A Deeply Fractured US

[Brad Sallows]

Sample of countries where you can't criticize the government:
1. North Korea
2. Cuba
3. Burma
4. Turkmenistan
5. Belarus
6. Russia
7. USA

That's some mighty fine company you keep there Donald.

Without a sense and acknowledgement of proportion and detail, a mind is deranged.

 

[Blackadder1916]

There's a definite blood in the water response when 'Do as I say not as I do' celebrity types finally get brought to task.

I recall Kimmel doing black face a bunch, and this gem of a video sexualizing women.

None of that takes away from the Trump administration's insane efforts to weaponize censorship and attack anyone who is critical of them. Republicans and Democrats should be equally up in arms over that crap.

What I find hilarious (in a sarcastic, 'are you fucking kidding' manner) are the attempts to suggest that Kimmel is anything more than the clown that he has always been (in his mind or as an example of acceptable social norms). I don't regularly watch any of the late night usual suspects, however that doesn't mean that I am not unaware of some of their earlier work. If, a few decades ago, someone had suggested that the second banana to Ben Stein (Buehler, Buehler, Anyone?) would one day, not only follow in the footsteps of Johnny Carson, but would be the target of Republican political retribution, I'd say that they were using some of the substances that are hinted at in some of the sophomoric jokes in this TV show from September 11, 2001.

The world has changed a lot since that day. And while I don't credit the events of that day with being the impetus to a general 'growing the fuck up' in regards to acceptable social behaviour, the reaction to that day has contributed to the acceptance by some to a dangerous consolidation of political power in the hands of a few who either don't understand, or choose to ignore, the importance of acceptable social (or political) behaviour.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Without a sense and acknowledgement of proportion and detail, a mind is deranged.

Does Godwin's Law apply when using the Stasi as a comparison?

JD Vance backs mass ‘doxing’ campaign to find and harass Charlie Kirk critics

US vice-president encourages ‘calling out’ anyone who celebrates Kirk’s murder, including notifying employers

www.theguardian.com

 

[Brad Sallows]

Does Godwin's Law apply when using the Stasi as a comparison?

No, I think points are instead awarded for relieving people of the tedium of ad hitlerum.

 

[The Bread Guy]

No, I think points are instead awarded for relieving people of the tedium of ad hitlerum.

They DO say variety is the spice of life, true.

 

[Jarnhamar]

What I find hilarious (in a sarcastic, 'are you fucking kidding' manner) are the attempts to suggest that Kimmel is anything more than the clown that he has always been (in his mind or as an example of acceptable social norms).

Being a clown doesn't give someone carte Bblanche to be offensive though. If a clown doesn't read the room and ends up getting booed off stage thats on them.

The world has changed a lot since that day.

True.

It's a "Baby its cold outside" vs "Wet ass pussy" world today.

 

[ModlrMike]

This isn't about what Jimmy Kimmel said, it's about what Brendan Carr said. Kimmel didn't say anything profane or disgusting. He didn't even comment on Kirk as a person. What he did was rightly point out that people were tying themselves up in knots trying to shift the narrative. There is nothing improper in that. Mr Carr on the other hand, as a government official, directly threatened the licences of several broadcasters. This is a complete contravention of the 1st amendment.

 

[HavokFour]

This is being reported even by Newsmax. Currently 0 evidence of any connections to left-wing groups, just one very angry dude.

Officials: No Kirk Shooting Tie to Leftists Yet

 

[Jarnhamar]

This isn't about what Jimmy Kimmel said, it's about what Brendan Carr said. Kimmel didn't say anything profane or disgusting. He didn't even comment on Kirk as a person. What he did was rightly point out that people were tying themselves up in knots trying to shift the narrative. There is nothing improper in that. Mr Carr on the other hand, as a government official, directly threatened the licences of several broadcasters. This is a complete contravention of the 1st amendment.

I agree that Carr’s comments as a government official raise real First Amendment concerns. At the same time, I think it’s fair to acknowledge that Kimmel hasn’t exactly been neutral either. While he didn’t make profane remarks in this case, he has repeatedly used his platform to mock and dismiss people who support MAGA. That kind of rhetoric, even from a comedian, can contribute to further division. So while Kimmel isn’t in the same position of authority as Carr, I don’t think his commentary is completely beyond criticism either. Poor timing.

 

[mariomike]

Does Godwin's Law apply when using the Stasi as a comparison?

Mike Godwin put it this way,

When people draw parallels between Donald Trump’s 2024 candidacy and Hitler’s progression from fringe figure to Great Dictator, we aren’t joking. Those of us who hope to preserve our democratic institutions need to underscore the resemblance before we enter the twilight of American democracy.

 

[Remius]

I agree that Carr’s comments as a government official raise real First Amendment concerns. At the same time, I think it’s fair to acknowledge that Kimmel hasn’t exactly been neutral either.

Is he supposed to be neutral though?

While he didn’t make profane remarks in this case, he has repeatedly used his platform to mock and dismiss people who support MAGA. That kind of rhetoric, even from a comedian, can contribute to further division.

This would be the maga snowflake commentary making the rounds. Comedians making fun of certain groups, politicians etc is nothing new. What is newish is the offence taken by all sides.

So while Kimmel isn’t in the same position of authority as Carr, I don’t think his commentary is completely beyond criticism either. Poor timing.

Criticism is fair.

Social pressure to remove or deplatform someone is and has happened. Boycotts, petitions etc. Even politicians calling for those things. Using the levers of government to do so blatantly is the issue.

Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequence but it should be free from government reprisal.

 

[Jarnhamar]

Is he supposed to be neutral though?

I guess that depends on your interpretation on what a comedian should be like. For example did you find his skit pretending toneat an unsuspecting womans ass or screwing her from behind funny? Wasnreally my flavor but to each their own. At the end of the day he was crying on TV when Trump got elected. I don't think anyone is accusing him or being neutral.

This would be the maga snowflake commentary making the rounds. Comedians making fun of certain groups, politicians etc is nothing new. What is newish is the offence taken by all sides.

MAGA snow flake, left wing snowflake. Pendulum is swinging back and forth.

Left wing Americans are being introduced to consequences of their actions like this pleasant lady who was arrested and expelled for disrupting a vigil.

Social pressure to remove or deplatform someone is and has happened. Boycotts, petitions etc. Even politicians calling for those things. Using the levers of government to do so blatantly is the issue.

Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequence but it should be free from government reprisal.

Completely agree with you here. It's being weaponized by the Trump administration and that's 100% not cool. Very authoritarian and evil. I'd say tyrannical. The US government certainly wouldn't be going after peope for cheering on Ilhan Omar's death.

 

[Remius]

I guess that depends on your interpretation on what a comedian should be like. For example did you find his skit pretending toneat an unsuspecting womans ass or screwing her from behind funny? Wasnreally my flavor but to each their own.

Never watched it. I don’t really watch much from him.

At the end of the day he was crying on TV when Trump got elected. I don't think anyone is accusing him or being neutral.

The criticism you had was that he wasn’t neutral. My question is should he be? Some comedians appeal to some and others not so much. They have their audiences.

MAGA snow flake, left wing snowflake. Pendulum is swinging back and forth.

Yes.

Left wing Americans are being introduced to consequences of their actions like this pleasant lady who was arrested and expelled for disrupting a vigil.

View attachment 95833

That isn’t quite the same as what happened.

Completely agree with you here. It's being weaponized by the Trump administration and that's 100% not cool. Very authoritarian and evil.

That’s the part that needs to be called out.

 

[Jarnhamar]

Never watched it. I don’t really watch much from him.

Have a watch and tell me if left wingers wouldn't be losing their mind over a right wing "comedian" doing that.

The criticism you had was that he wasn’t neutral. My question is should he be? Some comedians appeal to some and others not so much. They have their audiences.

No, I guess not. I like comedians that go after both sides with abandon. Kimmel certainly made the odd joke about Bidens age or gaffs. With Trump it seems more political grand standing than comedy.

That isn’t quite the same as what happened.

There's a lot of Americans finding out jokes and cheering on someone be8ng murdered isn't that funny. Some Canadians too.
Maybe they'll learn a lesson in decorum.

That’s the part that needs to be called out.

And fought back against.

 

[Remius]

Have a watch and tell me if left wingers wouldn't be losing their mind over a right wing "comedian" doing that.

Sure. But has government jumped in to deplatform?

No, I guess not. I like comedians that go after both sides with abandon. Kimmel certainly made the odd joke about Bidens age or gaffs. With Trump it seems more political grand standing than comedy.

I went to watch Enrique Inglesias the other night. Was hilarious. I doubt I would pay to see Kimmel. Not my cup of tea. But it’s clear some people do watch him.

There's a lot of Americans finding out jokes and cheering on someone be8ng murdered isn't that funny. Some Canadians too.
Maybe they'll learn a lesson in decorum.

It’s a natural eco system. Let the lesson be learned through to its natural conclusion if that is the case. Not through government shakedowns.

And fought back against.

That may be happening. Those companies doing that may see the effects of their decisions. Or not. The fact that they gave Kimmel a path to get back on air by meeting certain conditions tells me their is a bit of a balancing act that they are trying and likely failing to navigate.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

It's not all about Carr. While he jawboned his possible actions, much of the fall out came from affiliates.

From GROK

Nexstar operates 32 ABC affiliates as part of its 200+ station portfolio, covering approximately 66% of US TV households.
Sinclair operates 31 ABC affiliates across its 193 stations, reaching about 40% of US households.
Nexstar (32 ABC affiliates) and Sinclair (31 affiliates) collectively operate 63 ABC stations that cover over 100 Designated Market Areas, representing over 70% of US TV households when factoring in population reach.

Kimmel's remarks were criticized as "offensive and insensitive" by affiliates, amid threats from FCC Chair Brendan Carr to revoke licenses for airing such content.
Nexstar (32 affiliates) and Sinclair (31 affiliates) preempted the show starting September 17, 2025, replacing it with alternative programming, including a Charlie Kirk tribute special on Sinclair stations.
ABC preempted the show nationwide "indefinitely" shortly after the affiliate announcements, citing the need to "let cooler heads prevail."

DMAs determine advertising rates and audience reach, critical for affiliates’ revenue. The 63 affiliates’ coverage of 100+ DMAs means Nexstar and Sinclair influence over 40% of US TV households, amplifying their leverage in decisions like preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! amid FCC pressure.

Also found this from James Woods

Final word: Jimmy Kimmel wasn’t fired. He was simply canceled. He was a bitter, ratings-starved comic who wasn’t remotely funny, and his employers were tired of hemorrhaging money supporting a loser.

Short history lesson: The Big Lie was a favorite tool of real Nazis, a ploy invented by Joseph Goebbels. For those last few of you still unfamiliar with the concept, the idea is that if you tell a lie long enough, eventually it will simply be believed. You know, like the Russia hoax, perpetrated by Adam Schiff in our country, for example.

Big Lie: “Kimmel was censored and the sky is falling.”

Real Truth: Kimmel’s show stunk and was canceled.

And the sky didn’t fall.

And from Benny Johnson

https://twitter.com/x/status/1969171286309158998

 

[The Bread Guy]

I agree that Carr’s comments as a government official raise real First Amendment concerns. At the same time, I think it’s fair to acknowledge that Kimmel hasn’t exactly been neutral either.

Compared to, say, Rush Limbaugh, Alex Jones, Glenn Beck?

While he didn’t make profane remarks in this case, he has repeatedly used his platform to mock and dismiss people who support MAGA.

As someone way smarter than me once said, “You should be allowed to say outrageous things … There’s ugly speech. There’s gross speech. There’s evil speech. And all of it’s protected by the First Amendment.”

 

[Fishbone Jones]

While we're going on about kimmel's rights, I don't recall a whole lot of negative feedback here when the democrats did it.
What about their interference in taking down Twitter posts, Facebook posts, Russian disinformation, Hunter's laptop and biden's unconscious sleep walking through four years as POTUS? Any one of those things is monumentally worse, to the Constitution and the American people, than Kimmel being cancelled.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

And from the person at the centre of the controversy

Full statement

 

[Remius]

Real Truth: Kimmel’s show stunk and was canceled.

Then why offer him a pathway to return?

Jimmy Kimmel Asked to Apologize and Pay Charlie Kirk's Family if He Wants Suspension Lifted by Nation's Largest ABC Affiliate

Jimmy Kimmel has been given a list of demands for 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' to return to air by Sinclair, the broadcasting company with the nation's largest ABC affiliate group, after the show was pulled indefinitely for Kimmel's comments on Charlie Kirk.

people.com