Here is an ACTUAL BLOG ENTRY on the local squawk radio blog of right wing talker Jeff Wagner (WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee). I added boldface, though I doubt such emphasis is needed:
18-year-old Marc Monfort lives in Oconto Falls. For Halloween, Monfort has hung three plywood mannequins outfitted as scarecrows from a tree in the yard of his home. The figures have black faces and are hanging from branches by their necks with rope.
Monfort says the display isn't racist and that he's not taking it down. He says that he made the scarecrows when he was eight years old and has hung them outside his home in prior years.
The Mayor of Oconto Falls says that the display is "disgusting". A resident of the community says that she's "horrified" by the display and the fact that no action is being taken to remove it.
For what it's worth, a confederate flag also flies in the yard.
Later today, we'll talk about whether this is a legitimate Halloween display or an example of racism?
Monfort says the display isn't racist and that he's not taking it down. He says that he made the scarecrows when he was eight years old and has hung them outside his home in prior years.
The Mayor of Oconto Falls says that the display is "disgusting". A resident of the community says that she's "horrified" by the display and the fact that no action is being taken to remove it.
For what it's worth, a confederate flag also flies in the yard.
Later today, we'll talk about whether this is a legitimate Halloween display or an example of racism?
What a quandary. Do you think the inquisitive Mr. Wagner will get to the bottom of this?
"Hmmm.... I guess it could be legit..."
Tomorrow's topic on Mr. Wagner's show: Paint Thinner - Should We Drink It?
That Damn Liberal Media!!!!
Posted by: Bryan Maersch | October 24, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Your tone makes it sound like you assume that Wagner approves of the display. You know what they say about assuming, right?
Posted by: Kate | October 24, 2008 at 07:49 PM
No, dear Kate. Not an assumption. Just a given.
Posted by: capper | October 24, 2008 at 10:27 PM
"For the record, I think the initial display was in very poor taste. The placement of the mannequins in the tree juxtaposed with the confederate flag sends an undeniable message. I'm not suggesting that this display was actionable - only that it was definitely in poor taste. I understand why some neighbors (one of whom called my show) were upset."
WTF? "Poor taste".
Look Jeff, my wife going to a "New Kids on the Block" concert Wednesday night is "poor taste" buddy.
This display is racist.
Posted by: J. Strupp | October 24, 2008 at 11:31 PM