Some Fox show I have never heard of has managed to offend a large number of Canucks.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090323.wfoxapology0323/BNStory/Entertainment
QuoteOTTAWA — A Fox News host apologized Monday to Canadians in the face of widespread outrage over comments he and his guests made on a late-night talk show.
The statement came hours after a request by the Canadian government for an apology over remarks about this country's military that were described as "despicable" and "disgusting."
Greg Gutfeld, host of the controversial segment on Fox's Red Eye show, said he never intended to make light of Canadian military efforts in Afghanistan.
"However, I realize that my words may have been misunderstood," Mr. Gutfeld said in a statement released by Fox News.
"It was not my intent to disrespect the brave men, women and families of the Canadian military, and for that I apologize.
" Red Eye is a satirical take on the news, in which all topics are addressed in a lighthearted, humorous and ridiculous manner."
The recent talk-show segment was taped just before four more Canadian soldiers were killed in Afghanistan and featured a group of pundits taking turns trashing Canada and its reliability as an ally.
They were spurred by comments from Canada's army chief that the military would need a year's hiatus to regroup and refurbish after its Kandahar mission ends in 2011.
In the Fox News segment, widely aired on the Internet, Mr. Gutfeld said the Canadian military "wants to take a breather to do some yoga, paint landscapes, run on the beach in gorgeous white capri pants."
"Isn't this the perfect time to invade this ridiculous country?" he said. "They have no army."
Defence Minister Peter MacKay requested an apology just before leaving for Canadian Forces Base Trenton, where he was to attend a homecoming ceremony with the families of the latest soldiers killed.
"It's crass, it's insensitive, it's in fact disgusting, given the timing," Mr. MacKay told CTV News.
"There should be an apology — to the families in particular, and to the Canadian Forces and to Canada generally — given the sacrifice and the commitment that we've demonstrated in Afghanistan."
Canadian soldiers have been fighting in Afghanistan since 2001 and have spent the last four years in the country's most violent region. Canada has lost 116 soldiers in Afghanistan, the highest casualty rate among allied countries fighting there.
Earlier Monday, a spokesman stressed that the Canadian government specifically wanted an apology from the panelists who made the wisecracks — and not just from the Fox network at large.
"These are despicable, hurtful and ignorant comments," said Dan Dugas, a spokesman for Mr. MacKay.
"I think that so-called comedian should stare in the camera at his first opportunity and apologize to all of the families of people he's hurt with these despicable comments.
"And he's got to say, 'I was misinformed. I was ignorant of the truth and the contribution of the Canadian Forces to the war on terror, and I want to take it back. I know as a comedian that I can fail sometimes; I failed miserably at this so-called comedy.'
"And his panelists should say the same."
Canada says it will withdraw most of its 2,500 troops from Kandahar when its current combat mission expires in 2011.
The Fox News program aired after Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie, the Canadian army chief of staff, said the military would need a one-year break from operations once the long and difficult mission in Afghanistan winds down.
One of Mr. Gutfeld's panelists, Doug Benson, said he didn't even know Canadian troops were in Afghanistan.
"I didn't even know they were in the war. I thought that's where you go if you don't want to fight — you go chill in Canada," he said.
The segment was posted online under the title, "How to Lose Friends and Alienate Countries."
By Monday afternoon, more than 3,000 people had posted responses to the clip, which also makes fun of RCMP officers and their traditional red uniforms
I've never seen the show, but isn't it supposed to be a late-nite Saturday mock-news show?
Come on - 22 Minutes has had things equally as offensive about the USA...
Wow. Peter Mckay is quite the emo cretin, isn't he?
This is the kind of OTR stuff that costs a man his cred. McKay should have kept his mouth shut, and both viewers of the show would just have yawned and forgottent the little spiel.
I think it's a bit of an overreaction. I thought only the Polish twins go after foreign satire shows ridiculing them. Pretty silly, if you ask me.
Quote from: grumbler on March 23, 2009, 03:44:25 PM
Wow. Peter Mckay is quite the emo cretin, isn't he?
This is the kind of OTR stuff that costs a man his cred. McKay should have kept his mouth shut, and both viewers of the show would just have yawned and forgottent the little spiel.
I think it was the circumstances. Four Canadian soldiers were just killed. He had just met with the families and a reporter propably asked for his reaction to the piece.
Quote from: Barrister on March 23, 2009, 03:40:31 PM
I've never seen the show, but isn't it supposed to be a late-nite Saturday mock-news show?
Come on - 22 Minutes has had things equally as offensive about the USA...
Speaking of 22 Minutes:
QuoteRenowned comedian and political satirist Rick Mercer has a few words of advice for the Fox News panelists who incited the Canadian government to demand an apology for their mocking of the Canadian military.
"If you're going to do satire, three of the most important rules are you have to tell the truth, you can't be a bully and don't be an asshole," said Mr. Mercer, who hosts his own show on CBC. "Being a bully is not satire."
I think the most important rule of a satire is to be witty and funny. I can imagine that those working for Fox may be lacking in that department.
Still, if making unfunny jokes was a cause for a diplomatic incident, no country would keep an embassy in Berlin, I'd imagine.
Quote from: Barrister on March 23, 2009, 03:40:31 PM
I've never seen the show, but isn't it supposed to be a late-nite Saturday mock-news show?
Come on - 22 Minutes has had things equally as offensive about the USA...
Indeed. But it plays into the Canadian inferiority complex, so the government had no choice but to respond.
I am shocked, *shocked* to hear that something stupid, juvenile and offensive aired on Fox News
Quote from: crazy canuck on March 23, 2009, 03:47:37 PM
Speaking of 22 Minutes:
QuoteRenowned comedian and political satirist Rick Mercer has a few words of advice for the Fox News panelists who incited the Canadian government to demand an apology for their mocking of the Canadian military.
"If you're going to do satire, three of the most important rules are you have to tell the truth, you can't be a bully and don't be an asshole," said Mr. Mercer, who hosts his own show on CBC. "Being a bully is not satire."
That statement is funny on a couple different levels.
You have to understand McKay, his longtime girlfriend left him & joined the other party, became an MP & still has way more money then him.
The guy gots nothing.
As "humour" it's lame, but it doesn't particularly offend me. Just a display of vulgar ignorance on Fox - what else is new?
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 23, 2009, 04:16:43 PM
You have to understand McKay, his longtime girlfriend left him & joined the other party, became an MP & still has way more money then him.
The guy gots nothing.
Almost everything in this sentence was incorrect.
However, it's important to note that Rick Mercer isn't even a little bit funny.
Quote from: Neil on March 23, 2009, 04:19:57 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 23, 2009, 04:16:43 PM
You have to understand McKay, his longtime girlfriend left him & joined the other party, became an MP & still has way more money then him.
The guy gots nothing.
Almost everything in this sentence was incorrect.
However, it's important to note that Rick Mercer isn't even a little bit funny.
He went out with Belinda Stronach
She left him, She crossed to the lib.
She's richer then him.
Funny show, worth watching if you're up at 3 am. More farce than satire though.
Quote from: Neil on March 23, 2009, 04:19:57 PM
However, it's important to note that Rick Mercer isn't even a little bit funny.
Some of his political satire is laugh out loud funny.
Quote from: The Nickname Who Was Thursday on March 23, 2009, 04:24:53 PM
Funny show, worth watching if you're up at 3 am. More farce than satire though.
I'm watching Girls Gone Wild infomercials at that hour.
Quote from: The Nickname Who Was Thursday on March 23, 2009, 04:24:53 PM
Funny show, worth watching if you're up at 3 am. More farce than satire though.
So, who is the *other* viewer? ;)
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 23, 2009, 04:23:45 PM
He went out with Belinda Stronach
She left him, She crossed to the lib.
She's richer then him.
I didn't think that you were talking about Stronach, seeing as they didn't date very long.
At any rate, MacKay actually has his own accomplishments, whereas Stronach's are ther product of her being the bored daughter of a billionaire. He's not the great Canadian statesman, but he's far more substantial than she is.
Quote from: crazy canuck on March 23, 2009, 04:30:39 PM
Quote from: Neil on March 23, 2009, 04:19:57 PM
However, it's important to note that Rick Mercer isn't even a little bit funny.
Some of his political satire is laugh out loud funny.
That's an unfortunate opinion.
Quote from: The Nickname Who Was Thursday on March 23, 2009, 04:24:53 PM
Funny show, worth watching if you're up at 3 am. More farce than satire though.
Yeah. It's basically just a few people shooting the breeze with a camera trained on them. They just say whatever off the top of their heads.
No matter how stupid the humour, I find the concept of a government intervening in relation to a private media outlet's programme silly at best and disturbing at worst.
Why shouldn't Canada complain when a news organization taunts one of the few countries whose troops in Iraq engage in combat missions?
Quote from: Faeelin on March 23, 2009, 06:07:11 PM
Why shouldn't Canada complain when a news organization taunts one of the few countries whose troops in Iraq engage in combat missions?
From a practical perspective, any government trying to fight with comedians usually ends up looking even more silly (and makes the satirical attack, however originally silly, somehow justified and vindicated).
From a broader perspective, even if it just a verbal spat (with no legal action being brought), any government engaging its political apparatus (and, thus, tax payers' money) in a dispute with media risks unwittingly curbing freedom of speech.
Quote from: Faeelin on March 23, 2009, 06:07:11 PM
Why shouldn't Canada complain when a news organization taunts one of the few countries whose troops in Iraq engage in combat missions?
Because that's what news organizations do, especially late-night talk shows from American news organizations.
And that's Afghanistan.
Quote from: Martinus on March 23, 2009, 06:10:56 PM
From a broader perspective, even if it just a verbal spat (with no legal action being brought), any government engaging its political apparatus (and, thus, tax payers' money) in a dispute with media risks unwittingly curbing freedom of speech.
Foreign governments have no obligation to respect the freedom of Americans to speak.
Quote from: Neil on March 23, 2009, 06:19:40 PM
Because that's what news organizations do, especially late-night talk shows from American news organizations.
It's sort of like how the White House looked silly when it moved against Limbaugh.
Quote from: Martinus on March 23, 2009, 06:10:56 PM
From a broader perspective, even if it just a verbal spat (with no legal action being brought), any government engaging its political apparatus (and, thus, tax payers' money) in a dispute with media risks unwittingly curbing freedom of speech.
How can the Canadian government curc an American news network's freedom of speech?
What seems like what happened is that the Canadian government asked for an pology on behalf of the Canadian troops. They didn't demand or threaten anything, but stated they thought the comments were insensitive.
I agree it's making a mountain out of a molehill (I'd never heard of this program before) it was generating some press attention in Canada after it hit youtube, so I guess I understand why the government said something.
Quote from: Faeelin on March 23, 2009, 06:07:11 PM
Why shouldn't Canada complain when a news organization taunts one of the few countries whose troops in Iraq engage in combat missions?
You complain when you want someone else to fix the problem for you or when you're issuing a threat. What's Canada going to do, jam Fox's signal in Canada?
Dude should have followed Obama's lead following the RACISS monkey cartoon: express contempt.
Quote from: garbon on March 23, 2009, 06:24:31 PM
Quote from: Neil on March 23, 2009, 06:19:40 PM
Because that's what news organizations do, especially late-night talk shows from American news organizations.
It's sort of like how the White House looked silly when it moved against Limbaugh.
I would imagine that's how Congress will look when they legislate him off the air.
I have to say, I didn't get that these guys were supposed to be comedians watching it. I thought it was just a bad talk show.
::shrugs::
Quote from: Faeelin on March 23, 2009, 06:41:35 PM
I have to say, I didn't get that these guys were supposed to be comedians watching it. I thought it was just a bad talk show.
::shrugs::
I think part of the problem is that a lot of Canadians didn't know that either when the clip started making the rounds.
To think Mckay was considered as General Secretary of Nato... ! A good thing his candidacy was not supported by the US.
G.
Quote from: Grallon on March 23, 2009, 06:45:27 PM
To think Mckay was considered as General Secretary of Nato... ! A good thing his candidacy was not supported by the US.
You just hate him because he's a Tory, an anglophone and a heterosexual.
Quote from: Barrister on March 23, 2009, 06:29:30 PM
What seems like what happened is that the Canadian government asked for an pology on behalf of the Canadian troops. They didn't demand or threaten anything, but stated they thought the comments were insensitive.
Actually, they said that the comments were not only "disgusting" but "despicable." The latter twice, in consecutive sentences (it appears - could be editing). The comments may have been "insensitive" if the commedians had, in fact, known that four soldiers had just died, but the reaction was way too wild and uncontrolled.
Now, if the viewer of the comments justifiably didn't understand that this was supposed to be humor, then I suppose a degree of irritationwould be warranted, but "despicable?" "disgusting?" Not even then.
Quote from: grumbler on March 23, 2009, 08:33:58 PM
Quote from: Barrister on March 23, 2009, 06:29:30 PM
What seems like what happened is that the Canadian government asked for an pology on behalf of the Canadian troops. They didn't demand or threaten anything, but stated they thought the comments were insensitive.
Actually, they said that the comments were not only "disgusting" but "despicable." The latter twice, in consecutive sentences (it appears - could be editing). The comments may have been "insensitive" if the commedians had, in fact, known that four soldiers had just died, but the reaction was way too wild and uncontrolled.
Now, if the viewer of the comments justifiably didn't understand that this was supposed to be humor, then I suppose a degree of irritationwould be warranted, but "despicable?" "disgusting?" Not even then.
Don't be silly. People can take incredible offence for any reason. If the commedians had made unkind comments about niggers, there would be much weeping and gnashing of teeth. Think of Canadians like the NAACP: Quick to take offence at any slight, actual or perceived.
All your Northwest Passage are belong to us.
I'm torn between whether I want the :nelson: to go to Canada or to Fox. Considering Krauthammer's originally from Canada, I guess I'll let it go to the former.
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on March 23, 2009, 04:02:10 PM
I am shocked, *shocked* to hear that something stupid, juvenile and offensive aired on Fox News
I'm shocked that someone watched Red Eye.
Quote from: Martinus on March 23, 2009, 06:01:24 PM
No matter how stupid the humour, I find the concept of a government intervening in relation to a private media outlet's programme silly at best and disturbing at worst.
You have a real knack of taking a reasonable sentiment (for example Grumbler's) and turning it into a unreasonable statement. the government didn't "intervene". The government did ask for an apology and to Fox's credit the apology was promptly given. I agree with Grumbler that their was a better way to handle it but you are standing on some kind of misguided principle of freedom of speech which is not engaged here.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 23, 2009, 06:33:45 PM
Dude should have followed Obama's lead following the RACISS monkey cartoon: express contempt.
Yes. But in the heat of the moment, after having just come from seeing the families of the soldiers killed just a couple days ago I can understand his response.
It's understandable but dumb. Taking serious offence at these clowns is a losing game.
Quote from: Malthus on March 24, 2009, 11:46:40 AM
It's understandable but dumb. Taking serious offence at these clowns is a losing game.
So far it worked out. Fox apologized and it looks like the comedians on the panel are the ones paying the price. I heard a report that one of them was scheduled to do a tour of Canadian events starting in Edmonton. He has been dropped from those gigs.
Quote from: Malthus on March 24, 2009, 11:46:40 AM
It's understandable but dumb. Taking serious offence at these clowns is a losing game.
I tend to agree but I can understand Canadian's annoyance over this. Canada contributes and fights, something a few other allies won't do, and I can understand feeling put out about such comments. Even though I watch all the cable news stations, they just put too much crap on the air too. But this kind of stuff, never seen that show that I recall, I guess it's like Bill Maher's show, or similar others?
Quote from: Faeelin on March 23, 2009, 06:07:11 PM
Why shouldn't Canada complain when a news organization taunts one of the few countries whose troops in Iraq engage in combat missions?
It's better just to ignore Fox; they thrive on publicity like this. Someone right now is probably pitching a show called "When Canadian MPs Attack!" to Rupert.
Quote from: Faeelin on March 23, 2009, 06:07:11 PM
Why shouldn't Canada complain when a news organization taunts one of the few countries whose troops in Iraq engage in combat missions?
Freedom of speech?
Quote from: Siege on March 24, 2009, 02:49:40 PM
Quote from: Faeelin on March 23, 2009, 06:07:11 PM
Why shouldn't Canada complain when a news organization taunts one of the few countries whose troops in Iraq engage in combat missions?
Freedom of speech?
And the Canadian government has the freedom to say 'Fuck you. Say you're sorry.' That's how freedom of speech works, you third-worlder.
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on March 23, 2009, 04:02:10 PM
I am shocked, *shocked* to hear that something stupid, juvenile and offensive aired on Fox News
To be fair, Red Eye is probably the best news show on FOX. I can't believe any serious politician would take offense at Gutfeld. It was a mistake for Greg to apologize to the Canadian surrender monkeys. Given the usual content of the show, if he starts now, there will be no end in sight.
Quote from: Neil on March 24, 2009, 03:01:05 PM
And the Canadian government has the freedom to say 'Fuck you. Say you're sorry.' That's how freedom of speech works, you third-worlder.
But "Say you are sorry for implying that the US should invade Canada when its army is on a 'stand-down'" just sounds so retarded. Granted, these are politicians and so by definition more willing than most to sound retarded, but even for politicians, and even Canadian politicians, this is retarded.
In the shoes of the comedians, i would have said "fuck you, say you are sorry for asking me to say that i am sorry." Bad publicity helps comedians and hurts politicians.
Quote from: grumbler on March 24, 2009, 03:36:04 PM
Quote from: Neil on March 24, 2009, 03:01:05 PM
And the Canadian government has the freedom to say 'Fuck you. Say you're sorry.' That's how freedom of speech works, you third-worlder.
But "Say you are sorry for implying that the US should invade Canada when its army is on a 'stand-down'" just sounds so retarded. Granted, these are politicians and so by definition more willing than most to sound retarded, but even for politicians, and even Canadian politicians, this is retarded.
In the shoes of the comedians, i would have said "fuck you, say you are sorry for asking me to say that i am sorry." Bad publicity helps comedians and hurts politicians.
No Canadian politician can do wrong starting a row with Americans. Especially Americans from Fox News.
Wow, Canucks are either thin-skinned or can't figure out wtf satire is.
Quote from: derspiess on March 24, 2009, 04:21:55 PM
Wow, Canucks are either thin-skinned or can't figure out wtf satire is.
Well to be fair, neither can fox.
Quote from: derspiess on March 24, 2009, 04:21:55 PM
Wow, Canucks are either thin-skinned or can't figure out wtf satire is.
What is satire anyway?
Der Stürmer = satire?
Quote from: Razgovory on March 24, 2009, 04:29:54 PM
Quote from: derspiess on March 24, 2009, 04:21:55 PM
Wow, Canucks are either thin-skinned or can't figure out wtf satire is.
Well to be fair, neither can fox.
Greg is quite good at satire and gutter comedy. :menace:
Quote from: Razgovory on March 24, 2009, 04:29:54 PM
Quote from: derspiess on March 24, 2009, 04:21:55 PM
Wow, Canucks are either thin-skinned or can't figure out wtf satire is.
Well to be fair, neither can fox.
what der spiess is trying is say is that if you call him a yoga practising, nature-liking, cowardly, probable homosexual, it's really fucking funny.
try it.
Quote from: Neil on March 24, 2009, 03:01:05 PM
Quote from: Siege on March 24, 2009, 02:49:40 PM
Quote from: Faeelin on March 23, 2009, 06:07:11 PM
Why shouldn't Canada complain when a news organization taunts one of the few countries whose troops in Iraq engage in combat missions?
Freedom of speech?
And the Canadian government has the freedom to say 'Fuck you. Say you're sorry.' That's how freedom of speech works, you third-worlder.
Third-worlder? Me?
Quote from: Neil on March 24, 2009, 07:20:58 PM
Quote from: Siege on March 24, 2009, 07:11:42 PM
Third-worlder? Me?
Israeli.
You are from fucking Alberta, you primitive savage.
And Israel is a develped and civilized country.
If Israel is part of the 3rd world, then western Europe is so too.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.hi5.com%2Fimages%2F1x1_trans.gif&hash=196b47b7557d5b88ea8f44604f4c5c1c0e4f4d19)
Quote from: Siege on March 24, 2009, 07:26:14 PM
You are from fucking Alberta, you primitive savage.
Alberta is part of the West. Thus, it is civilized.
Besides, I don't believe in gods, nor do I believe in magical powers. I am civilized. You are exactly the same as an Arab or an African.
QuoteAnd Israel is a develped and civilized country.
If Israel is part of the 3rd world, then western Europe is so too.
Not at all. Israel is full of Russians and Sefardi, rather than the civilized Jews of the West. Israel is east of the Oder river, and is thus uncivilized.
Quote from: grumbler on March 24, 2009, 03:36:04 PMIn the shoes of the comedians, i would have said "fuck you, say you are sorry for asking me to say that i am sorry." Bad publicity helps comedians and hurts politicians.
I think that I would have said, "I'm sorry that you're too stupid to recognize a joke when you hear one, and too thin-skinned, insecure, and petty to take it if you did recognize it".
Quote from: grumbler on March 24, 2009, 03:36:04 PM
But "Say you are sorry for implying that the US should invade Canada when its army is on a 'stand-down'" just sounds so retarded.
You must have missed the part where one said "I didnt even know Canada was fighting in Afghanistan" the day after four Canadian troops were killed fighting in Afghanistan. It is stupid to be offended by the comment you quoted. It is entirely understandable to be offended by the comment I quoted.
Quote
In the shoes of the comedians, i would have said "fuck you, say you are sorry for asking me to say that i am sorry." Bad publicity helps comedians and hurts politicians.
The only real publicity is in Canada and the comedian in question lost his Canadian gigs over this. In this case the publicity is helping the politician with his Canadian audience (the only one he cares about) and is hurting the comedian.
Quote from: Siege on March 24, 2009, 07:26:14 PM
You are from fucking Alberta, you primitive savage.
Alberta has Bioware and is thus at pinnacle of civilization.
Quote from: derspiess on March 24, 2009, 04:21:55 PM
Wow, Canucks are either thin-skinned or can't figure out wtf satire is.
The old tired 'Canada is teh suck' stuff is satire? Next I will see some brilliantly witty satire about how bad the French Army is.
Quote from: Valmy on March 25, 2009, 10:03:48 AM
The old tired 'Canada is teh suck' stuff is satire? Next I will see some brilliantly witty satire about how bad the French Army is.
Or perhaps some witty commentary about how backward Iran is.
Quote from: garbon on March 25, 2009, 10:04:48 AM
Or perhaps some witty commentary about how backward Iran is.
That, sir, is the very soul of wit.
Quote from: Valmy on March 25, 2009, 10:03:48 AM
Quote from: derspiess on March 24, 2009, 04:21:55 PM
Wow, Canucks are either thin-skinned or can't figure out wtf satire is.
The old tired 'Canada is teh suck' stuff is satire? Next I will see some brilliantly witty satire about how bad the French Army is.
Eh, not all satire is witty. This happens to be one of those cases, but it was still obvious satire.
There is a good editorial cartoon about this in today's Globe and Mail.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theglobeandmail.com%2Fv5%2Fimages%2Fnewspaper%2F20090325%2Fcartoon-600.png&hash=d97e1b81875bb478f5159ca7266f336e8e8857de)
I don't get it.
Quote from: crazy canuck on March 25, 2009, 09:55:00 AM
You must have missed the part where one said "I didnt even know Canada was fighting in Afghanistan" the day after four Canadian troops were killed fighting in Afghanistan. It is stupid to be offended by the comment you quoted. It is entirely understandable to be offended by the comment I quoted.
I don't understand how that is offensive, either, but then I am not Canadian and so my skin isn't so thin.
QuoteThe only real publicity is in Canada and the comedian in question lost his Canadian gigs over this. In this case the publicity is helping the politician with his Canadian audience (the only one he cares about) and is hurting the comedian.
I really didn't understand until this story came out just how crippling the Canadian inferiority complex was, but I understand now. I'd say it was win-win: the politician gets creds for being a whiner, and the comedian avoids being killed by canuckleheads for a routine that may not be funny but is sure to incite them to homicidal violence.