SamSaid!

TONTO

     A new term has been added to the lexicon of Presidential Politics  –  a “Kerryism”, or as a variable, “To pull a Kerry”. By definition, a Kerryism is the act of giving directly opposite answers to a simple direct question. A few examples should suffice.

Question:  Senator Kerry, do you support NAFTRA (you voted for it)?

     Kerry:  Yes and No

Question:  Are you opposed to same sex marriage?

     Kerry:  That's a tough one  –  I guess I'd say Yes and No

Question:  Do you support the Patriot Act (you voted for it)

      Kerry:  Well, Yes and No

Question:  Do you support the War in Iraq (you voted for it)?

     Kerry:  Yes and No

Question:  What about Vietnam? You fought in the military and also protested with Hanoi Jane. How do you feel about Vietnam? Do you believe our cause was just?

     Kerry:  Yes and No.

Question:  Do you support capital punishment for captured terrorists?

      Kerry:  Well, Yes and No

Question:  Should we increase taxes?

     Kerry:  Yes and No

Question:  Do you support the :No Child Left Behind education bill?

     Kerry:  For sure, Yes and No

     It is so nice to see Senator Kerry come down squarely on both sides of major issues.

     It is generally conceded that Mark Twain and Will Rogers are America's most renowned homespun philosophers. But not far behind is Tonto, the faithful, loyal – and insightful – sidekick of the Lone Ranger. It was Tonto who coined the memorable phrase, “White man speaks with fork-ed tongue”.

     He had John Kerry's number 60 years ago.