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M_Six · 10-10-2003, 08:45 AM

I understand that public figures need to be more careful about what they say, but you can't expect perfection all the time and picking on every little figure of speech or wisecrack is idiotic. Does anyone really believe these two were serious? They're just emphasizing a point for Pete's sake. I am by no means a fan of Pat Robertson, but c'mon, isn't getting in a tizzy over some offhand remark like this a tad ridiculous? And the row about the Maryland governor's wife's comments is equally foolish. I can't see anyone taking these comments at face value. They were both clearly figures of speech used to emphasize a certain point the speaker was trying to make. If we continue down this politically correct trail, there will never be another interesting public speaker. We'll all be listening to plain vanilla drivel intended to offend no one that at the same time motivates no one.

Give it a break already!

10-10-2003, 09:50 AM

M_six what "certain point" was the Marylands Governer wife trying to make?

Personally i thought the comment was in poor taste. i believe i read some where it was made during a domestic violence conference. (which i dont know how that works out

) let me find the link. Blood Luster made a great point in the other thread about the Spears thing, if a child said this in school towards another child cause he didnt like something about him. BAM! suspended on the spot no questions ask. Then he will question why he cant say stuff, because he saw in the Governer running her mouth off.

When your in the spot light being a tv star, movie star, or political figure, you have to watch what you say or it will be taking out of text. These people run there mouths off without thinking. thats the problem they dont think! My question is did they honestly need to make the statements? Or could of they put in maybe two or three brain cells to come up with a comment that was worth reading? Maybe they would get there point across better.

Jason

edited like 20 times cause its to early to be posting

M_Six · 10-10-2003, 10:27 AM

I have often used the expression "I could shoot myself" when I've screwed up. That does not mean I'm suicidal. Epidemic joked (I hope) in the cats thread about shooting his cat. I don't think he's serious.

I don't think Mrs. Ehrlich has any intention of shooting Brittany Spears, and only a fool would think she was serious. It was clearly an expression of frustration.

Nor do I think Pat Robertson would really enjoy seeing the State Department nuked. Again, an expression of resignation and frustration.

Politicians have always used untrue expressions to create great speeches that motivate people and get a message across. Let's take some great speeches and re-write them so they speak only the truth.

"Ich bin ein Berliner." = "I'm a Bostoner who supports the people of Berlin." Hmm. Not quite the same impact.

"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." = "Mr. Gorbechev, hire some contractors to come out and dismantle this wall. And while you're at it, open your borders and let your people go." Well, maybe brevity is better with this one.

If we start picking apart every word uttered by every public figure, the art of fine speaking will fade away. Everyone will be so worried that the "speech police" will jump all over them that they won't say anything of substance at all.

Robertson and Ehrlich may both have used a poor choice of words, but what they said is hardly something to inspire the false outrage and indignation that everyone is screaming about.

EDIT: Oops. How'd I'd mess up her name so bad?

Thanks for subtly pointing that out, Theo. Corrected.

Theophylact · 10-10-2003, 10:31 AM

Indeed, I remember Ronald Reagan making some off-camera remarks about launching a missile attack on the USSR; that caused less of a fuss than Mrs. Erlich's joke.

People should relax a bit.

(Of course, she's lucky she didn't make that joke while waiting in the boarding line at BWI.)