Listen Up Jack-Wagons! New Geico Commercial

[Hoss]

You found a song with the word "spinning" in it.  Big deal.  Now, if you found a video of a ballet dancer or figure skater spinning, that would have been good.  Just my opinion.

Ah, I see.  OK, next time, I'll run my choice of A/V aids by you before I post.

[Red Arrow]

Ah, I see.  OK, next time, I'll run my choice of A/V aids by you before I post.

That should work.   

[Ed W]

If you equate what Fonda did during a time of war with what Ermey said about the economy, I can't help you. Nor will I answer whatever question you are positing because such is indeed a mega-false equivalence. Hell, even that moron Fonda eventually concluded her behavior was wrong.

One other thing, do you really believe that Fonda sitting on a North Vietnamese AA gun used to shoot at our soldier's planes was an expression of speech? If so, I don't ever want to hear another TNF b!tch about Citizen's United.

I've stated that the Baldwiins, Fonda, Ermey, and even you and I have an equal right to speak our minds.  Evidently, since you disagree vehemently with what some have to say, you believe that those who disagree with you should not have that right.  It's typical of many of the authoritarians on the right, where ideology trumps a commitment to the rule of law and our Constitution. 

So let's try another tack - if we have a right that we do not exercise for whatever reason, do we still have that right?

[guido911]

I've stated that the Baldwiins, Fonda, Ermey, and even you and I have an equal right to speak our minds.  Evidently, since you disagree vehemently with what some have to say, you believe that those who disagree with you should not have that right.  It's typical of many of the authoritarians on the right, where ideology trumps a commitment to the rule of law and our Constitution.  

So let's try another tack - if we have a right that we do not exercise for whatever reason, do we still have that right?

I think we are in apples and oranges territory. First, I of course believe we each have the right to speak, and no one's opinion means more than another when it comes to that right. HOWEVER, my position as to solely Hanoi Jane Fonda--a person's name you both threw out there and later compared to Ermey--is where we are not connecting. I cannot see how riding on the enemy's AA gun is "speech", which if it is not, then we are not talking about the same thing. As for comparing the likes of Baldwin to Ermey, I am on board with that.

I asked you earlier if you thought Fonda's actions was "speech"? Do you have an opinion?

[Ed W]

I asked you earlier if you thought Fonda's actions was "speech"? Do you have an opinion?

I believe the Supremes ruled that actions constitute speech even if no words are exchanged.  I think it resulted from an anti-nuclear protest where some activists chained themselves to a gate, but I could be mistaken.  So yes, Fonda's actions were speech, perhaps ill-advised and even stupid, but speech nonetheless.  If we outlawed stupid speech, there are a slew of politicians, celebrities, pundits, and most of the comments section of the Tulsa World that would have to go away.  And I'm sure you and I would have totally different ideas about whose name should be on the list.

[Red Arrow]

I believe Jane Fonda violated travel restrictions by going to N. Viet Nam.  I don't remember what the penalty was supposed to be.

[Ed W]

I found this early this morning.  It's supportive of Guido's position (I think) regarding restrictions on speech, but it's highly critical of the SCOTUS decision that permits those restrictions:

DID former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Tom Ridge, a former homeland security secretary, and Frances Townsend, a former national security adviser, all commit a federal crime last month in Paris when they spoke in support of the Mujahedeen Khalq at a conference organized by the Iranian opposition group's advocates? Free speech, right? Not necessarily.

The problem is that the United States government has labeled the Mujahedeen Khalq a "foreign terrorist organization," making it a crime to provide it, directly or indirectly, with any material support. And, according to the Justice Department under Mr. Mukasey himself, as well as under the current attorney general, Eric Holder, material support includes not only cash and other tangible aid, but also speech coordinated with a "foreign terrorist organization" for its benefit. It is therefore a felony, the government has argued, to file an amicus brief on behalf of a "terrorist" group, to engage in public advocacy to challenge a group's "terrorist" designation or even to encourage peaceful avenues for redress of grievances.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/03/opinion/03cole.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha212

[Conan71]

If we outlawed stupid speech, TulsaNow forum would go dark.

FIFY

[Hoss]

Ermey apologizes.

"A Message from the Gunny

'I recently appeared at a fundraising event designed to collect toys and raise awareness for underprivileged children. While that event succeeded in raising thousands of dollars and hundreds of toys for this cause, I regret that I delivered a monologue that was inappropriately critical of the President. I was trying to be entertaining and simply went too far in this instance. I am mindful that my success as an entertainer relates in part to my experience in the Marine Corps, my devotion to its members, and the deep respect I have for members of all our Armed Forces. My comments should not be seen as reflecting on them or their views. I was just very disappointed in the amount of success that we were having raising toys and money for the underprivileged children this season. The poor economy has greatly hampered our efforts. My comments were misguided, and emotionally based, and for that I am truly sorry.'

Semper Fi"

http://www.alan.com/2011/01/01/geico-chief-uses-usotoys-for-tots-event-to-slam-obama-for-destroying-this-country/

[Conan71]

That's what a stand-up guy looks like.

[guido911]

That's what a stand-up guy looks like.

Yep.

[Hoss]

That's what a stand-up guy looks like.

Agreed.  Wonder who told him he should do it?

[Ed W]

It certainly seems more sincere than the common 'non-apology apology.'