Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District of Columbia's non-voting observer in Congress, said today that the invasion of Iraq was "perhaps the most catastrophic war of the twentieth century--invasion, by the United States of America."
Yikes.
As the Daily Caller pointed out, nearly everything Norton said was completely wrong.
The United States invaded Iraq in March 2003. The 20th century ended on December 31, 2000. The Iraq War has taken place in the 21st century. As the 21st century is not even a quarter completed, it also seems a bit premature to dub the Iraq War the "most catastrophic" conflict.
Furthermore, even if the Iraq War occurred in the 20th century, the devastation wrought by that war pales in comparison to, say, World War II or the Vietnam War.
Following Norton's remarks, the hashtag game #eleanorholmesnortonhistory began on Twitter to spoof her "historical" knowledge. Some highlights:
The sinking of the Titanic was one of the key moments in the United States Civil War. #EleanorHolmesNortonHistory
— John Alvarado (@john_alvarado_1) May 1, 2014
General Robert E Lee's attack on Normandy was a defining moment in the War of 1812. #eleanorholmesnortonhistory
— Matthew (@Matthops82) May 1, 2014
"The Tet was indeed offensive and it should apologize." #eleanorholmesnortonhistory
— Nathan Wurtzel (@NathanWurtzel) May 1, 2014
Thank God King Leonidas held off the Napoleonic hordes. #eleanorholmesnortonhistory
— David Paul (@PowerElement) May 1, 2014
"When America watched George Washington crossing the Delaware on TV, we were never more inspired" #eleanorholmesnortonhistory
— Michael Blum (@MichaelBlum3) May 1, 2014
Historical accuracy is important.