Nov 08 2008
Stand Up Brad Blakeman – You Are The Horse’s Ass Of The Week
On this side of the pond, only serious observers of American politics had heard of Bradley A Blakeman; that is until last week, when he twice appeared on popular BBC political forums, hosted by David Dimbleby - now a lot more people have been exposed to this bumbling, out of touch, horse’s ass.
David is revered in the UK, and following in his father Richard’s footsteps, has become known as the “Voice of the BBC” – always commentating on Royal events and important State functions: He is also known for his patience, good manners and ability to remain in control, whatever the circumstances.
However, in the face of continuous interruption and downright rudeness from our Brad, even the demure Dimbleby was struggling to maintain his cool.
Lest we forget, it was Brad Blakeman, who tried to deflect the outrage caused by Sarah Palin’s extravagance, when she spent $150.000 on a new election wardrobe, when he criticised Barack Obama’s decision to take a break from campaigning and visit his sick grandmother – see here
Then Blakeman would not admit that the Republican Party blatantly lied to the electorate by claiming that Obama wanted to introduce sex education for kinder gardeners – when of course we all know the truth was that he wants to raise awareness of “Stranger danger” - see here
Then we have David Schuster laughing out loud at Blakeman’s economy with the truth – here
Back to the shows: At one point he tried to convince the audience and indeed the viewers, that America is loved throughout the world: “Of course everyone loves us, we help them, we go to their aid, we support them”
Dear Bradley,
It’s time for a reality check, my friend, America is probably the most unpopular country in the world right now. This is not a new phenomonem, it has slowly been building for about eight years – and that time period is not coincidental.
The rest of the world has watched with something bordering on incredulity, as the Bush administration has systematically sought fights with anyone who might dare to offer resistance, staggering into one conflict after another, and never, it would appear, with a Plan B.
It is estimated that the cost of your “sponsorship” in Iraq and Afghanistan will be anything from a staggering $1Trillion to $3 Trillion. There is no end in sight!
I am British and I opposed the invasion of Iraq, because, like many others from the “Thinking Classes” I did not accept that there was sufficient, reliable, evidence to suggest the existence of WMD – and we were right. But you convinced my Prime Minister and he in turn convinced Parliament – so without WMD, where is the motive and the justification?
But if you were to conduct a global poll right now, you would discover that the most obvious reason for the current level of mistrust, is due to America’s failure to pass legislation which would have given the Government greater control over Wall Street – and the fat cats who have gorged on obscene bonuses – and continue to do so, even in the face of catastrophic losses.
We can thank God that your revered leader “Not Gone But Forgotten” President George W will not be making any more world changing decisions. Then the real job has to begin, and it is going to be a long haul back.
The early signs are encouraging and by looking across the aisle when considering his new administration, President Elect Obama, has further demonstated that he knows what he doesn’t know. It is a wise man that can identify his limitations – it’s a great pity you didn’t have one in charge for the past eight years.
All we ask is that you lead us, not dictate us – we want to look up to you again and respect you.
You can start by keeping Bradley A Blakeman off our screens.
Sincerely
A World Citizen
PS: I actually love America; My eldest daughter, son-in-law and grand-daughter live there; I have an enormous amount of fantastic friends there and I may even consider retiring there – just thought you should know that.
*My thanks to Current for producing the excellent image.
Tomorrow:Thoughts about how it used to be before the finance industry “de-personalised” – is this where it all started to go wrong?
It must be incredibly difficult to make the decisions you need to make when leading a country. After someone flies planes into your buildings killing your citizens, it must be excrutiatingly difficult to know the right way to react. I will be praying daily for President Elect Obama should he be faced with such tough decisions. It’s an interesting description, “the thinking classes”.
Dear Jonathan, It is you that is a horse’s ass. You Sir, are a pompous know it all twit. I am a patriot who will defend my Country when it is wrongfully attacked by one of your fellow countrymen who is a first class nitwit posing as a Professor, namely Simon Schama. He like you are plain wrong about America. Please do not retire here we have already met our Quota for foreign Assholes. Why do you deny the Iraqis the same freedoms we fought so hard for Britain? We crossed an ocean to come to your defense. Hundreds of thousands of Americans died for you and more wounded. The British fought by our side to free Iraq from decades of oppression. Shame on you. By the way who cares whether you were opposed to the war. Who the hell do you think you are? Last time I checked Tony Blair led your country at the time the war began. Your opinion is worthless. You did not nor do you know speak for the British people. The Iraqis are standing up socially and politically. 13 of 18 Provinces are under Iraqi control, the Surge has worked and the future is bright for a free and independent Iraq. No major accomplishment has been appreciated in its time and Iraq is no exception. You are a typical left wing blowhard. You spout your drivel without one objective fact to back up your baseless claims. Don’t preach to America. Britain has its own troubles you can “solve”.
P.S. The only land America ever asked for from its conquered enemies was land to bury our dead. We seek not to take from others, we seek to help those who cannot help themselves. Americans are the most generous, selfless people on the face of the earth. We give more aid to other nations than any other on earth. This fact is without dispute. Americans are not leaving our Country to find homes in other lands, on the contrary, millions seek to come to America to find opportunity. If we were so hated and despised why then is it that millions want to live in America? We don’t need your opinion nor was it asked for. I am comforted in the fact that you DO NOT speak for the British People.
Dear Brad,
Of course, I have no way of knowing if this is a genuine response, but I do hope so, as I am tempted to say: “I rest my case”
Let me respond:
My perception is that Professor Simon Schama, is a very astute observer, but it seems that anyone who disagrees with you is a “pompous know it all twit?”
Interesting piece of racism?
History confirms that America would not have entered the war in Europe, if Japan had not attacked your fleet at Pearl Harbour – even Churchill admitted that. The American people were oppsed to your involvement and I understand that. However, you can be assured that the British will always be grateful for the immense sacrifices your nation made on our behalf.
I know who I am! I speak as a British citizen and again I can assure you that at least 80% of the population were and still are, opposed to our involvement. This is not a case of not supporting America – it is however, a case of their being no intelligent justification.
I think we should ask the Iraqis about that. You did indeed remove a tyrant from office, but the question is, was there an alternative way of doing it, without causing such massive destruction, loss of life, and high financial burden?
My truck is not with the American people: I agree with you entirely “Americans are the most generous, selfless people on the face of the earth“ – it is the Bush Administration that has reduced the credibility of this fine country, not it’s people.
BTW: Of course you contribute more aid – but all G8 countries contribute equally per capita!
In summary, I am disappointed that you have chosen to misrepresent what I actually said – but we have gathered that listening is not one of your strongest attributes. Given the choice between being a “Horse’s Ass” derided publicly by my own countrymen and women, or a “Pompous Twit” – I will always settle for the latter.
You may also enjoy reading this from The London Times today:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article5113218.ece
[...] If you missed this week’s JF Uncut posts this w/e – you can pick them up here [...]
Hi Jill,
Yes, I agree totally with your sentiments: I hope with all my heart that no future world leader ever has to deal with a situation like that, but if you seek high office, possibly the highest on the planet, then it is your responsibility to lead from the front.
At that moment in time, George W had the backing and support of most of the civilised world – it is what has happened since then that counts too – I can give you numerous examples, but let me give you just one.
When he flew over New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, what was going through his mind? Why wasn’t he on the ground with his people – his followers, like any good leader would have been?
In those circumstances, having listened and watched Obama for twenty-one months, where do you imagine he would have been? And because he was expected to be there? No, because he would have wanted to be there – leading from the front, as he will prove.
My instincts tell me that Obama could well be one of the greatest American Presidents of all time – maybe one of the most significant politicians there has ever been – time will tell.
I am envious – this must be a good time to be an American citizen; you now have hope and without that, you had nothing.
In daily conversations with friends and colleagues from around the globe, I can tell you that we are now right behind you.
Best
JF
JF You wrote: “My instincts tell me that Obama could well be one of the greatest American Presidents of all time – maybe one of the most significant politicians there has ever been – time will tell.”
My instincts as well.
My disabled (due to Agent Orange exposure) Vietnam Vet husband and I both cried as we watched history being made with the election of Barack Obama. I worked as much as I could, making phone calls and blogging to do my small part in getting him elected. I became obsessed because it felt like there was a possibility of America coming out of the dark finally.
After Bush was elected the second time I almost swore off TV completely, lest I hear his voice. We opposed the war in Iraq from the beginning. It was a preemptive strike and against International law. I was ‘amazed’ that Bush was elected a second time. Now, with Obama we have a chance of making up for ‘some’ of the wrongs done by Bush, Cheney and Rove. It has been an astounding campaign that has felt almost evil at times, yet Obama has come through the gates victorious.
I for one am so proud of my country at this point. We have faltered, oh so true! We became a nation I can barely recognize at times. BUT!! We are resilient and we will work together to get ourselves back into shape again with Obama as our Commander in Chief.
As I write this, I can hear my husband vomiting, that Agent Orange thing I mentioned. I know as I listen to him, and take pause, how much he has given to our country on a daily basis. I am grateful though because there is always HOPE. I am defined, my patriotism is defined by that HOPE. I will do what I can as a citizen of the planet, not just of America, to do my part in helping Barack Obama define HOPE to all and reach those goals that make it shine.
Blessings across the sea,
Kathy