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ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars

Robin Williams....censored tonight at the Oscars. ABC has refused to let him sing a cartoon ditty that made fun of Rev. James Dobson and his SpongeBob SquarePants criticism. Then it refused his proposed changes. [link corrected]Here's what happened:

Overnight, Mr. Shaiman and his partner, Scott Wittman, dashed off a mock exposé of the dark underbelly of cartoonland for Mr. Williams to deliver, over a gospel-music groove, as if he were a full-throated preacher inveighing against other newly-discovered sinners in the nation's midst:

"Pinocchio's had his nose done! Sleeping Beauty is popping pills!/ The Three Little Pigs ain't kosher! Betty Boop works Beverly Hills!"

The producer of the Oscars telecast, Gil Cates, urged Mr. Shaiman to make the bit "less political," Mr. Shaiman said, so he quickly removed any reference to Mr. Dobson's protests - and turned Mr. Williams into a fabulous, lisping character dishing up the latest juicy gossip:

"Fred Flintstone is dyslexic, Jessica Rabbit is really a man, Olive Oyl is really anorexic, and Casper is in the Ku Klux Klan!"

ABC wanted 11 of 36 lines changed, on a variety of grounds:

Some lines were opposed for "sexual tone," [including] "Chip 'n Dale are both strippers," "Bugs Bunny's a sexaholic," and "Josie and the Pussycats dance on laps."

In the end, however, the sexual references would have been allowed, a network spokesman said. But they held the line on material that they believed might be seen as glorifying drug use or offending Native Americans or disabled people.

Among other lines, they included "The Road Runner's hooked on speed" and "Pocahontas is addicted to craps."

Robin Williams seems to be taking it in stride:

Mr. Williams, interviewed at the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, said he was disappointed. "For a while you get mad, then you get over it," he said. "They're afraid of saying Olive Oyl is anorexic. It tells you about the state of humor. It's strange to think: how afraid are you?"

He added: "We thought that they got the irony of it. I guess not."

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    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#1)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 02:47:39 PM EST
    How sad to admit that are freedoms are no longer valid. Our very words are parsed to nothingness and we stand for bland, limp, nonsense.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#2)
    by Kitt on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 02:47:53 PM EST
    Maybe they all saw him on 'Real Time' with Bill Maher last week. Robin was like on some super-generated speed. I'm not one easily irritated (just ask Jim), but he was getting on my nerves - he wouldn't shut up and kept it up into the rolling of the credits. Nah....I don't think anyone is worried about Williams tangenting. Besides, it's not like any of it's true or anything. On top of all that they're just made up pretend characters.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#3)
    by Adept Havelock on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 02:59:58 PM EST
    Sad...just sad. How dare someone make fun of someone who accused a cartoon character of beign used to support (gasp) the gay agenda! And the Christian Taliban score another small victory.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#4)
    by ras on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 03:03:42 PM EST
    Perhaps they could just limit him to 4 lines/day if he disagrees with them? That's not censorship ... is it? :)

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#5)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 03:04:25 PM EST
    Naaaah IT'S THE OSCARS Tinsel Town! Lets not take everything to much to heart!

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#6)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 03:08:37 PM EST
    Perhaps they were overcome by a sudden sense of good taste...

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#7)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 03:23:04 PM EST
    What? Do people really listen to those songs at all?

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#8)
    by scarshapedstar on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 03:23:38 PM EST
    Meanwhile, Doctor applauds Dobson in his tastefully neverending quest to out cartoon characters.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#10)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 03:33:09 PM EST
    Don't you have a book burning to be at, Ace? Oh, I get it. Only Entertainment laced with right wing commentary survives the final edit.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#9)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 03:48:42 PM EST
    [deleted, over limit for today.]

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#11)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 05:08:02 PM EST
    So how long before Robin Williams is arrested? maybe Bush is mad at him? what's that about freedom?

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#12)
    by Sailor on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 07:43:15 PM EST
    When something like that happens Williams et al should walk and convince other artists to boycott. The Academy needs them a lot more than they need the Academy.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#13)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 09:56:38 PM EST
    Ok, I shouldn't have to explain this to TL - but it's not censorship. Why? Because ABC is not part of any government, state or local. As a private organization, they are under no obligation to provide anyone with a soapbox. Anyone who agrees to appear on ABC (or any other network) will simply have to agree with any restrictions ABC decides to extend. Say, if ABC is censoring Williams, then your "troll" policy is censorship as well TL. I notice that you deleted at least one comment by Doctor Ace. If it's censorship when ABC (a private entity) does it, what is it when TL (a private entity) does it?

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#14)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Feb 27, 2005 at 10:37:35 PM EST
    TalkLeft does censor commenters, no question. But TalkLeft is not ruled by the FCC and is not a publicly held company. Would you say ABC as an employer doesn't have to comply with non-discrimination laws or the American Disablilties Act?

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#15)
    by kdog on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 06:37:39 AM EST
    ABC is losing it. They must be the only ones who DON'T think Dobson is retarded. Too bad, it would have been a good bit.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#16)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 07:25:58 AM EST
    The fact that ABC has to follow inane FCC rules is exactly why they objected to Williams proposed bit. I'd be a lot happier if the FCC butted out and let tv and radio air whatever they felt like airing, letting the market sort it out. TL implied that the censorship came directly from the government (it didn't). As well, those of you who actually favor free speech should examine what your pals McCain and Feingold have planned for round two of "reform" - they aren't happy with the way information flowed freely through the internet during the last election cycle. You may well see actual censorship come to the net - you saw it come to TV, radio, and print last time around via McCain/Feingold. The ironic thing is, TL and the left in general fusses incessantly about the suppression of indecency - while actual political speech is getting censored during election cycles. I'd say that TL's priorities on this are seriously out of alignment. Go ahead, worry about this. Just don't be surprised when McCain and Feingold (and their allies) suppress political speech on the net next time around because you were too busy worrying about trivia.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#17)
    by roy on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 09:14:02 AM EST
    But TalkLeft is not ruled by the FCC and is not a publicly held company. Would you say ABC as an employer doesn't have to comply with non-discrimination laws or the American Disablilties Act?
    Exactly which FCC or SEC regulation is involved?

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#19)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 01:10:24 PM EST
    Don't you think it's a double standard when you cheer on Robin Williams and his right for free speech yet lampoon and ridicule those (like Doctor Ace) who also exercise their freedom of speech? Is it only when you agree with them that it is ok? You may have beliefs that I don't agree with, yet I don't call you idiots! What would the reaction have been if Robin Williams was going to sing a song lampooning someone who comes out against Christian or republican values? Hollywood would have gone crazy! Actually, this is a ridiculous thought, because Hollywood rarely represents anything that comes close to Republican or Christian. (and they act like they represent the majority) Yet, let's just think about all those states that voted for Bush. There must be a lot of us humorless, idiots out there.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#20)
    by pigwiggle on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 01:30:57 PM EST
    “TalkLeft does censor commenters, no question. But TalkLeft is not ruled by the FCC and is not a publicly held company. Would you say ABC as an employer doesn't have to comply with non-discrimination laws or the American Disablilties Act?” I wonder if TL is subject to the ADA. In my novice reading of the ADA, TL could be construed as a Title III entity; privately owned, open to the public places of assembly for entertainment. Perhaps you should register as a non-profit now, or call this guy.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#21)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 01:41:29 PM EST
    The problem for me with religios righters, is that they break their own commandments. The first commandment is "Though shall have no other God before me". The religious right do not follow God, because they've turned people like Dobson, Robertson, and Falwell into their Gods, the golden calfs they worship.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#22)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 01:44:33 PM EST
    There must be a lot of us humorless, idiots out there. - That's not something I would brag about katrina. (and they act like they represent the majority) Yet, let's just think about all those states that voted for Bush. - Haven't we learned anything from history? Just because a "majority" is for someone or something doesn't mean they're correct in doing so. At one time, the "majority" thought slavery was OK, women shouldn't be allowed to vote, people of different races shouldn't marry, etc., etc. etc. I don't know whose freedom Bush thinks he's "fighting" for, but it definitely isn't mine. He's trying to take my freedoms away. Let's forget about trying to bring freedom (aka: war) to other countries, and start concentrating on true freedom in the U.S. Don't get me started...

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#23)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 02:04:49 PM EST
    I completely agree with you, ricky1756, as far as people putting others in front of God. You are absolutely right. But just because we agree with someone who is outspoken and is in a position to speak on our behalf does not mean we put them above God. (Although I know there are some that do it, it is not fair to lump the entire religious right together.) "RBLTR" I just want to say that I think you're right that we should learn from past mistakes and many times the majority has been incorrect. And I don't agree with everything republicans say or even the religious right. God and Truth are my standards and I care about what God's word tells me not others. BTW - I find it interesting that no one has responded to my first paragraph.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#24)
    by Kitt on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 02:33:47 PM EST
    I never said I didn't think Robin Williams is funny or shouldn't do his song. I was making an observation after watching him on 'Real Time' with Bill Maher where he continuinally interrupted the flow of the conversation with his bullsh*t chatter, even while Bill was doing New Rules and into the rolling of the credits. And for the record, I'm from the SDS Weathermen generation. My politics are pretty much tied to the Greens and my religious beliefs regarding social justice. Which just goes to show you, Ricky #s, you don't know what you're talking about if you think Ace and I are similar politically.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#25)
    by pigwiggle on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 02:39:59 PM EST
    “- Haven't we learned anything from history? Just because a "majority" is for someone or something doesn't mean they're correct in doing so.” A funny thought coming from the left(?). I wonder if the ‘progressives’ have learned a lesson from the current state and will move to decentralize power when next given the opportunity; dismantle the leviathan they built over the past 70 years, most recently with the help of the Republicans. My guess, no. I imagine when next the Democrats are in power they will have forgotten the past rally of states rights and enumerated powers and promptly start using those powers they most opposed while in the minority.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#26)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 06:42:14 PM EST
    Katrina, if I may, I would like to respond to your first paragraph: not only is it intelligent, well written and politically astute, it represents good taste as well.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#27)
    by demohypocrates on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 07:42:23 PM EST
    Censorship is the greatest evil we face. It is a threat to our very democracy. It is akin to Nazi book burning. It is ok to do to Ann Coulter.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#18)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 07:48:59 PM EST
    Kitt and Doctor Ace don't think Robin Williams should be allowed to do his song, because they don't think he's funny(like republicans are known for their humor).I don't think Kitt and Doctor Ace should be allowed to post because [insult deleted]

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#28)
    by Adept Havelock on Mon Feb 28, 2005 at 07:53:26 PM EST
    Demo- Hardly. Ann Coulter and her ilk should never be censored. I get so many rich and hearty laughs from them and their ravings.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#29)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Mar 01, 2005 at 09:15:33 AM EST
    And as we all know, Havelock, it's that element of truth that makes it funny.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#30)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Mar 01, 2005 at 10:50:36 AM EST
    Like the 'truth' when she asserted that Canadian troops fought in Vietnam?

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#31)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Mar 01, 2005 at 02:01:41 PM EST
    Katrina, I will comment on your first paragraph as well - lampoon and ridicule are time honored elements of political debate - take your local editorial page ofr example. Dr. Ace may have been made fun of but he was allowed to speak his mind. Mr. Williams apparently was not - that is censorship - as it would be for me to edit Dr. Ace's comments because I don't agree with him.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#32)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Mar 01, 2005 at 03:11:57 PM EST
    I find myself frustrated by one thing I have noticed in this comment section. No-one is actually mentioning that Robin Williams has made a career by taking the time to make things that normally annoy and scare people into things people can laugh at. Why should SpongeBob, or Scooby Doo, or Betty Boop be left out?

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#33)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Tue Mar 01, 2005 at 03:31:51 PM EST
    Fascism: An extreme form of nationalism that plays on fears of communism and rejects individual freedom, liberal individualism, democracy, and limitations on the state. OR: Any political or social ideology which relies on a combination of psuedo-religious attitudes and the brutal use of force for getting and keeping power. This sounds like what America is becoming under this administration. Many of us already see our rights going right down the drain. This is a sad time for America.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#34)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Mar 02, 2005 at 12:14:35 AM EST
    It's really simple. If you don't like it, don't watch it. I certainly didn't, and I enjoy Robin Williams. I seek out comedy because God knows, with this administration and its lunacy we have to live with on a daily basis, I sure need SOMETHING to laugh about. Kat, Doc, and you other 'right wingers' live your own lives. Quit trying to decide what is appropriate for me to view. I have a remote...and I can decide for myself. *clicking remote @ Bush & Co.* *sigh* It's not working on him...

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#35)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Mar 02, 2005 at 01:27:19 AM EST
    It is too bad that we as a nation have become so afraid of the "Religious Right" that we can't say what we really want to say. I am so tired of this whole "Politically Correct" non-sense.....

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#36)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Mar 02, 2005 at 07:53:45 AM EST
    ConFuegoBaby - I don't remember telling you what was appropriate for you to view. As a matter of fact I believe I was pretty fair and agreed with a couple of points that were made. Many of the people have given their opinions on this site and I didn't feel like they were telling me what was appropriate they were giving their opinion - just as I was. I'm sorry you took it so personally. I am willing to admit when someone has a good point and not disagree just because it is a liberal view. The impression I get is that if you speak as a member of the "religous right" you are immediately written off as an idiot and liberals are not willing to admit when the "right" is right.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#37)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Mar 02, 2005 at 08:38:47 AM EST
    I just had to comment after reluctantly reading here - ALL OF YOU GET A LIFE!!

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#38)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Mar 02, 2005 at 10:14:42 AM EST
    I do not really consider myself Republican or Democrat, and grew up with no specific religious influences...having said that; I will say that with a few exceptions, my views on most major issues fall toward the left of center. Why? Because my assessments are based almost entirely on logic and reason, not broad politics or religion. There are some right wing views that I often tend to agree with, such as immigration laws and capital punishment. I agree with them because of the logic and reasoning behind them, not because the teachings of a god, or the God, supposedly said so. When someone comes across, or proudly displays themselves as 'religious-right' or 'liberal left' in a political setting or discussion, it's difficult to reach anyone other than their own kind. Religion is the basis for most right-wing conservative viewpoints, which tends to make it easier for others to instantly quantify and dismiss their views...much like the 'right' does when they hear someone is from the 'liberal left'. If your opinions/viewpoints are based in reason and logic, there's no need to label yourself to begin with.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#39)
    by Bill on Wed Mar 02, 2005 at 11:47:20 AM EST
    first do people really find robin williams funny? i just fell embarsed for him.a grown man thatwants to play kid or cartoon chatcer wants people to take him serously. but those of you that do if he did to gays or other minorities what he trys to do to that preacher guy isure bet you would be screaming out the other side of your mouth.i guess its like grandpa said it depends on whose ox is geating gored.as long as it ant yours right?

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#40)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Mar 02, 2005 at 01:15:05 PM EST
    I'm 'embarsed' for bill

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#41)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Mar 02, 2005 at 01:33:06 PM EST
    Bill, you should be ashamed of yourself. Before posting any further statements, you should seriously examine your grammar, spelling, etc. Scary.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#42)
    by Jack on Wed Mar 02, 2005 at 05:23:32 PM EST
    I wish that the ultra religous right would do one thing. Instead of trying to be like god (and failing miserably), that they would live in a way that god would approve of. If they did that, maybe there would be a whole lot more tolerance in the world and a lot less need for censorship.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#43)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Mar 03, 2005 at 12:05:54 AM EST
    a great manonce said " it's not that my liberal counter-part know so much, it just seems they know so much that is not so" any leberal out there wanna tell me wuho said it?????? ex-patrioted yank, living in australia.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#44)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Mar 03, 2005 at 12:54:54 AM EST
    What fascinating reading..... It started as a critique of Robin Williams who quite often puts his mouth in gear before turning on his brain (albeit, very entertaining). It then morphed into a sort of mudslinging affair between Libs and Neocons and finally ended with a somewhat reasonable comment by whoever posted the 'logic and reason' comments. Ain't it great...all this food for thought and free entertainment!

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#45)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Mar 03, 2005 at 09:22:30 AM EST
    i.e. the Christian Right: I opposed war in Iraq; voted for Kerry; and am registered Republican. In a past life (literally, I died and was reborn in Christ) I was a Marxist.(I like Robin Williams, song was funny, and if I was ABC wouldn't have let him offend a lot of my customers either). I doubt if I have ever lived a whole day the way I believe I should. I believe in a personal, creative God. There is a real objective right (and wrong) that comes from that Creator, and His purpose for our lives (whether you believe in Him or not). This leaves no room for situational ethics, or the creation of our own existential moral code - or turning a blind eye to those "doing their own thing". Political freedom given to us by God in our free will does not equal moral freedom to do or say as we please. If I die and become dust, I have tried to lead a life based principles not designed by myself for my personal comfort. I would say much of the degeneration in today's culture comes from the loosening of the real moral absolutes. If I am right (correct), and Eternal choices are being made today - some of you so opposed to God and His (not your) rules may find you have made a very bad Eternal decision. If I am "intolerant" so be it - better that than separation from God for Eternity.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#46)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Mar 03, 2005 at 12:10:09 PM EST
    If I am right (correct), and Eternal choices are being made today - some of you so opposed to God and His (not your) rules may find you have made a very bad Eternal decision. If I am "intolerant" so be it - better that than separation from God for Eternity. I couldn't help noticing that you've not considered what may happen if you're wrong.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#47)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Thu Mar 03, 2005 at 01:01:12 PM EST
    I did: -If I die and become dust, I have tried to lead a life based principles not designed by myself for my personal comfort. I would say much of the degeneration in today's culture comes from the loosening of the real moral absolutes.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#48)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri Mar 04, 2005 at 04:49:15 AM EST
    There must be a lot of us humorless, idiots out there. - That's not something I would brag about katrina.
    Looks like someone missed katrina's intended message. Way to work hard to obfuscate the discussion to hopefully preempt discovery of weaknesses in your argument. I believe she was using sarcasm, a verbally illustrative tool that typically is used to communicate an idea that is exactly opposite of the literal meaning of the phrase constructed in a way as to be sarcastic. Or some such nonsense.
    (and they act like they represent the majority) Yet, let's just think about all those states that voted for Bush. - Haven't we learned anything from history? Just because a "majority" is for someone or something doesn't mean they're correct in doing so. At one time, the "majority" thought slavery was OK, women shouldn't be allowed to vote, people of different races shouldn't marry, etc., etc. etc.
    This is classic. Ok, so the "minority" has never been wrong? Where is this coming from? Can we stay on track, please? Or is it better to wallow in endless discussions on the periphery, again, to cleverly avoiding analysis of both sides of the issue at hand, for fear of exposing weaknesses in your viewpoint. If you pride yourself so much on logic, you can analyze what you just said, and maybe, just maybe, take it to the point where you are forced to realize that, if you must throw away "majority" decisionmaking simply because it has been wrong at times, you might as well go ahead and throw away "minority" decisionmaking as well. (Ok, ok, proof that the "minority" has been wrong, at least once, for your liberal-leftness...one word: Hitler. Q.E.D). Well, while we are at it: are we, or are we not, in a situation where the majority is ruling? Or are we still dealing with a "majority" instead of The Real Thing?
    I don't know whose freedom Bush thinks he's "fighting" for, but it definitely isn't mine. He's trying to take my freedoms away. Let's forget about trying to bring freedom (aka: war) to other countries, and start concentrating on true freedom in the U.S.
    This is an admirable idea, but only would be truly able to stand on its own two feet if we lived in a kind of "vacuum" (I think I'm getting the hang of this: "majority", "vacuum"!!) It's too bad that in the real world we actually have to look out for number 1, just like every other political/social entity on this planet -- and at times that means paying some attention to what other entities on this planet are up to.
    Don't get me started...
    Sorry, I can't help myself...consider yourself started. Disclaimer: I'm not even sure what issue is being discussed here anymore, nor do I care at this point. Call it me getting sick of the constant inane "I am liberal and therefore logical and you are religious and therefore...and let me argue to you with my house-of-cards lefty-logic that I got out of a crackerjack box" trash. And, as a general statement, this whole Red=stupid/religious, blue=smart/logical thing is, often, the biggest farce going, and is, um, STEREOTYPICAL. Sadly, this allows, all too often, for the typical leftist to self-gratify his/herself by throwing up some pseudo-socratic but flimsy constructions that are easily knocked down by analysis equal to the force exerted on an object by the wings of a butterfly flapping on the other side of the world. Oh yea, and by the way, this goes for some rather annoying right-wingers too! We can't leave them out, after all, it might offend someone.

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#49)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Fri Mar 04, 2005 at 07:39:21 AM EST
    JCHFleet, You're right, of course, and I'm sorry. I've 'embarsed' myself. (Sorry Bill, I just can't let that go)

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#50)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sun Mar 06, 2005 at 11:51:18 AM EST
    Sorry Kat but I was just responding (perhaps overreacting) to your comments, and whoever said this has morphed (as discussions always seem to lately) into a right vs. left argument was correct. I was tired of and (still am) fed up with the 'right' trying to make everybody else live up to their fabricated standards. If you all want to stand in judgement of those of us who don't happen to hold the same views as you, and which I feel are often inconsistent and nothing less than an imposition of your personal moral code on everybody else, then you must expect the backlash. I, like Logic, was an independent. I'm a fiscal moderate to conservative and have some conservative views. But the past 4 years have changed my ability to vote for the bastardization that the Republican party has become, and possibly forever. If you all don't like something, then leave it out of your lives. You can certainly choose to live more conservatively, and choose not to watch television that finds humor in (gasp) sex. By all means, let's watch some righteous person execute some evil doer...that's much more healthy than laughter, or any form of sexual content. My point is, you can choose not to have abortions, you can choose not to use medical procedures that come from stem cell research, and you can choose to have strictly monogamous sex and stay married to the same person no matter how unhealthy that relationship is, and how bad it is for your children and you can CHOOSE not to view Janet Jackson's nipple (although I sided with you, in that you were not GIVEN a choice, there). But quit trying to force the rest of the country and the world to live by your 'morals'. Finally, as long as I'm on the subject of morals...I wonder just what Jesus would have thought of this 'moral' administration's greed and corruption, and use of lies and manipulation to gain more for themselves and their donors. And of your deliberate blindness to their true natures. "There is none so blind as he who will not see".

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#51)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Mar 09, 2005 at 06:04:57 AM EST
    What you all forget is that you like me are pawns. If ABC would have let the piece run it would have been a few laughs and unless you watched the oscars you would have never seen or heard about it except maybe from a co-worker who sang a little the next day. But Abc is using you just like most media uses people. They ban a song about fictional cartoon characters and end up getting weeks of press out of it. Everytime it gets talked about ABC gets their named mentioned for free. That old adage comes to mind any press is good press even bad press. The bonus of this situation is that half the people think its bad press and half think its good press. The only person who wins in this is ABC they get it coming and going. If you think its about anything deeper than this or has more meaning maybe you need to go take a course in media 101. ABC is not looking out for anyone except themselves. And before you go running off on a tangent about how they might get fined. I would think a 10 million dollar fine to get your networks name mentioned on every news show at least once is a good deal but there must be more to be had by banning a song and getting your named mentioned daily for over a week now. P.S. did you hear that Bambi was the son of a bi*ch? I mean where was Bambi's father?

    Re: ABC Cuts Robin Williams Song From Oscars (none / 0) (#52)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Mar 09, 2005 at 07:49:34 AM EST
    for people who claim to be members of a party that teaches tolerance of ALL people, many of you seem to be prejudiced against the people who don't agree with you, i believe one of you even used the word "retarded" might I suggest taking a look at your own actions before spouting off about how the cancellation of a song was a right-wing conspiracy. I'm sick of all these do-gooders telling me they know the best way for peoplke to live, neither of you are right, the religious right, the atheist left, both seem to have lost touch with what they supposedly stand for. ABC has the right to decide what it will and will not play. by the way, the americans with disabilities act was a congressional mandate... that song was anything but. comparing the two is... how was it put... RETARDED!!!!