For the War; Now Against It -- What's the Problem?

KATHLEEN REARDON

It's time for the American people to tell members of the press that we're simply not as simple-minded as they think. If a politician changes his or her mind on the basis of better information, they're immediately accused of inconsistency. And equally damaging is the tendency for politicians to run from the accusation.

What's wrong with being for a war you were lied to about and against it once you know the truth? What's wrong, for that matter, with being for anything and then later, on the basis of more extensive or accurate knowledge, deciding to change your mind? It's a sign of intelligence - of learning. And yet, like dogs with bones, the press keeps pressing senators and congressional representatives to admit to having made a mistake or being wrong about the war in Iraq if they want to find a way out of it. "Were you wrong, Senator?" "Do you regret your vote, Congressman?" "So are you changing your mind?" But, really, isn't this different than what you said before Senator?"

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