Writings in the Sand

Jimmy Kimmel - Ish Kabibble*

I don’t like to post about politics because this, to me, is a place to write creatively and that is how I use it. So, this isn’t a political commentary. It’s more of a social commentary.

I notice that there are a few members who will post about politics, and a handful of people may interact. These interactions are often just a tentative or a noncommittal . Rarely will anyone express an opposing opinion. I think that the lack of discussion stems from a desire to avoid arguments amongst members and bad feelings that don’t need to exist in a place that is devoted to writing and supporting other hopeful writers and cannot be taken as evidence that there are no other opinions.

After the assassination attempt on Saturday night, I saw only one person mention it and that was sort of a complaint about how boring all these assassination attempts were becoming.

But when the First Lady criticized Jimmy Kimmel, it’s all “can’t have that, freedom of speech and all”. Free speech seems to go one way these days and the dissenters are either too timid or too polite to argue in public. It reminds me of something Winston Churchill said:

“Everyone is in favor of free speech. Hardly a day passes without its being extolled, but some people's idea of it is that they are free to say what they like, but if anyone else says anything back, that is an outrage.”

 

It has been claimed by some for a few years now that “language is violence” and many have been criticized for their choice of words ( a new dictionary being constantly revised by this faction which re-defines some words and outright bans others). But if someone who is favored says something that encourages actual violence, then it’s a joke and it’s free speech.

I don’t think Jimmy Kimmel calling Melania “an expectant widow” was saying she wants him assassinated. I think you could take it that way, though. Many people hate him so much, they find it impossible to believe that his wife might love him.

I think Kimmel thought it was a joke, hinting that she is unhappy and hoping he will die.

Perhaps, something can be a joke but be in such poor taste that decent people would choose not to utter it?


* Ish Kabibble was the stage name of Merwyn Bogue, an American comedian and cornet player known for his humorous performances in the 1940s, particularly on the radio and television show "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge." His name comes from a novelty song titled "Isch ga-bibble," which humorously translates to "I should worry."