"We weren't evil, just scared and wrong" - Phillip Zelikow on how to become a Sith Lord

[derby378]

The above quote was the essence of Zelikow's testimony on Capitol Hill regarding torture.

All together now: "Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." This is what Yoda told a young Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars cycle. Even though Yoda in reality is a glorified Muppet with Frank Oz's voice and some computerized enhancements, the sentiments expressed by that character still apply in the real world.

Yoda was trying to keep a prospective Jedi from turning into a Sith. Our government, however, was compromised and overrun by Sith Lords when George W. Bush was sworn in. And just look at the shape our nation is in now.

Zelikow can explain the how-to of becoming a Sith, but he cannot justify the process, ever.

[Warpy]

1. Fear makes you stupid

and anything you do out of fear will be a stupid thing to do.

Republicans are afraid of everything and everyone. Paranoia is a party norm.

You know what to do.

[Orsino]

5. Ignorance allowed the fear to grow.

Ignorance, promoted by cynical politicians and media owners who need us stupid.

Our ignorance is their power.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. "Fear is the mind-killer."

They should have read Dune.

[Echo In Light]

3. Same euphemistic, bullshit jive as BushCo's supposed "incompetency."

[Kip Humphrey]

4. That's some defense for a capital crime!

[derby378]

6. Isn't it just?

"I didn't mean to stab him 23 times with a butcher knife - I was just a little panicky!"

[Octafish]

7. Zelikow is a professional liar.

The guy would be Winston Smith's boss.