Some Obama Joker posters have shown up in an Orlando, Florida, suburb, and a local television station isn't happy about it.
To be fair, some have been placed on federal and private property such as public garbage cans and mail boxes potentially constituting vandalism.
However, a teenager has already admitted putting up some of the posters, and reports suggest kids are responsible for the remainder.
Despite this, Orlando's WFTV presented the issue in an astonishingly grave fashion (video embedded below the fold):
Interesting that they couldn't find one person who thought this was a demonstration of free speech held quite dear to Americans. Also missing was any reference to kids and teenagers being responsible.
The segment did tell viewers that the posters were likely tied to a contest started by syndicated radio host Alex Jones on August 6. However, as you can see from the following video, Jones also wants people to put up Bush Joker posters:
Also missing from WFTV's report was that Jones at his website made the following crystal clear:
Note: Obama Joker posters should be posted in public commons where other fliers, public announcements, handbills, etc., are posted. Please do not post on federal or private property as this will be considered vandalism and will be counterproductive and diminish the message of the Obama Joker poster.
In the end, nobody condones vandalism. And, according to the 2000 census, Clermont is a small town with a population under 10,000. As such, maybe there aren't many areas for the posting of fliers, public announcements, and handbills.
Even so, as this was an Orlando television station, the folks involved in this report are certainly aware that posters of all kinds are displayed all over America's cities.
With this in mind, a little bit more balance would have been appropriate.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
These kids will get nowhere with this type of vandalism.
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 18:02 ET by Kingfish17If they want to become friends with a community organizer and potential President, they need to be blowing up banks, police stations and the Pentagon.
"I've sentenced boys younger then you to the gas chamber. Didn't want to do it, but I felt I owed it to them." Judge Smails
Community Organizing 101
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 18:58 ET by allanfIsn't the placement of posters on private property part of "Community Organizing"?
I agree with the TV
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 18:07 ET by ThisnThatI agree with the TV station. There's nothing funny, humorous, amusing, or pleasing about Obama, and these posters might give someone the wrong impression that there is.
___________________________________
"Tax the rich" is a basically unstable way of governing - The NYT
Oh give me a
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 18:10 ET by bigtimerOh give me a break...
...a little more balance indeed.
Much ado over nada as far as I am concerned.
I cannot believe the hypocrisy going on with the msm...everywhere.
Well, I take it back, I can, just sick of it all.
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
Gray concrete is an eye sore..
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 18:13 ET by upcountrywaterLots of gray concrete, Bridges, flood control channels water tanks.
Stick then there.
Do not use staples on wood power poles!
Slather them on steel poles with glue!
Do not stick them to mail boxes.
They prompted the postmaster to contact the Postal Inspector's office,
which is looking at potential federal crimes for defacing federal
property.
The government is after you, and you will serve the rest of your life in federal Jail
Reagan VS Liberalism
American in London for work
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 18:38 ET by LighthouseJAmerican in London for work for the next week here.
I saw the "New World Order" poster posted at least four times in the tunnel under the Lambeth Bridge (across the Thames from Westminster Palace) earlier today while sightseeing.
While it's interesting that it's taken hold in the UK, I'm writing it off to it being a trend (like variations tend to be) rather than a genuine show of expression.
"Boats are safe in the harbor, but that's not what they're made for." -- Maritime quote
Joker Speaks
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 18:38 ET by slickwillie2001Seen this?
The Joker Speaks
I have Now
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 19:20 ET by ParagrouperThat is one great clip!
"Beware the fury of the patient man." - John Dryden
What a joke. Forget about
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 18:40 ET by mostlymoderateWhat a joke. Forget about the terrorists, drug dealers, illegal immigrants, pedophiles, rapists, murderer's et. Al, let's put all of law enforcement on the case of figuring out who made the President a "joker" on a flyer.
No kidding. Attorney
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 19:38 ET by motherbeltNo kidding. Attorney General investigating? Good grief!
Citizen Frank van Buren has it right (1:20 in the video).....he calls it "childish" and suggests those responsible should put their time to better use.
RULE 13 FROM ALINSKY...
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 19:39 ET by danybhoyObama & his Kool-aid brigade don't like how Alinsky's tactics are being used against him. You know it by now...
Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, & polarize it...(& if you are Barney Frank...sodomize it)...he's out & he's a big boy. Deal with it.
The ButtBoyMedia don't like the loud town hall meetings & the idea that ACORN's tactics are being used against those who have exploited them in the past.The poster are an extention of Rule 13, Obama is now the target, he is being frozen, people now identify him as the problem, & the more they know, the harsher the reaction.
Keep it up people, this country ain't polarized nearly enough, support for Obama's agenda needs to bled out. Inform the people.
"...How blind can you be, don't you see...
...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."
Nightwish
I Agree
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 12:53 ET by BigMike252"Forget about the terrorists, drug dealers, illegal immigrants, pedophiles, rapists, murderer's et. Al, let's put all of law enforcement on the case of figuring out who made the President a "joker" on a flyer."
LMAO...Classic
Come to my neighborhood and post them here! We all think Hussein is a Joker...........
I have never in my entire life seen so many Adults act like crying babies. And Ultra-Lib Media Morons like Mad Cow, her Uncle Olberman, and the Racist Janene Barf-Alo stir up so many Cry Babies! Please....Bush is out of office and your guy won! Be Happy! Now when someone calls your guy Hussein, a Socialist, a Joker, a Clown, or ??????, get over it already. All you cry babies bashed Bush now the shoe is on the other foot and you don't like it? Give us a break! If you think it so bad, join Sean Penn and Alec Baldwin in Venezuela with that Tyrant Chavez!
But in reality.... what is
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 19:24 ET by MidAmericaBut in reality.... what is the real difference between a paper poster and the media who latch onto a story like say Cindy Sheehan and plaster her face all over the airwaves night after night while she denigrates the president?
→ Good question
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 19:28 ET by Cool ArrowI'm still wondering why California, with all its green consciousness, isn't doing a dam thing to stop these massive forest fires they feed every year.
Do these idiots know nothing about clearing underbrush?
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
No No No, don't want to interfere with the bugs N' mice..
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 20:23 ET by upcountrywaterFolks that did some clearing last year to protect their homes got fined!
Salvage some wood, for some fun projects , Oh hell no, Just let it all burn up..
Go green and scrape off all them foreclosed buildings in the cities, you know, back to natural parks and such...
Wealth Destruction
Reagan VS Liberalism
forest fires
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 20:23 ET by lbcdawnGranolaland
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 08:30 ET by rossiIf you remove the underbrush they will nail you for destroying some kangaroo mouses habitat. what morons!!!!!!!!!!!
I have posted this in a
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 19:34 ET by BKeyserI have posted this in a public commons (Flickr) where other photos, public announcements, handbills, etc. are posted.
Despite the way I feel
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 20:07 ET by QueenMumDespite the way I feel about Pres. Obama and his policies, I don't like this poster. I know it's supposed to be an image of the Joker. But it looks more like black-face in reverse. It's disrespectful on several levels. And despite the sort of images that were used to mock Pres. Bush, I can find no defense for this poster. So call me wishy-washy.
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out
of other people's money."
—Margaret Thatcher
One one hand, I agree
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 20:28 ET by FeynmanFanI'm not all excited about the poster, either. But I think part of what's given the left so much power over events is the conservatives' unwillingness to hit back at them. That's not to say that two wrongs make a right, but sometimes you have to give people a dose of their own medicine to push back and perhaps get them to think about what they're doing.
I'm okay with the poster because I don't see it as racial (it's a clown face) and there's no specific reference to any issue. It's up to the viewer's perceptions as to what it signifies.
→ It's absolutely fair
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 20:39 ET by Cool ArrowMaybe it's not as close to reality as, say, a picture of Obama tossing a newborn baby into a laundry hamper, but it's absolutely fair.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
By the way, Cool
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 20:42 ET by FeynmanFanHave you heard of the advocacy group DAM - Mothers Against Dyslexia?
FF... ROFLMAO! Obama's
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 20:45 ET by bigtimerFF...
ROFLMAO!
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
→ No
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 20:47 ET by Cool ArrowBut I've heard of Drunks Against Madd Mothers.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
OK
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 21:10 ET by the strugglerYour Wishy-Washy
Thank me very much,
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 21:18 ET by QueenMumThank me very much, struggler. :)
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out
of other people's money."
—Margaret Thatcher
I live in the Orlando area
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 20:47 ET by Kat Outta the BagI live in the Orlando area and not to be nitpicky, but Channel 13 is a local cable news channel while WFTV (channel 9) is an ABC affiliate. That said, I feel it was a one-sided report, but I'm not surpised by much of anything anymore.
We are above this
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 20:50 ET by NeoConfirmedWe are conservatives who DO NOT need to stoop to this level to make a political point. It is crap like this that sets us back. I don't care what the Libs do and how low they have gone. If political victory means displaying offensive images of the President (and whether we like it or not, he IS), it is an empty victory and we are no better that they are. Period!
Well said, NeoC. "The
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 21:17 ET by QueenMumWell said, NeoC.
"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out
of other people's money."
—Margaret Thatcher
This has nothing to do with
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 08:05 ET by ThisnThatThis has nothing to do with the posters, per se. It has everything to do with the MSM's reaction to them. Can you name me a single isntance of ABC defending President Bush against any made-up image of him produced by the left? Yet .... they're all in a lather about Obama. Hypocricy. And agenda.
___________________________________
"Tax the rich" is a basically unstable way of governing - The NYT
Humor connects
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 08:22 ET by evilcontractorThey, the liberal media advocacy groups, have to try to blunt this because they know that simple cartoons and jokes can create a very lasting perception. What they are too stupid to realize is that by placing this on the front page, everyone sees it.
It's funny that a single picture can really bind their knickers in such a wad.
www.btreasures.com
TnT
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 04:01 ET by DoktorFrankenI agree - this is how I see it as well.
''This has nothing to do with the posters, per se. It has everything to do with the MSM's reaction to them.''
The media and the federal government.
the only problem I can see
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 20:52 ET by katainkentis using the Vanity Fair poster of Bush. Pretty sure that's a copyright violation of some kind - though I doubt they'd push it. Other than that, if they are minding the vandalism laws I say "cool". If only there was a Pelosi / Scarecrow poster :)
___________________________________________
"The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax" - HR 3200 (Health Care Bill) Pg. 203. Ln 14 & 15
Kataink, you're wrong
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 21:02 ET by NeoConfirmedRemember how when the Libs would say and display the most ridiculous and offensive images of President Bush and we would howl at how they were disgracing the office?
We are hypocrits when we do nonsense like this. We can spin it any way we want. This poster is offensive and wrong.
So, does that mean
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 21:15 ET by FeynmanFanSo, does that mean that the Libs are hypocrits when they complain about offensive images of Obama?
→ Yes, Feynman
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 21:32 ET by Cool ArrowAnd they like to depict Republican Presidents as monkeys.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
Yep, Cool, they do
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 21:48 ET by FeynmanFanYep, Cool, they do like to depict Republican Presidents as monkeys. Of course, it would be racist to depict the current President as a monkey.
→ That's my point
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 22:43 ET by Cool ArrowHow can it be more disrespectful to depict this president as a deranged clown when the last was pilloried as a monkey.
LYDSEXICS UNTIE!
All I can remember is that
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 23:14 ET by mostlymoderateAll I can remember is that the liberals treated Bush like a dog.
Ooooo!
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 04:19 ET by DoktorFrankenI'm luvin' the whole animal thingy.
The visage of the ''Heath Ledger '' Joker is one of a deranged maniac that is, for the most part, anarchistic. From my viewpoint there is nothing racist about it. To me it says:
This is one crazy MoFo.
Of course, that's JMHO. Don't ask for explanations or comparisons.
Get outta here...You can be
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 21:15 ET by the strugglerGet outta here...You can be offended...I'm not...Go on with your offended self
Remember how when the Libs
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 22:48 ET by Dan The Man 2Remember how when the Libs would say and display the most ridiculous
and offensive images of President Bush and we would howl at how they
were disgracing the office?
You sound like a Troll. I really dont think we were worried about posters or the like and people calling the President names, we were concerned about the movies showing him to be assainated or teh "cartoons" about him. But it was not about President Bush it was the office of the President.
Duh One and his sochophants need to chill out. We are not making cartoons and putting them on national TV or making movies assainating him but we are comncerned about his idea of change.
sorry but I just cant get outraged here
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 23:24 ET by katainkentartists have been using their tools like this since ink and brush met paper and papyrus. I didn't throw a fit about what they did to Bush either. Or Clinton... or Bush Sr. I've done my own share of artistic parody.
Picture - one thousand words. And for cripes sake its not racist. The clown face of Joker has meaning. None of it is race related.
___________________________________________
"The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax" - HR 3200 (Health Care Bill) Pg. 203. Ln 14 & 15
That's where I also come
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 23:33 ET by celatorThat's where I also come out on this. This is what artists, political cartoonists etc do for a living, for crying out loud.
I remember reading somewhere that John Adams (not a particularly popular guy) was satirized and "cartooned" without mercy in his day. It was brutal. Someone went up to George Washington and asked his opinion whether those doing all this should be arrested. Without hesitation, he said "No!"
He understood what the First Amendment meant.
The Joker thing is much ado about nothing. We have far more serious issues to be concerned about.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
kat and celator
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 23:36 ET by BKeyserI agree- we've been in a similar discussion a couple of comments below...
BK.. Yup, just got to it
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 23:39 ET by celatorBK.. Yup, just got to it now... I'm with you.
No citizen's right to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, or property is safe as long as Obama is President of the United States.
This is just the beginning.
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 21:48 ET by nadadhimmiThis is just the beginning. There is no question whatever that political speech and satire is protected by 2nd Amendment. These Communists/ Fascists are attacking the whole bill of rights. The Dems are supporting the very actions they falsely accused Bush of taking. The definition of Fascism is State control of Business and means of production. Do the GM, Chyrsler, Banking and Financial takeovers ring a bell? This ISN'T Fascism??
We should pay the youth
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 22:20 ET by sevenThis is of value to let people know. Federal property in a fascist state is off limits. In a Democracy, Federal property belongs to us.
I have two comments...
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 22:21 ET by BKeyser(not that anyone cares ;~p)
First, I never saw this picture as a black man in white face- and I didn't even see Dark Knight. Truth be told, it hadn't occured to me that it could be viewed that way until I read the LA Weekly drivel from the Hot Air link. I guess its all perception, and everyone's perception is unique so I'm not faulting anyone for making the connection, I'm just saying that I did not.
Secondly, I don't understand why folks are so upset about it. I don't understand why folks are so upset about the Hitler comparisons either. Stupid? Maybe. (Not me, the Hitler comparisons...or, maybe me, I don't know.) But no one is (or was) suggesting that Obama (or Bush) was setting in motion a path to genocide. Was Hitler a tyrant? A brutal dictator? Responsible for millions of deaths? Sure, all of them. But is there any chance that Obama (or Bush) will (or would have) morph(ed) into the second coming of Adolf Hitler? Of course not. So what's the harm? Are some elements of freedom of speech off limits? Maybe posters of "Obama = Uncle Joe Stalin" would be less offensive? And if so, how hypocritical is that?!
I'm not advocating that we all run out and make Obamadolf posters. I've created several photoshops and none of them make that leap. But, frankly, I don't care that some people do- whatever their reasoning. I am not supportive of PC Police.
Hey, BK
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 22:32 ET by FeynmanFanThe reason pictures like the one we've been discussing here are created is to provoke people. Both sides want to poke the other and see what kind of a reaction they can get out of them. Maybe it's a contest on one hand to see who can be the most provocative, and on the other hand it's a contest to see who can be the most offended.
I am also not supportive of PC police, but I think there are boundaries that need to be observed just out of general fairness and decency. I also like the old adage that what's good for the goose is good for the gander.
But that's just me...
FF
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 23:05 ET by BKeyserYeah, I get that. The result of the poster is that it helped to provoke, incite, agitate, or otherwise intrigue people, but I wouldn't necessarily assign that power of intent to the creator -we frankly don't know his/her intent- its entirely possible the person is a Batman fan, and a conservative; one having nothing to do with the other. The fact that its such a sticky subject (as I've come to realize) is that some people have inferred that the black president in white face was the intended projection, and thereby racist. Personally, I think that if that were the case, there are many more examples from history, especially 30's era film genre that would have been more apropos. Of course, maybe the creator isn't aware of this. Essentially, we don't know the intent and I think it's unfair to apply racism as the default judgment- it could very well be the woman that called the police on Skip Gates...
Yea, me too
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 22:36 ET by general companyI just took it as a parallel to the sinister Joker.
Personal note: My 16 yr old Son and I watched Batman the Movie. The origanal version, we laughed so hard, I miss that ridiculious lines and the obvious flaws. The new ones are so dark, bleek.
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
If Ojoker is the Joker
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 22:51 ET by AgentAmericanthen who's the Dark Knight? He's out there someplace.
2010: A GOP Hill
Aww, poor little babies....
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 23:05 ET by BarkerThe left can't handle a little criticism of their delicate little flower.
Heck, I'm waiting for the Obama Trading Cards, complete with the Czar Edition.
Hey libs, how about chopping off the hands of the evil-doers who dare insult his name, huh? Hell, pull their tounges out. That'll learn 'em. Surely Obama knows some "doctors" who are "into" severing limbs and taking out stuff, don't ya think?
Good grief, Obama is more like the youthful ward Dick than the Joker, anyway..........
Dick Squirrel...
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 23:19 ET by AgentAmericanNo, the ward is no other than David "Dick Grayson" Shuster...aka The Squirrel!!!!!!!
2010: A GOP Hill
Parody
Sat, 08/15/2009 - 23:32 ET by slickwillie2001Sung to the tune of Creedence's 'Bad Moon Risin':
When the Joker Hits the Fan: http://biglizards.net
Difficult song and tune to do this with. Kudos.
Very cute song
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 04:30 ET by DoktorFrankenBut I would, due to subject content alone, reserve this particular song for a parody of Hillary.
Just sayin'.
Actually
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 00:00 ET by cwnelson79I do condone vadalism when a much needed message needs putting out into the public.
-edit
>>>nelson
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 00:16 ET by BKeyserthis is my second warning- you're obviously a troll trying to see if you can conjure up some acceptance to your juvenile comments. If you continue in this manner, I will request that you be banned. You're welcome here, even if you are a troll, but your idiotic comments are not.
sorry secret police
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 00:19 ET by cwnelson79Heres a joke? what do you and obama have in common? Both of you want people to be reported for not kissing their ass. Actually that wasn't a joke.
we've seen your kind before
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 00:21 ET by candanceYou're not the first HuffPo loser to wander over here with that plan. Happens every time someone like Maddow whines about us. You're not fooling anyone.
Make up your mind schitzo
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 00:25 ET by cwnelson79First of all i was from dkos, now huffington. Next i will be a martian from mars. Try this, i am a bored conservative who does not like to be told what to do. Not from libs, not from other conservatives. How can i fool a fool?
Access denied
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 04:34 ET by DoktorFranken''Access denied''
Apparently your ''Bio'' page is linked to your brain.
JMHO.
nelson? the adults are talking...
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 00:23 ET by BKeyseryou need to go to bed now...
nope
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 00:26 ET by cwnelson79I feel wonderfully rested and relaxed.
Infowars
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 01:42 ET by ReaganJrWhen I first heard the story of the Obama/Joker posters showing up in L.A. I thought that was great. I wanted to make my own and put them up in Kansas City, where I live.
But when I found out that the Infowars people are doing this, it took all the wind out my sails. I agree with many of their points but they take things just a bit too far. I really don't want to be associated with them.
So now I'll just go to tea parties and town halls and support the people protesting universal health care and other big government and big spending issues. And I'll leave the Obama/Joker posters alone.
Crist probably wet
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 04:43 ET by RR GOPCrist probably wet himself.
"State attorney investigating".
Holy cripes. What a bunch of panty waist, friggin' RINOs running that state.
Sheesh.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 86% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
Found this Obama gear site
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 07:36 ET by Red Jeephttp://www.cafepress.com/57thstate/6850503
RJ!!
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 04:38 ET by DoktorFrankenWow! Can you see a huge group of Town Hall Meeting folks decked out in this gear? Fan-tastic! The media would have to wonder whether to cover the events or not. I'm guessing audio only.
It would be great to see...
Mon, 08/17/2009 - 08:24 ET by Red Jeep...wouldn't it?
Sun, 08/16/2009 - 09:45 ET by jessieHEven the young know he's a joke.