The latest flap over Rush Limbaugh calling a college student a slut misses the real issue.
This entire debate must focus on one overriding principle: liberty.
We must defend the right of individuals to say things with which we disagree or abhor.
Without that right, standup comedy would not exist.
America has a thriving standup comedy and entertainment industry as a result of the protection of free speech.
Disregarding political ideology, an embrace of freedom should unite the left and right.
Regardless of whether a joke was a joke or the subject matter of the bit or whether it was in a “good taste” or whether it was “delivered by a bully”, free speech is either free or it is censored.
In a nod to pastor Martin Niemöller…
First they came for the right wing commentators.
Then they came for the left wing commentators.
Then they targeted the libertarians, moderates, apolitical, and apathetic.
Then the standup comedians, actors, actresses, musicians, poets, philosophers, painters, sculptors, cartoonists, and magicians.
Then the bloggers.
And then me.
The best way to deal with this situation is to make it satirical.
Regardless of your political persuasion, we should all concentrate our energies on writing jokes about the ridiculous nature of the debate.
Rush Limbaugh called a college student a slut and Bill Maher maligned a former vice presidential candidate using the “C” word.
That tells me…broadcasting needs more women behind the microphone.
Rush has been married multiple times and Bill Maher has an attendance plaque at the Playboy Mansion.
“Whores” shouldn’t throw stones at other “whores.”
Besides ad hominem attacks have all the wit of a sandbox fight.