Griffin's Emmy Remarks to Be Censored -- wtf?

[Breeze54]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070911/ap_en_tv/tv_emmys_griffin">Griffin's Emmy Remarks to Be Censored

By LYNN ELBER, AP Television Writer Tue Sep 11, 1:15 AM ET

LOS ANGELES -



Before Kathy Griffin won a creative arts Emmy last weekend for her reality show,
"My Life on the D-List," she joked that an award would move her to the C-list.

She was right: "C" as in censored. The TV academy said her raucous acceptance speech
will be edited when the event, which was taped, is shown Saturday on the E! channel.
The main prime-time Emmy Awards air the next night on Fox.

"Kathy Griffin's offensive remarks will not be part of the E! telecast on Saturday night,"
the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences said in a statement Monday.

In her speech, Griffin said that "a lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award.
I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus."

She went on to hold up her Emmy, make an off-color remark about Christ and proclaim,
"This award is my god now!"

The comedian's remarks were condemned Monday by Catholic League President Bill Donohue,
who called them a "vulgar, in-your-face brand of hate speech."

According to the TV academy and E!, when the four hour-plus ceremony is edited into a
two-hour program, Griffin's remarks will be shown in "an abbreviated version" in which
some language may be bleeped.

The program was in production and unfinished, an E! spokeswoman said Monday.

Requests for comment were left Monday evening by phone and e-mail with Griffin's publicist.
They were not immediately returned.

The Catholic League, an anti-defamation group, called on the TV academy to "denounce Griffin's
obscene and blasphemous comment" at Sunday's ceremony.

--------------

This is Ridiculous!!! Freedom of speech!!

[redqueen]

1. I can't believe E! caved.

x(

[acmavm]

2. Why do you think that untalented wretch should be able to say

offensive things about something so sensitive and important to so many people? Would it not have shown a smidgen of intelligence for her to have gotten a writer with some talent to give her something to babble since she's going to make another of her lame and half-assed attempts at whatever it is she does for a living and by inflicting herself on the general public? Freedom of speech is one thing. Being patently offensive is another.

[mitchtv]

5. She always spoke kindly of you

Ha

[Mandate My Ass]

6. "Why do you think that untalented wretch should be able to say offensive things..."

Freedom of speech is for the patently offensive.

You, fortunately, have no similar right to demand not to hear offensive speech. Get over her.

[robinlynne]

133. You were much more offensive than Cathy. We haven't deleted your words, have we?

[Missy Vixen]

7. Excuse me?

>offensive things about something so sensitive and important to so many people?<

What exactly is so offensive about her comments, re: "Jesus had nothing to do with this award"? She has just as much of a right to say that she doesn't believe in God and the constant "thank you Jesus"-type comments at awards shows and sporting events, as those of us who are TIRED of the constant invoking of the deity at every turn.

I think it's more offensive that "E" chose to censor her. In the meantime, Kathy's enormously talented. Too bad you don't think so.

Julie

[Mike Daniels]

10. I'm not sure those are the comments that will be censored.

I belive the full phrase that was questionable was "Suck it Jesus, this award is my god now"

I would imagine that the "Suck it Jesus" will (rightfully so) not make it past the editing machine.

[Breeze54]

14. Got a link?

Even that is not offensive!! Hey jebus? suck it! :P

[Contrary1]

57. Here's a couple:

http://www.catholicleague.org/release.php?id=1327

http://www.catholicleague.org/release.php?id=1326

http://www.comcast.net/tv/index.jsp?cat=TELEVISION&fn=/2007/09/11/760303.html&cvqh=itn_griffin

[Mike Daniels]

60. Link to "Suck it Jesus"

http://smallscreen.monstersandcritics.com/news/article_1353751.php/Kathy_Griffin_wins_Emmy_no_thanks_to_Jesus


As far as it not being offensive, I think most people would consider telling anyone to "suck it" to be a pretty crass, inflamatory and rude statement.

[Warren DeMontague]

89. Now, of course, this thread is full of people saying "Suck it Jesus".

That's the problem with censorship.

[me b zola]

46. Would it be okay to say "suck it, _____" on t.v. (using someone elses name)?

[Usrename]

79. The name of her show was: Everybody Can Suck It

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1047827/

I think that's the show they gave her the award for.

Get it?

Hahahahahha

:rofl:

[Warren DeMontague]

87. Well, see, that makes a little more sense. nt

[Breeze54]

95. ROFLMFAO!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Too funny!!! :P

[me b zola]

107. Well see then, she would have been accused of discrimination

...if she didn't tell Jesus to suck it.




:rofl:

[Missy Vixen]

157. And this would mean what?

It's cable.

On the "obscenity" scale, this ranks fairly low, AFAIC.

Julie

[Mike Daniels]

9. Given that a 4 hour event is being edited to 2 the network could have cut Kathy out altogether

While I think Kathy has every right to tell Jesus to "suck it", I don't necessarily feel a network is compelled to air her comments either.

Given that even the basic cable film channels edit/bleep out language I'd be hard pressed to say that Kathy is being censored in this particular incident.

[Breeze54]

11. She, as a citizen, can say whatever she wants!

Did you not get that memo? :shrug:

[acmavm]

16. What memo? That one that says disgustingly offensive remarks

and the people who make them should be inflicted on the general public?

Listen, I can't say horrible things about people's race. I can't say patently offensive and disgusting things about people's sexuality. If I did you people would have your shit in such an uproar you wouldn't calm down for a week.

But you think that believers are fair game to every snide, snarfy remark in the book. You are such hypocrites.

[Breeze54]

24. Memo: Freedom of speech is protected in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights

Free Speech:
Freedom of speech is protected in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights and is guaranteed
to all Americans. Since 1920, the ACLU has worked to preserve our freedom of speech.
Learn more and http://action.aclu.org/">take action to protect the right to free speech.

[AngryAmish]

47. Which branch of gov't is suppressing her speech?

[Breeze54]

54. Huh?

Did you read and comprehend the question?

[AngryAmish]

80. Bill of Rights protects citizens from the gov't -- It proscribes gov't action

1st Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights

So, in order for the Bill of Rights to apply there must be a government action.

Which brings me back to the original question: Which part of the government is prevent Ms. Griffin from speaking?

[Breeze54]

84. You are reading out of context. Get a clue and save

your useless lessons for acvman ;)

[AngryAmish]

88. How so?

[melody]

188. The government and the media are one force now ... there is so independent press

Beyond which fact, you're reading the document like an anti-government literalist. The government's only role
is to safeguard the rights of its citizens. It had no other function. Unfortunately, because the FCC and its
appendant commercial arms try to strange all dissent to keep from ticking off the Christian bullies that would
force US to hear only what they approve of, well ...

We either have an open media or we don't. If you want censorship for yourself, you have to extend it to others.
Shall we let atheists take over a government-funded network and start censoring religious speech?

[WildEyedLiberal]

62. Did anyone post the text of the First Amendment when Michael Richards went on his racist rant?

No, I didn't think so.

[acmavm]

76. Hell no they didn't. You can only badmouth people who happen

to believe in God.

[mitchtv]

118. That's a lifestyle choice

hence open to criticism

[acmavm]

143. Bullshit.

[ThomCat]

164. But it is just a lifestyle choice.

And therefore, it is open to criticism.

[Ignis]

169. So, you're saying that one's religious affiliation is genetic? (nt)

[Breeze54]

78. You are reading out of context. She asked, I answered.

As did others.

[WildEyedLiberal]

103. Of course Griffin has the legal right to say whatever she wants about Christianity

I'm not even particularly offended by her remarks - I've heard worse. The substance of them doesn't really bother me. But I think acavdm (spelling? sorry if I f-d up your screenname) makes a good point in that on DU, the First Amendment is only selectively invoked to defend "controversial" speech of which we approve, whereas someone like Richards, who also had full First Amendment rights to say what he said, was not afforded the same courtesy. No one bothered to point out that he had a legal right to say what he said, because we wanted to see him suffer consequences for it.

No one is suggesting that Griffin be punished by the government for her speech (which is what the First Amendment guarantees), but if her remarks offended people, then she may suffer as Richards suffered - not legally, but professionally.

[Breeze54]

111. DU is a private "club". They can make thier own rules.

"on DU, the First Amendment is only selectively invoked.."

They own the place. They make the rules.

[WildEyedLiberal]

121. So the First Amendment only matters when we're defending opinions we agree with

Gotcha.

[Name removed]

124. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[melody]

187. Don't those people who disagree with Richards have the same rights he did?

You're the one opting to repress free speech, not endorse it.

And beyond which fact, Michael Richards made a long, serious racial attack against an audience member -- a
verbal assault. Kathy Griffin made a short flip joke. Big difference. I'm sure some Christians were
offended. I'm offended all the time. That doesn't mean we shouldn't all have the right to speak our minds.
When I see something that is offensive to me ... as a woman, as a disabled person, as an agnostic, whatever ... I
do what everyone can do, I turn the channel. But damned sure, I'm going to complain about it.

But if it was censored, I'd be the first person fighting to have the program aired.

[me b zola]

135. Huge difference

One group is a minority group who has been brutilized--physically, economically, culturally, and psychologically--for hundreds of years, and social inequality still exists to this day.

The other group historically is guilty of hidious brutality and oppression, and in the history of this nation at the very least is guilty of being a bullying majority.


As someone who spent most of their life as a Catholic, and to this day is a believer, I am offended that other christians play the role of victim and insist upon comparing themselves to minority groups who really have (and still do) suffer at the hands of the majority.








edited for spelling

[Spazito]

139. Well said! n/t

[ThomCat]

140. If individual posts could be recommended.

I'd kick and recommend your post! :applause:

[Breeze54]

141. K & R'd!!

:P

Thanks! Well said! ;)

[Pithlet]

166. That's not the same. The equivalent would be more like

Someone speaking out against racism being censored. Your scenario isn't the same, because non-Christians are a minority that are often marginalized, and that was the point she was making. Not denigrating a minority population, the way Michael Richards was. There is a difference. She was making a bold statement by proclaiming she isn't a Christian, and she was censored for that, not because what she was saying was a slam against Christians.

[melody]

189. A racist rant againt a person of color is one thing ... a flip joke about herself is another

To even assert Richards' spew was somehow on the same level with Griffin's is nonsense. Mind you,
I think reaction to his was overdone and didn't take into account the fact he's a flawed human
being as we all are, but no one censored him. We heard it over and over and over again.

Griffin made one short remark and some Christians must force us all to pay for their own sensitivity.

When I want to watch stuff that won't offend me -- I watch stuff that won't offend me. When I'm
watching anything like that, I'm going to be offended. If we took out everything that might OFFEND
people, we'd be left with nothing on TV.

[noiretextatique]

31. how did she offend you?

i don't understand.

[flyarm]

37. hey the Thank you jesus crap is inflicted on the general public ..isn't it?? and i find it offensive

as hell...i never hear the losers say < thank you jesus for letting us lose..so yes i find that crap highly offensive!!

i find it so offensive i have a nerf ball i throw at the Tv and the assholes that say that crap!

i think she has the right to say what she did ..if the winners thank jesus....same difference to many of us.

oh and i am catholic!

fly

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

69. Nerf ball is an excellent idea! I'm going to have to rummage through the garage for one! nt

[me b zola]

101. Exactly!

From one believer to another! :toast:

[Marnieworld]

120. I find it offensive too

And beyond arrogant to think that this supreme being is ignoring Darfur(or Iraq or whatever horror is in the news that day) so someone could get a stupid award. Kathy is just pointing out that idiocy. It's her job to knock people off of pedestals. It's also the job of the comedian to point out when people need to be made fun of. In fact she is being more humble than someone who actually believes that their little career is important to an omnipotent being. When someone points out that this omnipotent being had a hand in their success it just seems so arrogant to me. But I am used to the world not dictating to my thoughts or tastes but heaven forbid someone else is offended on occassion.

E has a tendency for over-censoring. When Howard Stern had his shows on there they censored so much. They hid two girls kissing but then you'd see the same thing blatantly in an ad for girls gone wild it was absurd. If they were smart they'd promote every "offensive"syllable. Who else would watch that broadcast otherwise before the big one the next night.

[MonkeyFunk]

49. of course you can say

patently offensive things. There's no law against it - you'll just be criticized.

[flyarm]

146. right..its what freedom of speech is about!!

my hubby was in the athletic field..and i used to get so angry at players who thanked Jesus when they did good..but they never said jesus sucked when they lost..or blamed the loss on jesus!!

come on this crap is silly..

the same one's who used to thank jesus screwed around on their wives and beat their wives..so who is kidding who?????????

fly

[lapislzi]

152. You can say whatever the hell you want

Yes, you might offend people and they might vociferously disagree with you, but you absolutely positively are guaranteed the right to say them.

You want to say shit about me? Fine, say it. I'll argue with you. No hard feelings. And I'll say whatever I like about your tin god. Put me on ignore if you don't like it.

[girl gone mad]

165. You're kidding, right?

I hear offensive jokes about race and sexuality all the time. It's just religion that seems to be placed on a permanent pedastal, taken down only on rare ocassions to be handled with the gentlest of kid gloves.

It was a joke. A joke! Doesn't the Catholic League have more important things to be worrying about. Like all of the starving and diseased people in the world, the war, genocide in Darfur, or how about those pedophile priests in their ranks?

The Catholic League is what I find offensive.

[Jade Fox]

171. Explain something to me....

I'm an Astrologer. People here on DU and everywhere else regularly make very negative remarks about Astrology. I don't care. They're entitled to their beliefs and opinions.

Christians are a huge majority in this country, given all sorts of validation. Yet many Christians are the most hypersensitive about others dissing their religion. Why is that?

[cali]

41. And they can edit their stupid TV

show anyway they want.

[Mike Daniels]

65. She can say pretty much whatever she wants

However, a television network is under no obligation to carry the footage of her saying what she said.

What is so hard to understand about that concept?

[Hosnon]

92. That "memo" is often tossed around. And it is wrong.

I, a private citizen, can just about require that you say nothing in order to be welcome in my house. If you speak, you are trespassing and you can be arrested (not that I'm that big of a jerk, but it is how it works between us private citizen).

Edit: Content.

[Breeze54]

99. That's in your domain. That's different.

A womans home is her castle and all that! ;)

[Hosnon]

106. I'm not following. The Academy (which I assume puts on the Emmy's?) is a private citizen.

As is the E! channel.

Aren't they the ones that made this censoring decision?

[Breeze54]

110. I suspect it's the FCC. It being TV and all...

My reply to acvman was in regard to her/his incomprehension
and her question about free speech. Not to you.

[MonkeyFunk]

155. No

it's being broadcast on the E! network, which is cable. The FCC has no control over the content of cable television shows.

[Breeze54]

158. I don't buy cable but the E' channel is probably

owned by a RW conservobot or so it seems!

[MonkeyFunk]

163. Nah

it's owned by comcast. I don't think there's anything "right wing" about this decision. They have to edit a 4 hour show down to 2, and are going to remove something that many of their viewers would find offensive.

Now I love Kathy Griffin, and I'm sick to death of Christians and their role in this country, but I certainly understand why any business would want to avoid antagonizing a large part of their customer base.

Kathy Griffin has every right to say what she said, and E! has every right not to air it. Freedom all around.

[AndyA]

12. Kathy Griffin untalented? Your taste is all in your...

Well, I don't know where it is, nor do I care. Kathy Griffin is very talented, very original. She's one of a kind. Which is why some people don't get her.

I saw her in July in a SOLD OUT appearance in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Yes, TULSA: Heart of the GOP Lovin' South. She had that audience in love with her in her first few moments on stage. I laughed so hard my sides ached the next day.

She makes fun of others, she makes fun of her family, she makes fun of herself. She has more talent than most other comedians put together. She is, in short, hilarious.

[acmavm]

19. Yeah, and PT Barnum says there's one born every minute.

I think the production schedule has been sped up exponentially.

[mitchtv]

130. Yeah , you find them all in church

on Sundays

[Breeze54]

134. and 3 days a week!

;)

[acmavm]

154. Or in Cathedral City, California

on any given day.

[mitchtv]

173. but more likely in

Bumfuck, NE

[VP505]

36. I was flipping thorough

the list of HBO specials a week or two ago, started watching a Cathy Griffin Special of a Gay British Night Club act she did, I laughed so hard my sides ached the next day. She was as some say rude crude and could be considered offensive, but damn was she funny.

[Name removed]

40. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Breeze54]

45. Now that's hate speech (you knew all along but played dumb anyway)

but I think you're entitled to say it here on DU. :P

[Warren DeMontague]

70. You mean like fans of "Christian Rock"?

Just askin'. :shrug:

[AndyA]

75. Don't be so hard on yourself.

You may grow up to be a real person someday.

:eyes:

[ThomCat]

85. There's no shortage of people who are truly devoted to

shit.

[Warren DeMontague]

17. So it's okay to say "Jesus got me this award". It is "hate speech" to say "Jesus DIDN'T get me this

award".

No wonder so many here seem to think it's "Christian Bashing" when an Atheist makes hateful, bigoted statements like "I don't believe in God". :eyes:

[acmavm]

21. THAT IS NOT WHAT GOT HER CENSORED.

[Warren DeMontague]

23. Do we know what, precisely, they censored and what she said?

And, yeah, I can understand censoring "Suck it Jesus" off prime time TV. That's understandable.

But Bill Donohue is still a fuckle-monkey.

[acmavm]

27. I don't even know who Bill Donohue is.

[Warren DeMontague]

63. You mean Bill "Hollywood is controlled by anal Jews" Donohue?

He's a real piece of work.

http://www.americablog.com/2007/02/ap-quotes-anti-semite-homophobe-as.html

Like I said; if "Suck it Jesus" is the operative sentence being censored; I don't have a problem with that. It's understandable.

My problem- and I weighed in solely on the basis of the limited information in the OP- is when people who are perfectly fine, even laudatory, of open declarations of belief get their noses out of joint about open declarations of disbelief.

Dig?

Like, "I believe in God" is perfectly fine for one to say emphatically, but if someone says "I don't believe in God" they are somehow bashing Christians or religion.

[acmavm]

71. I don't comment on people's beliefs. I don't care. But I do not and

will not stand for this horrible nastiness by people here in the way they think they can just say anything nasty and offensive and just slide.

I don't care what people believe. I don't care what people think unless it ends up harming someone else. I don't care who people screw.

I do care about this shit though.

[Mandate My Ass]

82. What are you gonna do

about this so-called "horrible nastiness"? Hold your breath or something? Even Jesus, if there was one, would laugh at this shit going on here. :rofl:

[Warren DeMontague]

86. Eh, I don't know why you're doing that little finger-wagging number at ME.

Force of habit?



I've said my peace. It's all there. Read it and understand, or don't.

[Breeze54]

90. Why do you care what Kathy Griffin says?

How is that offending you? Did you hear her say it?

Do you hear yourself?

[Flying Dream Blues]

186. You're not exactly carrying the banner for civility here, acmavm.

I don't understand why "you people" (a phrase you chose, no doubt, in hope of being a "uniter") have to leap at any opportunity to be offended by the "unsaved". Some of us are SICK of having JESUS shoved down our throats since the Moral Majority (an oxymoron if there ever was one) took control and have all but ruined this country with more instances of hatred, perversion and corruption than have been seen in the entire history of our country.

The thing is, in this country, some believe, some don't, which used to be fine, but apparently it is NOT any more. Now if you aren't a "TRUE BELIEVER--you know--sufficiently pious, the smug, superior Christian of the * ilk, you are godless, have no morals or family values, etc, etc and some of us have HAD ENOUGH of this slanderous bullshit. I know I have.

Maybe Kathy is just a little sick of it, too, I'm guessing. And, lighten up, she is/was a Catholic and a comedian, who have always been given license to joke about their own.

[WinkyDink]

108. Then you answered your own question.

[ThomCat]

81. Oh, it seems like that is exactly what got her censored.

She said God has nothing to do with her award, and believers are pissed.

Fuck 'em.

[acmavm]

149. Too bad you have to resort to bullshit now. That wasn't what was so damn

offensive. And you know it.

[ThomCat]

159. Really, then why don't you explain it to us.

:eyes:

[Warren DeMontague]

22. If we're going to censor the speech of patently offensive untalented wretches on TV, we can start

with Bill Donohue.

[acmavm]

28. And Bill Donohue is??????????

[AlCzervik]

35. He's the head of the catholic league.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SdOA4eoLew

[americanstranger]

38. Bill Donohue is a PUNK.

He's the one who got Shake's Sis and Amanda Marcotte fired from the Edwards campaign - by whining.

He's also the one who has a rather unnatural obsession with Hollywood, Jews and Anal Sex.

DONOHUE: I spoke to Mel a couple of weeks ago about this. And I don't think it really matters a whole lot to him. It certainly doesn't matter to me. We've already won.

Who really cares what Hollywood thinks? All these hacks come out there. Hollywood is controlled by secular Jews who hate Christianity in general and Catholicism in particular. It's not a secret, OK? And I'm not afraid to say it. That's why they hate this movie. It's about Jesus Christ, and it's about truth. It's about the messiah.

Hollywood likes anal sex. They like to see the public square without nativity scenes. I like families. I like children. They like abortions. I believe in traditional values and restraint. They believe in libertinism. We have nothing in common. But you know what? The culture war has been ongoing for a long time. Their side has lost.

You have got secular Jews. You have got embittered ex-Catholics, including a lot of ex-Catholic priests who hate the Catholic Church, wacko Protestants in the same group, and these people are in the margins.

http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Dec2004/Berkowitz1224.htm

In terms of being patently offensive, Donohue - the Catholic Crusader - pretty much blows Griffin out of the water, IMO.

[Breeze54]

42. WoW! What a creep!

:wtf: He's a hate monger!

[bunkerbuster1]

56. He's claimed another scalp today. He needs to be taken down.

I don't know how, but there's got to be some boy he paid to blow him, somewhere.

[bunkerbuster1]

53. Why, according to this linked article...

his is an "anti-defamation" organization.

And I'm the Queen of Sheeba.

[Spazito]

29. Wow....

"Freedom of speech is one thing. Being patently offensive is another."

To call this statement a "disconnect" would be a massive understatement.

Again.....wow.

"Freedom of speech is the concept of being able to speak freely without censorship. It is often regarded as an integral concept in modern liberal democracies. The right to freedom of speech is guaranteed under international law through numerous human rights instruments, notably under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, although implementation remains lacking in many countries. The synonymous term freedom of expression is sometimes preferred, since the right is not confined to verbal speech but is understood to protect any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech

[Name removed]

151. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ThomCat]

156. I think you have that backwards.

Spazito's post is fine.

[Breeze54]

161. Name calling isn't allowed and acvaman alerts!.

I think that comment above needs attention, don't you Thomcat? :shrug:

[ThomCat]

162. Oh, I'm sure she wouldn't be so hypocritical

to alert on posts because of insults, and then post insults. :sarcasm:

:rofl:

[americanstranger]

30. Bill Donohue is patently offensive.

But he can say whatever he wants.

Kathy Griffin is uniquely gifted, and she can say whatever she wants.

You, on the other hand, have every right not to listen to her. Democracy is wonderful.

- as

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

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[Name removed]

44. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Occulus]

59. Religion is a choice, always a choice, and ONLY a choice

and it is a choice I am not bound by anyone's externally-enforced rules to respect- PARTICULARLY when that sect of that religion routinely, predictably, and savagely attacks me and people like me every chance it gets.

I'm tired of being respectfully silent on this issue. Quoth the raven, "nevermore".

[melody]

73. So we're going to force everyone to follow your religion?

If she had said "Suck it, Buddha", E wouldn't have had a problem. In fact, Buddhists wouldn't
have had a problem! Why do some Christians always force their religion on everyone else?

[Mike Daniels]

176. Pretty big assumption you're making there presuming Buddhist's wouldn't mind "suck it Buddha"

Shifting to another belief system, I have a feeling that based on recent history that if she had said "Suck it, Mohammad or Allah" that Kathy would be hiring private security by now.

[Spazito]

178. You're right, remember that radical Eric Rudolph, that Islamic

radical....oh....wait....never mind, I did my homework and guess what, he was a radical bomber but he WAS NOT a moslem.

[melody]

181. What does Islam have to do with Buddhism?

Islam has much more to do with Christianity. Buddhism isn't related to either religion --
not even abstractly. Is it the brown people aspect or ?

[Spazito]

182. If you notice in the post to which I responded the following was posted

"if she had said "Suck it, Mohammad or Allah" that Kathy would be hiring private security by now."

It was this part of the post which generated my response.

Edited to add: now that I have pointed out what was said in the post, do you feel this comment was appropriate: "Is it the brown people aspect or ?" I certainly don't.

[melody]

183. I was making no judgment, Spaz, merely trying to deduce the response as your post appeared first

In my browser anyway. I thought you were replying to me.

[Spazito]

184. I accept your apology, mistakes happen n/t

[melody]

180. Islam isn't Buddhism, it's an Abrahamic religion like Christianity

Buddhism is not.

Fundamentalist Muslims and Christians try to force their world views on others. I've rarely
seen that with Buddhists.

[depakid]

122. What's offensive is celebrities and sports figures ciring Jesus

makes me sick to hear shallow remarks like that- and quite frankly, it reflect very poorly on the speakers when they do so.

They pretty much instantly lose my respect.

[springhill]

172. I think she's absolutely hilarious myself.........

I don't know about this particular comment, as I haven't really heard it yet, but she is a hoot.

[cgrindley]

174. Why not? Religious people get to say patently asinine crap all the time

it's only fair that religious people should get it back their way once in a while. How many idiot performers thank Jesus for winning meaningless awards? It's refreshing to hear one unthank him.

[yodermon]

179. I guess she wouldn't be the first untalented, wretched Emmy winner n/t

[Missy Vixen]

3. Just remember, this is a Christian nation

The comments that were "bleeped" will be tame in comparison to LAST year's comments, which left me laughing till I cried.

In the meantime, congratulations, Kathy Griffin!

Julie

[skiddlybop]

4. Sorry, the hate speech of Donohue and Ann Coulter

gives Kathy Griffin a lifetime pass to say whatever the F*** she wants about anything. Don't like it? Suck it, Donohue.Shut your own hateful potty mouth, Donohue.

[WCGreen]

8. Fuck Bill Donohue....

He and his type drove me from the Catholic Church...

[bunkerbuster1]

48. Bill's little thug organization claims something like .001% of actual Catholics

I'm not Catholic myself, but know plenty of decent folk who are, and it pisses me off to see this guy claiming to speak on their behalf.

He's a goddamned thug, is what he is, nothing more.

[AlCzervik]

13. i saw her live last december and was one of the funniest shows i've seen.

she was on stage for 2 hours and she loves her audience.

[Breeze54]

18. She was on Ellen today, with her Emmy!

:P

[AlCzervik]

20. excellent, Ellen is on here at 2:00, I'll be watching, thanks!

[Bitwit1234]

15. WHY does religion or lack thereof have to be the focus of everything.

If there is a God I wish he would come down and smite the real monsters bush- cheney - rove and the rest of the republican assholes.

[Mika]

25. She should be thankfull that Jesus created 'Murica and freedom.

So, she should accept Jesus' personally creating her award, or be burned at the stake.

:crazy:

[Tesha]

26. You would think that an all-powerful god would be able...

You would think that an all-powerful god would be able
to do their own censoring if they so desired and wouldn't
need William Donohue or E! networks to do it for them.

After all, whatever happened to smiting with a bolt of
lightning, or even just a timely case of laryngitis?

Tesha

[Cha]

33. Sounds like Kathy Griffin's

got a debate goin' on..wouldn't be surprised if that's her intention.

[me b zola]

34. Shhh, can't offend anyone who calls themselves a christian

Never mind that it is perfectly acceptable for people who call themselves christian to offend and use hate speech on non-christians, especially athiests.


Shame on E! Network. :thumbsdown:

[melody]

185. I guess that means we should censor Robertson when he calls us "satanists" and "sinners"

If no one is allowed to voice a dissenting comment about anyone, I guess that means we're a
"Christian" country. In that case, I'm afraid we need to outlaw religion.

[Name removed]

39. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

43. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Breeze54]

52. " horrifically"??

:rofl:

What part was horrific? Please explain.


:eyes:

[Bluebear]

116. Oh, the carnage!

:silly:

[Name removed]

55. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Spazito]

61. So, would you find it acceptable if the network did this.....

"a lot of people come up here and thank (bleep) for this award.
I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than (bleep)."

"This award is my (bleep) now!"


and then this to the recipient of the award who says the opposite:

"I thank (bleep) for my gifts." "Without the love of the (bleep), I would not be standing here this evening!"

If using the word God and Jesus is offensive in one way, it is equally offensive in any other under the same criteria as is being used to censor Ms. Griffin, imo.

[ThomCat]

66. That's an awesome idea.

I wish we could bleep out the street preachers and missionaries that insist on badgering people. I'm sick of having someone else's delusions shouted at me when I get on public transportation.

[Warren DeMontague]

100. You make far too much sense, Grasshopper.

:patriot:

[Spazito]

105. LOL! And to think I owe it all to.....

(bleep, bleep, bleep, bleep)!


:rofl:

[Diane R]

123. Great point.

[Mythsaje]

64. What gives you the impression that people don't understand?

They just don't AGREE.

[tblue37]

68. I do get tired of walking on eggshells around other people's magical beliefs while

they feel no hesitation about shoving their own beliefs in my face all the time, without regard to whether that might offend me. It does offend me--mightily!

[Name removed]

83. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

102. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[WildEyedLiberal]

112. How do you define "the public sphere"?

This was at the Emmy awards, not the presidential debates. The people about whom Griffin was making her point are fellow actors, etc who thank "Jesus" for helping them win. They are private citizens. Just because something is on TV doesn't mean it's the "public sphere." Unless you'd ban all mention of religion in public by any citizen, whether they hold public office or not - which, I might remind you, is against the First Amendment, which guarantees the freedom to practice and express religion, regardless of whether you think it's a "fairy tale" or not.

Griffin had every RIGHT to say what she said, and other people have the RIGHT to say they thought it was crude and inappropriate. It's every bit as much against the spirit of the First Amendment to quash public expression of religion as it is to use the government to promote it, which is a point I think many zealous DUers forget.

[ThomCat]

138. Public sphere is anyplace outside of your own home

where you have to deal with other people.

I'm not suggesting a ban. More along the lines of a rule of good manners. Keep your religion to yourself.

A whole lot of behavior is regulated only by customs and manners. Legislating against certain behaviors of often not necessary, and is sometimes counterproductive. Just making it known that it's rude to talk about religion in front of other people should be enough.

I think the "zealous" DUers are the ones demanding that religion be given some special, privilaged respect.

[WildEyedLiberal]

150. I don't disagree....

But such a change will have to be gradual and cultural, and I'm not sure how or when America will be ready to realize that religion is essentially a private, rather than a public, matter. In France, there are actual laws against displaying overt symbols of one's religion, but such a law would be patently unconstitutional in the United States. FWIW, I don't think "religion" should be given special, privileged respect beyond the freedom to practice guaranteed by the Constitution, but I do think all religions should be treated equally - no religion should be immune to criticism or parody. I think we essentially agree on that point. Peace.

[Breeze54]

104. This thread is about Michael Richards?

Who knew?

[WildEyedLiberal]

114. It's a valid comparison that no one wants to acknowledge

Because it shows that DU is not consistent in defending the "First Amendment rights" of people who say things others find offensive.

[Mandate My Ass]

125. No it is not a valid comparison

use of the "N" word has repercussions on living, breathing members of society, members who routinely suffer from institutionalized racism.

Why aren't people who profess to having Christian beliefs similarly offended when GWB and Tony Blair say they prayed and Jesus gave them permission to unleash unspeakable horrors on the Iraqi people?

Jesus can't be hurt anymore, only his legacy by people who rationalize horror by saying "Jesus made me do it."

[americanstranger]

131. Umm, no.

Richards had the right to say what he said. He said those things and caught the heat for it.

Same with Griffin - although the only one who seemed to be complaining about it was Bill 'Hollywood, Jews and Anal Sex' Donohue.

Nonetheless, Griffin's acceptance speech will be bleeped - a result of someone complaining about it.

In one sense, both performers saw the same result, no?

- as

[WildEyedLiberal]

160. Yes, that's my point

They both had the "right" to say what they said - other people had the "right" to get offended and complain about it, and both actors suffered consequences, of varying degrees, for what they chose to say.

It just amuses me to see the "First Amendment" invoked repeatedly in this thread when it really has nothing to do with anything. No government agency is persecuting Griffin for being anti-Christian, but she is suffering some professional backlash because of protests. It's more or less the same thing that happened to Richards, in principle, albeit on a lesser scale.

[txaslftist]

50. She'll get better coverage if they censor her.

I love Kathy Griffin, and if anyone thinks she's not talented, they're sniffing something. That said, she's saying offensive stuff to get attention. That's part of her schtick.

It works for her.

[Occulus]

51. Some people want God to be part of every last least littlest thing.

And it's kinda funny- it always seems to be those poor, persecuted, underrepresented christians doing the complaining when someone has the temerity to suggest that they themselves- not some invisible sky daddy- accomplished something based upon nothing more than their own hard work, talent, determination, and drive.

:puke:

The religiousity is gagging.

[Mythsaje]

67. That's nothing...

You know what offends me?

"God saved me from that tornado!"

Yeah, and basically said "fuck you" to your neighbor?

That stuff makes me NUTS.

[ThomCat]

74. I regularly get people telling me that my disability would go away

if I became a believer. It's my fault for being in constant pain and walk with crutches, because I refuse to accept Jay-sus into my heart. x(

[Mythsaje]

96. That is just SO irrational...

Like there are no Christians with disabilities.

Why do we have to share our oxygen with crazy people?

[ThomCat]

127. Yes, totally irrational.

I have no problem with any relgion when it's accepted as alogory, lessons in morality and personal philosophy, guidance on how to live your own life, etc.

But when people start projecting religion out onto others it's going too far.

And people who truly believe that religion SHOULD be projected out onto others really are crazy. I'd love an answer too. Why do we have to share our oxygen with those crazy people?

[Occulus]

97. That is simply cruel n/t

[Breeze54]

113. That's so wrong, in so many ways!

:hug:

[ThomCat]

132. Yes, and sometimes enjoy pointing out some of those ways.

Walking the faithful through the paths of their own contradictions and hypocricy can be entertaining. :P

:hug:

[Breeze54]

142. Hey? It is entertaining and it's

Happy Hour and I'm laughing! :rofl:

:toast:

:hug:

[Marnieworld]

128. wow

Their version of Jesus makes him seem like a total ass. Torture you into believing? How could such a sadist be the "prince of peace"? "God is love"? How do they wrap their heads around such contradiction?

I don't know anything about your ailment but I have a feeling that if you are helped it will be science and not Jesus who actually helps. I'm sure when those believers are sick they don't just pray about it.

[ThomCat]

136. You've got that right.

I've occassionally asked people, "when you get sick, if you could either only have prayer or medical science, but not both, which would you choose?"

It's a nice place to start a conversation about how much of their absolutist beliefs are just meaningless hype.

[Occulus]

91. Oh, I have a link for YOU

I found myself agreeing with each and every last thing this man had to say.

Maybe I'll post this one next week in my TEDTalk Tuesday thread series:

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/112

The talk is given by Rev. Tom Honey, Canon Pastor of Exeter Cathedral, in the UK.

This talk is absolutely marvelous. I was completely astonished by this man's clarity of faith coupled with reason.

This TEDTalk gives me hope.

[Contrary1]

115. I made the mistake of clicking the link...

How does one close down the audio from this site? "X" takes care of the video. I just re-opened the link to try to get it to shut down...now I have two soundtracks to listen to.

[Warren DeMontague]

77. Cut him some slack. No wonder he can't do anything about Darfur, he's gotta oversee 200 different

High School football games in the American South, every day.

[Occulus]

98. .

:rofl:

[Mythsaje]

58. ROFL...

I'm with her. That whole "Thank Jesus" crap is disgusting.

I'm SO tired of religious nuts.

[xchrom]

72. i'm a believer who is not offended by the ''jesus can suck it'' comments --

why should i?

the comments are not offensive -- they are funny -- and for fucks sake -- why would i believe in something incapable of have a sense of humour -- including irreverent humour.

what's the point in being god if you can't laugh at yourself -- or others making fun?

makes no sense to me.

[treestar]

93. I wish people in this country would grow up

A sentiment is not going to go away by trying to erase it.

It is better to know what people think and feel than to pretend it doesn't exist. Tell someone they can't have a sentiment and can't express and all you do is reconfirm it.

Let her have her say and then have a say condemning it all is what we have to learn to do. The game of "Let's pretend she didn't say it" does no one any good.

We seem to find reality optional.

[mainegreen]

94. Hate speech? He wouldn't know hate speech if it solicited him for sex in the rectory bathroom!

Hate speech.
What utter crap.

[WinkyDink]

109. What if she had said "Muhammed " instead of "Jesus"?

[Bluebear]

119. It would have lost some of its sarcastic punch.

I took it as "my comedy is so blue, believe me, Jesus had nothing to do with it!"

Why do you mention Muhammed? Do you think Muslims are more protected than Christians in the US?

[Mike Daniels]

177. Based on recent history if she had told Muhammed to suck it

Kathy would be receiving death threats by now given the reaction some people of that faith had to a few cartoons.

[me b zola]

117. Burn the heretic!

Surely there is some kind of biblical law to punish her for her crime! Gonzo, get busy and arrest her!

Oh wait. We are a secular nation built upon the laws of man?

Screw that! Give me theocracy! Burn the heretic! Burn the heretic!

[Stinky The Clown]

126. Okay ... if Bill Donohoe is against something/someone, I'm for it/him/her.

I have no idea who Kathy Griffin is. I know who Donohoe is. Donohoe is a far out wackjob nutter. I like what Griffin is said to have uttered.

Wow .... as I am typing this, MSNBC just reported this story! Must be good a sign of good karma.

[Bassic]

129. So hate speech, which this was not, is only okay if Christians do it? nt

[Bucky]

137. I don't think they should've cut it, but this isn't exactly censorship.

I'm not sure a commercial enterprise is disallowed from editing on their own broadcast content. If they stopped her from saying this, it'd be censorship. If they cut out a joke they think will offend their audience, it's self control. No one's stopping her from speaking what's on her mind.

Still, it is pretty pathetic that such a harmless joke is a source of perceived controversy.

[Breeze54]

147. The article says they are stopping her.

I've heard much raunchier stuff (not that what she said is raunchy)
in thank you speeches on awards shows on TV, before that FCC censorship
crap with Ms. Jackson. Remember when everything changed back then?

[mitchtv]

144. Well, she could have said "I want to thank Clinton's penis"

It is, after all, omnipotent

[ThomCat]

148. And that might not have been censured.

:P

[Breeze54]

153. The FCC says you can say 'penis' and 'vagina' on TV but

Not one thing about denying Jesus! Or they'll smote you!! :P

[porphyrian]

145. I'll bet she's loving the extra publicity this crap is stirring up... - n/t

[Blue_Tires]

167. that's a shame

hopefully it can be found online somewhere...

[and-justice-for-all]

168. If Coulter gets away with the shit that falls out of her mouth..

What the fuck is the big deal with a jeebus remark?? Oh, religion-kids gloves...blah, blah, blah. If someone can thank jeebus, surely he can be dissed too.

[flyarm]

170. why doesn't any of the "jesus helped me win" folks say jesus is letting children in Iraq die from

our illegal war..or Jesus is letting millions and millions of American children go without Health care..and dying because of it..or how about them saying ..why isn't jesus doing anything about the children dying in Darfur?

come on folks..a little common sense. please..and priorities.

fly

[KingBob]

175. One of my guilty pleasures

is to watch "My Life on the D-List." Every so often Kathy lets one or two rip. Big Deal. That is what freedom of speech is all about.

So, "Let's have a chili cookoff, motherfucker!"

[tomreedtoon]

190. It's hard to defend unfunny freedom of speech.

Yes, folks, this is a judgment call on Kathy Griffin. I've been watching her a while. I've seen her bleeped and unbleeped, and either way, I just don't think she's interesting.

I would put her in the same class as Andrew Dice Clay, who did the same kind of shock humor because he didn't have much else to say. There were a lot of calls for him to be shut down. Actually, the public did that; they eventually found him as unfunny as I did. I think he's changing oil for a living now.

Sure, let her say whatever she wants. But she'd better be prepared to stand up for what she says. If she suddenly "gets religion" and swears to do only simon-pure humor from now on, there won't be a challenge to her obscenity, only to her ability as an entertainer.