Rick Perry's "Strong" Campaign video

[Revolution]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PAJNntoRgA

Did Rick Perry just totally screw himself over? I think yes. What's everybody think of this disastrous video?

[ReluctantPegasister]

Well.... America is still pretty Christian. Maybe he'll make it through. He's doing better then Cain in any case.

[Ibanez]

Compared to drop out-Cain's hilariously awful political ad?

Perry's a dope, but on his topic, it still makes me cringe when MSMBC anchors constantly correct themselves when they accidentally say, you know, "Christmas Tree" instead of the proper, politically correct term, "Holiday Tree".

[Angel]

People like him give Christians a bad name.

What's even worse is to see that there are 16,864 people that liked this video on YouTube.

[BDF]

"There's something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military, but our kids can't openly celebrate Christmas"

Actually, I agree. There's nothing wrong with either, but to somehow value one more than the other is just as discriminatory whichever way it goes, and it's sick. I'm offended at people who find celebrating Christmas offensive... and it's been moving in that direction. Anyway... MUST RESTRAIN FROM ANGRY RANT...

To have a religion run a country from head to toe though is just as stupid I think. And the fact that he chose to pick on gays for his example subtly suggests he's a homophobe... but I try not to jump to conclusions. I'm pretty sure he could have worded it better assuming he's intelligent enough, which I think he is.

[TigerTank77]

Obligatory:

[Briana]

had to.

[Anthropomorphic]

I'd like one of these conservative, self-described righteous Christian politicians to explain to me exactly what is so horrible about gays in the military and homosexuality in general when there are legions of more important and more pressing issues in every category of America's challenges.

[Revolution]

I wouldn't have cared if he would have picked on the religion thing. It was the gay thing. Why was it necessary to go into gays being into the military? It wasn't. He wants to try to appeal to the Christians, fine by me, but don't insult another group of people in the process.

And when has it been illegal for somebody to pray in school? It's not. No, there's not a designated time for everybody to sit down and have a prayer, or, wait a minute, there is the moment of silence! Do it then. Praying isn't illegal, forced prayer is illegal. I'm not sure what people are going for with the government being against religion. There's just a separation. Want a designated time for prayer? Go to a Christian school.

[Marguerite]

Just to talk about this issue of the so called 'war on Christmas' for a second, how I wish that were true.

When I don't get raped by christmas songs everytime I walk into a K Mart, when I don't have to skirt around the lines of screaming kids waiting to sit on a disguised strangers knee everytime I walk into the mall, when my neighbours don't vandalise their homes with singing deers and flashing lights every december.... then people can complain that there is a war on Christmas.

Now, I'm not ashamed to say I'm a liberal, but there is something wrong with our countries when people can complain political correctness is taking over and we're not allowed to celebrate Christmas, when I can't walk an inch from my house without getting Christmas thrown in my face from every direction.

While I'm kind of a grinch and I don't like Christmas, I don't particularly care that people celebrate Christmas at such lengths apart from the mild irritation that comes over me when I see shops pushing decorations in october and can't get away from overpaid popstars oversinging crappy carols.

But I'll tell you what, every time I see someone citing the destruction of Christmas just so they can shake their head and tut tut the disastrous nature of political correctness, it makes me want to slap them over the head with a Christmas turkey. Because they are Christmas turkeys. If anyone thinks that we don't celebrate Christmas enough in our society they are mentally unstable and probably spend the other 11 months of the year rocking back and forth singing Jingle Bells.

As for the whole thing about openly gay people in the military, as Will Anderson said on Good News Week one time... If you're willing to go to war to fight for my rights, you can have sex with a pie and I will heat it up for you.

[BDF]

I never said we don't celebrate Christmas. But I find it fucking appalling that some high street stores won't name Christmas cards, as Christmas cards any more, but holiday cards instead. I don't remember which store it was over here. It might have even been M&S... or Sainsbury's. It's the usual stores I go to. Besides, it varies with the management and who the stores' suppliers are, so it won't necessarily be the same across the country.

It's those small things that piss me off. And it's not just small things. Several times now I've heard of Christmas office parties being somehow "modified"... so as not to offend other religions and cultures. Honestly... wtf. My step dad works in the government, I think he mentioned once that they've banned Christmas decorations in his department. Ok... argue that it's to keep thinks "professional"... but I think there's more to it than that. How come other religions are allowed to wear their turbans? How "professional" is that?

There's no "war on Christmas"... it's completely disorganised and aimless..., just a lot of bullshit flying about. I feel the urge to check on Monday what my university's policy is on this. The cultures are very mixed around here so I won't be surprised if there's some crap again.

People shout out against political correctness when some distinctly raving mad example comes up, such as renaming Easter Eggs as... "spring spheres", a lot of the more subtle shit goes unnoticed.

[MichWolverineFreak]

All the republican candidates suck. We cant go too far left or right, we just need some balance, and dumbasses like Perry wont give it to us.
Christianity isnt about discrimination, just let gay people do whatever the hell they want! Theyre people too!

[dr2005]

I'm starting to wonder if the Republican candidates are in some kind of betting pool to see just who can screw up their chances of getting the nomination the most. That's about the most plausible explanation I can think of for things like this...

[Snufkin]

Originally Posted by dr2005

I'm starting to wonder if the Republican candidates are in some kind of betting pool to see just who can screw up their chances of getting the nomination the most. That's about the most plausible explanation I can think of for things like this...

I was thinking that myself. All Obama has to do to secure a re-election is say nothing and let the Republican candidates destroy their chances for themselves. Seems to be going that way at the moment.

And I don't believe there is a war on Christmas or anything, since I haven't actually heard of people censoring high street stores or anything of the sort, but I think I'd be pretty irked if I did. I'm 20, Christmas doesn't mean to me what it did when I was a kid, but for children it is a magical experience so I'm happy to see the Christmas spirit alive.

[Cosmo]

[Cabron]

[Squidgy]

For those who are against people who are gay in the military I have a question. Would you rather someone who is gay fight for your country and keep you safe, or would you rather your children go to school in fear of fighting and violence?
Moments like this I'm proud to be Canadian.

[Marguerite]

Originally Posted by BDF

I never said we don't celebrate Christmas. But I find it fucking appalling that some high street stores won't name Christmas cards, as Christmas cards any more, but holiday cards instead. I don't remember which store it was over here. It might have even been M&S... or Sainsbury's. It's the usual stores I go to. Besides, it varies with the management and who the stores' suppliers are, so it won't necessarily be the same across the country.

It's those small things that piss me off. And it's not just small things. Several times now I've heard of Christmas office parties being somehow "modified"... so as not to offend other religions and cultures. Honestly... wtf. My step dad works in the government, I think he mentioned once that they've banned Christmas decorations in his department. Ok... argue that it's to keep thinks "professional"... but I think there's more to it than that. How come other religions are allowed to wear their turbans? How "professional" is that?

There's no "war on Christmas"... it's completely disorganised and aimless..., just a lot of bullshit flying about. I feel the urge to check on Monday what my university's policy is on this. The cultures are very mixed around here so I won't be surprised if there's some crap again.

People shout out against political correctness when some distinctly raving mad example comes up, such as renaming Easter Eggs as... "spring spheres", a lot of the more subtle shit goes unnoticed.

I didn't say you specifically said it. It's just a lot of people have been saying it, such as Rick Perry.

I don't think what you said about the Turban is a fair example. Allowing people to walk around in Turbans is more akin to letting people wear crosses around their neck and as far as I know that hasn't been banned yet.

If Sikhs were running around making us listen to tacky music and pushing there holidays in our face at every twist and turn that's probably a better example. I'd have a problem with that, just as I'd have a problem with my boss calling me down for a Christmas Prayer. The thing about Christmas is it's become so commercialised that it barely has anything to do with religion anymore. You ask a kid what comes to mind when they here Christmas? You're going to get answers like Santa, presents, Rudolph, trees etc... very few would say the birth of Jesus or anything like that.

If I had to put up with hymns and that kind of stuff shoved in my face the way christmas carols and all the other Christmas BS is, I'd probably start to have a problem with it. But as long as it remains the tacky, overhyped commercial non-holiday that it is I'm cool with people taking it to excess as they always do.

If you look at the people who are really trying to ban all this Christmas stuff it's not disgruntled atheists or muslims or anything similar, it's the people who think their businesses and what not will suffer if they start stepping on toes. I'm not saying that there aren't people of different religions (or non-religions) who are protesting the public celebration of Christmas on the reasoning that it excludes or discriminates, but overwhelmingly (in my opinion) it's just the people looking to protect their wallets. If your assumption is true about the reason your dad's work has banned Christmas decorations, then I doubt it was someone thinking "Well, Christmas is a religious event and it would be discriminatory of me to allow...." and more of "Fuck, with all this BS going on around Christmas I better ban this so I don't get in trouble."

People make out like there is this battle going on against stupid liberals and fundamentalist Islamics and atheists trying to KILL Christmas, vs not just Christians but people in society who just want to LIVE THEIR LIVES without being forced to conform to other cultures.

That's BS in my opinion. It's more big companies who don't want to get sued vs other big compainies who want to hawk their plastic overpriced crap. And both sides are just as stupid and greedy as each other.

Then there are all the people on the sidelines who can shake their heads and say "Ah, see? Just like this baa baa rainbow sheep business. Political correctness is the symptom and multiculturalism is the cancer!"

As for the 'spring spheres' and 'holidays cards' stuff, I agree that is monumentally stupid. Everyone knows that a holiday card is just the pc version of saying Christmas card. Completely pointless if everyone is just using another term even though we all know what we're really talking about.

However, the 'spring spheres' thing is just another example of how ridiculous this stuff is getting considering in all likelyhood it wasn't even true. I remember that story, the tip was made by an anonymous 16 year old and the school had no knowledge of that every happening. Same thing happened with the story about Hot Cross Buns being banned at some school in the UK... turned out to be a load of crap.

[BDF]

Originally Posted by Marguerite

I didn't say you specifically said it. It's just a lot of people have been saying it, such as Rick Perry.

I don't think what you said about the Turban is a fair example. Allowing people to walk around in Turbans is more akin to letting people wear crosses around their neck and as far as I know that hasn't been banned yet.

I got hot headed. I didn't really mean that at all that way. You're right.

Originally Posted by Marguerite

If Sikhs were running around making us listen to tacky music and pushing there holidays in our face at every twist and turn that's probably a better example. I'd have a problem with that, just as I'd have a problem with my boss calling me down for a Christmas Prayer. The thing about Christmas is it's become so commercialised that it barely has anything to do with religion anymore. You ask a kid what comes to mind when they here Christmas? You're going to get answers like Santa, presents, Rudolph, trees etc... very few would say the birth of Jesus or anything like that.

If I had to put up with hymns and that kind of stuff shoved in my face the way christmas carols and all the other Christmas BS is, I'd probably start to have a problem with it. But as long as it remains the tacky, overhyped commercial non-holiday that it is I'm cool with people taking it to excess as they always do.

I agree again, to some extent. I don't particularly care what others do, as long as I can go about my business reasonably uninterrupted. It's why it doesn't bother me when other cultures celebrate, unless they start trashing my street up but that hardly ever happens.

Originally Posted by Marguerite

If you look at the people who are really trying to ban all this Christmas stuff it's not disgruntled atheists or muslims or anything similar, it's the people who think their businesses and what not will suffer if they start stepping on toes. I'm not saying that there aren't people of different religions (or non-religions) who are protesting the public celebration of Christmas on the reasoning that it excludes or discriminates, but overwhelmingly (in my opinion) it's just the people looking to protect their wallets. If your assumption is true about the reason your dad's work has banned Christmas decorations, then I doubt it was someone thinking "Well, Christmas is a religious event and it would be discriminatory of me to allow...." and more of "Fuck, with all this BS going on around Christmas I better ban this so I don't get in trouble."

People make out like there is this battle going on against stupid liberals and fundamentalist Islamics and atheists trying to KILL Christmas, vs not just Christians but people in society who just want to LIVE THEIR LIVES without being forced to conform to other cultures.

That's BS in my opinion. It's more big companies who don't want to get sued vs other big compainies who want to hawk their plastic overpriced crap. And both sides are just as stupid and greedy as each other.

Yep. I've also heard a case where a pork butcher put a job advert up (pork butcher), saying "Jews and Muslims need not apply". It wasn't the Jews and Muslims who kicked up fuss, it was the local council, and they weren't Jewish or Muslim either.

But to some extent... you see and hear too many people just convoluting their sentences, trying to speak in a politically correct way. Calling someone short, is apparently offensive to some people. Even calling a black kid... "Hey, black boy"... shouldn't be considered racist. There's nothing racist in calling him black. He is black. Duh. Calling to someone "hey, black boy"... is just rude, and sounds stupid, it's not racist.

Originally Posted by Marguerite

Then there are all the people on the sidelines who can shake their heads and say "Ah, see? Just like this baa baa rainbow sheep business. Political correctness is the symptom and multiculturalism is the cancer!"

I have no problem with multiculturalism, as long as everyone's culture is equally accepted and tolerated, and obides by the law. Everyone's culture includes the native culture, so where I'm from, British culture.

Originally Posted by Marguerite

As for the 'spring spheres' and 'holidays cards' stuff, I agree that is monumentally stupid. Everyone knows that a holiday card is just the pc version of saying Christmas card. Completely pointless if everyone is just using another term even though we all know what we're really talking about.

However, the 'spring spheres' thing is just another example of how ridiculous this stuff is getting considering in all likelyhood it wasn't even true. I remember that story, the tip was made by an anonymous 16 year old and the school had no knowledge of that every happening. Same thing happened with the story about Hot Cross Buns being banned at some school in the UK... turned out to be a load of crap.

I got nothing smart to say to that. It's just truth... so yea. I'm done.

[Revolution]

Originally Posted by macformayor

For those who are against people who are gay in the military I have a question. Would you rather someone who is gay fight for your country and keep you safe, or would you rather your children go to school in fear of fighting and violence?
Moments like this I'm proud to be Canadian.

Thank you. I don't get it either, and I live here.

[Ngikhona]

Times like these I wish my man Huntsman was doing better. As far as I'm concerned, he's the only candidate I'd actually be happy to vote for.

I love Christians. I love gay people. I love people who are open about what they believe. That said, ignoring the falsities that Perry spewed out, this is enough to prove he's up for putting Christianity and politics together, which I'd love to avoid when at all possible.

[Ghost On The Highway]

I agree the shot at gays was totally uncalled for. At the same time, I will quit my job before I sell someone a "holiday tree" or wish you a "happy holidays." Happy New Year, happy Hanukkah, etc. sure, but Christmas is secular enough already.

The store I work at actually played the Hallelujah Chorus and Silent Night the other day. I stopped covering my ears for a second, then the music switched back to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Sleigh Ride" and that awful popular song about Santa creeping on you while you sleep. Lmao. FML.

[Here.with.you]

My question is he says he a Christian but god said to love everyone. And he not in the video so what do you guys think?

[Guile]

Well done Rick Perry.

While I may not like you, and you certainly aren't getting my vote, hats off to you!

Originally Posted by Here.with.you

My question is he says he a Christian but god said to love everyone. And he not in the video so what do you guys think?

For example, I could say "I love my sister, but I do not like her"

[Cosmo]

[Baxter]

Originally Posted by dr2005

I'm starting to wonder if the Republican candidates are in some kind of betting pool to see just who can screw up their chances of getting the nomination the most. That's about the most plausible explanation I can think of for things like this...

Originally Posted by Snufkin

I was thinking that myself. All Obama has to do to secure a re-election is say nothing and let the Republican candidates destroy their chances for themselves. Seems to be going that way at the moment.

Wasn't it Clinton who was the one playing saxophone on late night talk shows and constantly being made fun of before he got the nomination? Anyone from Texas I know admits Perry is a complete idiot, but so many people are so fed up with Obama it seems they'll take anyone but him.

[dr2005]

Originally Posted by Baxter

Wasn't it Clinton who was the one playing saxophone on late night talk shows and constantly being made fun of before he got the nomination? Anyone from Texas I know admits Perry is a complete idiot, but so many people are so fed up with Obama it seems they'll take anyone but him.

Granted, but when it came to the crunch (i.e. debates and the campaign proper) Clinton was able to dispel the idiot image. A number of the Republican campaigners thus far seem to be reinforcing it. On your last point, if people will knowingly vote in someone like Perry simply out of dislike for Obama then frankly they deserve whatever they get as a result of it. We're talking about the President of the United States here, not a church warden.

[Baxter]

Originally Posted by dr2005

Granted, but when it came to the crunch (i.e. debates and the campaign proper) Clinton was able to dispel the idiot image. A number of the Republican campaigners thus far seem to be reinforcing it. On your last point, if people will knowingly vote in someone like Perry simply out of dislike for Obama then frankly they deserve whatever they get as a result of it. We're talking about the President of the United States here, not a church warden.

Fair enough, but I don't think anyone is foreseeing a 'joke candidate' like Perry even standing a chance against the other candidates in the first place. Way too many goddamn people, hell the entire country can't handle Tax and Spend Obama for another term. The guy sure knows how to campaign though, and apparently that's all that matters in politics, so you're probably right.

[Sythan]

He's obviously not that smart, but what else can we expect from the Republican candidates? Children CAN pray in the classroom, it just can't be apart of the curriculum or led by a teacher. He's also wearing a similar jacket to then one worn by one of the main character in Brokeback Mountain.

[Invert]

Originally Posted by BDF

I never said we don't celebrate Christmas. But I find it fucking appalling that some high street stores won't name Christmas cards, as Christmas cards any more, but holiday cards instead. I don't remember which store it was over here. It might have even been M&S... or Sainsbury's. It's the usual stores I go to. Besides, it varies with the management and who the stores' suppliers are, so it won't necessarily be the same across the country.

I'm sorry, but I've yet been to any store that sells cards in the winter that doesn't have Christmas cards, even if the section is titled 'Holiday Cards'... and you think them titling it 'Holiday' instead of Christmas hasanything to do with political correctness in the UK? I would like to see some form of proof.

It seems far more logical to me, especially as there are no rules against using 'Christmas' and enough stores and brands use it still, that it is a self-determined change to 'Holidays'.... and quite probably in hopes of increasing business. That way they can throw in Hanakukuh (sp) cards, and winter greetings cards from people who choose to not endorse Christmas, whilst not being scoorge-y. Whilst They are still a huge range of what are explicitly Christmas cards in these stores. I really don't think they are doing it in fear of offending, but simply trying to increase their profits.

Every year I hear people go on about how they aren't letting you celebrate 'Christmas' anymore, and I really don't see this.

In fact, commercialised Christmas is so common and everywhere, Christian Christmas is drowned out. Not due to political correctness, but consumerism.

Honestly... wtf. My step dad works in the government, I think he mentioned once that they've banned Christmas decorations in his department. Ok... argue that it's to keep thinks "professional"... but I think there's more to it than that. How come other religions are allowed to wear their turbans? How "professional" is that?

Christmas deocorations are generally tacky, messy, and overly commercialised. Turbans are a practice of personal faith, but also a practical issue. Those guys have never cut their hair. Its going o be very long.

People shout out against political correctness when some distinctly raving mad example comes up, such as renaming Easter Eggs as... "spring spheres", a lot of the more subtle shit goes unnoticed.

And this is not political correctness, this is fear mongering from those who want to smear geniune issues. Like trying to claim we aren't allowed to call a black board... a black board. I've never seen geniune proof of this, and it certainly seems like hearsay. But it's not from the majority of the political left wing.

[Baxter]

Originally Posted by Invert

And this is not political correctness, this is fear mongering from those who want to smear geniune issues. Like trying to claim we aren't allowed to call a black board... a black board. I've never seen geniune proof of this, and it certainly seems like hearsay. But it's not from the majority of the political left wing.

When certain popular left wing news stations were covering the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Tree here, they constantly referred to it as celebrating The Hollidays, and the lighting of the New York City Holiday Tree. Tons of people complained, and they issued an apology, and that next year they'll refer to it as a Christmas Tree. I don't think it's a coincidence that this ad was released shortly after that, with Perry just trying to cash in on it.

Someone told me Perry isn't referring to the fact that gays shouldn't be able to serve in the military, but that it's about tolerance.

[Invert]

Originally Posted by Baxter

When certain popular left wing news stations were covering the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Tree here, they constantly referred to it as celebrating The Hollidays, and the lighting of the New York City Holiday Tree. Tons of people complained, and they issued an apology, and that next year they'll refer to it as a Christmas Tree. I don't think it's a coincidence that this ad was released shortly after that, with Perry just trying to cash in on it.

My rant was in reference to someone's comments on things happening in the UK. He mentionned things like M&S and Sainsbury's. UK stores. And the quote you had of me is actually unrelated to your point. You quoted me saying that the religious aspect have been lost at Christmas from commercialism, not political correctness. Even if they had called it a Christmas tree, that has no connection to religion. In fact the fact people were that offended they demanded an apology, is a bit petty.

As a Christian, I would be more bothered that Christmas is more about Santa Clause than Jesus. Not that someone wants to (stupidly) call a tree a holiday tree and not a Christmas tree.

Someone told me Perry isn't referring to the fact that gays shouldn't be able to serve in the military, but that it's about tolerance.

One could argue that... but it seems likely he was making a dig at gays. He is a Republican, his likely voters are the right-wing and even Tea party-ers. Basically, a lot of those who didn't want the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, are those he will find easiest to get on his side. And the combination of illustrations is just too much of a 'concidence'. He is baiting. It will rile the homophobic ideologies of many republicans, and it will lead to agression being directed at the gays and the left. If it wasn't intended this way, this guy may actually be even more unaware than G. Bush.

[Baxter]

Originally Posted by Invert

My rant was in reference to someone's comments on things happening in the UK. He mentionned things like M&S and Sainsbury's. UK stores. And the quote you had of me is actually unrelated to your point. You quoted me saying that the religious aspect have been lost at Christmas from commercialism, not political correctness. Even if they had called it a Christmas tree, that has no connection to religion. In fact the fact people were that offended they demanded an apology, is a bit petty.

As a Christian, I would be more bothered that Christmas is more about Santa Clause than Jesus. Not that someone wants to (stupidly) call a tree a holiday tree and not a Christmas tree.

I was referring to your implication of how those types of political correctness campaigns aren't from the left. But whatever, that's trivial and besides the point.

See, you exactly pointed it out. 'Christmas' today holds no connection to religion whatsoever. People are not upset that 'Christ' has been removed from the holiday, but that they're changing the goddamn traditional name of it. That's the reason why so many people annoyed about this thing aren't only Christians. Apparently not to offend Jews, Atheists, and other religions who see the word "Christ" en mass in public as Christianity expressing itself too far. Regardless of whether or not people do get offended, now we get even the news refusing to use the word "Christmas" for fear of alienating and offending someone.

Originally Posted by Invert

One could argue that... but it seems likely he was making a dig at gays. He is a Republican, his likely voters are the right-wing and even Tea party-ers. Basically, a lot of those who didn't want the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, are those he will find easiest to get on his side. And the combination of illustrations is just too much of a 'concidence'. He is baiting. It will rile the homophobic ideologies of many republicans, and it will lead to agression being directed at the gays and the left. If it wasn't intended this way, this guy may actually be even more unaware than G. Bush.

The Tea Party's backing Gingrich, I'm fairly sure they're not fond of Perry in the slightest, as with the majority of the right. Considering how bad the GOP needs the independent vote this election, isolating them this badly by bashing gays, and this early on doesn't make sense. Perry is extremely religious, yes just as much as Bush was, but tossing the election isn't something so many people involved with this would back..

There was tolerance over the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, regardless. If you're going to have tolerance to gays serving openly in the military, then you should have tolerance over the word "Christ" in a holiday is the point. Perry's obviously inflating the so called 'war on christmas' to apocalyptic proportions, but it's politics, what do you expect.