For those readers who are not familiar with Popehat’s Ken White, I offer this recent example of his deft ethics analysis and his perceptive and balanced commentary. I was going to write something that would have reached similar conclusions, but there is no point now. I can’t do better than this, and when I can do as well, it’s a good day.
Here is Ken’s commentary on the rodeo clown in the Obama mask.
Ethics Alarms 
I agree. That there should be a discussion of it is part of the rightness of it. We need to talk about free speech in a way that encourages it. Obama is not exempt from it. The hypocrisy from the left should be addressed. I remember books, movies, blogs, articles, and endless opining about killing Bush.
I agree. That there should be a discussion of it is part of the rightness of it. We need to talk about free speech in a way that encourages it. Obama is not exempt from it. The hypocrisy from the left should be addressed. I remember books, movies, blogs, articles, and endless opining about killing Bush.
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My feelings precisely.
I read a rumor that the rodeo clown who wore the mask has been banned for life from the rodeo. Ahhh, progressivism! SO “liberating!” Hide your college transcript, and maybe you, too, can have an all expenses paid vacation to golf at Martha’s Vineyard.
It’s not a rumor, it’s true.
God (I’m praying), I want one of those masks.
Looks good even with a cowboy hat!
The way I heard it was that the particular venue had banned him, still pretty terrible but maybe not quite as bad?
I’ll check.
There is something really disturbing about the fanatic Obama protectiveness, unhealthy and undemocratic. I remember Dick Nixon mask and Reagan masks were the rage, and happily worn bu mocking Democrats, just as Carter and Clinton masks were by hostile Republicans. You would think if anyone would be able to wear a president’s mask without issue, it would be a clown. What’s going on here?
“It’s not a rumor, it’s true.”
WHAT?????
That’s just plain wrong. Is there anything the sane people can do to have this atrocious ban overturned?
Only if you’re a rodeo fan that can vote with your wallet. Assuming they’re a private company they can likely fire and ban whoever they want for whatever reason.
I agree with every word of that Popehat post – thanks for linking to it.
Yes, exactly, he was stating the obvious I thought.
The question is, obvious to whom? In Missouri, they are sending clowns to sensitivity training.
Friends and family wonder why I’ve gone so John Galt. Well…we live in a society that is sending CLOWNS to SENSITIVITY TRAINING. Just remember: “First they came for the clowns…”
B-but the other clown played with the masks lips! You know, CLEARLY a racist joke (even though the mask’s, or Obabma’s, lips aren’t that large) and not a comic “thbbt” gesture… Because racism?
You’re right, Jack. For a minute there, I forgot I had clicked on a link to read something someone else was saying, and thought I was reading you again.
I have no problem with the clown’s behavior, as it does indeed represent the values of the state of Missouri. I think the state fair is the perfect venue to display these values and am glad it received national attention. I am not being ironic.