It's a new month, and that means it's time to look for a new crop of ass clowns upon whom to bestow our biweekly awards.
As I whine every two weeks, the task of selecting one individual whose degree of ass-clownery marks him or her as the standout nominee is extremely difficult. The stupendous level of ass-clownery prevalent in America these days - in politics, in Hollywood, and around the world - makes it all but impossible to single out a single person or group for appropriate dishonor. But it's got to be done, and so I'll soldier on and select as
The Right-Cheek Ass Clown for March, 2018
Senator John N. Kennedy, R-Louisiana
At a time when the nation is grappling yet again with the deadly serious issue of how to control gun violence and partisans on all sides of the issue are putting forward their favorite solutions - some useful and some stupid - Senator Kennedy distinguished himself with his brilliant observation that the country does not need more gun control laws. In an interview with CNN's John Berman earlier this week, Senator Kennedy said
It was not the first time the senator has called for idiot control - he was earlier quoted as saying he did not believe he should deprive young people (18-, 19- or 20-year-olds) of their Second Amendment rights unless they were convicted felons or mentally ill. At that time, he said, "I don't think we need more gun control, I think we need better idiot control."
It's a blinding flash of the obvious to note that there are a lot of uncompromising idiots bobbing in the swirling cesspool of the gun debate, many of them driven by the most ludicrous of conspiracy theories. But describing the problem simplistically as a need for "idiot control" avoids the politically sensitive issue of dealing with the role of high-powered weapons, beloved by many Americans, in the carnage in our streets and schools, and of posing specific measures which might upset some constituency or other.
For his shameless dodge around the school violence debate by calling for "idiot control" rather than proposing specific, actionable legislation to address the problem, Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana is named as our Right-Cheek Ass Clown for March, 2018.
He should be careful what he wishes for.
Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow, when Cartoon Saturday returns.
Bilbo
It was a stupid comment. He deserved it.
ReplyDeleteIf idiot control was implemented he would be the first one gone.
ReplyDeleteWe need both gun control and control of idiots with guns.
ReplyDeleteThis guy wasn't even on my radar. Idiot indeed! Good choice.
ReplyDeleteI still say the absolute minimum to be done is to repeal the Dickie amendment (I think that's the name), which prevents the CDC from studying gun violence. Guess I shouldn't hold my breath...
The Dickie Amendment implies that ignorance is better than knowledge. Sometimes facts lead to where some people would rather not travel.
ReplyDelete