On Drivel and Ebert
OTB: The self-annihilation of a man of the arts: “Illiberalism is no surprise to anyone who’s paid a modicum of attention to Ebert’s political digressions of late. But insipid ‘teabagger’ jokes and paint-by-numbers leftism aren’t even worth remarking upon. This is something altogether different. The word ‘disgust’ comes to mind.”
Read the whole thing™.
Roger Ebert grew up as a Pre-Vatican II Catholic and came of age in the late 60′s, so I understand where his political sensibilities originate. But his position on the Live Oak High School American Flag “controversy” is knee-jerk political correctness devoid of thought, pure and simple. Ironic for someone who’s made a career out of expressing opinions on the expression of others, but also non-sensical.
The American Flag is not hate speech, especially on May 5 – which is a traditional commemoration observed more by Mexico’s military than by all Mexicans (although federal employees do get the day off). In fact, it commemorates a military victory in which the U.S. would have eagerly lent a hand if it hadn’t been immersed in its own Civil War. It was a fleeting military victory, too. France conquered Mexico soon after.
So making a big deal out of displaying the American flag on May 5 is silly, but it goes beyond that. It sets back the “immigration reform” cause in ways its advocates cannot imagine. If a group of people who want to live in this country are going to have their feathers ruffled by the American Flag, you can be sure that allowing them to live here is going to become a political hot potato that neither party in DC will want to touch. And in fact, it already may be just that.
The last president to sign blanket amnesty for illegal aliens from Mexico into law was Ronald Reagan. But as pro-amnesty groups have become more and more radicalized in tone during the last 25 years, no such legislation has succeeded in Washington. If you don’t think there’s a connection, you are more focused on your emotions about the issue than on thinking about the issue itself – just like Roger Ebert.
