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Sorry - couldn't resist . .
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Democrap Military Ballot Box
Posted on 07/16/2004 3:50:17 PM PDT by jmstein7
Deconstructing Whoopi - a Republican Fires Back
By Jonathan M. Stein
In response to being fired by Slim-Fast for her lewd and outrageous anti-Bush diatribe at John Kerry’s exclusive, closed-door fundraiser on July 8th, the now-infamous Radio City “Hate Fest,” Whoopi Goldberg stated that “America's heart and soul is freedom of expression without fear of reprisal.” A close reading of Ms. Goldberg’s remarks divulges Hollywood’s fundamental misunderstanding of the First Amendment and the freedom of expression. The First Amendment is not the exclusive property and privilege of the Hollywood elite; but, perhaps more pointedly, the First Amendment absolutely does not shield people who exercise their First Amendment rights from the consequences of the resulting expression. Unlike the idyllic bubble-world that is Hollywood, in the real world – including portions of fly-over country that elite celebrities like Goldberg would never dare set foot in – actions have consequences.
Of course, the authorities cannot stop a speaker from exercising their freedom of expression for fear of the audiences’ reaction – the so-called “heckler’s veto” – but, on the other hand, the speaker has no right to suppress that reaction. Goldberg averred that “The fact that I am no longer the spokesman for Slim-Fast makes me sad, but not as sad as someone trying to punish me for exercising my right as an American to speak my mind in any forum I choose.” Someone should point out to Ms. Goldberg that the First Amendment only protects her from government reprisal; it does not insulate her from the ire of ordinary Americans who she might have actually insulted with her remarks. Apparently, the fact that people might actually disagree with her never crossed her mind; whither the favorite phrase of the entertainment elite “dissent is patriotic.” For Ms. Goldberg, dissent is patriotic, as long as it is not her remarks that one is dissenting from.
In fact, the First Amendment is not the exclusive privilege of the denizens of Beverly Hills; regular folks – ordinary consumers – had every right to express their own ire by demanding that Slim-Fast drop Whoopi. To paraphrase Justice Holmes, America is a marketplace of ideas. Ms. Goldberg’s overt belief that her ideas are superior to John Q. American who expressed his idea – i.e., “I choose not to buy products that Whoopi is associated with” – to Slim-Fast merely evinces her sheer arrogance.
Predictably, instead of accepting responsibility for her actions, Whoopi blamed the Republican Party for her dismissal – a pathetic cop out. Her automatic assumption that every single incensed person who contacted Slim-Fast was a Republican Party operative is preposterous. One needn’t be a registered Republican to be insulted by what is known of her remarks. In her defense, perhaps her remarks were taken out of context by reporters. If that is indeed the case, Americans will never know – the videotape of the event has been shrouded in secrecy, and the Kerry campaign has refused to let America see it. Perhaps it has been secured in Al Gore’s “lock-box”?
The bottom line is that if vociferous celebrities choose to carelessly, and publicly, emote with inflammatory rhetoric, which is their right, the ultimate audience of that rhetoric has every right to react with expression of its own – including boycotts. In case Ms. Goldberg hasn’t heard, boycotts are one of the most time-honored forms of expression. And, for Ms. Goldberg to call the indignation expressed by Americans participating in the boycott “disingenuous” merely adds insult to injury. The implication is that that the elites have a monopoly on genuine expression, which is asinine and deprecating.
Other reactions to Ms. Goldberg’s dismissal from Slim-Fast have been quite laughable, albeit predictable. Asa Khalif, head of Racial Unity USA in Pennsylvania, and self-proclaimed “diversity promoter” released a statement relating to Goldberg’s firing. He stated that “I smell racism from beginning to end. . . . SlimFast must realize that black women have every right to voice their views.” Well, the race-baiters are out in force. Now it is just a matter of time until Jesse Jackson is marching, with his trademarked grim expression, on Slim-Fast headquarters. In all frankness, Khalif’s absurd remarks should not merit media attention. However, it won’t be long until the misery merchants and masters of discord capitalize on the opportune firing of – gasp – a black woman. Perhaps Mr. Khalif glossed over the fact that people found the content of the remarks objectionable, not the person delivering them. I can guarantee Mr. Khalif that if lilly-white Michael Moore had delivered those remarks, the reaction would have been identical.
Like Mr. Khalif, I too smell something… but it isn’t racism.
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Sorry - couldn't resist . .
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I wouldn't think Whoopi could turn enough tricks to by a pack of smokes, let alone a hit of heroin.
Whoopi is not in jail, she has not been arrested and she will not have to pay a fine.
In fairness, when GWB came to Oak Ridge, TN on Monday, protesters around the fed facilities were put in "free speech zones" away from cameras and the President. Granted, the reason may be been that the meetings were at secure federal facilities, but they actually called the protester areas "Free Speech Zones."
No Whoopi, dont blame "the Republicans", blame each of the thousands of us "regular people" that do not see eye to eye with your Liberal beliefs nor your vile tounge!
For the past 4 years, Unilever NV & PLC, a publicly traded company, has owned Slim-Fast.
I have no idea what "democrat" would be the "owner."
Good job explaining the obvious to those who are more intellectual than I. Good luck on getting it published. I hope to see this fine work in print soon!
If Goldberg and what she says is the "heart and soul of America" like Kerry and the Breck boy says, why are they agaist the release of the tapes so that we all may see it? I'd like to see the "heart and soul of America.
How are you able to keep posting without your drill instructor catching you? Or did you lie when you said you were starting Navy boot camp on July 8?
To: Freemeorkillme
I am a navy recruit that leaves for boot camp july 8th =P
30 posted on 06/11/2004 12:46:04 AM EDT by Quzar
Whoopi's public (or pubic?) vulgarity was stupid and adolescent. She presented a tiresome and vulgar negative stereotype of educationally-challenged minorities. What a loser...
LOLOLOL !!! Yep. algore's lockbox there, hahahaha!
This is a prestigious and lucrative gig and one she'll regret not being tapped for. Her stupidity and grossness at the fund-raiser will be the gaffe that keeps on giving.
Delicious!
Leni
Jim, can you post a transcript of Whoopi's remarks? I haven't been able to find a copy.
Whoopie Goldberg a spokesman for slim-fast!!!!???
Q: Why did they hire Whoopi?
A: They thought her celebrity would help them sell more product.
Q: Why did they fire Whoopi?
A: They thought her celebrity would not help them sell more product.
I agree. Sounds like wholesome good ole American fun, right? or left? There's a Dem spokeswoman making noises as if it was filmed, and that only if Bush releases his flight logs from the ANG or something will she release the tape. Could be a bluff. I just wonder if anyone filmed it. But I'd pay money for the DVD.
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