The ..2012.... Political thread
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As a person who wouldn't have said what Paul said, here is why he shouldn't apologize for his comment: 1. It was just a joke, tasteless, sure but Seinfeld was there too cracking jokes at peoples expense. 2. While some people who want him to apologize are regular folks wanting him to do "the right thing", some people just want to cause trouble and apologizing to them would just appease them. Besides, would apologizing make it any less of a right thing to of said? No. People who didn't like it will still critisize him for it anyways so what's the point of pouring gas onto fire when you could just let it fly by and let people move on to the next thing. 3. Apologizing won't make Bush an any better/worse President, Paul a better person or Obama a better leader. It would just stir up the hive. In other words, it's a waste of time. I know that sounds cynical and boring but it's true. Again, while some may want him to geniually apologize for an insult, there are far more who just want to cause trouble on the right by making this a bigger deal than it is. Case closed.
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bobjaybird22:
As a person who wouldn't have said what Paul said, here is why he shouldn't apologize for his comment: 1. It was just a joke, tasteless, sure but Seinfeld was there too cracking jokes at peoples expense. 2. While some people who want him to apologize are regular folks wanting him to do "the right thing", some people just want to cause trouble and apologizing to them would just appease them. Besides, would apologizing make it any less of a right thing to of said? No. People who didn't like it will still critisize him for it anyways so what's the point of pouring gas onto fire when you could just let it fly by and let people move on to the next thing. 3. Apologizing won't make Bush an any better/worse President, Paul a better person or Obama a better leader. It would just stir up the hive. In other words, it's a waste of time. I know that sounds cynical and boring but it's true. Again, while some may want him to geniually apologize for an insult, there are far more who just want to cause trouble on the right by making this a bigger deal than it is. Case closed.
Well said! And for Tally, "On behalf of the American people?" He wasn't accepting anything in our behalf. When I ask what are you afraid of, I'm asking because so many people are taking an offense of a comment that was made so they must be afraid of something happening because of it. Did that comment change your life in any way shape or form? Did we go to, yet another, war because of his comment? Did the sky turn purple when he made that comment? Was the US or Great Britain attacked by some outside force because of his comment? No, nothing happened----nothing at all. So he made a comment, so what? I'm sure you never ever made such a type of comments in your life. I know I have. Sure I don't wield the same power as Paul does but just like I, he has the same rights to make any comment he damn well pleases whether or not we like it. If you don't like it voice your opinion and move on to the next subject. Life is to short to dwell on this. The only people make an ass of themselves right now is BP and the US Coast Guard. Now no one is allowed within 65' of the oil clean up yet the reporters at BP say that the cleanup is like a ballet in motion and one that should be seen as a thing of beauty. To bad, we're not allowed to see this.
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Oh noes
somebody better apologize to GWB...he has entered the ranks of the five worse presidents of the US
...better apologize fast
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/07/01/poor-andrew-johnson-poll-ranks-worst-and-best-presidents/?icid=main|main|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicsdaily.com%2F2010%2F07%2F01%2Fpoor-andrew-johnson-poll-ranks-worst-and-best-presidents%2F
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Actually, he was accepting the award on behalf of The Library of Congress, it just happened to be at The White House. He wasn't accepting it on behalf of The Presidency.
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Happy Independence Day to all of our friends in the USA. It's good to see the "Paul should apoligize" dicussion still bumping along -- nobody is likely to change their minds on this topic, but at least the namecalling seems to have died down for the most part.
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beatlechick:
bobjaybird22:
As a person who wouldn't have said what Paul said, here is why he shouldn't apologize for his comment: 1. It was just a joke, tasteless, sure but Seinfeld was there too cracking jokes at peoples expense. 2. While some people who want him to apologize are regular folks wanting him to do "the right thing", some people just want to cause trouble and apologizing to them would just appease them. Besides, would apologizing make it any less of a right thing to of said? No. People who didn't like it will still critisize him for it anyways so what's the point of pouring gas onto fire when you could just let it fly by and let people move on to the next thing. 3. Apologizing won't make Bush an any better/worse President, Paul a better person or Obama a better leader. It would just stir up the hive. In other words, it's a waste of time. I know that sounds cynical and boring but it's true. Again, while some may want him to geniually apologize for an insult, there are far more who just want to cause trouble on the right by making this a bigger deal than it is. Case closed.
Well said! And for Tally, "On behalf of the American people?" He wasn't accepting anything in our behalf. When I ask what are you afraid of, I'm asking because so many people are taking an offense of a comment that was made so they must be afraid of something happening because of it. Did that comment change your life in any way shape or form? Did we go to, yet another, war because of his comment? Did the sky turn purple when he made that comment? Was the US or Great Britain attacked by some outside force because of his comment? No, nothing happened----nothing at all. So he made a comment, so what? I'm sure you never ever made such a type of comments in your life. I know I have. Sure I don't wield the same power as Paul does but just like I, he has the same rights to make any comment he damn well pleases whether or not we like it. If you don't like it voice your opinion and move on to the next subject. Life is to short to dwell on this. The only people make an ass of themselves right now is BP and the US Coast Guard. Now no one is allowed within 65' of the oil clean up yet the reporters at BP say that the cleanup is like a ballet in motion and one that should be seen as a thing of beauty. To bad, we're not allowed to see this.
Actually, you should add President Obama to the top of that list of people making asses of themselves. He rejected offers of aid from numerous foreign countires (thirteen, I think, but you can look it up) to help with the oil spill. I'm not sure why he did that, but it must have been politically motiveated because it defies common sense and it seems like that decision has made the ecological damage much worse than it would have been otherwise.
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[quote="beatlechick"][quote="bobjaybird22"]As a person who wouldn't have said what Paul said, here is why he shouldn't apologize for his comment 1. It was just a joke, tasteless, sure but Seinfeld was there too cracking jokes at peoples expense. 2. While some people who want him to apologize are regular folks wanting him to do "the right thing", some people just want to cause trouble and apologizing to them would just appease them. Besides, would apologizing make it any less of a right thing to of said? No. People who didn't like it will still critisize him for it anyways so what's the point of pouring gas onto fire when you could just let it fly by and let people move on to the next thing. 3. Apologizing won't make Bush an any better/worse President, Paul a better person or Obama a better leader. It would just stir up the hive. In other words, it's a waste of time. I know that sounds cynical and boring but it's true. Again, while some may want him to geniually apologize for an insult, there are far more who just want to cause trouble on the right by making this a bigger deal than it is. Case closed. Well said! And for Tally, "On behalf of the American people?" He wasn't accepting anything in our behalf. When I ask what are you afraid of, I'm asking because so many people are taking an offense of a comment that was made so they must be afraid of something happening because of it. Did that comment change your life in any way shape or form? Did we go to, yet another, war because of his comment? Did the sky turn purple when he made that comment? Was the US or Great Britain attacked by some outside force because of his comment? No, nothing happened----nothing at all. So he made a comment, so what? I'm sure you never ever made such a type of comments in your life. I know I have. Sure I don't wield the same power as Paul does but just like I, he has the same rights to make any comment he damn well pleases whether or not we like it. If you don't like it voice your opinion and move on to the next subject. Life is to short to dwell on this. The only people make an ass of themselves right now is BP and the US Coast Guard. Now no one is allowed within 65' of the oil clean up yet the reporters at BP say that the cleanup is like a ballet in motion and one that should be seen as a thing of beauty. To bad, we're not allowed to see this. WRONG..... Paul most certainly WAS being honored by the American People. When ANYONE is accepting an honor at the Whitehouse (The Nations Capitol) they are not solely being honored by the elected official residing there...it is an honor bestowed on them on behalf of the country. (the same country that put that President in the White House....otherwise honor them somewhere else....NOT at the White House) And for the 212th time it is NOT the same NOT NOT NOT the same as radio hosts or politicians making cracks about each other. For God's sake please stop pretending the offended people are trying to censor anyone. Its the TIME AND PLACE of the insult. Do you understand that yet???? I've said dozens of times on this board that Paul could have insulted Bush just about anywhere else (But yet everytime you reply you forget that) Paul himself in his non-apology stated he intentionally waited for Obama to leave the room before making the tasteless crack. So obviously Paul knew it was in bad taste and out of line. I just wish he would have shown the rest of America the same courtesy as he did President Obama and just accepted the award with class and dignity. Over the years I have seen quite a few artists accepting awards from the President......many of them had been very outspoken and some rude towards the current leadership at the time........but when it came time for the award ceremony they (correctly) stated that it was not a time and place for politics or criticizing the President, the event was about something else (music or art or whatever else) It's should not even be a debated issue. Paul was wrong....plain and simple. He even knew he was wrong as evidenced by his admission of not saying it until President Obama and his family had left the room. And I am sure had President Obama known Paul was going to make the bad joke, he would have politely asked him to refrain. The night was supposed to be about Paul McCartney and his music, unfortunately Paul decided to take the celebration down into the gutter with rude and disrespectful behavior. It's a shame thats all that will be remembered from that night. And Paul also managed to turn his own fans against each other (as we have seen on this board) Was it all worth it? For a joke that even in the proper venue wasn't funny anyway. (although I am sure the Paul defenders and Bush haters will all argue and say how side splittingly funny the joke was.....even though the fact that Bush's wife was a librarian makes the joke a pretty poor one....pehaps Paul should have asked Seinfeld for help)
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EADG:
beatlechick:
bobjaybird22:
As a person who wouldn't have said what Paul said, here is why he shouldn't apologize for his comment: 1. It was just a joke, tasteless, sure but Seinfeld was there too cracking jokes at peoples expense. 2. While some people who want him to apologize are regular folks wanting him to do "the right thing", some people just want to cause trouble and apologizing to them would just appease them. Besides, would apologizing make it any less of a right thing to of said? No. People who didn't like it will still critisize him for it anyways so what's the point of pouring gas onto fire when you could just let it fly by and let people move on to the next thing. 3. Apologizing won't make Bush an any better/worse President, Paul a better person or Obama a better leader. It would just stir up the hive. In other words, it's a waste of time. I know that sounds cynical and boring but it's true. Again, while some may want him to geniually apologize for an insult, there are far more who just want to cause trouble on the right by making this a bigger deal than it is. Case closed.
Well said! And for Tally, "On behalf of the American people?" He wasn't accepting anything in our behalf. When I ask what are you afraid of, I'm asking because so many people are taking an offense of a comment that was made so they must be afraid of something happening because of it. Did that comment change your life in any way shape or form? Did we go to, yet another, war because of his comment? Did the sky turn purple when he made that comment? Was the US or Great Britain attacked by some outside force because of his comment? No, nothing happened----nothing at all. So he made a comment, so what? I'm sure you never ever made such a type of comments in your life. I know I have. Sure I don't wield the same power as Paul does but just like I, he has the same rights to make any comment he damn well pleases whether or not we like it. If you don't like it voice your opinion and move on to the next subject. Life is to short to dwell on this. The only people make an ass of themselves right now is BP and the US Coast Guard. Now no one is allowed within 65' of the oil clean up yet the reporters at BP say that the cleanup is like a ballet in motion and one that should be seen as a thing of beauty. To bad, we're not allowed to see this.
Actually, you should add President Obama to the top of that list of people making asses of themselves. He rejected offers of aid from numerous foreign countires (thirteen, I think, but you can look it up) to help with the oil spill. I'm not sure why he did that, but it must have been politically motiveated because it defies common sense and it seems like that decision has made the ecological damage much worse than it would have been otherwise.
Last I heard it was 12 but through the Coast Guard and the Federal Gov't. Supposedly it's done on behalf of BP who wants only "experts" and not just any joe blow.
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Tallyho:
WRONG..... Paul most certainly WAS being honored by the American People. When ANYONE is accepting an honor at the Whitehouse (The Nations Capitol) they are not solely being honored by the elected official residing there...it is an honor bestowed on them on behalf of the country. (the same country that put that President in the White House....otherwise honor them somewhere else....NOT at the White House) And for the 212th time it is NOT the same NOT NOT NOT the same as radio hosts or politicians making cracks about each other. For God's sake please stop pretending the offended people are trying to censor anyone. Its the TIME AND PLACE of the insult. Do you understand that yet???? I've said dozens of times on this board that Paul could have insulted Bush just about anywhere else (But yet everytime you reply you forget that) Paul himself in his non-apology stated he intentionally waited for Obama to leave the room before making the tasteless crack. So obviously Paul knew it was in bad taste and out of line. I just wish he would have shown the rest of America the same courtesy as he did President Obama and just accepted the award with class and dignity. Over the years I have seen quite a few artists accepting awards from the President......many of them had been very outspoken and some rude towards the current leadership at the time........but when it came time for the award ceremony they (correctly) stated that it was not a time and place for politics or criticizing the President, the event was about something else (music or art or whatever else) It's should not even be a debated issue. Paul was wrong....plain and simple. He even knew he was wrong as evidenced by his admission of not saying it until President Obama and his family had left the room. And I am sure had President Obama known Paul was going to make the bad joke, he would have politely asked him to refrain. The night was supposed to be about Paul McCartney and his music, unfortunately Paul decided to take the celebration down into the gutter with rude and disrespectful behavior. It's a shame thats all that will be remembered from that night. And Paul also managed to turn his own fans against each other (as we have seen on this board) Was it all worth it? For a joke that even in the proper venue wasn't funny anyway. (although I am sure the Paul defenders and Bush haters will all argue and say how side splittingly funny the joke was.....even though the fact that Bush's wife was a librarian makes the joke a pretty poor one....pehaps Paul should have asked Seinfeld for help)
I agree that it wasn't the right thing to say, I wouldn't have, but all this backlash is a bit ridiculous. Paul fans wouldn't "turn" against each other over this issue if people would stop holding high-school grudges and just enjoy his music. That's what this site is about, afterall. I don't like the comment but I disagee with people everyday and that doesn't keep me from liking them as a person or friend and if you think that way, that speaks more about your lack of character than your political views and that's an issue that goes far beyond any comment someone makes. And I disagree, the fact that Mrs. Bush is a former librarian does make the comment more funny...if you can take a joke...
This from a guy who voted for Bush twice btw...if that means anything.
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[quote="bobjaybird22"][quote="Tallyho"] WRONG..... Paul most certainly WAS being honored by the American People. When ANYONE is accepting an honor at the Whitehouse (The Nations Capitol) they are not solely being honored by the elected official residing there...it is an honor bestowed on them on behalf of the country. (the same country that put that President in the White House....otherwise honor them somewhere else....NOT at the White House) And for the 212th time it is NOT the same NOT NOT NOT the same as radio hosts or politicians making cracks about each other. For God's sake please stop pretending the offended people are trying to censor anyone. Its the TIME AND PLACE of the insult. Do you understand that yet???? I've said dozens of times on this board that Paul could have insulted Bush just about anywhere else (But yet everytime you reply you forget that) Paul himself in his non-apology stated he intentionally waited for Obama to leave the room before making the tasteless crack. So obviously Paul knew it was in bad taste and out of line. I just wish he would have shown the rest of America the same courtesy as he did President Obama and just accepted the award with class and dignity. Over the years I have seen quite a few artists accepting awards from the President......many of them had been very outspoken and some rude towards the current leadership at the time........but when it came time for the award ceremony they (correctly) stated that it was not a time and place for politics or criticizing the President, the event was about something else (music or art or whatever else) It's should not even be a debated issue. Paul was wrong....plain and simple. He even knew he was wrong as evidenced by his admission of not saying it until President Obama and his family had left the room. And I am sure had President Obama known Paul was going to make the bad joke, he would have politely asked him to refrain. The night was supposed to be about Paul McCartney and his music, unfortunately Paul decided to take the celebration down into the gutter with rude and disrespectful behavior. It's a shame thats all that will be remembered from that night. And Paul also managed to turn his own fans against each other (as we have seen on this board) Was it all worth it? For a joke that even in the proper venue wasn't funny anyway. (although I am sure the Paul defenders and Bush haters will all argue and say how side splittingly funny the joke was.....even though the fact that Bush's wife was a librarian makes the joke a pretty poor one....pehaps Paul should have asked Seinfeld for help) I agree that it wasn't the right thing to say, I wouldn't have, but all this backlash is a bit ridiculous. Paul fans wouldn't "turn" against each other over this issue if people would stop holding high-school grudges and just enjoy his music. That's what this site is about, afterall. I don't like the comment but I disagee with people everyday and that doesn't keep me from liking them as a person or friend and if you think that way, that speaks more about your lack of character than your political views and that's an issue that goes far beyond any comment someone makes. And I disagree, the fact that Mrs. Bush is a former librarian does make the comment more funny...if you can take a joke... lol This from a guy who voted for Bush twice btw...if that means anything. I had no high school grudge or stopped liking anyone. I simply came on the board (which I have been a member since 2002) and stated that I was offended by Paul's behavior at what should have been a celebration of his music. I NEVER said I was no longer a Paul fan (in fact it was because he has always been above this kind of juvenile behavior that made me admire and respect him even more on top of his musical genius) But apparently the high school grudges came against me for stating my opinion and feelings because I was called all sorts of nasty names by fellow Paul fans. I had other fans totally misinterpret or even straight out misquote me then in the same post attack me for saying things that I NEVER SAID. While all this went on, not a single fan came to my defense. Not a single fan said "lets not attack him for telling us how he feels" Not a single fan said "Tallyho never said what you claim he said" Not a single fan said "lets extend this poster the same free speech we keep claiming Paul has" But when I choose to defend myself the same posters keep telling me to "move on" or "go away" or that "nobody gives a $@#$" So if stating my opinion then defending myself against name calling and lies about me says something about "my character" that you do not like, then I would say we have alot more to disagree over than Paul's tasteless joke. And yes...the joke is still a bad one. Like I said before, if I wanted to make a joke about Paul's lack of intelligence and I chose "photographer" as the profession that Paul "has never heard of" it would not only make no sense but it would be one really terrible (and unfunny) jokes. And who I or anyone else has voted for or against makes no difference as to whether a joke is funny or appropriate.
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In case anyone missed it (i just noticed it today), Paul did reply to the controversy regarding his remarks. Sir Paul Says He Won't Apologize For Bush Joke 6/30/2010 2:29 PM ET Paul McCartney says he will not apologize for a joke he made about George W. Bush while accepting an award at the White House on June 2. After receiving the Library of Congress' Gershwin Award for Popular Song, the former Beatle commented that it's nice to have a president "who knows what a library is." The comment ruffled some feathers among Republican Party leaders, including house minority leader John Boehner, who publicly spoke out against the comment. In a recent interview with the U.K.'s Daily Express, however, McCartney says he has no plans to apologize for the comment, as it was only a joke. "I said that on purpose. And now all this [criticism], like I'm going to care? It was a joke. Hello, anybody there? It's a joke," he says of the remark. "Has anyone ever watched Saturday Night Live? They joke about Bush all the time. As for a public apology, are they kidding? I was in two minds whether to say it and I actually waited until the President had gone because I didn't want to embarrass him or his family. But hey, come on, it's rock and roll. It wasn't a religious meeting and I'm allowed to make jokes." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright
2010 RTTNews.com, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without prior written consent of RTTNews.
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[quote="EADG"]In case anyone missed it (i just noticed it today), Paul did reply to the controversy regarding his remarks. Sir Paul Says He Won't Apologize For Bush Joke 6/30/2010 229 PM ET Paul McCartney says he will not apologize for a joke he made about George W. Bush while accepting an award at the White House on June 2. After receiving the Library of Congress' Gershwin Award for Popular Song, the former Beatle commented that it's nice to have a president "who knows what a library is." The comment ruffled some feathers among Republican Party leaders, including house minority leader John Boehner, who publicly spoke out against the comment. In a recent interview with the U.K.'s Daily Express, however, McCartney says he has no plans to apologize for the comment, as it was only a joke. "I said that on purpose. And now all this [criticism], like I'm going to care? It was a joke. Hello, anybody there? It's a joke," he says of the remark. "Has anyone ever watched Saturday Night Live? They joke about Bush all the time. As for a public apology, are they kidding? I was in two minds whether to say it and I actually waited until the President had gone because I didn't want to embarrass him or his family. But hey, come on, it's rock and roll. It wasn't a religious meeting and I'm allowed to make jokes." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright
2010 RTTNews.com, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without prior written consent of RTTNews. Yes, thats why I said earlier that Paul knew his joke was not appropriate because he intentionally waited for President Obama to leave the room before saying it. If (in Pauls view) it was just an innocent joke he would not have cared who was in the room and who was not before saying it. But Paul does use the same lame SNL analogy. As if jokes made during a comedy show somehow equate to jokes made at a White House event. I guess if I turn on SNL and see them holding a 90 minute press conference on the economy instead of doing comedy we can all say thats OK because the White House holds press conferences all the time.
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I agree -- he knew he was being offensive. he shouldn't have done it. and the "people make political jokes all the time" excuse is a red herring.
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The saddest part of all - and what I imagine Lennon would say, if he were still with us - is that the Whore House, er, White House has become a sick, twisted joke - nothing but the domicile of the latest Corporate-Sponsored Puppet. I am the first to affirm that the Office of President of the United States confers and demands respect, but it is up to the guy manning the Office to earn that respect; it shouldn't be issued as standard equipment along with the SS guys. The sad truth is, I can count on one hand the men who succeeded, and none of them have been in the last fifty years. On a side note: if they didn't like Paul's little joke, just think if it was John Lennon!
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I am done with this thread. People (including Paul) are not going to change their minds. It is over a month old and dead news to most people. Now that we have read he won't apologize that should be it. I'm going back to the music where politics is seldom mentioned. I'm going to do that instead of trying to be "holier than now" and critisize all points of view. Whether or not someone comes to my "defense" or supports my points of view is meaningless, it will n0t take care of my family or pay my college tuition. This is just a message board. Adios, hopefully you all do the same. I'm off to listen to some Wings...
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[quote="bobjaybird22"]I am done with this thread. People (including Paul) are not going to change their minds. It is over a month old and dead news to most people. Now that we have read he won't apologize that should be it. I'm going back to the music where politics is seldom mentioned. I'm going to do that instead of trying to be "holier than now" and critisize all points of view. Whether or not someone comes to my "defense" or supports my points of view is meaningless, it will n0t take care of my family or pay my college tuition. This is just a message board. Adios, hopefully you all do the same. I'm off to listen to some Wings...
I was never expecting anyone to come to my defense, or support my point of view. I was just expecting my opinion and point of view to be respected by others (especially since I merely stated it without disrespecting or insulting anyone else) I just found it amusing when post after post after post of insults hurled my way are either agreed with or ignored that only after I defended myself did posters feel it was time for them to comment........and comment against me defending myself, rather than speaking out after I was called "red neck" and "racist" and "not a real Paul fan" (among other names) As far as "going back to the music" I myself never left it. I have been listening to my Paul collection these past weeks as I always do. I have been counting the days to his concert. And when I do not want to be subjected to political debate on the Paul message board I imagine I will stay away from the "2010 political thread" listed under the "non Paul talk" category.............fairly simple
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EADG:
I agree -- he knew he was being offensive. he shouldn't have done it. and the "people make political jokes all the time" excuse is a red herring.
Obviously Paul knew his joke was a dig at Bush (he should stick to his jokes about goats
)...But one thing I'm starting to realize is that despite the common perception, Paul does wear his emotions on his sleeve. People feel otherwise due to the fact that he doesn't like to discuss details about his personal life. But he makes a lot of knee jerk, emotion based comments on many other aspects of his life. I don't find that to be a bad trait although I disagree with him in this instance.
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rich n:
EADG:
I agree -- he knew he was being offensive. he shouldn't have done it. and the "people make political jokes all the time" excuse is a red herring.
Obviously Paul knew his joke was a dig at Bush (he should stick to his jokes about goats
)...But one thing I'm starting to realize is that despite the common perception, Paul does wear his emotions on his sleeve. People feel otherwise due to the fact that he doesn't like to discuss details about his personal life. But he makes a lot of knee jerk, emotion based comments on many other aspects of his life. I don't find that to be a bad trait although I disagree with him in this instance.
i could be completely off base on this, but i think in general articistic/creative people have to approach life with the filters off, so to speak. The creative process requires that they be open to just about anything that comes into their heads (and then go to work on it, if they think it's worthwhile, of course). So it's not surprising they sometimes say things that are controversial. Unfortunately, professional entertainers don't reach the top by being shrinking vilolets. Their careers are usually based to some degree on their saying "Hey, look over here at me. I'm great." and actually believing that they have something important to say about fields like politics.
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bobjaybird22:
Tallyho:
WRONG..... Paul most certainly WAS being honored by the American People. When ANYONE is accepting an honor at the Whitehouse (The Nations Capitol) they are not solely being honored by the elected official residing there...it is an honor bestowed on them on behalf of the country. (the same country that put that President in the White House....otherwise honor them somewhere else....NOT at the White House) And for the 212th time it is NOT the same NOT NOT NOT the same as radio hosts or politicians making cracks about each other. For God's sake please stop pretending the offended people are trying to censor anyone. Its the TIME AND PLACE of the insult. Do you understand that yet???? I've said dozens of times on this board that Paul could have insulted Bush just about anywhere else (But yet everytime you reply you forget that) Paul himself in his non-apology stated he intentionally waited for Obama to leave the room before making the tasteless crack. So obviously Paul knew it was in bad taste and out of line. I just wish he would have shown the rest of America the same courtesy as he did President Obama and just accepted the award with class and dignity. Over the years I have seen quite a few artists accepting awards from the President......many of them had been very outspoken and some rude towards the current leadership at the time........but when it came time for the award ceremony they (correctly) stated that it was not a time and place for politics or criticizing the President, the event was about something else (music or art or whatever else) It's should not even be a debated issue. Paul was wrong....plain and simple. He even knew he was wrong as evidenced by his admission of not saying it until President Obama and his family had left the room. And I am sure had President Obama known Paul was going to make the bad joke, he would have politely asked him to refrain. The night was supposed to be about Paul McCartney and his music, unfortunately Paul decided to take the celebration down into the gutter with rude and disrespectful behavior. It's a shame thats all that will be remembered from that night. And Paul also managed to turn his own fans against each other (as we have seen on this board) Was it all worth it? For a joke that even in the proper venue wasn't funny anyway. (although I am sure the Paul defenders and Bush haters will all argue and say how side splittingly funny the joke was.....even though the fact that Bush's wife was a librarian makes the joke a pretty poor one....pehaps Paul should have asked Seinfeld for help)
I agree that it wasn't the right thing to say, I wouldn't have, but all this backlash is a bit ridiculous. Paul fans wouldn't "turn" against each other over this issue if people would stop holding high-school grudges and just enjoy his music. That's what this site is about, afterall. I don't like the comment but I disagee with people everyday and that doesn't keep me from liking them as a person or friend and if you think that way, that speaks more about your lack of character than your political views and that's an issue that goes far beyond any comment someone makes. And I disagree, the fact that Mrs. Bush is a former librarian does make the comment more funny...if you can take a joke...
This from a guy who voted for Bush twice btw...if that means anything.
Well said. Now on with the show!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY former President George W. Bush!!!!!