The American Spectator

Reader Mail

Intended Consequences

1.3.05 @ 12:01AM

SEND IN BEN
Re: Ben Stein's Gratitude:

My thanks goes to Ben Stein for his insights and appreciation of the efforts of the US Military. We are not so different from the people he writes of in his essay except for the fact that we chose to serve for a period in our lives and be ready to answer the call when the time came. As a Marine for over 20 years, I can say my choice was actually been a very simple one, a very simple commitment with consequences that last a life time. To lead one must also serve. So thanks Ben Stein to you. And thanks for the book Tommy and Me. The book helped me a great deal.
-- Jerry Driscoll
LtCol USMC

TOADIES
Re: R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr.'s Painkiller Killers:

I recollect that frog licking was a fad of the college set back in the '80s. Might we get that cranked up again amongst the Columbia School of Journalism student body? It might just calm them down enough to consider other careers.

Now where is my tree frog net and passport?
-- John McGinnis

AMONG THE PSEUDOCONS
Re: Jed Babbin's Happy Pseudocon New Year:

The Law of Unintend Consequences:

Look, I'm a pretty smart guy, pretty well-read, been around a bit, fought the Shia in Lebanon and the Liberals in Cambridge. I have some original, useful, and possibly significant ideas. I'm dedicated to the conservative cause and to American security, justice and prosperity.

All I want is to insinuate my thinking into the public discourse and pray it contributes.

But then, every week, I read that damned Jed Babbin and am completely depressed, discouraged and demotivated. The challenge of writing it all out that well is simply too daunting. No can do. Why bother trying ?

It's like watching Tiger Woods play golf and deciding to run out, buy a set of clubs and get a job just like his.

So here's the unintended consequence: plainly, the cause would be better served by having more, rather than fewer voices of Babbinesque power and style, but the guy's explosive yield per gram of fissionable material is probably causing lots of people like me to resign ourselves to a life of watching FNC, refilling our tumblers and writing despondent letters to the editor.

Oh, crap ! I guess the only bright note is we vote right. And 2005 is another year, and you never know what doors might open up.
-- Paul Kotik
Playstation, Florida

Jed Babbin gets it and passes it along to us. Must be his Marine Corps roots. Great slap at the "pseudocons" (great coinage too) and heartfelt tribute to the American warrior. Semper Fi, Mr. Babbin.
-- unsigned

All I can say about Jed's piece is... Hallelujah, amen brother, and happy New Year.
-- Pete Chagnon

Letter to the Editor

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