File This Under IOKIYAR

A recent DCCC internet add showing flag draped coffins, led to a GOP fusillade of self-righteous, bullshit indignation. In a classic case of IOKIYAR (It's Ok if you are a Republican), it is apparently OK for Shrub and his minions to whore the corpses of 9/11 victims for their political ends but when the other side reminds the American public of the growing cost of the war; well that's just shrill.

The American Prospect's The Horses Mouth Column reprinted this little exchange between House Majority Leader John Boehner (R, OH-8) and reporters. It originally appeared in The Cincinnati Enquirer (7/17/06).

"To use those images to rally Democrats and to raise money is, I think, appalling," said Boehner.

But the outrage from Republicans comes after Democrats complained in 2004 about a campaign ad from President Bush that showed firefighters carrying a flag-draped coffin from the ruins of the World Trade Center.

Questioned by reporters on what the difference was, Boehner seemed tongue-tied. "These were American citizens killed by terrorists. That is a very different policy issue than American soldiers dying on the battlefield protecting the rights and freedoms of American people."

"How so?" a reporter asked.

"How so? You want me to describe the difference between men and women of the military out there defending the American people, and victims - victims - of terrorist activities?" Boehner asked.

"They were both killed by opponents, right? Terrorists or Islamic insurgents?" a reporter pressed.

An exasperated Boehner said: "The World Trade Center victims were victims of a terrorist act here on our shore and I think all Americans were appalled that this did in fact happen. But I think the differences, in terms of the images, are as clear as night and day."

Really John?