Scapegoats and Patriots

Swift Boating is a relatively new term meaning the intentional and malevolent character assassination of someone who disagrees with you. It arose from the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth who were nothing of the sort. They launched a false and vicious attack against John Kerry during the presidential campaign in 2004 and coined a new term in the process. Of course swift boating was being engaged in prior to '04. This White House has made an art form out of attacking anyone who dares disagree with their policy or reveal wrongdoing.

I decided to make what I'm calling a Patriots List. In honor of the Fourth of July and the celebration of patriotism and the revolt against King George here is a partial list of those patriots who dared go public against the Bush Administration and paid the price. I'm sure this isn't full and complete so please add others in the comments section.

Joe Wilson

Valerie Plame

Paul O’Neil

Dixie Chicks

Helen Thomas

The New York Times

Cindy Sheehan

John Kerry

John Murtha

Retired Generals

Scott Ritter

Max Cleland

Ben Barnes

Richard Clarke