Last night was the Democratic debate in Texas between Senators Obama and Clinton. It started off as an amicable discussion between the two candidates; each talking about the issues that are so very important. Then, after about 45 minutes, things took a turn into the realm of “Attack Politics”. The question came up in regards to the recent accusations by the Clinton camp that Obama had plagiarized entire passages of one of his speeches. The quote from last night’s debate made by Senator Clinton, “Change you can Xerox”, was met by well deserved boos from the audience. This country is in serious crisis; a war that is bleeding the country dry, an economy that is in the toilet, debt that we cannot even fathom and Hillary Clinton yelling plagiarism.
What exactly is all of this plagiarism brew-ha-ha anyway?
I did some Googling and read a number of articles from various news agencies and they all say relatively the same thing. Howard Wolfson, Senator Clinton’s campaign communications director accused Senator Obama of committing plagiarism by using words from a speech given by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick in 2006. Some articles say that Senator Obama lifted entire passages while others refer to just a few lines. Here is the section of the speech that has caused much of the controversy (Sidney Morning Herald)
Mr Patrick said of his opponent in 2006: “But her dismissive point, and I hear it a lot from her staff, is that all I have to offer is words – just words. ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, [applause and cheers] that all men are created equal.’ [Sustained applause and cheers.] Just words – just words! ‘We have nothing to fear but fear itself.’ Just words! ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’ Just words! ‘I have a dream.’ Just words!”
Senator Obama said in his Milwaukee speech on Saturday: “Don’t tell me words don’t matter! ‘I have a dream.’ Just words. ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’ Just words! [Applause.] ‘We have nothing to fear but fear itself.’ Just words – just speeches!”
So, what exactly is the definition of plagiarism? Here is the word defined by dictionary.com:
pla·gia·rism /ˈpleɪdʒəˌrɪzəm, -dʒiəˌrɪz-/
–noun
1. the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work.
2. something used and represented in this manner.
From the New York Times:
In a telephone interview on Sunday, Mr. Patrick said that he and Mr. Obama first talked about the attacks from their respective rivals last summer, when Mrs. Clinton was raising questions about Mr. Obama’s experience, and that they discussed them again last week.
Both men had anticipated that Mr. Obama’s rhetorical strength would provide a point of criticism. Mr. Patrick said he told Mr. Obama that he should respond to the criticism, and he shared language from his campaign with Mr. Obama’s speechwriters.
Mr. Patrick said he did not believe Mr. Obama should give him credit.
Ridiculous is the ‘word’ I have to use to describe this attack. Does Hillary Clinton write every word in every one of her speeches? Of course not. This was a bit of nasty politics by Senator Clinton. Nastiness that the American people have absolutely no patience for. It’s also a bit of nastiness that, in my opinion, raises questions about the solidity of Clinton’s campaign. Desperation, maybe?
Obama ’08
It is my belief, if my opinion matters, that the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, FDR, JFK, MLK and basically any public or political figure is open and fair game for quoting and citing. Those speeches and ideas were meant to be remembered, meant to be repeated, meant to be hammered into every generation. Just words! Just as in” justice for all”.
Mom, you are right, and these are sad times. If only there was a way to instantaneously give these people the insight needed to free themselves from their ignorance. Unfortunate, they would probably see such wisdom as, “just words!” OH MY GOD I PLAGIARISED!!