Bill Maher Defends Limbaugh’s Free Speech Rights, Responds To ‘False Equivalency’ From Right

[Tx4obama]

VIDEO here: http://www.mediaite.com/tv/bill-maher-defends-limbaughs-free-speech-rights-responds-to-false-equivalency-from-right/

After over a week of pundits piling on Bill Maher for his remarks about conservative women in an attempt to equivocate him with Rush Limbaugh and suggest a media double standard on such controversies, Maher finally responded on his show tonight. Maher first slammed liberals for piling on him when he was defending Limbaugh from public pressure, before ripping into conservatives for pushing a “false equivalency” between him and the radio host. ... <SNIP> ...

[progress2k12nbynd]

1. Does "false equivalency" even mean anything anymore?

I had never heard that term until about 4 years ago and now it's thrown about on almost a daily basis.

[MADem]

2. "...Sometimes you’re made to feel uncomfortable, okay?”

Yes, indeed, Mister Maher. And sometimes, people who say stupid shit are also made to feel uncomfortable. That's the American way, too! Let the marketplace decide!

Bill Maher came of age and built his career in an America where it was 'OK' to make "chick" jokes, "boob" jokes, and sexual/sexist commentary about women. Women--some quite willingly and overtly-- participated in this kind of comedy, playing the "dumb blonde" and going along with the jokes. That kind of shit goes over like a lead balloon nowadays, but he's not quite up to speed on the new paradigms. He's like an old borscht belt comedian from the Eisenhower administration era, still making unfunny jokes about his battle axe mother-in-law or his 'nagging' wife. The old comedian needs to sit down with a young writer and come up with some new schtick.

Bill notes that all Limbaugh was guilty of was making an "unfunny joke"--which he did for three unfunny fucking days. That goes to Rush's judgment, certainly. When something isn't working, stop doing it--that's what intelligent people do (of course, Rush isn't terribly smart).

Bill Maher is at a point where he's going to have to seriously turn and pivot. I think he's smart enough to do that, and he's learning something--and that's a good thing. It's fine to defend someone's right to free speech--but when a loudmouth uses their radio platform not simply to voice an opinion, but to spread hate and rally haters for three days in a row, they should expect a little pushback....and that's just what Rushbo got.

[Scuba]

3. Bill on Rush: "He made a bad joke." Sorry Bill, that doesn't resemble the truth.

[jefferson_dem]

4. Bill Maher defends free speech and Rush ("stupid fat fuck who's not funny") Limbaugh

Here:

[DutchLiberal]

6. Maher explicitly stated he did, in fact, *not* defend Limbaugh.

He defended Rush Limbaugh's right to free speech.

While I don't agree with that, Bill made his point very well.

I found it ridiculous how all of DU went after him because of his so-called (imaginary) "misogyny". He (and the woman on his panel) debunked that very well.

[90-percent]

5. He didn't even apologize

Rush continued to spew hateful inaccuracies and labeled it an apology. If you look at the words of his "actual apology" it is anything but.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=390438

I am a little troubled with the sponsor bailing. It does seem like a mob mentality lynching kind of aroma to it.

But, IN THIS CASE, extreme words that spew ignorant and false propaganda should have the sponsors that enable this hate to be broadcast held to account. It is a matter of degree. I would have a hard time supporting any sponsor for shows titled Nazi Nostalgia Hour, or the Segregation Forever Show.

-90% Jimmy

[JJW]

7. Does not compute

What about Ms Fluke's free speech rights (not to be intimidated and humiliated by bullying Rush) and what about freedom for any of us to say Rush sucks!

[HopeHoops]

8. That's one of the best. "I think we outa accommodate the fellows for a while." (sp?)