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Issue 9.44: Cunning Lingle
What Governor Linda Lingle said at an Apr. 18 tribute to U.S. troops from Hawai’i who’ve died in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait:
April 27, 2006
"They were part of our 'ohana and I want to let you know how deeply we appreciate what they did for us as Americans so our way of life could continue."
What she didn't say:
Actually, I've got to commend the good governor for her candor on this one. Where most Republican officials spout nonsense about how our soldiers, sailors and airmen have died "defending" our country, Lingle cut through the spin and said it in plain old-fashioned imperial terms: we're fighting and our troops are dying to protect our way of life. You people like to drive sport utility vehicles? You people enjoy the highest standard of living in the world? You people are cool with the nation's wealthiest individuals getting richer at a nearly hourly basis? Well, these things sometimes require us to get out there and fight, and it's refreshing to see someone like Lingle embrace that logic to its fullest.