My mom and dad both had cancer, which means I am at high risk. It's a scary thing, and should be taken seriously.
So I would in no way suggest the announcement that Bush spokesman and all-around douchebag Tony Snow has discovered that a cancerous growth on his pelvis has spread to his liver is in any way politically motivated. As a human being, I hope Snow does indeed beat this thing, as he has vowed he will.
However, I would point out that Snow is part of a process that creates the impression this story is a cheap PR stunt, appearing as it did mere days after Elizabeth Edwards and her husband John decided to go forward with his presidential campaign, despite the fact that her own cancer has returned. Edwards was showered with love and respect from people of all political persuasions, something that has yet to happen to poor Snow.
Another reason Snow's story feels suspect is that it comes straight out of the Bush playbook: The Alberto Gonzales imbroglio is clearly not going away anytime soon, people keep dying by the score in Iraq, and Bush's popularity keeps sinking. What to do? Attempt to drum up sympathy for one of the administration's most noxious characters.
Again, cancer is serious, and Snow--who had a major battle with colon cancer in 2005--is proof that even though you can with a battle against it, cancer is one tenacious opponent. Still, you have to wonder if Snow's conscience is ever troubled by the fact many people in the webisphere, and presumably in the wider world beyond it, don't believe he is in fact suffering. When you lie for a living, even the truth can't set you free.
