I knew eventually Mike and I would disagree on something. It only took about 25 years for it to happen.
While I personally think Rush Limbaugh comes off as a pompous jerk, or to Al Franken's point, as "a big fat idiot", that doesn't mean he can't say what he chooses to. Even at the expense of having some think he sounded like a bigot.
Oh sure, many took offense to what he said, but as I stated in my Rail, when he said it, it didnt come across as scathingly stupid as it does in print. Chris Berman, host of the show, concurs with that assesment.
As for speach needing to be acceptable, I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately, if we tie people's tongues to what we as individuals view as "acceptable" then we in turn are saying we don't agree with free speach unless there are guidelines and parameters, which at the end of the day means NO free speach.
In this world that becomes increasingly ignorant of basic decency in any form on a daily basis, I can see where you're coming from. It would be more than fabulous if all stupid talk and action was obliterated from life, but alas, it will always be with us. Picking and choosing what someone can or can't say is nothing short of oppression, and that is not what we need. If you start oppressing the wrong, eventually the right are oppressed as well.
Limbaugh opened his hole, and spoke worse than poorly about something he was dead wrong about. Because of it, he was forced to resign from ESPN and he looks like the buffoon he is. Ample punishment in my view.
JAWS CONVENTION
Great, it is, that I get to scoop Mike on something...that it has to do with the icon of entertainment is the ultra bonus.
I almost couldn't believe my eyes when I stumbled upon this excellent information. You've got it right, Jaws fans, there actually is a convention being planned in either April or May of 2005. Naturally this is to be held on Martha's Vineyard where this landmark classic was shot.
Being a frequent traveler to the island, I can tell prospective attendees that the hotel rates ain't cheap, but they are at their lowest at the time of year the organizers have targeted. At this moment, the facilitators of goodness are currently trying to procure rooms for the event.
Naturally, I'll keep you posted.
Till next time, take care and God bless,
Matthew
