Just when we thought we were pretty much rid of perhaps the worst president in our history, up he pops in his final Farewell (and good riddance!) address. And for one last time our pal Georgie Dubya Bushie opens his mouth and astonishes yet again with his total lack of honesty, and his ongoing delusions about his presidency.
From his address: 1) "You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made, but I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions."
(Tough decisions?! What the #@&%!!? You mean sending our men and women to war based on lies? Or financially trampling the middle income Americans with made up energy crises? Or irreparably harming our environment through the tossing out of most environmental protections? Or was the decision to no-bid the Iraq war contract to friend and Veep DICK Cheney's company such an agonizing one? About the only tough decision he made was just how many vacations he would take every year in his beloved little Texas--hint, it was at least seven trips to Crawford every year! I wish I could take seven plus vacations each year!)
2) "Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks," said Bush. "There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right."
(Honestly here--does this man really have a conscience? He was a complete idiot when 9/11 was happening; he organized the money pit of a department called Homeland Security; he LIED to the entire world via the United Nations General Assembly in an effort to finish the war his daddy started; he completely, unethically, and immorally assasinated the good name of Senator John Kerry in the 2004 election; he appointed key cabinet posts to men and women who had no governmental experience whatsoever; he and DICK Cheney told Congress their agenda (post-election, of course) and that anyone who stood in their way would be drummed out via election ASAP (read 'Against the Tide' by Lincoln Chaffee. Eye-opening doesn't even begin to describe Bush's Administration!); His foreign policy was a disaster on nearly every front;
His domestic policies were ludicrous, at best; instead of being the "Uniter" he promised all of us, we are now deeply divided; we are now over Ten TRILLION dollars in debt; we have the worst econmomy since the great depression,...and I could go on and on.
Yeah...he really acted on his conscience and did what he thought was in the best interest of the country...what a pal!)
3) 'Trumpeting his domestic record, Bush said he has presided over higher standards in public schools, a new Medicare prescription drug benefit, lower income taxes, more help for people suffering from drug addiction and the appointment of two justices to the Supreme Court.'
(His so called Higher Standards in Public Schools is a joke. Basically, if schools don't raise their success rates in the core subjects (reading, writing, math, history) the schools lose their Federal funding. In an effort to meet this, many schools had to cut funding to arts, music, drama, sports, etc. Last I read, only 20% of states were able to meet the No Child Left Behind criteria. What a success, though!
Lower medicare prescriptions? He only did this to help the already wealthy drug companies make bigger net profits by basically stopping American dollars (and subsequently tax income) from going to our neighbor to the north. What a win!
Lower income taxes? I'm still paying the same amount...oh that's right! It's the WEALTHY who are paying less taxes....silly me; I forgot...
He may have indeed funneled more money into treatment problems, but the rampant illegal importation of drugs into the US overshadows any success here. We are creating more drug addicts every day than we are able to treat. Another rousing success for Georgie!
And he appointed two judges to the Supreme Court? Big Deal. Just about every president appoints one or two new Judges. So what? This is certainly no cause for celebration.)
So, in his last ditch effort to keep the Spin Machine spinning, Georgie Dubya Bushie was obviously on his own, because that spin cycle is definitely broken, with no repairman in sight.
A Lame (DUCK!) speech by a really Lame (DUCK!) President. Too bad no one was around to insult him by tossing their shoes at his head. It would have been more fitting than the delusional address he gave.
Farewell Georgie; and damned good riddance.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Georgie Dubya Bushie--Environmental Champion!???
With the upcoming changeover in Presidential leadership, I just have to jump on Dubya any chance I can. This week, he has provided us all with yet more fodder.
You see, in his waning days, Little Georgie had the thought that he wanted to be remembered as a champion of the environment. He decided to create three new Marine Sanctuaries in the Pacific Ocean.
They are 1) Waters at the northern end of the Northern Mariana Islands, including the Mariana Trench.
2) Off American Samoa, the Rose Atoll — the world’s smallest coral atoll and one of the most remote.
3) And the central Pacific coral reefs, pinnacles, sea mounts, islands and surrounding waters of Johnston Atoll, Howland, Baker and Jarvis Islands, Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll and Wake Island. These areas harbor some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world.
Now, while I appreciate the creation of these Sanctuaries, my initial thoughts were that first, these pristine areas had zero energy producing capabilities, so why not do this?; second, that they were so remote that no one will really care one way or the other; and third, that Bush was doing this simply to make (in the last days of his miserable presidency) everyone forget that he just got done with eight years of raping the environment for the financial gain of a few companies (and hence, "friends")while leaving the land irreparably scarred for generations to come.
Hmmmm.......knowing little Georgies eggregious environmental policies, I'm sure he wanted more than anything to do this for the benefit of all Americans, to make their lives better; to help their job security to increase; to provide better education for all the under-educated kids in America; to bring more home-grown jobs BACK to the US; and to put more food in the stomachs of hard-working Americans everywhere.
Wow! I'm so enraptured by this unexpected development that I'll forget about the disaster known as "No Child Left Behind;" I'll forget about the intentional srapping of nearly all environmental protections and endangered species reviews; I'll forget about the fact that he and his Cronies lied to the WORLD about why we were going to war; that he and DICK Cheney authoried torture against prisoners of war; that they both leaked the name of a CIA operative to the media; that he is leaving this country not debt free (as it was well on track to being when he took office--see my earlier blogs) but to now being over $10,000,000,000,000--that's TRILLION! in debt; to NEVER (at least that I've read) being at Andrews AFB when planes carrying the grim cargo of slain military personnel arrive so he might honor the fallen (why? Because he didn't want the press to perceive him as being a President who sent our men and women to war--true!); and the list could go on and on, and on.
Nope, I'm going to remember Georgie and DICK Cheney for being the watchmen of our forests, and rivers, and oceans, and friends to all wild creatures.
Yep...Georgie Dubya Bushie, or Environmental Champion--heee's my heerroh! :0(
You see, in his waning days, Little Georgie had the thought that he wanted to be remembered as a champion of the environment. He decided to create three new Marine Sanctuaries in the Pacific Ocean.
They are 1) Waters at the northern end of the Northern Mariana Islands, including the Mariana Trench.
2) Off American Samoa, the Rose Atoll — the world’s smallest coral atoll and one of the most remote.
3) And the central Pacific coral reefs, pinnacles, sea mounts, islands and surrounding waters of Johnston Atoll, Howland, Baker and Jarvis Islands, Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll and Wake Island. These areas harbor some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world.
Now, while I appreciate the creation of these Sanctuaries, my initial thoughts were that first, these pristine areas had zero energy producing capabilities, so why not do this?; second, that they were so remote that no one will really care one way or the other; and third, that Bush was doing this simply to make (in the last days of his miserable presidency) everyone forget that he just got done with eight years of raping the environment for the financial gain of a few companies (and hence, "friends")while leaving the land irreparably scarred for generations to come.
Hmmmm.......knowing little Georgies eggregious environmental policies, I'm sure he wanted more than anything to do this for the benefit of all Americans, to make their lives better; to help their job security to increase; to provide better education for all the under-educated kids in America; to bring more home-grown jobs BACK to the US; and to put more food in the stomachs of hard-working Americans everywhere.
Wow! I'm so enraptured by this unexpected development that I'll forget about the disaster known as "No Child Left Behind;" I'll forget about the intentional srapping of nearly all environmental protections and endangered species reviews; I'll forget about the fact that he and his Cronies lied to the WORLD about why we were going to war; that he and DICK Cheney authoried torture against prisoners of war; that they both leaked the name of a CIA operative to the media; that he is leaving this country not debt free (as it was well on track to being when he took office--see my earlier blogs) but to now being over $10,000,000,000,000--that's TRILLION! in debt; to NEVER (at least that I've read) being at Andrews AFB when planes carrying the grim cargo of slain military personnel arrive so he might honor the fallen (why? Because he didn't want the press to perceive him as being a President who sent our men and women to war--true!); and the list could go on and on, and on.
Nope, I'm going to remember Georgie and DICK Cheney for being the watchmen of our forests, and rivers, and oceans, and friends to all wild creatures.
Yep...Georgie Dubya Bushie, or Environmental Champion--heee's my heerroh! :0(
Monday, January 5, 2009
ANOTHER Bush in the White House?!
I couldn't believe my eyes when I read this morning that former President George HW Bush wants to see his other son, Jeb, in the White House.
This one just blows me away. The whole family and its elite, wealthy circle of friends must be in complete denial about the state that George and his son Georgie left this country in.
I guess that two Bushes weren't quite enough to ruin this country. A third would certainly complete the job! This is a political family that seems to liken themselves to the Kennedy's; but it just ain't gonna be remembered that way.
The Kennedy's are remembered with affection, a sense of something better that is now lost. I think the Bush family will be remembered as a power-hungry, deceptive, and ruinous clan whose sole wish was to do as much harm to the environment, economy, educational system, health care system, and foreign relations as any Presidents in history.
The only bright spots will be that they helped their wealthy friends and family members get wealthier, while the average American household ate less, paid more for gas and heating oil, paid far higher taxes, had less educated kids, and saw millions of jobs that used to be done here in the USA shipped out to places like India, Malaysia, Mexico, etc. Why? so the wealthy could get wealthier by paying less wages and less taxes for those wages; less healthcare costs, etc, etc, etc.
What a wonderful legacy...And now Daddy wants to see yet one more son in the White House. Gosh--I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait to see what would happen should one more Bush and all the disgusting Cronies that follow him actually get in the Presidency. (yeah, right...)
...Let us all hope and pray that this tragedy waiting to happen doesn't actually come to pass...
This one just blows me away. The whole family and its elite, wealthy circle of friends must be in complete denial about the state that George and his son Georgie left this country in.
I guess that two Bushes weren't quite enough to ruin this country. A third would certainly complete the job! This is a political family that seems to liken themselves to the Kennedy's; but it just ain't gonna be remembered that way.
The Kennedy's are remembered with affection, a sense of something better that is now lost. I think the Bush family will be remembered as a power-hungry, deceptive, and ruinous clan whose sole wish was to do as much harm to the environment, economy, educational system, health care system, and foreign relations as any Presidents in history.
The only bright spots will be that they helped their wealthy friends and family members get wealthier, while the average American household ate less, paid more for gas and heating oil, paid far higher taxes, had less educated kids, and saw millions of jobs that used to be done here in the USA shipped out to places like India, Malaysia, Mexico, etc. Why? so the wealthy could get wealthier by paying less wages and less taxes for those wages; less healthcare costs, etc, etc, etc.
What a wonderful legacy...And now Daddy wants to see yet one more son in the White House. Gosh--I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait to see what would happen should one more Bush and all the disgusting Cronies that follow him actually get in the Presidency. (yeah, right...)
...Let us all hope and pray that this tragedy waiting to happen doesn't actually come to pass...
Monday, December 29, 2008
Why Fire Coaches?
Here we are the the end of yet another long (too, long) professional Football season. As is customary these days, the end of the season is very quickly followed by the firing of at least a few head coaches. Today, the Cleveland Browns, NY Jets AND the Denver Broncos all canned their head coaches for the poor performances of their respective teams.
I don't know about you, but I'm sick of seeing professional sports coaches getting the axe for the performance of their players. Why is the fault always with the Head Coach?
True, to a large extent, the team follows the guidance of the head coach. Also true, the head coach is supposed to put together a coaching staff that will add more leadership and light more emotional fires under the feet of their players. The weekly team and coaching preparation must be thorough, and the play calling has to be spot on.
However, what everything comes down to is the actual efforts of the players.
THEY must be in the proper year-round physical condition; THEY must learn the plays; THEY must accept responsibility for all they do; THEY must execute the plays as designed; THEY must fulfill their assignments in every way; THEY must take the blame for a poorly executed game plan.
After all, aren't the players under contract to play for pay? Where is it written in any contract that once they have money, a player can miss a pass route; miss a crucial block; not make the passes; etc?
Aren't these PROFESSIONAL athletes we're talking about? Where is the professionalism when an entire team underperforms so much that the coach gets fired? Where is their integrity?
I would love for a whole team to stand up and tell sports fans that they just didn't get their jobs done. Their coaches are not to blame for the lack of execution on the field. "Heck, the coaches prepared great...WE blew it out there today."
But it'll never happen. Why? Because a coach is far more expendable than players under contract--and the players know it! I've never heard of a team firing its players, and we never will. There is too much money invested in the players. Sure, we'll see one or two jettisoned along the way, but we'll NEVER see players being fired from their teams en masse. Won't happen...Ever.
So, we arrive still at the same place--blaming coaches for the lack of positive results on the field. Remember, over-paid and under-performing players aren't to blame, just the head coach. After all, coaches are out there playing the games, running the wrong routes, missing the tackles, allowing defenses to sack the quarterback, not opening lanes for running backs, etc. Right?
But, when a team loses, I guess you gotta blame somebody. Might as well be the coach...even one that brought you a couple of Super Bowl wins.
I don't know about you, but I'm sick of seeing professional sports coaches getting the axe for the performance of their players. Why is the fault always with the Head Coach?
True, to a large extent, the team follows the guidance of the head coach. Also true, the head coach is supposed to put together a coaching staff that will add more leadership and light more emotional fires under the feet of their players. The weekly team and coaching preparation must be thorough, and the play calling has to be spot on.
However, what everything comes down to is the actual efforts of the players.
THEY must be in the proper year-round physical condition; THEY must learn the plays; THEY must accept responsibility for all they do; THEY must execute the plays as designed; THEY must fulfill their assignments in every way; THEY must take the blame for a poorly executed game plan.
After all, aren't the players under contract to play for pay? Where is it written in any contract that once they have money, a player can miss a pass route; miss a crucial block; not make the passes; etc?
Aren't these PROFESSIONAL athletes we're talking about? Where is the professionalism when an entire team underperforms so much that the coach gets fired? Where is their integrity?
I would love for a whole team to stand up and tell sports fans that they just didn't get their jobs done. Their coaches are not to blame for the lack of execution on the field. "Heck, the coaches prepared great...WE blew it out there today."
But it'll never happen. Why? Because a coach is far more expendable than players under contract--and the players know it! I've never heard of a team firing its players, and we never will. There is too much money invested in the players. Sure, we'll see one or two jettisoned along the way, but we'll NEVER see players being fired from their teams en masse. Won't happen...Ever.
So, we arrive still at the same place--blaming coaches for the lack of positive results on the field. Remember, over-paid and under-performing players aren't to blame, just the head coach. After all, coaches are out there playing the games, running the wrong routes, missing the tackles, allowing defenses to sack the quarterback, not opening lanes for running backs, etc. Right?
But, when a team loses, I guess you gotta blame somebody. Might as well be the coach...even one that brought you a couple of Super Bowl wins.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
How He HOPES He'll Be Remembered
Last week our lame, lame-duck President showed off his latest lame move--the unveiling of the Presidential Portrait. Traditionally this portrait shows the outgoing President looking distinguished, having an air of grace and authority.
Our lame[duck] President, GeeDubya Bush pulled another fast one and thumbed his nose (yet again) at the tradition of the Oval Office. The artist painting the portrait was a former classmate of Dubyas, and our lame [duck] Prez asked him to portray our nations most hated leader in a more casual, relaxed pose.
So, here we have the end result--good ole Georgie sitting on the floor in a casual shirt (sans tie), in a good old folksy-type pose.
To me this is yet another pathetic move by a less than pathetic President. This portrait screams "forget about all the problems I've caused this country...two wars; an environmental firesale to big business; $10T (that's TRILLION) dollars of debt; a weakened Congress; a demoralized military; suspicious allies; near depression-level economy, etc.
No...to me the lame ducker is trying to tell everyone (enemies and supporters (however few there may still be) that he's just Georgie--the down-home, next door neighbor guy who happened to live in the White House.
Well Shucks and tarnation...I forgot he was just like me!
Do you see my point? All throughout his Presidency, his now infamous Spin Machine of an Administration always portrayed Dubya (and Cronies) as if there really WERE acting in the best interest of this Country--and not in their own self-serving, money hungry selfishness that truly spewed out of the West Wing.
Now here he goes again, trying to convince everyone that the Domestic nightmare that was his Presidency was really not his fault--cuz he's just a regular guy like you and me...
Sorry you Lame-duck. Your spin machine is well past broken, and all your attempts to tell us you're really one of the good guys just ain't gonna happen. You will always be remembered as the worst President in the history of this once great nation.
Our lame[duck] President, GeeDubya Bush pulled another fast one and thumbed his nose (yet again) at the tradition of the Oval Office. The artist painting the portrait was a former classmate of Dubyas, and our lame [duck] Prez asked him to portray our nations most hated leader in a more casual, relaxed pose.
So, here we have the end result--good ole Georgie sitting on the floor in a casual shirt (sans tie), in a good old folksy-type pose.
To me this is yet another pathetic move by a less than pathetic President. This portrait screams "forget about all the problems I've caused this country...two wars; an environmental firesale to big business; $10T (that's TRILLION) dollars of debt; a weakened Congress; a demoralized military; suspicious allies; near depression-level economy, etc.
No...to me the lame ducker is trying to tell everyone (enemies and supporters (however few there may still be) that he's just Georgie--the down-home, next door neighbor guy who happened to live in the White House.
Well Shucks and tarnation...I forgot he was just like me!
Do you see my point? All throughout his Presidency, his now infamous Spin Machine of an Administration always portrayed Dubya (and Cronies) as if there really WERE acting in the best interest of this Country--and not in their own self-serving, money hungry selfishness that truly spewed out of the West Wing.
Now here he goes again, trying to convince everyone that the Domestic nightmare that was his Presidency was really not his fault--cuz he's just a regular guy like you and me...
Sorry you Lame-duck. Your spin machine is well past broken, and all your attempts to tell us you're really one of the good guys just ain't gonna happen. You will always be remembered as the worst President in the history of this once great nation.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
CHRISTMAS vs Holiday
...we interrupt your Christmas music for the following news...
Headline.....Political Correctness runs amok....Atheists tell the vast majority of religious citizens that god and all religion are a myth perpetrated to enslave minds...political leaders, fearing for future votes, cave in to the demands of this "oppressed" minority...News at 11.......
...Extra! Extra! Read all about it!....Christmas is off! The yearly "Winter Holiday" is officially celebrated on December 25th!...Atheists now feel they are included in a society they claim was NOT founded on Christian principles...There is NO Christmas because Christ does NOT exist...Extra! Extra! Read all about it!...
...Dateline, Olympia, Washington...Governor Christine Gregoire, fearing that the Constitutional rights of a very small handful of people (most of whom aren't even in her constituency) are being denied, today allowed a Wisconsin Atheist group to place a sign next to a Nativity scene [in the Washington State Capital building] that did nothing but spit in the collective faces of all religious folks.
Predictably, the religious response was both swift and on the mark as they stated that Christmas was not just a religious holiday, but one of love, sharing, and giving as well; and anyone who opposed even these precepts had no right imposing their will on everyone else...
...Editorial...Since when does the Christmas Holiday offend anyone...I mean...really!? This reporter suspects that these so-called non-believers have celebrated Christmas for decades, and felt as much a part of society as they do every other day of the year.
In my humble opinion, if they want to enforce their will on 99.999999% of the population,let them try. In the last 10 years there has been a growing backlash against the supposed trampling of civil rights on a few who want to change both the Letter and the Spirit of the Constitution.
I say, boo hoo you poor wretches. No one makes you include religion in the annual holiday. Just share presents, eat good food, and let your friends warm your hearts with smiles and gifts.
Would that really be such a terrible thing? I think not...
...and now, back to more of everyone's favorite CHRISTMAS music...
Headline.....Political Correctness runs amok....Atheists tell the vast majority of religious citizens that god and all religion are a myth perpetrated to enslave minds...political leaders, fearing for future votes, cave in to the demands of this "oppressed" minority...News at 11.......
...Extra! Extra! Read all about it!....Christmas is off! The yearly "Winter Holiday" is officially celebrated on December 25th!...Atheists now feel they are included in a society they claim was NOT founded on Christian principles...There is NO Christmas because Christ does NOT exist...Extra! Extra! Read all about it!...
...Dateline, Olympia, Washington...Governor Christine Gregoire, fearing that the Constitutional rights of a very small handful of people (most of whom aren't even in her constituency) are being denied, today allowed a Wisconsin Atheist group to place a sign next to a Nativity scene [in the Washington State Capital building] that did nothing but spit in the collective faces of all religious folks.
Predictably, the religious response was both swift and on the mark as they stated that Christmas was not just a religious holiday, but one of love, sharing, and giving as well; and anyone who opposed even these precepts had no right imposing their will on everyone else...
...Editorial...Since when does the Christmas Holiday offend anyone...I mean...really!? This reporter suspects that these so-called non-believers have celebrated Christmas for decades, and felt as much a part of society as they do every other day of the year.
In my humble opinion, if they want to enforce their will on 99.999999% of the population,let them try. In the last 10 years there has been a growing backlash against the supposed trampling of civil rights on a few who want to change both the Letter and the Spirit of the Constitution.
I say, boo hoo you poor wretches. No one makes you include religion in the annual holiday. Just share presents, eat good food, and let your friends warm your hearts with smiles and gifts.
Would that really be such a terrible thing? I think not...
...and now, back to more of everyone's favorite CHRISTMAS music...
Gross Advertising Misconduct: The Follow-Up
In my original post called "Gross Advertising Misconduct" I told you about a commercial from Arby's restaurants that was blantantly sexual in nature. There was absolutely no mistaking the message they were putting across.
Well, I'm writing this because I actually received a response from Arby's. The complete text follows:
"Dear Arby’s Friend,
We’re sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction with our current advertising.
Many times we choose to use tongue-in-cheek humor and satire in our commercials in an effort to communicate information about the Arby’s menu in an engaging and entertaining manner.
Your opinion is very important to us, and we thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. The last thing we want to do is offend anyone. We have shared your comments with our marketing and advertising teams so they can be considered in the development of future advertising.
Very truly yours,
Arby’s Customer Relations"
Tongue in cheek humor? Satire? No way. My response to their letter:
"I'm sorry, but this commercial was NOT about humor or satire. It was about sex; plain and simple. If it was merely satirical, why insinuate a sexual encounter in exchange for your food, or simulate the man getting an erection? The explanation I received just doesn't cut it."
Needless to say, but I have not yet received a response to that. How can they? Their position is indefensible.
You see, advertisers generally stick to to a few basic premises to get their message across.
One is Sex.
Two is Humor.
Three is Relevancy [to everyday life].
Four is a combination of any of the first three.
All advertising seeks to manipulate the viewer in some way through visual, audio, or narrative enticement--or again, a combination of all three.
The Arby's ad in question was supposedly intended to be humorous or satirical, but was instead unmistakenly and overtly sexual. I've spoken with other people about this ad, and every one of them said they didn't see any humor; but instead were offended by the sexual nature of the ad.
Arby's is missing the boat. Their flat denial and suggestion of intent is just another manipulatory ploy to get a dissatisfied customer on their side and once again purchasing from their businesses.
My response clearly states the ridiculousness of their claim because I see it (the commercial AND the response) for what it truly is...an attempt to sell me on their product. A sales pitch. One for which I will NOT fall.
Well, I'm writing this because I actually received a response from Arby's. The complete text follows:
"Dear Arby’s Friend,
We’re sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction with our current advertising.
Many times we choose to use tongue-in-cheek humor and satire in our commercials in an effort to communicate information about the Arby’s menu in an engaging and entertaining manner.
Your opinion is very important to us, and we thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. The last thing we want to do is offend anyone. We have shared your comments with our marketing and advertising teams so they can be considered in the development of future advertising.
Very truly yours,
Arby’s Customer Relations"
Tongue in cheek humor? Satire? No way. My response to their letter:
"I'm sorry, but this commercial was NOT about humor or satire. It was about sex; plain and simple. If it was merely satirical, why insinuate a sexual encounter in exchange for your food, or simulate the man getting an erection? The explanation I received just doesn't cut it."
Needless to say, but I have not yet received a response to that. How can they? Their position is indefensible.
You see, advertisers generally stick to to a few basic premises to get their message across.
One is Sex.
Two is Humor.
Three is Relevancy [to everyday life].
Four is a combination of any of the first three.
All advertising seeks to manipulate the viewer in some way through visual, audio, or narrative enticement--or again, a combination of all three.
The Arby's ad in question was supposedly intended to be humorous or satirical, but was instead unmistakenly and overtly sexual. I've spoken with other people about this ad, and every one of them said they didn't see any humor; but instead were offended by the sexual nature of the ad.
Arby's is missing the boat. Their flat denial and suggestion of intent is just another manipulatory ploy to get a dissatisfied customer on their side and once again purchasing from their businesses.
My response clearly states the ridiculousness of their claim because I see it (the commercial AND the response) for what it truly is...an attempt to sell me on their product. A sales pitch. One for which I will NOT fall.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Gross Advertising Misconduct
I saw something on tv tonight that I was completely astounded at...and I don't mean that in any positive sense.
During tonights' 7 pm Family Hour a commercial for Arby's restaurants came on. It featured a man, sitting on a bed looking quite anxious. He asks an unseen person if she's ready. Flash to a view of a doorway and a voice calling out, "I'm only doing this because it's your birthday." Flash to the man who looks even more anxious.
Flash to the doorway through which a woman (presumably the man's wife) suddenly appears dressed in an Arby's uniform, holding a tray of food. She starts sauntering towards the bed [while sexually suggestive music plays in the background] in a highly sexually suggestive manner. Flash to the man who has a huge grin on his face. Above him is an Arby's logo with a definitely limp look to it. Suddenly the hat straightens right up in an unmistakable representation and overt reference to the man having an erection.
EXCUSE ME?!!!!! Are you kidding me?!!!!
I promptly went to my computer, looked up Arby's corporate, and wrote a very blunt and pointed letter informing them of how I feel about this commercial. Right afterwards, I got on my blog [here], and wrote this.
Now, don't get me wrong...I'm no prude, and I am definitely not sheltered. I am well aware of how advertisers go about selling the products of their clients. This particular ad however, surprised even me. This blatant, overt, and uninhibited use of sex to sell fast food was disgusting at best. And to have it during the Family Hour is simply irresponsible.
This commercial, aimed at our kids, should never have been approved. In my letter to Arby's, I stated that the advertisers should be fired, and the corporate manager who approved it should be, too. Further, I went on to suggest that the company fine itself, and donate the money to an appropriate charity. Lastly, I told them that I would never eat at any Arby's again for this gross misconduct. I meant every word.
If we, the viewing public do nothing about this type of advertising, the ad industry will assume that all is well, and will grow bolder with each successive ad campaign.
Please, if you see inappropriate advertising, write the company, the FCC, the TV stations, etc. Let your voices be heard so these people who so strongly influence our kids are not allowed to flood their innocent eyes with increasingly graphic sexual references. I for one, will not allow myself to stand by while this happens. I will speak out. You should too.
After all, if we don't do everything we can to care for the physical health and mental well-being of our kids, we are failing them.
During tonights' 7 pm Family Hour a commercial for Arby's restaurants came on. It featured a man, sitting on a bed looking quite anxious. He asks an unseen person if she's ready. Flash to a view of a doorway and a voice calling out, "I'm only doing this because it's your birthday." Flash to the man who looks even more anxious.
Flash to the doorway through which a woman (presumably the man's wife) suddenly appears dressed in an Arby's uniform, holding a tray of food. She starts sauntering towards the bed [while sexually suggestive music plays in the background] in a highly sexually suggestive manner. Flash to the man who has a huge grin on his face. Above him is an Arby's logo with a definitely limp look to it. Suddenly the hat straightens right up in an unmistakable representation and overt reference to the man having an erection.
EXCUSE ME?!!!!! Are you kidding me?!!!!
I promptly went to my computer, looked up Arby's corporate, and wrote a very blunt and pointed letter informing them of how I feel about this commercial. Right afterwards, I got on my blog [here], and wrote this.
Now, don't get me wrong...I'm no prude, and I am definitely not sheltered. I am well aware of how advertisers go about selling the products of their clients. This particular ad however, surprised even me. This blatant, overt, and uninhibited use of sex to sell fast food was disgusting at best. And to have it during the Family Hour is simply irresponsible.
This commercial, aimed at our kids, should never have been approved. In my letter to Arby's, I stated that the advertisers should be fired, and the corporate manager who approved it should be, too. Further, I went on to suggest that the company fine itself, and donate the money to an appropriate charity. Lastly, I told them that I would never eat at any Arby's again for this gross misconduct. I meant every word.
If we, the viewing public do nothing about this type of advertising, the ad industry will assume that all is well, and will grow bolder with each successive ad campaign.
Please, if you see inappropriate advertising, write the company, the FCC, the TV stations, etc. Let your voices be heard so these people who so strongly influence our kids are not allowed to flood their innocent eyes with increasingly graphic sexual references. I for one, will not allow myself to stand by while this happens. I will speak out. You should too.
After all, if we don't do everything we can to care for the physical health and mental well-being of our kids, we are failing them.
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