Has dignity died?

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Monday, September 14. 2009

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When did we as a society cease to let others gain spotlight?

When did we become so self-absorbed that unless we were directly included, praised or acknowledged, we looked down upon something?

Chalk one up for embarrassment, indignity, classlessness and absurdity, as it reared its ugly head at the MTV Video Music Awards last night...again!

As a surprised Taylor Swift took to the stage to accept her "moon man" for Best Female Music Video on Sunday evening, rapper/producer Kanye West suddenly burst onto the stage and rudely stole the microphone from the country singer during her acceptance speech.

"Yo Taylor, I’m really happy for you, I’ll let you finish, but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time," West said. "One of the best videos of all time!"

West did later apologize on his blog with the following:

"I'M SOOOOO SORRY TO TAYLOR SWIFT AND HER FANS AND HER MOM. I SPOKE TO HER MOTHER RIGHT AFTER AND SHE SAID THE SAME THING MY MOTHER WOULD'VE SAID. SHE IS VERY TALENTED!" [sic CAPS]

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#1 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 07:35 AM

One, to compare West with Wilson is wrong. West was rude, obnoxious and vulgar. To compare an act such as what he did with an act that one of our Representatives did, is also vulgar.

That's like comparing apples and bugs...completely different situations that don't deserve to be in the same class.

Wilson was expressing what many Americans wanted to say in regards to that part of Obama's speech. When Obama was speaking about the "death panels" and "insurance for illegals" he was flat out lying. Ok, so the Bill doesn't call them death panels, but that is what they are. I sat watching Obama, and was a bit upset when he started with his lies. I was SO happy to see that someone DID call him out on his blatant lies.

As for "house decorum", I expect a President to have the decency to tell the truth when speaking to the public he serves. If he can't provide that decency, then he and Pelosi should not be angry when he's called out for his untruths.

I also feel that Pelosi's reaction was extremely vulgar (not Biden's though).

I say Boo to West, high-five to Wilson.

In my opinion, Obama was the obnoxious one, not Wilson. Obama relies on "ignorance" without counting the fact that many do take the time to read Bills before congress even if HE and a lot of Representatives don't. And those of us who have read the bill, are horrified at what the Bill contains.

Mr. Odom, have you read the bill?

And those of you, who comment, have you read the Bill? If you have, then you would find nothing wrong with what Wilson did either. House decorum should not dictate something as trivial as this when it's concerning putting the life of seniors, the terminally ill and handicapped persons in the Governments hands.

I personally feel that NO organization (Governmental or otherwise) has any right to determine the type of care I receive, that is a decision that should ALWAYS remain with me, my family and my Physician.

BTW before people get all in an outrage, I voted for Obama....but this was NOT the Change I voted for and I SERIOUSLY regret my vote now. He promised many things when he campaigned, and he's broken so many promises he made that one can't trust a word that comes out of his mouth now.

I seriously regret my vote, and I will not make the same mistake again.

#1.1 Mr. Odom on 09/14/09 at 08:02 AM

To answer your most direct question, I have read up to page 743 of the 1017. It is a very boring, long-winded, hypocritical pile of rubbish and is hard for any human being to actually read through. So, no, I have not read HR3200 in its entirety.

I salute you in your commitment to the congressman and your admonishment of West.

I do disagree with you though. I was not comparing two dissimilar things.

Many people probably agree with West in one way or the other so he was, to be literal, speaking for the people (albeit probably only a handful since the VMA's are voted on by the public). Wilson too was speaking for the people. Both men could have chosen more appropriate places and times to express their views. A national audience of easily influenced people is not the place to undermine another. It shows a lack of dignity, a lack of respect and a lack of discernment.

Oh, and I did buy Kanye's last album. I seriously regret my purchase and will not make the same mistake again.

#1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/15/09 at 07:12 AM

Thank you for your reply Mr. Odom. It's refreshing to see a Reporter who 1: Rationally discusses current events without heated anger, grand standing and pathetic drama. I wish you'd go work for CNN, we could use reporters like you in mainstream media these days! and 2: One who also reads the Bills that are being pitched to the people, I honestly feel you are probably the only reporter in America who has actually read any part of the bill, much less a significant part of it. Most seem to go on hearsay only, I may be wrong, but that's the general way I feel about it.

And I will agree, it's one loooong, boring document. As an avid reader, I find today’s fiction novels more boring, I like a challenge, and Thomas.gov provides many wonderful things for Constituents to read. I've been reading bills for decades and sadly I have seen a trend of massive information with a lot of fluff, designed I do believe to purposefully turn people off from reading the whole document. This dangerous action leaves too many loopholes and open doors for corruption to take shape from. Politics is a game to Politicians, and I do get saddened when I see that the people do not even realize they are slaves to the game.

The people should never be slaves to Politicians or government officials. Politicians and government officials are servants of the people, and the people need to wake up and start doing their jobs or I fear where our country will be 20 or 30 years from now.

As for Wilson.....if he had done this at the inauguration ceremony, I would have gotten mad as hell and been one of those crying for impeachment. Yes, there is a time and place for everything, but I personally feel the house floor is exactly the place to iron out disagreements. I'm saddened to see that Obama and Pelosi seem to think otherwise.

#1.2 Jim Bowman on 09/14/09 at 08:38 AM

Nothing wrong with what he did?!?!? While I agree with his meaing, his approach was WRONG. You do not interupt someone when that person has the floor. There is a time and a place for everything and that was neither the time nor the place to call the president a lier. (Which by the way he is!)His actions were no better than Kayne, but at least he was not drunk.

#1.3 Enoc Siuol on 09/14/09 at 08:41 AM

Wilson was not up to date on the latest bill. Well before the Pres. Obama’s speech amendments were in place that eliminated end of life counseling and the possibility of insurance for the illegal emigrant. Wilson said it himself that he was wrong on both accounts and that he was out of line as well as disrespectful. I am also disappointed in Obama. Thought he had a bigger pair.

#1.4 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 12:22 PM

Agree or disagree with Obama, the way Wilson handled that was disrespectful and tasteless. Put aside what you believe in how this bill is being treated, regardless, Obama is the President of the United States. For someone to disrespect the office like that is shameful. There are times where you can voice your opinion, but to break tradition, break dignity in a preceding like that is uncalled for. When he did that he disrespected the position of President, along with Obama. You may not respect Obama, but you do have to respect the position he holds.

#2 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 07:39 AM

Kanye wouldnt be Kanye without these surprising, rude comments. Remember the "George Bush doesn't care about black people!" comment after Katrina? Yeah, that was Kanye too. He is an entertainer that doesnt think before he speaks.

#3 Enoc Siuol on 09/14/09 at 08:26 AM

A lot of glamour, money and people perceived as being larger than life, at times, can also sets the stage for the crass and self promoting inflated ego. This man, obviously, has a few lessons to learn and “life will rise to the occasion” as it always does in such matters. The response to such shamelessness by the music professionals involved was of dignity and compassion which demonstrates fame can be had without the sacrifice of integrity. It was an education for all to consider.

#4 Yo Taylor... on 09/14/09 at 09:49 AM

whats the big deal? what Kanye did is be himself... An ignorant,uneducated, semi-talented thug... why does that suprise anyone?
#1 rule of showbiz: any publicity is good publicity.... ask Janet & Justin...

#4.1 Yo Taylor on 09/14/09 at 11:37 AM

Hate to comment myself but, come to think of it, who is everyone talking about at the VMAs today? I saw this story on WSB & GMA this morning. Way to go Kanye. Do what you must to be in the spot light. even if it does make you out to be an idiot. I thought it was funny that Beyonce won video of the year after that happened and then let Taylor come on stage and finish her speech. Im not a huge Beyonce fan, but she showed some real class with that move.

#5 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 10:38 AM

Kanye always has his crybaby moments when he wants things the way he wants them. He has the classic chip on his shoulder that many of "them" have whether you like the fact of not. He blurts stuff out publicly and on tv more than others though. When he dont get his way he will cry and throw things. This isnt his first brain fart.

#6 Anon on 09/14/09 at 11:05 AM

To answer the question by Andrew in the title of the article - Dignity has not died, many of us still possess it. Dignity is not dead, but ignorance reigns supreme!

Kayne is just an idiot, hes done this stupid crap before - calling out GW as hating white people. Looks like Kayne should take a look at himself, seems that if Swift had been a black R&B artist he probably would have kept his seat. Although Kayne also makes tons of money off of white folk who by more than half of his albums.

Wilson was unjustified in interrupting the President during his speech. Its fine to disagree, but voice your opinion in the appropriate time. I don't agree with the health care plan either but the President should still be respected.

#7 American Avenger on 09/14/09 at 12:18 PM

I agree with you Anon, Kayne is "An ignorant,uneducated, semi-talented thug." I believe you are also spot on when you said "if Swift had been a black R&B artist he probably would have kept his seat." Personally I feel that Kayne is racist towards white people and America - just like Obama's pastor Rev. Wright. I think Wilson was right, but the way he went about it was not classy. It's always interesting to see how both Repubs and Dems are always so hypocritical (do as I say, not as I do). Beyonce showed that she has class!Although I don't fully agree with your opinion Andrew, I respect it and I enjoyed the posting.

#8 Ignorant Hayseed on 09/14/09 at 12:38 PM

There seems to be a common thread through all these incidents. Can you guess what it is?

#8.1 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 01:07 PM

You Dummy!

#9 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 12:53 PM

you can randomly pick out Kanye Wests songs and they will have some sort of negative image towards "white folks" in it somewhere. They even play this on the radio. 95.5, 103.3, 107.9 etc. Can you imagine the uproar if Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw etc randomly made comments about "them" by throwing the "N" word here and there and talking about the ghetto slums and all that. How far you think that would play out. It seems to be accepted as long as the person is black that is doing all the talking. Ludacris, Jeezy, Kanye, Tupac, etc.. whats up with that.

#9.1 Always about us. on 09/14/09 at 01:14 PM

He hasn't said no more that what "you people" have done over the last 100 years. You treated Black people like animals. Have you forgotten? I can't stand comments like this! People died just to drink from the same water fountain or to vote. Or to sit in the front of a Bus what we payed fair to ride! "You people" really need to check yourselves! I think we should organize a meeting for both parties to discuss Issues in the Little 1850 "thinking" town. This would be nice!

#9.1.1 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 03:16 PM

GET OVER IT!!! YOU PEOPLE? WHAT THE CRAP IS THIS ALL ABOUT. I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING AND NEITHER DID YOU!!! I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF BEING TREATED LIKE I DID SOMETHING WRONG WHEN I DID NOT NOT LIVE IN THAT TIME, AND MORE THAN LIKLY YOU DIDNT EITHER!!! I AM SORRY THAT IT HAPPENED BUT I CANT CHANGE IT AND NEITHER CAN YOU SO JUST GET OVER IT

#9.1.2 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 04:26 PM

People like Kanye keep up all the pot stirring in the community amongst the races. Cracker this cracker that, white folk this and white folk that. Im quite sure that Kanye has got treated like any other human in the U.S. but he uses this to attract the hard core thugs that think that the white man still has them held down. That idiot had the same opportunity as everyone else. Really, if you want to look at it a certain way, he wouldnt be where he is if it wasnt for the white man. If they wanted him gone he would be gone.. cause remember the white man has them held down.
You still didnt respond to what i said about a country or rock singer saying "N" words here and there. How would you feel. I dont know who publicly say "N" words freely as Kanye and other rappers talk about whites. Without getting off subject, could you please explain this.

#9.1.2.1 Anonymous on 09/15/09 at 01:22 PM

AND THE CROWD GOES SILENT. can you not answer my questions "always about us". Now isnt the time to be quiet. Talk to me.

#9.1.2.1.1 Anonymous on 09/17/09 at 11:38 AM

hello. .you all that are trying to justify it dont get quite now.

#10 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 02:11 PM

Looka here - Looka here.
It was all a setup. A Publicity stunt.
Why you ask???
Kanye gets to up his ante as "Bad Boy"...
thereby selling more records-His purpose in life.
Little Taylor Swift gets to play victim, whereby
her fans rush to her defense, and in-directly
she sells more records to new fans.
Beyonce (also a victim) gets attention as well
and gains more popularity, since now even Swift's
fans take notice of someone they normally wouldn't.
MTV gets higher ratings for the next stunt they show since everyone will want to tune in and see what's gonna happen NEXT.
All Hollywood, All BS, ALL the time.
Nothing more than ProWrestling in a new form.

#10.1 Yo Taylor on 09/14/09 at 02:51 PM

yup...correct 100%

#1 rule of showbiz: any publicity is good publicity.... ask Janet & Justin...

#11 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 02:30 PM

THEY did not treat US like animals. The people who treated slaves as animals have died long ago.

Now I see to many of my color ACT like animals just because they feel they are owed from things that they never lived.

The past is past, and you really need to get over it. I hate seeing colored racists like you defend themselves over something so trivial. Were you a slave, NO. Were you harmed by slave owners, NO. Does history give you the right to act like an ignorant fool.....NO

Grow up you silly fool. It's "you people" who make us all look a fool and I for one am sick of it.

#11.1 A.R Bush on 09/14/09 at 08:26 PM

you aren't black so stop trying! Go and tell that! Whats your name?

#12 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 02:59 PM

History is slowly repeating itself Warning we are not the same people as our great great grandparents we respond back. But on another note both Kanye and Rep.Wilson were wrong however Rep Wilson was worse he done his to the President of the United States and both are entitled to their opinions however there is a time and a place for everthing this was neither the time or the place.

#13 L.T. on 09/14/09 at 03:05 PM

It’s all publicity. I saw Slash do a duo with Michael Jackson and play a solo a couple of minutes over what he was supposed to do. I saw the bass player for Rage Against the Machine climb on to a stage prop and refuse to come down. MJ and Marie Pressley announced their love for one another and kissed on stage. The bass player for Nirvana knocked himself out by throwing his guitar into the air. Madonna & Brittany did the famous lip lock. There is at least one or two of these things happen at every VMA. Yes, Kanye made an a$$ of himself. He will sell more records because of it. Taylor & Beyonce will sell more records because of it. It should be noted that Beyonce and Taylor did not need this stunt for any noticeable gain, but Kanye did. Sometimes I think MTV is behind these stunts anyway. It makes people wonder what is going to happen next…and tune in … Live TV…gotta love it…

#14 cats on 09/14/09 at 04:49 PM

Rule of thumb- if you're going to have to apologize for it, you have lost your dignity.
Kanye is known for blurting things out and blogging with his cap locks on.
Senator Wilson certainly owes the President and the American public an apology for his disrespectful attitude.
Oh, and to that young Gordon College student fellow who called me a "b*$@#" last week? The intersection of College and Spencer street is not a 4 way stop. I was going straight and I had the right of way. Kindly review your Georgia Driver's Manual.

#14.1 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 06:06 PM

that may be the hard working gordon college student that was posting on here for a while..LOL

#14.1.1 Hard Working GC Student on 09/15/09 at 10:33 PM

This HWGCS would never act in such a gross and disrespectful manner. My motor scooter and I gives everyone the right of way. But, Bonnie Lou (my BFF) morphs into Road Hawg when she is behind the wheel of her big ol' Chevy 4X4 tuned into some Travis Tritt tune.

I close my eyes and hang on. Watch out!

HWGCS Working on the 4.0 GPA

#15 lizzybegood on 09/14/09 at 06:44 PM

Ignoring all the racist babble above, I'll add my two cents -

I think that dignity/class hasn't died. Some people just will never have it. Kanye was rude and so was Rep. Wilson point blank! There is a time and a place for everything.

Andrew - you failed to mention the classy move that Beyonce made at the end when she won the award for the video of the year. She allowed to Taylor Swift to give her acceptance speech.

#15.1 GM on 09/14/09 at 08:48 PM

You are correct when you say "There is a time and a place for everything." The Capitol and the House is precisely the place for debate and argument especially when the facts are misrepresented. The time to point out any wrong doing is at the time the wrong is done, not hours later after the fact. Enoc Siuol in comment 1.3 stated “Wilson was not up to date on the latest bill.” which is another incorrect statement. Wilson stated that he was familiar with the bill and all the amendments and that the current amendments had absolutely no meaning. He went on to explain. Wilson apologized for the outburst but at the same time identified shortcomings in the bill which forced attention. It shouldn’t make any difference who a speaker is and where the speaker is speaking. If the facts are misrepresented then that is the most opportune time to bring attention to it. Granted, the President is given respect but respect must also be earned. Misrepresentation of the facts is no way to get respect. I applaud Wilson for taking the stance of representing the people over bootlicking the boss. Wilson did what he was elected to do. Represent those people that sent him to Washington without showing favoritism.

On the other hand what Kanye West did was wrong however, I can’t help but agree with #4 Yo Taylor... with the statement, “#1 rule of showbiz: any publicity is good publicity “. After all, it was entertainment and entertainers. Therefore, it may have been in poor taste but was it wrong to steal the show? I think I will stay neutral because I guess that could go both ways.

#15.1.1 Anonymous on 09/15/09 at 09:25 AM

Arent you the same person who said Neil Devane would make an uncorruptable good candidate for office?

#15.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/16/09 at 02:48 PM

I know you running against him so whats your point. I agree that Neal would make a good councilman. Trying to discredit him because you are running against him is only going to hurt you. You need to worry about you before you complain about somebody you dont know.

#15.2 GM on 09/14/09 at 08:52 PM

What's up - This ain't spam!

You are correct when you say "There is a time and a place for everything." The Capitol and the House is precisely the place for debate and argument especially when the facts are misrepresented. The time to point out any wrong doing is at the time the wrong is done, not hours later after the fact. Enoc Siuol in comment 1.3 stated “Wilson was not up to date on the latest bill.” which is another incorrect statement. Wilson stated that he was familiar with the bill and all the amendments and that the current amendments had absolutely no meaning. He went on to explain. Wilson apologized for the outburst but at the same time identified shortcomings in the bill which forced attention. It shouldn’t make any difference who a speaker is and where the speaker is speaking. If the facts are misrepresented then that is the most opportune time to bring attention to it. Granted, the President is given respect but respect must also be earned. Misrepresentation of the facts is no way to get respect. I applaud Wilson for taking the stance of representing the people over bootlicking the boss. Wilson did what he was elected to do. Represent those people that sent him to Washington without showing favoritism.

On the other hand what Kanye West did was wrong however, I can’t help but agree with #4 Yo Taylor... with the statement, “#1 rule of showbiz: any publicity is good publicity “. After all, it was entertainment and entertainers. Therefore, it may have been in poor taste but was it wrong to steal the show? I think I will stay neutral because I guess that could go both ways.

#16 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 08:20 PM

if you wouldn't act like animals you wouldn't be treated like one

#17 Anonymous on 09/14/09 at 09:53 PM

These are very sad days!! I have seen disrespect for teachers, police officers, representatives trying to have open meetings to discuss issues, musicians, and the President of the United States! SAD!! We have turned into a society of people who are only focused on ourselves and have no respect for others! SAD!!!

#18 a fan on 09/15/09 at 05:23 AM

What Kanye did was wrong but Its not that serious. She got the chance to finish her speech. This definately a "blame it on the alchol" situation. He said that he feels like she didnt deserve it. I somewhat agree because "single ladies" was a better video, BUT Beyonce has won so many awards and im glad they gave her that to her instead. Beyonce got the video of the year award anyways she didnt care about the best female video of the year.MTV has always been known not to give out awards to the ones who deserve it the most. Im not going to sugar code anything or beat around the bush. Mostly whites win MTV awards. There I said and if you want to chew me up for speaking the truth then go ahead, and remember im the same age as Taylor Swift.

#18.1 Paul on 09/15/09 at 07:57 AM

You can't be serious. You're saying that since she got her chance to speak, so it's ok? That Beyonce has won all these other awards, so it's ok that Taylor Swift won that one? And you just HAD to throw in the race card. Grow up! A blind squirrel could see that both West and Wilson were equally wrong. It was said earlier, 'there is a time and a place for everything.' That's it, end of story. Both exhibited a lack of class in their actions. Blame it on alcohol? So, it's always someone (or something) else's fault, right? Never take any responsibility for one's own actions, right? Wrong! Step up to the plate and be accountable!

Let me go on to say I voted for McCain, and Bush before him. I don't agree with Obama's policies, but he is our president, the leader of our country. As citizens we should respect the position he holds. Wilson's comments occurred at the wrong place and time. He could have saved it for the House floor. What he did was disrespectful.

#18.1.1 Anonymous on 09/15/09 at 09:16 AM

This lack of common sense has gone far beyond a mouthy Wilson, a sober Willams and a drunk Kanye. It is all through our country and will eventually tear us apart.

#18.2 Anonymous on 09/16/09 at 10:23 AM

What it, What if , What if ...
What if Taylor smacked him on his hard head
and game him a concussion?
She should have.
What if M&M had jumped up there when
Beyonce had been accepting her award?

And Just WHO did Kanya think he was talking to...
the audience???
The fans "supposedly" pick the winners.
Was he dishing the fans for making a choice
he disagreed with. Idiot!
If it was not a fake, he should have been tackled halfway out.
Maybe next year they will give an Award AND a Taser to the winner and tell them to use it if anyone approches them.
NOW THAT I WOULD TUNE IN TO SEE!!!

#19 a fan on 09/15/09 at 05:27 AM

Oh ad speaking of the VMA's, it suppose to had been a MJ tribute. The dancers that performed that had been choosen by him did great, and so did Janet. It should have been at least another performance or two. This is the "king of pop". The first black person to win an award on MTV and have an video aired.

#20 Anonymous on 09/15/09 at 12:43 PM

They both acted like jerks. At least Kenya had a point.

#21 Anonymous on 09/15/09 at 01:20 PM

That guy Wilson admitted he was wrong about Mexicans or illegals getting health coverage and apologized. That's more than other people do when they make a mistake or tell a lie.

#22 Anonymous on 09/15/09 at 09:35 PM

Kenya's mom death. He was drunk. And use a bad word. He beat obama.

#22.1 Yo Taylor on 09/16/09 at 02:05 PM

you need a degree in something to decifer this one. I think the writer is standing up for Kanye and Obama. figures that it is not understandable...

#23 Anonymous on 09/17/09 at 02:57 PM

There is just no excuse for the stupidity that kanye displayed. Yes it was the fans that voted for the video and the fans were right. Maybe there just wasn't enough vulgarity in it for kanye. Show some respect!!!!

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