I just heard about this through last Sunday’s ‘Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!‘ show (which I just found out is available as a podcast, since I never manage to remember to turn on the actual radio), and I think this might be the best Iraq War analogy I’ve heard yet:
One Minute Speech by Rep. David Wu, D-Oregon, 1st District, Portland:
Mr. Speaker,
Four years ago, this administration took America to war in Iraq without adequate evidence. Since that time, this administration hasn’t listened to the American people, it hasn’t listened to our professional military, and it certainly hasn’t listened to this congress.
You know, it’s said of a prominent businessman in downtown Portland that he never listened to anybody, and that if he was ever drawn in a cartoon, he would be drawn without ears. Now, this President has listened to some people: the so-called ‘Vulcans’ in the White House, the ideologues. But you know, unlike the Vulcans of Star Trek, who made their decisions based on logic and fact, these guys make it on ideology. These aren’t Vulcans! There are Klingons in the White House!
But unlike the real Klingons of Star Trek, these Klingons have never fought a battle of their own. Don’t let faux Klingons send real Americans to war. It’s wrong.
So. Very. Awesome. I love this.
Apparently, there’s a book out called Rise of the Vulcans focusing on Bush’s core advisors, who have dubbed themselves “Vulcans” after the Roman god of War. Wu just took the Vulcan thing and ran with it. In entirely the wrong direction.
Actually, he took it in just the right direction. If he had stated that they were wannabe gods of war, there would not have been much attention paid to the comment. But by plugging into the public awareness of Star Trek, and the unique place it has in our culture, he got more media attention for free than anyone could have paid money for. More than a week after the comment, there is still chatter about it. Think about that. Most remarks makde by congress critters (unless they are announcing a run for President in ’08), don’t make it onto the newspaper and radio. He was able to make a point, and get printspace and airtime coverage. I’d say it was a good move, and if anyone critiques him, they’ll have to explain Greek Mythology and that wont get airtime — and god help ’em if they try to shift their name to Aries and someone does a Xena reference!