By Gary P Jackson
Appearing On The Record with Greta, Governor Palin talks more about free speech, the Duck Dynasty situation, as well as about her book. Sarah shares some details surrounding the birth of Bristol’s son, Tripp, and the struggle she had dealing with it all.
Filed under In The News, Politics, sarah palin
By Gary P Jackson
In the past week it seems like the entire news cycle has been dominated by A&E’s suspension of Phil Robertson, the creator of the multi-million dollar Duck Commander business their show Duck Dynasty is built around. Phil, father of the children who now run the successful business, was suspended after an interview in GQ magazine, where he talked about his faith.
It was this quote that sent the intolerant, hate spewing left into full out assault mode:
It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.
There’s not a red blooded man alive that doesn’t think the same thing!
Of course, men and women are “wired at the factory,” if you will, to be attracted to each other, not members of their own sex. It’s a defect in that “wiring” that leads to the same sex attraction. That doesn’t make gays bad, just different than the norm.
Men and women are wired to be attracted to one another, quite simply because it’s the only way for our species to survive! If you need a further lesson in biology and reproduction, well ….
It doesn’t seem logical to many people that a man would find another man attractive, sexually. I submit that’s simply a failure to understand that as perfect as God makes us, sometimes things don’t turn out in the creative process inside the mother’s womb as they are supposed to. The end result is a man or woman who ends up being attacked to people of their own sex. It is what it is.
As much as that line from Robertson made the intolerant left lose it’s mind, it was THIS exchange between Phil and GQ that made their empty heads explode: [emphasis mine]
Even though he’s in the far corner of the room, Phil dominates the house. There are times when he doesn’t look you in the eye while he’s speaking—he looks just off to the side of you, as if Jesus were standing nearby, holding a stack of cue cards. Everyone else in the room just stares at his phone, or at the TV, or holds side conversations as Phil preaches.
“We’re Bible-thumpers who just happened to end up on television,” he tells me. “You put in your article that the Robertson family really believes strongly that if the human race loved each other and they loved God, we would just be better off. We ought to just be repentant, turn to God, and let’s get on with it, and everything will turn around.”
What does repentance entail? Well, in Robertson’s worldview, America was a country founded upon Christian values (Thou shalt not kill, etc.), and he believes that the gradual removal of Christian symbolism from public spaces has diluted those founding principles. (He and Si take turns going on about why the Ten Commandments ought to be displayed outside courthouses.) He sees the popularity of Duck Dynasty as a small corrective to all that we have lost.
“Everything is blurred on what’s right and what’s wrong,” he says. “Sin becomes fine.”
What, in your mind, is sinful?
“Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” he says. Then he paraphrases Corinthians: “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”
During Phil’s darkest days, in the early 1970s, he had to flee the state of Arkansas after he badly beat up a bar owner and the guy’s wife. Kay Robertson persuaded the bar owner not to press charges in exchange for most of the Robertsons’ life savings. (“A hefty price,” he notes in his memoir.) I ask Phil if he ever repented for that, as he wants America to repent—if he ever tracked down the bar owner and his wife to apologize for the assault. He shakes his head.
“I didn’t dredge anything back up. I just put it behind me.”
As far as Phil is concerned, he was literally born again. Old Phil—the guy with the booze and the pills—died a long time ago, and New Phil sees no need to apologize for him: “We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?”
Liberals HATE the mention of sin. Sin means responsibility, and liberals don’t want to be held responsible for anything, ever. Many liberals even reject the notion of absolute right and wrong, instead opting to push moral relevance to excuse their actions, and the actions of others. It’s that nonsensical approach that has caused so many of the problems we see in society today.
It’s how Barack Obama has run his entire presidency! Never taking responsibility, and blaming everyone else!
Those looking to find hate in Phil’s statements surely can, as can those who perpetually look for things to be offended by. But normal people look at Phil Robertson as a man who has lived life, made some monumental mistakes, then found God, and has since looked to live a better life. Phil Robertson’s story is the story of many, many folks. Including myself and, I suspect, a good number of our readers.
Normal people will see what Phil is saying though, and understand. For Christians, it’s always been LOVE the sinner, but hate the sin. Let God sort it out, if you will. That doesn’t excuse sin, but an educated, tolerant society can separate the sinner from the sin. Christians believe God’s love, when accepted, will change the sinner, will help him change his life. All of us are sinners, and that’s a fact. It’s only through God’s love, and the love of others that we can find salvation and strength.
What Phil says is valid. If all Americans would find a way to love one another, this would be a much better country. Sadly, thanks to a charged political climate, Americans are literally at each others throats these days. Getting back to the basics that our nation was founded on, is the key to the survival of these United States.
When the elements that seek to destroy America, the elements that have set up a “politically correct era of fascism, hate, and intolerance are defeated, America can get back to being the exceptional nation that it has always been.
Look, I’m didn’t write this to go on a theological rant. All of us who believe in a higher power do so in our own ways. What I am trying to say is most Americans agree with what Phil Robertson has said, both about sin, and love.
What has had me more curious about all of this, is not just the hate and intolerance of the left, hell, we see that on a daily, if not hourly, basis. It seems these days the only reason the left exists is to hate. It seems to be the only thing that sustains them. However, it’s the back-story from A&E that really has me wondering what is really going on.
Before we go forward, let me confess: Until Sunday, I had never seen a single episode of Duck Dynasty and that was solely based on A&E’s own advertising for the show, which, in hindsight, gives more credibility to the many claims about A&E’s management, that are surfacing.
We now know that A&E had a representative in the room with Robertson during the GQ interview, and could have stopped any line of questioning it deemed “too controversial” We also know A&E knew exactly what was said in the interview, and had months to either quash the interview, or discipline Robertson for his “unapproved” ideas. [I never thought I’d ever write THAT about a situation in America! The notion of “unapproved ideas” is quite chilling] It wasn’t until the vicious, intolerant left wingers started screeching, that A&E seemed to care.
I’d be remiss though, without pointing out that A&E is catching hell from many gays and lesbians, on both sides of the political aisle, for it’s intolerance. It’s seems the notion of defending free speech, especially speech you may not agree with, is still very much alive in these United States. THAT is encouraging.
It’s been alleged that Robertson was set up. That A&E wanted all of this to happen, as a way to tone down, or completely eliminate the very Christian element of Duck Dynasty that has made it so wildly popular, the most popular reality show in history, in fact.
From an insider close to the show: [emphasis mine]
“Someone from A&E was there and was aware of the kind of answers Phil was giving. But despite that, they didn’t ever try to stop it or control it. Instead, they let it hit the headlines and then released a statement condemning it.”
The source continued, “It is our belief that they knew what was going to happen and then used the situation to exercise control over Phil. It is our understand that when the TV executives came up with the concept for the show they wanted it to be a case of people laughing at a bunch of backward rednecks. But when it didn’t turn out like that and people actually started identifying with the way the family behaved and were laughing with them, not at them, they became uncomfortable. It did not sit will with the New York TV types.”
The source also said that the family feels A&E was uncomfortable with the family’s “insistence that there would be a strong religious presence in the show. They knew Phil was the driving force behind this and we think they have used this situation to bring him in line so they could steer the show back down the path they originally intended for it.”
More here.
This really does jibe with how A&E originally marketed Duck Dynasty: Just another bunch of yahoos acting like morons. A way to portray Southerners, even though they are self-made millionaires, with great products, as a bunch of backwards rubes.
As a rule I will not watch reality TV. There are a few exceptions. There are some automotive based shows like Overhaulin’ that are based on real events, and not phony cooked-up “drama,” that I truly enjoy. In fact, you’ll find my TV tuned to Discovery’s Velocity network more often than not!
Being an old motorcycle rider and racer, I enjoyed American Chopper until the Teutel family, Paul Sr and Jr, started eating each other alive on the show, leading to real and serious problems, no doubt encouraged by the show’s producers. Between the temper tantrums, and property destruction, a cool show about building some pretty creative bikes, became unwatchable, and imploded. Real lives were destroyed in the process.
Far too many reality shows think they have to build conflict into the thing to get people to watch.
Duck Dynasty is decidedly NOT like that. As I noted, I’d never seen the show until Sunday. It’s very interesting to me, that A&E, who felt so “offended” by Phil Robertson’s ideas, they suspended him indefinitely, decided to run an entire day of Duck Dynasty episodes, including an hour long [and hilarious] Christmas special, with Phil Robertson featured prominently in every episode. Nothing like putting the all mighty dollar over your phony “principles”!
Here’s what I found. The show is decidedly tongue in cheek. If you read the entire GQ interview, you’ll know the show works off a rough script, with the Robertson’s cooking up the ideas for various skits. What you end up with is a show that’s hilarious, but surprisingly very real. The production quality is far better than what you see in most shows. I’m talking about big network, high end, comedies and dramas. It’s done in the style of popular hit shows like The Office that mixes the story, with interviews about what is going on. And it’s done very well. The producers of Duck Dynasty aren’t getting nearly the credit they deserve!
What you also find is a group of people who you immediately identify with. I’ve known every one of the Robertson family in my life, through other people. Far from being backwater rubes, these are very sharp people, who are living life to the fullest and enjoying every second of it! Most of the things you’ll see on the show, are situations you’ve experienced yourself, presented in an interesting, appealing, and funny way. Simply put, these are likable people. Very likable people. And that’s the secret of Duck Dynasty and any show that lasts.
The show is addictive, to say the least!
It’s no wonder Duck Dynasty is the most popular show of it’s kind in history. It’s genuinely well produced. It’s genuinely funny. It’s genuinely REAL! These are people that you have no problem inviting into your home. These are people you WOULD hang out with in real life, because you know people exactly like them and already hang out with em!
The bottom line: A&E’s own promotion of the show, early on, turned me off. I didn’t watch because I figured it was typical fare from these left wing networks. Honey Boo-Boo with beards! A show designed to make those who live in Manhattan feel superior to the rest of America.
Now that I’ve actually seen the show, I’m hooked! The Robertson family represent all that is good about America. No wonder the left hates the show!
God only knows how these intolerant haters will act once Sarah Palin’s new outdoor-adventure series hits the airwaves in 2014!
The Robertson family has expressed the feelings that they will not continue without Phil. Other networks are beating a path to their door, and more will likely follow. This is a show that will find a good home if A&E continues down it’s current path.
Meanwhile A&E, which stands for Arts & Entertainment and used to host shows like Breakfast with the Arts a classy deal on Sunday mornings, is offering a little different fare, as it’s normal programing.
I saw something called Rodeo Girls about some of the most unattractive, unappealing women on earth, who ride some rodeo circuit. The premise of the episode I watched was “bikini rodeo” where the women barrel raced in bikinis far too small for the job at hand. Now I don’t have a problem with women in bikinis, or women in bikinis that are far too small for the job at hand. In fact, I’m all for it! But at the very least put these too small bikinis on LIKABLE people! It seems the entire reason for the show is to portray cowgirls as a bunch of spiteful women who chase any guy in spurs, and not much else. The preview for the next episode “The boys move in” doesn’t do anything to change my opinion. These boys aren’t any more likable than the girls, either.
A&E has a new show about to debut about the music scene in Nashville, with the catchphrase “Nashville is a drinking town with a music problem.” I’m sure the good people of Nashville will be proud.
From the promos, it looks to be nothing but sex, drugs, and rock & roll, and not necessarily in that order. I don’t have anything against sex and rock & roll, but what’s the point of this deal? From the promos, there seem to be no likable characters, just another bunch of cutthroats that make most reality TV unwatchable.
One thing about it, A&E, who’s newly minted tagline is “Be original” doesn’t really want originality, but rather the same old, done-to-death, lazy, formulaic nonsense. The only original show on A&E is Duck Dynasty and it appears the network wishes it wasn’t what it is. Go figure!
In closing, I’ll paraphrase Phil Robertson: If all Americans would just sit down and watch Duck Dynasty the world would be a better place!
Amen!
Filed under In The News, Politics, sarah palin
By Gary P Jackson
Camille Paglia is everything today’s liberals are not: Honest, intelligent, and refreshingly consistent. We’ve been a fan of hers for some time.
Paglia, who now considers herself a Libertarian, appeared on Laura Ingraham’s show on Thursday. Ingraham tweeted some of the excellent quotes from the interview where Paglia ripped into the radicals, and their constant bullying of anyone who dares speak words that don’t meet their approval. She also calls for a “revolution in education.” :
I do have to disagree a bit. Nothing Phil Robertson said was “homophobic.” Being against gay marriage, or even the gay lifestyle doesn’t make you homophobic, just opinionated. Christians have legitimate concerns about homosexuality. At least Christians don’t stone gays to death like members of the “Religion of Peace™” are known to do.
We agree, and hope it’s Sarah Palin!
We agree with Professor Paglia here as well.
Many liberals love to hate. It seems to be the only thing they live for. At 54 [and a half!] I have never seen such vicious hatred for all that is good and decent, as we are seeing today. Camille Paglia compares all of this to Socialist Josef Stalin’s violent reign of terror in the Soviet Union. This also reminds me of the hate spewed by the Nazis against anyone who dared speak in unapproved voices. Socialism breeds hate and violence.
Evil is evil, and we are seeing great evils taking hold in our nation. It’s time for all decent Americans, of all persuasions, to stand up to all of this and fight back against this vicious bullying by the left.
All of this “politically correct” viciousness is no different than Obama supporters screaming “racist!” at anyone who dares to question the evil, Anti-American agenda of President Obama, and his democrat party. It’s all designed to stop reasoned debate, and bully people with legitimate differences into silence. It’s evil and goes against everything these United States stand for.
We all know popular speech never needs defending, and it’s the speech we disagree with the strongest that should be defended with our very lives, if necessary. Americans may cringe at the hateful speech and vicious Anti-Americanism from liberals, but unlike said liberals, we understand that the right to spew nonsense and hate MUST be protected, else we lose our own rights of free thought and speech. That is what separates Americans from the rest of the world.
H/T Twitchy
Filed under In The News, Politics
By Gary P Jackson
Thursday night Sarah Palin appeared on Hannity discussing A&E network’s ridiculous decision to suspend Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson for speaking his mind in an interview with GQ magazine, in which he talks about his personal religious beliefs.
Governor Palin notes that once we lose or Freedom of speech, America, itself, will be lost for all time. She also notes that pretty much any network will be glad to host Duck Dynasty which is one of the most popular TV shows in the United States, and one of A&E’s all time money makers.
Earlier Governor Palin posted this on Facebook:
Free speech is an endangered species. Those “intolerants” hatin’ and taking on the Duck Dynasty patriarch for voicing his personal opinion are taking on all of us.
Along with this photo of her visiting the Robertsons:
Video courtesy SarahNet
Filed under In The News, Politics, sarah palin
![sarah-marvelous-eyes-trig[2]](https://thespeechatimeforchoosing.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/sarah-marvelous-eyes-trig2.jpg)
A Time For Choosing 
