Reaction was fast and furious to last Sunday's column in which I praised The New York Times for publishing information about the Bush administration's secret monitoring of a vast database of international financial transactions.
In the column, I was critical of the president and his supporters for "declaring war" on The Times and the media in general, and I stated that this was one war that Bush should not be allowed to win.
Without further discussion, the following are a few of the printable comments I received.
"Surely you are not that stupid. That is the most incredibly idiotic article I have ever read. After I got over my amazement I was able to laugh at you so I guess I should say thanks."
"Congratulations. For showing everyone you're a kook."
"Why is it right to hold politicians accountable for their actions but wrong to hold the press accountable for its action? You liberal media types feel free to dish out criticism but you don't seem to take it very well. The press is not above criticism but rather richly deserving of it, especially when it acts as an intelligence service for those who wish America harm."
"Very reassuring to know that t---- like you will never run ANYTHING but your mouth. I love America because if your column were put to a vote you would lose."
"Still writing the same old pro-Communist, anti-American drivel, huh, Bobbie-Bubba? Did you ask your soul-b---- Molly Ivins for her input? You are pathetic."
"Why in the hell don't you go work for the NY Times? You liberal lunitics [sic] rejoice when one of our brave troops get kill. Better yet why don't you go to Iran since you are on their side. ... Why do you SOBs think you are above the law?"
"Your article ... borders on an act of treason. You should face this charge in court, but you know this won't happen. You and your like are enemies of our country which is quite clear to any patriot of America. You are an enemy of our country and an enemy of the cross. You will escape trial on the first charge but not on the last."
"You fail to provide any objectivity or even present 'both' sides of the issue. That is why your profession is one of the least respected. You and the New York 'Slime' belong together. ... I hope you sleep well."
"Incredibly, you wrote: 'In the end, however, it is up to the media outlet to decide what is in the best interest of the public.' Arrogance and ignorance are a dangerous combination. You exemplify both."
"I just finished reading your Sunday column ... and I couldn't agree with you more. I'm in my early 20s and newly am entering the news business, and I'm flabbergasted at how easily government officials can still kick around the press -- and for the public to sit by and let the attacks slide in the name of 'fighting terror.' "
"Please take your opinions, and SHOVE THEM UP YOUR LEFTIST A--! YOU PIECE OF S---!!"
"There must be something in the water around Fort Worth, Texas. What else could explain two of the dumbest so called 'political columnists' in the entire world existing in the same little town? Like your ... associate, Molly Ivins, you have s--- for brains, Bubba Bob."
"You think the NYT has a right to publish state secrets when it feels like it, but we could hear you howling all the way out here [San Diego] if it published a story claiming Bobbie Ray and his pals were smoking a little peace weed now and then. You'd be demanding that George W. Bush protect your civil liberties."
"You are blinded and paralyzed by your hate for George Bush. Your talents are thus being wasted."
"Very nicely done. Naive as it is, I continue to be surprised at the shoot-the-messenger response to the story."
"You say there is nothing wrong with Americans civilly debating the role of the press ... and yet, your piece continues the one-sided inflammatory rhetoric of hatred, venom, vindictiveness, personal attacks and half truths, both subtle and literal."
"Well, there you go again ..."
"Do you ever come to northeast Texas? I would love to straighten you out on a few points."
"I have a few suggestions for you: 1. Go into some other line of work -- like shoveling horse s--- at the local stables -- you appear to be pretty good at that; 2. Go over to Iran and tell them that you are ready to enlist in a martyrdom activity (suicide-bombing); 3. Apologize to your readers for your stupidity and treason (aiding and abetting the enemy in a time of war)."
"Having lived in Ft. Worth, I believe that either Ft. Worth residents have changed a tremendous amount, or you're quite an odd bird where you live. ... I strongly suspect you believe no liberal should ever be accountable for anything, but all conservatives should be held accountable for breathing."
For more of these kind of scintillating comments about last Sunday's column, check out my blog, A Liberal Dose, by going to the home page of star-telegram.com.
Bob Ray Sanders' column appears Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 817-390-7775 bobray@star-telegram.com
