sports

ESPN pulls NFL song after Hitler analogy

79 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© 2011 AFP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

79 Comments
Login to comment

Jeez, why does everyone have such thin skin?

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

ahhhhhhhhh another racist.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Good riddance to this bigot. I bet if you told him his father would be ashamed he'd get pretty upset. You then only need point out how his comment was far worse.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

idiot redneck hick

10 ( +10 / -1 )

"I'm sure ole Hank didn't do it thissaway!" He'll be very electable now however. Gotta love Redneckucans.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

In the Sports Illustrated article, he's further quoted as saying he thinks it's unfair that the Tea Party, which he endorses, is portrayed as racist and extremist. Oh, dear...

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Maybe he can write some syrupy country music lyrics to how he got all done in by Godwin's Rule.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

He is ready to run as VP with Parry who hunts at his ni**erblock farm. Why are all these republicans so racist? Do you have to be a racist to be a republican or does joining the party turn you into one. They should just change the name to the racist party instead of republican. Simpler.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

With comments like that, he is a shoe in for a Jgov position

1 ( +2 / -1 )

To ESPN: The phrase is well known by faithful MNF watchers. Go to the stadium and have the fans scream "ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!?" use that, and I am sure it would be a hit.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

TAX him. He's obviously rich. TAX the rich.

Let him reep the whirlwind.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

So funny that if you dont like Obama then you are automatically labeled a racist. I dont like Obama because he sucks at his job, not because of the color of his skin.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

genji - fair enough, but what part about "Hitler" didn't you understand?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

zurcroniums

He is ready to run as VP with Parry who hunts at his ni**erblock farm.

To be fair to Perry he was still a Democrat back in the 80's when the rented land you speak of had a rock on it bearing the name "n*ggerhead." It got changed.The whole thing has been a false scandal that just backfired on us democrats. Let's be more careful.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

hoserfella - very strong analogy, but it was used to show the hatred he thinks dems and reps have towards each other. Just shows why the country cant get anything done because this extreme hatred between the parties. Had it been me, I would have been a little less extreme in my analogy but if you look at it from a redneck perspective: Hitler hated Jewish people. Jewish people hate Hitler. Right?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Genji- don't be so naive. The Tea Party has used the Obama-as-Hitler comparison countless times to highlight the supposed freedoms they are losing. Funny how this redneck couldn't come up with "cats and dogs" when pressed.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Hoserfella, ill give ya that one there...

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Zurcronium: wasn't it Nierhead, not nierback? People like Lieberman will try to justify it by pointing to the Dems, but you are bang on in saying there are a lot of bigots in the Republican party, not to mention the ULTRA-bigots in the tea-party. What a sad, sad nation, when people want to go hunting at a place called Ni**erhead (and lie about when they turned over the rock), or when some dumb redneck disgraces his father's good name through comments he knows nothing about.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Yiihaaaw! Sounds like a "Good 'ol southern boy". Redneck.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Lieberman2012,

He is a republican now and has been for decades. As for you being a democrat, yes you and HW Jr are the same.

smithinjapan,

Maybe I was thinking of nickelback the band. And yes, no question the republicans hate Obama more than even Clinton because he is black. Their hatred is so deep that if Obama said they were handsome they would shoot themselves in the face. Its crazy racist out there in republican land.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

zurcronium: I don't think all Republicans are racist by any means, I just find it amusing that people like Lieberman are trying to blame racist tendencies on Democrats when it's pretty clear the thinking of people like Hank Williams Jr. and no surprise whom he wants to run with.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

"Good riddance to this bigot." Since Hank referred to Obama and Biden who are of different ethnicities I'm confused as to how Hank can be labeled a bigot/racist. According to the article he didn't refer to Obama or Biden as Hitler; he simply said they are the "enemy" which, as everyone knows, would certainly pertain to Nazis and Jews. Jeez, no wonder we can't solve any problems; we're too busy looking for things to be offended over.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Good on ESPN. His is certainly entitled to his opinion, as is every citizen. But, as a commercial entity, with corporate sponsors, ESPN has the right to distance themselves from his views. Plain and simple.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Williams, of Shreveport, Louisiana, said of Obama’s golf outing with House Speaker John Boehner: “It’d be like Hitler playing golf with (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu.”

samwatters - Oh I get it. Obama is Netanyahu and Boehner is Hitler! riiiight..

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@horsefella. Why not? Are you assuming that Netanyahu is a great guy? Besides, why is it when former President Bush (whom I believe was the worst president during my lifetime) is referred to in unsavory terms people like you are silent? Lighten up; it's not your job to decide how much people should be offended. President Obama has some pretty thick skin to go along with his considerable intelligence.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Yeahhhhhhh !!!

We need 2 new football teams Republicans Vs. Democrats.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

samwatters - You and I both know that the issue here is not racism (which the Tea Party most certainly suffers from) but the incredibly distasteful charge of calling Obama, (or anyone for that matter) "Hitler". In a country thats already dangerously polarized, you don't see any problem with that? Why don't you ask Obama how he feels being accused as akin to the most infamous villain in modern history (Holocaust and all that jazz, remember?)

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I believe the problem is not mentioning Hitler, but mentioning Hitler and Netanyahu in the same sentence. That could imply that Netanyahu is similar to Hitler.

Who would ever compare Netanyahu to Hitler? Possibly Palestinians living in their ghettoes and other Arabs and Muslims, but certainly not good Christian Americans as there is such a strong Jewish lobby in their country, which screams at the smallest slight to the Jewish people and particularly Israelis.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The infotainment thing needs perspective. Hank Williams Jr is not a historian or a remotely influential voice in US politics. He does not speak for Republicans and Democrats who oppose Obama, anymore than the washed up actress Roseanne Barr (calling 2 days ago for billionaires to be guillotined) speaks for Democrats and Republicans upset about corporate welfare.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Horsefella, thank you for your debate (sincerely, no sarcasm intended). First, Williams did not call Obama "Hitler," he may have insinuated or otherwise---I did not know Hanks's stand on Israel. That point may be small but it is important because too many people change information to suit their preference. You and others may love Obama but you are allowing your bias to crowd out information. As to how the president feels about Hank's statement, I don't know, but the I bet president probably shrugged it off and enjoyed the game as Mr. Obama seems to be a pretty tough fellow. But the real point is this; you imply that in these polarized times we need to be careful about speech. Three comments on that; (1) the US I remember allowed free speech and refused to be bullied by people who made ridiculous comments. (2) Self-esteem/feelings are not protected under the Constitution nor are they the responsibility of the government. (3) Reacting in a manner similar to many of the posters on this site to people who make polarizing statements only encourages them. Thanks again for the debate. Let keep arguing and stay free!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

"You and I both know that the issue here is not racism (which the Tea Party most certainly suffers from) but the incredibly distasteful charge of calling Obama, (or anyone for that matter) "Hitler"."

The 'racists' in the TaxedEnoughAlready movement, 'horserfella', have vaulted Herman Cain (he's 'darker' than Obama...) to the top of the GOP field...

It's not wrong to liken a politician to Hilter. Bush's opponents had no qualms about doing so. For eight years. But it is moronic and reactionary. And it shows nothing but ignorance of or disregard for the lessons of history.You don't indict Obama or Bush by calling one or both Hilter, you indict yourself.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

samwatters - wether or not ol' Hank meant to refer to Obama as Hitler, or just had a senior moment, I can't say. Either way, it's disrespectful and flat out wrong. As for the US you remember, (1) I remember a time too when people could have political differences and had the common decency to refrain from such stupid remarks. It has nothing to do with free speech.

unconstructed - TEA = TaxedEnoughAlready? Where was their indignation when W. started 2 wars (1 based on a lie), lowered the taxes needed to pay for them, and let big business run amok to the detriment of the working class that they themselves belong to?

As for your Cain "Darker than Obama" line; that was just ugly. You just shot yourself in the foot with that little nugget. Whats your next qualifier, eats more fried chicken?

Guys, as a Canadian I don't have a dog in this fight, But the pure hatred of Tea Partiers and many republicans runs deeper than politics.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@horsefella. Thanks for your remarks on this fascinating debate! My responses: (1) You said you don't know whether Hank intended or not to refer to Obama as Hitler. But you did just that---claimed that WIlliams referred to Obama as Hitler---in a previous post, verifying my previous point that people who over-react usually change or alter information to suit their views. (2) You said either way that "it's disrespectful and flat out wrong." Again I disagree. I like Obama but when Hank's comments are viewed objectively, it is clear that Obama was neither slandered nor libeled. At the same time, how would you respond if senior citizens started writing angry letters in response to your "senior moment" line? (3) You said "you remember a time when.....(people) refrain from such stupid remarks." I do too. It ended with the Politically Correct movement and the attempt by certain people to control free thought and speech....and I disagree but I believe it is very much a matter of free speech. Full disclosure: I am a Socialist (not a Republican) who believes that Obama is doing the best he can under the circumstances but still not doing a very good job. My favorite memory of the Bush administration was the moment before Obama was sworn into office. Thank you again for the debate. I sincerely appreciate your honesty and courage.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Sam - you misunderstood. Hitler did in fact refer to Obama as Hitler. That is a fact. Wether he meant it as an insult, or he's simply an idiot who doesn't know any better, only he knows. (I think both) as for your number 2, you yourself are supposing Hank DID refer to Obama as Hitler, but should be excused because he didn't mean it in a bad way. A bit contradictory, no?

But lets cut through all the bull****. You don't casually throw out the name Hitler and say; "But listen to me objectively..." because you immidiately identify yourself as either a bigot or a moron.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Well.....well.....I never thought I'd see the day. Hoserfella, we have found common ground.

This is going to be a little tough......I ........agree.....with.......you. I'm a strong support of Barack Obama. I believe he's the people's President. With the Occupy New York protests and the 99% group I believe that Obama has their best interests at heart.

Obama's name and that monster should never be in the same sentence. We're talking about a man who has already won a Nobel Peace prize. It was just ignorant to even try to compare him to Hitler.

As far as your comments go Hoserfella, you were spot on. There I said it. You can Print Screen if you like.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I know this is off topic, but I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone for keeping the debates in here civil (for the most part), it's a pleasant change to see people talking with one another as adults instead of simply bickering and lowering themselves to name calling.

Kudos folks, and keep it classy :)

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@horsefella. I am really enjoying this debate and, like uzneko, appreciate both your honestly and civility. Honestly, no "BS" intended. Here is the conversation I am reacting to:

Williams, of Shreveport, Louisiana, said of Obama’s golf outing with House Speaker John Boehner: “It’d be like Hitler playing golf with (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu.” Williams’ country song “Are You Ready For Some Football?” has been used by ESPN to market its traditional Monday Night NFL game. Asked to be more specific, Williams told Fox, “They’re the enemy,” adding that by “they” he meant Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

I read this statement and imagine that it would be difficult for Mr. Obama and Mr. Boehner to sit down together and discuss anything as they are enemies much like it would be difficult for Hitler and Netanyahu to do the same for the same reasons. I see nothing in this statement that connects Mr. Obama to or suggests in any way that Mr. Obama would support the massacre of millions of people, the destruction of a ethnic group of people.

If there is additional information that I am not aware of I will be happy to ammend my views. But in response to the conversation listed above, I do not see any bigotry or racism or comparison of Hitler. You mentioned in an earlier post that maybe Hank should have used "cats and dogs" instead. That certainly would have solved a lot of problems. But (again based on what I am reading) I don't see anything that suggests Hank is suggesting that Obama is on the same level as Hitler.

As much as I hate to say this, I must say good-bye as I have to get some work done. Thanks again for the debate. Sam

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

samwatters: "I read this statement and imagine that it would be difficult for Mr. Obama and Mr. Boehner to sit down together and discuss anything as they are enemies much like it would be difficult for Hitler and Netanyahu to do the same for the same reasons."

How about a reference to a Palestinian talking to Netanyahu then and not the most notorius criminal in history? Sorry, Sam, but your trying to justify this guy's statement just doesn't wash. Referring to the president as the biggest killer of Jews in history and playing golf with a Jew was not intended to mean 'it would be tough for them to suss it out'. It was an insult, plain and simple.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Hank Jr is probably have a good laugh somewhere with the Dixie Chicks. I wouldn't be surprised if they have the same agent.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Unfortunately, American artists seem to get themselves into trouble quite frequently. But then again, this is happening with pubic figures in America at an alarming rate. It's a shame that due to the reality that America has an African American has brought out the worst in many Americans where it comes to racism. Imagine when we have our first female or Hispanic president. Unfortunately, in America, it seems we need to find someone to hate. It keeps food on the table of radio talk show hosts.

Of course, some people are not happy with Obama's policies and I don't agree with all of them, but comparing Obama to Hitler is a bit out of line.

If ESPN wants someone who won't cause controversy, perhaps they should have an idol group like AKB48 sing the theme song. I mean , you can't go wrong with 48 girls from Akiba.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"Unfortunately, American artists seem to get themselves into trouble quite frequently."

Some do. Some don't. It depends who they hate on. Madonna's 2008 tour featured images of John McCain projected between images of Hitler and Robert Mugabe. Obama's image was featured between John Lennnon and Ghandi. No outrage, no price to pay.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

What's next? Williams is gonna poke fun at the washouts and wannabe's in the CFL ?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

What's next? Williams is gonna poke fun at the washouts and wannabe's in the CFL ?

Lieberman2012 - Did you really get so frustrated by a Canadian poster that your only response was to slander the....CFL???

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

@Smith. I read a lot of your posts and know that you are an intelligent person. Please point out the part of Williams' remark where "he refers to the president as the biggest killer of Jews in history."

@MichelleBradley. I would really appreciate if you could point out the part of Williams' remark that was racist considering that it included a barb at Vice President Biden.

Look, I agree that what Williams said was stupid but it was not an act of bigotry nor an act of racism. And even I, who hated the entire Bush administration, am stunned by the double standard---when Bush's intelligence, morals, etc. are viciously and presonally criticized, no problem. WHen Hank Williams, an uneducated, alcoholic country muscian uses an unfortunately analogy that could have been applied to any number of politicans (Nancy Pelosi -vs- Eric Cantor, Harry Reid -vs- Mitch McConnell, etc. ) all Hell breaks loose.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Samwatters - with all due respect, if you don't see the bigotry and racism inherent, then you simply refuse to.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@horsefella. Would you feel the same way about Williams and his comment if the comment had been directed to a person other than Barrack Obama?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The exact same way. But since Hank Jr never said a word during the even more liberal Clinton years, and the travesty that was W., I can only think of one reason for his change of heart now.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

samwatters: Hank Williams Jr. has just apologized for "comparing Obama to Hitler", so you can stop trying to pretend he might have been referring to something or someone else in the comparison.

"Hank Williams Jr. apologized Tuesday for comparing President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler during an appearance on Fox News Channel."

Hmmm... are you still going to debate the issue, or will you finally admit the man was comparing Obama to Hitler?

"I have always been very passionate about Politics and Sports and this time it got the Best or Worst of me. The thought of the Leaders of both Parties Jukin and High Fiven on a Golf course, while so many Families are Struggling to get by simply made me Boil over and make a Dumb statement and I am very Sorry if it Offended anyone. I would like to Thank all my supporters. This was Not written by some Publicist."

What's with the weird capitalization in Hank's statement?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

samwatters: "@horsefella. Would you feel the same way about Williams and his comment if the comment had been directed to a person other than Barrack Obama?"

I realize the question was not posed directly to me, but yes, I would feel the same way, as long as he made the same tasteless comparison.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

samwatters: "@horsefella. Would you feel the same way about Williams and his comment if the comment had been directed to a person other than Barrack Obama?"

The better question is would you still apologize on his behalf? or would you see the comparison for what it is? My guess is that if it were not Obama, and were, say GWB instead, you'd suddenly be upset about the comparison.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@Horsefella. I have a feeling this will be my last post once the moderators read it. Let me preface by writing that I do not intend in any way, shape or form to be confrontational or controversial; only honest.

"Samwatters - with all due respect, if you don't see the bigotry and racism inherent, then you simply refuse to."

This comment bothers me because it implies that I am a racist and/or a bigot and I have never considered myself to be either. It bothered me so much that I copied the page---comments and all---and sent it to a friend in my native Detroit (who happens to be an African-American). I asked him, point-blank, am I missing something? His answer was interesting. I have deleted a few names and changed a few words as we played football together and tend to use lockerroom langauge to this day (you'll see my notes in parenthesis) but the rest is exactly as written.

"Sam, I believe the true racists on this board are (names deleted). For these (people) to believe that they need to defend Obama is (silly). Obama has a law degree, was a professor at a prestigious university, is a best-selling author, has a (beautiful) wife and two great kids. That the (people) on your board seem to think this man needs their protection because he is (African-American) is just (silly). I bet most of these (people on the board) haven't done anything even close to what Obama has accomoplished. Plus the (people on this board) are also racists. What these (people on your board) don't seem to get is that their views that all (African-Americans) are weak and in need of special protection from (white people) like yourself is racist. Plus I would bet that some of the (people on this board) are reluctant to allow (African-Americans) to defend themselves because it might upset their (sense of superiority). But seriously think about this---you used to say that you got tired of Japanese people telling you how wonderfully you spoke Japanese eventhough you knew your Japanese (was not very good). It's the same thing here. When (the people on your board) get so (angry) about something so (trivial) what they're really saying is that we (African-Americans) are not smart enough to decide for ourselves what we should and shouldn't be (offended) at. No, man, you're not a racist."

The rest of the conversation centered around the Lions being 4-0, which we believe is a sign of Armegeddon.

Thanks for the debate, Horsefella. I appreciated your honesty and civility.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

samwatters: So what were your friend's 'locker-room' words to describe African Americans? My guess is you changed the words for a reason, and that reason is that the words are racist.

You still haven't been able to answer my question about whether you'll still deny the target of the Hitler reference.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@smithinjapan"samwatters: So what were your friend's 'locker-room' words to describe African Americans?"

He said "blacks." I was taught that "African-American" was more polite. We were football players but, no, neither of us are racists.

"The better question is would you still apologize on his behalf? or would you see the comparison for what it is? My guess is that if it were not Obama, and were, say GWB instead, you'd suddenly be upset about the comparison."

You obviously haven't read very much of what I have written. I am one of the most anti-Bush people you will ever meet. Your assumptions that I support Bush and was using a different term to refer to African-Americans says more about you than me.

"samwatters: Hank Williams Jr. has just apologized for "comparing Obama to Hitler", so you can stop trying to pretend he might have been referring to something or someone else in the comparison. "

Point acknoweldged. I apparently was wrong and acknowledge my mistake.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

samwatters: Good. And I will acknowledge mine. I personally don't think "black" is all that bad a label, as I don't think "white" is either. Ironically, if you refer to people as 'Caucasian' and 'Negroid' (or Mongoloid, for that matter) you'll see far more upset, despite, for better or worse, those being the proper classification terms (perhaps that they should be changed). "African American", while I believe is the most PC and use it all the time, is hard to apply to a black person from England, for example, for he/she is not from any of the American continents.

Anyway, I was just trying to make a point, and my point was slightly out of line. I was just not happy with the way you were failing to acknowledge, or even defending, Hank Williams Jr's comment in regards to comparing Obama with Hitler. It was crystal-clear from the get-go that's what he was saying, and it was not good to see someone on here suggesting it might be otherwise.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The main question might be does anyone really give a rat's backside what some hillbilly country singer said in an interview?

And yes, no question the republicans hate Obama more than even Clinton because he is black. Their hatred is so deep that if Obama said they were handsome they would shoot themselves in the face. Its crazy racist out there in republican land.

Zucronium I expect nothing less than your usual sterling comments, but to suppose at this stage of the game that any disapproval of the President is due to race is extremely silly at best - and if that's the case the vast majority of the country is racist.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The main question might be does anyone really give a rat's backside what some hillbilly country singer said in an interview?

It is only noteworthy when considering that when a brain-dead drunk opens his mouth to speak, he sounds a lot like a Tea Partier of the Glenn Beck faction.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

I’ve never been a fan of invoking Hitler in any political debate, unless you’re making an historical point. But have we as a society really gotten to a point where merely insinuating a modern-day connection to Hitler is enough to make a company like ESPN run away with its tail tucked between its legs? I suspect Williams sees the sheer hypocrisy in the reactions to his comments and doesn’t feel the need to go around complaining that his patriotism is being impugned. But the left should at least spare us their phony protests about dissent being “the highest form of patriotism” if their definition of “free” speech extends only as far as their circle of misguided friends.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

samwatters - Let me thank you in advance for your wonderful, thoughtful, fantastic thoughts (And I don't mean that in a patronizing way) Your "black friend" in the states really got me thinking that perhaps, I, Hoserfella, am the one who is in a strange, convoluted way, is racist for rebuking Hank Williams Jr and to a lesser extent, the Tea Party. It shook me, my friend. So much so that I contacted an African-American old friend of mine from Ohio. I asked him if your African-American "friend" from Detroit was accurate. Heres what he said;

"No, Hoserfella. As far as I can see, you correctly called out Williams Jr. for referring to Obama as Hitler. Referring to anyone as Hitler is stupid and ignorant, let alone the President of the United States. I further believe that (poster's name omitted), in asking for acceptance from an African-American before creating his own opinion is shallow and weak. I wonder if (poster's name omitted) isn't struggling with his own paranoias in dealing with the black community. As far as this supposed "friend" from Detroit, he doesn't speak for the millions of African-Americans in the country. Voices must be heard to counter not just racism, but ignorance in general."

Well, Samwatters, there you have it. The rest of our conversation centered on the Toronto Maple Leafs making the playoffs this year. Again, thank you, samwatters for your wonderful, challanging thoughts, courage and conviction. (really)

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

sfjp330 - you are free to invoke Hitler in any speech you want. I haven't seen anyone yet led away in cuffs for doing so. But don't try and sugercoat it with jingoistic BS as if those who look down on it are somehow less patriotic. I have (slightly) more respect for the bigots who take personal responsibility for what they say.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

"I, Hoserfella, am the one who is in a strange, convoluted way, is racist for rebuking Hank Williams Jr and to a lesser extent, the Tea Party."

You didn't rebuke the TaxedEnoughAlready movement, in the slightest. Quite an imagination.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@Horsefella and SmithinJapan. Same here. Thanks for the discussion.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This guy, if you heard the whole interview, was making a crazy comparison of 2 people getting together to play golf. It has nothing to do with Obama or Bohner being Hitler. Seriously, take some time to check out the facts and the context before jumping the gun. Yes, HWJ is republican and by the way he supports Herman Cain (a black guy), so is he still racist? FOX itself is a ridiculous channel and for Disney (the real Hitler sympathizer back in the day), to fire a person for making a silly comparison to the situation (not the people) is very ignorant and hypocritical. Calm down mob. Think about how this guy got fired... do you want to get fired for comparing apples to oranges? Or in this case apples to toasters. See what I did there?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

See what I did there?

Yup. You just ignored that Obama was referred to as Hitler. check.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@hoserfella. I just noticed that I have been writing "horsefella" instead of "hoserfella." Sorry, no snide intentions.

I have been following this debate on other boards as well. Many others are asking on what personality trait or physical trait between President Obama and Hitler was being compared.

On another note that I probably should let it go but just can't I'd like you to pass a message on to your friend from Ohio for me: I believe in open, civil discussion, making counter arguments in a polite manner, asking questions when you don't understand and admitting mistakes when you have been proven to be in the wrong. I think my posts on this board have shown that on some level. I also acknowledge that I because I am not an African-American (or Hispanic,etc. ) there is much I do not understand about racism which is why I asked a friend who is an African-American. If you think that is a sign of being "shallow" and "weak" you can go to hell.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Any Germans here? Were Germans outraged when the gaffe-prone Obama, having strayed from his teleprompter, said in response to something about Austria that he "did not speak Austrian" ?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@samwatters - so much for civil discussion. But thanks anyway for your courage and conviction. Yours from Hell,

Hoserfella

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@Hoserfella, so am I to assume you made up the letter from youf friend in Ohio?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@hoserfella.

You're welcome! Maybe I'll share some of my courage with you some time so you don't have to make up pretend friends in the US.

But please do try to must enough courage and conviction to answer my previous question:what personality trait or physical trait between President Obama and Hitler was being compared?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Call me racist if you will, I still don't see this as such. Poor analogy maybe - but essentially his point was that in today's very intense rift between the left and right, two opposite party members joining each other for a round of golf is like Hitler playing golf with a Jew. A bit crass perhaps, but nowhere does he refer to the President as Hitler. It is called an analogy. In an analogy you use to polar opposite extremes. You cannot get more extreme in opposites than in pointing out these two extremes.

Is HWJ a racist? It might surprise the close minded self-righteous on this discussion forum that all white people from the south are not card carrying KKK members - even if they are Republicans to boot. I find it amusing in the discussions above when the white folks talking about consulting their 'black friends'. When you confront anyone who claims to be completely non-racist and so very open-minded in opinion, 9 out of 10 times they live in all-white neighborhoods, in predominantly white areas of cities and towns, and hang out mainly in circles of white friends - but have a few 'African-American' friends that they can 'consult' when it's necessary to promote their liberal, open-minded liberal experience.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@samwatters This horse is already dead, but I'll beat it one last time. If you don't see the problem with calling Obama "Hitler", than you never will. And no sam, I didn't need to get an "ok" from my black friends before deciding on my opinion. I had the courage to decide for myself whats right and wrong. Nor would I hide behind a supposed quote from someone else to get snide and silly little digs in. I see this morning that ESPN has now cut all ties with Hank Jr., so why don't search your feelings with them from now on.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@hoserfella. Sorry, pal, you don't get off that easy. You said "WIlliams called Obama Hitler." Show me in the transcript where he said Obama was Hitler. Williams used a poor analogy; one that has been used countless times by others against various presidents with no consequences (I personally remember Reagan, both Bushes and Clinton getting hit with it) and Williams admitted that was comparing Obama to Hitler (a point I had earlier refuted and then admitted I was mistaken) and he rightfully paid the price, but he did not call Obama "Hitler." Of course ESPN cut ties with Williams; that what corporations do in these politically correct times. You may have the courage to decide your opinion for yourself (I personally think opening yourself to possible criticism and admitting when you are mistaken is takes courage, but that's just me) but you have trouble separating the facts from your feelings. You also revert to nastiness when it was not necessary. My letter to my friend in Michigan was an honest attempt to try to learn more about this situation. It was not intended nor presented as a definitive view of all African-Americans nor were there any snide or silly remarks (save possibly for the Lions). Up until my "same here, thanks for the discussion" I had been civil and enjoyed what I had believed was a good, genuine discourse on a social issue. Your "letter" from your friend in Ohio, which I was originally naiive enough to believe was genuine, was nasty and mean-spirited. It is also a shining example of why we on the Left (you as a Liberal and me as a Socialist) have so much trouble having our views taken seriously. Respond if you want, pass if you wish. I'm done.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

yabits - It is only noteworthy when considering that when a brain-dead drunk opens his mouth to speak, he sounds a lot like a Tea Partier of the Glenn Beck faction.

Actually, Hank Williams looks and sounds like the Wall Street protesters.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

samwatters - Very well done on admitting that you're a socialist. And I sincerely mean that. When one tries to apply that label on here you get a reaction like you had just called someone...well, Hitler. Perhaps they confuse National Socialism with Socialism. One of my closest friends is a card-carrying member of the Socialist party and was never afraid to admit it - which no one should be. Your beliefs are where they lay, and I applaud you for your convictions.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@TigermothII. Thanks. We ("we" meaning practically anyone) can always agree to disagree on issues but we should always continue to discuss as we can learn from each other. (For example, see where SmithinJapan set me straight on my claim that Williams was not comparing Obama to Hitler by pointing out Wiliams' apology where he admits doing just that.) Thanks again.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I like the hypocrisy of the media and the left.

We can say whatever the beans we want about President Bush, even going so far as makign a wishful mvoie depicting his assasination, yet not one person who ever did so --- including those who likened him to Hitler, Osama bin Laden, and Josef Stalin (and worse) --- never received so much as a "by your leave" from the media....

Yet the minute anyone even remotely famous dares criticize or speak agaisnt President Obama, suddenyl everyone and their grandmother are fired for "knowing" this "racism" was going to happen.

Samwatters asked why everyone has such thin skin. It isn't about the color of the skin of the president, but its thickness. He is in the highest officei n the nation: Obama and his supporters need to grow a pair or get outta' office....

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Jason,

Your understanding of how the media works is remarkably obtuse and short-sighted. I suggest you actually read some pieces critiquing the media before you launch into a diatribe.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@Jason. In defense of Obama, I haven't heard the President or any of the White House staff comment on this issue but I agree that Obama's supporters resemble the fans of New KIds On The Block (you may be too young to understand that analogy). Just out of curiosity I did a google image of "Obama/Hitler/Golf" and found nothing but when I did the same with "Bush/Hitler" I found some truly vile stuff. Like I've written before, I am not fan of Bush but I agree with you that the double-standard here is just staggering.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

samwatters: "Like I've written before, I am not fan of Bush but I agree with you that the double-standard here is just staggering."

That's not why you came on here to post initially -- you were saying there was no proof that he was referring to Obama as Hitler in his hillbilly comparison, and he admits he was. He then apologized, and now he's retracting his apology and even making a song about Fox's canning him.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@SmithinJapan. I'm not clear about what you're referring to. I admit I was mistaken about WIlliams referring to Obama as Hitler--he did it, he was fired and that's probably as it should be. My point is that Bush has been called Hitler, been depicted as Hitler, even had his kids referred to as Hitler progeny but without any of the outcry. Also to the best of my knowledge, the Obama Whitehouse hasn't seen it necessary to address the senselessness of one man which makes the hysteric response of some difficult to understand, hence my comment about the New Kids fans.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites