Dumbfuckery du Jour

Ah, my darlings, if ignorance is bliss, Glenn Beck must be the most blissful man in the universe:

Glenn Beck wasn't exactly pleased with Sunday's developments on health care reform. On his Fox News program yesterday, he seemed especially incensed about images of Speaker Pelosi, Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), and other Democratic leaders marching from their caucus meeting to the Hill, arm in arm, en route to passing their long-sought legislation.

Showing viewers the image, Beck said, "They locked arms, because they wanted to compare themselves to the civil rights activists. How dare you! Look at these people [image of civil rights activists at a diner counter]. They refused to get up! ... I don't know how you could be offended by that."

Um, Glenn? John Lewis doesn't have to compare himself to a civil rights activist; he was a civil rights activist. He was a giant of the civil rights movement, and the advances of the era were made possible because of John Lewis' extraordinary courage and heroism. When he locks arms with his allies to go pass health care reform, he understands the symbolism far better than a self-described rodeo clown.

I'm sure I'm not alone in quoting Hermione Granger here: "What an idiot."

I do like Glenn Beck for one reason.  It's because he inspires Jon Stewart to do great send-ups of him.  For those of you who didn't catch it:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
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www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Reform

And for a nice chaser, consider this beatdown of Ann Coulter performed by the University of Ottowa:

Far-right pundit Ann Coulter will be in Canada this week for “a trio of speaking engagements,” including one at the University of Ottawa. In advance of her visit, a senior official at the school sent Coulter a letter warning her to use “restraint, respect and consideration” in her remarks and telling her to review the country’s hate speech and defamation laws. From the letter: 

I would, however, like to inform you, or perhaps remind you, that our domestic laws, both provincial and federal, delineate freedom of expression (or “free speech”) in a manner that is somewhat different than the approach taken in the United States. I therefore encourage you to educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada and to do so before your planned visit here.

Considering that pretty much everything she spouts is hate speech, I'm afraid she shall have to perform as a mime whilst in Canada.  Speaking of mimes, perhaps she should take some lessons from these mimes, who were accused of assault.  You know, it must be pretty fucking embarrassing to have to whine to the police that a bunch of female mimes scared you.

Finally, my darlings, I'm torn.  Cons have been saying such stupid things about health care reform that it's hard to pick a favorite bit of stupidity.  I mean, should we go with Rep. Cao's declaration that health care reform is "at a par with slavery" - a determination he's made because he thinks there are abortion provisions in the bill that actually aren't?  How about all those silly little Cons who whine about activist judges and yet have already started a court battle in the hopes that activist judges will overturn health care reform legislation passed in a fully legal manner precisely as the Constitution and normal procedure require?  Or, does Rep. Gohmert take first prize for this bit of dumbfuckery:

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) is calling for a strong re-assertion of states rights against Congress -- in the form of a Constitutional amendment to eliminate the direct popular election of Senators, and go back to the pre-17th Amendment setup of state legislatures appointing them.

"Ever since the safeguard of State legislatures electing U.S. Senators was removed by the 17th Amendment in 1913, there has been no check or balance on the Federal power grab for the last 97 years," Gohmert said in a press release, calling for a constitutional convention of the states. "Article V requires a minimum of 34 states to request a Convention which in this case, would be an Amendment Convention for only ONE amendment."

In other words, they likes elections and the will of the people only so long as they're getting their way.  When not, then not.

You know, I knew that Con dumbfuckery would not end with the passage of health care reform.  It appears our gang of Congressional Clowns shall be continuing their tried-and-true routine.  Isn't it wonderful that they're so very devoted to keeping us roundly entertained?