Colbert goes commando and the media flinches

[babylonsister]

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/254/story/69938.html

Commentary: Colbert goes commando and the media flinches
Operation Iraqi Stephen

AP

In this handout photo taken Sunday, June 7, 2009, released by the U.S. military, comedian Stephen Colbert gets a military style haircut from General Raymond Odierno, Commander of the Multinational Corps, Iraq, at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq. (AP Photo/ Steve Manuel)

By Linda P. Campbell | The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

snip//

The soldiers cheered heartily for the hair-shedding show of solidarity and video of Colbert's abbreviated "basic training," which included him and a barking, straight-faced drill sergeant chanting during a run in fatigues and boots.

But this wasn't all about safe guffaws; with Colbert it never is. He argued with himself about the don't-ask, don't-tell policy on gays in the military. He interviewed a female soldier and an Arab-American who enlisted after 9-11 and works as a translator.

It's not surprising that this wildly popular political satirist would venture to Baghdad. His Web site, www.colbertnation.com/home, links to donorschoose.org, through which contributors can help classroom projects in schools attended by children of military parents.

And he's generated more than a quarter-million dollars for the Yellow Ribbon Fund's assistance to injured veterans through his WristStrong campaign, which turned a broken wrist into a fundraiser by selling red plastic bracelets and auctioning his cast signed by celebrities.

Funny that Colbert isn't a favorite of the Washington press corps. They weren't impressed by the brutal irony and political incorrectness of his 2006 White House Correspondents Dinner antics.

"I stand by this man because he stands for things," he said about then-President George W. Bush. "Not only for things, he stands on things. Things like aircraft carriers and rubble and recently flooded city squares."

And there was this about the press corps: "Over the last five years you people were so good - over tax cuts, WMD intelligence, the effect of global warming. We Americans didn't want to know, and you had the courtesy not to try to find out."

The military will play along for the sake of the troops, but members of the national media can't take a joke.

Now, there's irony.

[PDittie]

1. He and Stewart and Olbermann and Maddow

We have a corporate media infrastructure that allows us to push back against the freak right. We need still more voices, but what a difference from just four years ago and the Swift Boat fuckwads.

[madrchsod]

4. you forgot big ed...his radio show is booked solid with advertisers...

and his tv show is one of the best. he`s bringing on a lot of people with a positive message for the people of the usa.

[PDittie]

7. Big Ed building momentum

because he just doesn't look and sound like most "libruls" on teevee. He's been pumpng EFCA and the public health care option for all they are worth.

Yes, he's a valuable member of the team.

[babylonsister]

9. I must admit, he's growing on me. nt

[rocktivity]

2. (The) video of Colbert's abbreviated "basic training,"

...included him and a barking, straight-faced drill sergeant chanting during a run in fatigues and boots...

And it opened with him pulling up in a stretch limo wearing a polyester track suit and toting Paris Hilton sunglasses and a Louis Vuitton bag. I'll never forget the look on the sergeant's face--talk about shoot first, ask questions later!

:rofl:
rocktivity

[ellie]

5. I loved it

when he had his iPhone stuck to his helmet and cord was hanging down. That was hilarious! I am still laughing!

[tabasco]

3. Cowards hate heroes.

Because the heroes show them what they can never be.

[Swamp Rat]

6. k&r

[SmileyRose]

8. Big difference between the military and the MSM

the American military does it's job pretty damn good.

The MSM hasn't done a decent job for a very long time.

[bridgit]

10. Colbert's doing some of the best TV on TV

[Uncle Joe]

11. Kicked and recommended. I like Colbert and this column but the phrase

"politically incorrect" should be reversed.

Colbert was indeed politically correct, Cheney/Bush and what passes for the fourth estate were and are politically incorrect.

I know some people will say it's just a play on words, but words have power and I see the term "Politically Incorrect" as corporate media promoted Orwellian Language subliminally divorcing the wise, thoughtful, shrewed, diplomatic language, along with being correct from expectations of our political leaders.

I believe this upside down national mentality only serves the un or under-qualified coming to power as they glory in their bombastic, ignorance.

When Colbert wore out the Washington Courtesan Press Corps. I believe he was absolutely correct and I don't believe that message should be watered down or obfuscated.

Thanks for the thread, babylonsister.

[DCKit]

12. Colbert exposed/exposes the M$M's fawning and colluding with the malAdministration.

He won't be forgiven any time soon and, since he continues to point out their hypocrisy and other shortcomings daily, it's likely they wouldn't mind if he were hit by a bus in the next two minutes.

Great, now I'm imagining David Gregory in a bus drivers uniform.