Reason #170,894 why Fox is a joke

By Eva Holland On March 23, 2009 · 12 Comments

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Conservatives: say what you will about their beliefs on gay rights, or birth control, or other touchy issues — but at least you can count on them to stick up for the troops, right?

Wrong.

Behold, several Fox News “comedians” mocking Canadian troops in Afghanistan, within days of four more Canadian soldiers being killed in the field:

The homophobic overtones (“Leslie? That’s an odd name for a man,” the host sneers at one point) are the icing on this tasteless, ignorant cake.

The clip has touched off a firestorm in Canada: it’s one of the lead stories on most every paper today, and the Canadian government has used strong words in its demand for an apology.

Defense Minister Peter MacKay said:

It’s crass, it’s insensitive, it’s in fact disgusting, given the timing. There should be an apology – to the families in particular, and to the Canadian Forces and to Canada generally – given the sacrifice and the commitment that we’ve demonstrated in Afghanistan.

A spokesman for MacKay added that he wanted the apology to come directly from the people in the segment itself:

These are despicable, hurtful and ignorant comments. I think that so-called comedian should stare in the camera at his first opportunity and apologize to all of the families of people he’s hurt with these despicable comments.

Meanwhile, one of the comedians, Doug Benson, has had an upcoming string of gigs at an Edmonton comedy club cancelled. (That’s my own original research, there! I called, outraged, to demand that they can him, and learned they already had.)

Anyone out there holding their breath for an apology from Fox? I wouldn’t bet on it.

“Support our troops,” indeed.

About The Author

Eva Holland

Eva Holland is a freelance writer, Senior Editor of World Hum and a longtime contributor to the Matador community. She lives in Canada’s Yukon Territory and blogs about Alaska and Yukon travel at Travelers North.

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http://1002things.ca Chelsea

Guh, I can’t think of anything less funny. Canada has been for the better part of the last 50 years a peacekeeping nation. Stepping into Afghanistan to help the Americans caused a lot of anger among Canadians, especially when death rates of our soldiers began to rise. We don’t like sending our people to slaughter to help “protect” Americans.

I haven’t thought Canada should be overseas for a while, but if this is the attitude, this homophobic, pro-violence, masculine, pro-colonialism bullshit, then we should definitely just pull out altogether. If Americans want international help battling this illusive “terror” machine, they shouldn’t be so quick to burn all of their bridges.

But what else would I expect from FOX? They’re proud of the fact their cops need bulletproof vests. Gun violence rocks! Woo!
http://1002things.ca Chelsea

Woop! I should know by now to edit my posts for my super Canadian Political Correctness!

Of course by “Americans” up there I mean FOX news and all of their faithful viewers and supporters. I heart America and certainly don’t group all Americans with these d-bags.
Luke Nye

I’m sure Fox News will give another ‘non-apology’ (i.e. I’m sorry if anyone was offended). The harp on other stations for things they always do themselves. But, I guess they pander to their audience.
http://www.matadornetwork.com Eva

Yeah, good call, Luke — an update: the show’s host is sorry that his comments “may have been misunderstood” and in no way meant to denigrate Canada’s “brave men and women.” Of course. In his worldview, “manicures and pedicures” can’t be anything other than an insult. Sigh!

Chelsea – Yeah, the bullet-proof vests bit was just plain weird. Nothing to be proud of there…
http://www.marmalade.ca Kelly

Thank you for covering this.
http://www.blables.com Tyler

It’s so sad on so many levels…

- This was on FOX, not some local TV… (but then again, it’s FOX)
- These average joes, COLLECTIVELY, thought it would be funny. Not one of them had any sense
- One guy didn’t even know Canada was an ally in the war.
- Yes, Canada is inferior to US militarily. Hence, they believe they should invade it…

This world is scary.

I don’t want to start a ‘boycott’ movement on Fox… but honestly, who would want to continue watching it anyway?

http://www.blables.com/comics/?id=33
Please share.
http://thelonglayover.blogspot.com Carlo

That’s it! We’re taking basketball back! And Neil Young!! (they can keep Celine)

Seriously, if I was American I’d be mighty pissed off – is this how you would want the US to be portrayed internationally? After redeeming themselves by voting in Obama, these five idiots just knocked them down a peg.
http://www.keepingpaceinjapan.com Turner

I think if FoxNews started doing ten good deeds a day every day, for the rest of the hosts’ lives, it still wouldn’t be enough to redeem what they do for a living.
Jacob B.

I think the worst crime is that none of it was even “funny”, digs at Canadian national pride notwithstanding.
Jasonpuddd

Yes, All of Canada is so terribly frigid. Lord, how ignorant. Its sad that this is called a news show.
Jasonpuddd

This gets more offensive the more I watch it.
MikeM

This is why I hate Americans. Ignorant, unappreciative, c#%*s. Canada doesn’t spend near as much money on defense, maybe because the world doesn’t hate us. Those should never be allowed on television again, I can only wonder how the families of Canadian soldiers feel..

Reason #170,894 why Fox is a joke

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