NYT Shows Bias or Maybe Just Plain Cluenessness

I'm not sure if this is liberal bias. Anti public servant bias? Maybe it reflects a bias of cynicism. Maybe a hint of anti-Americanism thrown in for good measure. You be the judge.

In an otherwise well balanced article by ADAM LIPTAK and ADAM NAGOURNEY reporting on yesterday's confirmation hearings for nominated SCOTUS Assoc. Justice Alito, the authors closed with this beauty

"Asked by Senator Kyl why he wanted to serve on the Supreme Court, Judge Alito gave an answer that contrasted with Judge Bork's famous response in 1987. Judge Bork, whose nomination was defeated, said the court's work would be "an intellectual feast."

Judge Alito gave a blander, almost bureaucratic answer.

"I think it's an opportunity for me to serve the country," he said, "using whatever talent I have."

As someone who spent half his life in using whatever talent I had in service to the country, first as active duty Navy, now as a civilian, I take offense that someone's motivation to serve would be characterized as "bland" or "almost bureaucratic." I would guess there are a lot of men and women in uniform or federal service who would feel the same way.

Bland? There are those of us who see public service as a high calling. Bureaucratic?Every day I deal with public servants who care deeply about doing the right thing, protecting the rights of the powerless, and being good stewards of the resources entrusted us. (As an aside, there is no higher form of public service that military service).

Bland and bureaucratic. How about humble, but inspiring? How about straightforward and refreshing?

Bland and bureaucratic. What arrogant, selfish bastards you must be to think like that. How dare you denigrate the motives of one who professes a desire to serve a cause higher than his own personal interests. I pity you. I pity you becuase you will never know the reward or satisfaction that comes from truly serving the public. Bland and bureaucratic indeed.


Head back over to Mudville