Saturday, January 19, 2008

You Must Be Kidding

January 19, 2008

I don't get to watch as many talking heads as I used to. So I have been listening to lots of local talk radio lately. Lots of Rush...ick. I can't believe how much he is yakking about the "Uncivil War". Talk about things getting blown out of all sense. I am sure that Sen. Clinton never meant to imply that Martin Luther King was a pawn of the White Establishment. That he could have never succeeded in his life's work without the help of LBJ. But Johnson was able to make law and twist arms precisely because Dr. King was bringing attention to the inequities of the system. If President Johnson hadn't had the ability to twist arms and cajole Congress, how much longer would it have taken to see even the smallest of changes? Both men's contribution was necessary to bring change. Which leads me to my point.

We spend a horrifying amount of time being offended, or looking for offense, in our wondrous free speech. I don't like everything that comes out of everyone's mouth. I'd personally like to duct tape Rev. Phelps's mouth shut. Having said that, I don't think we remember the "free" part of free speech. Short of inciting violence, even the speech we don't like is necessary. After all, how do we know where the crazies are if they don't speak up? We spend so much time being offended anymore, we don't take time to think over what is bothering us. Another example is the unfortunate comments made by that one commentator on the Golf Channel. I know she suggested lynching Tiger Woods in a back alley. But if Tiger wasn't offended, and no one was really advocating stretching his neck, why are we freaking out? The point was, he is such a great golfer, that nothing short of violence will stop him. As long as we all understand what she meant, I think we need to chill out. I understand the history of violence against people of color in this country. But is the overreaction against a commentator on the GOLF CHANNEL really going to change a climate of racism? Or are we making ourselves look petty by reacting to every imagined insult, no matter how benignly it was meant? I saw this morning that the editor of Golf Digest lost his job, and the current issue was pulled, because they chose to bring attention to the current debate by putting a noose on the cover. But was there a reasonable discussion of the subject, or was this another knee jerk, get them before they get you, look out, it's Janet Jackson's nipple kind of hysteria. I don't agree with everthing that comes from everyone's mouth. But jamming a cork in the mouths of those we disagree with jeopardizes our free speech, as well. We need to get over ourselves. good night and good luck...stimp

Monday, January 07, 2008

Hellooooo!

January 7, 2008

Happy New Year! I know I haven't been around, and I certainly miss writing. A few notes to pass on. Keith Olbermann's new book is awesome, in the non surfer sense of the word. I highly recommend it. We are in Presidential election season again, and I am backing Barack Obama this time. He seems a great choice in an otherwise uninspiring lot. I wanted to choose Senator Clinton, I really did. But the more I listen, the more I watch, the less I can get behind her. A shame. We are still sending folks off to die for that idiot in the White House and his pals, which becomes more frustrating over time. This time I have family going, so I get to spend some more time in anger and anxiety, waiting for news, hoping for none. I'll pray. To all fo you who still check in, thank you, and happy new year. good night and good luck...stimp