Left-leaning figures rejoice at the passing of Henry Kissinger, the former secretary of state
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger Dies at 100, Sparking Controversy and Celebration
Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger passed away at the age of 100, eliciting both condemnations and celebrations from various left-leaning figures and outlets. While heads of state and prominent U.S. political figures expressed their condolences, individuals and media on the left took the opportunity to either condemn Kissinger or rejoice in his death.
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Rolling Stone published an obituary titled “Henry Kissinger, War Criminal Beloved by America’s Ruling Class, Finally Dies,” describing the diplomatic giant’s infamy alongside history’s worst mass murderers. The subheading read, ”A deeper shame attaches to the country that celebrates him.”
The far-left Jacobin magazine went even further, having written a book-long obituary titled “Only the Good Die Young” years in advance. The book’s description referred to Kissinger as the “ghoul haunting” the grand citadel of the American foreign policy establishment, responsible for the depravity of the American war machine.
Promotions for the book celebrated Kissinger’s long-awaited demise.
Some journalists echoed this sentiment, with left-leaning journalist Yashar Ali stating on X, formerly known as Twitter, “A reminder that Henry Kissinger is owed absolutely zero grace or kindness when he dies. He is a war criminal with the blood of MILLIONS on his hands. A man responsible for destabilizing countries all over the world. He is an unrepentant monster.”
While some elected officials condemned Kissinger’s legacy, they refrained from celebrating his death. Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) stated, “Henry Kissinger has passed at 100. His legacy badly needs reassessment. He unleashed some of the worst violence of the last fifty years in Chile, Cambodia, Iran & Vietnam — just to name a few. His indifference to human suffering will forever tarnish his name and shape his legacy.”
An Irish member of the European Union’s parliament criticized Kissinger’s actions and expressed concern over the EU’s support for Israel’s alleged war crimes against Palestinians.
Socialist groups, such as the Portland Democratic Socialists of America, expressed jubilation over Kissinger’s death and organized a party to celebrate it. They aimed to fund socialist organizing that Kissinger would have despised.
Pro-Palestinian protesters in New York City reacted joyfully to the news, as captured in videos posted on social media. Former porn star and political commentator Mia Khalifa even announced a sale on an adult website to commemorate Kissinger’s death.
More broadly, Kissinger’s death sparked a strong reaction on social media, with predominantly negative responses. His name trended alongside Cambodia and Laos, with many posts criticizing his policy of saturation bombing during the Vietnam War. However, not all negative reactions came from the left, as former Trump adviser Roger Stone praised the news and appeared on Alex Jones’s show to condemn Kissinger.
Jose Ramos-Horta, the president of East Timor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, offered a nuanced perspective in an interview with the Washington Post. While acknowledging the tragic and ugly past associated with Kissinger’s endorsement of Indonesia’s invasion of East Timor, he believed that U.S. officials involved in the policy are now embarrassed by their actions. He emphasized the importance of freedom in the present.
Despite the mixed reactions, the passing of Henry Kissinger undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the political landscape.
What valid criticisms have been made about Henry Kissinger’s policies and actions, and how do they contribute to the complexity of his legacy?
Said, “Henry Kissinger’s legacy is complex, and there are valid criticisms of his policies and actions. But it’s important to acknowledge the impact he had on shaping U.S. foreign policy and the role he played in historical events.” Similarly, Senator Bernie Sanders expressed his concerns about Kissinger’s actions during the Vietnam War but also acknowledged his influence on U.S. foreign policy.
However, there were also voices of support and remembrance for Kissinger. Former President George W. Bush released a statement praising Kissinger as a “true patriot” who dedicated his life to serving his country. He highlighted Kissinger’s accomplishments in improving relations with China and negotiating peace in the Middle East.
Former Secretary of State John Kerry also spoke fondly of his former colleague, stating, “Henry Kissinger was a remarkable statesman who left an indelible mark on American history. His tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy and promote global stability should be recognized and appreciated.”
Additionally, conservative commentators and publications like The Wall Street Journal and National Review emphasized Kissinger’s strategic thinking and his contributions to the Cold War era.
Henry Kissinger’s death has undeniably sparked controversy and celebration, with strong opinions on both sides of the political spectrum. While some view him as a war criminal and condemn him for his actions, others remember him as a skilled diplomat who played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Regardless of one’s opinion, his passing marks the end of an era and opens up discussions about history and foreign policy.
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