A Profound Irony

I had decided not to publish any thing new today and leave the anniversary post  at the top of the page for the rest of the day to attract comments from readers. But my co-blogger Dean just brought to my attention a recent White House press release that changed my mind in about half a second. The irony of it is delicious and as Dean said, "the hypocrisy is palpable." But when has that kept our "family values" politicians, especially the Bush bunch, from ridiculous posturing?  I chose "humor" as one of this post's categories. Be assured I mean to convey only sarcasm and black humor - sort of a cruel joke.

In a week in which we have seen the wrongful, immoral war in Iraq extract one of the highest death tolls among both Iraqis and US soldiers, the continuing silly and sordid unfolding of the Mark Foley affair and a melt down of GOP politicians implicated in corruption, our pious president has cheerfully declared the week of October 15 - 21, 2006 the National Character Counts Week!  Character counts for just one week?  I suppose for the rest of the time it is sleazy business as usual.

National Character Counts Week, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

"America's strength is found in the spirit and character of our people. During National Character Counts Week, we renew our commitment to instilling values in our young people and to encouraging all Americans to remember the importance of good character.

As the primary teachers and examples of character, parents help create a more compassionate and decent society. And as individuals, we all have an obligation to help our children become responsible citizens and realize their full potential. By demonstrating values such as integrity, courage, honesty, and patriotism, all Americans can help our children develop strength and character.

Countless individuals throughout our country demonstrate character by volunteering their time and energy to help neighbors in need. The men and women of our Armed Forces set an example of character by bravely putting the security of our Nation before their own lives. We also see character in the family members, teachers, coaches, and other dedicated individuals whose hearts are invested in the future of our children.

Our changing world requires virtues that sustain our democracy, make self-government possible, and help build a more hopeful future. National Character Counts Week is an opportunity to recognize the depth of America's character and appreciate those who pass on our values to future generations.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 15 through October 21, 2006, as National Character Counts Week. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, parents, students, and all Americans to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Update: Dana Milbanks of the Washington Post has more on the character of the Bush GOP.   (Thanks, Gawker)

Comments

[gawker]

Ah but you don't know the half of it. Bush is going to celebrate National Character Counts week as well as National Domestic Violence Awareness month by stumping for a Pennsylvania Congressman who, get this, beat up and tried to strangle his mistress who is 30 years younger.

That is so beyond irony that there we need a new word in the dictionary that would adequately describe it.

[m]

"we need a new word in the dictionary that would adequately describe it."

Something highly ironic could be called:

highrony, or highronic.

If something is ironic due to hypocrisy, a feat Bush excels at, it could be referred to as an act of "ironocrisy".

If it is ironic due to an act of stupidity, it could be called "moronic". Wait. That's already a word, never mind.

[Ruchira Paul]

How about "hyronic" or "hyporonic?" Perhaps we need two words to describe the current state of the Bush GOP - "beneath contempt."

The Washington Post article says it all. I am moving it to the front.

[Sujatha]

I used to work at a company where the daily environment was dazzlingly Dilbertian. So in honor of a comic who has nailed the irony of this irono-moronocracy, I would think 'Tomorrowian' would be an apt description of the world we live in.