Did we all notice Bush's sage advice to Iran's political leaders? Indeed, it is advice which points to the heart of the democratic ideal and process. He advised that the government of Iran and it's supporters will be expected by the world community to treat those inside the country who protest against government policies "with the utmost of respect".
In light of the subject of this thread, and many of its contributions, and the reality of Clear Channel and Bill O'Reilly...does anyone else here just want to vomit all over this White House?
Blatham, suggest you chose another orifice from which to express our concerns to this white house.
Whichever Blatham chooses, Dys, I'll cover the same territory with the other.
See also Jonathan Schell in the latest Nation.
Actually, I've come to expect it blatham - and that is sad indeed <sigh>
Just adding this out of context (as usual), in the hope it has not already been brought up:
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20030505&c=1&s=robbins
Excellent speech BGW, I had already contacted the Baseball Hall of Fame and asked them to remove their leadership and that I was very strongly against their political actions. Tim and Susan are true American heros - ones that everyone should look up to!
Quote:Tim and Susan are true American heros - ones that everyone should look up to!
Why? Because they can act? The ability to speak and criticize ones country does not make one a national hero. Otherwise, I would suspect you thought Rush quite the hero during Cinton's term. Right?
McG
You really ought to try a little harder to stretch from black/white and to see differences.
Rush depends for his living on political commentary, and he's not out in the community doing citizen duty without a hefty speaker's fee. The two actors are putting in such community service for no fee. That's a telling difference, even if we don't take into account that Rush's political discourse would NOT get him a pass in any first year logic of political philosophy course.
Often, speaking against one's country is heroic...and that was quite clearly understood by the men who wrote your constitution - it is a fundamental reason for writing in the ammendment on free speech. For artists...for anyone whose livlihood might be put in some jeopardy through political commentary...to speak out politically is an act of something else than mere self-interest, because their self-interest might be substantially damaged.
I believe that both work in the entertainment industry. I also do not believe that Roth doesn't get paid for his appearances. I also believe you are stating opinion, not fact.
No, speaking out against ones country is NOT heroic, nor is it villianous. It is an option that our freedom gives us.
McG
God man...can you read with any carefulness at all? I said 'often'.
As to fact/opinion...I'll wait for you to do some research on what the heck these people do on their off hours and then maybe you can have something meaningful to say on the matter.
I apologize if that last post sounds harsh, but I am just too pissed off at folks who are too damned lazy to do learning before they open their mouths.
Ok, I'll look up what Robbins does in his off hours, and you look up what Rush does. Be fair and reasonable in your research and i will do the same.
After reading a few quotes, I've been keeping an eye out for it ever since.
Do remember, blatham, there are several posters on a2k from other countries that are quite critical of the US, that don't come across as anti american. Anyway, I guess they are still here.
roger
I'm sorry, I don't understand your first sentence.
Took me a minute to understand it too. Was refering to de Tocqueville's book.
Roger
Yes, I had the book when I was a teenager, but it's long since escaped me. Would love to re read it now that I might actually comprehend it.
Walter
You've brought back my teen years! The pimples, the sock hops, the girls whose breasts I couldn't touch....thank you thank you
If this is such an delight blatham, I'll sing "O Canada .." as well as "O Canada ..." [you certainly will notice that my French isn't that good] for an additional amusement and in honour of today's great parades.
(This only, because I've some difficulties reaching you some breasts.)
