I post this because these subjects have been on my own mind of late.
Steven den Beste says Michael Moore may be a mailicious liar who opposes the U.S. government during a time of war, but he is not a traitor. Of course, he explains the distinction quite thoroughly.
Michael Totten extends this theme with his own article, reminding us what a fifth column movement really is - and is not. "We Are Not Doomed," he says, and tells Nelson Ascher of Europundits to buck up.
So, what does a real fifth column movement look like? Well, something like this, perhaps. Or like Prof. Sami al-Arian. The AMC also treads close to that line, if not over it. As does International A.N.S.W.E.R.
Clearer now?
UPDATE: Good post & discussion over at Andrew Olmsted's place.
Where does the Hope part come into this?
Read Totten's article
Well duh, stupid me. Sorry to bother you...
No, it was a legitimate question.
Seems to me Moore has been giving 'aid and comfort'.
And given Kerry's activity the during 'nam, the word 'traitor' could easily apply to HIM as well.
Bithead,
Did you read den Beste's post? I'm inclined to agree with him that "aid and comfort" traditionally means a lot more than casual cheerleading. It connotes providing cash, safehouses, etc. Similarly, while Kerry's activities in the '70s were of questionable patriotism, I haven't seen anything that rises anywhere near the Constitutionally-defined criteria for treason.
Overblown rhetoric cheapens the terms used. American citizens who joined the Taliban (for instance) and took up arms against our country are properly termed "traitors." Michael Moore is a contemptible human being with no respect for the truth, but I'd like to see large cash donations from him to al Qaeda before his actions are labeled treason.
I do understand what you mean, but I tend to disagree.
From my own blog today:
""The North Vietnamese general in charge of the military campaign that finally drove the U.S. out of South Vietnam in 1975 credited a group led by Democratic presidential front-runner John Kerry with helping him achieve victory.
In his 1985 memoir about the war, Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap wrote that if it weren't for organizations like Kerry's Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Hanoi would have surrendered to the U.S. - according to Fox News Channel war historian Oliver North.
That's why, he predicted on Tuesday, the Vietnam War issue 'is going to blow up in Kerry's face.'"
Hannity has this guy on the other day, and what he said backs this story News Max is running.
Kerry has much to answer for... and not just American lives were lost. How many died when the Communists took their revenge?"
I have a little problem applyig the word "overbown' to this...
Seems to me this guy is saying Kerry aided and gave comfort to the enemy... and he of anyone would be able to define that, since he was, in fact, the enemy.
Eh?
About the definition of "aid and comfort," I'd be interested in knowing what you folks think about the "human sheilds" during the Iraq war. That seems to me to fit the term. These people not only gave SH a propaganda bonanza, they actually gave physical aid to the enemy (or planned to, most of them chickened out before actual bombs dropped) by attempting to make American operations more difficult.
Fred... You speak for me on that point, as well.