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Craziest Op-Ed Ever?

Share / Recommend - Comment - Print - Wednesday, Jul 30 2008, 7:45PM

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I just read what I think is the single worst op-ed I have ever read in my life -- not at all because I disagree with the substance (which I do) but because it is convoluted beyond anything I've seen in policy commentary before. I can't believe the Washington Times, which actually does run very good pieces on occasion, ran the piece.

The piece is by actor Jon Voight -- who I sort of admired from a far for the last 30 years. I used to see him nearly every morning eating at the Good Earth restaurant in Westwood/Los Angels with two of his movie production and writing pals, and I guess I thought beneath the capable acting there was a smart, lucid guy.

He is estranged from his daughter Angelina Jolie -- and I guess we see a little bit of why. He must think she's a raving socialist given the tenor of the article.

I'd be interested in folks' thoughts on the other really, really bad opeds that have been published. The zingers.

My respect for New York Times oped editor David Shipley -- who did a 'revise and resubmit' on a piece by John McCain -- just went even higher.

-- Steve Clemons

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Reader Comments (9) - post a comment

Posted by jackie shaw, Jul 30 2008, 8:05PM - Link

It doesn't make sense. There is nothing "award winning" about this screed.

Posted by WigWag, Jul 30 2008, 8:49PM - Link

What I can't figure out is why is Steve reading the Washington Times?

Posted by Bill Scheinman, Jul 30 2008, 8:50PM - Link

One of the things that turns children into adults is the capacity of not necessarily believing everything their teachers tell them, but to test their ideas in the marketplace of life. Mr. Voight, I'm afraid, is a very angry man.

Posted by Ben Rosengart, Jul 30 2008, 9:08PM - Link

OK, I'll bite. Here is my nominee for worst op-ed ever. It's
cogent, concise, and supports its arguments with facts. So it may
have power to shift opinions -- which, given how completely
misguided it is, makes it much more dangerous and alarming
than Mr. Voight's foolish screed.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/opinion/08baker.html

Posted by bdbd, Jul 30 2008, 10:08PM - Link

He sounds like the character he played in Holes....

Posted by paulo, Jul 30 2008, 11:12PM - Link

can't they afford editors?

Posted by Mr.Murder, Aug 02 2008, 6:14AM - Link

The Rudy badge he's wearing says it all.

Whatever happens, it's certainly good new for Rudy Guiliani....

Posted by Mr.Murder, Aug 05 2008, 12:17AM - Link

...and he's rewarded for the Op-Ed with wonderful twins.

Gumpy ol' grampa is set in his ways and views...

Posted by John A. Smith, Aug 05 2008, 2:39AM - Link

It is hardly surprising that a left winger would not like Voigt's op-ed. Can you site anything written by a conservative that was critical of Obama that you've praised? I can dismiss you as easily as you dismiss Voigt.