Reply #60: I think you are missing the point to some degree.......

[FrenchieCat]

First Joe Conason, whatever some might say has consistently been a good journalist, not lazy far as I know. Sure some will throw stones at him cause he's writing something that is not ultra flattering to John Edwards, but Conason is pretty much recognized as a mainstream progressive journalist who's rather fair; not an extremist.

Sure, John Edwards recommends that folks take a moment of silence to honor the fallen prior to in essence protesting the war (when he encourages signs, people to gather to march, to get vocal, pass petitions and get permits, that what a protests requires)....but the problem is one of perception in that the entire day is meant to honor the fallen, not just a "moment" prior to beginning a protest. Further, John Edwards recommending that folks be "respectful" is no solace, as he has no real control as to how folks will act......and yet, in encouraging the activities to begin with, he could and will be held responsible for the behavior of his supporters, regardless of the directive he recommended.

The point that Joe Conason makes has little to do with whether what John Edwards is doing is "right" as much as whether it is politically wise...considering how many days there are in a year to have chosen from, the fact that this holiday pertains to a specific group, and that group is the one that will decide whether they are being offended.....not those who want to protest so much.