search
February 5

Another View: Columnist twists Obama's imagery beyond recognition

Since when is a president's praise of military teamwork an omen of a military dictatorship?

By JENNY DOUGHTY

I have often wondered on what planet George Will lives, because it clearly is not the same as mine ("Like other progressives, Obama uses the millitary metaphor," Jan. 31). In Will's universe, a military metaphor for working together as a team becomes, in Obama's mouth, a foreboding of dictatorship to come rather than a fairly routine image of teamwork.

Will has perhaps been reading "Presidential Speechwriting," edited by Kurt Ritter and Martin Medhurst, as the section about FDR in his article restates the argument made there, enables him to expand on the generally sinister nature of military metaphors, and the political slant no doubt appeals to him.

Is he really so unaware that virtually all presidents use military metaphors at some point, including Presidents Reagan, G.H.W. Bush and G.W. Bush? Or is it only Democratic presidents for whom such metaphors are unacceptable?

Jenny Doughty is a resident of Gorham.

 

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send Question/Comment to the Publisher




Further Discussion

Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • Type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • Exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)


Most...