A major first amendment crisis is emerging from Venezuela. The government of Hugo Chavez has taken “The Simpsons” off the air as inappropriate for children. Until this moment, I did not see how dangerous this man really is to world peace.
This move against the Simpson follows a similar ban in China, click here.
Chazez has long appeared to be playing with less than a full deck. Yet, nothing prepared us for this. Not only did he yank the Simpsons but he replaced the show with that Mr. Rogers-approved child program: “Baywatch Hawaii.” Now, children can watch virtually naked men and women destroy the theater arts by bad acting and worse writing. For the full story, click here.
Chavez is precisely what Homer warned us about: “Your lives are in the hands of men no smarter than you or I, many of them incompetent boobs. I know this because I worked alongside them, gone bowling with them, watched them pass me over for promotions time and again. And I say… This stinks!”
Of course, the real reason appears the content-based fear of the Simpsons as a continual lesson on constitutional rights and principles, click here
One can only seek refuge in prayer:
Homer prayer #1: “Dear Lord: The gods have been good to me. For the first time in my life, everything is absolutely perfect just the way it is. So here’s the deal:
You freeze everything the way it is, and I won’t ask for anything more. If that is OK, please give me absolutely no sign. OK, deal. In gratitude, I present you this offering of cookies and milk. If you want me to eat them for you, give me no sign. Thy will be done.”
Homer prayer #2: “I’m not normally a praying man, but if you’re up there, please save me, Superman!”
I don’t even like the Simpsons, but Chavez is just plain nuts.
This Homer–he smells of sulfur. The Hasselhoff smells of sweet rain. His rain will extinquish the smell of the devil!!!
Andy, Andy, Andy, come to Homer, embrace Homer, make Homer an extension of yourself.
Please tell me they have access to Lil Bush. And what is it with the maids and crazy people in the Spanish speaking Novelas? Thats messed up…can’t believe that is appropriate for kids.
I have it on good authority that Chavez’ aversion to Homer started with this remark by Simpson:
“If something goes wrong at the plant, blame the guy who can’t speak English.”
Sorry people but I’m not a Homer fan and literally have not watched it since its’ first few shows, my wife hates cartoons anyway. My children, however, are big fans and I respect their opinions. As for Chavez though, that is a disappointment that is growing in me. At first look I thought cool, Venezuela will finally have a president not under America’s thumb. As time has passed though, especially his president for life scheme, he exposed himself as an egomaniac. It’s reminiscent of when Fidel came to power in Cuba. He replaced a government populated by greedy, vicious thugs. He threw out the Mafia, who were whoring 13 year girls and running Havana as a Las Vegas without restraint. Then as the years went by and Fidel stayed in power I came to realize that while he might have improved the lot of his people, not hard compared to Batista, he was yet another egomaniac whose professed love of “The People” served as justification for his own personal corruption.
Mespo, that was hilarious! Michael, I know exactly what you mean. I’m not looking for moral guidance or personal inspiration from any world leader but I do wish for people of enlightened self-interest, people who would pay attention to the welfare of their nation.
So you lefties are not Hugo supporters anymore? Strange, the left was cheering for Hugo Chaves until he banned the Simpsons.
Sorry niblet. Elements of the left have been disenchanted with Chavez for a while now. Check out this link:
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/article-preview?article_id=18302
You’ll have to pony up $3.00 for the article, but the lack of enthusiasm for Chavez is evident even in the preview.
What would Simón Bolívar say?
I believe this story has snowballed a little bit. While I’m not the least bit suspicious that News Corps. Fox Television (owners of The Simpson) is behind the bit of misinformation - it appears that as TMZ has pointed out - Venezuela doesn’t get irony. Couple that with translation and dubbing challenges - this show received many complaints from parents. Venezuelans don’t have a problem with nice looking men and women in bathing suits.
George H.W. Bush thought that America should be more like the Waltons and less like the Simpsons.
I’m afraid this story is more about the invisible arm of the market and less about … never mind.
Hugo Chaves = has the destinction of being the poster boy of the looney left as well as Keith Olbermann’s date in 1999.
Nibbles, where exactly do you think we shop for posters?
My poster boy is John F. Kennedy.
If not for thick coarse weeds
That chafe my arms and face
I would not know wild flowers scent
or wind stirred dance of grace
If not for Winter’s bellow
That chills my bone like stone
I could not know Spring’s warm embrace
My comfort so alone
And if not for thought perplexed
A problem we must solve
You may not know the answer’s joy
secure in its resolve
Montgomery Burns: “Compadres, it is imperative that we crush the freedom fighters before the start of the rainy season. And remember, a shiny new donkey for whoever brings me the head of Colonel Montoya.”
Reporter: “Uh, question for the barbeque chef. Don’t you think there is an inherent danger in sending underqualified civilians into space?”
Homer: “I’ll field this one. The only danger is if they send us to [ominous] that terrible Planet of the Apes. Wait a minute… Statue of Liberty…that was _our_ planet! You maniacs! You blew it up! Damn you! Damn you all to hell!” [weeps]
Chavez and The Simpsons have, in my view, at least one thing in common. They are both the silliest, the most empty-headed and useless things to come along in quite a while. However, I think Mr Chavez is right on this one. My wife, young daughter and I sat together to watch the first show of the series some years ago. That was the last episode that ever aired in our home. Our daughter may have watched it friends’ homes, but never again at ours. I completely agree it is inappropriate for children.
rcampbell:
It’s probably inappropriate for adults too. But giving the devil his due, it is sometimes outrageously funny.