I have repeatedly questioned the fitness of Jamie Gorelick to sit on the 9/11 Commission because of what I see as a conflict of interest. I now see (via InstaPundit) that Ann Althouse has gotten into trouble with an angry left wing chorus accusing her (and Glenn) of engaging in a "smear."

What I want to know is: precisely what is a smear?

Is it a smear to raise questions about a possible conflict of interest? Even when they turn out to be well founded?

If that's a smear, then what should we call hurling accusations of murder or fascism, or making repeated comparisons to Adolf Hitler?

What's the proper term for accusing libertarians of promoting the far right agenda?

I can't help noticing that the posts accusing Glenn Reynolds and Ann Althouse of smearing are placed in a category called "RADICAL RIGHT-WING AGENDA."

Why are there no similar categories appearing at the blogs of either Smearmeister Reynolds or Smearmistress Althouse? Where's the "RADICAL LEFT-WING AGENDA" category?

I hate to say it, but I think Glenn is "dropping the ball in the 'continual smear' department."

(Either that or he's a predatory hawk who likes to smear his prey before eating it.)

UPDATE: Thanks Glenn for linking this post! (BTW, to liberally smear is to enjoy life!)

A warm welcome to InstaPundit readers.

UPDATE: Readers who are interested in the distinction between disagreement and attacks (and the mischaracterizations of one as the other for political gain) might enjoy my latest post.