Hank Jr. yanked from his MNF gig, for good reason
Hank Williams Jr. ain’t ready for some politics.
I like the man’s music. I thought he provided a perfect hard-driving opening for Monday Night Football, and so did ESPN and ABC. He had the gig for 20 years, until he opened his mouth yesterday and said some things too damned stupid to let him continue.
Rule of thumb, Bocephus: When the crew at Fox News are so appalled at what you’ve said about Barack Obama that their jaws drop and they all but beg you to reconsider, you may have gone too far.
And please, spare me the violin concerto about Junior’s freedom of speech being violated.
Two words:
Dixie.
Chicks.
Their mistake, so to speak, was to tell an audience in 2003 that “just so you know, we’re ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas,” which is some 60 million dead people and two or three attempted genocides short of comparing him to Adolph Hitler. And as a consequence, their work was permanently banned from almost every country music station in the country.
I hope this doesn’t become a career boost for Williams, but I can imagine it happening. I can imagine DJs putting his songs on air because of what he said, rather than despite it. I can imagine him becoming a martyred hero in certain eyes, and that reality is more troubling than what some in-over-his-head, not-so-bright, trying-to-live-up-to-a-stereotype entertainer had to say on national TV.
– Jay Bookman
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409 comments Add your comment
Keep Up the Good Fight!
October 4th, 2011
10:02 am
Spokespeople, mascots, representatives and many others are terminated often for unacceptable speech and behavior…. How silly to claim that this is a “liberul” thing or a Dem thing
Good little liberal
October 4th, 2011
10:02 am
Bosch
“In other words GLL, YOU have the ability to fire a Hollywood star by not attending their movies or watching them on TV.”
As you do with Williams. But that’s not exactly what happened is it?
Don't Forget
October 4th, 2011
10:03 am
GLL, can you please provide some examples to back up your self pity BS.
Bosch
October 4th, 2011
10:04 am
“If you are a conservative, you damn well better keep your feelings to yourself.”
Oh poor GLL, playing the victim card again. You know damn good and well it works both ways.
Joe COOL
October 4th, 2011
10:04 am
Bosch
October 4th, 2011
10:01 am
Same for Mel Gibson
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:04 am
Anyone want to bet they have a big hug down the road and a beer together in the Rose Garden ?
You heard it here first.
Generation$crewed
October 4th, 2011
10:04 am
Hank was stupid for the comment! Unless someone is killing like Hitler always a bad idea to compare anyone or anything to Hitler. Just bad taste, but it his right to speak and to deal with the consequences of his actions. Its all about choices, and living with the choices.
But what is or was more offensive? A drunk musciain without a hit in who knows how long comparing the president to Hitler or a congressman making the same statement? actually the congressman’s was worse.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=031_1184599788&p=1
USinUK
October 4th, 2011
10:04 am
GLL – you might want to look up the Susan Sarandon / Tim Robbins / Bull Durham 20th Anniv brouhaha because they spoke out against the war.
Hollywood actors pay the price for speaking out all the time.
just because you have the memory of a goldfish doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.
Swivel Well, My Friends, Swivel Well + Cincy’s News To Know From News 5 Today. It’s 10/4/11 #in « Todd Dykes’ Breakfast Blog
October 4th, 2011
10:04 am
[...] What about old Hank? By now you likely know the country singer, Hank Williams Jr, linked President Obama to Hitler during an interview on a FOX news show on Monday morning. He was giving his impression of this summer’s golf summing involving the President and House Speaker John Boehner, a meeting that happened while the country teetered on the brink of an economic default. As a result of his comments his “Are You Ready For Some Football” song was dropped from last night’s Monday Night Football opening sequence on ESPN. Here’s a link to the FOX News clip and an op-ed piece to fill you in: http://blogs.ajc.com/jay-bookman-blog/2011/10/04/hank-jr-yanked-from-his-mnf-gig-for-good-reason/ [...]
Bosch
October 4th, 2011
10:05 am
“But that’s not exactly what happened is it?”
You are again, comparing apples to oranges. He was an employee of a network — Hollywood stars are contractual.
Good little liberal
October 4th, 2011
10:05 am
Joe COOL
There have been a few that were so extreme that even the media had to say something. West has been proven to be a drunken fool. but go back and look at the major Hollywood stars that attacked Bush. Hell, David Letterman made jokes about Sarah Palin’s children.
There really is no comparison.
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:05 am
Joe Mama:
But Jay works such wonders with his charts !
I’m not a chart person ……………….
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:06 am
GLL @ 10:05
Exactly !
Keep Up the Good Fight!
October 4th, 2011
10:06 am
memory of a goldfish
USinUK…. really do we have to insult the goldfish?
Bosch
October 4th, 2011
10:07 am
“There really is no comparison”
But don’t let that stop GLL from trying to force one.
TaxPayer
October 4th, 2011
10:07 am
How long are we going to have to put up with this crap.
For at least as long as you are willing to post it, Scout.
Good little liberal
October 4th, 2011
10:08 am
USinUK
Why would I need to look it up . . . wait, could it be because the media ignored it? So why is that? Could it be that liberals are held to a lower standard of behavior.
We have Glenn Beck having a rally in Washington where people sang hymns and cleaned up after themselves and now how many times has that been compared to the riots on Wall Street?
Keep Up the Good Fight!
October 4th, 2011
10:09 am
Ahhh…now the fake Palin poutrage while the Michelle Obama attacks proceed….
Somebody cue the Sarah McLaughlin music…. “In the eyes of an angel… poor Republicans are viciously attacked by Liberuls daily… won’t you help stop these attacks.”
Bosch
October 4th, 2011
10:09 am
“and cleaned up after themselves ”
Oh sure, what great folks, they washed their own dishes and took out the trash!
ty webb
October 4th, 2011
10:10 am
Joe,
“shinebox”? I don’t know if that was an insult or simply a “Goodfellas” reference, or both. If it was an insult, then you, Sir, are worse than Hitler…plus this back and forth is kinda ridiculous, just apologize for your ridiculous comment regarding “programming after kiddies bedtime” and we can move on.
Good little liberal
October 4th, 2011
10:10 am
Bosch
Williams was also a contracted entity. Major stars don’t punch time clocks.
Good little liberal
October 4th, 2011
10:11 am
Bosch
Please continue. You and Keep Up are really convincing everyone. I’m not sure of what, but . . .
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:11 am
Jay:
I don’t recall that the Dixie (isn’t that word offensive?) Chicks ever repented of their verbal sins.
Did they ?
AmVet
October 4th, 2011
10:11 am
I thought all these faux conservatives were into the “free market” uber alles thing. (Get the Hitlerian reference?)
And now that ‘free market” has made it’s decision and ditched the loudmouth lout, they seemingly want some sort of intercession.
But by whom?
The over-reaching, free-speech hating Uncle Sam?
Too funny…
Bosch
October 4th, 2011
10:11 am
“Major stars don’t punch time clocks”
No, they don’t and when the people that pay them think they’ve gone overboard, they don’t hire them or end their contracts. It happens on both sides GLL, but you are “too victimized by the mean old liberals” to see it.
getalife
October 4th, 2011
10:11 am
cons embarrass our country everyday.
Typical.
RB from Gwinnett
October 4th, 2011
10:12 am
Bosch, are you saying the “terrorist” comment didn’t happen or what?
I’m pretty sure there were lots of Germans who would have said “oh, that can’t really be happening” too. You stike me as the same sort of naive tool who would support a Hitler as long has he told you what you wanted to hear.
Bosch
October 4th, 2011
10:12 am
“You and Keep Up are really convincing everyone. I’m not sure of what, but . . ”
That you are full of blind hypocrisy?
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:12 am
TaxPayer:
Did I twist your arm and make you read something you didn’t want to ? Oh, I am so sorry.
Does your arm hurt ?
Keep Up the Good Fight!
October 4th, 2011
10:12 am
“riots” on Wall Street…. is that like the Storm Trooper Stomp in KY?
Bosch
October 4th, 2011
10:13 am
“Bosch, are you saying the “terrorist” comment didn’t happen or what?”
No, not your version of it anyway.
Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil
October 4th, 2011
10:14 am
What do you expect from a no class, unintelligent, uneducated, trailer park trash, drunk redneck?
Hit them where it hurts….IN THE POCKETBOOK AND SEND THEM BACK TO THE TRAILER PARK.!
Guy Incognito
October 4th, 2011
10:14 am
Keep,
Agreed. That dude who narrated the GEICO commercials lost his job after attacking the (CA?)TP
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:14 am
AmVet:
I agree. His job for Monday Night Football isn’t a UNION CONTRACT !
Fire him ……………….. and let’s see what happens regarding his concerts vs. the Dixie (isn’t that word offensive) Chicks.
Good little liberal
October 4th, 2011
10:15 am
I need to get back to work.
I think that Williams got what he deserved for being a conservative and speaking out. It’s just not done. But the irony of what has happened is obvious.
Freedom of speech is under attack in this country. I just can’t believe that if a major Hollywood star would have called Bush Hitler, that the liberals on this blog would be so sincere that they lose their job.
moonbat betty
October 4th, 2011
10:15 am
Hank Williams Jr./Cat Stevens – 2012
TaxPayer
October 4th, 2011
10:15 am
Poor GLL,
Is there a raincloud that follows you everywhere you go.
Peadawg
October 4th, 2011
10:15 am
Saying Bohner and Obama playing golf is like Hitler and Rosh HaMemshala playing is soooo wrong.
But calling the Tea Party terrorists is ok.
Got it.
I just wish some people would be more consistent.
kayaker 71
October 4th, 2011
10:16 am
Now back to reality……Only 19% of voters strongly approve of Obama….. 43% strongly disapprove, a new all time low. Christie/ Obama….. a virtual tie… and the guy hasn’t even declared. Obama states that he is the underdog in the 2012…. Axelrod states that 2012 will be a “Titanic struggle”….. 30% of Democrats want a new candidate in 2012. It still don’t look so good.
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:16 am
You know, good sometimes comes out of bad and the good thing is that at least for a few days liberal entertainers will probably keep their mouths shut.
St. Louis
October 4th, 2011
10:16 am
God bless the occupying patriots across the USA. I applaud the youth of America.
ty webb
October 4th, 2011
10:17 am
To who(or whom) did we compare politicians that we disagree with before Hitler?… and while we’re at it, what did we compare the sound of tornadoes to before the invention of the freight train?
Granny Godzilla
October 4th, 2011
10:17 am
Good Little Liberals first foray into irony…and we were all here to witness it.
Sieze the day!
Keep Up the Good Fight!
October 4th, 2011
10:17 am
Guy…. The AFLAC duck voice (Gilbert Godfrey) lost his job there after some tweets about the Japanese 3/11.
Bosch
October 4th, 2011
10:17 am
ty,
The mysteries of life…..
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:18 am
kayaker 71:
Careful. TaxPayer doesn’t like off-topic stuff.
He’s not good at multi-tasking.
Don't Forget
October 4th, 2011
10:18 am
But calling the Tea Party terrorists is ok.
Peadawg, who did that?
Peter
October 4th, 2011
10:18 am
Hey St. Louis…… this comment…….
God bless the occupying patriots across the USA. I applaud the youth of America.
So are these the folks who will be willing to pick our crops ?
Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil
October 4th, 2011
10:18 am
Put him on the show “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader” and see how intelligent and smart he is!!!!
He put his big fat stinky redneck foot in his mouth. Now chew on that Hanky!
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:18 am
Granny:
Knox ………… guilty or no ?
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:19 am
Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil :
Smart/Dumb?
I’d like to see his tax return vs. yours.
Peadawg
October 4th, 2011
10:19 am
“But calling the Tea Party terrorists is ok.
Peadawg, who did that?”
Joe Biden for one. I don’t remember this much outrage at his statement.
Bosch
October 4th, 2011
10:19 am
“Peadawg, who did that?”
The same little voice in his head that also occupies RB’s.
TaxPayer
October 4th, 2011
10:20 am
You know, good sometimes comes out of bad and the good thing is that at least for a few days liberal entertainers will probably keep their mouths shut.
As though you would know when any of them speak.
Peadawg
October 4th, 2011
10:20 am
“Granny:
Knox ………… guilty or no ?”
I’l say, based on the (lack of) evidence, absolutely not.
St. Louis
October 4th, 2011
10:20 am
Pete,
Nope.
Peter
October 4th, 2011
10:20 am
Is there a Republican out there who eats vegetables ?
Are you or your children willing to pick crops in a field ?
Granny Godzilla
October 4th, 2011
10:21 am
Scout
I really don’t know.
Do you?
Peadawg
October 4th, 2011
10:21 am
“Peadawg, who did that?”
getalife says it many times a day on here and I don’t see anyone speaking out against it.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 4th, 2011
10:21 am
I can only hope Faith Hill will also compare Obama to Hitler.
Brosephus™
October 4th, 2011
10:21 am
Seems like Hank exercised his 1st Amendment rights. Also seems like ESPN/ABC exercised their free market ability to disassociate themselves with tainted product. Ain’t life in America grand???
Jay
October 4th, 2011
10:22 am
What verbal sins did the Dixie Chicks commit, Scout? None whatsoever is the answer.
There’s nothing wrong with entertainers expressing political points of view. If Hank Jr. had simply said that Obama had been a terrible president and should not be re-elected, we wouldn’t be having this conversation and he’d still be intro-ing MNF.
Again, the shocked expressions on the faces of the Fox commentators is the best rebuttal available to claims that what Williams said was acceptable.
TaxPayer
October 4th, 2011
10:22 am
Scout now defines the person by his tax return!
USinUK
October 4th, 2011
10:22 am
“Why would I need to look it up . . . wait, could it be because the media ignored it?”
wow. you really DO need an IV of soemthing today.
I asked you to look it up, because it’s out there – the media DIDN’T ignore it … which is why you CAN look it up.
but you keep chewing on that gum of yours, even after the flavor is gone and it has the texture of cement.
Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil
October 4th, 2011
10:22 am
@Good little liberal October 4th, 2011 10:15 am
People are taking FREEDOM OF SPEECH to the level of disrespect for our president. I am sick and tired of people hiding behind free speech to disrespect our president.
THERE HAS TO BE A LIMIT TO FREE SPEECH.
Peter
October 4th, 2011
10:22 am
Hey St. Louis……
So who will pick the crops we buy at the store to feed our family’s in a healthy way ?
Who are the Republican’s lining up to pick the crops ?
Peadawg
October 4th, 2011
10:22 am
““Peadawg, who did that?””
Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.)
Joe Mama
October 4th, 2011
10:22 am
1811 — “I don’t recall that the Dixie (isn’t that word offensive?) Chicks ever repented of their verbal sins.”
What “verbal sins” did they commit?
D. Richard
October 4th, 2011
10:23 am
After an entire morning of discussion, it is obvious that GLL has no idea what the concept of freedom of speech is all about.
Peadawg
October 4th, 2011
10:23 am
“If Hank Jr. had simply said that Obama had been a terrible president and should not be re-elected, we wouldn’t be having this conversation and he’d still be intro-ing MNF.”
With all the political correct pansies running around…that’s debatable, Jay.
St Simons - we're on Island time
October 4th, 2011
10:23 am
I think the cons had been wanting to replace Hank with David Allan Coe for some time. This incident just gave them the excuse they needed.
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:24 am
Najeh Davenpoop :
NO !!!
USinUK
October 4th, 2011
10:24 am
Najeh – 10:21 – and Celine Dion.
Bosch
October 4th, 2011
10:24 am
Watch Peadawg. Watch Peadawg backpeddle. Backpeddle Peadawg, backpeddle.
Peter
October 4th, 2011
10:24 am
Please this comment…….
TaxPayer
October 4th, 2011
10:22 am
Scout now defines the person by his tax return!
Republican’s define a person by their tax return.
Peadawg
October 4th, 2011
10:25 am
“Watch Peadawg backpeddle.”
I’m watching, waiting, but I don’t see it. Where/when did I backpeddle?
moonbat betty
October 4th, 2011
10:25 am
If Bill Gates called Boner a nazi, all of you would still use microsoft products.
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
October 4th, 2011
10:26 am
Well, you can’t crucify a man for telling the truth—can you? Me, I aim to call all my favorite radio stations and ask them to play Hank Jr. records today. I was all for taking those Dixie Chicks off of the air. I mean, they ridiculed My President. But this is just going too far.
Now I have to worry they’re going to track me down up here at Simpsons Trailer Park and tell me to move out. I mean, I seem to recall saying some unflattering things about Obama.
He’s a Dictator, is what he is. People are loosing their Freedom of Speech! You can’t even tell the truth these days without being yanked. Then they call you a druggie and dumb and all kind of nasty things. Now I won’t even be able to hear old Randall Hank when I tune in to Monday Night Football.
Have a good Tuesday everybody.
USinUK
October 4th, 2011
10:26 am
“all of you would still use microsoft products”
like there’s a whole lotta choice.
TaxPayer
October 4th, 2011
10:26 am
I see Scout has yet to provide us with the scripture that defines the Dixie Chick’s “verbal sin”. Come on Scout. You can do it. Yes you can.
Street Walker
October 4th, 2011
10:27 am
Ladies, can you imagine getting in the bed with Hank? He looks like he has lice, he looks stinky, I bet his breath stinks and he has not taken a bath or changed his underwear in weeks.
THAT’S MY FREE SPEECH.
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:27 am
Jay:
Wow !
I got about a 3 inch purple verbal box from you. I feel honored.
See my 10:14 regarding Hank vs. the Dixie (isn’t that word offensive) Chicks.
Soothsayer
October 4th, 2011
10:27 am
Jay, I jist want to know whar I can git one o’ them “Hank is Hitler” bumper stickers for the ol’ pick ‘em up truck!
USinUK
October 4th, 2011
10:28 am
Dixie Chicks sin???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15YjwZfBFQA
Peter
October 4th, 2011
10:28 am
Hey Street Walker… there will always be a gold digger willing to do anything for free money !
Bosch
October 4th, 2011
10:28 am
So Scout, answer the question.
ty webb
October 4th, 2011
10:28 am
Yeah, I don’t get the Faith Hill “Sunday Night Football” intro…Don’t get me wrong, she sure is purty, but it’s just seems kinda of weird choice.
St. Louis
October 4th, 2011
10:29 am
Pete,
Repeal HB 87 and open the gates for God’s brown people to pick away.
USinUK
October 4th, 2011
10:29 am
“I got about a 3 inch purple verbal box from you”
TMI, Scout.
TMI.
Peadawg
October 4th, 2011
10:29 am
“all of you would still use microsoft products”
Microsoft products that are fairly priced and work or Apple products that are waaaay over priced and are confusing. Hhhhhmmmm…
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:29 am
TaxPayer/Peter:
Look …………. there goes a puppy !
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:30 am
Bosch:
Too much going on here. What “is” your question?
TaxPayer
October 4th, 2011
10:31 am
And Jay didn’t even label that reply to Scout as “Box 23.” How could he be expected to take it seriously.
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:31 am
Granny:
She’s coming to London today. Ask her.
Nope
October 4th, 2011
10:32 am
Conservatives can’t have it both ways. You can’t scream about how you all want free markets and to allow corporations to do what they want to do and then blast a company for not wanting to be associated with damaged goods.
1811/0311
October 4th, 2011
10:32 am
TaxPayer:
You got it right !
Adam
October 4th, 2011
10:32 am
Anyone talk about the Rick Perry scandal and how Herman Cain first said it was insensitive and then walked back his comments when the rest of the conservatives started ATTACKING him for saying that a racial slur against his OWN race was insensitive?
AmVet
October 4th, 2011
10:33 am
The word Dixie is not offensive.
But moronic racists and bigots co-opting and hiding behind the Stars and Bars is.
I suspect that Bocephus is just another enraged Republican with very little self-control and a big mouth.
Nothing more…
Joe the Plutocrat
October 4th, 2011
10:33 am
ty, kudos for nabbing the “Billy Bats” reference. I’m justhaving a little fun, relax, I just got outta da joint. now, you can beat me up, throw in the trunk of Henry Hill’s Buick and shoot/stab me to death, but I ain’t apologizing for nothing. MNF and the NFL ARE NOT “family friendly” entertainment, and never were. the fact that the league can make a few extra bucks by selling Atlanta Falcons pajamas to 10 year-olds, is gravy. oh, and why do you think they project all that United Way and “Play for 60 Minutes” nonsense? it is the NFL’s “apology” to families for leading dad to get drunk and blow the rent/grocery money on an ill-advised over/under parlay on the Eagles-49ers game.
The real Fletch
October 4th, 2011
10:33 am
Was he really comparing Obama to Hitler? Or was he likening the divide between Boehner and Obama to the divide between an anti-semite and the leader of the jewish state? I am bright enough to know that comparisons to Hitler never go well for anyone, but I didn’t immediately make the connection between Hitler and Obama, just saying.