by Tom Griffin Staff writer

The recent beheading of Nick Berg by Iraqi insurgents has served as a rallying cry for the neo-conservatives within the Republican Party. With renewed fervor, talk radio show hosts are stoking the fire in a push for all out war. With the dead American Jew now serving as a cause celeb, these sycophants want President Bush to put to an end – once and for all – any sentiments amongst the denizens whom detest the idea of a westernized, psuedo-government; a concocted Iraqi authority that will serve no purpose other than as a springboard to suppress anti-Zionist passions in the region.

As for Berg, it is indeed curious as to why a Jew, of all people, would be travelling alone in a politically unstable Arab country. It is doubtful that even a Mossad agent would tempt fate in such a manner. Perhaps more clues will surface in the coming weeks, but I digress.

When Rachel Corrie was killed last year by a bulldozer driven by Israeli soldiers, the neo-cons rushed to their microphones to label her an ?idiot,? a ?radical,? and an ?anarchist.? Among the neo-cons, the death of an American Gentile fails to ignite the same animosity towards Jews. Troubling, though not unexpected, it also fails to set a historical precedent.

The sure, sad reality of American politics is that both conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats carefully pick and choose the manner which best serves to fortify their Party?s footing – with little regard for the interests of Americans. Earlier this month, Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry implored the Anti-Defamation League, as had Bush?s National Security Advisor, Condoleezza Rice. Both vowed unwavering support for Israel. To be sure, the Republicans presently hold the advantage. The Democrats have relied too much on their historical attachments with Jewish liberalism, and now find themselves hopelessly sitting in the shadow of a Republican president who has just crippled Israel?s principle rival. Figuratively speaking, the Democrats need a Nick Berg of their own, although that will be hard to come by. The Democrats are faltering, having wavered in their support for the Iraq war. The Republicans already had a lot of momentum, and now this.

Yes, the Democrats need a Nick Berg? desperately. Because with the election now looming on the horizon, they must feel a bit like Nick Berg, with the neo-conservatives having just unsheathed their blade.