You don't punch people out in a bar-room brawl because you want to get even for something mean they said, and then come up with a rational explanation for it, Lefty. Some foks have mean, antisocial dispositions and believe that slamming down hard on any critics is a good policy because it will intimidate the critics; this is called reigning by intimidation.

Bush's machine has always favored coming down hard on those who get out of line or criticize himself or his policies. Their policies are often to do anything to snuff out criticism -- lie, stonewall, tapdance, duck and weave, slime the accusers, ruin the lives of a few folks here and there to shut them up. All part of the hardball approach so admired by criminals, violent types, the hard-brained and the ruthless.

Thus, W.


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