It's never too late, apparently, for the Washington Post to make room on its op-ed page for a gratuitous display of Bush Derangement Syndrome (BDS), at least a comparatively mild case. On Saturday, more than two months after the December 2 Kennedy Center Honors and more than six weeks after they aired on CBS on December 26, the paper carried a piece from honoree Leon Fleisher, a pianist and conductor, about how “unhappy” he remains “that I was required to attend a White House reception on the afternoon of the gala” given “I am horrified by many of President Bush's policies.” Fleisher, who was honored along with Brian Wilson, Steve Martin, Diana Ross and Martin Scorsese, bared his angst in a column titled “My White House Dilemma.” He “wrestled” with the “dilemma” of going to the White House because:
In the past seven years, Bush administration policies have amounted to a systematic shredding of our nation's Constitution -- the illegal war it initiated and perpetuates; the torturing of prisoners; the espousing of "values" that include a careful defense of the "rights" of embryos but show a profligate disregard for the lives of flesh-and-blood human beings; and the flagrant dismantling of environmental protections. These, among many other depressing policies, have left us weak and shamed at home and in the world.
Fleisher proceeded to assert attending the White House reception “presented a profound irony” that “turning a blind eye to the political undercurrents of the event dismantles the very force of art in this country that the honors celebrate: the freedom, nay, the obligation to express oneself honestly and without fear.” But he resolved his dilemma by “wearing a peace symbol around my neck and a purple ribbon on my lapel, at once showing support for our young men and women in the armed services and calling for their earliest return home.”
He concluded: “Yes, art is long. And life is short. And I am waiting most impatiently for Jan. 20, 2009.”
An excerpt from Fleisher's op-ed the Washington Post found worthy of space in its Saturday, February 9 edition:
I am a musician, one of five artists -- the others being Brian Wilson, Steve Martin, Diana Ross and Martin Scorsese -- honored recently by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.The event, a deeply moving and gratifying tribute to the performing arts and artists in America, was broadcast to our nation. But what you couldn't see in that broadcast was how conflicted I felt about being there.
Let me be frank: I was flattered to be included in so distinguished a group and to be recognized for whatever contributions I may have made to American life. I was pleased to be part of an event that raises money for an institution as vital as the Kennedy Center and to be with my family and to see their joy at the ceremony.
What made me unhappy and continues to trouble me was that I was required to attend a White House reception on the afternoon of the gala. I cannot speak for the other honorees, but while I profoundly respect the presidency, I am horrified by many of President Bush's policies.
In the past seven years, Bush administration policies have amounted to a systematic shredding of our nation's Constitution -- the illegal war it initiated and perpetuates; the torturing of prisoners; the espousing of "values" that include a careful defense of the "rights" of embryos but show a profligate disregard for the lives of flesh-and-blood human beings; and the flagrant dismantling of environmental protections. These, among many other depressing policies, have left us weak and shamed at home and in the world.
For several weeks before the honors, I wrestled with this dilemma, deciding in the end that I would not attend the reception at the White House. That decision was met with deep, if understandable, disapproval by the powers that be. I was informed that I was hardly the first honoree to express such reserve; cited to me, among others, were Arthur Miller and Isaac Stern during the Reagan years and several during the present administration. I was asked to attend all of the scheduled events and to follow the well-established protocol of silence.
While this might have made for a glamorous experience, it also presented a profound irony. Turning a blind eye to the political undercurrents of the event dismantles the very force of art in this country that the honors celebrate: the freedom, nay, the obligation to express oneself honestly and without fear. Ultimately, there is no greater honor than that freedom.
In the end, I decided to attend wearing a peace symbol around my neck and a purple ribbon on my lapel, at once showing support for our young men and women in the armed services and calling for their earliest return home. My family did the same, as did a number of fellow attendees who, over the weekend's various events, asked me for ribbons of their own....
Some seven decades separate the time when older people would tell me that I played very well for my age from the occasions nowadays when younger people say the same thing. That time seems to have flown by, and I have come, perhaps inevitably, to understand the aphorism "Ars longa, vita brevis." Yes, art is long. And life is short. And I am waiting most impatiently for Jan. 20, 2009.
—Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Boo-Friggin'-Hoo
February 10, 2008 - 19:10 ET by drillanwrYes, art is long. And life is short. And I am waiting most impatiently for Jan. 20, 2009.
Leon Fleisher (who obviously has a problem w/well-established protocol) ... do us a favor and hold your breath until then?
When you men get home and face an anti-war protestor, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend because she knows she’s dating a pussy… ~ Attributed to General Tommy Franks
Who is Leon Fleisher?
February 10, 2008 - 19:14 ET by R D HelmNever heard of him.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -J.W. von Goethe
I have, however,
February 10, 2008 - 22:30 ET by dervishheard of everyone else on the podium with him. Maybe somebody thought he was a busboy, and that's what got his panties in a twist...
Buffoon
February 10, 2008 - 19:18 ET by KC MulvilleThis same genius would be appalled if listeners rejected him for his political views.
I also profoundly disagree with the self-adoring myth that art "obligates" artists to express themselves politically. If you wish to express yourself, make art. Make it political art, if you want to. But being an artist is not a license to offer political speech. If you want to make political statements, then stand there, take the criticism and defend yourself.
If you're not willing to do that, shut up.
political speech
February 11, 2008 - 01:05 ET by GabrielAmerican" ...being an artist is not a license to offer political speech."
Since when does any American need a "license" to offer political speech? This man's life and works afforded him the opportunity to speak on a grand platform. Deal with it.
"This same genius would be appalled if listeners rejected him for his political views."
I doubt it. I'd be willing to bet that he's o.k. with the fact that there are many people who have rejected him for his political views. After all, he's creating art that will last and is important. What have those critics created? Nothing worthwhile.
Pray. To ask the laws of the universe to be annulled on behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy. -Ambrose Bierce
Celebrity worship
February 11, 2008 - 02:50 ET by KC MulvilleI'll ask the question in return: Since when does any American "afford a platform" for political speech, simply because he's an artist?
Finally, do you really dismiss criticism of his politics because the critics aren't as "artistic" as he is?
Required to attend lol
February 10, 2008 - 19:19 ET by Lame CherryDid this Gomer of the keyboards think Bush was going to send him to Gitmo lol
It is not required. It is called etiquette in honoring the United States of America and the office of the President of the United States.
Liberals never apparently understand that from that Jethro of CCR Dan Fogerty and his Georgie song. You do not as an artist agree with policy and you have places like blogs to spout off on as that is political discourse........you do though as an artist when so honored by your nation accept the honor no matter who is President and not be a the public ass you are in acting like it was horrid to attend an event HONORING YOU.
PS if you notice the "artists" so honored, I would be more disgusted in being in a group with a person who was a disciple of Charlie Manson, a divorced dolt, a pompous bigot and a backstabbing singer.
The real question is Kennedy so low on talent to honor that they have to drag out this Gomer that no one but his mama ever heard of him.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Maybe he should go to Cuba
February 10, 2008 - 19:22 ET by rbosqueMaybe he should go to Cuba where there's "healthcare" no guns and no Bush. I hear Fidel is such a wonderful guy!
How smart is this guy . . .
February 10, 2008 - 19:26 ET by WingletDriver. . .that he says such stupid things? I'm not sure why he wore a purple ribbon--Huntington's disease or pagan awareness--but it doesn't have anything to do with hoping the troops come home. That's a yellow ribbon. Of course, when you're so much smarter than everyone you can wear whatever ribbon you want.
Also, I like how he puts quotes around "rights" when speaking of "'rights' of embryos. . . ." Apparently, Mr. Fleisher is so smart he thinks that humans who have committed no crimes do not deserve the protection of law nor even status as human beings while folks who'll fly planes into buildings, use babies and mentally retarded women as bomb carriers, cut the heads off of incapacitated prisoners, etc. are immune from reprisal. How do I get to be that smart?
Meanwhile, we also have an "illegal war" that was authorized under the Constitution. Maybe he was referring to the ones that Bill Clinton started that were not authorized by Congress. He is, after all, really, really smart. Well, smarter than you and me because he knows all of this despite all evidence pointing to the contrary.
When you're as smart as Mr. Fleisher, I guess, the only dilemmas that make you stop and think are "Do I attend a White House function meant to recognize me for my musical talent?" and "Should I sue George Lucas for stealing my patented look for the Ewoks?"
WingletDriver
February 10, 2008 - 19:28 ET by drillanwrI'm not sure why he wore a purple ribbon-- ... --but it doesn't have anything to do with hoping the troops come home.
Being that it's Lent, and purple is the color of mourning (at least within the Catholic Church), perhaps he is hoping the troops come home a "certain way" ...???
When you men get home and face an anti-war protestor, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend because she knows she’s dating a pussy… ~ Attributed to General Tommy Franks
The awards were in December
February 10, 2008 - 20:52 ET by stratmanThe awards were in December and had nothing to do with Lent. The purple ribbon's meaning is an enigma known possibly only by the genius that accepts awards but craps on the president who invites him into the White House and lavishes praise on this malcontent.
It is ironic that Leon had a neurological disease, previous to his current BDS, which paralyzed his right hand, forcing him to play only with his LEFT hand. Leon is a true LEFTIST of the piano... and apparently politically as well. What else should one expect from someone born and raised in San Francisco. (Apologies to Noel S., an outlier Conservative in a city of Liberals. I know how you feel being from Cuyahoga County, Democrat stronghold.)
If this boaster had real convictions backing up his political rhetoric he would have skipped the White House meet and greet.
I agree with the above poster. Leon is a complete douchebag.
Killing them with kindness isn't working. Time to get scrappy with the Donkeys.
stratman
February 10, 2008 - 21:53 ET by drillanwrI know the awards were in December, and his purple ribbon had nothing to do with Lent.
I was saying his wearing the color of mourning instead of the yellow usually worn for the troops was some possible subliminal message of how he hoped to see the troops returning home ... amid mourning ?
BTW:
I know how you feel being from Cuyahoga County, Democrat stronghold.
Being from Mahoning County, a better word might/would be stranglehold, cousin ...
When you men get home and face an anti-war protestor, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend because she knows she’s dating a pussy… ~ Attributed to General Tommy Franks
For all I know he was
February 11, 2008 - 00:51 ET by stratmanFor all I know he was wearing the color of his favorite Teletubbie, Tinky Winky.
"Being from Mahoning County, a better word might/would be stranglehold, cousin ..."
Thank you for saying one of the few things that could make a Stephanie Tubbs Jones represented Cuyahogan feel a bit better. I feel your pain. (hehe)
Man, is it cold outside!
Killing them with kindness isn't working. Time to get scrappy with the Donkeys.
Man, is it cold outside!
February 11, 2008 - 00:54 ET by drillanwrMan, is it cold outside!
Yep, schools are closed all across the board tomorrow ...
I wonder whose Hell froze over? Heh!
When you men get home and face an anti-war protestor, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend because she knows she’s dating a pussy… ~ Attributed to General Tommy Franks
hang in there drill
February 11, 2008 - 00:58 ET by botgit was almost 80 today in San Diego and thats heading east (if a cold front from Canada doesn't mess with it)
Supreme Court, National Security, Borders, Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.
Hey Drill, I think we just
February 11, 2008 - 01:52 ET by stratmanHey Drill, I think we just got burned by BOTG. :-)
Killing them with kindness isn't working. Time to get scrappy with the Donkeys.
"..How do I get to be that
February 10, 2008 - 21:34 ET by Jerry"..How do I get to be that smart?..."
Easy.. remove your brain from your cranium and shove it as far up your butt as you possibly can, and then convince yourself that it it swimming in it's own intellectual superiority.
I am getting SOOOOO sick and tired of liberalism. Truth and fact mean absolutely NOTHING to these people.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
for crissakes take the award
February 10, 2008 - 19:24 ET by ConservativeRexfor crissakes take the award away from him and make him happy..what kind of folks raise babies like this any way?
A Possible Answer
February 10, 2008 - 21:39 ET by Agrarian-DecentralistYou ask, "what kind of folks raise babies like this any way?" Apparently folks who taught him right from wrong and encouraged him to learn how to reason from the evidence. His attitude toward this president is hardly remarkable to anyone looking at the last seven years with his eyes wide open.
"His attitude toward this
February 10, 2008 - 21:44 ET by Jerry"His attitude toward this president is hardly remarkable to anyone looking at the last seven years with his eyes wide open."
Doesn't matter how "open" your eyes are when your head is up your a$$.
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
Nice one. :-)
February 11, 2008 - 00:53 ET by fitzfongNice one. :-)
In total agreement.
February 11, 2008 - 00:57 ET by drillanwrIn total agreement. : ^ ))
When you men get home and face an anti-war protestor, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend because she knows she’s dating a pussy… ~ Attributed to General Tommy Franks
AD, You will have to forgive us conservatives
February 11, 2008 - 03:40 ET by R D HelmAfter all, we are afflicted with the silly notion that, just perhaps, what remains of Western Society just might want to try and prevail in this war. A war that we did not ask for, btw.
Perhaps you would feel better if we were to follow the lead of our European brethren and just roll over and capitulate to the Islamo-supremicists with little or no resistance. After all, the last thing we would want to do is offfffennnnd the very barbarians whose stated goal is to tax or kill every living person on this planet that refuses to convert to their sick, perverted "religion." That includes you, in case you think your utopian "high-mindedness" somehow exempts you from the ire of the Muslim horde. It doesn't.
I know for a fact that even the spineless Jimmy Carter signed a sizable stack of "snuff orders" while he was president. So did just about every president before, or since.
I wonder how many of them your idol Bill Clinton signed? I bet it was a bunch of 'em, as he was in office twice as long as was Jimmy Carter.
Or are you thinking (hoping) that Billy Jeff was, a'hem, above that sort of thing?
Right.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -J.W. von Goethe
AD-My question still
February 11, 2008 - 11:29 ET by ConservativeRexAD-My question still remains. Apparently, they raised him to be ungrateful and rude at the same time. I may be wrong but I'd be willing to bet no one held a gun to his head to attend this function. And once attended, to have the good graces to keep his yap shut about what/how he feels about the current administration after accepting a gift from the people.
Does irony ever cross the mind of a liberal? I am fairly certain that hypocrisy never does. But hell, don't take my word for it,look around.
Waaaah waaaah waaah!
February 10, 2008 - 19:48 ET by JnobleWhat a self-important douchbag.
"Wow man, it's like, sooo bogus what those rubes in the White House have done to the Constitution MAAAAN!!"
If I was honored by the White House for whatever, regardless of what party was in control, I would be awestruck. What a jerk.
BINGO!!!
February 10, 2008 - 23:06 ET by danybhoyThere should always be a level of respect for the President that rises above partisan politics in a non political event in a political setting. What I mean is, the President might be involved, but the event might not be political, like in this case, the Kennedy Center Honors, or when there are White House events like the Easter Egg Hunt or T-Ball, & when championship teams visit The White House. I would hope someone could put aside ones views for the sake of public decency.
Leon Fleisher showed himself to be a bitter man, & I would hope he will come to understand this in time. But I doubt it, few people knew who he was before this, & the same will be true in the future.
Does anyone remember when Packers Tight End Mark Chmura refused to meet with Bill Clinton in 1997 during the Packers White House visit? He bitched about Bill's sexcapades & went out of his way to let te world know about it. In 2000, he went on trial for innapropriate sexaul contact with a 17 year old who babysat for him. He was found not guilty at his trial, but admited he did things a married man should not do. He looked like the @$$ he was/is.
Look, if you are honored by President, accept it with grace, & show some class. It is something that more people in a free society should understand, but some do not. I hope I would be able to do that at the very least.
"Some of us are wise, some of us are otherwise" Mark Levin
Fleisher says
February 10, 2008 - 19:53 ET by botg(the WH has) a careful defense of the "rights" of embryos but show a profligate disregard for the lives of flesh-and-blood human beings;
What then are the unborn babies made of: plastic and glue?
Supreme Court, National Security, Borders, Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.
Come on, yunz guys! ... A
February 10, 2008 - 19:57 ET by drillanwrCome on, yunz guys! ... A little more compassion for this poor, suffering artist.
Obviously being honored by the White House, and THE most honorable and powerful man (the President of The United States of America) in the world, free or otherwise, was more painful to this man than non-sedated: castration, disembowelment, or beheading would have been.
When you men get home and face an anti-war protestor, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend because she knows she’s dating a pussy… ~ Attributed to General Tommy Franks
"These, among many other
February 10, 2008 - 20:12 ET by celator"These, among many other depressing policies, have left us weak and shamed at home and in the world."
I believe he's talking about his piano playing here. If you've ever heard him play, you would agree.
Liberal's Basic Rule For Discourse: I don't care if you agree with my premises, but I demand that you agree with my conclusions.
What's the point Mr. Fleisher?
February 10, 2008 - 20:12 ET by contraryIt seems people's need to express one's self knows no bounds. I'm not sure if this was always the case in human history, or is just a recent phenomena, but the level of discourse has degraded to a bunch of whining and arrogant quips, with our media shaping the conversation.
I can't go to any online discussion or read a newspaper, without self-annointed "experts" declaring how the world really operates. Like with Mr. Fleisher, all that comes from such conversation is unsubstantiated opinion, maybe links to some questionable web site, and no real goal of actually solving a problem or disagreement. It is just a cathartic release. Take this forum mostly dedicated to military strategy games...
http://talk.consimworld.com/WebX?230@982.GIssdDVVKvN.9@.1dd2b64b
All these morons do is belittle anyone who doesn't agree with them, and seek to dominate the conversation. Is this really where we are as a country and a race? People like this are birth control for the Internet.
I will now get off my soap box and you can return to your normally scheduled blogging.
"Republicans always get a huge pass on the racist issue. Huck is just another example. Provided they don't start up with the N word, they seem able to pander directly to the racist vote."
-- Chuck Davis, intellectual heavyweight, bigot
Odd timing on both sides.
February 10, 2008 - 20:13 ET by balboaOdd timing on both sides.
I guess this moron should
February 10, 2008 - 20:59 ET by Captain RepusI guess this moron should have been honored in the WH during the last administration which I am sure he deeply respected. Heck, he could have joined Monica under Willy's disk and REALLY shown him how much he respected him. Maybe he could have spent a little time helping Hillary sort through those pesky FBI files on Republicans, or maybe given her some pointers on managing her 'hit squads' she sent out against Willy's bimbos and rape victims. He could have proudly stood in respect of Willy when the counts of IMPEACHMENT were read on the floor of the Senate, or given him some pointers on how to perjur oneself properly.
It irks me that slimebags like this are allowed to air their petty venom.
Did he ever think
February 10, 2008 - 21:05 ET by Rebelmaybe the President didn't want him there in the WH but had to invite him anyways.if its Illegal War why did his own Democrats vote for it.
Go WVU
Never vote for Byrd
Leon...
February 10, 2008 - 22:34 ET by dervishLeon? Leon....
You don't suppose...
I think I recognize that
February 10, 2008 - 23:54 ET by MidAmericaI think I recognize that guy.
"Let me be frank: I was
February 11, 2008 - 00:49 ET by RESTLESS 1"Let me be frank: I was flattered to be included in so distinguished a
group and to be recognized for whatever contributions I may have made
to American life."
Hmm, a lifetime to make these contributions, and a few minutes at a computer to vaporize them. Anything this guy has done of substance is now rendered meaningless by this disgusting op-ed. He was there to be honored. Can he not leave the politics out of it for one night and just accept the honor?
Btw, will Bush get a chance to write an op-ed about how "unhappy" he was to have this human piece of refuse breathing the same oxygen, even if for only one night.
"Btw, will Bush get a
February 11, 2008 - 00:54 ET by stratman"Btw, will Bush get a chance to write an op-ed about how "unhappy" he was to have this human piece of refuse breathing the same oxygen, even if for only one night."
Bush has class. Leon shows he's a big ass.
Killing them with kindness isn't working. Time to get scrappy with the Donkeys.
Strat
February 11, 2008 - 01:06 ET by RESTLESS 1You're right. Even if he had a mind to, I'm sure he would be much more eloquent than I.
I saw Bush on Fox News
February 11, 2008 - 01:32 ET by stratmanI saw Bush on Fox News Sunday today interviewed by Chris Wallace. Our President reminded me why I love the man and respect him as our leader.
I don't expect to feel that way about our future President(s) for some time to come. Sad.
Killing them with kindness isn't working. Time to get scrappy with the Donkeys.
Let me get this straight:
February 11, 2008 - 00:59 ET by fitzfongLet me get this straight: Leon Fleisher has a choice between accepting an award and going to a White House reception that offends him or politely rejecting the award so that he doesn't have to set foot in the White House for this reception. He chooses to take the trinket and shelve his core principles...doesn't that make him a whore?
and with the WaPo using his
February 11, 2008 - 01:04 ET by botgand with the WaPo using his stuff that makes them the pi... (oops can't use that word anymore)
Supreme Court, National Security, Borders, Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.
Uh, oh. Now you've done
February 11, 2008 - 01:20 ET by fitzfongUh, oh. Now you've done it! Howard Wolfson has already contacted your boss...something about you'll never work in this town again. I'm not promising anything, but if you're willing to relocate, I can forward your resume...of course, now that the Clintonistas are on it, "this town" has a huge radius. Would you be willing to work in Siberia?
as long as i'm not banished
February 11, 2008 - 01:36 ET by botgto bogeyland (or DC)
Supreme Court, National Security, Borders, Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.
Every child possesses the spirit of an artist.
February 11, 2008 - 01:48 ET by RDW“While this might have made for a glamorous experience, it also presented a profound irony. Turning a blind eye to the political undercurrents of the event dismantles the very force of art in this country that the honors celebrate: the freedom, nay, the obligation to express oneself honestly and without fear. Ultimately, there is no greater honor than that freedom.”
Every child possesses the spirit of an artist. The problem for the artist is to simply grow up. Each must discipline their passion with reason and humility, or invite a false hubris. Originality for the sake originality, is only change for the sake of change…Sound familiar?
Mr. Fleisher has confused art with propaganda. An Artist may be politically inclined, however politics can make an artist stupid. Especially if the artist is so self-reflective that he or she continues to engage in solipsistic self-portraits, never recognizing the humanity beyond ones own imagined neighborhood. It is no different from someone talking back to the voices in their head. You always end up agreeing with your own opinions.
I could not state the case any better than the following observation.
“If you want to make political statements, then stand there, take the criticism and defend yourself.
If you're not willing to do that, shut up.” KC Mulville
The one thing that contemporary artist’s fear the most is “accountability”. (Read that as criticism), at least criticism effecting their livelihood.
The subject of fear and accountability is very near and dear to me; it is an engine of desperation.
The search for affirmation or acceptance without principle is a fool’s journey, to separate oneself from honor and responsibility is to lose, not gain ones dignity. For an artist to be “original” is now the highest ideal. It has become a quest for self-authenticity, it is for the weak minded – but for the artist to only present a work of art for the purpose to shock or break from tradition is to reject the insight, skill and discipline needed to refine and express joy. To reject the accomplishment of past artists is to reject history.
The painting, the poem or a musical composition can be thought of as a picture of our highest aspirations at least it should point towards a greater life rather than accept the pessimism of the cynics. Our very “Being” in time was caused by something greater than ourselves, but greater than merely our human experience.
An Artist’s job (so to speak) is to find the core and soul of our universal humanity, not just to ejaculate ones conceited contempt upon the public.
“ The very force of art in this country”… in my opinion is predicated on freedom of speech. Codified in the constitution and defended by The United States Military this freedom is defended with their very lives and is linked to the liberty granted by God, (free will), which I have neither earned nor can repay. Liberty provided so you Mr. Fleisher may compose your “musical ideas” and I may object to your politics.
I am sure The United States Military does not believe they are fighting to merely protect (politically correct speech.)
PS Botg:
“What then are the unborn babies made of: plastic and glue?”
I do not recommend viewing this trash so brace yourself; it is pornography/Art-- masquerading as? Keep a barf bag close by.
http://www.autopsyba...
End of speech. RDW
RDW
February 11, 2008 - 02:04 ET by botgTry this NYT article on pain felt by unborn babies
Did you see this forum on a NYT article?
Supreme Court, National Security, Borders, Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.
"We should never create or
February 11, 2008 - 02:17 ET by RDW"We should never create or destroy embryos lightly. We owe them our
respect. We just don’t owe them the same respect we owe one another."
Wow.
I wish I could consult Aristostle on this one. I must admit to something very shameful. For most of my life I never really thought much regarding the sanctity of the sacredness of life.
And now I burn with rage. Why did I not care?
Within two weeks of
February 11, 2008 - 02:38 ET by botgWithin two weeks of conception, a female embryo’s primordial germ cells begin the assembly of her future children. Her primary oocytes are complete at birth. The embryo is already maternal.
Agreed
February 11, 2008 - 04:44 ET by KC MulvilleOnce again, RDW, you ignite ideas that are fun to consider. Thanks!
Politics is inherently extroverted. Art ain't. You can't do art by committee, but that's exactly what democracy is.
A delema indeed.
February 11, 2008 - 09:13 ET by c5thenIt seems that the delema was to attend a function as part of the honors events with a person whom Fleisher mostly disagrees or not to attend the event. As usual, and not surprisingly, liberal Fleisher chose the hypocrits path and attended the event and recieved his honors and then wrote about how he "hated" doing it.
I have absolutely no respect for his ideas or principles because it seems that they can easily be made to take a back-seat and shut-up in order for his ego to get the attention he so desperately wants.
Shades of John Kerry seeming to throw his medals and ribbons from VietNam over the Whitehouse fence only for us to learn decades later, when he wanted to be the occupant of that very same Whitehouse, that they were really someone elses medals and ribbons.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
→ Mistaken identity, Fleisher?
February 11, 2008 - 09:21 ET by Cool ArrowWho is Fleisher?
isn't the guy in the picture:
This guy?
or This guy?
♣ a seal
Gee who knew
February 11, 2008 - 09:45 ET by LCT688Gee who knew being a musician also carried qualification in history and poli-sci as well?
"A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master and deserves one."
Alexander Hamilton
Fleisher Knows Arrogance
February 11, 2008 - 10:57 ET by rammingspeedMr. Fleisher should have followed another pianist's lead - that of Barry Manilow who asked that Elizabeth Hasselbeck not be allowed on the set of The View during his guest performance - and said he wouldn't appear in the White House unless President Bush wasn't allowed to be there. He would have been told no, and we wouldn't have to put up with his hubris, his mind-bending ignorance and arrogance in his perfectly stupid op ed piece in WAPO.
These Leftists live in a dangerous, dangerous fantasy world of impossible Utopian ideals, where lies are the truth, and they're going to get the rest of us killed - a la Neville Chamberlain.
"In the past seven years,
February 11, 2008 - 11:38 ET by misterbee241"In the past seven years, Bush administration policies have amounted to a systematic shredding of our nation's Constitution."
Nah. It started with FDR, mostly completed under the Clintons and will be completely shredded and cremated and its ashes spread on the Potomac with the next democrat president and Congress.
There is none so blind as they that won’t see. Jonathan Swift 1667-1745
Look in the sky...it's Captain Gutless!
February 11, 2008 - 12:07 ET by ArchConservativeOnce again, a liberal doesn't have the strength of his convictions. If he truly hated President Bush, he would have "snubbed" him and not shown up and then deal with whatever would befall him. But, since he has no intestinal fortitude, he folded and did the same old lame stunt of wearing whatever the current ribbon-of-the-day is for the libs (red or purple or whatever it is). A true gutless coward. Typical lib.
You support the troops by supporting the mission! If you don't support the mission, have the guts to say you don't support the troops.
Meanwhile Brian Wilson is
February 11, 2008 - 12:20 ET by Jack BauerMeanwhile Brian Wilson is happy to have finally appeared in a small group where he isn't the nuttiest bearded man in the room.
Must be something about the name Leon.