FoxNews makes fun of Canadian Troops

[Meneldil]

FoxNews, once again trying to be as outrageous as possible, recently mocked the Canadian army (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcJn5XlbSFk).

Mind you, I'm not really a fan of any kind of army. I think the military shouldn't be protected from critics.
Things is, what we have here is a bunch of morons, making fun of the military of their closest ally and almost only remaining friend, perfectly knowing that they would cause outrage in Canada, where the army is highly respected, even by liberal/leftist people.

The fact that they do so while almost 120 canadians gave their life during the US war on terror only make them look even more foolish and stupid than they are.

Not only that, but GregGutfeld, the author of many of the stupidest comments, apparently* went as far as updating his Twitter account with a new status:

"My apologies to the Canadian military, they probably could at least beat the Belgians"


Now, I don't really care about the source of the outrage itself. What really boggles my mind here, is "Wth is FoxNews trying to do?".

Are there really people watching that kind of crap? I understand that Americans are historically attached to the idea of free speech, but I mean, can't anything be done?

Not that I care too much about it, but FoxNews is not only making you guys look like fools to the rest of the world, it's also alienating the last few countries and states that still had some respect for you.
And it makes Nazi or soviet best propagandists look like 15 years old amateurs. A TV channel that bases all of its shows upon lies/misinformation/outrageous claim/completely biaised crap** should be dealt with in some way.


*I am not sure this is his real Twitter account, and since I couldn't find anything source confirming or denying it, I'll take it with a pince of salt.
**Now, I know, I know, other channels are also biased. There's probably not any unbiaised channel, and will never be. Thing is, there's a difference between being slightly biaised (I think most american conservatives will describe CNN as liberal-bias, while I think it's conservative) and being FoxNews-like biaised.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

I hope that the Fox "air-brushed plastoid" crew was simply joking regarding the SIZE of the Canadian military. Neither historical nor current evidence could say much against their QUALITY.

We tried to take Canada three times -- got beat every try.

Canadian troops did as well or better than any other Empire troops in both World Wars and contributed their share or more of heros.

They fought in Korea and the WoT alongside us.

I DEARLY hope the reference was only to the comparative scarcity OF their numbers and not a slur on the men and women of Canada's armed forces.

[Vuk]

I think the guys are disrespectfull ******* who should show a little more respect for the people risking and giving their lives to save their fat lazy behinds, but I do think they made several good points (albeit in a rude, disrespectful and offensive manner). First of all, a war with Russia is not some far out thing. If you have ever been there you will find one thing out: most everyone is anticipating a war with the US...not just anticipating it, praying for the day it comes. Not wanting to delve too much into that, but esp with the problems going on in Korea (do not forget that we are still in the Korean War), and the Obama administrations disaterous handling of foriegn policy, such a war (WWIII) may not be too far away. Canada, like the rest of Europe relies on the States for complete security (yet ridicules us when we provide it). It is their duty to themselves, and to their allies to carry their own weight. Canada is in a position where it may end up on the frontlines of battle IF there ever is a war with Russia. If Canada is taken, then the invaders will have a foothold to strike the States from. One country cannot keep hundreds of others safe. Canada needs to get its butt into shape and accept some darned responsibility. The US is providing it with security, so they do not need to worry about attacks from our end, the least they could do is return the favor and provide us with security from their end.
About the news people making our allies hate us, I do not think it is possible to make them hate us more. I do not think they or the Europeans appriciate the security and prosperity the US gives them. (I do not think it is right for them to talk about the Canadians like that, simply do not think the Canadians could hate us more no matter what they said)

[Vuk]

I hope that the Fox "air-brushed plastoid" crew was simply joking regarding the SIZE of the Canadian military. Neither historical nor current evidence could say much against their QUALITY.

We tried to take Canada three times -- got beat every try.

Canadian troops did as well or better than any other Empire troops in both World Wars and contributed their share or more of heros.

They fought in Korea and the WoT alongside us.

I DEARLY hope the reference was only to the comparative scarcity OF their numbers and not a slur on the men and women of Canada's armed forces.

On that note, some of the best airmen in WWII were Canadian. Also, don't forget the enormous debt we owe them for their contributions to the arts. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5St9zF849o)

[Lord Winter]

I think the guys are disrespectfull ******* who should show a little more respect for the people risking and giving their lives to save their fat lazy behinds, but I do think they made several good points (albeit in a rude, disrespectful and offensive manner). First of all, a war with Russia is not some far out thing. If you have ever been there you will find one thing out: most everyone is anticipating a war with the US...not just anticipating it, praying for the day it comes. Not wanting to delve too much into that, but esp with the problems going on in Korea (do not forget that we are still in the Korean War), and the Obama administrations disaterous handling of foriegn policy, such a war (WWIII) may not be too far away. Canada, like the rest of Europe relies on the States for complete security (yet ridicules us when we provide it). It is their duty to themselves, and to their allies to carry their own weight. Canada is in a position where it may end up on the frontlines of battle IF there ever is a war with Russia. If Canada is taken, then the invaders will have a foothold to strike the States from. One country cannot keep hundreds of others safe. Canada needs to get its butt into shape and accept some darned responsibility. The US is providing it with security, so they do not need to worry about attacks from our end, the least they could do is return the favor and provide us with security from their end.
About the news people making our allies hate us, I do not think it is possible to make them hate us more. I do not think they or the Europeans appriciate the security and prosperity the US gives them. (I do not think it is right for them to talk about the Canadians like that, simply do not think the Canadians could hate us more no matter what they said)

Oh come on, Russia's not going to invade soon and even if they do they don't have the navy to keep there supply lines open.

[Vuk]

Oh come on, Russia's not going to invade soon and even if they do they don't have the navy to keep there supply lines open.

Putin is cementing his power now. He is an ex-KGB radical, a former spy. Go to Russia Lord Winter, meet Russians. They think the US is evil, and they really do want a war with us. Don't forget that many members of the Russian government are former soviet officials, and some former KGB. I am not saying Russia would go and attack us outright, but they do not have to. It only takes one event to start a chain reaction like what happened in the two WWs. That event is gonna be in Korea I fear. Don't be naive, as much as we would like to change it, we live in a bi-polar world. Wanting it to not be that way does not make it that way.

[Kadagar_AV]

Meneldil, Watching Fox News is like watching "South Park". Don't take it too seriosly, you know.

Vuk,
First of all, a war with Russia is not some far out thing. If you have ever been there you will find one thing out: most everyone is anticipating a war with the US...not just anticipating it, praying for the day it comes.

I have been there, have seen no trace what so ever of what you are talking about though. What part of Russia were you at? That comment seemed more taken from some 60's cartoon than real life.


Not wanting to delve too much into that, but esp with the problems going on in Korea (do not forget that we are still in the Korean War)

So now you are at war with Korea too, huh?


the Obama administrations disaterous handling of foriegn policy, such a war (WWIII) may not be too far away.

If you were a Medieval Total War priest you would probably have the subtitle "Warmonger".


Canada, like the rest of Europe relies on the States for complete security

We have had many more terrorist attacks post Afghan/Iraq war, thankyouverymuch... Explain again how you keep us "safe".


(yet ridicules us when we provide it).

That is not the reason why we ridicule you... Try again :)


One country cannot keep hundreds of others safe.

So why don't you stop trying? No one asked you, we can handle our own load thankyouverymuch (again).


The US is providing it with security, so they do not need to worry about attacks from our end, the least they could do is return the favor and provide us with security from their end.

A) If there would be an attack on Canada, the US would probably be the one who caust it (I dont eman the US would do the attack, I mean the US would be the reason Canada was attacked).

B) If someone would attack Canada I am sure they would do their outmost to defend themselves, contrary to what Fox news wants to believe. Ask a canadian.


About the news people making our allies hate us, I do not think it is possible to make them hate us more.

Hate is a way to strong word... We are ashamed of you, we pity you, we wonder what you are doing and why. But very few of your allies hate you.


I do not think they or the Europeans appriciate the security and prosperity the US gives them.

WOW, I can agree with this! Ask London and Madrid why they don't appreciate the security given by the US.



Maybe you should consider getting sources from something more neutral than Fox news?

[Meneldil]

Canada needs to get its butt into shape and accept some darned responsibility. The US is providing it with security, so they do not need to worry about attacks from our end, the least they could do is return the favor and provide us with security from their end.

lolwut?

Canada is the country with the longest coastline in the world, and one of the lowest population density. And while it's a fairly rich state, it doesn't have the resources and manpower to provide security to itself, nor to anyone else. If the US think a war with the USSR/China/Russia/NKorea/whoever the hell they can pull off their hat is inevitable, that's all fine and dandy. But they shouldn't expect other countries to build hundreds of nukes because some psycho in Washington decided that war is coming.

As for the WWIII war stuff, it's so far-off, I won't even comment. Calling Obama's foreign policy disastrous after Bush is fun though. I'm puzzled by the Obamania going on around the world and especially in Europe, but it seriously gave a huge boost to the US prestige, and country really needed one. Even if he screws up as badly as Bush did (which would be quite an achievement, given that Bush basically said 'screw you' to all of his former allies, before saying 'screw you' to his former enemies), he will at least have shown the world that the US ain't that bad as they've elected a metis as head of state.

Now, the topic isn't the Canadian army or the incoming war with russia ( :inquisitive: ), but the effect of channels such as FoxNews. I think they're severely damaging democracy, and make the US look just as bad as the people they're trying to fight.

[Gregoshi]

In contrast to that "piece" on FoxNews, I give you this: Canada's Highway of Heroes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1R8qLAmkLU). I hadn't heard of this until yesterday when my dad sent me a very moving slideshow of images from all along this route. One day later, I'm confronted by this obnoxious segment from FoxNews. I'm rather ticked off at the moment. ~:pissed:

[Husar]

a bunch of morons

I think that sums it up.

And Vuk, you can't really believe russia is going to invade the US.
I might even sign up to fall into their backs and secure all that oil, man that would be fun.*

*Not really, but they could never win this without destroying the whole planet.

[Melvish]

Bah just watched the vid and their style remind me a certain Don Cherry, who is a national "celebrity" here in Canada. You really can't take those peoples seriously.

Canadians need no glory in war, all we need is to get the job done.
We defeated some of the toughest German division in Normandy ( 1st SS Division, the 12th SS Division and the Panzer Lehr Division) . When Ike realized that the makeshift ports of Normandy would not last who did he call to secure the Scheldt and Antwerp? The Canadian. (ok the Polish helped and the Brits held the flank).

In WW1 we were a decisive factor in the victory of The Battle of the Somme were we acquired the reputation of elite shock troop. "Whenever the Germans found the Canadian Corps coming into the line they prepared for the worst." ---David Lloyd George, British Prime Minister

Burn the White-House in August 1814 (ok, the Brits helped out)

And i think that taking a break from wars to straiten up our economy would be a good idea. To stay at war for too long is never a good thing for the economy. Afghanistan is no threat to NATO in their current shape and since no one want to cross the border into Pakistan to pursue the "bad guys" it is kind of a pointless war if you don't seek and destroy said enemies. We have to keep strong else we might fall prey to a nation who is not war exhausted.

In the end concerning the video i would like to site a well known Frenchmen, Voltaire: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".

So if i acknowledge them the right to say what they said it mean i have to right to qualify them as retarded peoples who have a moronic and dubious sense of humor.

[Furunculus]

We have had many more terrorist attacks post Afghan/Iraq war, thankyouverymuch... Explain again how you keep us "safe".


lol, so there hadn't been a rise in militant islamic ideology directed against the west since the late eighties after all, and tens of thousands of otherwise normal islamists didn't decide to go for terrorist training in the decade preceding 911...........

[ajaxfetish]

Canada needs to get its butt into shape and accept some darned responsibility. The US is providing it with security, so they do not need to worry about attacks from our end, the least they could do is return the favor and provide us with security from their end.
What are you talking about? Any Russian army trying to pass through Canada to the US has to cross over 1000 miles of mostly undeveloped and frozen land. You couldn't ask for better security from that end.

Ajax

[Kadagar_AV]

lol, so there hadn't been a rise in militant islamic ideology directed against the US and countries foolish enough to support cause of claims of weapons of mass destruction since the late eighties after all, and tens of thousands of otherwise normal islamists didn't decide to go for terrorist training in the decade preceding 911...........

Corrected it for you. :gah:

Yeah, Europe is so much more safe now we have soldiers who dies in Afghanistan and Iraq wondering what [insert] we are doing there.

Back on topic, when the news channel claiming to be no. 1 in the states starts bashing the very same troops who dies cause of your [ill planned war(s)]...

Go figure.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Corrected it for you. :gah:

:laugh4:

I've been reading Mark Steyn's book lately, and it truly is wonderful - browsing the Backroom just shows how right he often is.

[Xiahou]

This is the second thread (https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=115017) about an obscure late night filler show that runs on FNC at 2am and I'm still having a hard time getting outraged over it. Of course, he's stupid and wrong- his show exists, afaik, to say stupid things why get worked up over it? Red Eye, last time I bothered to check, isn't a serious news show.

In the US, we have to put up with our own members of congress ripping on our military. I think Canadians can have a thick enough skin as not to be upset over what some late-night nobody has to say. :yes:

Edit: Allow me to borrow the comments of an anonymous blogger:

Several people, including a number of BloggingTories, are up in arms because a comedy show made some jokes about the Canadian Forces. Seriously how oversensitive can people get? You can say that it isn't funny and I'll agree with you. The only amusing part of this clip is when they started talking about fundamentalist Norwegians invading the United States, yet being unamused is not the same as being outraged. There is no reason, as some people are doing, to be blaming the United States in general for the antics of some comedian.

[Husar]

Yes, Xiahou.

What shoecked me wasn't so much that they made jokes about Canadians, but the guys in the show in general and the fact that people can be like that. :sweatdrop:

Well, not really shocked either, it was really funny, especially when they called the US the strongest superpower in the universe or something like that...

[tibilicus]

It's Fox news..


What do you expect?

Edit:

Also what are those people talking about? They are aware the Canadian military is probably better trained than the US due to their close cooperation and joint training exercises with the British army? AFAIK at least.

I don't normally care about this sort of thing enough to comment but seriously if they're getting their lesson on warfare from us then their armies going to be pretty awesome. We may not have the money the US has but it's pretty much a known fact the British army is the best disciplined and best trained in the world. Although if were going on Fox news' idea of what constitutes the best army maybe the US does as I'm sure fox news will agree that they have God on their side or some other right wing mumbo jumbo like that..

[Crazed Rabbit]

It's a very-little watched show that airs at 3 am in the morning. This isn't Fox News doing anything; it's some guy trying to be funny on a very late night show.

This all begs the question - So What? Who cares? Why bother caring?

Here in the US we have members of congress calling specific soldiers murderers - and not apologizing after said soldiers were acquitted of murder charges.

CR

[LittleGrizzly]

lol, so there hadn't been a rise in militant islamic ideology directed against the west since the late eighties after all, and tens of thousands of otherwise normal islamists didn't decide to go for terrorist training in the decade preceding 911...........

Struggling to remember the terrorist attacks we suffered by Islamic fundamentalists before iraq war...

Can't remember any in madrid either...

and I'm still having a hard time getting outraged over it.

Im not paticularly outraged.. not really one for outrage... but considering this is the US and some people can be a tad sensitive about thier army too its not really surprising some other countrys get worked up to...

Edit im not really seeing the whole russian war thing either... seems a bit out there...

[Strike For The South]

It's because they are Canadian. There I said it. Daddy just made fun of them and now there whining.

[CountArach]

"My apologies to the Canadian military, they probably could at least beat the Belgians"

I can't be the only one who laughed, surely? :laugh4:

[KarlXII]

Struggling to remember the terrorist attacks we suffered by Islamic fundamentalists before iraq war...

I'll just leave this here. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_Bombing)

And this. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9/11)

[Meneldil]

Come on, if any important media in western Europe attempted to make fun of the US military during WW2, tell me that you (the american patrons) wouldn't be outraged.

Now, as I said, I don't really give a damn about the outrage itself, its source, the show. I'm talking broadly about FoxNews. That channel is well known for producing huge pile of crap on a daily basis.

I'm not talking about MTV-like reality TV kind of crap (though that's another problem worth of a topic), but about so-called news, political shows and what not.

One of the pillar of democracy is Free Speech (with a big F and S). That's all fine and dandy. But another pillar, which is IMO just as important, if no more, is an enlightened and educated population. Allowing FoxNews to turn people into complete morons and to daily serve a plate of complete BS to the american citizens in the name of Free Speech is laughable.

Nobody listen to that show, making the outrage overblown? That's fine. Now I guess that leaves us with the hundreds (thousands?) other pieces of crap produced by FoxNews. Just youtube or google it.
Mind you, I also think the outrage shown by canadian people is overblown. FoxNews repeatedly made fun of France, bashed my country and her citizens, made fun of the french who fought and gave their life during WW2 and what not. I couldn't care less.

So, back to my original question:

What is the purpose of that channel? Does it sometimes act like a normal news broadcasting company, or does it only work as a plateform for reactionary idiots and right wing nutjobs trying to be funny?

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

What is the purpose of that channel? Does it sometimes act like a normal news broadcasting company, or does it only work as a plateform for reactionary idiots and right wing nutjobs trying to be funny?

Fox News and MSNBC are the same thing. You can't hate on one without hating on the other. The actual news parts of Fox News aren't bad either.

[Fragony]

Idiots, disrespectful and kinda out of touch with reality.

[LittleGrizzly]

I'll just leave this here. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_Bombing)

And this. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9/11)

Well that's helpful, as someone intrested in foriegn affairs what are the chances i know of these events... i wonder...

When i say we i was talking as a british poster to a british poster with a quote where he was responding to a comment about european terrorist attacks, which is why i mentioned the madrid attacks as well

I guess i could be more specific... swop we for britian...

[Monk]

The host of an obscure show at 3 am says something stupid and disrespectful which creates a storm of controversy, generating awareness about his show. I didn't even know "redEye" existed before this thread.

I'm sure he's having himself a good laugh.

[seireikhaan]

Fox News and MSNBC are the same thing. You can't hate on one without hating on the other. The actual news parts of Fox News aren't bad either.
What are the actual parts of Fox news? I mean, granted, Shepard Smith is alright, but he's just one guy...

oh, and my reaction to Red Eye: :coffeenews:

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

What are the actual parts of Fox news? I mean, granted, Shepard Smith is alright, but he's just one guy...

oh, and my reaction to Red Eye: :coffeenews:

Happening Now, Studio B, and Fox Report all seem OK as "actual news" parts of Fox News.

[seireikhaan]

Happening Now- No.
Studio B- Alright.
Fox Report- See above, again, mainly because Smith actually has a semblance of consistency.

Alright, I'll give you that Fox does have a couple adequate news shows. Assuming, of course, you know which way they lean. :shrug:

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

The problem is that nobody makes a distinction between news and pundits.

[seireikhaan]

The problem is that nobody makes a distinction between news and pundits.
That's because, in a lot of cases, pundits have become the news. :no:

[Strike For The South]

I like Bill O'Riley

[seireikhaan]

I like Bill O'Riley
Yes, he's hilarious.

[Xiahou]

Happening Now- No.
Studio B- Alright.
Fox Report- See above, again, mainly because Smith actually has a semblance of consistency.

Alright, I'll give you that Fox does have a couple adequate news shows. Assuming, of course, you know which way they lean. :shrug:
What? Where's 'Special Report (http://www.foxnews.com/specialreport/)'? That's the only show that's on FoxNews that I find worth watching. I think it's slid a peg since Brit Hume semi-retired, but it's still the best show on the network(or probably any of the 24hr news networks), imo.

[Crazed Rabbit]

I'll just leave this here. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_Bombing)

And this. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9/11)


I'll add:
This (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_wtc_attack)
and this. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_United_States_embassy_bombings)


Well that's helpful, as someone intrested in foriegn affairs what are the chances i know of these events... i wonder...

When i say we i was talking as a british poster to a british poster with a quote where he was responding to a comment about european terrorist attacks, which is why i mentioned the madrid attacks as well

I guess i could be more specific... swop we for britian...

Ah, I see. You know why that is, right?

It's because your country decided not to bother the Islamic terrorists using London as a base (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article671959.ece)to launch attacks on other countries in Europe, like France, in exchange for the Islamists not attacking Britain.

So the lack of attacks was paid for with the blood of others.


Now, as I said, I don't really give a damn about the outrage itself, its source, the show. I'm talking broadly about FoxNews. That channel is well known for producing huge pile of crap on a daily basis.

Have you ever watched it? Somewhat extensively, instead of just a snippet? Or is this the old 'if enough people repeat the same thing it'll become common knowledge thing'? I'm not saying they're perfect or unbiased but the allegations are usually over the top.

CR

[LittleGrizzly]

I'll add:
This (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_wtc_attack)
and this. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998_United_States_embassy_bombings)

Well thanks guys... where would i be without you... is someone going to give me a wiki link to the london and madrid bombings... it would be about as helpful...

Is someone going to give me a wiki article about simple addition next ?

Ah, I see. You know why that is, right?

Because Iraq increased the terror threat in europe... among other things...

It's because your country decided not to bother the Islamic terrorists using London as a base (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article671959.ece)to launch attacks on other countries in Europe

Already know about it... remember someone criticising the tories for the policy... still doesn't change the fact that the Iraq war increased our terror threat...

The terrorists attacked us and then we stopped letting them roam free... so obviously just letting them roam free doesn't stop them attacking you... hmm i wonder what that leaves...

[KukriKhan]

Gutfield Apologizes (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,510583,00.html).


On a "Red Eye" segment from the March 17 show, we covered an item on the Canadian military's proposed synchronized break.

Being a comedy show, the point of the segment was to humorously discuss the concept of a year-long break. Since then, however, we've received messages accusing us of denigrating the fine work of Canada's soldiers.

Let me make this clear: "Red Eye" has never been anti-military.

On the contrary, we are one of the most vocal supporters of the brave work done by those who defend their countries, particularly those fighting side by side with American troops on the front lines of the War on Terror.

However, as a light-hearted show with a satirical point of view, we sometimes go over the line. And in this case, I obviously did not intend to offend your national pride and love of military service.

I apologize.

FoxNEWS is to News, as Military Intelligence is to... well, you know. :)

With the exception of the 2-minute "news Breaks" every half-hour from 0900 to 1600, FoxNews isn't news at all; rather it's FoxCommentary, all day every day.

Who watches FoxNoose at 0300? Insomniacs and drunks, right? Still, apparently Fox Management has figured out that denigrating an ally's military wasn't smart, or hip, or funny.

-edit-
Gregoshi's vid-clip got pulled, but here is (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFmXKMki8sA) a photo-montage of the attention and respect Canadians show their fallen soldiers, on the Highway of Heros.

[Louis VI the Fat]

The video from the OP is outrageous. It makes me angry. I mean...Canadians? Why would any American speak this disrespectful of Canadians? ~:confused::wall:

I am not all that familiar with the US media, so I shall rely on the judgement of the American posters and accept that it is but a trivial late-night show of little relevance.

Even so...much of the tone, the very nature of the comments, does not sound unfamiliar. When you make this sort of 'jokes', you do so in within a wider scheme of social expectations. Because your audience understands the humour. Thinks it is funny, full of good, or even relevant, zingers.
It is not the first time I've seen this sort of video, not the first time I've read or seen this sort of political satire.

This show, however much at late-night, is still on a major nationwide network, it is not a local talkradio for 500 listeners. I thought the jingoism, the insults, the military 'patriotism' (i.e. if you don't toe the line, you must a fool and a coward), the disrespect of it all had slowly faded away after the low point in 2003/2004. One would think even Fox' audience had learned at what great cost to American lives, finances and prestige this jingoism has proven to come.

[KukriKhan]

The guy in charge of the show (rather, its host) Greg Gutfeld (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Gutfeld) has made a career of snarkey, sarcastic, frat-boy so-called "humor", that would never have passed the sniff-test in the immediate aftermath of 9-11. Apparently, enough time has passed since that event, that TV producers think it's OK now - at least at 0300. The Gutfeld guy, according to the Wiki-Bio, doesn't hang on to his gigs very long; I suspect his stint on Red Eye will go away soon, too.

And he'll be all hurt and offended: "It was just a joke! I mean, C'mon!". And his next assignment will be writing commercial advertisements for breakfast cereals. And a book that won't sell.

Louis's point:

This show, however much at late-night, is still on a major nationwide network, it is not a local talkradio for 500 listeners.

is well-taken. If a show made in New York gets shown live in California, it's also available to the 90% of Canadians living within broadcast distance of the american border. Forgetting that is a major "oopsie" on the part of Fox.

I knew the level of 'humor' was gonna be low after the second or third sentence, where he makes fun of Gen Leslie's name. It was obviously only downhill after that, with each talking head trying to outdo the previous one for outrageousness.

[Gregoshi]

With the exception of the 2-minute "news Breaks" every half-hour from 0900 to 1600, FoxNews isn't news at all; rather it's FoxCommentary, all day every day.

Gregoshi's vid-clip got pulled...

Maybe I don't get out and around that much but this is the first time I've seen anyone sum up Fox"News" correctly. And thanks for supplying a replacement video for my missing link Kukri. It looks like the same sequence of pictures as the slideshow I got from my dad minus the pan & zoom effects.

If Red Eye is a humour show, they need to get some people who know how to do humour. I think the cast sounds too much like the actual commentarians at the network (at least for this infrequent FoxNews viewer) to distinguish the humour from the serious. They are missing those over-the-top visual and audio cues (a la The Daily Show and The Colbert Report) that tell the viewer "I make joke ha ha". Or in Org terms, they need to use emoticons in their show. :thumbsup:

In reflection, my "ticked off" state of mind came from 1) seeing the "Highway of Heroes" piece followed shortly thereafter by the Red Eye segment; and 2) not understanding that Red Eye was meant as a comedy show. Now I see the Red Eye segment as simply unfunny (worse than "not funny") and in poor taste. Me thinks FoxNews should steer clear of the, ahem, funny stuff. Their attempts so far make them the Hindenburg of comedy.

[Sarmatian]

Am I the only who think that entire thing was a joke???

Not a very funny one, true, but a joke. Both Canada and US are free countries, people have the right to make fun of anything they want, I don't understand what's the big deal...

[Monk]

Am I the only who think that entire thing was a joke???

Not a very funny one, true, but a joke. Both Canada and US are free countries, people have the right to make fun of anything they want, I don't understand what's the big deal...

I think most people in this thread are conceding the fact it was a joke. The man even admitted it himself, it was a stab at humor that failed horribly.

That doesn't mean, since it was a joke, that people cannot be upset if they so choose. Especially considering the subject material, when you make light of another country's military you're opening yourself a great big can of worms. If you happen to go about it in the tasteless and juvenile way that Mr. Gutfield did, then you deserve every bit of fallout you get imho.

To paraphrase George Carlin: I have the right to do as I please, but I also believe that if I do something you don't like, you have the right to punch me in the mouth. :2thumbsup:

[Xiahou]

Am I the only who think that entire thing was a joke???

Not a very funny one, true, but a joke. Both Canada and US are free countries, people have the right to make fun of anything they want, I don't understand what's the big deal...Nope, it's not just you.... I'm completely mystified as to why this is such big news.

[Gregoshi]

Nope, it's not just you.... I'm completely mystified as to why this is such big news.
Because there is a guy in Canada named Leslie!! Get it? :laugh4:

[Aemilius Paulus]

*sigh*

Liberals are ever-so keen to notice Fox's shortcomings. And with their lion's share of media, criticism of conservative channels is ever-so simple. Just go to the Wikipedia article on "Fox News Channel controversies". It is humongous. The most frightening thing is that the "Controversies" article is substantially larger than the Fox News main article itself.

As a contrast, there is not even a page for "MSNBC News Channel controversies". Just an average-sized sub-section titled "Controversies", that is present in just about any article on anything, Including the Fox News article. Intelligent, seemingly normal/moderate liberals call Fox a "propaganda machine" while the moderate conservatives are barely raising a voice...



Despite this, I am not denying Fox is without shortcomings. I like them because they are less politically correct. However, just check out this example of seeming bias:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1b/FNCControversy_Redicliffe.pnghttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0e/FNCControversy_Steinburg.png
Two liberals had their photographs editing, or so it seems, to present a more unfavourable impression

[Mooks]

One of my teachers is a big conservative and he has Fox on the tv every morning for about 15 minutes (Its a computer class, and we just surf the web in that time). I have YET to see a piece of serios news come out of that garbage. Its either some kid beating up a dog with Judo or someone surviving a plane crash. The whole time with a old man that looks like he has a fake smile and a dumb blonde, both telling "jokes" only a person my father's age would chuckle at.

[lars573]

Nope, it's not just you.... I'm completely mystified as to why this is such big news.
One thing you NEVER do is make fun of the Canadian military. Especially if your a yank, and definitatly not like he did.

[Major Robert Dump]

This one time, on NBC, at 4 am, a smarthy talker who hosted of of NBCs 8,754 television shows said something that really got under my skin. How dare NBC allow him to say that, and by not issuing an immediate apology for that thing that got under my skin NBC made it very obvious that the entire network and its affiliates and its advertisers support the radical NBC agenda of doing that thing that got under my skin

[Sarmatian]

One thing you NEVER do is make fun of the Canadian military. Especially if your a yank, and definitatly not like he did.

Come on, why is Canadian military above jokes? Or US, UK, French, Belgian or any other for that matter? What's the big deal? Because he's an American? Would it be ok if a Greek did it?

[Meneldil]

Fox News and MSNBC are the same thing. You can't hate on one without hating on the other. The actual news parts of Fox News aren't bad either.

I never ever heard about MSNBC being as outrageous as FoxNews.
Now, let's admit that MSNBC is as biased as FoxNews is (which is quite possible I guess), it doesn't make it nearly as stupid.
- Firstly, accusation of liberal bias in the US are pretty stupid. What the conservative members would call a pinko-communist-hippie-terrorists channel in the US would probably appear as slightly leftist everywhere else in the western world.
- Secondly, the right is historically well-known for being much more offensive and outrageous with its propaganda. I'm not even talking about far-right, mind you. Since the 19th century, it has assimilated the idea that the left is actually trying to destroy civilization and is thus much more agressive than traditional leftist propaganda (I'm not talking about Marxists, Trostkysts or Left-Anarchists). Leftist propaganda is at least a bit more subtle.

But for the sake of the discussion, let's say that I dislike MSNBC (according to your claim that it's as biased as FoxNews). Can't really say I hate it, because, as noted earlier, I never received a link to a completely outrageous and stupid MSNBC show (though I just found out it was considered the most biased channel according to a poll conducted in 2004).



Nope, it's not just you.... I'm completely mystified as to why this is such big news.
Once again, if a Canadian show on one of the main canadian channel started to call US soldiers 'cowards' or 'mass murderers', I'm pretty sure some people here would get quite pissed off.
Now, I can't say I understand the way Canadians regard their military. Things is, it caused an outrage, and there's no way FoxNews wouldn't know it beforehand. I mean, I know that insulting the Canadian military is like, "BIG DEAL". There's now way that Greg Gutfield did not.



Have you ever watched it? Somewhat extensively, instead of just a snippet? Or is this the old 'if enough people repeat the same thing it'll become common knowledge thing'? I'm not saying they're perfect or unbiased but the allegations are usually over the top.


No, I have never watched FoxNews. And no, I'll never watch it anyway. To be honest,
American and Canadian TV is so ridiculously stupid that I haven't bothered to watch it since I understood that its only point was to brainwash people with constant flows of advertising and commercials (most of them being completely unfunny, too long and too repetitive).
That alone is sad for your democracy.

Then, as I said earlier in this post, I quite often receive links to FoxNews videos, and most of the time, I'm like "WTF?". It's not simple bias. I could understand bias. What puzzle me, is the amount of racism, biggotry, personal attacks, plain errors and lies.
Now mind you, I'm pretty sure people who spend their time criticizing FoxNews have their own interests, and it would be faire to assume that most of them are leftist/democrats. But it doesn't make the links, the biggotry, the personal attacks and what not any less real.

Then, if you have link to MSNBC (or any other channel) bias, lies, personal attacks, racism, etc., I'll happilly have a look at it. As I said, I don't have much respect for American TV channels* (and neither do I have for french ones). I'd be more than glad to make fun of your leftist crap. I've only talked about FoxNews because it is well known for its crap, and because it created huge outrage in Canada a few days ago.


*I admit you still have some decent commentary/comedy shows, but I only watch them on internet, as I really can't be arsed to watch all this advertising. I don't consider O'Reilly to be funny. From all I know, he rather looks like a conservative idiot who try - yet fail horribly - to be funny, and who doesn't hesitate to spread misinformation when it fits his right-winged anti-muslim agenda.


Edit:

Come on, why is Canadian military above jokes? Or US, UK, French, Belgian or any other for that matter? What's the big deal? Because he's an American? Would it be ok if a Greek did it?

No military is above jokes. Thing is, in that case, the guy - working for a TV channel that thouroughly(sp?) supported Bush's brillantly executed War on Terror - is making fun of the military of a country that had actually no interests in joining this stupid war, and whose soldiers are losing their life purely for American's interests.
The War on Terror is nothing but a joke. Making fun of people who died because they actually believed your leader is nothing short of stupid and disrespectful.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Now, let's admit that MSNBC is as biased as FoxNews is (which is quite possible I guess), it doesn't make it nearly as stupid.

See last point.


- Firstly, accusation of liberal bias in the US are pretty stupid. What the conservative members would call a pinko-communist-hippie-terrorists channel in the US would probably appear as slightly leftist everywhere else in the western world.

Everything is relative. Liberalism doesn't even mean the same thing in Germany as it does in the United States.


- Secondly, the right is historically well-known for being much more offensive and outrageous with its propaganda. I'm not even talking about far-right, mind you. Since the 19th century, it has assimilated the idea that the left is actually trying to destroy civilization and is thus much more agressive than traditional leftist propaganda (I'm not talking about Marxists, Trostkysts or Left-Anarchists). Leftist propaganda is at least a bit more subtle.

Alright, I have to say I beg to differ here. We say the left is trying to destroy civilization (not true, we usually say it is trying to change civilization, but for the sake of argument), and the left says that the right is a fundamentalist horde of ninnies who can't think for themselves.

:shrug:


I never received a link to a completely outrageous and stupid MSNBC show (though I just found out it was considered the most biased channel according to a poll conducted in 2004).

Keith Olberman. I have no further comments.


One thing you NEVER do is make fun of the Canadian military.

Yes, Pearson, Diefenbaker, Trudeau, Chretien, and to a lesser extent Mulroney already did a good enough job of it as it is.

[Feanaro]

Once again, if a Canadian show on one of the main canadian channel started to call US soldiers 'cowards' or 'mass murderers'

Except no one on Red Eye said anything of the sort. Don't compare apples to igloos. At least two people expressed respect for the Canadian military during the show, then proceeded to make fun of them. As well as Sarah Palin, a person Fox News is supposed to love, and Norwegians. The show airs at 3am. When your choices are MASH reruns, infomercials that promise to make your willy bigger and your butt smaller, and RedEye. Anyone who takes such a show seriously has a problem.


No military is above jokes. Thing is, in that case, the guy - working for a TV channel that thouroughly(sp?) supported Bush's brillantly executed War on Terror - is making fun of the military of a country that had actually no interests in joining this stupid war, and whose soldiers are losing their life purely for American's interests.
The War on Terror is nothing but a joke. Making fun of people who died because they actually believed your leader is nothing short of stupid and disrespectful.

Ah, now I see the issue. The problem isn't that someone made fun of Canada's military. It's just that the news group with the wrong bias made fun of Canada's military. If Fox News hadn't supported Bush, they could giggle all the way to the bank but comedy isn't allowed if you have the wrong opinions. Hopefully MSNBC or CNN will take advantage of their monopoly on Canadian military jokes soon. Or possibly they are too closely tied to the US. Maybe some Norwegians will be qualified to make jokes about the Canadian military.

[lars573]

Come on, why is Canadian military above jokes? Or US, UK, French, Belgian or any other for that matter? What's the big deal? Because he's an American? Would it be ok if a Greek did it?
No one is allowed ever. The only time your even allowed to approach ctirtism of the military is when they majorly screw-up. Like in '93 when a few para-troopers tourtured a Somali to death. Or the time the CFCWO got a case of "the bad touch" with a female corporal.

As for why, I don't really know. EMFM explaination is a good as any. We've just progressed to the point that we can critisize the RCMP.

[Sarmatian]

No one is allowed ever. The only time your even allowed to approach ctirtism of the military is when they majorly screw-up. Like in '93 when a few para-troopers tourtured a Somali to death. Or the time the CFCWO got a case of "the bad touch" with a female corporal.

As for why, I don't really know. EMFM explaination is a good as any. We've just progressed to the point that we can critisize the RCMP.

And what if it's a minor screw-up? If they just slap around Somali a bit?

No institution is above criticism or jokes. You may disagree with me but free speech is on my side ~:wave:

[lars573]

The rug, it goes under it. Mostly, the indie press would make some noise about it. Besides it's not me who has the problem.

[Sasaki Kojiro]

Partisan politics is like laser tag. When someone on the other side sticks their head out everyone on your side tries to shoot 'em down, and vice versa. Whichever side scores the most points "wins".

:coffeenews: