When is it a flip-flop or change of mind?

I have one question that I would like to have someone answer very clearly. Why is it that if a Democrat makes a statement and later finds clear evidence that it is not correct and changes his or her mind, and expresses that change, it is called a flip-flop, but if a Republican does the same thing, it is called a positive change of direction? That is clearly what we are hearing from this administration and the right-wing Republicans. All we heard from G. W. and his cronies for months, if not years, was “We are not going to give in to terrorists, we are going to stay the course,” and that is that. Now they are forced to admit that the direction they are taking us is untenable. They are not admitting to poor judgment, but saying proudly that it’s clear we are going to have to take a new look at the problem and adjust our plan. In other words, only Republicans are allowed to change their mind, if a Democrat does it’s a flip-flop. Just look back on the 2004 election and see how many times they used this tack against John Kerry – that, along with the lies of the Swift Boat rhetoric is what defeated him.

All you hear from the Republicans is “Maybe things are not going well in Iraq, but the Democrats have not come up with a solution either.” My question is why should the Democrats have to come up with a solution to a problem that they had no say in causing? Stand up, people, and fight this administration before it’s too late. They are turning this country into a third-world country, and it’s well on its way.

Marilyn Barker

Arlington

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