... and how does this make the Tea Party movement look?
How can one defend this? A "respected" surgeon that was head of his county's medical association and a delegate to the AMA - yes, the American Medical Association - as well as a spokesperson for anti-public option legislation forwarded this to fellow members of the National Tea Party movement.
I am aware that all Presidents get caricatured. It is the nature of the beast. George Bush, Jr. even got an entire show created based off of this (Lil Bush). However, particularly in light of the racial discussions that have taken place due to the Henry Louis Gates arrest, this sort of thing is... well, to be honest I am speechless.
I will give the guy credit for simply admitting he was wrong and resigning his positions rather than try to defend it.
So explain this... how does one defend this, and how can it begin to help the viewpoints of those that circulate this sort of imagery? Even worse, what is actually floating around out there that has not yet been found?
Sometimes I see or hear something appalling but have almost no reaction, because my expectations of some members of society are almost nonexistent. This is one of those times.
"It's a joke" or "it's satire" will be the first line of defense. Denial that portrayal as a witch doctor is racial will be next. And as already mentioned, "you started it with Bush" will round out the excuses. Incidentally, I thought That's My Bush was a far better show.
I don't care what the racists who find this funny think. I'm curious about the response from conservatives who post here, upset that all Republicans are assumed to be racists. Here's your chance guys. Voice your outrage and set yourselves apart. It's not that you carry a burden of proof that you are NOT racist, but a loud backlash in a moment like this would go a long way toward removing suspicion. When Rush, O'Reilly, etc. defend this and you keep quiet, what other conclusion can we draw?
Posted By: Shockmaster (Guest) on July 29, 2009 at 01:18 PM
Sorry i laughed that picture is funny.
Posted By: Guest#4641 (Guest) on July 29, 2009 at 01:55 PM
There is no way to defend it. But it is also means the Tea Party people need to distance themselves from it publicly very quickly.
Even not commenting on it one or another will make left-wing commentators point at it as proof of the "racism" inherent in their movement.
Posted By: DeimosMasque (Guest) on July 29, 2009 at 02:08 PM
There is no defense for it...
But just because there is no defense for the cariacature - which is tasteless - it also emphasizes a few things.
1) A stupid act does not become an argument to pass universal healthcare.
2) It's interesting how when Condaleesa Rice had an extremely racial satire done about her, nobody was really fired about it, and there was very little made about it by most in the media.
3) I have to agree - I wonder what else is out there; because I've seen worse out there coming from both sides of the political agenda. The indignation should come when we this happens, regardless of political party. For instance, the Letterman/Palin problem. If you believe that was just humor, then stand up for this being just satire. Personally, I thought what Letterman did was beyond the bounds of good taste, and I will tell you - this is too.
This kind of ridicule and satire is not limited to one party - and no party should be condemned because of this, nor any view. Just that these kinds of actions should be condemned and stopped in general.
Posted By: Stephen (Guest) on July 29, 2009 at 02:25 PM
Oh, please. Sure, it wasn't the brightest idea to forward it around like that, but this is STILL America and we still have freedom of speech! Everyone gets made fun of based on their race, sex, size, looks, issues, etc. Who cares? Grow thicker skin and tell the damn PC Police to leave us alone!
Posted By: Spyke (Guest) on July 29, 2009 at 02:29 PM
I'm confused is this supposed to offending the half white or half black side of Obama?
Is it because his old man is African? because they DO dress that way in Africa...
But as I have tried to say- political correctness is the complete opposite of tolerence...
So why tolerate a joke when you can act "angry" about it and start censoring people's rights to make jokes? Right J.A. Mitchell?
Fake some anger to try and blame all "tea party" people because someone forwarded an email?
How many times do we have to play this game? One side acts angry and demands an apology- then when they screw up the other side retaliates- and on and on- until nobody is left with any rights because people are too afraid to use them.
I'm a vet- I've shed blood, sweat, and tears to fight for the right of free speech...and that includes all the bullshit that I don't agree with.
You're just playing the same fake anger/blame/fire/censor game that all these other people do...
Whatever.
Posted By: The Spook (Guest) on July 29, 2009 at 03:28 PM
The problem is the sort of mixed metaphor deal they have going on. They are equating the proposed health care overhaul with a socialized/communized system, but then they include Obama as a witch doctor (presumably that's what he's supposed to be). If they had photoshopped Obama's head on Stalin it wouldn't really be an issue. Why included the witch doctor? I mean, yes, that's a "medical" thing in tribal society, but it doesn't make sense with you message. That gives viewers the impression that it's just there to be laughed at.
To me, it dilutes the intended effect of the entire piece and makes me feel as though the person responsible is uneducated. It's like seeing a "Go, Yankees" shirt, but behind the text is a football. You have to assume that it's done as a tongue in cheek joke, or the person who made it doesn't have a clue what they are talking about.
Posted By: xjuggernaughtx (Guest) on July 29, 2009 at 03:32 PM
The Spook...
I disagree with you. Oh btw, I'm a disabled Vet & 38 years of age. I also fought for the same freedom and rights that you have fought for; and probably fought in the same war(s)/conflict(s) that you possibly fought. J. Alexander's article isn't about Freedom of Speach, and if you have been keeping up with not only this article, but the previous articles, you will understand why this was particular article was posted. Instead of playing the "blame game" towards J. Alexander (which he has the Freedom of Speech" to post), find out the purpose for such article being posted. Next time, pay close attention to detail, soldier.
Posted By: Independent4Obama (Guest) on July 29, 2009 at 04:35 PM
I like the hammer and sickle. He may be offended that the head dress doesn't represent the proper culture, like when I saw Bush depicted as a leprechaun. I can't defend it.
Posted By: AdmChesterMynutz (Guest) on July 29, 2009 at 05:33 PM
as a black man, i was more afraid than hopeful when obama was elected. i knew there would be a segment of society that wouldnt accept anything he did because of his party. i can deal with that.
but i also knew there would be a segment of society who wouldnt accept him at all because of his skin tone. why is his nationality still being questioned? why was a common fist bump everyone does refered to as a "terrorist fist jab"? there is alot worse out there i have seen. what is unfortunate, some of the vocal right have fan the flames of this racist garbage instead of sticking to the issues.
Posted By: rey (Guest) on July 29, 2009 at 11:15 PM
I defend it because we have free speech in this country. Maybe people should stop being so uptight about everything they see. But people will overreact to everything they see. Nothing should offend anyone because no one has the right to see anything they don't like. it's a picture get over it.
Posted By: Kyle (Guest) on July 29, 2009 at 11:35 PM
"but i also knew there would be a segment of society who wouldnt accept him at all because of his skin tone."
Or it could be because he wants to radicalize just about everything without bothering to reading what the fuck he's signing into place. Are there some people who hate Obama because of his race? Of course there are. Do I hate Obama for going against his Transperacy pledge? Yes, but to liberals it's because he's black, even if I am a quarter black myself and just don't look the part.
Posted By: Some Vet (Guest) on July 29, 2009 at 11:45 PM
@Some Vet: Obama has probably been the most transparent President in history. Seriously, visit the White House's website. You can find out just about anything you want to know about anything Obama is doing, has done or plans on.
It's a HUGE change from the last administration in that respect. I've never seen an administration offer up so much info about what it does.
Posted By: Jake G (Guest) on July 30, 2009 at 04:43 AM
So much for your lauded American free speech. This site sucks. Coward.
Posted By: Un-American (Guest) on July 30, 2009 at 08:45 AM
I actually agree with The Spook here. (and now I'm certain the apocolypse will come tomorrow). Ok so this was a lame attempt at a joke, it's not really funny, it doesn't really make sense. But nowadays everyone just jumps on these opportunities to be so "offended" and demand apologies from everyone. When all it really was was a failed attempt at humor. The man that created this should be chastised, not for being racist, but for ever thinking that was funny enough to take the time to photoshop and share with other people. And now he should apologize for wasting all of our time talking about this stupidity.
Posted By: unbelieveable (Guest) on July 30, 2009 at 09:52 AM
I hope Ashish puts this up...PLEASE!
Yep, there’s your “defense”, Mitchell. “Freedom of Speech” and being “PC”.
So here’s me using my right to freedom of speech – and I hope it’s appreciated that I’m as UN-PC as possible using it: America is full of racist inbred W.H.I.T.E. bigots who will (and currently are) burn[ing] in hell (or face nothingness if they are athiests) for stealing the land from and killing Native Indians, harboring slaves from Africa and still not have any empathy or foresight when something like this turns up, effectively ignoring that images like this REMINDS the world of past injustices.
Some will say to get over it and move on...Tell the Jews to get over the Holocaust. Tell those in Iraq to get over Saddam Hussein. Tell those families who were victims of Idi Amin. Instead of saying this image and its intentions are wrong, these wastes of human life defend their inbred W.H.I.T.E. superiority complex by hiding behind a PIECE OF PAPER that means NOTHING to them other than the fact it was a piece of paper made by four W.H.I.T.E. guys. As long as shit like this comes up and it’s DEFENDED (no matter your “excuse”) they will ALWAYS be labelled as the racist waste of their father’s cum that they are and people will never be able to come together and see past their external differences. I don’t care what anyone’s “political affilliation” is – wrong is wrong, and this is wrong and they’re WRONG for using a document as imperfect as the constitution to stand by it. Yeah, I said it – the U.S. Constitution is IMPERFECT.
To those who defend this: You’re mistakes. You’re pathetic. You’re proof that perhaps there is no God or God is fallible because instead of just nixing you as an evil and vile fetus when you were in your mother’s womb, you were allowed air to breathe. Anyone who defends this and has the mindset that it is “funny” or “accurate” should have been aborted or thrown in the trash when born and burned in a glorious fire. It won’t affect me morally because people with no sense of right or wrong, or human compassion aren’t human to me and deserve to be terminated with extreme prejudice (notice the play on words, there?)
The country, the world and my children will be better off when you all die off. I hope that day comes soon. Very, very soon.
...Freedom of speech, BITCHES.
Posted By: SoonYouWillBeGone (Guest) on July 30, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Still not as tasteless as the Palin jokes that were making the rounds about her private parts, her mouth and her handicapped child. Where is your outrage over jokes against a helpless child? Yet you cry over jokes about the most powerful man on the planet.
Posted By: Da Man (Guest) on July 30, 2009 at 12:21 PM
I agree with SoonWillBeGone...very well written.
I really like the plea for the message to be posted- adds that special little touch.
Oh- and what does W.H.I.T.E. stand for? Is that kind of like C.O.B.R.A.?
Maybe Bush built a weather machine or a giant robot sea dragon to terrorize the world...
And despite the attempt at making such a "controversial" statement- I don't think anyone gives a shit. I don't.
I'm using tolerence. I can tolerate your dumb post because it is funny. Like you, a joke (notice the play on words?).
I will say that calling for the destruction of all white people is a new way to approach the race problem- something that has not been tried before- and I hope that you try it Amigo.
Posted By: The Spook (Guest) on July 30, 2009 at 03:46 PM
"Oh- and what does W.H.I.T.E. stand for? Is that kind of like C.O.B.R.A.?
Maybe Bush built a weather machine or a giant robot sea dragon to terrorize the world..."
This is the greatest thing The Spook has ever written on this site. It's very rare that anything makes me actually laugh and that cracked me up.
I kept thinking about that, too. Like W.H.I.T.E. was a secret organization or a Voltron-like fighting force.
Posted By: xjuggernaughtx (Guest) on July 30, 2009 at 04:20 PM
This stuff isn't relevant for the majority of the non-third world countries.
Most of us have health care already.
Posted By: Kent Baker (Guest) on July 30, 2009 at 08:14 PM
This picture is awful, and does nothing more than make the person who made it look like a complete moron, which as far as I can tell, everyone that has posted would probably agree. Is that what you had in mind from this right of center (though FAR from rich) white guy from Minnesota?
Posted By: gwpbrian (Guest) on July 30, 2009 at 09:41 PM
Jake, you're kidding right? He's broken his promise that he would post legislation online for five days before signing. He's fired Inspector General's who get too close to sending his buddies to prison. He's circumvented the nomination process by appointing all of these "czars" because he knows they wouldn't make it out of the Senate. His VP's office refuses to release a list of who Joey Hairplugs has been meeting with.
Do me a favor when you respond to this. Don't bring up Bush or anyone else, just defend Nixon 2.0 on the merits. You can't.
Posted By: Chris Connolly (Guest) on July 31, 2009 at 01:21 AM
I think what Spook is overlooking in his analysis of that angry/goofy diatribe is that the author had a very valid point. A lot of people hide behind the freedom of speech banner to voice their racist, bigoted beliefs but aren't actually believers in it themselves. They'll voice their arrogant, condescending views then turn around and cry foul when a gay character is featured prominently on TV or in a movie. They'll rage when anyone voices an opinion opposite theirs. It's as much a two-way street for the liberals as it is for the conservatives. They talk about how much they love America but I suspect many would be willing to burn the flag if this was a nation full of liberal Jew black homosexuals. I don't have a problem with conservatives who want to voice a dissenting opinion. I also think racists should have their right to free speech. But let's be honest and point out that many of these people are just as hypocritical as the PC brigade that wants to censor hate speech. They're willing to censor too, they've just found a new way to criticize and attack the groups they hate.
Posted By: Guest#2730 (Guest) on July 31, 2009 at 01:24 AM
Bottom line is there are plenty of holes to drive 18 wheelers through in Obamacare, without resorting to this. Slowly but surely his popularity is dwindling as he breaks promise after promise after promise to the fine folks that voted for him.
Posted By: gwpbrian (Guest) on July 31, 2009 at 08:05 PM
Racists have the freedom to say what they want just as much as anyone else. There should be NO limitations to speech, ever, end of story. UNLESS they make an Amendment to the Constitution that suggests what can be limited as far as speech goes.
Can you tell I'm against the FCC?
But still, organizations have the right to distance themselves from those who say things they don't agree with. Especially in this period of modern media where the littlest thing is jumped on as if the media were just hungry dogs. I mean this for both the right and left wing media.
We need to get past tribalism, we need to get past parties, we need to get past demanding reparations for every transgression that wasn't even directed at us.
Posted By: DeimosMasque (Guest) on August 02, 2009 at 03:02 AM
It's amazing how many people are wrapping themselves in their "freedom of speech" flags and stubbornly refusing to address the point.
What this is about is that the Republicans are claiming that they aren't racists... yet every time we turn around here's yet another Republican making a very racist caricature or comment about President Obama.
What do you fools do? Scream "freedom of speech!!!!!!"
You so totally miss the point that you'd be laughable in your idiocy except you're allowed to vote... which instead scares me.
By defending this bullshit repeatedly, you agree with the statement that the Republican party is the party of racist white men.
Posted By: Scott B (Guest) on August 02, 2009 at 10:51 PM
1st off, there are too different issues at stake here.
First off, someone of the stature of the person who sent this picture out should KNOW better. If I sent something out like this, it would certainly be from a private account, and not from work's email or anything official.
Secondly though, I find it quite amusing. It's pretty much saying that health care would be like going to a witch doctor or practicing some sort of voodoo. He is pushing the Health Care plan so he is the face of it. IF Bush were pushing it, I bet it'd be the same cartoon (with big ears though and mispronunciations.
Ya know why Palin was picked on? Her vagina has actually been used in the last 15 years, unlike Hilary's. Hell, you KNOW Obama and Miss Biceps are getting it on in the white house.It's nice to see that leaders (and possible decision makers) are actually fucking their spouses.
Then again, this is from someone that enjoys Anne Frank, Helen Keller, and dead lawyer jokes.
Posted By: Krunchy (Registered) on August 03, 2009 at 02:11 PM
So because he isnt full-blooded white, he is untouchable? If that isn't racism, I don't know what is. No one had a problem with people making fun of Bush, but if we say or think anything bad about Obama its because we are racist. It's funny how the ones who are the first to scream "racism" are truly the racist ones.
Posted By: JWestmoreland (Guest) on August 03, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Man, some of you have to decide what this debate is really about.
Does the guy have the right to post a racist photo-shopped picture of the President of the United States? Sure he does.
Do we have the right to stand up and say it is both racist and offensive? Of course we do.
That is the only balance we have to freedom of speech. People have the right to say or think whatever they want, but if they say it in public they must face the consequences of that speech.
Do I mean forcing them to shut up or putting them behind bars? Of course not. But freedom of speech also means I have the right to tell you exactly how stupid and racist that makes you look.
To paraphrase Voltaire: I may believe that what you say is racist bottom feeding indicative of the same bigoted thinking that created the KKK, but I will fight for your right to say it.
And then I will fight for my right to tell you what I think about that.
Posted By: Ray Church (Guest) on August 04, 2009 at 12:01 AM
STAY CURRENT