Over the years I've had dozens of on-line and in-person discussions about how eliminationist rhetoric has moved from the fringes of the extreme right into mainstream conservative politics. One of those who leads the way with this incendiary language is, of course, Rush LImbaugh, the de facto chairman of the GOP and primary spokesman. Part of eliminationism is demeaning and disparaging everyone who not only disagrees with the speaker, but who is fundamentally different...religion, political beliefs, gender, and, obviously, race. Rush has been openly racist as part of his schtick, but usually thinly veils it in "humor". I've heard many people defend this hate speech as "joking" or simply denying he actually said it.
Well. For those of you who may have remaining doubts about Rush's inclinations, have a listen:
Rush was talking to a caller about embattled governor of New York David Patterson who is, of course, African American. His comment was about how Patterson will be able to appoint a replacement for Eric Massa, New York representative and weirdo that I wrote about last night. Rush took the opportunity to make a racist comment by saying, "...for the first time, Paterson is the 'massa.'"
I know. I know. Rush was just joking.
Well. For those of you who may have remaining doubts about Rush's inclinations, have a listen:
Rush was talking to a caller about embattled governor of New York David Patterson who is, of course, African American. His comment was about how Patterson will be able to appoint a replacement for Eric Massa, New York representative and weirdo that I wrote about last night. Rush took the opportunity to make a racist comment by saying, "...for the first time, Paterson is the 'massa.'"
I know. I know. Rush was just joking.
When you're right, you're right. Back in the 1700's, one could stand on a street corner, and say anything he wanted. Of course, if he said anything that pissed anybody off, he would likely receive a rock to forehead informing him that he MAY have stepped on some toes and should, perhaps, suspend his diatribe and look for a fast "exit stage left".
Nowadays, one can say what he wants with almost total impunity.
I like the good ol' rock throwin' days myself. Kinda put a certain amount of "self-limitation" in free speech.
The climate is ripe for racism, hate mongers, tea partiers, etc. A lot of anti-government, anti-Obama, anti-Congress, anti-gay, anti-women, etc. TX has the highest percent of so called "patriot" anti-government hate organizations. No wonder, as our illustrious governor spews successionist BS. An insult to the 600,000 Americans who died in the Civil War. People are lapping up the drivel and listen with relish to Rush, Palin, Perry, Beck and the mulitude of others who are on the racism/hate gravy train. Kind of makes you sick to your stomach.
Of course, I was making a simple estimate to make a point. I suppose my point is freedom of speech is not really the issue. The issue is projectile speech. I'm fairly certain the founding fathers didn't concieve of radio, television, and the internet. Heck, even their newspapers were written on a much higher reading level than the ones of today. The issue isn't what some racist yahoo says. The issue is that fact that it can now be broadcasted and exploited for financial gain.
I think your estimates may be a little low. I think blatant racism effects about 18% and another 10-15% are "closet" racists. Hey, I like a good joke as much as the next guy. But Rush's crapola is NOT joking. His employers, are obviously getting their money's worth and then some, based on what he gets paid. And you know, when you get right down to it, it's HIS employers who are more responsible for this racist, lower than a snail's belly, blowhard than anybody else. Because THEY give him a microphone and an audience.
I've said it before. but it deserves repeating. If we EVER start another country from scratch, we need to "re-think" this "free speech" idea. Sounds good in therory. But it DOESN'T work in practice.
The thing is that he doesn't have to appeal to the masses. All he has to do is find a base of people that feel very strongly about something and give them what they want. Let's say ten percent of the country is hard core racist. You think that is a fair estimate? Well, that means he might have up to 30 million dedicated listeners. Who's going to fire anyone with that kind of dedicated listenership?
What I absolutely can not comprehend is that Rush Limbaugh makes such appallingly racist comments on the radio and not just once, but all the time.....and still keeps his job.
Anyone else would be tossed out on their fat can. So why is he allowed to stay?
This type of racist commentary is totally offensive.
I'd bet Costa Rica wouldn't want him either. He'd ruin the view.
Rush epitomizes the rightwing.
I have been listening to his type of "humor" all my life. Heck, most of us live in Texas. We all have been listening to this kind of "humor" for a long time. The Obama Presidency has just brought most of these scum out of the woodwork. It will only get worse...
You know, if you are going to make racism part of your comedy routine, at least make it funny. There are comedians that make jokes regarding race and they make me laugh. Rush is just a tool.
I hope he makes good on his promise to go use the socialized health care system in Costa Rica...and stays there.