Much of what we do here at Newsbusters is serious commentary on the leftist bias in this world, issues that are consequential to the debate between right and left. But, today we can sit back and have a little lighthearted fun with our lefty friends without all that worry and seriousness hovering over us like a cloud of leftist generated noxious gas. So... do ya wanna hear something funny?
The Telegraph brings us the heart wrenching tale of one Mr. Mark Boyle, the man who thought he was going to backpack on foot from Bristol, England to Mahatma Gandhi's birthplace in Porbander, India. Unfortunately, Mr. Boyle was crestfallen to have to quit this noble effort early. And we are all the poorer for it.
Speaking of poorer...
Mr. Boyle, who is a member of the Freeconomy Movement, wanted to do this important trek all to bring the world "peace." So selfless, ain't he? Yes, Boyle was courageously trying to bring the whole wide world's attention to his quest so that all men everywhere could be consoled that one man, one lone but resolute fellow, could have the chips to launch such a heroic effort, one that would bring the world to its feet in solidarity and awe. Who could want to fight after that, eh?
Being a good member of that aforementioned society of high thinkers and humanitarians, he thought he was going to do it without a penny in his pocket, too. See, the Freeconomy Movement imagines that everything can be free, that money is unnecessary. In fact, they want to completely do away with money.
So, off he went one bright and sunny British morn to begin this legendary journey about which, one day, movies would surely be made, books written, cults begun even. And perhaps Mr. Boyle might be at long last able to impress the birds down at the pub, too? The world held its breath and excitement arose with Boyle's every step as he started his epic, storybook effort.
The Telegraph gives us the soul stirring details...
Mark Boyle, 28, who began his trip with only t-shirt, sandals and a bandage four weeks ago, hoped that strangers along the way would provide him with food and places to stay.
But disaster struck only four weeks later because for all their claims of being peace lovers, the stinkin' French stuck a pin in Boyle's peaceiness balloon.
After reaching Calais Mr Boyle made the decision to quit his trip because as he could not speak French people thought he was an asylum seeker or a freeloader and would not give him food or board.
The 28-year-old kept an online diary of his adventure, where in one of his final entries he wrote: "…they had also seen us as just a bunch of freeloading backpackers, which is the complete opposite of what the pilgrimage is about".
Argh! Wars will now rage unabated where peace was just about to dawn. People will call others names, clowns will be looked down upon, Brussels sprouts will still receive not an ounce of respect from small children. Some ill mannered sap may even kick a puppy now that Boyle's wondrous adventure has met its too early demise.
Oh, the humanity.
Mr Boyle... apologised to his supporters and said that he was unable to find words to express his disappointment at having to quit.
Yes, the world is all in darkness. Despair is still our uninvited companion. The hand of black death still grips us tightly.
Imagine these darn French people? Looking upon this scruffy, unkempt, penniless, freeloader looking for a free meal and imagining he is a scruffy, unkempt, penniless, freeloader looking for a free meal! Don't they know what is at steak here (uh, I mean stake)? Why it's none other than peace in our times, man! You know how Brits like to have "peace in our times," doncha? Heck, it’s always just around the corner.
Oh, those French talk a good game about all that peace stuff, but here -- right when peace was almost within their grasp -- they let it all slip away and just because they refused to part with a meal or two. Not a speck of cheese, a thimble of wine... not a single croissant could these misers spare.
So, now humanity will have to wait for another scruffy, unkempt, penniless, freeloader looking for a free meal to bring the enlightenment to us all.
MAN! And we were THAT close, too!
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
ROFLMAO!!!
February 29, 2008 - 20:55 ET by motherbeltROFLMAO!!!
This guy's a hoot!
Being a good member of that aforementioned society of high thinkers and humanitarians, he thought he was going to do it without a penny in his pocket, too. See, the Freeconomy Movement imagines that everything can be free, that money is unnecessary. In fact, they want to completely do away with money.
He's watched a few too many episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" where no one needs money and nothing ever has to be paid for! They've "evolved" beyond the need for wealth. LOL
And the French! Well that just proves what uncharitable louts they are. They should have known by looking at him that he was on a "pilgrimage" and needed help. What is WRONG with those people?
Note to Mr. Boyle: the next time you plan to travel penniless through a country, begging for food and shelter, learn the language first.
motherbelt,
February 29, 2008 - 21:00 ET by R D HelmI have never been to France, but everyone I know who has told me that the French are rather offended by those who haven't troubled themselves to learn their language.
Mr. Boyle, Being from GB, should have known that.
Not sure what the French word for dumba$$ is, but I bet he heard it numerous times.
John McCain is a liberal. He said so himself.
Not fair, R D......
February 29, 2008 - 21:07 ET by motherbeltYou should have put a "Spew Alert" on that! ROFL!!
Right Idea - Wrong Country
March 1, 2008 - 00:31 ET by zeestephenToo bad Mr. Boyle wasn't seeking Martin Luther King's birthplace.
In America he could have stayed in a different Salvation Army shelter each night, received dinner and breakfast, and stopped off at any of 100,000 churches that provide free lunches each day.
He could also get Emergency Food Stamps (or Card), usually with no I.D., or he could have filled his back pack at a food bank.
Game, set, and (social welfare) match to cruel, heartless America.
In America he could have
March 1, 2008 - 06:27 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsIn America he could have stayed in a different Salvation Army shelter each night, received dinner and breakfast, and stopped off at any of 100,000 churches that provide free lunches each day.
Wait, you don't mean the same fascist BushAmerika we have heard a never ending whine from the left about actually lets freeloaders exist and doesn't black helicopter whisk them away into the night, never to be seen again???
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
Don't give the freeloader
March 1, 2008 - 07:49 ET by danboDon't give the freeloader ideas.
Those folks have enough with people who really need help and who for whatever reason can't make it. They already have too many freeloaders who sap their resources. They don't need another.
"There is a clear attempt to establish truth not by scientific methods but by perpetual repetition."
- Richard S. Lindzen, Ph.D. Professor of Meteorology, MIT
Danbo
March 1, 2008 - 09:23 ET by ahusserCan't wait for taxpayer funded universal health care for the freeloader boom. It will take freeloading to new heights.
wow God forbid a country
March 1, 2008 - 21:48 ET by red_dragon311wow God forbid a country wanted people who visit that to speak the language of that country.
I was a professional twice over - an analyst and a therapist. The world's first analrapist
I'm normally not a fan of
March 1, 2008 - 03:15 ET by BlackwaterI'm normally not a fan of the French but if you don't speak the language, you might want to bring a long a dictionary to translate. Silly man, he's a foreigner expecting others to change for him! lol
"Mass genocide is the most exhausting activity one can engage in, outside of
soccer." (Dogma)
"Silly man, he's a
March 1, 2008 - 13:19 ET by MikeB"Silly man, he's a foreigner expecting others to change for him!" Kinda like the illegal immigrants who demand signage and "free" public education for their children in their language? Like muslim immigrants who want Sharia Law in European countries and in the United States? Perhaps we should take a lesson from the French in this instance.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
Too bad Mr. Boyle isn't
March 1, 2008 - 13:27 ET by RESTLESS 1Too bad Mr. Boyle isn't Mexican. Then all of the libs would be chastising French people for not knowing Spanish.
"They should have a sign at the airport, 'If you don't know the language, get the f@#k out of the country'. Oh wait, they do have it, it's in Spanish" -Dice.
He should have brought along more granola.
February 29, 2008 - 20:51 ET by R D HelmWhen crunchies travel, they should always make sure to bring enough granola along.
John McCain is a liberal. He said so himself.
I'm just wondering....
February 29, 2008 - 20:58 ET by c5thenAre all the "Freeconomy" club members such narcissistic morons?
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
Hmmm...
February 29, 2008 - 20:59 ET by Warner Todd HustonMy guess... YES!
WTH
March 1, 2008 - 13:30 ET by RESTLESS 1Agreed. I just wish they would take their "freeconomy" belief to it's logical conclusion, if you know what I mean. :)
If he wants peace he can
February 29, 2008 - 21:02 ET by rbosqueIf he wants peace he can protest in front of Bin Laden's cave. Go luck to him!
Soooo close
February 29, 2008 - 21:14 ET by Mica the MagnificentRaul Castro (on the phone with Boyle supporter):
Mark Boyle is walking for peace? Big deal! How far will he walk? . . .
What's that? Oh.....oh...wow! He will walk to Porbaner India?
Well that changes everything!
OPEN THE PRISONS! LET'S GET A STOCK MARKET STARTED! FREE THE . . .
What's that? . . . oh?
He only made it to France?
Nevermind.
Good one Mica
February 29, 2008 - 21:25 ET by VT Con ManShort version= noone cares.
The delicious irony=he lay down his walking stick...wait for it...in France.
bwaaa haaa haaaa
the lame of our society (liberals) have to "make a statement" then wallow in simpering, sulky drivel when their "statement" is a complete flop, and it accomplishes absolutely nothing.
There was some good, VT
February 29, 2008 - 21:33 ET by Mica the MagnificentThere was a good thing happen in all of this: The French workers demanded and got an annual 'Mark Boyle Turned Away' day off.
Geez!
March 1, 2008 - 13:32 ET by RESTLESS 1Like the French need any more days off. :>(
I know! Instead of
March 1, 2008 - 14:06 ET by JerryI know! Instead of marking holidays on their calendars, they mark work days. It saves a lot of time and ink.
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).
even forrest gump had the
February 29, 2008 - 21:28 ET by Edhenryeven forrest gump had the sense to have a few sheckles (pounds here) when he ran.
When the left creates a parody of themselves, encourage them.
Could not help but think
February 29, 2008 - 21:20 ET by general companyCould not help but think about my Brother here.
About 5 yrs ago my Brother decided to ride his Bicycle across the country. He lives in Md, but thought he would head to NC to visit our Sister first. Then he headed for Seattle Wa another sister there. He rode about 50-80 miles a day. People offered food, shelter, company, and he made it in under 40 days. He told me that it did not cost him near what he expected and if he new he would had been able to do it so quickly, he would had walked it.
Maybe this misguided fellow decided to walk to the wrong place? My Brother did it because he wanted to, he just loves the people.
"Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest". Mark Twain
Cool story, gc
February 29, 2008 - 21:37 ET by BlondePerhaps the moral of the story is that your brother expected to pay his way....and didn't expect a free ride. With that sort of an attitude, he made friends and had a great time. And was offered hospitality.
This british dude, though, as most socialists view the world, thought it was his due that people feed, clothe, and shelter him.
Hmmmm....and the lesson is?????
Later....freeloaders!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
~
February 29, 2008 - 22:26 ET by general companyYea, my Brother is very likeable, not the abrasive type I am. He learned this Country is a great giving place for everyone with a smile.
"Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest". Mark Twain
And as an added bonus...
February 29, 2008 - 22:42 ET by RiharYour brother knows how to speak English. As Bugs Bunny always said: "When in Slabovia, do as the other slobs do."
When a liberal speaks, the truth is busy elsewhere.
My wife's aunt and uncle
March 1, 2008 - 08:35 ET by WhoIsJohnGaltdid the same thing when they retired in their late sixties...rode from Bar Harbor, Maine to Washington on their bicycles with many detours. They rode over four thousand miles in three months, and being from Connecticut, and conservatives, they were slightly surprised at the attitudes of the people along the way. Very helpful, supportive, encouraging, sharing...except for the east coast and the west coast...the liberal enclaves. That's right, the most generous, sharing people were in the middle of the country, the "fly-over" areas that are populated by those evil conservative rubes...
Huh...who'da guessed? <feign surprise>
excellent
February 29, 2008 - 21:46 ET by bigpapamaybe if the stinking hippie had offered to trade (gasp) dare I say it "work" for food....
his trek might have been..... whatever the hell it was supposed to be.
As a person who has watched
February 29, 2008 - 22:52 ET by CJK51As a person who has watched entirely too much television in my life, I am reminded of the episode of "Futurama" when the crew was being protested by a group of outraged vegetarians for finding a new food. One of the protesters said they taught a lion to like toufu (and this was the mangiest looking lion you could imagine).
Professor Farnsworth, over 150-years-old, cranky and semi-lucid, yelled to the crowd, "Get off my land!" The leader of the protesters replied, "You can't own land, man!" The Professor added, "Yes, I can, because I'm not a penniless hippie!" And beaned him in the head with a brick.
When even the French turn you away, I'd say it's time to rethink the hippie lifestyle.
Thanks, CJK....I nearly
March 1, 2008 - 07:39 ET by motherbeltThanks, CJK....I nearly spewed my coffee!! ROFL
Now I wish I had watched that show when it was on!
Sorry about the coffee spew,
March 1, 2008 - 14:45 ET by CJK51Sorry about the coffee spew, Motherbelt, but fret not. Reruns of "Futurama" are on Comedy Central, weeknights at 9 p.m. This episode in question is called "The Problem with Popplers." There's a great moment at the end when the hippie gets eaten by an alien. Wishful thinking! :-)
Peace, love,
February 29, 2008 - 23:36 ET by JoggerNotdreadlocks, skinheads, for sure, far out, wow man, peace, love, did i say wow allready? The free ride folks are taking the (our) system down the toilet. Everywhere. In every country, every county, state, and city. None of the US pres candidates denies this...but we can "hope" .."change" "peace" "love" "hillary care" "etc" free ride for peace...indeed..
Addendum...Fools....Go to work.
February 29, 2008 - 23:59 ET by JoggerNotNothing will make you feel as good about your self, than an honest paycheck, Try it, Ya Might Like It!
merci beaucoup
March 1, 2008 - 00:03 ET bySmith Barney
No Poofdas
double merci
March 1, 2008 - 00:06 ET by BlondeIl n'y a pas de quois, mon petit.
(Sorry, french spelling has gone to hell in a handbasket....loose translation...it's nothing, my dear).
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
B
March 1, 2008 - 00:16 ET byyou can out do my French with half your brain tied behind your back.
No Poofdas
Are you nuts?
March 1, 2008 - 07:54 ET by Seabeach4348This lazy bum WORK to support himself?
That would be against the tenets of the Freeconomy (translation: NO economy)
Why doesn't hippie Boyle take a walk to Al-Qeda, the Taliban, Islamic Jihad, etc, and convince them that he came all that way to change their minds?
I wonder what they would say to him (or do to him)?
Hellooo....
March 1, 2008 - 00:11 ET by mastersofdeceitDumpster Diving is free!!
Soo the "supporters" apparently didn't support so much. They could have formed a network where they shipped food ahead to a location.
But I guess that would require a "supporter" to actually open up a wallet and contribute to a free economy.
mod
March 1, 2008 - 00:15 ET by BlondeAre you sure you are not working for Obama's campaign? You know...change...Kumbaya?
He wants us all to contribute to a free economy....only the contributions are going to be mandatory.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde this "change" stuff
March 1, 2008 - 00:58 ET by mastersofdeceitBlonde this "change" stuff is getting out of hand.
I could use some change in my own city council. Today I received my sample ballot for our upcoming Gen Election on 4/8. Gee it's a great race, 5 people on the ballot, 3 of which are incumbents. Curiously there are only 2 talking about "change" : 0
If you notice there's a lack of info on "candidate" Joe Marisco, it's because he's our token; well let's just call him "disillusioned person", that runs every time. The paper sample ballot has their statements and occupations listed. This guy has been light years ahead of Obama:
Occupation: Works for Miracles
mod - No Kidding!
March 1, 2008 - 01:07 ET by BlondeYa'll are in some serious need of change....like changing that Spanish ballot into something I can understand! (Well, not quite, I can understand most of it, I'm in SoFla, afterall).
Hey...."Works for Miracles". I can top that:
My good friend, the wind surfer, went out to the crazy river in Oregon where the wind blows 60 mph all summer. After windsurfing all day, she returned to the beach. To find a sign on her dog's collar...."will do tricks for french fries".
Do you think Obama would to tricks for fries?
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
lol! careful there : )
March 1, 2008 - 01:18 ET by mastersofdeceitlol!
careful there : )
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
March 1, 2008 - 01:21 ET by BlondeI get banished for suggesting Obama would do tricks for fries?
I know for a fact, a FACT, that Hillary would do tricks for fries, um, delegates. Um, not tricks, um, um....help me out here, MOD!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Silly Blonde, tricks are
March 1, 2008 - 06:22 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsSilly Blonde, tricks are for kids!
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
The inhumanity! The
March 1, 2008 - 07:43 ET by danboThe inhumanity! The pettiness! Expecting money!
We're planning to go to europe next year. Think of the enlightenment of the people of europe being able to see a real live American conservative. And a climate realist to boot.
Think of the growth from this cultual exchange.
Should I send my hotel bills to the Guardian?
Being this is such an important opportunity for mankind, there should be nothing less than 1st class hotels and food. Though we could be put up in palaces or manors.
I will take contributions to further this opportunity for cultual exchange and growth.
This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone. All mankind.
"There is a clear attempt to establish truth not by scientific methods but by perpetual repetition."
- Richard S. Lindzen, Ph.D. Professor of Meteorology, MIT
WOW!
March 1, 2008 - 09:01 ET by okiehawk44This guy is about 3-4 decades late. I think in the '70s guys like this were called "Hippies" and lived the alternative lifestyle for a while travelling around in colorful old school buses (Hugh Romney aka Wavy Gravy?) and lived in communes in New Mexico (Buffalo Nickel or Tree Frog?). Of course Mr. Boyle can find most of those mentors retired now with $$$$$$$ earned on Wall Street -- ah, the free life. They live in France too Boyle and I'll wager one of the folks who slammed the door of their lovely chateau in your freeloading face belonged to a one of those old Hippies.
I'm shocked. The guy
March 1, 2008 - 09:29 ET by Jack BauerI'm shocked.
The guy clearly has terrific dress sense, and in no way can be considered a total frackin' loser testing out new colors for Gitmo jump suits.
Let them eat cake
March 1, 2008 - 10:27 ET by CobraManA French woman remarked "let him eat cake" when Mr. Boyle asked for a little cheese and bread.
Boyle the Incurious
March 1, 2008 - 11:39 ET by sherlock1I wonder if this intellectual giant ever took the leap of thought to ask himself exactly where those from whom he expected food and shelter would have gotten it for themselves, and how? I doubt it.
What would be interesting would be a fair test of which country, and which region of which country, would be the most welcoming to a stranger with nothing but an appetite, and not one for work, either. From the stats on charitable contributions I have seen, I think the US would win, and the places in the US where conservative Christians tend to live would win as a region.
All that said, my own experience in France was that the attempt to use even a few words of the language usually resulted in the miraculous discovery of yet another person with some workable English, seldom fluent but willing to meet you halfway. Even standing on the corner looking at a map was often enough to get people coming up to you asking in English if you needed help! To be sure, I was wearing a small American flag pin, and it was early June, and the people were usually elderly gentlemen, if you get my drift.
In 3 weeks in Paris (but not as a bum), I found exactly ONE person who met the rude-to-foreigners stereotype, and it was a person paid to be nice to foreigners... the "lady" at the Information Booth in the Metro!!
WTH...Hillarious
March 1, 2008 - 12:59 ET by LionKingI really enjoyed this story and your sarcastic quips.
Freeconomy Movement? ... That's Priceless!!! Without currency, these free goods they desire would not be produced. It figures that a liberal loon cannot understand these basic principles of economics.
Thank you
March 1, 2008 - 13:46 ET by Warner Todd HustonI had fun with this one.
"The freeconomy movement
March 1, 2008 - 13:14 ET by MikeB"The freeconomy movement imagines that everything can be free, that money is unnecessary." Well, no and yes. Yes, if you have a small economy, then money is unnecessary...it's called barter. Even in a barter economy, ain't nothing free. You have to have something to trade for the goods and services you need or want.
These freeconomy idiots at best are deluded fools. At worst, they are closet communists (or, maybe, not so closeted).
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
He was our last hope.
March 1, 2008 - 14:54 ET by FAQsAs Yoda once said, "No. There is another." There is another hope for mankind. A man running for President who will bring hope and change to the world.