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The roar of hollow patriotism (Garrison Keillor BARF ALERT!)
Chicago Tribune .com ^ | May 28, 2008 | Garrison Keillor

Posted on 06/01/2008 11:07:48 AM PDT by rottndog

Three hundred thousand bikers spent Memorial Day weekend roaring around Washington in tribute to our war dead, and I stood on Constitution Avenue Sunday afternoon watching a river of them go by, waiting for a gap in the procession so I could cross over to the Mall and look at pictures. The street had been closed off for them and they motored on by, some flying the Stars and Stripes and the black MIA-POW flag, honking, revving their engines, an endless celebration of internal combustion.

A patriotic bike rally is sort of like a patriotic toilet-papering or patriotic graffiti—the patriotism somehow gets lost in the sheer irritation of the thing. Somehow a person associates Memorial Day with long moments of silence when you summon up mental images of men huddled together on amphibious assault vehicles and pilots revving up B-24s and infantrymen crouched behind piles of rubble steeling themselves for the next push.

You don't quite see the connection between that and these fat men with ponytails on Harleys. After hearing a few thousand bikes go by, you think maybe we could airlift these gentlemen to Baghdad to show their support of the troops in a more tangible way. It took 20 minutes until a gap appeared and then a mob of us pedestrians flooded across the street and the parade of bikes had to stop for us, and on we went to show our patriotism by looking at exhibits at the Smithsonian or, in my case, hiking around the National Gallery, which, after you've watched a few thousand Harleys pass, seems like an outpost of civilization.

(Excerpt) Read more at chicagotribune.com ...


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: barf; hateamericaleftist; keillor; memorialday; miapow; motorcycles; rollingthunder
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"You stroll down past the World War II Memorial, which looks like something ordered out of a catalog, a bland insult to the memory of all who served, and thousands of motorcycles roar by disturbing the Sabbath, and it depresses you for hours."

"Me...Hate America???"

1 posted on 06/01/2008 11:07:49 AM PDT by rottndog
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To: rottndog

Why does Harvey Korman have to go and not this jerkola?


2 posted on 06/01/2008 11:09:43 AM PDT by Charles Bronson Forever
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To: rottndog

If I looked like that I’d feel woebegone also.


3 posted on 06/01/2008 11:10:56 AM PDT by A_Former_Democrat
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To: rottndog

Ahh,, the nasal self conscious pitch of a voice that mocks, but never offers, the look of rumpled and harried perfected even when there is no hurry at all, the purposefully windsor knotted tie, the look of a long time DC resident this one looks to be the perfect “gollum” to the machismo of Rolling Thunder, the mere whiff of testosterone sends them scurring along in pursuit of the haven of false intellect and gazing at the works of others, never daring to compare...


4 posted on 06/01/2008 11:16:06 AM PDT by padre35 (Conservative in Exile/ Isaiah 3.3/Cry havoc and let slip the RINOS)
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To: rottndog

Ahh,, the nasal self conscious pitch of a voice that mocks, but never offers, the look of rumpled and harried perfected even when there is no hurry at all, the purposefully windsor knotted tie, the look of a long time DC resident this one looks to be the perfect “gollum” to the machismo of Rolling Thunder, the mere whiff of testosterone sends them scurring along in pursuit of the haven of false intellect and gazing at the works of others, never daring to compare...


5 posted on 06/01/2008 11:16:35 AM PDT by padre35 (Conservative in Exile/ Isaiah 3.3/Cry havoc and let slip the RINOS)
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To: rottndog
A truly worthless man.

He's squandered what used to be real talent mocking everything of value.

I'd rather spend the day visiting with those bikers than wasting five minutes with this poseur.

6 posted on 06/01/2008 11:18:44 AM PDT by AnAmericanMother (Ministrix of Ye Chase, TTGC Ladies' Auxiliary (recess appointment))
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To: rottndog

Garrison Keester is piece of hate America filth. Disturbing the Sabbath? Oh please, as if he cares about keeping Sunday holy as he hates Christians too.


7 posted on 06/01/2008 11:20:22 AM PDT by KC_Conspirator
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To: rottndog

Disturbing the Sabbath? Memorial Day has always been on Monday, hasn’t it?


8 posted on 06/01/2008 11:21:45 AM PDT by Neoncon (I am disrespectful to Socialism! Can you see I am serious?)
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To: rottndog

What he doesn’t seem to get is that many of these men are Vets. He does make one good point though. Why not have the military fly some volunteers with bikes over to salute the troops?


9 posted on 06/01/2008 11:22:01 AM PDT by CindyDawg
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To: padre35

ouch. thats gonna leave a mark!


10 posted on 06/01/2008 11:22:20 AM PDT by rahbert
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To: rottndog

As opposed to the mew of a small, spiteful man?


11 posted on 06/01/2008 11:23:18 AM PDT by Psycho_Bunny
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To: rottndog

Most of the comments rip him a new one:

http://www.topix.net/forum/source/chicago-tribune/T3SUMMNT5U0ATVQ06


12 posted on 06/01/2008 11:23:20 AM PDT by LibFreeOrDie
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To: CindyDawg
Why not have the military fly some volunteers with bikes over to salute the troops?

There would be no shortage of volunteers waiting to do it...let me tell you!
13 posted on 06/01/2008 11:23:39 AM PDT by rottndog (Globull Warming "Science" = garbage in, gospel out.)
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To: rottndog

And don’t forget: This creep gets paid with your taxes.


14 posted on 06/01/2008 11:26:05 AM PDT by FormerACLUmember (When the past no longer illuminates the future, the spirit walks in darkness.)
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To: rottndog

Can you imagine the cheers as yall came out of the back of one of those planes?


15 posted on 06/01/2008 11:27:17 AM PDT by CindyDawg
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To: padre35

“A work of art can lift you up from the mishmash of life, the weight of the unintelligible world, and the situations where vulgarity squats on you like an enormous toad and won’t get off.”
Garry, you ARE a vulgar enormous toad! A great many of those bikers you so despise are Veterans!
Perhaps he’s more of a vulgar enormous load!


16 posted on 06/01/2008 11:27:23 AM PDT by Dr. Bogus Pachysandra ("Don't touch that thing")
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To: rottndog
Keillor is the biggest one act pony of the last fifty years. He has ridden that Lake Woebegon bike father into the ground than any rider on a Harley ever could. I remember trying to read a book he wrote, same thing, Lake Woebegon ad nauseum. That was it Mr. Keillor, you have no talent, and you won't get any better hurling gratuitous insults at guys you don't even know hoping to smear George Bush in the process. You got all your going to get from carrying the leftists water, either get another act or shut up, it's not funny anymore, it's boring.
17 posted on 06/01/2008 11:27:34 AM PDT by Old North State
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Comment #18 Removed by Moderator

To: rottndog

He looks like a toad and sounds like one too.


19 posted on 06/01/2008 11:34:43 AM PDT by Virginia Ridgerunner ("We must not forget that there is a war on and our troops are in the thick of it!"--Duncan Hunter)
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To: balls
I joined this thread expecting to unload my pent-up dislike of this Keillor guy, but find myself cheering him on. I can’t abide bikers. They look like a bunch of over-the-hill sissies in their ponytails as they travel around in flocks intimidating queit, peaceful neighborhoods. Whenever I see one of these bikers splattered over the road after an accident, the only thought I have is that that’s one less asshole we will have to deal with.

If you don't like bikers that is your choice but your last staement is just beyond the pale. I know plenty of bikers and without fail they are great people.

Kirby

20 posted on 06/01/2008 11:35:05 AM PDT by KirbDog
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To: balls

Thank you Balls. I would add that about 90% of the people riding loud dirty motorcycles have no business trying to represent my idea of a patriotic American Veteran. I also think people like Garrison Keillor should shut up and crawl back into whatever hole they escaped from.


21 posted on 06/01/2008 11:35:28 AM PDT by whipitgood (Neither of, by, nor for the people any longer...)
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To: rottndog

Garrison, get a life!

The truth about Garrison is finally peeking through. He is merely showing the disgusting underbelly of contempt that the Liberal/Marxist elites have for people who make America free and prosperous.


22 posted on 06/01/2008 11:36:58 AM PDT by wintertime (Good ideas win! Why? Because people are not stupid.)
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To: balls

That’s really sad you feel that way because if you were involved in an accident most of them would probably care and stop to help you.


23 posted on 06/01/2008 11:37:40 AM PDT by CindyDawg
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To: balls

Is that the sound of one hand clapping? I think i’ve finally read it, even if I cannot hear it, one’s intentions are perfectly clear.

Good to see there is at least one Garry supporter here, I’d hate to think my tax money was going to pay the salary of a low man’s household, quite the comfort to know that even in America, there still can be one unmitigated *sshole with a keyboard and a taste for shrivel testicaled public servants.


24 posted on 06/01/2008 11:37:52 AM PDT by padre35 (Conservative in Exile/ Isaiah 3.3/Cry havoc and let slip the RINOS)
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To: balls

Then you’ll have to excuse this asshole...I have to get on my bike, ride 75 miles, and line up with dozens of other assholes to honor Lt Col William Gregory Hall, who was killed in Iraq.


25 posted on 06/01/2008 11:38:29 AM PDT by rottndog (Globull Warming "Science" = garbage in, gospel out.)
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To: CindyDawg
That’s really sad you feel that way because if you were involved in an accident most of them would probably care and stop to help you.

This is so true to bad balls doesn't get it.

26 posted on 06/01/2008 11:39:36 AM PDT by KirbDog
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To: balls

wow - I’m surprised someone like you can even lift a brush that broad, much less paint with it. Shame you have no eye for things either.


27 posted on 06/01/2008 11:42:03 AM PDT by Hegewisch Dupa
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To: rottndog

this man is such a waste.. on one hand I’ve enjoyed Prairied Home Companion as well as his books of that genre.. on the other hand, he’s a liberal jerk.. so much talent, yet so completely wrong.


28 posted on 06/01/2008 11:43:50 AM PDT by Awestruck (All the usual suspects)
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To: rottndog
Thanks for what you and your friends do. Yall stay off Mr. Wilson's grass though. ;')
29 posted on 06/01/2008 11:47:27 AM PDT by CindyDawg
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To: AnAmericanMother

Garrison is a real homo who immediately feels anger and shame when the sight of real men force him to admit his shortcomings. He tricks himself into believing that his cloths and bicycle make him better than leather wearing bikers. He could only wish that he was half the man of every single one of those bikers,even the females.


30 posted on 06/01/2008 11:47:49 AM PDT by peeps36 (Politician = Corrupt Degenerate Loser = Ted, Nancy, Barry, Jack and Many More)
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To: peeps36
I wouldn’t say that Garrison is gay. I would say that in Lake Wobegon, for him, the women are strong, the men are good-looking and all the sheep are above average.
31 posted on 06/01/2008 11:50:20 AM PDT by RichInOC (No! BAD Rich! (What'd I say?))
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To: balls

Wow, you must be one of the peace loving lefties we hear so much about.
Being glad when somebody dies is a low down thing, and you sound like a lowlife.
Go back to the DUM, and leave us alone.


32 posted on 06/01/2008 11:50:57 AM PDT by Yorlik803 ( Obama, I dont want to be cold and hungry. I am a AMERICAN.)
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To: rottndog

With all due respect to you and your going to honor one of the fallen, I do not understand why bikers so frequently turn solemn occassions, such as Memorial Day, into parades that shift the focus to themselves and their bikes. I believe it’s actually quite disrespectful.


33 posted on 06/01/2008 11:53:45 AM PDT by balls
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To: Old North State
Garrison Keillor used to be funny. If he would stick to Prarie Home Companion, he might still be. I've never seen a guy who makes such a total and complete fool of himself whenever he opens his pie hole about any other topic.
34 posted on 06/01/2008 11:54:44 AM PDT by Vigilanteman ((Are there any men left in Washington? Or are there only cowards? Ahmad Shah Massoud))
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To: padre35

Windsor Knot

The Windsor Knot is a thick, wide and triangular tie knot that projects confidence. It would therefore be your knot of choice for presentations, job interviews, courtroom appearances etc. It is best suited for spread collar shirts and it’s actually quite easy to do.

While just about everyone can use this tie knot to tie his tie, it looks especially well on men with longer necks as its wide form shortens the perceived height of the neck a little bit.

To tie the Windsor Knot, select a tie of your choice and stand in front of a mirror. Then simply follow the steps below:

1) The wide end “W” should extend about 12 inches below the narrow end “N”. Cross the wide end “W” over the narrow end “N”.

2) Bring the wide end “W” up through the loop between the collar and your tie; then back down.

3) Pull the wide end “W” underneath the narrow end “N” and to the right, back through the loop and to the right again so that the wide end “W” is inside out.

4) Bring the wide end “W” across the front from right to left.

5) Pull the wide end “W” up through the loop again.

6) Bring the wide end “W” down through the knot in front.

7) Using both hands, tighten the knot carefully and draw it up to the collar.

Congratulations, you did it! You see, it is not rocket science after all. Simply keep practicing the Windsor Knot a few more times until you can tie this necktie knot within less than 30 seconds.


35 posted on 06/01/2008 11:55:12 AM PDT by Jack Black
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To: RichInOC

You’re cruel, but that was soooooooooo funny!


36 posted on 06/01/2008 11:56:36 AM PDT by Vigilanteman ((Are there any men left in Washington? Or are there only cowards? Ahmad Shah Massoud))
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To: Yorlik803

Who said I feel glad when somebody dies? It’s more like, “oh pity, but that’s one less etc ...”


37 posted on 06/01/2008 12:00:49 PM PDT by balls
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To: balls

I see splitting hairs is another thing you enjoy doing.
Either way, you are still a very small person.


38 posted on 06/01/2008 12:16:31 PM PDT by Yorlik803 ( Obama, I dont want to be cold and hungry. I am a AMERICAN.)
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To: rottndog

Nothing wrong with Heillor, that a severe ass kicking wouldn’t improve..

He’s not nearly as “cute” or “intelligent” as he imagines himself to be...


39 posted on 06/01/2008 12:17:46 PM PDT by river rat (Semper Fi - You may turn the other cheek, but I prefer to look into my enemy's vacant dead eyes.)
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To: balls; rottndog; freema; Just A Nobody; debm29palms; trooprally; ASA Vet; Flora McDonald; ...

“I joined this thread expecting to unload my pent-up dislike of this Keillor guy, but find myself cheering him on. I can’t abide bikers. They look like a bunch of over-the-hill sissies in their ponytails as they travel around in flocks intimidating queit, peaceful neighborhoods. Whenever
I see one of these bikers splattered over the road after an accident, the only thought I have is that that’s one less asshole we will have to deal with.”


Perhaps you will enjoy reading about a Virginia Patriot Guard Ride Captain who suffered that fate, along with his girl friend. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1907176/posts

If you and Keillor had been there at the Pentagon staging area, you would have seen that it was no party place. You both need to open your eyes before you open your mouths. My son defended your right to be both ignorant and obnoxious, as I will do. Don’t ask a lot more of me at the moment.


40 posted on 06/01/2008 12:31:37 PM PDT by USMCPOP (Father of LCpl. Karl Linn, KIA 1/26/2005 Al Haqlaniyah, Iraq)
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To: USMCPOP

Enough of this sactimonious crap. I spent six years in the army and don’t owe nobody anything and don’t expect anything from anybody. This is the first time that I have mentioned my service, but I am tired of being preached to. I’ll say it again, I can’t stand the selfishness of bikers and think of them as overgrown playground bullies who are always looking for attention. So there!


41 posted on 06/01/2008 12:44:39 PM PDT by balls
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To: rottndog
I left Mr. K a brief comment.

Leave Comment Here
42 posted on 06/01/2008 12:45:14 PM PDT by Poser (Willing to fight for oil)
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To: rottndog
This would have been better off if Garrison had just left it in his private diary.

I find this by him elsewhere on the Internet:

This is a lesson I was taught in childhood: Thou shalt not create temptations for other people. Lock up your bicycle. Keep your money in your wallet. Keep your diary in your drawer.

It's a good lesson.

43 posted on 06/01/2008 12:51:43 PM PDT by x
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To: rottndog
What a hateful old woman.

You don't quite see the connection between that and these fat men with ponytails on Harleys.

Of course you don't, Keillor. You didn't serve in the military. If you had, you'd recognize most of these "fat men with ponytails" as your former comrades-in-arms.

-ccm

44 posted on 06/01/2008 1:00:17 PM PDT by ccmay (Too much Law; not enough Order.)
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To: whipitgood; balls
You don't like bikers.

OK, you don't have to. That's your privilege.

But what business is it of yours that others choose to exercise their rights and patriotic expressions in ways that you don't approve of?

Is that a reason to wish them dead?

In all liklihood, you have a hobby or a practice that you enjoy that just might offend somebody else. Would you approve of their wishing you dead?

For cryin' out loud, get some perspective. And some tolerance for others.

45 posted on 06/01/2008 1:05:32 PM PDT by okie01 (THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: Ignorance on Parade)
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To: rottndog

” Somehow a person associates Memorial Day with long moments of silence when you summon up mental images of men huddled together on amphibious assault vehicles and pilots revving up B-24s and infantrymen crouched behind piles of rubble steeling themselves for the next push.

You don’t quite see the connection between that and these fat men with ponytails on Harleys.”

Obviously Mr. Keillor, YOU can’t make the connection,
but those “fat men with ponytails”
WERE those infantrymen,pilots, and servicemen.

THEY are not about to let liberals like yourself define Patriotism.


46 posted on 06/01/2008 1:11:55 PM PDT by tet68 ( " We would not die in that man's company, that fears his fellowship to die with us...." Henry V.)
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To: rottndog
Here is a good article that smacks Keillor around for his hatred of patriotism. Garrison Keillor Mocks Patriotism
47 posted on 06/01/2008 1:15:32 PM PDT by Mobile Vulgus
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To: rottndog

Real Men Envy.


48 posted on 06/01/2008 1:19:56 PM PDT by roses of sharon ( (Who will be McCain's maverick?))
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To: balls; Jarhead2844; USMCWriter; 1stbn27; 2111USMC; 2nd Bn, 11th Mar; 68 grunt; A.A. Cunningham; ...

Due respect my ass, balls and all.


49 posted on 06/01/2008 1:24:04 PM PDT by freema (Proud Marine Niece, Daughter, Wife, Friend, Sister, Cousin, Mom and FRiend)
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To: balls

And you Sir, are a first class moron, so there.


50 posted on 06/01/2008 1:29:04 PM PDT by bikerman (_ _ . /_ _ _ /_ . . / / . . . . / . / . _ . . / . _ _ . / / . . _ / . . . //)
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