Clowning Around

Just when it seemed as if political correctness could not get any more absurd, here comes an amazing story from the state of Missouri.  A rodeo clown did the unthinkable – he wore an Obama mask during the Missouri State Fair.  To the normal person this would be a silly little gag.  However, the liberals refuse to see it that way.  Instead, the actions of this Obama-masked clown have been denounced as, “disrespectful”, “shameful”, “offensive”, and “unacceptable” by political leaders.  Josh Earnest, a White House spokesman from the state of Missouri, said, “It was certainly not one of the finer moments in our state.”

They cannot be serious can they?  Apparently they are serious because the clown was fired.  As if adding one more person to the unemployment pile isn’t enough, he is also banned from working any future events.  But why stop there?  While the firing and banning may seem to be an overreaction of gigantic proportions to a reasonable person, it wasn’t enough for officials of the Missouri State Fair.  It has been reported that future clowns and employees will be mandated to undergo sensitivity training.

Double Standard

The double standard that is applied to free speech and expression is laughable.   I can remember in 2003 when the once talented lead singer for Pearl Jam took the stage and disgraced and defiled a mask of President George Bush.  Eddie Vedder placed cigarettes through the mouth of the mask, poured wine into the mask, placed the mask on the microphone stand, and slammed the mask on the ground.  Where were the outcries over that behavior?

In 2003, Dixie Chick’s Natalie Maines slammed President Bush overseas for his position in Iraq.  There was public outcry over her comment and here is the only difference between Maines and the rodeo clown.  In a free market, supply and demand should drive the market place.  Maines’ comment about Bush tossed her out of favor with her fans and they chose not to support her.  A government agency did not step in and demand that she attend sensitivity training.  Her fans were upset with her comments and they left in droves.  When Bush was asked about her comments he said:

The Dixie Chicks are free to speak their mind. They can say what they want to say … they shouldn’t have their feelings hurt just because some people don’t want to buy their records when they speak out … Freedom is a two-way street … I don’t really care what the Dixie Chicks said. I want to do what I think is right for the American people, and if some singers or Hollywood stars feel like speaking out, that’s fine. That’s the great thing about America. It stands in stark contrast to Iraq …

The response by Bush demonstrated a level of maturity and respect for freedom.  Basically, say what you want but do not be upset if people do not support your business.

Culture of Fear

There is a culture of fear that is engulfing this country and political correctness is the vehicle through which it is carried out.  People are losing their jobs and reputations when they are on the wrong side of the PC line.  Ultimately, this serves to restrict freedom of thought and is reminiscent of Orwell’s Big Brother.  If you think the wrong thing you will pay the price.  It may not be long before sensitivity training is replaced by Room 101.