Staying on Subject

Have you noticed how adept the Bush Administration is at changing the subject? Worse, have you noticed how slavishly the media lets them get away with it?

I'm not just talking about Fox news or even the networks. This time around, Air America fell into the trap.

Remember Dubai? Hard to believe that just last February, Americans were up in arms about turning management of American ports over to an Arab nation whose citizens (and banks) were involved in the tregedies of 9/11. Yet two days ago, when President Bush approved the takeover by a Dubai-owned company of American plants that make parts for jets and tanks, we heard nary a whimper. Why?

Here's my guess: the Administration's propaganda machine changed the subject. One day the subject was takeover of American security interests by Dubai. The next day the subject was port security in general. The next day it moved to border security...are you with me?

From border security, the subject magically switched to illegal immigration, where it has remained. A few incendiary statements, like a couple of right-wing congressmen suggesting that illegals be arrested, and the bait was taken. Immigrants hit the streets in protest. Pundits debated. Talk shows devoted hours toward advancing one viewpoint or another. Meanwhile, the administration pounded another nail into the coffin of our nation's security.

When will they learn?