I’m a big defender of free speech, including speech that I profoundly disagree with. That said, I think these folks have crossed the line. Look at this skit from Err America’s Randi Rhodes Show, as reported by Drudge.
The announcer: "A spoiled child is telling us our Social Security isn't safe anymore, so he is going to fix it for us. Well, here's your answer, you ungrateful whelp: [audio sound of 4 gunshots being fired.] Just try it, you little bastard. [audio of gun being cocked]."
This isn’t the first time Rhodes has advocated the murder of George W. Bush. Last year, according to Michelle Malkin, Rhodes did this little number last May.
Comparing Bush and his family to the Corleones of "Godfather" fame, Air America host Randi Rhodes reportedly unleashed this zinger during her Monday night broadcast: "Like Fredo, somebody ought to take him out fishing and phuw. "Rhodes then imitated the sound of a gunshot.
In "Godfather II," Fredo Corleone is executed by brother Michael at the end of the film.
Buh-bye, bitch – we’ll see you in 10-20 years. Such statements about killing the president are a crime.
UPDATE: It seems this is a serious story on which Drudge got the scoop. Even the folks from Err America are investigating Randi.
Randi Rhodes is apologizing only because she got caught. If the FBI is not investigating, then surely the FCC may have the opportunity to fine them heavily or yank their FCC license.
I've blogged this as well knowing that you don't make "fun" threats toward an American President, no matter what party he/she is from.
Just as making instigating threats of firebombing a church or a Walmart store to incite some lefty loonies who might just take that challenge up.
Kooks everywhere when they're like that.
Air America: twice using a gun scene to make believe the assassination of President Bush.
You have your Columbia (?) University Journalism Professor advocating students to write a fake blow by blow story of a President Bush getting shot.
Or a novel with characters bent on killing President Bush.
Idiots...everyone of them.
Why, don't you get it?? It was satire (yeah *that's* the ticket). It was all in jest, why if you could have just seen the laughter and joking going on just *off mic* you would know.....I can't do it...this is too sad, and probably too close to at least one of the angles her future legal defense will try and use....wanna take any bets on that?
When are the *kids* out there going to learn, there is a time and place for just about everything, and promoting (however subtle..though it wasn't in this case) the assassination of the President, is considered by most to be even one rung higher on the ladder of *freedom of speech restrictions* then yelling fire in a crowded theater.
On a side note, I wonder if Err America's PR department is spinning this as "Bad PR is still better than no PR at all"?
Posted by: Guy S. at April 28, 2005 01:11 AMThe best part is the excuses the bloggers are coming up with ("Well Delay said we should kill all judges!"). Ironic that even after Clinton, Dems still can't accept being caught with their pants down. Furthermore, can you imagine if it was the other way around? I posted some comparisons on my blog that they would enjoy.
Posted by: Brash Limburg at April 28, 2005 02:03 PMThere was a senator from Texas who empathized with the folks for killing judges and you right-wingers muted on this subject and now this girl joked, you cry a huge river?
Absurd statements -- mccock, as always -- you bore me with your pro-bush rantings.
R-
Posted by: Me is the Ridor at April 30, 2005 03:34 AMR: don't you have a deaf homosexuals meeting to attend or something?
Posted by: Hube at April 30, 2005 07:38 AMUh, Ridor -- no one "empathized" with those who kill judges.
And you were warned about that nickname over on my old site -- this is the last time you will be warned on this one.
Posted by: Rhymes With Right at April 30, 2005 08:32 AMHube, obsessed with my sexual orientation implied that you are interested in this, eh?
R-
Posted by: Me is the Ridor at April 30, 2005 05:28 PMHey RWR, Tom Cronym (sp?) of Texas commented that he completely understood when people killed the "judges".
He said it. In other words, he empathized it. Don't deny this.
R-
Posted by: Me is the Ridor at April 30, 2005 05:30 PMNothing about pro-Bush here on killing a President.
Now, when people are reduced to being little boys and girls by calling other people names simply mean they have nothing to show for. As I said in my blogsite and elsewhere, I don't condone any killing of judges, officials, VP or President, even in a joking manner (e.g. Err America). People wouldn't say "bomb" in an airport anymore than to talk about killing a President, even if you think it's funny (some people still think it's funny to say "bomb" in a crowded airport or on an airplane...are you that person?)
I have said again and again that I'd be the first person to stand up against this type of lunacy, even if it were directed at President Clinton, Carter, et al. calling for their deaths.
R, you'd be the last to object, if ever, such a killing, even if it were a joke, against a Republican President or important officials. No wonder you smiled when President Reagan died. Tells alot about your psyche.
Prove me wrong on whether you condone such an action or not.