Taking the Reconquista concept all the way to the end, Absolut Vodka launched an ad campaign that appears on billboards and at least one magazine that features a map of the western U.S. and Mexico with nearly the entire west coast appearing as a part of Mexico. This ad appears in Quien Magazine, which is owned by Time Warner and also appears on billboards in Mexico. Quien claims a "total audience" of 513,000 readers in Mexico and the southwestern U.S.
The map covers what used to be Mexico's claimed borders before our 1846 war with them from which the U.S. took possession of California, Texas, New Mexico, etc. But, the ad shows those states as part of Mexico with the "Estados Unidos De America" situated to the north and east of the "Absolut World" Mexico.
In a day when immigration issues are incendiary between our two countries, Time Warner accepting ads that stirs Mexico's sentiments to "take back" parts of the U.S. (as the term Reconquista means) as their own territory is quite extraordinary.
One would think that such a hot button issue would have raised a few eyebrows with Time Warner? Even worse, this ad never raised a fuss with anyone even as ads for other products were pulled because of "offending" people.
Last year, a Snickers ad was pulled from airing on TV when gay activist groups complained that the ad, which showed two men eating a snickers and accidentally locking lips, was "offensive" to gays. A GoDaddy ad was pulled in 2005 for sexual content. A pro-life ad was even pulled in Ontario this year because the pro-life message was somehow "offensive."
Yet, an ad showing the west coast reconquered by Mexico doesn't raise a peep?
Michelle Malkin has a page on this, so does Hot Air, Snappedshot.com and Gateway Pundit, among others.
If you'd like to voice your concern to the importer of the alcohol, try V&S Group.
They can be reached at the follow email addresses:
Claes Åkesson, VP Corporate Responsibility - claes.akesson@vsgroup.com
Sofia Leffler Moberg, Manager Corporate Responsibility - sofia.leffler.moberg@vsgroup.com
Jacob Broberg, Senior Vice President V&S Corporate Affairs & Communications - jacob.broberg@vsgroup.com
Bengt Barron, CEO - bengt.barron@vsgroup.com
Contact information for Absolut:
Jeffrey Moran
Director of Public Relations and Events
The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.
1370 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
USA
Phone, direct: +1 212 641 87 20
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
the end of that
April 3, 2008 - 08:32 ET by CatherwoodIf I did still drink (I quit in '07'), I would never buy another bottle of Absolut. At least I can encourage my still drunk friends not to buy it. One has to wonder if the makers of Absolut realize how insulting that ad is to Americans, drunk or not.
Well it's time to add Absolute
April 3, 2008 - 11:06 ET by kgWell it's time to add Absolute to the PC and political companies and entertainers. Ford was added several years ago. Miller was added this year. Google was added last year. Numerous actors have been added as well. They will not receive any of my hard earned money.
Whenever something I support decides to over step their customer base to make political or PC statements I then refuse to support them any longer. I get enough of this crap from the news media and politicians.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
The Power of Booze
April 3, 2008 - 08:33 ET by RiharClearly it's saying:
Attention Mexicans! Our vodka will help you conquer other countries! Drink up!
Brought to you by the Booze Council.
When a liberal speaks, the truth is busy elsewhere.
This is weird...
April 3, 2008 - 08:36 ET by sarcasmoAbsolut's vodka, not tequila; and it's imported from Sweden, not Mexico. I don't understand why they'd care enough to risk offending drinkers in either country...
But I'm sure that whatever nameless-bureaucrat it is in the NFL who killed that GoDaddy ad is pure evil.
JMR
A corruption-story the TV media will-not cover.
simply taking to their market
April 3, 2008 - 16:47 ET by UndercoverConservativeyou think illegals are that picky in their booze? Or that mexican illegals are different than other redneck trailer trash?
The same chumps that'll tune into ads from anything that caters to their "motherland" would buy the booze because it caters to their religion of racism.
bet I'll be finding bottles of this in the dumpster in the coming weeks.
"to call an illegal immigrant an "undocumented alien" is the same as calling a streetcorner drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist".
sorry double post
April 3, 2008 - 16:48 ET by UndercoverConservativeweirdness.
"to call an illegal immigrant an "undocumented alien" is the same as calling a streetcorner drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist".
Wow Warner,In this time
April 3, 2008 - 08:42 ET by LeonWow Warner,
In this time of war, presidential election, and economic upheaval, it's great to see that you're still out there pounding the pavement and drilling down on the issues that REALLY matter.
You've officially become a joke.
This ad is obviously faecetious and entirely in line with the past Absolut advertising.
Reconquista? Give us a break. Go peddle your cheese elsewhere.
Leon, That "Whoosh" sound
April 3, 2008 - 08:53 ET by Hunter12Leon, That "Whoosh" sound was the point of Warren's post going over your head. In an age where our economy is being assailed on many fronts, a company that makes the bulk of their income from a single country basically endorsing the mass influx of illegal immigrants, is a very big deal. The Mexican aliens tap the social and medical welfare systems, spend what money the do spend here in Mexican enclaves within our bigger cities and send the bulk of their income back to Mexico. It's the third largest source of income to Mexico behind oil and tourism.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
Hunter, the Illegal
April 3, 2008 - 13:23 ET by LeonHunter,
the Illegal immigrant slant you're trying to ascribe to this ad is completely fictional.
What does illegal immigration have to do with a 160 year old territory dispute?
All the ad is saying is that in an ABSOLUT world Mexico would have all the land they thinks is theirs.
So what?
Would you be offended by an Ad in Britain that said "In An Absolut World' and then showed America as part of Britain? Doubt it.
I would be offended by a
April 3, 2008 - 13:42 ET by KarmaI would be offended by a similar add in Britain if millions of Britains were entering the US illeagaly as if to "re-take their land".
Illeagal immigration and this ad are absolutely tied together in that respect.
But Karma, Mexicans
April 3, 2008 - 13:49 ET by LeonBut Karma,
Mexicans aren't coming here to retake their land.
They're coming here to get paid.
Leon, yes they are no
April 3, 2008 - 17:09 ET by red_dragon311Leon,
yes they are no doubt, but they are not doing it in a lawful manner.
I ambe no means against immigration....my wife came here 11 years ago on a tourist visa....over stayed it, yadda yadda yadda...after 10 years of marrige and 3 kids later nuff said.
We need to have a better way of handling immigration.... it was easier for 19 men to get student visas then a family of 4 could get a tourist visa with a natural born American ( me) as the sponser.
THAT to me is a problem....that and we don't enforce the laws we already have.
I am not against immagrants working here either, we need to rehash the guest worker program .....and when the visa is expired ....lets follow up with these people and not let the "slip into the shadows"
But this add is just pandering to mexicans, plain and simple.
I was a professional twice over - an analyst and a therapist. The world's first analrapist
Red Dragon, I agree with
April 3, 2008 - 17:16 ET by LeonRed Dragon,
I agree with everything you said. I'm 100% anti-illegal immigration, however, I have no animosity toward the actual immigrants that are coming here illegally.
I'd do the same exact thing if I lived in a garbage country right next to the greatest country in the world.
I only blame one group of people for this current crisis. AMERICANs that hire illegals. All of our anger, all our resources, and all of our solutions need to be aimed at them. They are 100% to blame for the contemporary illegal immigrant situation.
My interpretation of the ad is that it is of course pandering to Mexicans and a part of their history that most probably enjoy to hear about. Isn't that the point of advertising?
However, I don't think the ad has anything to illegal immigration at all. And this notion of being concerned about some miniscule, fringe group of people that think the Southwestern US should be a part of Mexico is absolutely absurd.
Do you mean
April 3, 2008 - 18:56 ET by DarkCurrentDo you mean you don't like crime, but have no animosity toward the actual criminals committing crime?
And are you implying Mexico is a garbage country?
DarkCurrent, 1) I see
April 4, 2008 - 07:56 ET by LeonDarkCurrent,
1) I see where you're going with this and you have a valid point. I guess my the main point of my lack of animosity towards illegals is that getting angry at them will accomplish nothing. It's obvious why they come here and we'd all do the same. We need to focus our animosity on business owners that hire illegals. If we can shut them down, we can significantly stem the tide of illegals coming into our country.
2) In terms of scenery, Mexico is a beautiful country. Plus they have amazingly beautiful women. A friend of mine from Mexico City always used to show me pictures of all the girls down there with black hair and green eyes. Great combo. So the physical country isn't garbage, but the economic opportunities for the common Mexican citizen are.
Mexico
April 4, 2008 - 08:12 ET by AgnosticDon't forget that the Mexican government encourages the illegal immigration and therefore deserve some of your animosity as well. In fact they blame is doubled since they no only encourage the Mexican people to go to America they have created a country many want to flee.
Ag, Perhaps, but I don't see
April 4, 2008 - 08:34 ET by LeonAg,
Perhaps, but I don't see how that information impacts the solution to the problem.
Leon,
April 4, 2008 - 09:03 ET by AgnosticBecause the solution should not be as simple as removing their reason for coming to the United States by just making sure they can't get jobs. Part of the solution also needs to be a desire for Mexico to keep their population and grow socially and economically. If the UN was a legitimate source of leadership this is something they could accomplish easily in a country filled with such a variety of resources. But as usual they are more concerned with pilfering money from successful countries then helping out those that need aide. (sorry about the off topic rant) Anyway, political pressure needs to be applied to the Mexican government so that the people get to retain some of the riches their nation has to offer and not everything ends up in the hands of a few business owners and the government.
Of course this can't come from America because we would just be bullies but with the money we have in oil from Mexico we could certainly get behind any suggestion coming from another government.
However, with the recent mortgage relief bill coming soon and others like it the US government may soon be as bad as the Mexican.
Leon, Territory dispute?
April 3, 2008 - 14:26 ET by ConservativeRexLeon, Territory dispute? LOL! Disputed by who? Mexicans?
I could care less what issues Mexico has worked up in their fevered minds concerning territory. That's ridiculous. As far as what Absolut is trying to convey, they realize they are being provocative with this ad. It is a hot button issues in the United States at the moment. If they are willing to lose the business of a lot of their main customers, that is their right to do so. I won't try to stop them from hanging themselves.
Futhermore, Cinco de Mayo is a made up holiday brought to Mexicans by Budweiser and Bud Light. And it's only by our good graces they are allowed to celebrate it on our soil. But it appears our good graces are wearing thin. So we'll see how long that continues.
CR, You should always
April 3, 2008 - 14:30 ET by LeonCR,
You should always make sure to read every word.
You left out the most important part of that sentence. 160 YEAR OLD territory dispute. The dispute happend 160 years ago.
Get it?
Wow. Great pick up.
Furthermore, I severely doubt they will suffer any negative consequences from this ad. How silly.
Why not focus your anger on the Americans that hire illegals instead of an ad that one could make a convoluted argument about it supposedly supporting illegal immigration?
"Why not focus your anger
April 3, 2008 - 17:16 ET by red_dragon311"Why not focus your anger on the Americans that hire illegals instead of an ad that one could make a convoluted argument about it supposedly supporting illegal immigration? "
Leon I couldn't agree more
I was a professional twice over - an analyst and a therapist. The world's first analrapist
Red, This is what I don't
April 3, 2008 - 17:21 ET by LeonRed,
This is what I don't get about the illegal immigration debate.
The solution is so simple. We simply have to enforce the laws we have on the books.
Heck, it's even easier than that. Police your own communities. If you hear of people hiring illegals, do something about it.
Punish the people supporting illegal immigration - those that hire illegals. They will stop coming here illegally if they know they won't be able to get a job.
Even better:
April 3, 2008 - 18:58 ET by DarkCurrentwork both ends of the problem
What do you mean.....Leon
April 3, 2008 - 19:00 ET by red_dragon311What do you mean.....Leon has a valid point. Lets stop hiring them and then they will stop coming.
I was a professional twice over - an analyst and a therapist. The world's first analrapist
Wrong! As long as they
April 4, 2008 - 08:24 ET by NL207Wrong! As long as they can come here and obtain Public Assistance, it will remain a problem.
Dark, What's the other end
April 4, 2008 - 07:58 ET by LeonDark,
What's the other end of the problem?
As far as I can tell, there's only one problem - Americans hiring illegals.
We have an obvious solution, we just need to enforce it.
Enforce border security AND enforce laws against hiring illegals
April 4, 2008 - 08:23 ET by DarkCurrent- put pressure on both supply and demand.
Dark, Well sure, enforce
April 4, 2008 - 08:35 ET by LeonDark,
Well sure, enforce border security, but as we've seen that is no easy task.
My feeling is that it's much easier to police our own people. It's not hard to figure out which industries are prone to hiring illegals. Target them, and take any violators down.
Territory dispute? What
April 3, 2008 - 16:42 ET by BDTerritory dispute? What dispute?
The history is quite clear.
BD, It was never a dispute
April 3, 2008 - 16:58 ET by LeonBD,
It was never a dispute for us, but the Mexicans claimed those borders prior to 1846 as Warner noted in his post.
That's clearly what I was talking about.
Please show me a single
April 3, 2008 - 17:15 ET by BDPlease show me a single document in which the Mexican Governmment has disputed or decided to abrogate the Treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo or the pay us back from the Gadsden Purchase?
Historically, it is not disputed.
Not publicly no. but
April 3, 2008 - 17:17 ET by red_dragon311Not publicly no.
but ask any Native Mexican, the US stole that land....THATS who they are trying to get with this add.
I was a professional twice over - an analyst and a therapist. The world's first analrapist
Sure, but it has the same
April 3, 2008 - 17:27 ET by BDSure, but it has the same sway as:
The key is what is OFICIALLY disputed by legitimate government.
yes it does, but they are
April 3, 2008 - 18:17 ET by red_dragon311yes it does, but they are just pandering to the lowest common denominator.
trying to get mexicans to drink Vodka by saying " look at us...we feel like you do....buy our vodka"
I was a professional twice over - an analyst and a therapist. The world's first analrapist
BD, What are you talking
April 3, 2008 - 17:19 ET by LeonBD,
What are you talking about?
Prior to the Mexican American War, did Mexico not try to claim parts of modern day America as their own?
I never claimed the Mexican government has disputed the Treaty of Hidalgo. I explicitly stated several times that the disputes were before 1846. This ad is clearly harkening back to those pre-Mexican American war territory disputes.
You said their was a
April 3, 2008 - 17:28 ET by BDYou said their was a dispute. I asked for proof that it existed.
Ask any Mexican if the US
April 3, 2008 - 18:43 ET by red_dragon311Ask any Mexican if the US stole that land from Mexico.
THERE is the dispute.......
I was a professional twice over - an analyst and a therapist. The world's first analrapist
Since it is not the policy
April 4, 2008 - 09:43 ET by BDSince it is not the policy of their government, there is no official dispute.
What dispute?
April 4, 2008 - 13:42 ET by general companyWhat does illegal immigration have to do with a 160 year old territory dispute?
What dispute?
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
So a hypothetical Jack Daniels ad
April 3, 2008 - 08:53 ET by sarcasmoWhich advocates the USA's annexation of Mexico & turning it into an English-only 51st state would not cause various media-watchers of the left to go, er...Absolut-nuts? Hmmmmm. Color me dubious.
JMR
A corruption-story the TV media will-not cover.
sarc -- now that's an
April 3, 2008 - 08:58 ET by Jack Bauersarc -- now that's an interesting idea. The American taxpayer seems to be subsidizing Mexico's social programs anyway.
And there's hasn't been a new State for 49 years. Think of the oil.
... and all our politicians
April 3, 2008 - 09:04 ET by Hunter12... and all our politicians want to treat that southen line like a state border anyway. The only problem would be all those Costa Ricans trying to sneak into the state of Mexico.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
Advantage to annexing Mexico
April 3, 2008 - 13:40 ET by nkviking75Well, at least we'd need a much shorter wall on our new southern border.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Actually it just means more
April 3, 2008 - 13:41 ET by balboaActually it just means more Mexican immigrants sneaking into Missouri, Arkansas, the Dakotas, etc.
This means tens of millions of new
April 3, 2008 - 19:29 ET by DarkCurrentAmericans, and no more illegal Mexican immigrants to the US! There'd be no "Mexicans" at all, just "Formerly-Mexican-Americans" and a handful of "IMR" (Insurrectos Mexicanos Residuales) in remote pockets near Guatamala
If we made Mexico a state
April 3, 2008 - 11:15 ET by ChaitealoverOne of the first things the Democrat congress would do is forbid the drilling of oil there. So the rest of us would wind up paying increased taxes to support even more Mexicans than we do now.
Chai
“...Bury me on my face,” said Diogenes; and when he was asked why, he replied, “Because in a little while everything will be turned upside down.”
OTOH, suddenly...
April 3, 2008 - 11:26 ET by sarcasmoAll of Mexico's current drugwar-corruption problems would magically and instantly disappear, since that stuff only happens "down there" and by definition Mexico wouldn't be "down there" anymore.
JMR
PS Gotta love those "interesting" racial-stats in my link for that holy and ostensibly-nonracist tax & spend drugwar, eh?
A corruption-story the TV media will-not cover.
I actually have thought
April 3, 2008 - 11:10 ET by kgI actually have thought that allowing Mexico to become lets say 4 states of the USA would solve a multitude of problems for both countries.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
but...
April 3, 2008 - 11:22 ET by Warner Todd Hustonbut with the drug gangs and the far worse and endemic political corruption there, it would probably add far more. Plus we'd have the different languages problem. Which is, by the way, why we gave Mexico back to the Mexicans after we beat their asses in 1846!
Warner, we could just anex
April 3, 2008 - 11:26 ET by bassndudeWarner, we could just anex them, take over their goverment, and really screw them up.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!
LOL
April 3, 2008 - 11:27 ET by Warner Todd HustonLOL
really screw them
April 3, 2008 - 13:44 ET by Jack BauerJust send all the liberals south. That should do it rapido.
I have "made it"...
April 3, 2008 - 09:38 ET by Warner Todd HustonNow I know I'm on the right track. Thanks for the validation from the loony left, I know that I am doing well.
No Seriously Warner, I
April 3, 2008 - 13:29 ET by LeonNo Seriously Warner,
I can't believe they pay you for this tripe.
You haven't written a worthwhile article in months.
You call me loony while you cry about some innocuous ad and instruct your few readers to waste their time protesting NOTHING. Right. Good one Warner.
Keep up the good fight! I'm certain your outrage will make Absolut pay for their transgressions. Ha.
...insert rolling eyes
April 3, 2008 - 13:34 ET by Warner Todd Huston...insert rolling eyes smiley here.
Hey it's your faux career
April 3, 2008 - 13:37 ET by LeonHey it's your faux career not mine.
If you want to waste your energy and your obvious writing talent on garbage gossip rag style articles, then by all means, proceed.
I always love the various
April 3, 2008 - 13:41 ET by Warner Todd HustonI always love the various half-wits and fools who come back day in and day out to read and then comment upon my work yet who want to say that my work is not worth their time.... day in and day out.
It really does me a great turn because every click is credit in my pocket.
WTH, No I come to
April 3, 2008 - 13:53 ET by LeonWTH,
No I come to Newsbusters to read and comment on works that deal with important topics.
Unfortunately, they post your articles on the same page, making your garbage unavoidable.
Furthermore, I never said you weren't worth my time. I enjoy pointing out how worthless your contributions to this website are.
Fortunately...
April 3, 2008 - 13:59 ET by Warner Todd Huston...you are in a distinct minority. And deservedly so.
My proportionate position
April 3, 2008 - 14:04 ET by LeonMy proportionate position in the Newsbusters community is completely irrelevant to the validity of your work.
You have an opportunity to reach a good number of people and say something of importance. Instead you try to manufacture controversy around some stupid ad that has no impact on anything in the grand scheme of things.
Hey, by all means, keep on trucking. If you can go to bed at night and actually think you've made a difference, then good for you.
Sadly, most rational people would disagree with your self-assessment.
Would that be an....
April 3, 2008 - 08:42 ET by Jack BauerWould that be an...
JB, Too cut. That
April 3, 2008 - 12:06 ET by JerryJB,
Too cut. That probably does constitut an absolut insult. Stuff like that makes me want to puk.
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).
I drink Grey Goose anyway
April 3, 2008 - 08:43 ET by RedinaBlueStateLooks like there's ANOTHER product to boycott and a company to send letters to.
Hit 'em in the pocket; the only sure way to get their attention.
What's the penalty for treason these days?
How about investing your
April 3, 2008 - 08:47 ET by LeonHow about investing your time doing something that matters?
What are you talking about?
April 3, 2008 - 09:21 ET by RedinaBlueStateInvesting my time in something that matters?
Exercising my right as a citizen and consumer to voice my displeasure about a product DOESN'T matter? What planet are you on?
oh, and by the way...
Press inquiries from the US, please contact:
Sarah E. Bessette, Public Relations Manager
The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.
401 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
USA
Phone, direct: 212 641 8653
Fax: 212 641 87 03
E-mail: sarah.bessette@absolut.com
What's the penalty for treason these days?
RedinaBlueState...
April 3, 2008 - 09:37 ET by jpatchRedinaBlueState...
Great post.
Thanks for that information.
Actually, I'm in NYC, I actually have an errand to run in a little while on 57th and 7th, maybe I'll drop off a letter by hand down on 401 Park!!!
Then we should...
April 3, 2008 - 11:48 ET by RedinaBlueStateCreate a new login name called "TwoRedsinaBlueState" <wink>
I work in Midtown as well....
What's the penalty for treason these days?
Deal!
April 3, 2008 - 14:58 ET by jpatchI'm getting one of my friends here to convert...I've been working on her for a while. I'll have her register as "RedinaBlueStateII".
I actually just moved back to NY from Columbus, Ohio. The heartland!! Go Buckeyes!!
Leon...
April 3, 2008 - 09:33 ET by jpatchHeed your own advice.
You don't seem to be able to comprehend the depth and complexity of the issues that we wish to confront here. Try to add something of substance to the conversation, otherwise, please refrain from wasting our time with childish insults. We're attempting to combat and expose liberal media bias...which also means pointing out hypocrisy in the media. Try to understand.
Peace.
jpatch,Depth and
April 3, 2008 - 13:39 ET by Leonjpatch,
Depth and complexity of a harmless liquor ad recalling a 160 year old border dispute in a humorous fashion?
Yeah, you're right. That is pretty complex.
Another great example that proves that the right has now firmly taken the WHINER mantle over from the left. Whine whine whine about everything. A day in the life of a rightie must be miserable. Angry and offended about everything.
Harmless? Like beauty, it is all in the eye of the...
April 3, 2008 - 14:49 ET by jpatchBehold cartoons of Muhammed with a burkabomb. Those were cartoons...and, were they not quite accurate? Do we not see devout members of the Prophet Muhammad's teachings blowing themselves up daily, in the name of Allah?
It's not that we're whining, nor are we "angry and offended about everything". We try to illustrate bias and hypocrisy here...most of us feel as though this ad is, at least, insulting, if not politically provocative. Moreover, most of us have seen the INSANE OVERREACTIONS of many "minority" groups that may have been "offended" by something that is part of the "majority".
We're just keeping score...no issue is too big or too small, as long as it has merit. And on that issue, there is no question that this advertisement is divisive, provocative and unintelligent, as it is surely going to cause a reduction in sales amongst knowledgeable, politically active patriots.
jpatch, 1) This is in
April 3, 2008 - 14:55 ET by Leonjpatch,
1) This is in no way even remotely comparable to the Mohammaed cartoon mayhem
2) This ad has nothing to do with illegal immigration so I'm not so sure how it could be divisive. It ran in Mexico and it merely references a dispute from the early 1800s. I don't see anything about illegal immigration.
Really?...
April 3, 2008 - 15:15 ET by jpatchSweden isn't tipping their hand here at all? For someone who has been talking about Doyle Brunson, you sure are slow on the uptake...
Look at the ad: "In An Absolut World"...America would be half as powerful.
Their preference would be that America was half the size that it is. It falls right in line with the popular "euro" and American "liberal" viewpoints of America as being the evil, wasteful, gluttonous, imperialistic beacon in the West that needs to be stopped.
Even still, you come on here, chiding Warner and all of us for wasting our time and our energy...what are you doing? Why do you care? Why are you wasting your time?
And what is " Muhammed cartoon mayhem"? Would that be the perfectly allegorical (actually perfectly LITERAL) cartoon that was drawn by a single Dutch man; or the subsequent worldwide protests and death threats by large throngs of "offended" Muslims? I see that event as an attempt by violent, oppressive radical Muslims to suppress free speech. How do you see it?
.
Hey, don't confuse me with him here.
April 3, 2008 - 15:22 ET by sarcasmoI'm the guy making points over on the open thread about what Doyle and probably other online poker players predictably-did, not Leon. These people aren't obsessed with politics and don't care about weirdo-racist preachers. They just want to be left the hell alone. It's a rather simple concept nobody's getting-right, but to players and for their one-issue in politics Obama's the closest-looking to "good" at this point.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
If they want to be left
April 3, 2008 - 15:27 ET by Clear thinkerIf they want to be left alone they should get off of the online poker sites.
"Abstain from McCain"
See other reply...
April 3, 2008 - 15:31 ET by sarcasmoAnd you still make no sense. Sheesh.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Indeed...
April 3, 2008 - 15:30 ET by jpatchThanks for pointing that out.
But did I ask you about why you thought that a government under Obama would NOT be, as you put it, "obese"? He wants government involved with everything.
Where did I ever say that?
April 3, 2008 - 15:36 ET by sarcasmoI've said nothing of the sort.
Quite the contrary. I do, however, think that in the narrow area of leaving online poker players the (think about a dirtier word than hell, ok? I'm experiencing someone literally too dimwitted to be able to imagine our obese government leaving gamblers alone at the moment!) alone, there's a chance Obama might be better than a declared internet control freak like McAmnesty. Nothing more should be read into my words, thanks.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
That is simply
April 3, 2008 - 08:54 ET by Free ThinkerThat is simply irresponsible.
I wonder if the French knew
April 3, 2008 - 09:06 ET by Hunter12I wonder if the French knew about this new ad campaign?
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
I'll be the contrarian today
April 3, 2008 - 09:18 ET by FastEdand I kinda think this would be a good idea! Think of the border problems we're having. The states being "reconquered" are having tax problems, so - - -, let them revert to Mexico! The new border states won't have a problem building a fence.
The other "plus" - look at the BLUE cities that no longer waste money from the general fund, not perfect, but a good start.
Also think, we, the United States, have some areas that are very important to our defense. Those areas will still be ours (the map doesn't show them), and, we have presidence for these areas, see Gitmo, and they can become "safe havens" for those who need to "cross the border" in order to do the work that Americans won't do!
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Absolut-ly outrageous
April 3, 2008 - 09:37 ET by SickofLibsHey Absolut/Sweden, here's another funny map: its Sweden as part of The Third Reich and your bottle label is now in German. Let us laugh heartily as the Vikings once did!
Now, of course Sweden was officially 'neutral' in WWII, except maybe for the ten million tons per year of iron ore it shipped to Nazi Germany so it could stay 'neutral'. That would be the same ten million tons/yr exported that many thought that if halted or interrupted would have ended the war for Germany inside of six months.
But since you fab Swedes have just been named #2 of the the Top 50 Most Stable & Prosperous Countries by Janes Information Service (#1 is The Vatican, pop. 821, and the US is #24) I'm sure you'll be able to absorb the inevitable backlash that will come from publishing this most ill-timed, ill-conceived ad campaign.
ps: Please kick in the groin whoever the Creative Director at your ad agency was who thought that this ad would boost sales. As a former customer, I can personally guarantee that Absolut sales will be at least $250 LESS next year, if you get my drift.
If they are so prosperous,
April 3, 2008 - 09:43 ET by Hunter12If they are so prosperous, I wonder why they are selling off state-owned assets to eliminate debt? Socialized medicine and welfare come to mind. Maybe there has been a huge influx of illegal Mexicans pouring across their borders and the hit on social programs is draining the Swedish economy.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." - Sir Winston Churchill
One Correction
April 3, 2008 - 10:12 ET by MarkGTexas was already a part of the United States of America at the time of the Mexican-American War. We were annexed earlier that year.
Contact Information
April 3, 2008 - 10:34 ET by Gat New YorkIf you want to know who is responsible for this inappropriate advertising, it is:
Mr. Kevin Fennessey
President
The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.
401 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
Telephone: 212-641-8700
Absolut is allowed to tweak our noses...
April 3, 2008 - 10:54 ET by habbyguy... by running a political statement as an advertisement.
We, OTOH, are allowed to drink something - anything - else if we feel the need to get numb.
The same goes for actors, musicians and corporations - I could care less about their political beliefs, UNTIL they use their fame and/or fortune to start pushing a particular political agenda. At that point in time, I will base my purchasing decisions on their advocacy (and that almost always means I wouldn't spend a cent on anything that would directly or indirectly benefit them).
I'm OUTRAGED!!!!
April 3, 2008 - 13:23 ET by balboaI'm OUTRAGED!!!! YEARRRRGHGHGHGHGH!!!
Well...
April 3, 2008 - 13:37 ET by jpatchWe could just gather in the streets with signs that read, "Death to Sweden". Or maybe, "Absolut Death". Unfortunately, most of us are employed and sane.
Good comment though...you're a regular Howard Dean.
I'm trying to find new ways
April 3, 2008 - 13:38 ET by balboaI'm trying to find new ways of saying that I don't think this is not something to get worked up over. It's advertisers trying to make money.
That's exactly the part I don't get, Bal.
April 3, 2008 - 13:54 ET by sarcasmoIs the illegal alien "reconquista" market for expensive vodka larger than the plain old US citizen market? If not, why piss 'em off?? In fact, why take the chance of pissing-off ANYBODY who might get drunk on that brand of booze? They could be coming up with the vodka equivalent of something noncontroversial like the Geico Gekko lizard. I can't understand how these people would pay for an ad like this instead of publishing bloody mary recipes.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
ABSOLUT made my personal boycott list
April 3, 2008 - 13:24 ET by ballwana13I will NOT ever spend another penny on ABSOLUT given this crap.
I'm from Wisconsin where the
April 3, 2008 - 13:57 ET by daveinbocaI'm from Wisconsin where the term "dumb Swede" is part of the vocabulary in most of the state. I'm never drinking that Swedish swill again. The clowns who ran this ad will lose more sales stateside than they will gain in the kleptocratic Narcocracy to the south.
Lyndon Johnson used to say "if you let them in your yard, they will sit on your porch. If they sit on your porch, they will be in the kitchen a little later. Finally, they'll be in your living room and you'll have to move." He taught these worthless dummies for two years after he graduated from San Marcos State. Read Robert Caro for the full version of what LBJ saw as the Mexican menace.Deport them if they don't have papers.
If those cowardly losers want the part of the country they signed away [I visited Guadalupe-Hidalgo site], they can invade and take it. Fat chance! Unless drugs substitute for Dutch courage, they will run like the loo-zers they are.
Dave, I can't figure out
April 3, 2008 - 14:02 ET by LeonDave,
I can't figure out why you're directing so much anger at a harmless ad.
I also can't figure out why people direct their anger at the immigrants personally. Every single one of us would try to come to America if we had been born in the zero opportunity hell hole that is Mexico.
You have every right to be angry about illegal immigration, but I'd suggest you direct it at those responsible for the current situation - American business owners that break the law and hire illegal immigants.
If our own citizens didn't hire these people, they wouldn't come here. It's literally that simple.
So perhaps you should reasses the focal point of your anger.
i see all the "justification"
April 3, 2008 - 18:36 ET by UndercoverConservative"harmless", "no big deal", etc.
But post an ad that doesn't respect or (possibly disrespects just a little by failing to worship) a liberal talking point-gays, Obama, welfare, abortion, street gangs, legalized drugs, Islam-and we've *seen* the ranting, the hatred, the death threats. And those are considered 'normal" human reactions-so why can't we be allowed to feel the same "normal" reactions? because we're not human to you? Or is there something deeper going on, that the only emotions anyone is allowed is what the "political correctness" people have decided?
And yes, we do go after American businesses who break the law, often and loudly here. However, like I said before, the fact that one person does something wrong *does not justify* the "tolerance" of other people doing wrong. Someone is a criminal and hires illegals does not mean that Calle 13, la Raza, and others can come here and commit acts of murder and violence, or "hard working" border jumpers producing anchor children to get state and federal financial assistance *while supporting a ranch and family in Mexico*!
besides, if there was ANY truth to the "hard working just wanna get a job" lie, then why is there need for MORE illegals as soon as a current crop gets amnesty? Shouldn't they still be "hard working" if that's what they *really* came for? Or does citizenship and anchor babies automatically instill some mythical "American Laziness"? Either way, how can you justify that drain while bitching about deficits and government expenditures on security and defense?
"to call an illegal immigrant an "undocumented alien" is the same as calling a streetcorner drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist".
Here here!!!
April 4, 2008 - 10:24 ET by jpatchUndercoverConservative...
Great post.
We will not stop pointing out bias and hypocrisy, no matter how big or small it may be. The survival of our Republic hinges on what happens NOW and in the future. It's time to wake up to reality and stop playing the P.C. game of insanity.
Absolutely going to boycott absolute vodka!
April 3, 2008 - 14:08 ET by c5thenLooks like Smirnoff's business is going to increase a bit.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
I not only will never
April 3, 2008 - 14:10 ET by JerI not only will never purchase or take another sip of Absolut, but I am heading to the sauna to sweat out any molecules which may still remain from my years of drinking the swill.
Jer
Try Finlandia, it's great.
April 3, 2008 - 14:17 ET by sarcasmoThe Finns don't like the Swedes all that much, either, for certain historical reasons...
Absolut's marketing used to be brilliant -- I think they pioneered the tactic of flavored vodkas for more shelf-space/sales. That makes this move look even dumber.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
sarc, You should stand up
April 3, 2008 - 14:19 ET by Leonsarc,
You should stand up before more jokes go over your head.
Do you really think
April 3, 2008 - 14:29 ET by sarcasmoThis doesn't piss people off, given the failures of our government on stopping illegal immigration as promised since the '86 amnesty? It's not a joke, dude. We're annoyed, and I may mock them frequently (see my new sigfile, it's custom-designed to give cognitive dissonance to all the new anti-racists that emerged to attack the Paul campaign for those racist newsletters!) but on this one I'm definitely siding with the conservatives & Warner.
We'll see if Finlandia runs an ad that is stupid-enough to piss off a large, or small, group. I doubt they ever will. Vodka's a competitive market, and Finlandia rocks. This is how companies learn -- and no, I'm not going to contact Absolut and tell them why. Hell, the Swedes are raving welfare-state socialists. I already drink Finlandia anyway, now I just have another reason.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Sarc, I was referring to
April 3, 2008 - 14:35 ET by LeonSarc,
I was referring to Jer's post. Methinks it's dripping with sarcasm.
Furthermore, if you're so angry about the illegal immigrant situation then why don't you demand accountability from those AMERICANS who hire illegals?
As far as I can tell, they're the ones to blame. The only failure of the government is to not punish these people more aggressively.
Again, I don't see how you could even try to make an argument that this ad is pushing illegal immigration. It's a joke about a long gone historical occurence. Please, this is a major stretch.
If it's a joke...
April 3, 2008 - 14:39 ET by sarcasmoIt's even less funny than an average feminist. I can only conclude they're trying to get people angry, under the "any publicity is good" mantra. I don't think it'll work, but time and sales will tell...
JMR
PS I did demand full accountability. My guy lost. I'm over it, we're screwed anyway with all the corporate welfare, so the nest is now soiled beyond repair, IMO.
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Sarc, I have no clue what
April 3, 2008 - 14:42 ET by LeonSarc,
I have no clue what you're talking about.
This ad has nothing to do with illegal immigration. It's a figment of your imagination.
Again, illegal immigrants aren't trying to take back the land they wanted before 1846. They're trying to get paid. So I don't see how this ad in anyway has anything to do with illegal immigration.
This is nothing more than Warner having nothing else to write about.
Best joke of the day nomination:
April 3, 2008 - 14:54 ET by sarcasmo"This ad has nothing to do with illegal immigration." LOL!
If illegals were just trying to get paid, and not trying also to get a wide variety of socialistic state medical services the state shouldn't even be providing to US citizens, much less them, there wouldn't be a problem. There's a big problem. It's not just people like Warner & me with time on our hands to refute you.
There's an obese problem, and it's luring people here illegally. Government has been getting fatter & still failing for decades, under both parties. Aren't you the one who hates fat?? Hate obese government, for once! This is a perfect opportunity.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
since it's all in good fun
April 3, 2008 - 18:38 ET by UndercoverConservativethen there's no problem at all for Warner Bros. to bring back Speedy Gonzales?
"to call an illegal immigrant an "undocumented alien" is the same as calling a streetcorner drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist".
Ha! Great
April 3, 2008 - 14:18 ET by LeonHa! Great post.
Anything short of complete ABSOLUT detoxification will be considered implicit support of illegal immigration.
Whats' the problem?
April 3, 2008 - 15:01 ET by LionKingIf Mexico really wants California, let them have it. What's the problem?
Absolute travesty
April 3, 2008 - 15:34 ET by rcairflyerIf this ad is nothing but an inside joke, it would it be OK if Absolut advertised to environmentalists with eco-terrorist porn images of torched SUVs and McMansions, right? I don't think so.
There are Spanish speaking groups that seriously want to take the south-west sections of the United States. Pandering to them is truly anti-United-States. Since the ad is what the viewer makes of it, I emailed the VS Group executives, and expressed my displeasure. What an absolute travesty.
Insulting
April 3, 2008 - 17:33 ET by Captain KirockI'm a Scotch man myself, but I will no longer buy Absolute & will tell my friends not to buy it also.
One minor correction: the map in the ad roughly displays Mexico's border in 1836 before the Texas Revolution.
Also, Mexico declared independence from Spain in 1821, so the contested land was Mexican for only about 27 years while it had been Spanish for nearly 300 years.
Of course, it's been American for about 160 years. Balance the equities: 27 years v. 160 years.
So we can say the land has
April 3, 2008 - 17:38 ET by Warner Todd HustonSo we can say the land has time served and can be released into the custody of Uncle Sam!
"Also, Mexico declared
April 3, 2008 - 18:59 ET by alamojb"Also, Mexico declared independence from Spain in 1821, so the contested land was Mexican for only about 27 years while it had been Spanish for nearly 300 years."
And it was Indian before and after that. Much of that land was not populated by Mexicans or Spaniards but by Indian tribes who were neither Mexican or Spanish.
The Commanches were having run ins with both the Mexican government and the Spanish government before them.
Basically, the Mexican claim is based on a European land grab by the Spaniards, not a native land claim- though the Mexicans want you to think so. These ancestors of the Aztecs and Mayan Mexicans pouring north across the Rio Grande crossed south long before the first white ever stepped foot in North America.
Speaking of Mexicans, lets not forget the many Tejanos that fought FOR Texas independence from Santa Anna's drive toward Centralized government.
But from the number of Mexican Flags I see around town these days, I suspect they may no longer be in the majority.
One of my co-worker's wife is a 7th grade teacher. The "hispanic" kids in her class ask why they cannot say the pledge of allegiance to the Mexican flag in school.
My parents get a mission type magazine that was recently highlighting one of the Texas based Baptist "Spanish" mission congregations that the Baptist English congregations were supporting monetarily. I could not help but notice the Mexican flag hanging behind the preacher.