The Price of Freedom
In 1974 Lynyrd Skynyrd came out with what became their signature song: “Sweet Home Alabama”. Despite some spin which has been put on it over time it was indeed in direct response to Neil Young and his songs denigrating the South. Young had taken to painting the South with the broad and old brushes of racism (“Now your crosses are burning fast Southern man”), and backwoods/backwards stereotypes (“Banjos playing through the broken glass windows down in Alabama”).
So Lynyrd Skynyrd put these famous lyrics in “Sweet Home Alabama”:
Well, I heard Mister Young sing about her
Well, I heard ole Neil put her down.
Well, I hope Neil Young will remember
a southern man don’t need him around anyhow.
For the last year the Tea Party movement has been painted with the broad and old brushes of racism and backwoods/backwards stereotypes. Only now it’s getting even worse.
During the hundreds of Tea Party rallies and marches across America there has not been one incident of violence perpetrated by Tea Party goers. There have been acts of violence AGAINST them…but not one BY them. The September 12 Tea Party march in Washington D.C. was one of the largest marches of any kind in United States history. The media alternated between ignoring it and calling it a violent gathering. Yet the police reported ZERO acts of violence, and the Mall was left spotless after the march of a million people!
Despite all that the Tea Party name is now being linked to virtually every act of violence of any kind that has any tinge of politics to it. Far Left Obama worshiper Dr. Amy Bishop shot and killed several people the other day…and the A/P described her actions as being inspired by “Tea Party like anger”. And yesterday the Washington Post immediately linked the lunatic who flew his plane into the IRS building to the Tea Party movement…although the two had NOTHING to do with one another.
Michelle Malkin has a splendid piece up on this topic today, I urge you to read it: It’s all the Tea Party’s fault
Those of us who criticize this government for its reckless spending, its lust for power at the expense of our freedoms, and its desire to affect if not control every aspect of our lives are being demonized as the enemy. The other day the NY Times ran a front-page story (that ran 11 more pages) attacking every aspect of the Tea Parties and dissent of any kind against Obama and the Democrats. It was part of a larger concert, and they are just one part of the orchestra. The Conductor-In-Chief will be waving his baton furiously over the next 9 months, and the media’s orchestra and chorus will play and sing whatever songs he likes.
And the songs Obama likes best are those that smear and demonize you and me. Left unchecked and unchallenged these smears and lies will eventually lead to a call to silence all dissent: “for the good and safety of all”. You MUST speak out against these lies and innuendos at every opportunity. It is in fact the Price of Freedom…YOUR freedom.
[1]
This is a protest by the LEFT…a UNION organized protest. Imagine, please, if this had been a Tea Party??
hattip Instapundit and Redstate who are covering this:
http://www.tetreaultvision.com/politics/ct-politics/healthcare-protestors-wield-pitchforks-torches-in-ct.html
[2]
Many of the Tea Party emails I have received regarding events have asked that everyone possible bring a video camera and video everything. It is clear that it is not for the purpose of capturing footage of wrong doing on either side, but rather to have video available from many angles/sources to refute accusations later.
[3]
Thread cannibalism!
[4]
TLS…we did that at the two Tea Parties we attended last year, and will do so from now on as well.
Sonner or later a “Reichstag Fire” IS going to happen…we must have the video to show that WE didn’t set it.
[5]
The first thing I thought of when I read your opening paragraph is that the more popular song of the two is indeed, Sweet Home Alabama. It is in the most movies, and is more widely known. What was meant as a rebuttal, became a theme song for many folks- and one that remains in folks minds. Similarly, while the left means to degrade the Tea partiers (when did baggers become acceptable?) in the end, it will be the tea partiers who will be the ones sung about.
[6]
The Tea Party is turning into another institution the far left hates (including the media) but the vast majority of the country embraces. The Boy Scouts come to mind.
[7]
I also want to say, that there were reports of condoms and needles scattered on the ground by those cleaning up after the inauguration. Just sayin.
[8]
You guys see the Frasier video over at HH? Best “Obama” video ever
[9]
Speaking of condoms. Good grief!!!
[10]
Anybody care what Tiger has to say? Why is he ap0logizing to “us”?
[11]
I would have a very hard time caring less about Tiger. His wife was spotted in Nike gear yesterday and the press went nuts. Frankly, she is officially a dumb a$$ if she goes back to him. Why are they making it our business though?
[12]
JM, you’re thinking of Tiger Woods as Tiger Woods. What they’re attempting to resurrect is “Tiger Woods, INC.” They just want us to buy crap he endorses.
[13]
But golf sucks. No amount of Tiger’s presence can change that very simple fact.
[14]
another great editorial (hattip Instapundit for the link)
Proles Have Gotten Under the Egalitarians’ Skin
[15]
I have been watching the C-PAC convention. Talk about ENERGIZED!!! The Tea Party has changed The Republican Party and politics as a whole in a way that is so remarkable as to be Unbelievable.
[16]
13. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES ~!!!!!!!!
The most boring “sport” on the planet
[17]
Question to you good folks here:
When Nancy Pelosi loses her job, will she then call it a “depression”?
[18]
This guy was obviously left of center. Does anyone right of center (other than Rick Perry) live in Austin?
[19]
b3. Short Answer, no. The only conservative I know from Austin is Our Son.
[20]
This Tiger Woods presser was more of an attempt to resurrect his marketability than it was an mea culpa. He is big business, especially to the Nike golf brand, and he had to do this as a first step to getting back on tour, selling stuff. Maybe it was from the heart, maybe not. As a mea culpa, it was too staged for me to take seriously. From the TPC clubhouse, the royal blue backdrop, and the invitees to the laborious scripting of his message, it was just too much. His value as a role model remains in the toilet.
IMO, he is just one more arrogant sports celebrity who got caught in a self-absorbed lifestyle. Whether he “recovers” or not doesn’t matter. What he did, the cheating and exposing his wife to disease, was inexcusable.
Bah.
[21]
mmm mmm mmm
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20100219_Sestak_says_he_was_offered_federal_job.html
[22]
I almost NEVER agree with Allahpundit’s posts on Hotair, but he does have a great line regarding this Tiger “press thingee”:
let’s face it, it’s not every day you get to watch one of history’s greatest athletes sob over his unquenchable horniness. Weep for the Wilt Chamberlain press conference that never was, my friends!
sorry…the Wilt line was too good not to quote!
[23]
p.s. Wilt Chamberlain would have brought slides and “home movies”!
[24]
A well put together Price of Freedom piece this week, Justrand. As you stated, in both words and examples, there seems to be no end in the press denigration of this group. Anything positive they do, such as no violence and keeping their space unlittered, goes unnoticed, because the media is too busy looking for unfounded negatives to attach to them.
All of this defamation is just more evidence, IMO, of how worried they are about the tea party movement. They are trying so hard to defuse it. in any way possible, before it topples everything the MSM has supported all these years.
What I find a little hopeful, though, is that despite the MSM’s constant “cover,” rejection of government may even be working here in liberal California.
60% in California say better if most incumbents in state legislature are defeated
[25]
Just,
As long as “allah” stays away from conservatives I can read his posts.
[26]
Re: Tiger Wood’s “apology”….it was probably one of the most uncomfortable media displays I’ve ever watched. I felt truly sorry for his Mom, who looked like she wanted to be any place but sitting front row center to publically witness her son’s attempt to apologize for his foibles.
However, if Woods was in a rehab program, it probably had the 12 steps attached to him making a recovery. Step 9 deals specifically with “making amends” to those you have hurt. So, I viewed this as Woods’ public amends. Somehow, I have serious doubts, though, that this will help Woods much to “recover” his tarnished image, especially since the three reporters from golfing journals refused to attend.
[27]
Wilt’s exploits are legendary, and you are right, he would never apologize. Hell, he bragged about 20,000 different partners.
He also once scored 100 points in an NBA game.
What’s the better record?
Discuss.
[28]
“Hell, he bragged about 20,000 different partners.”
matters not if J Haze was not one of those 20,000
[29]
10 – No, and I have no idea why he’s apologizing to the world.
[30]
15 – Don’t count on it.
[31]
Lautenberg (D-NJ) has stomach cancer.
The pressure is on Gov. Christie now!
[32]
Golf doesn’t suck, quite relaxing actually. Now watching it on tv might indeed ’suck’ for many though but that’s easily solved by changing the channel.
[33]
31 – You said he has stomach cancer, you didn’t say if he’s resigning?
Pressure I’m sure Christi does not mind.
[34]
“We expect a full and complete recovery for Senator Lautenberg. The senator will be treated with chemotherapy administered approximately every three weeks. We anticipate that he will receive between six and eight treatments, and in between treatments, the senator is expected to be back at work in the Senate.”
[35]
34. Yeah if he was 40 years old I might believe that…
[36]
My father-in-law played golf for 50 years. It was a game requiring self-discipline and a good positive mental attitude. It also gave him lots of exercise, walking an 18-hole course, in his later years.
So, on this one, I agree with KH, although the game does nothing for me, personally.
[37]
Eph, 13. Golf was never meant to be a spectator sport. It is meant to be played, with bets. The money suits think otherwise. But golf is a great equalizer –
“The best thing about Eisenhower’s presidency was his Jeffersonian conviction that there should be as little government and as much golf as possible.” – Alistair Cooke
“Some of worship in churches, some in synagogues, some on golf courses.” – Fmr. IL Gov. Adlai Stevenson
“Golf is like life in a lot of ways. All the biggest wounds are self-inflicted.” – Bill Clinton (and he ought to know!)
“Golf is a game whose aim is to hit a very small ball into an even smaller hole, with weapons singularly ill-equipped for the purpose.” – Winston Churchill
“The difference between golf and politics is that in golf, you can’t improve your lie.” – Former CA Gov. George Deukmejian
Golf is a sport that levels kings, princes, presidents and citizens. You play where you lie, then lie even more in the clubhouse. And yes I have been known to play. I have also been known to ‘watch’. But the discerning duffer is not watching the course but the ladies around the vendor tents. For every event there is a purpose
[38]
#34 Where did you get that “rosy” quote from? Stomach cancer is not a walk in the park, especially if it is in the later stages. Does this same source give what stage it is in?
[39]
38. Exactly.
KH must have picked it up from the HHR.
It’s real simple though…
If Obama is already looking to replace old/sick Justices, then Gov. Christie better be looking to replace old/sick NJ Senators
[40]
BC, Austin is the blue bastion in a reasonably red state. Its where the Pols, Musicians, Freaks and hangers-on all congregate around the State trough. There has been many a citizen who has suggested leveling the place and starting over.
[41]
drdog
As I said #36, my father-in-law played the game. His “golfing club” was called The Greek Army, as it’s membership was composed of all Greek men. When he passed away, almost 5 years ago, we had his funeral on a golf day when the membership could attend. All members put golf balls into his open casket.
[42]
16
“The most boring “sport” on the planet”
More boring than curling? It’s like watching somebody push a can down the street with a stick while two people sweep debris out of the way.
[43]
42. CT,
Naaaa, throw in most sports from this years winter games too.
[44]
Jan,
Self discipline, yes in spades. But one can lose it too. My Dad taught me the game when I was 14. Played fairly regular. I got good enough to try out for the Univ of Fla golf team for scholarship. Played a foursome with Sam Snead for the tryouts. Highlight of my life. I did not make the cut but they slated me to come back and try again.
Well that meant I had to improve my handicap. Did some improvement till one month it was like I could not make a par 3 in under 5. By the 8th hole I just snapped. Wrapped the sand wedge around a palm tree, walked over to the bag, picked it up and threw it bodily in the water hazard.
Did not play the game for another decade.
[45]
35 – It’s quite possible he survives it, never any guarantees though.
[46]
39 – Stop assuming shit.
38 – I googled “frank lautenberg cancer” and read the huffpo piece that came up, and then read the press release from his office.
[47]
More boring than curling? It’s like watching somebody push a can down the street with a stick while two people sweep debris out of the way. — CT
Probably is the weirdest sport around. But the Jersey!!
Curlers have Stones
[48]
44 – lol (and yes there are a couple hotties worth watching in golf)
[49]
Back to the post. You know the stages of realization right?
First they ignore you.
Then they deny you.
Then they ridicule you.
Then they demonize you.
Then you win.
The Teas are between stages 3&4.
[50]
The Russian curlers are very attractive–I’m beginning to like the sport.
[51]
HOPE AND CHANGE!!!
http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/man_bulldozes_foreclosed_house_/
[52]
Anyone consider that divine intervention may be playing out in the Senate, besides myself?
[53]
drdog —> nice anecdotal story on golf!
My father-in-law tried to engage our son in golf, at an early age too, to nurture some self-discipline in him. But, it didn’t work!
[54]
THERE ONCE WAS A GOLFER OF GREAT RE KNOWN,
HE WOULD JUMP THE BONES OF ANYONE HE FOUND,
THERE WASN’T ANYTHING HE WOULDN’T TRY TO BANG,
DON’T GET IN THE WAY OF HIS PURSUIT OF POONTANG,
HE WAS ALWAYS ON THE HUNT, LIKE A BASKERVILLE HOUND.
[55]
51 – Not to worry STASH funds are on the way… if you voted for obama.
“every thing is bush’s fault”
.
Hahah Rush has hilarious new parody song on.
[56]
Thanks KH for the source —> press release.
I know cancer treatments have really been finessed, especially with radiation, as they can really pin-point it, decreasing surrounding good tissue damage. However, stomach cancer is easily metastasised and is just a nasty kind of cancer.
I continue to think that a man in his 80’s will have a difficult time carrying on as a Senator. Of course there is alway Byrd as an example of the impossible from happening!
[57]
Quick! Anybody! Is that a 7 or 8 iron that Natalie Gulbis is holding.
Anybody???
[58]
Sounds like the guy in tx yesterday and the guy in oh (#51) are mad as hell and are not going to take it any more.
[59]
Jan, 53, not one of my stellar moments in post adolescent self control tho.
[60]
Dr., cheggit out…
http://nextround.net/2009/06/16/the-gratuitous-hot-chicks-and-golf-collection/
[61]
60. I LOVE GOLF!!! GREATEST SPORT ON THE PLANET!!!!!
[62]
http://golf-babes.blogspot.com/ just saying… lol
[63]
KH,
this one takes the cake…
http://cdn.nextround.net/wp-content/gallery/gratuitous-chicks-and-golf/hotchick_golf32.jpg
[64]
Michelle Wie is one my fav’s
[65]
Eph, 61. That’s nothing. Go by a vendor tent, say Qualcomm at the Byron Nelson. Very high maintenance, 3-4 deep at the tap, but fun to play with. The Nelson usually gets rained on at least once during the 2 weeks. So it like a wet tee shirt night.
[66]
Breaking news…
“Senator Lautenberg not only plans on filling out his current term though 2014, but also running in 2020, 2026, and 2032.
- The Senator’s press secretary
[67]
http://www.cracked.com/article_16556_15-images-you-wont-believe-arent-photoshopped.html
[68]
67. KH,
I’m going to have nightmares seeing that airplane land
[69]
KH, interesting pics. Especially liked the ‘Down’ art trick. I am sure it gets drivers attention!
[70]
Wow! Even the “twirps” are starting to wise up:
http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1497/democrats-edge-among-millennials-slips
[71]
KH,
Did you notice that website had a top-10 list for all time worst porn titles? Some of them are halarious!
[72]
I did not, instead I noticed the equally funny Gothscene.com dating site ad.
[73]
Anyone consider that divine intervention may be playing out in the Senate, besides myself?
RP – i mentioned that jokingly after Murtha died, but now I’m starting to think Pelosi may need to find God…IN A HURRY
[74]
GALLUP: 48/44 (with D+7)
[75]
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/media/ramirez021810_FULL.jpg
[76]
EPH rush just mentioned your OH bulldozer story. lol
[77]
Actually Gallup daily tracker might be D+9. Can anyone verify?
[78]
Dem chickens coming home to roost
[79]
Will someone please post Michelle Bachman’s speech from CPAC today?
[80]
Listening to Obama trying to explain global warming is hilarious, like snl comedy skit.
[81]
ip727 – You actually believe she’s had an epiphany?
[82]
KH, probably not. Just acting like a long time alki that has been told their liver just shutdown and there is no tissue match anywhere for a transplant.
[83]
Eph, I don’t have the text. How about a podcast instead? Link.
[84]
If you can’t fend them off, buy them off. Interesting if true. Damning to his prospects if false.
[85]
The buzzsaw on the tenured. Dad will be in mourning.
[86]
ip727 – You actually believe she’s had an epiphany? nocturnal falcon
Not in this lifetime. (doubtful that she even knows what that is)