Who You Calling Republican?
by Tom Shillue
I opened TimeOut NY magazine this morning and saw that I was featured in their “Essential New York” issue. Excellent. I’m overjoyed, as most performers are when they get some press. Now among the other nice things in their profile, they said this:
“He’s the only conservative Republican comedian who’s actually funny.”
Now, what do you think was the first thing I did when I saw that in print? Defend the honor of Evan Sayet and Steven Crowder? No.
My act is personal, not political, and those are two different things, unless you believe what it says in that dog-eared copy of “Our Bodies, Ourselves” on your ex-girlfriend’s bookshelf. But since Andrew invited me to “come out” on this site last year and air my (comparatively moderate) center-right views, the word has gotten around to some of my fans and associates that I might be playing for the other team. I’ll be at a showbiz cocktail party and someone will playfully say, “I heard a rumor about you…” They’re not trying to be mean or McCarthyite-they genuinely like the idea that they may have a right-wing acquaintance. It’s fun for them! But then they want to pick my brain. “How did it happen? Was your dad a minister?” They begin to introduce me to their friends as “their favorite Republican.”
I usually respond the same way I did yesterday when the TimeOut NY profile came out–I immediately Twittered, blogged and Facebooked, “For the record, I am a registered independent.”
Why this reflex? Why do I rush to portray myself as an “independent?”
Two reasons:
1. It is true. I identify with no political party. I have a clear set of views about the way the world works best, and at this moment the people with an R next to their name do less damage to the things I hold dear than the ones with a D. I didn’t say “no damage,” just less. (Even though I am one, the politicians with an I next to their name often tend to be a little flaky. Sorry, guys.)
2. Most of my fans and colleagues identify themselves with the Left, and people in show business personalize their political affiliation to the point that anyone who believes differently is seen as lacking common decency and compassion. You’ve got to get past that somehow, and it’s hard to do that in a few short sentences. Which is probably why so many conservative entertainers just keep their mouth shut.
In most cases politics and art together do not interest me. I didn’t go to see Benicio del Toro in “Che,” and I wouldn’t go to see Kelsey Grammer in “Goldwater!” So I don’t do politics in my act. I’m in the business of communication. I want to play to everyone, not just people who are like me. It’s easy to find your audience niche and play to it (”Get ‘R Done!”), but where’s the challenge in that? It’s not gutsy, edgy, or artistic. But political comics on the left rarely admit the same about their own habit of preaching to the choir. I remember doing a show at a hip Avenue A club in NYC shortly after 9/11 and the guy on before me said “I know I’m not supposed to say this right now, but I think our President is an asshole.” Applause.
What? You mean you’re willing to go after George W. Bush in the East Village? Why, you’re another Lenny Bruce! Way to speak truth to power!
When I rush to portray myself as independent, I’m not backing away from anything, or trying to hide my beliefs. I’ve chosen to put myself in the public eye, and I’m trying to communicate with them, which is nearly impossible to do when people’s reaction to certain buzzwords is to shut down, tune you out, and change the channel to someone who is more like them.
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
| 
Follow Us on Twitter
Subscribe via RSS
Tips & Feedback
92 Comments
we guess this is a good thing…
Although you might be, in the famous words of John McLaughlin 'a jingoistic fence sitter' as well. Not necessary to be a Republican- or a Democrat, either.
A simple proud conservative- or libertarian would suffice. Leave the squishy middle for, well squishy people…
Kudos on a concise, well-written article. I agree with your #1 point 100%. Republicans have my vote for now, until we can stop the Dems from flushing everything down the toilet, then I'll go back to supporting whichever candidate comes closest to my views….and what party they call themselves will be last on my list of importance.
It's funny how Conservatives buy into the myth that people in the middle are somehow indecisive or unprincipled. It doesn't matter how ridiculous the argument or how you disprove it, they just can't accept the fact that some people don't agree with their worldview, but still aren't the official enemy (i.e. Liberals). Therefore they have to insult their integrity in order to feel better about themselves. You know, kind of like how Liberals do it. {sigh}
I like voting in the Primary, so having a letter after my name is a necessity.
I also identify more with Repubs than Dems, however the R's have broken our trust and pushed candidates that do not fit the mold they are supposed to. A Repub candidate endorsed by ACORN? That is the antithesis of being Repub, pushing a pres candidate that is for amnesty for illegals? BS, especially when a vast majority of Americans do not want illegal aliens sneaking across the border, nor do they want amnesty. No political party has nailed it, not yet anyway.
not sure how you got that out of the post…
Mr Shillue is proud of being, well, hard to pin down. Is that your definition of 'people in the middle'? It wasn't a criticism as much as an observation. Taking a principled stand- either way- speaks more of courage than hiding on the 50 yard line awaiting instruction.
Never claimed anyone to be unprincipled. OK, maybe Obama. And Robert Gibbs. Arlen Specter perhaps.
So, you can claim all the integrity you like; we will not question it.
Just don't start giving direction when you are waiting for others to lead…
Maybe you're catching flack for the endless condescension I have to endure from the Right. If so, I apologize. Bottom line is you can't find a thread on this site (one started by a Center-Right Conservative/Libertarian who would be called a RINO by many if he hadn't become a hero to the cause) that doesn't have at least one slam towards someone who isn't a "real Conservative." I just find it so tiring. I'm happy for people whose entire belief system is satisfied by one political party and series of candidates, but some of us don't fit neatly into any affiliation. Since I agree with Conservatives more than I disagree, you'd think they'd ask me to help them defeat the evil Liberals (maybe not evil, just moronic), but instead it's more like, "Shut up, keep your icky views to yourself, and vote how we tell you."
It gets old after a few thousand posts or talk shows.
Same here, although I just might be able to hold my nose and switch parties if it meant I could vote against my incumbent congressman. (So far, though, no one is running against him.)
I don't like parties. I think they will play a big part in the downfall of America, and I'm not the only one. A fellow by the name of George Washington said something of that sentiment too.
The idea of a party is way too collectivist sounding to me. When I hear people saying stuff like we gotta think of the party I see little snippets of Dr. Zhivago flash before my eyes.
I'm a free-thinking individual I can speak for myself. I don't need to be in a party that will sway from principal and misrepresent me. Sure as s–t not the Republican party, they forgot their beginnings a long time ago.
this is an interesting subject- what does the middle mean. Often I don't believe people who say they are in the "middle". I'm all over the place, but when it comes to voting, I'll take a side.
But why did TimeOut NY mention your politics at all? They don't mention the other performer's political beliefs. Clarifying your political position here is one thing, but why not ask TimeOut NY why they called out your politics in the first place when it has nothing to do with your comedy?
As a Federalist with very limited voting options, I can only support a few Republicans and Independents and very few Democrats. But for the sake of defeating Obamunism I have registered R for the primaries since there are so many regressive Rs that need to be weeded out.
John Voight 2012!
once again we didn't endorse any party…
The Republicans are almost as sad as the Democrats- without the communist influences of course, a hige distinction- but they are as feckless, and almost as corrupt. All ideas can have merit, and there is no reason to walk in lockstep with ANY ideologue.
Articulate that in which you believe and take a stand. THAT's what we are suggesting…
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Big Hollywood, David Bollie. David Bollie said: RT @bighollywood: Who You Calling Republican? http://bit.ly/2uah8x [...]
No, it depends on how or why one is considered a "moderate". If it is because of internally consistent positions on various issues, some of which might be conservative, some of which would be liberal, then it's fine. At least I can respect it, even if I disagree. But there are also "moderates" who just want to take a centrist position on everything, without really standing for anything. There are both types, but there are vast differences.
Let's go over the liberal logic again:
-All Republicans are idiots.
-All dissenters from the Left's ideology are idiots.
-Independents do not share the Left's ideology, therefore, they can be labeled interchangeably as Republican or Idiot.
-All idiots are not necessarily Republicans, but it saves time to assume so.
Your visceral reaction to being labeled a Republican is due to the success of liberal logic in the mainstream. Just don't think it's safe to hide behind, "Independent." They'll find you. They'll get you, and label you. And your little dog, too.
When I vote, I don't take a side, I take a candidate, regardless of political affiliation. How ever that does mean there some elections where I vote, but I don't select candidates for every single race. I consider my civic duty fulfilled by going to the voting booth.
For example I didn't vote for anyone for President in 2008. I would not vote for Obama, and he's currently providing an excellent example of why. And McCain violated his oath to uphold the constitution with his campaign finance reform. He used government to infringe on my freedom of speech. Both candidates were unworthy of the Presidency in my opinion.
Before anyone wants to go off on me, I live in NY. There was never any doubt which candidate was getting our electoral votes. To paraphrase the late George Carlin I could have stayed home on election night and jerked off. Then, at least I'd have something to show for the effort.
If I don't have a position on any candidate in a particular race, I'll usually vote against the incumbent, figuring they've already had their chance, and probably only made things worse.
Sarah Palin/Rush Limbaugh in 2012!
Excellent point regarding the primary process. Btw, best-nickname-ever.
If that's the ticket I'll vote it, however politically toxic the left makes them. Time is needed to see who the best choice will be. This last election, nobody received a proper vetting.
[...] Hollywood: Trailer: ‘Pelosi On Elm Street: The Nightmare Continues’ Tom Shillue, Big Hollywood: Who You Calling Republican? Frugal Café Blog Zone: Not Too Perfect to Mock… Jay Leno & Conan O’Brien Take Shots [...]
This is one reason why I think one of the smartest things that the Republicans can do right now to re energize the party is to change their names. Republican has been so smeared over the years that many decent conservatives have a knee jerk reaction to listing themselves as a Republican, they will basically say, "well, I am conservative, but I have libertarian principles, I am an INdependant, and I usually will vote for the Republican" etc. etc.
Think about it, wouldn't that be a great idea in this new "hope and changey era?"
I would agree with that. Unfortunately a lot of Conservatives don't. The thing that never fails to drive me crazy is the way one person will call someone a RINO for not being fiscally conservative enough, while the next one will say a fiscally conservative person is a RINO for not opposing abortion or gay marriage. The next person says someone's a RINO because he/she agrees to compromise with Democrats on legislation. In the end, you have a bunch of people who's only area of agreement is that RINOs are bad (even though most of them can't agree on what a RINO is).
Groupthink is always dangerous, and could wind up being the Democrats best friend in the next election. I'd just be happy if people could finally decide exactly what defines a Conservative, so they could all agree on who to loathe. Who knows, if we could finally get a real set of principles, perhaps those of us who don't agree with all of them would respect Republicans or Conservatives (or both) enough to vote for them anyway. I just get tired of the weak cheese of attacking people who don't fall in line with what a particular person believes. It was old back when they did it in high school.
That is such a bad problem here in Illinois. You have Democrat districts and Republican districts (and alot of them). The other side doesn't even bother trying to compete in those. So the voters don't have any real choice.
" Kelsey Grammer in “Goldwater!"
Now THAT'S a movie I'd buy a ticket to see.
Don't forget racist, sexist and homophobic!
Heh, it was a tossup between this and 58States. LOL!
[...] T. Simpson, Big Hollywood: Did You Hear the One About President Obama? Tom Shillue, Big Hollywood: Who You Calling Republican? Tim Slade: Political Late Night Winners and Losers S.T. Karnick, Big Hollywood: O’Brien Plays it [...]
As a conservative, I really dont care what people call themselves, as long as they are for the same principles of Constitutionality as I am. I will advocate against abortion, but I do not think making it a wholesale across the board Federal law forbidding it is any more moral or acceptable than making it a Federal law allowing it. The fact remains that the Constitution was circumvented through an activist Court to administer a morally repugnant act without the will of the people given a chance to express itself. Knock out the Roe v Wade ruling, give the states a chance to vote yes or no on it and let the chips fall where they may. Does that make me a supporter of abortion? NO. It means that as an American, I want the Constitution to be used as it was intended, not decided by nine elitist pigs who think they know better than the rest of us.
If he doesnt want to be called conservative, so be it. But if he advocates principles that are against what I believe to be Constitutional, then he WILL be on the other side of the line. Simple as that.
Great post, Joan. Bravo!
Besides your splendid definition of liberal logic, let's examine the liberal conceit and success in using the virtucrat tone. It works like this, wherein my opinions originate from a position of virtue it follows that if you contradict them you aren't virtuous. Sound familiar? It's a very effective ploy with those who aren't on firm footing with their reasoning and core values. Yep, those skeptical of GW or transfer-of-wealth socialism are simply not virtuous.
The liberal virtucrat ploy wonders on college campuses and with the young who are susceptible to peer pressure. I can forgive them. As each news cycle demonstrates just how unvirtuous liberals and their corrupt politics are we will get to the tipping point where the mask gets ripped away completely.
The comforting thing is that it is starting on the other side now too. Saw something the other day where liberal sites were talking about primary fights on Dems who weren't liberal enough.
And it gets worse every re-districting. Set aside the minority districts, then go down the list of who is important, and therefore gets a district where re-election is guaranteed. Dems will set aside Repub districts, not for bipartisanship, but to pad their majority in other districts. Other way around too.
Agreed. I would love to be able to participate in the primaries as a independent but like others I don't have that choice at present.
Agreed. There are good reasons for belonging to a political party, and primaries are a big one.
Bingo. It's funny how most people who hold that "independent" label high and proud actually vote almost down party lines, whether they be the Republican Party or the Democrat Party – but don't you dare call them on it!
Being that most politicians seemed to be reelected ad infinitum, and then die in office, maybe the average voter has forgotten how important and necessary the Primary is. The Primary is the first stage of clearing out the rubbish.
Being that most politicians seemed to be reelected ad infinitum, and then die in office, maybe the average voter has forgotten how important and necessary the Primary is. The Primary is the first stage of clearing out the rubbish.
Oh, yes. Being that most politicians seemed to be reelected ad infinitum, and then die in office, maybe the average voter has forgotten how important and necessary the Primary is. The Primary is the first stage of clearing out the rubbish.
Not to mention, having the support of a political party is one of the best ways for the new guys who knock out the old guys in the primary have for getting funds and volunteers. Also, voter registration, at least in our state, is what determines who sits on the election boards and ballot countings. When Republicans hold the majority of registered voters, they get to count the ballots.
As someone else said, NY23 was proof-positive that the GOP needs conservatives and conservatives need the GOP. Change from within.
"Your visceral reaction to being labeled a Republican is due to the success of liberal logic in the mainstream. Just don't think it's safe to hide behind, "Independent." They'll find you. They'll get you, and label you. And your little dog, too."
Fair enough. Unless we are at the tipping point in this nation. If we don't slam the door shut on the malfeasance then highly productive, highly mobile and flexible Americans can just pick up and move to greener pastures away from the long arm of Uncle Sam.
Go figure. Americans looking to marry overseas to get green cards in other countries? If the USA is that far gone then why not?
They named you a republican so they can force you to defend all that they see as republican. Best to call yourself conservative. Then, you are what you are and can easily live and talk your life with those who agree and disagree. If you feel shameful about what you are what do you have?
People just don't like it when they can't fit you in a nice little prepackaged box of beliefs. It makes it hard to demean and ridicule you if they actually have to figure out what you believe on their own.
What happened to the editing option?….."wonders", sorry, let's make that "works" well on college campuses…
Political position aside, why do comics feel they need to be "gutsy, edgy, or artistic." or the challenge themselves. I thought they were susposed to be funny (”Get ‘R Done!”). Lenny Bruce was not very funny at the end. And forgive my heresy, but Carlin is not very funny right now either.
They didn't need to describe other comics' political beliefs – it is taken as a given that they are predictably liberal. They also think they are non-conformists, and identically so at that!
Seriously, if I told you I saw a crow, would I have to say it was black? If it was white you can be sure I would mention that distinctive feature.
hhmmm – urine or cannabis? (read it carefully)
Only if it comes with the exclamation mark.
Again, what do you mean "we"? Is it the editorial we? The royal we? Or the puffed-up ego we?
I never call myself "we." It seems, well, I don't want to say what it seems.
It really is annoying how people assume you're a republican if you disagree with Democrats. I mean, every other party (and there are lots of them) disagree with Democrats. I've always been an independent because neither of the two main parties live up to their platform.
That was kind of my point. I'm assuming dcase meant the Tea Party activists, but what exactly do they stand for (other than being pissed off)? I heard an interview with some hack who's trying to turn the movement into some political party or something, and he described working with Tea Party folks like trying to herd cats….they all have their own agenda, but are finding comfort in standing together against "big government." Unfortunately, that's neither a political platform, nor a plan of action. People who try to speak for the Tea Party activists are just blowing smoke because there is no official set of agreed on beliefs. Just a large group of people angry about what's going on in the government. Until that morphs into an actual plan, "we" doesn't stand for anything (except a commenter's feeling that he/she speaks for a large group of people).
I'm in the same boat, James.
It's basically the left's typical groupthink and intellectual laziness at play. The label, 'Republican", is basically shorthand to alert everyone that you fit their series of stereotypes. Interacting with lefties is an interesting, if not confounding, study in irony. I'm not a blogger here or I'd gladly list them all, one by one. The biggest irony is how they view themselves as the enlightened open-minded thinkers in our society.
Here's an exercise. I invite you to post a liberal viewpoint on a conservative-oriented forum such as this one, Ann Coulter's site or say Free Republic.. You'll be called out, challenged, maybe called a name, lauged at or simply confronted with a counter-argument bolstered by facts. But, you will be engaged and challenged.
Try posting a conservative viewpoint on Daily Kos or Democratic Underground. You won't even make it past the moderators. You're banned, pure and simple.
it is an editorial device meant to take the individual- and their inflated egos (see mirror for details) out of the arena…
we call them the 'nine robed destroyers'…
My mother is exactly like this. I disagree with Obama, that means I thought Bush was right on everything. Of course, this comes from a woman who hasn't voted since I think the late 80s early 90s and who thinks that all politicians are stupid, but still somehow thinks that universal health care might be a good thing. But she was raised in the U.K., so that might be part of the problem. She has a love/hate relationship with government, I guess.
I remind her constantly that I am a CONSERVATIVE (with a little liberatarian thrown in), not a Republican – in the sense that I do think the Republican party has messed up and is no longer conservative, but democrat lite. I don't know if she gets the nuance.
I consider myself an Independent because Republicans stink. If they clean up their act and get back to Conservatism, then I'll be happy to sign up. Until then, Conservative/Liberatarian – and decidedly Independent.
Hey Tom,
I can relate. I too am a mixture of several political creeds. I too an a registered independent, but that doesn't make me a fence sitter. I am mostly conservative with some libertarian leanings. I don't care what you call yourself, just stick to you principles and do not waver. If that be a mixture of 'conservative' and 'libertarian' ones, so be it. I rather like that you try not to interject politics into your act. That is refreshingly sane. I am sure that I would enjoy your brand of humor as long as it isn't too profane or demented. Some political dementia humor can be kinda funny however, if it involves Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid.
Wouldn't that be spelled "WeWee"?
I like your style. I too am a registered independent and I get somewhat annoyed when pegged as a Republican by liberal friends because I share some that party's creed. I think we need to be principled in our beliefs and never waver. That doesn't make you a fence sitter and is the most important thing. Keeping Politics out of your act is refresingly sane but I sense some missed opportunities to educate the masses. Try a little dementia humor with Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Newt Gingrich as targets of opportunity. All of them are chock full of themselves and need to be reminded we don't always take them seriously.
It's binary thinking, just like a computer. It's 1/0, yes/no, left/right, on/off. And yes, most modern liberals are afflicted with it.
My experience is its used as a mental crutch, avoids having to the mental heavy lifting required to actually understand a complex issue.
It's also one of the lefts main self defense mechanisms. Think about it: If you oppose abortion then you must want to see unwed mothers killed or mutilated in back alley abortions.
Liberals have one of those for every complex issue there is. Ready to whip out like a zip gun.
Go ahead, give me an issue, I can whip one out in 1/2 a second. That's why I was such a good liberal. I can cut down a political debate opponent with an absolutely ridiculous, binary argument, faster than any modern liberal.
I remain an independent even tho my favorite politicians are Republicans, James Inhofe, Tom Coburn, Sarah Palin, etc. I don't want to be associated with the John McCains and Lindsay Grahams, and the assorted crooks and sleaze bags the party tolerates. And I don't want to supply money to people like Dede. If the GOP will ever gets it together, I might join.
It is an idiocy which arises from a causelessly inflated ego.
No English teacher or grammarian would recommend it.
Right on — It's too difficult to build the infrastructure of a whole new Conservative Party.
We just need to kick out the weak-kneed Republicans and take over that party. I would love to see a clear ideological choice for the voters in the majority of political races in our still-great country.
Two degrees of difference between the parties. Both are following, lemming-like, the anointed-one's (crack) pipe to a promised euphoric utopia and the cattle follow mindlessly, blissful in their ignorance. Doesn't anyone truly see where he and the acolytes of rapturous falsity are leading us? We were given a system of self-determination and we have squandered it, spent our hard-earned legacy on cheap visions and empty suits. We are doomed unless we find our way again.
I don't envy your position Tom. I'd hate to have to know I could never tell a Liberal joke, because Liberals are incapable of laughing at their own. It defies some oath, or some such nonsense.
I'm a conservative, though I'm unaffiliated. I don't agree 100% with any political party, though I'm very right-leaning in most of my political views. I suppose I am moderate in a few of them, but not to the point of crossing the line into liberal territory. I believe in voting for the person, not the party. Jim Matheson is the most liberal person I've ever voted for. I know what my beliefs are, and I know what my political views are. I'm not unaffiliated because I'm indecisive, or because I'm "fence-sitting." I'm unaffiliated because I refuse to align myself with a party that only partially shares my values.
glad you approve. 'We' have no intention of change; so you can either fixate on it or let it go. Either way makes no difference…
Something I don't understand is how some conservatives get hounded for showing frustration for other conservatives who end up voting for Democrat candidates. It is fine to vote for a Democratic as a conservative if you like that particular Democrat's stance on the issues. But most people here must realize that many congressional Democrats are abandoning the right-leaning stances that got them elected in conservative districts and voting for government-run health care and other things only the liberals espouse?
Just take a look at Bill Owen, elected after standing against the Pelosi/House healthcare bill and then immediately his first major vote was for a position he lied and said he didn't have! If someone wants to get their panties in a wad about conservatives finding fault with other conservatives who vote Democrat, fine. But isn't it obvious that many Democrats are abandoning what they were voted in for and standing directly in line with an extremely liberal Nancy Pelosi on whatever she wants?
Maybe some other time conservatives should lay off independents or other conservatives for voting Democrat–but right now the battle lines are drawn, and the powerful Democrat caucus is going for broke and voting for things their constituents will be thinking about a little under a year from now. A vote that is cast for a "conservative Democrat" very likely "isn't" when they start to vote on liberal-authored bills in the House.
Here's a question: Do people on here generally equate "liberal" or "Left" with Democrat?
Liberalism is serious business. Nothing funny about saving the planet from evil , greedy capitalist.
A perfect example of the problem was Boehner's Republican response to the Democrats healthcare bill. It was just tone deaf and took the Democrats premise of needing to fix healthcare. It was so frustrating. It's things like that that make me an independent too. If the best of the independents and Tea Party folks could take over the Republican party maybe it wouldn't be a dirty word any more.
"He's the only Republican comedian who's actually funny!"
Tom, what bothers me about that statement, apart from its being false, is how ugly and bigoted it is. Imagine if they had said, "He's the only black comedian who's actually funny," or, "She's the only lesbian comedian who's actually funny." Imagine if people introduced you at parties as "my favorite Jew" or "my favorite Muslim."
Instead of rushing to say, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, I'm only half black," don't you think it'd be better to confront them on this issue? Why be so defensive when they are the ones in the wrong here?
I'm suspecting that the ground swell happening right now is the start of what you're looking for.
I've taken to calling myself an INDEMOPUBLITARIAN. It might be too much of a mouthful to catch on though.
All parties should never be allowed to get complacent or drift. IF Republicans win a majority again, or come close in 2010, they need to be kept on their toes. It's really disturbing to me how so many people blindly follow the Democrat line, but I am seeing more people get turned off thanks to BO's clueless ineptitude.
hey des, we dont have a problem with your lack of credible knowledge – just follow where we lead and it will be alright and you can maintain your moderation farce for your friends and relatives
after having mccain and his ilk kill America with your kind of moderation – it is best if you "Shut up, keep your icky views to yourself and vote as we tell you"
thank you very much!!!!
Sharpshiny – you are the only poster here who is even halfway funny. Oh wait.
Seriously, yes, I agree, the inherent racism and bigotry of the intolerant Left is *right* there, beneath the surface of all that they say and do. They can call each other the 'n' word and it is not racist. David Letterman can make fun of Sarah Palin and her daughter repeatedly, and it is not sexist. Chris Rock can slam white people in the name of humor and we are all supposed to give him a pass. Jessie Hijack-son can call NYC 'hymietown' and that is fine. EVERYONE knows that liberals can be racists and that is perfectly acceptable and ok. We know the drill.
For FAR TOO LONG they have been able to define us, tell us what to think ('that's the way it is' – Kronkite?), indoctrinate our kids, and basically DEFINE all of the 'isms — racism, sexism, and of course general definitions of bigotry, homophobia, etc. (This week they have started in telling us that the domestic terrorist on the Army base last week is a 'freedom fighter' and just a poor misunderstood soul)….
HERE is something to do — whenever they throw out an attack (such as calling a conservative a racist for not wanting to support a radical lying non-citizen illegitimate Marxist president who happens to be black) — DEMAND THAT THEY DEFINE the term that they just used….so for example they would be forced to say that this means that the conservative is espousing a consistent pattern of racial supremacy of one race over another, etc.
Definition: A BIGOT — A person who WINS an argument with a liberal.
cant wait for the loons to go after obozo for being a warmonger
right now – America is happy with the "against all democrats" policy and coming votes
its a start in limiting the damage being done by obozo and sycophants
thats reasonable – as the repubs have done a horrible job of containing costs and acting like dems in the past – the repubs with mccain as lead did not get a lot of conservative support
I think that he obozo election was more about the rejection of mccain and the dem lite repubs that about the obama lies of moderation
America knows that the outing of a repub is for the purpose of egging on the persecution of outed repub by the loons, especially so with the gaystapo types
im democrap so I can vote in their primaries and cause havoc in the hate America party
People who walk down the middle of a two-lane highway have twice the chance of being run over.
So we need a bucket of water?
Why, is Andrew Sullivan here?
Sorry Des, but what you describe as groupthink happens more on the Left.
The Republican "brand" has been successfully tarnished by the Prpaganda Media. Until and unless Republicans join forces and use boycott the defund the propaganda media (as the Left defunds or tries to defund non Leftist sources, the Republican brand will continue to be tarnished. Republicans "wandered in the wilderness" for so long that they've got the defeatest mentality. Look at what happened in NY 23. Close race, but Hoffman conceded prematurely and not it looks like maybe Owens's vote for the disastrous health care bill will stand even if it turns out Hoffman won. Why so quick to roll on your backs, Republicans?
Growltiger, Independent Moderate who is not squishy on anything.
I can respect your first pargraph.
But I take issue with your second. I also believe in the principles of the Constitution, very strongly. What if your take on what the Constitution on what it says/ means differs from mine. Why should lyour view prevail? I say this whether or not or views in fact are at odds. Just asking.
Here's an answer: Yes.
I have no idea where you stand on anything and it seems that you deliberately keep that vague in an effort to not alienate people. I have no problem with the fact that you don't consider yourself a Republican, but I don't know how to advance an agenda by being a wishy washy moderate that doesn't take a definite stand on anything.
I wouldn't want to be called a Republican really either. (Considering how they seem to be democrat-light.) I suppose it is better than being called Democrat marginally. (I suspect the quality of a friend who would introduce you as "my only republican friend" isn't terribly high.)
I think the media is too quick to attach labels to everything. If I disagree with the president I'm racist. If I don't agree with one EPA policy I'm anti-environment. If I think no smoking is a good thing I'm not conservative. If I think a gay marriage law is wrong I'm homophobic. If I don't like the current leader of the GOP it must be because I'm racist. Etc. Etc.
Here's a wild and crazy idea: let's quit labeling everything!
Well of course you don't know where I stand on any issue- why would you? I'm not a politician, I'm an entertainer, and I haven't written in detail on specific positions. But I have clear stands on every issue, and no one who knows me would describe any of my views as wishy washy. (certainly not the left wing actors and comedians I work with who think I am "extreme") But that is what this article was about–when you are in the public eye, it does not make sense to label yourself. Unless you have the luxury of being able to explain all of your positions in great detail to everyone, many (who consider themselves open minded but are the opposite) will simply shut you out.
You must be logged in to post a comment.