Colonel Morris Davis submitted this essay to Huffington Post. He sent us a copy also.
I saw this sticker last week when I was at the old market in Charleston, South Carolina.
Those stickers are quite common and seemed innocent enough, but then I had a Glenn Beck moment where the hidden symbols became clear and revealed their deeper, darker meaning.
Where had I seen the same palm tree symbol before? BAM! – It’s that island they built in Dubai, a Muslim Middle Eastern country. And who else has a tree on their flag? Bam! – Lebanon, another Middle Eastern country that is predominately Muslim. Okay, okay, maybe I’m reading too much into the symbolism of the tree, but what about that crescent moon? BAM! – The crescent moon is an international symbol for Muslims and appears on the flags of most Islamic countries. So, there it was as plain as day right in front of me … a palm tree and a crescent moon … enough said.
Now the letters “SC” made logical sense … “Sharia Caliphate” or perhaps “Sleeper Cell.” What better way to lull the rest of the nation into complacency than pretending to be intolerant right wing bigots who love sweet tea and pulled pork and hate mosques and prayer rugs. And maybe that whole terror baby nonsense isn’t nonsense after all. Well played, Senator DeMint … or should I say Sheikh DeMint?
Slow news day? 😉
I think Morris may be angling for Jon Stewart’s job.
Moe is a bright, articulate, funny guy. I enjoy his humor. Look at it this way, Marin…I didn’t copy this out of Huffington Post. Moe sent it over. It should make you feel special.
A MUCH more interesting story is why there actually is a palm tree on the flag/sticker. Compared to real history, this stuff is…well……..you know.
Actually, the author comes across as extremely ignorant.
agreed……..
I appreciate Slowjoke’s endorsement of my qualifications to seek office as a Tea Bagger candidate, but if nominiated I will not run, if elected I will not serve, but if I can parlay the nomination into a way to fleece the sheepeoples in the TBM and live a multi-million dollar lifestyle like Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck then count me in.
I bet if I diagramed my premise out on a chalk board while choking back tears you would think I was a lot smarter. Chalk and tears appear to make total nonsense persuasive in some circles. Also, I never claimed to be one of those Christine O’Donnell, Louie Gohmert, Carl Paladino intellectuals.
@Morris Davis
You didn’t HAVE to validate my point, but I appreciate it anyway. Above and beyond, dude!
Let us know if HuffPo prints/posts it! It’s certainly right down their alley!
The best evidence of my ignorance is that I’ll respond to someone who cowers behind his or her fake name and coyote cartoon persona. As Sarah Palin said in August, “grow a pair.”
Actually, we don’t want to miss a chance here to talk about the fact that Senator DeMint (who has many detractors on the left) has an opponent in the upcoming election! That’s right, folks, it’s none other than Al “Satin” Greene! Look, folks, Greene is only behind by a paltry 37 points in the latest polling, and Greene is absolutely the smartest Democrat in the room. If my liberal friends will send Alvin “Satin” Greene a donation right away, he can fight back and perhaps even oust DeMint! Please don’t let my man “Satin” down!!
Slowpoke, Afraid you need to pull in your horns. Moe is a guest contributor. You were intentionally rude. One thing to take issue with his points…another thing to call him ignorant, which he certainly isn’t. Not even close.
Actually, I was going to check with your folks to see how Al Green even got on the ticket.
@Slow
There you go
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/morris-davis/south-carolina—sleeper_b_744620.html
Well, I had already fininshed with the essay….not much more to say about it. I did see that it was posted. Good comments there, too! and oh, thanks, I forgot my man “Satin” was a republican plant!
I do enjoy getting the “I shall smite thee” schtick once in a while! 🙂
Moon — I’m pretty thick skinned, so no worries on my end. I wasn’t really trying to make a point, I was trying to make a joke. I’m from NC, right along the border with SC, and for all of my 52 years we’ve traded barbs across the border the way TX and OK do, or like people from Old and New Mexico. I think we tended to look at our neighbors south of the border the way some people in AZ look at the folks south of their border. On the other hand, I grew up in a dry county where fireworks were prohibited, so I say thank God for SC where beer and bottle rockets were always readily available. I own property in SC and have friends and family who live there, so I’ve got nothing against the state and I sort of doubt SC secretly stands for “Sharia Conspiracy.” But, I have a couple of t-shirts and caps with the SC logo on them and I don’t know how many times I’ve had people ask me if it was some kind of Islamic symbol. I’ve responded, “Are you kidding? It’s about as un-Muslim a symbol as I can imagine.” While I was in SC last week the irony struck me again and I decided to make a joke of it. I realize my jokes can’t hold a candle to Carl Palodino’s racist and beastiality material, but maybe I just don’t get TPP humor.
Although I am not a member of any Tea Party, obviously “tea bagger” is a pejorative and incendiary word.
Even if somehow provoked, I find that using such terms completely undermines any argument. No one has told you, but I thought I would point it out. As soon as I saw the term, I stopped reading.
Just saying.
I don’t know what it is about the term “teabagger” that gets people all worked up.
Now, if you called someone the “teabagee,” that would be a different matter.
Rez,
If members of the tea party had never called themselves ‘teabaggers’ no one would have picked up on it. To me, a tea bag is a tea bag. However, out of respect for my contributors, I don’t use the expression, at least since I found out they were offended. Cargo and Wolverine both associate themselves with that movement and both are regulars. I don’t want to offend them because they both contribute a great deal to this blog.
Not sure about Slow…what he considers himself. Howevaaaa…he is our likes getting smitten occassionally. And he did ask for it.
However, I am not going to censor others regarding that expression. That’s pretty much our official position.
Cato, too funny.
What is your take on the TARP repayments. My guru thinks we are going to make money off of it.
@Moon-howler
Not sure anywhere in my post was I asking for any censoring. I was stating an opinion. I have long understood that you tend to let comments go.
Would you prefer that I didn’t voice my objection?
I think using pejorative words demonstrates a lack of something and I don’t engage in it. You can fill in the blanks about the “something”.
By the way, try googling “tea bagger” and check out the urban dictionary. Sounds like a perfectly appropriate term to allow.
It is also referenced on wikipedia as well. Since we all know that the Colonel is a well educated person, must we assume that he doesn’t know what he is saying?
I would assume he knows exactly what he is saying.
I suppose that those who say “Obamacare, ” “illegals,” and other such words also know exactly what they are saying.
@Moon-howler
Well, we already have made money on Citi and we’ll probably make money on AIG. It’s no great shakes though, if I had been driving that deal the Treasury would have gotten better terms, a la Buffet when he put the money into GS. We’ll probably end up losing on the auto companies because the Fed can’t prop them up like they can the banks.
Also, when you start to measure if you’ve made money or not consider what’s going on with the dollar. It’s down 10% since June. In fact, one of my pals who’s a perma-bear mailed me a chart a couple of days ago that plotted the market rally in gold terms as opposed to dollar terms. The graph was flat.
What’s a perma bear?
I am a TARP supporter. I think it had to happen. I know many disagree with me. I think it is the government’s duty to keep stop financial disasters, the same as it would an invading army. I am so 20th century.
@Moon-howler
Did you even google it? Your response would tell me that you didn’t.
Should others also use disgusting sexual terms to describe people they disagree with?
Um, they ARE illegal!
@Moon-howler
Perma bears are guys like Roubini who get trotted out on CNBC (CNBS) from time to time to try and convince people that things are actually worse than what they are (and who are, in fact, convinced of such a thing themselves). In this case it’s a friend of mine who’s been short the entire rally. I replied “congratulations – at least I stayed even with the devaluation.”
I’m not a TARP supporter. And it’s not because I don’t think something terrible would have happened had we not done it. Clearly, a lot of people would have been wiped out.
However, by doing TARP you’ve sent the message to the banksters that you’re not going to allow them to be wiped out. This in turn further fosters a culture of inappropriate risk taking, because they now know the taxpayer has their back.
Pick your poison. We were screwed either way.
@Cato the Elder
See, that’s what I’ve been saying. I’m only insulted if I let them insult me. I just remind them if I’m the “er”, who is the “ee”.
Besides, I’m not a teabagger. One: I use loose tea. Two, I’m a Tea-hadist.
As for these words: Obamacare, ” “illegals”, these are not insults. They are actually short hand for actual, accurate descriptions. ObamaCare is named that because HE promotes it. Ie, Reaganomics, etc. Illegals are named that because saying and writing “illegal alien or illegal immigrant” takes a while. Shorthand speak is an American tradition and they ARE illegally here.
Teabagger was originally an innocent term when used by innocent Tea Party members. Those with knowledge of slang knew a different meaning. And it was used that way in popular formats, such as Anderson Cooper using it that way. So, now we know that it is a pejorative.
This is just my personal view, but I differentiate between tea partiers and teabaggers. I don’t have any problem with those who advocate for the smaller government – lower taxes side and while I may disagree with some of the particulars of their vision for putting that into practice I tend to agree with the broader notion (I don’t want to pay more than my fair share nor have big brother intruding in my personal life). I think those that fit into that group includes a great many of the people who identify with the Tea Party. I mean them no disrespect and I’m glad the to see more people engaged and doing their civic duty. There are, however, some who will swallow anything the hate-mongering wingnuts dangle in front of their noses … you’ve all seen the ones I’m talking about. They’re in a blind rage and in many cases they don’t know why, or if they do have a rationale it’s premised on a lie or a gross distortion. They don’t want to have a discussion about facts or policies, they just want to yell. I don’t have any respect for those who swallowed that distasteful ideology and call them what they are.
Morris, that was actually amusing. I liked it. But, you should have put something about Pedro in there. What’s a South Carolina bash without South of the Border?
You know, I actually thought about trying to fit South of the Border into the article but couldn’t figure out how to make it work. In case you’re wondering, there are 31 Pedro signs as you drive south on 95 … at least that was the tally last week.
I didn’t count when we drove north from Florida. But I do remember seeing one that stated that South of the Border was “only” 108 more miles away.
@Morris Davis
Well, not that you need it from me, but if you used that term and knew its sexual connotation, then I have truly lost respect. And I am quickly losing respect for the term “civil debate” at the top of the page.
It is truly as shame that you didn’t stop after the thread posting, which I enjoyed.
Slow, ‘illegal’ is an adjective. I was speaking of the adjective form being used as a noun: as in ‘illegals.’
I also see teabagger used as a political term. Moe doesn’t have to pass a puritan test to post here. I don’t see you getting up in arms over Moe being called ignorant.
Its over. I govern what I say. I have said prior to this I am not going to censor that expression. I don’t have any words marked as censor except the n-word. We had people planting trash here…copying and blaming us. If there is a need to release it, I will do it manually.
We have a good discussion going on another thread about people fighting back. Marin and I are agreeing…sort of.
The term ignorant is not on a par and so I don’t have to.
Now that it is obvious that you don’t care what I think, it is more telling on you than me. All this discussion could have been ended quickly with either “I did not know” or “I am sorry” not some lame defense of vulgar language which you seem to want to do.
I don’t care much anymore anyway. It is obvious to me that you and Mr. Davis do not care about civility either.
Ended
I explained that I haven’t censored any one word other the example I gave. . The people here generally censor themselves and what they say. I don’t care if people curse. I don’t want people bullying other people and I will not permit that. Other than that…have at it. The rules are posted up top.
Why would I single out one expression above all other expressions? I discovered this from Wiki also:
And now I am going to probably set civility aside for a second. Go over to the dark side and read the character assassinations of Elena, Cindy and me. The remarks are vulgar and rude. Come back and tell me I have an uncivil blog. Make my day. The blog is not uncivil.
I am not going to change the entire character of a blog to accommodate one person. I am sorry you cannot see my point of view.
My last post on this issue. I am now certain that your biggest problem has to do with reading. I REPEAT, when I have asked anyone to censor anyone?
Oh crap, does this get me in blog jail? I sure hope so.
What does the other board have to do with this? I don’t give a crap about what they write. After all, I doubt they probably indicated they were for civility like other boards have.
In case you are not aware, Merriam-Webster actually defines civil as ” adequate in courtesy and politeness”.
Then what is it you want me to do if not censor? I believe that I inferred that you wanted me to do something about it and I only have limited ways of doing it if I wanted to. I can’t go spank Moe for using it or Slow for what he said. Both Mrs. Moe and Mrs. Slow might not like my interference.
I can come to no conclusion about your posts on this subject other than you just wanted to back me in a corner or start a fight. I don’t back real well these days.
Would you like me to take down that we strive towards civil debate? Its a goal. It isn’t going to always happen. Shrug. I am not going to lower the bar.
As Moe has said, don’t expect him to turn the other cheek after being kicked in the crotch. I sort of have the same reaction.
Right now there is simply nothing I can do about your displeasure, Rez. I don’t control people and I am not throwing Slowpoke or Moe off the blog.
I throw up my hands.
I told you that Morris was angling for a Stewart-style gig somewhere. Easy guess too when you know he hails from NC. However, somebody else did bite into it or something similar on another blog; and the blogmeister thanked him tongue-in-cheek for stopping by to do a bit of “trolling.” I think it was one of those fact or fiction blogs.
The addition of the “S” and “C” to the SC official flag is a new one for me. First time I can recall seeing it, although the people in SC do have this crazy habit of redesigning the flag for their own personal or commercial purposes, including even changing the colors.
Repeat after me, people: palmetto tree…palmetto tree…. palmetto tree…The Palmetto State…The Palmetto State….The Palmetto State…..
Apparently the term “teabagger” leaves a bad taste in some peoples’ mouths. I explained above that I respect many of those who identify with the Tea Party and I commend them for getting off the couch and getting involved. What I disrespect is the lunatic fringe who rely solely on volume and violence. It’s the latter ones I consider and call teabaggers. I believe in civility, but I don’t believe being civil means I have to be a pacifist. I didn’t comment until Slowpoke took a swing at me with the “extremely ignorant” remark. He or she is entitled to his or her opinion, but once he or she tried to kick me in the crotch I don’t believe civility requires me to turn the other cheek.
Wolverine — You are absolutely right that the letters “SC” are not on the state flag. This was a bumper sticker that was on sale at the old market in Charleston.
When I read Rez and Slowpoke’s comments I am reminded of that famous Forrest Gump line: “Stupid is as stupid does.” Somewhere along the way they lost their sense of humor and they know absolutely nothing about Moe Davis. It may be extremely difficult to go through life with a chip on your shoulder just waiting to pick a fight. I suppose if Moe had quoted the New Testament, the Old Testament, the Quran or perhaps the Mormon Pearl of Great Price, they would have found something wrong about it. Moe is correct about many good folks in the tea party who want the same things many of us want–smaller perhaps less intrusive government, lower taxes, honest representation, civil discourse. As to the far right wingnuts who belong to the tea party (I refuse to dignify it by capitalizing the name), I would classify them as “teabaggers” or maybe “teabagees”–and yes, I know the stupid sexual connotation. I also agree with Moe about people who hide behind some phoney name (Moon exempted because of threats) which allows them to say and do things they wouldn’t do if they identified themselves. Why don’t you folks who hide come out of the closet? What do you have to hide?
@George S. Harris
The “Slowpoke Rodriguez” identity is meant to offend supporters of “illegals”. I just stuck with it because…..why not? My identity is unimportant. Trust me, you wouldn’t know me from Adam.
@Cato the Elder
Cato–I think your crystal ball must be clouded when it comes to AIG and the auto manufacturers. AIG is going to dissolve, sell off assets to repay their bailout and all three auto manufacturers are doing quite well at the moment. I believe Chrysler’s profits were up 61%.
And BTW, it seems I was accused of name-calling. My wording was meant specifically to not call anyone a name, just an observation about how the essay reads. But I understand, liberals like to accuse everyone of everything.
Come to think of it, Pedro from south of the border would have been cool too.
@George S. Harris
I didn’t mean to give the impression that AIG wouldn’t repay the bailout – I most definitely think that they will.
The path to repayment for GM and Chrysler is less clear (read: not immediate). Both companies have pension obligations that are a mess and need to be restructured. The 61% number you’re seeing from Chrysler is the Sept. 09/10 comparable – meaning that sales for Sept. 10 rose 61% from Sept. 09. The monthly trends are more disturbing – GM’s are down sequentially and Chrysler is barely trading water. Even Ford, a company I consider to be best of breed, are growing sales at a less than stellar 2% rate. People in the US just aren’t buying cars.
The bottom line is that when I look at these two companies they both have a long way to go, and Chrysler has a *very* long way to go. If you put a gun to my head I’d probably say that GM will survive here on the strength of international demand and Chrysler won’t simply because they don’t have nearly the distribution that GM does. Nevertheless, I’d prefer that neither company rush to repay bailout dollars simply for the sake of doing so at the risk of failing to address problems that could take them down two years from now.
I don’t think anyone wanted to make this investment, but now that it’s done we need to give it time to mature.
@Cato, is it that people can’t get credit, don’t have jobs, or what? Surely Toyota isn’t still leading the pack after all its problems.
I have a few shares of Ford that have done well…but I am thinking that maybe their run is over. Any news on when GM is going IPO?
For those of you that cannot read posts, try to do it once before you comment.
George, glad you are back. I missed your loving posts to people who want simple non derogatory post without ad hominem attacks.
Sometimes you are an epitome of your quote of Forest Gump. Read what my posts said before you comment.
Moon, I am disappointed in you but you don’t care. So it is a waste of my time. Not all posts on here are directed for your action. You seem to think that the blog revolves around you but guess what? We can discuss things on our own.
Someone has made a comment saying that people he disagrees like to put genitalia in someone’s mouth. Cool thing to say for an “Officer and Gentleman”. Then when I say that even though provoked, it weakens his argument. I almost gave him the benefit of the doubt until he made it clear that it was intended. How is it that you spell classless?
Let’s see, then some blog owner who apparently refuses to read what was said because I assume she is enamored with this “Officer and Gentleman”, takes the person who made the comment about weakening an argument to task by saying that it is no worse than talking about a President’s ill conceived health plan. And that she just can’t bring herself to censoring anyone, when censoring was never asked. Really good there.
Then we get some other “Officer and Gentleman” weighing in by not only accusing the first poster of being nasty to the other “Officer and Gentlleman”. I think it was something ad hominem like, “stupid is as stupid does.”
I will tell you folks, I am glad that I am not as arrogant, crude, or nasty as you folks. I would laugh but my folks raised me better than that. How about you? Did you learn anything in kindergarten?
George, you are probably exempt from that question. After all, I think I may know why you identify with Forrest Gump. Wouldn’t say that normally, but nobody calls me stupid. Certainly not some arrogant person. I will take criticism from someone I respect.
I guess some folks might change their minds if there were no topics.
@rez
@Slowpoke Rodriguez
Except it backfired because I defended your right to be Slowpoke Rodriguez here. He was a cute cartoon character. Speedy Gonzolez’s cousin, if I remember correctly.
That begs the old philosphical question, are you offensive if no one is offended?
@Slowpoke Rodriguez
I see no reason to continue the discussion. It was settled, as we always settle things. If I don’t do a smite thee ever couple of days you think I dont love you…in the blog sense of course. 😉
Ha ha! There’s something about this thread that makes me want to yell, “Put a sock in it!”