I hesitate a bit to criticize Tantillo because I see what he's getting at and I wholeheartedly agree with his sentiments: we mustn't be crying, hysterical little girls soiling our panties over possible terror threats that are more remote than a lightning strike.
But damnit, he had to phrase his argument in marketing-speak, i.e. talk bullshit: "Brand America." What the hell is that?! What the hell, are we selling our courage to somebody? Who cares?! Who needs it? Look, there's a big difference between advertising that you're not afraid, and actually not being afraid.
And anyway, for whom do we need to put on a brave face? Do we Americans really think al Qaeda has a giant telescope watching us from outer space, al la Dr. Evil, to see if we are quivering or looking over our shoulder?
What's the purpose of this op-ed? If he had simply written, "Stop being a bunch of whiny little pu**ies crying for the military, CIA, and NSA to protect you from every Nigerian teenager with dirty underpants," that would have been fine. That's 100% appropriate. But what the hell is this -- a pep talk, for goodness sake?!
Since when did Americans become a Damon Wayans spoof of the late Richard Pryor: "Scared for no reason"? I've been ashamed of my country for its actions abroad, but I'm starting to be ashamed for my country at home, for its shriveling testicular fortitude.
Seriously, folks, we can't expect "Our Troops," our professional soldiers, to fight all our quixotic battles for us thousands of miles away and at the same time protect us from every disgruntled African kid with sparky whitey-tighties. Sorry. Suck it up. Get ahold of yourselves.
We Can't Let Fear Define Brand America
By John Tantillo
January 8, 2009 | Fox News
URL: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2010/01/08/john-tantillo-america-terror-fear-christmas-day-attack/
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