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.