Indeed. One clue is when you put "humor" in scare quotes. That might not be too bullish an idicator for your joke-appreciation index.

Interesting that just below in a related post, Scott complains about the foolish lawsuit brought against the writings of Mark Steyn: "The complaint filed in federal and provincial human rights commissions against Mark Steyn is a dangerous threat to free speech. ... because the suppression of political speech is exceptionally dangerous."

And right here we have Kate complaining about the very same Mark Steyn's writing:
"If anyone on the left points out that their "humor" as simply a more covert version of the email smear tactics, we'll be labeled as overly PC and humorless."

No, Kate, how about we just accuse you of trying to initimidate the free expression of political speech?

I just read about the two Clinton staffers who were fired after forwarding bogus emails claiming Obama to be a Muslim. So, both Lefties and Righties are doing their best to spread this ethnocentric fear. The only fear I have is that this hate-filled nonsense will lessen our chance of finally electing a truly inspiring, intelligent, forward-thinking leader who believes in the Constitution.

How is it that we've had a Bush or Clinton as VP or President for 26 CONSECUTIVE YEARS and nobody even makes mention of it? Has America become a neo-monarchy or something? One where only two households (both alike in lack of dignity) provide our leadership? Sounds a lot like the Britain that we ran away from all these years ago to found this nation. Thomas Jefferson would be one ticked off mother trucker right now...

That's my two cents.

I have to agree with Joel. I'm consistently disappointed by our candidates sharing the same last name. Another Bush? Ugh. Another Clinton? Ugh. (I'm terrified Jeb Bush will run in 2012). Oh, and don't forget the Reagan wannabies from Hollywood... For now, the GOP has Fred Thompson... who was a really fantastic White House Chief of Staff... IN THE MOVIE Clear And Present Danger!!!!!! The dude's an ACTOR for heaven's sake. Oh, but he has a distinguished Military carrer (again, IN THE MOVIES). Do Americans NOT know the difference between the movies and reality??? Where have all the leaders gone? Then when one (Obama) comes into the picture... he's screwed because of his name. To echo Joel's Shakespeare quoting... What's in a name? A WHOLE LOT, when we're talking about millions of misedumicated American voters, unfortunately.

"The only fear I have is that this hate-filled nonsense will lessen our chance of finally electing a truly inspiring, intelligent, forward-thinking leader who believes in the Constitution."

Yes, I agree. Although I don't think it is a fear -- I think it is a certainty.

The US lost its chance at the best president since ... I don't know when 7 years ago this week.

Who really cares if the right tries to slam him on this.
Afterall, one of our own is doing it. A second person was found to be sending similar smear emails that Obama is a muslim radical in Iowa and she is also a campaign chair for Hillary.
So, if our own side is doing it, how can we worry about the right.
Besides, I am very tired of democrats being so scared of the big bad republicans. We sit around and worry about what they might do. we don't chose our candidates on who we like or think is best, but, who will stand up to the republicans, and not realizing that all our candidates are perfectly able to take care of themselves. They would not have made it to this point unless they could.
It's time to quit thinking about republicans and planning everything around them and worrying about whatever they do or think they will do.
It's time we grew a spine and thought in terms of what are we going to do and what is best for the country.

If what has been posted is supposed to be an effort to "initimidate the free expression of political speech" then the people at the Corner, and elsewhere in the right-wing blogosphere, are the biggest fucking pansies on the face of the Earth. Wah, Kate Sheppard thinks says bad things about our covert attemps to appeal to Muslim-phobia, wah! Give me a break.

sbj, are you really that clueless about what free speech rights amount to?

It's no violation of free speech for Kate to point out that people are saying intentionally misleading things. It's only a violation of free speech if she uses the power of government to shut the people up -- which she is assuredly not doing.

sbj is just a troll.

The right-wing media has certainly gotten to be experts at evil, cowardly, underhanded, aggressive rhetorical sneak attacks.

What the sane people need is a rhetorical equivalent that is not so evil. If what they are doing is like a sucker punch, we need a verbal equivalent of smashing teeth in. Fight underhanded jabs with a knockout blow.

But our democrats are just going to smile and ask if we can't just all be friends.

Hey guys! I wrote that Kate was trying to 'intimidate the free expression of political speech.' I didn't see that she was 'violating' free speech (whatever that means) or using the government to muzzle free speech.

There's no denying that when Tapped writes that Steyn's speech is an effort to 'smear' Obama - it is most certainly an attempt to intimidate Steyn, and anyone else who would 'joke' about Obama, into silence.

"Ah, the madrassah years" - a covert attempt "to appeal to Muslim-phobia?" Ohmigosh, give me a break! Who are you calling pansies?

I suppose every post/comment here about Romney's undies is an attempt to appeal to Mormonism-phobia? Oh, they're jokes? But wait - how come Tapped is allowed to joke but the guys at The Corner are smear artists appealing to xenophobes and bigots ... ?

Kate - you tell us - what are we allowed to joke about without fearing that we will be called smear artists attempting some sort of covert psy-op against a religion/man?

Don't worry he won't win.

He's just working overtime to get enough Dem base to support to force his inclusion onto the Hillary ticket as VP. The case must be made to some of her resisting backers that without him and his base Hillary won't win.

I suppose every post/comment here about Romney's undies is an attempt to appeal to Mormonism-phobia? Oh, they're jokes? But wait - how come Tapped is allowed to joke but the guys at The Corner are smear artists appealing to xenophobes and bigots ... ?

Well, one point that might occur to you is that
Romney really is a Mormon, while Obama isn't a Muslim.

audience do some conscious thinking, not obvious knowing.

Famous top quality Uggs with great discount are On Sale.
We are the best Ugg Sale online store.

I agree with you!Put on cotton boots is also moving up and
quiet,such as the ugg boots uk

The collection upholds a fantastic variety of styles in dark colors mostly gray, brown and black, ideal for both hotter and colder months. But know that Gucci’s designer shoes are only available in few stores that possess exclusive rights to sell the brand.

Well,This is a good post.do you know ?chi hair straightener?chi hair straightener has already
an objective market share in market, and will be constantly
enhanced in future.

ok,so nice .ghd hair straightener has been
a real blessing for many women with curly hair who want to have some
control over their mop of hair.

it is a beautiful article .i think so . UGG boots become the
favorite thing in all the girls’ eyes,do you know about that?

We are air max sale Online Shop,offer new branded
air max 90,