266 posts)
3. The regular "Two Minutes Hate" here on DU is becoming quite startling.
And saddening.
sibelian (3,753 posts)
15. Their tune is changing.
Many of them now have "concerns" regarding the NSA surveillance programme. Concerns that require a "debate". A "healthy, robust debate".
OregonBlue (4,044 posts)
4. I've always thought Greenwald was a self-promoting egomaniac. He's a Libertarian and a creep. Always
has been. This whole NSA story has not changed how I feel about him. I just never liked or trusted him to begin with.
Glenn Greenwald exposed the NSA through Edward Snowden. Attack the messenger.
DirkGently (7,234 posts)
7. Do you have a substantive criticism, or just name-calling and "feeling?"
otohara (21,702 posts)
20. I'm With You
Don't like him, don't trust him, never did.
He's extremely rude - like Rand Paul.
JaneyVee (4,432 posts)
10. What about Greenwald's anti-immigration writings or his defense of Matthew Hale?
BumRushDaShow (12,101 posts)
13. Remember that only Obama-bashing as purported "critique"
is permitted on DU.
Nevernose (8,909 posts)
33. He's just like Ralph Nader
And at the rate Obama-haters are smearing Obama, he'll never be able to win reelection in 2016.
I haven't been heavily involved n these arguments, but I'm still having trouble understanding how the best answer to "I don't like being spied on" is best answered by "But the reporter used to be a pornographer!"
Comparing Glenn Greenwald to Ralph Nader.
Barack Obama is not running in 2016 as he is not legally allowed to run for more than two terms.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023135220
