...who is defending Saddam Hussein?

That article you quoted up at the root is somebody's opinion that dissenters are defending Saddam. It's not a defense of Saddam. I've been struck (in the face!) by the current obligatory preface to any questioning of government policy: "Of course I think Saddam Hussein is scum, but...[is war now wise?] [what about the economy?] [what about approval from the UN, whom we suddenly respect after decades of rightist bad-mouthing?] [and on and on...]". People are bending over backward to try and be clear that they're not defending Saddam Hussein.

It seems to not be getting through to you rightists.

I honestly think that when you encounter people questioning Bush's policies and determination to go to war with Iraq, what you hear is a defense of Saddam Hussein. Read this carefully: They are not the same thing.

If this is a conscious rhetorical tactic, I have to tell you, it ain't working. Falling back on intimidation only strengthens the suspicion that Bush really has no better motive for war on Iraq than a personal grudge. People respond to strongarm tactics by pushing back. The more you tell me that it's anti-American to question Bush's war policy, the louder I'll question it.

--Robert