Winners and Losers
by Jimmy AroneA few days ago I wrote an article to post at Big Hollywood, which was motivated in part by my reaction to watching the video of Jamean Garofalo, who recently appeared as a guest on Meek Olberdogg’s ‘Putdown’ Show. Clearly, she struck a nerve in me. Making outrageous statements, she accused thousands of men and women, who participated in the recent Tea Party events, as being racist. Quote: “This is about hating a black man in the White House. This is racism straight up.” Even for Ms. Garofalo this had to be a new low. To steal a ripe response from Mr. One Pissed Off Dude himself, Gary Graham, let me just say, “FTS.”
Still at another place and time we had Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) who in keeping with the nasty spirit of Garofalo blasted the Tea Party events in her own unique, elitist way. Quote: “It’s despicable that right-wing Republicans would attempt to cheapen a significant, honorable moment of American history with a shameful political stunt.” What’s “despicable” and “shameful” to me is the contempt Rep. Schakowsky seems to hold for average American citizens who chose to get out there on April 15th and exercise their rights under the First Amendment. It has become blatantly obvious by those on the left, First Amendment rights only apply to them and to their agenda. I guess the rest of us should just stay home and eat cake. Once again, FTS.
Well, after a while, it started to dawn on me, I was stuck in a quandary with this angry post I’d written and didn’t want to let these suckers get the best of me. I didn’t like the way I was feeling. I decided to step back. Relax. Took a deep breath and looked around. There must be something better than this? I thought, I have a choice as to how I want to proceed here. Hell yeah!
I decided rather than focus on this pathetic Hollywood creature and her super snob sister in Congress; I’d try a different approach.
It hit me. As easy as changing the channel on “24,” I decided to look for a positive story. A story that made you feel good and there she was… Susan Boyle. A 47 year overnight sensation of a lady, who “dreamed the dream” and had the guts to go for it. Susan Boyle, at first glance not much to look at but oh how she soared when the music began to play. Standing alone on a stage, in England last week, she knocked the socks off all who heard her lovely voice. She touched a chord in me, creating a magical moment forever captured in time. Susan Boyle is a great story about what’s good in the world.
If that’s not enough, how about the story of Anvil? From Victor Hugo to the heaviest of metal, one end of the spectrum to the other. Check it out. After my wife and I left the Tea Party at the Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday we decided to head over to the Nuart Theatre to see the documentary “Anvil! The Story of Anvil.” Now granted, I’m no big fan of heavy metal music but I enjoy documentaries of all kinds. I’m a sap for stories such as this one. Let me tell you, similar thing as with Susan Boyle… Steve ‘Lips’ Kudlow and his best friend Robb Reiner are guys in their early fifties who’ve known each other since they were teenagers. Founders of the band, Anvil, we follow them around as they tell their story which spans for 30 plus years struggling to make it. ‘Lips’ and Robb are the heart and soul of this film. You root for these guys from the get go. Good men along with the families who love and support them. The ‘little heavy metal engine that could’ with a dash of “Spinal Tap.” Needless to say, this movie was a labor of love by all involved and hit all the right notes for me.
These two stories have one thing in common…having a dream and the desire to make it happen. Decent, hard-working souls who earned the opportunity to drink from the silver cup of success. Sweet. What could be better than that?
Not much.
I have to admit, after writing about these individuals and sharing bits about their stories, I feel much better. Not so angry. Thoughts and words out here in cyberspace about what’s good and right in the world.
Winners and losers. The choice is yours.
In an effort to bring this piece back home to where I began with the Tea Parties, a wise man told me some years ago, it’s better to be for something rather than against something.
Keeping that in mind, I came across these five points posted at the Dallas Tea Party website. I made copies of them which I shared with some of the folks at the Santa Monica Tea Party. Grassroots thing. Good stuff to remember, to focus on for a future events, for the sake of our country. I’d be willing to bet, for many people out at the Tea Parties last week; this kind of sums it up:
What we stand for:
1. Limited Government – As our Founding Fathers recognized, restraint of government is necessary to protect the liberties of the people.
2. Fiscal Responsibility – Government at all levels must learn to live within its means. To saddle future generations with the crushing burden of excess spending is unconscionable.
3. Personal Responsibility – Liberty is unsustainable without responsibility. Each citizen must take responsibility for the consequences of his or her own actions while respecting the rights and dignity of others.
4. The Rule of Law – Consistent, independent and uniform application of law is critical to a free and prosperous society.
5. National Sovereignty – We must maintain a strong national defense, effective security for our borders, and sole control over land and our laws.
Finally,to all those Americans, who proudly took to the streets on April 15th and let your voices be heard, congratulations. As with another great story which took place in the city of Boston back in December of 1773, you made a statement. Took a first step, despite what critics had to say, in my book, that makes you winners.
Happy trails…
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35 Comments
The principles of the San Antonio Tea Party were pretty similar:
San Antonio Tea Party is a non-partisan gathering of citizens. We welcome anyone, of any political persuasion or background who is a fiscal conservative and a strict constitutionalist, to join us in protesting an impossibly bloated stimulus bill – a bill which will burden our children and grandchildren with an unacceptable level of debt.
We are not affiliated with any particular organization, movement or political party. Although many of our members are active in various organizations, and partisans of others, we are beholden to none of them. As individuals, we are drawn to participate in the San Antonio Tea Party by our own various concerns with regard to the Constitution, badly-considered legislation, and the possible corruption of the political process.
We come from all walks of life, and represent many skills, trades, and levels of income. Many of us are military veterans. As a free association of independent and individual citizens, we are not permitting any present, former or aspiring politician to speak at our Tea Party – they are, however, welcome to come and listen to us. For once.
Finally, we categorically reject violence, threats of violence or secession, racism, intemperate language or personal attacks upon any politician or personality. That will not be tolerated, on our website, in our personal communications and discussions… and most of all, at our Tea Party.
There were the few odd bods which did show up with violations of the last. Free country, and all that, you see. It was an interesting experience – everyone was so courteous and well-behaved, and we even had a crew of volunteers to clean up afterwards…
Rep. Jan Schakowsky has as much of a right to call you shameful as you do to have a teabagging party. How is her criticism of you infringing on your rights? You wingnuts need to quit with the victim mentality.
Good Christ! Did you have to include a picture of Garafolo? It was bad enough just having to talk about her.
You're absolutely right. We're in the majority on this, so why crawl on our bellies? Its your turn!
Schakowsky lost the right to question the integrity of tea baggers when Schakowsky herself showed not an ounce of integrity in calling her own thieving, embezzling husband "a good man" after he was found guilty of embezzling $2.3 million from public interest groups. Just think of it. She praised her husband for doing the wrong thing – yet sneered and name-called those people who demand others do the right thing.
When Schakowsky refused to acknowledge the difference between right and wrong – she forfeited the 'right' to do anything except keep her pie hole shut. But of course, a 'wingnut' like yourself would say depriving Schakowsky of hypocrisy makes her a victim.
Look on the bright side – maybe she's strangling herself in that picture?
Ahh, come on, I can HOPE, can't I?
Doesn't she remind you of a burnout metal groupie that has a "Now Serving" pull ticket dispenser on her left thigh? Someone that would give you a tumble for festival seating at a "Poison" reunion concert? The last bath she had was at a truck stop in Winslow, Arizona; one out of soap, paper towels, and pads?
Garafolo, you can't survive on a "Mystery Men" rep. Clean it up and get a haircut, get contacts or Lasik, and keep your big mouth shut on politics before you destroy whatever minuscule career you have left.
And the best part is that when she's done taking care of you at the truck stop, she pays you. She's just grateful for guys who are blind and have lost their sense of smell.
She looks more like one of those "souls in hell" Michaelangelo painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Schakowsky's comments infringe on noone's rights. Schakowky's comments simply reveal her to be a hypocrite based on her husband's tax cheating conviction. Don't let facts get in the way of your estrogen induced, feelings.
I've noticed something…most of the statist libs kinda look like, well, her. They all incorporate some of this disheveled, grimy, slime weasel look, for some reason. No wonder PBHO is the chosen messiah.
Even a coal mining conservative comes out ahead; that "dignity" thing, I guess…
Speaking of Inane Garofalo, did you see that clip of her praising dissent when Bush was President, and condemning it now that Obama is President?
Great article, Jimmy! And thanks for mentioning my name. (take a check as usual?) Whoa, wait — you used FTS! like, what, three times? At a buck, seventy-five a pop, that's what…three and a quarter? Three dollars, and seventy-five cents ya owe me, dog. (And if my mother is reading this, FTS means Forget That Stuff)
That's the ticket..
Could she be doing a new Alka Seltzer commercial in that picture? "I can't believe I ate the whole thing." The thing at the truck stop.
Auntie, why are you posting as jakelope now? Are you afraid to answer the pie question? Why does it terrify you so?
Janeane, have a couple of kids. Raise them yourself ( nanny not allowed) . Put them in LAUSD schools.
Try it. You'll be surprised at how conservative you become.
"How is her criticism of you infringing on your rights?"
Bzzzzzzzzzt.
Straw man fallacy.
No where was that claimed.
You fail.
I like those five points listed at the bottom of the post. Let's review them and see if they are compatible with the modern American Left.
1. Limited Government – Nope.
2. Fiscal Responsibility – Nope. They will say that the Republicans spend too much as well. All that means is that no one in government is fiscally responsible.
3. Personal Responsibility – Nope.
4. The Rule of Law – Nope. They rely on judges to pass their unpopular legislation.
5. National Sovereignty – Hah!
After doing that little exercise, I think I understand why the Left reacted so negatively to the Tea Parties.
Jeezy creezy Ken 0 at least back up your points with a little bit of evidence!
Yeah Ken, why don't you present us with a fully researched and footnoted thesis whenever you post, just like our trolls do. LOL!!
Well when you dwell in Jeneane Garafolo's sewer that's what you end up being Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)…a sewer.
Are not the celebrity fans of celebrities growing just a teeny bit tired of having celebrities crap all over you or have you become so accustomed to the taste you don't even notice you are living in a sewer?
1. Limited Government – The President and Congress have both called for an increase in government jobs, projects and government backed programs like healthcare, education and "government services". The President and Congress (and the American People????) are now stake holders in a variety of lending institutions, car companies, or any other company deemed too big to fails. These steps, combined with the already existing welfare state will surely expand, not limit, the goverment.
2. Fiscal Responsibility – The Government (is in record debt. Please note cjenk that I am not being specific to this administration as I am painfully aware that Medicare part D and TARP 1 were passed under President Bush. Still, I also have read the Constitution and know that spending laws must be originated in Congress which was controlled by Democrats for the since 2006. I would explain it further but I, being a lowly lawyer, cannot count to a trillion, much less 4 trillion. I do know it is a lot and not responsible.
3. Personal Responsibility – Given the massive spending in cradle to grave programs, there is no need for the individual to have personal responsibility. One prime example of this Administrations view is that losers are the ones being propped up. Can't make your mortgage? We'll pay it! Can't afford a cell phone? We'll give you one! Forget to read the contract/Bill? It happens! Rape little kids? Well, that certainly isn't a punishable-by-death offense! Get laid off? We'll support you for 13 weeks longer than we used to! Steal? Don't worry you get to do it two more times before you get punished? Can't speak the language? No problemo! haremos muestras.
4. The Rule of Law- The courts, both state and federal are unilaterally overriding and creating laws. They are working with a "living constitution", as opposed to one that states laws to which all must abide. One of the most recent examples is the California court overriding the will of the people and allowing Prop 8 to be turned down.
5. National Sovereignty -We are involved in international institutions and structures which impede our indepence as a nation, namely the UN, the ICJ (Clinton signed us up for the ICC), NAFTA …….and hey! let's read the paper today….. http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUST... !!!!!
5. National Sovereignty -We are involved in international institutions and structures which impede our indepence as a nation, namely the UN, the ICJ (Clinton signed us up for the ICC), NAFTA …….and hey! let's read the paper today….. http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUST... !!!!!
Until and unless moderates and conservatives vote with their wallets and refuse to support anus equinae (? correct plural) like Garafolo, she'll have the venue and the time to spout her inanity. Same with the rest of the "celebrities". I don't go to Sean Penn movies no matter how good the film is. Why should I fork over $10 bucks, $1.00 of which will go to the DNC? I don't watch shows in which Garafolo appears and if we'd all get together and boycott their advertisers, we might do more than make a mighty wind on BH.
I still don't get how this slag even gets work. She's got absolutely no talent and she's a hateful bigot to boot.
She should just shave her pits and STFU….
Auntie Fascist-
Where's the pie?
Re Tea Parties; perhaps if I use really small, simple words you'll be able to follow this (but I doubt it)
The Americans who attended Tea (Taxed Enough Already) Parties were from the entire political spectrum (that means all parts of society) who are concerned that the DEBT Obama is creating will 'sink' America.
Liberals and True Believer Socialists engage in a bizarre sexual practice called 'teabagging.' When you see Herr Olbersturmbannfuher or Jamean Godawfulho smirk about 'teabagging' they are actually projecting.
No need to thank me for the explanation.
The Tea Parties were amazing, and as a result we have the left and Washington politicians thinking, “huh do what!” We are the real power in the USA. Not to be redundant but, boycott everything and anything to do with leftist, pull the purse strings and the country will follow. It’s a simple thing to find out the advertisers on NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, The New York Times, etc. don’t buy their products and let them know it. Call them, e-mail, etc. To use a phrase from one of our wise legal minds on BH, Janeane Garafolo is a “skank ho,” plain and simple. But, one thing her nasty mouth does illustrate, The Tea Parties struck a nerve, and revealed something the left, and Washington politicians right or left have never seen, hard working, productive, tax paying, otherwise unassuming Americans saying, NO to Washington politicians, and brother they don’t like it one little bit, oh well! Stay in their faces people, and let them know who the boss is!
** applause **
Nicely done!
Racist? Am I the only one who sees the teaparties as protesting a rich bunch of primarily white guys and gals (Congress) taking my and your money and bailing out a bunch of their rich and primarily white guy and gal friends who horribly mismanaged their businesses?
A number of commenters here have made the mistake of listing Rep. Schakowsky as "D-IL". The correct notation is "$-IL". There is only one political party in Illinois. Some of you may have missed the story yesterday that the state which has already received the largest bundle of stimulus cash is…wait for it…ILLLINOIS! The President is doing a fine job for the people who put him in office.
I couldn't have said it better myself.
Although, I must correct you on one point.
California's Prop 22 in 2000 was the original proposition that prevented gay marriage. That one was struck down by the CA Supreme Court. In response, the voters recently passed Prop 8 which has been challenged in the courts. Its fate should be decided within the next two months.
No, you're not! I guess we've been a little bit too enraged by all the hypocritical idiots out there that we forgot to point out the obvious. I think that's a great point and needs more exposure. Thanks!
A little knowledge never hurt anyone! Thanks for enlightenment!
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