Quotes of the day
posted at 10:30 pm on July 1, 2009 by Allahpundit
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“Don’t look now, but the unlikeliest people are being restocked as celebrity inventory: politicians.
Barack Obama made Forbes’ top 100 celebrities this year, the first sitting head of state ever. Obama is now the country’s main celebrity. The cameras are on him, all the time. He gives speeches. That’s his main act, most of the time.
Barack and Michelle. Nancy, Sarah. Arnie. Eliot. Joe. Huck. Mark. Barney.”
***
“It seems to be an unhealthy phenomenon of the modern age that we allow ourselves to focus deep love on people who in life simply couldn’t bear the weight of idolatry thrust upon them.
Of course, it is admirable to express sympathy for these people, but it smacks of the worship of victimhood, rather than achievement.
Great funerals of serious individuals call forth memories in a population of what they most revere. Anyone watching the millions who turned out in the U.S. for Martin Luther King’s funeral, for example, could not doubt that they wished to put behind them the bad days of racial segregation…
But what if these sugary, sentimental, morally empty displays of collective hysteria really do represent the modern soul? Two or three generations have passed in the West who, compared to their historical predecessors, have suffered no real hardship – no wars, no food shortages, no tyrannies.
As we sat in front of the telly or plugged into our iPods, guzzling cheap food and listening to cheap music, did we become bloated on the cheapness and the ease?”
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Hey…. You know Micheal Jackson…… He’s dead…….
doriangrey on July 1, 2009 at 10:31 PM
SP news all day and we get a damn MJ QOTD.
rrrrrrrrrrrrr
Amadeus on July 1, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Just like Jacko, Nancey gets weekly face lifts too. And both were/are egomaniacs.
Lance Murdock on July 1, 2009 at 10:33 PM
MJ died
Obama lied
what’s new?
gatorboy on July 1, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Nancy
Lance Murdock on July 1, 2009 at 10:33 PM
Rep Waxman is in the hospital.
txag92 on July 1, 2009 at 10:33 PM
At first I thought the attention was fine, then puzzling but now Michael Jackson’s has gotten more in depth coverage than Ronald Reagan’s death. It seems bizarre to me.
Cindy Munford on July 1, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Did you hear about Iran?
christene on July 1, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Àll the World,is there stage!!
canopfor on July 1, 2009 at 10:34 PM
Good sentence.
myrenovations on July 1, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…
kg598301 on July 1, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Mistah Jackson – he dead.
We are the hollow men
We are the stuffed men
Leaning together
Headpiece filled with straw…
Siobhan on July 1, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Hugh Hewitt was taking calls on who the next most know celebrity in the world would be. He thinks it is Cher.
Cindy Munford on July 1, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Quick… somebody call a Whammmbulance…. Satan shall be dining on Waxmans putrid soul soon enough…
doriangrey on July 1, 2009 at 10:37 PM
The dumbing down of America.
And Karl Malden died today.
Knucklehead on July 1, 2009 at 10:38 PM
welcome to… “The United States of Celebrity”
Teebone3 on July 1, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Where have all our heroes gone? Why do we no longer have heroes? Instead we get (in)famous celebrities.
Skandia Recluse on July 1, 2009 at 10:40 PM
Mrs. Slocombe, the pink and purple and blue haired lady from the British comedy “Are You Being Served?” died today. Here’s 40-50 seconds of celebrity quotes that will tickle your funny-bone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unmkX15AeN8
PS- she means her cat.
Marcus on July 1, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Ask Tina….
doriangrey on July 1, 2009 at 10:43 PM
If Obama would be on “I’m a celebrity get me outta here” (or whatever it’s called) I might just watch that.
With a lot of beer first.
tru2tx on July 1, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Quick… somebody call a Whammmbulance…. Satan shall be dining on Waxmans putrid soul soon enough…
doriangrey on July 1, 2009 at 10:37 PM
I think he’s just doing his part to help curb global warming/climate change.
txag92 on July 1, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Don’t we have a soft tyrany now? Dems control both house and senate, the executive, most of Hollywood, most of the major media, most of academia, and most unions. They can turn a deaf ear to any opposition, when they are not calling the right to petition them ‘terorism’ or otherwise ganging up to mock us. They can ram through legislation that they don’t even read, and drop 300 extra pages at the last second to buy votes costing more than their real job of protecting the country.
Oh, and how many MJ stories has this site posted? Cause, you know, we don’t have anything important to deal with.
AnotherOpinion on July 1, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Billy Mays > MJ…
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 10:47 PM
Child molester dead at 50. The world mourns. Go figure.
GarandFan on July 1, 2009 at 10:49 PM
I heard that, but Cher has never been into drugs or wild promiscuity. She used to love Jack in the Box’s deep fried tacos, though.
George Michael hasn’t looked good for a long time. My money is on Elizabeth Taylor.
Terrie on July 1, 2009 at 10:49 PM
I just went to the Fox site to see what they had to say about Waxman (nothing) but they do have an article from Iran saying the Neda’s death was a prearranged murder for propaganda. The same guys that do bad Photoshop think it was a set up.
Cindy Munford on July 1, 2009 at 10:51 PM
I love that show!
SouthernGent on July 1, 2009 at 10:51 PM
When are they [MJ's father] going to start auctioning off body parts?
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Huhhmmm Madonna…
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 10:51 PM
I think he was looking for someone universally recognized and loved. Like Muhammad Ali. It was a good topic.
Cindy Munford on July 1, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Folly follows when we look to the world for our values and validation. Aim higher.
Terrie on July 1, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Aw shucks, and here I was hoping that Sanford would get the QOTD. Gaia knows with all that’s going on in the world we should concentrate on the death of a pedophilic weirdo or the sexual musings of a cheating husband.
Bishop on July 1, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Yeah, if Madonna dropped dead tomorrow, there would be a big media frenzy. Cher, not so much.
myrenovations on July 1, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Madonna was his guests pick. I don’t know. I like Tiger Woods, he seems to be a level headed nice, non-controversial person.
Cindy Munford on July 1, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Oh, don’t get me wrong. I like Tiger, but if Madonna died tomorrow, people would be out in the streets…
Woods… they would be shocked, but not so much of a show.
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 10:57 PM
I’ll put my vote in for Ali. Good guy and still has a home down the street from me.
The last true hero to die was Ronald Reagan. No one will ever come close in my mind.
Knucklehead on July 1, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Only Perez Hilton would disagree ;) (and that would be hard for him to)
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 10:58 PM
We seem to turn everyone into a celebrity these days and it diminishes the talented celebrity pool.
myrenovations on July 1, 2009 at 10:58 PM
I’ll be sad when Reagan’s partner in crime, Thatcher, joins Ronny.
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 10:59 PM
This Michael Jackson frenzy is not solely because he was talented and sold a slew of albums. The freak factor drives the interest and the ratings.
myrenovations on July 1, 2009 at 10:59 PM
I try not to think about that, but it will be crushing.
Even though I know she is out of commission now, I like to pretend that if we really needed her she could make a good rally of it.
myrenovations on July 1, 2009 at 11:01 PM
I don’t know. Right now it’s hard to imagine anyone getting this much attention. No one should get as much let alone more attention the President Reagan did.
Cindy Munford on July 1, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Well, and every single other Freak Show (Jackson, Sharpton, FlavorFlav, Minelli, Usher, yadayadayada) is milking it.
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Just like the Anna Nicole Smith freak show.
Knucklehead on July 1, 2009 at 11:02 PM
I really hope Palin meets her.
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Nope, they shouldn’t, but this is the culture we live in. People cling to the hyped up images of very flawed individuals to try to give their life meaning.
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 11:04 PM
That was an awful time. I didn’t turn on the tv for two months.
myrenovations on July 1, 2009 at 11:05 PM
I think it is a combination of, including assorted sundry other things of course, vicarious living clearly and, yes, not small amount of schadenfreude.
MB4 on July 1, 2009 at 11:07 PM
And is exactly why we have the president that we do right now.
Goodnight all, sweet dreams. I am nagging everyone to say prayers for the troops and remember Hawkdriver is over there. He must be really really busy because he hasn’t posted in a while.
Cindy Munford on July 1, 2009 at 11:08 PM
‘nite
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Yeah, but it’s still going to be sweet when the folks who kept her drugged and used her are hopefully going to do some jail time. Howard Stern killed her and I’d bet the ranch he killed her son too.
Knucklehead on July 1, 2009 at 11:09 PM
I will not be able to visit him but I will be sure to send a nice card saying that I approve.
- “Mark Twain”
Is he having a face transplant?
MB4 on July 1, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Just stop the QOTD completely. Are we really WONDERING if we idolize people who don’t deserve it? I would think that has been obvious for years.
echosyst on July 1, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Good night Cindy.
myrenovations on July 1, 2009 at 11:10 PM
To all of you who are wondering what MJ’s contribution was… Well, he revolutionized MTV, you know that TV channel that many parents block, the network that gave us The Hills, you know…
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 11:10 PM
yes beer.
Miss Molly on July 1, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Are you saying the BO is destined to the same fate as Michael?
d1carter on July 1, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Hey, AP! You want some traffic? Start a Wipeout thread.
Terrie on July 1, 2009 at 11:12 PM
I much prefer watching bad people get sent to jail.
myrenovations on July 1, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Sweet dreams.
And a big shoutout and prayers for HawkDriver and Company!!!
Knucklehead on July 1, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Well,just like the Clinton Admiinistration,
Team Obama can thank its lucky stars,that
a `Distraction` has come,ever serendipity,
that puts Iran,and North Korea,and Hondura`s
on the back burner,
while Michael Jackson,commands all news outlets,
blogs,and probably interstellar communication,
between alein worlds as well!!(Sarc).
canopfor on July 1, 2009 at 11:12 PM
MJ, Elvis, Marylin Monroe, Princess Di, and the Martyr JFK (and family)…
It would look that way.
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 11:13 PM
And a big shoutout and prayers for HawkDriver and Company!!!
Knucklehead on July 1,2009 at 11:12PM.
Knucklehead: Amen on that! Hawkdriver,stay safe!:)
canopfor on July 1, 2009 at 11:15 PM
Is he having a face transplant?
MB4 on July 1, 2009 at 11:09 PM
One could hope.
txag92 on July 1, 2009 at 11:15 PM
I wonder if Obama will be getting some ice cream during the MJ funeral…
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 11:17 PM
He’s been spotted by Kramer.
fogw on July 1, 2009 at 11:18 PM
You must be very young. Cher was a “Tart” back in the 70’s & 80’s. She kicked Bono out of their Hotel Room so she could bang some other guy.
PappaMac on July 1, 2009 at 11:19 PM
No… This Cher?
http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/userfiles/image/cher.jpg
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 11:20 PM
LMAO…………….but this one’s much better.
Gotta love Kramer.
Knucklehead on July 1, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Did Jacko molest a kid?? I always thought that he was covering up for his Chimp “Bubbles”!!
Dire Straits on July 1, 2009 at 11:26 PM
The Three Stooges:
http://www.fireandreamitchell.com/wp-content/gallery/random/3%20stooges.jpg
txag92 on July 1, 2009 at 11:26 PM
Michael Jackson is just one example of “the law of unintended consequences” when you achieve “fame” in the modern era……..
…… She can be a cruel mistress.
Seven Percent Solution on July 1, 2009 at 11:27 PM
I guess that makes Helen Thomas Shemp.
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 11:30 PM
NEWS FLASH!
Michael Jackson still dead! Film at 11!
GarandFan on July 1, 2009 at 11:30 PM
OK, I’m out. Too much to do yet :(
Rest in Piece, MJ (take it how you will).
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Good night Upstater.
myrenovations on July 1, 2009 at 11:35 PM
All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances and one man in his time plays many parts. (William Shakespeare)
PercyB on July 1, 2009 at 11:35 PM
I guess that makes Helen Thomas Shemp.
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 11:30 PM
Wow. She use to be attractive.
http://www.familyoldphotos.com/pa/mercer2/images3/january/helenthomas-1932.jpg
txag92 on July 1, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Upstater85 on July 1, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Night.
txag92 on July 1, 2009 at 11:36 PM
One of the few good ads McCain did was the one naming Obama the biggest celeb. Oh well…
TheBigOldDog on July 1, 2009 at 11:45 PM
The Daily Mail piece by A.N. Wilson is superb…
D2Boston on July 1, 2009 at 11:52 PM
My first memory of a funeral of a serious individual was in 1963. Much too young to understand the full ramifications but old enough to have that first realization that some people matter.
Maybe we latch on to celebrities because there are no more people who “matter”. So few, if any, destined for greatness.
I’m just musing, but it kinda makes me think of the song “American Pie”.
Miss Molly on July 1, 2009 at 11:53 PM
OT: Sarah Palin and postpartum depression
It just occurred to me how insidious such an accusation is. She’s not depressed because her child is facing serious difficulties in his life, she’s depressed because she’s a woman. With hormones. Who therefore can’t be trusted.
And where are the angry feminists?
Phoenician on July 2, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Iran?? Did some famous Iranian pedophile bite the dust, too?
How much more tragedy can we take?
guntotinglibertarian on July 2, 2009 at 12:02 AM
And that was when she was in her 60s! ROFLMAO.
Isn’t her current husband like 16 or something?
TheBigOldDog on July 2, 2009 at 12:04 AM
This sounds familiar…
“Students these days are, in general, nice. I choose the word carefully. They are not particularly moral or noble. Neither war nor tyranny nor want has hardened them or made demands on them. The wounds and rivalries caused by class distinction have disappeared along with any strong sense of class (as it once existed in universities in America and as it still does poisonously, in England). Students are free of most constraints, and their families make sacrifices for them without asking much in the way of obedience or respect. Religion and national origin have almost no noticeable effect on their social life or their career prospects. Although few really believe in ‘the system,’ they do not have a burning sentiment that injustice is being done to them. The drugs and sex once thought to be forbidden are available in quantities required for sensible use… Students these days are pleasant, friendly and, if not great-souled, at least not particularly mean-spirited. Their primary preoccupation is themselves, understood in the narrowest sense.”
Allan Bloom, “The Closing of the American Mind,” 1987, pg. 82-83
Send_Me on July 2, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Hmmm…maybe I should keep this to myself, but my favorite movie is the Zapruder film. Especially the money shot.
guntotinglibertarian on July 2, 2009 at 12:05 AM
My sister used to hang out with Cher, so I’m not so young — but thanks for the compliment. She told me Cher was a serial monogamist, wary and selective about men, a devoted mother, and adamantly anti-drug. Except for a weakness for junk food, she always took excellent care of herself.
Terrie on July 2, 2009 at 12:06 AM
AP, here’s another thread suggestion:
July is Cankles Awareness Month. If you got ‘em, flaunt ‘em.
Terrie on July 2, 2009 at 12:10 AM
The Jackson freak show is over. It’s time to end the Obama freak show, now.
BottomLine5 on July 2, 2009 at 12:13 AM
Eh. People have always been going nuts over celebrities and their deaths. Those who are not alive at the time, know nothing about it. It may seem a big deal now, but as years pass, most famous/infamous people are forgotten.
Blake on July 2, 2009 at 12:15 AM
It (the Obama freak show) is getting rather insipid, isn’t it?
Miss Molly on July 2, 2009 at 12:19 AM
Noooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
Our very own walking, talking, breathing schizophrenic Elmer Fudd?
Watch until 58 seconds in and you’ll see the resemblance.
csdeven on July 2, 2009 at 12:20 AM
I will give Micheal Jackson one thing… He tried to warn us about Barack Obama through his song and video called Thriller. Too bad we didn’t see this!!!
Dire Straits on July 2, 2009 at 12:23 AM
AP doesn’t copy any of Rush’s material unless it is deemed (in his opinion) moonbat.
Upstater85 on July 2, 2009 at 12:47 AM
You know, the last time people made such a fuss about a child molester a religion was invented.
Guardian on July 2, 2009 at 12:53 AM
T-minus 2 days until we get a break from Allah.
I_C on July 2, 2009 at 1:00 AM
Could we hope for guest blogger???
*Oh please!!!*
Upstater85 on July 2, 2009 at 1:01 AM
Please…no more photos of MJ on HotAir. I come here to escape his photos all over the news websites.
jediwebdude on July 2, 2009 at 1:05 AM
Me too, I’m so sorry to hear of Mollie Sudgen dying. My father and I watched that show for years and practically know the episodes by heart. She was a real class act that I got to meet in person on one of her American tours. RIP Mollie, you’re already missed.
DrAllecon on July 2, 2009 at 1:16 AM
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