General Discussion

I’m tired of the NYT using hedge words like 'resembled' for a literal Totenkopf. The symbol isn't a vague artistic interpretation... it's a specific historical emblem worn by concentration camp guards.

By saying it "resembled" a Nazi symbol instead of just calling it what it is, the paper creates a false sense of ambiguity where none exists.

It’s journalistic sanitization that editorializes the news by softening the reality of the imagery. This isn't a cloud in the sky that "resembles" a bunny... it’s a historically fixed image. When they use that word, they’re carrying water for the candidate’s "I didn't know" defense rather than reporting the objective fact of what was etched on his skin.

In fairness... and this is ALL the lenience I'm willing to extend to Platner... perhaps in a drunken moment he thought "cool skull and crossbones" when looking at a catalog of designs. Perhaps he really didn't know its meaning. But in ALL THE YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS (and YEARS) between then and when he FINALLY had it covered (only when it was politicially expedient) I do not believe that he has "no idea" what it means and that nobody ever bothered to question him or tell him.

I would never be able to trust his judgement.