Send Stephen King some love

[mainer]

Buy his books. He's having a rough time of it lately since he made comments encouraging kids to stay in school and get an education ... or they'd run out of options and maybe end up in Iraq.

Somewhat similar to what John Kerry said a few years ago. And it's got the right wing (predictably) attacking King.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

1. Kudos to King!

He said what any thinking person knows to be true, more power to him.

One highly self decorated Chickenhawk Captain of the
Maine Hate Media blog world has taken serious umbrage
at King's remarks. Thankfully he has spawned no
little Fish in his shallow end of the genetic pool.

[Highway61]

2. If he added

"then they would become bitter with their decision NOT to have opted to stay in school" would send the the wingnuts into a frenzy. What a bunch of bullshit...he speaks the truth and these ass munches spin it. By the way...I've been out of state for a while...how is Allen doing? Any chance of bumping Collins out? (wishful thinking, I know) A lot of boneheads in the North Country vote against their own interests.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

3. The haters are losing!

Do you agree with the Maine Troop Greeters' decision to return Stephen King memorabilia to its room at Bangor International Airport?

Yes. Keep it up. 323 (68.00%)

No. Take it down. 152 (32.00%)

http://bangornews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=164120&zoneid=500

[crim son]

4. Oh, so they decided their response to his comments was childish and ridiculous?

Good. Say what you will, the military is very often a last resort choice for young men and women trying to find a place in the world and though King made the point clumsily, all he did was make it.

[RBInMaine]

5. Well, he shouldn't have used that language re: the Army.

I'm a veteran and it doesn't help his or anyone's cause to use language that appears to insult those who opt to join the Army. I admire Stephen King, have read some of his books, appreciate all his charity work, and appreciated and agree with him on many issues including the need to end the Iraq War, but his word choice was poor in this case folks. It just was. And such a wordsmith should have known better. He should apologize for any offense anyone may have taken and re-phrase his point.

[asteroid2003QQ47]

6. In a war mongering nation we are all...

"veterans" and in saying that I in no way mean to trivialize your
status as veteran. I was not offended King's choice of words and
certainly do not expect an apology.
Today it all too often seems over-sensitive types feel they are owed
an apology for something or other.

[othermeans]

7. Seems like he's unapologetic and ready for a fight and his got two big shot authors on his side

snip

King said he doesn’t regret his remarks.

" shift the discussion away from education to who’s supporting the troops. Of course, I support the troops. In this country, there’s an equating of intelligence with elitism, and elitism with being unpatriotic. But smart people love the U.S., too."

King said he just seeks to cut through the double-talk.

"Who’s for the war in Iraq and who’s not?" he said. "Who’s for better education and who’s not?"

King, who supports Barack Obama for president, readily proclaims that he opposes the war in Iraq.

"If it was up to me, none of those people would have died," he said. "Four thousand have been killed, more than in the World Trade Center. It’s not right, especially when the reasons for going to war were bogus anyway."

He understands that his remarks have offended people with ties to the military.

"Those in the military and military families are going to have their own political views and judge me according to those," he said.

Among those reacting Wednesday to the author’s remarks was U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, a Democrat whom King is supporting in his U.S. Senate campaign to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

"Tom Allen believes Mr. King used a poor choice of words," said Carol Andrews, communications director for Tom Allen for U.S. Senate.

"Tom Allen fully supports our troops and knows these brave men and women to be capable, self-sacrificing and among the best and brightest."

Andrews said the remarks would not affect a planned fundraiser for Allen by King and two other best-selling novelists — Tess Gerritsen and John Grisham. The three authors are scheduled to read from their works at a $25-per-person event on June 7 at the Bangor Auditorium.

Despite all the heat he is taking, King said Wednesday he will continue his push for better education and literacy.

"I’m not going to apologize for promoting that kids get better education in high school, so they have more options," he said. "Those that don’t agree with what I’m saying, I’m not going to change their minds."

[asteroid2003QQ47]

8. So,

in response #3, are with the "Yes" or are you with the "No" crowd?

[luckyleftyme2]

9. steve has done much for maine

I think he has given back a lot to Maine. And much of it for the youth of Maine. I am not a big fan of horror but to each his own.
I believe both his wife and himself have donated time and money to benefit smaller communities as well as the univ. of maine.
probably because he came out for Tom Allen the right felt they had to attack him.
sad the issues don't get the real attention.
I vote yes on 3!

[asteroid2003QQ47]

10. "L.C.D."

It's hardly surprising that the "Lowest Common Denominator" crowd are fearful of Tom Allen and his supporters. Obsessed with the politics of fear and hatred, in lockstep the "L.C.D." pack attacks that which threatens their hateful way of life.