This Week in the Mercury
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Media When Lars Attacks!
Posted by Sean Breslin on Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 2:19 PM
I just spoke to Lars Larson! Like, in real life!
I called to talk about this recent "When Lars Attacks"-worthy tweet:
Classy.
I asked Lars what Adams' sexuality had to do with city road repairs and if he thought the statement was homophobic. Lars was glib:
"I'm not afraid of homosexuals. I'm afraid of pedophiles," Larson says, adding that Adams used his position to gain sexual contact from a minor. "I have no respect for Portland's mayor."
Update: Lars was on a commercial break when we talked. Damn.
Previous installment of When Lars Attacks here.
Updated update: Lars tweets about the call! And tweets. And tweets.
5
I don't know. Lars is really turning me around on this whole pedophile thing.
His logic is impossible to refute.
His logic is impossible to refute.
9
While you guys don't ever want to listen to Lars Larson, the scary thing is that lots of Americans do. He's got a nationally syndicated radio show, popular podcasts and Twitter—it would be a terrible idea to just pretend he doesn't exist.
Instead, I think it's important to keep tabs on what he's saying to the other half of the population, especially when he uses his podium to promote bigotry.
Instead, I think it's important to keep tabs on what he's saying to the other half of the population, especially when he uses his podium to promote bigotry.
10
So we can count on regular Glenn Beck, Michael Savage, Rush Limbaugh, etc. updates, whenever they say something incendiary or bigoted?
Anyone the least bit informed knows these people exist and at least the gist of what they're telling our most wacked-out countrymen and -women.
You're assuming that if it isn't detailed on the Mercury blog, that it then fails to exist, as if this is our primary source of news.
Anyone the least bit informed knows these people exist and at least the gist of what they're telling our most wacked-out countrymen and -women.
You're assuming that if it isn't detailed on the Mercury blog, that it then fails to exist, as if this is our primary source of news.
11
It's always entertaining when right-wing homophobic clods obsess over homosexuality more than do actual gays. Kinda reminds me of the fate of Ted Haggard, Ed Schrock and those other 20-30 far-right mouthpieces and office holders over the years.
But then again, the rumors about Lars are nothing new.....
But then again, the rumors about Lars are nothing new.....
12
Commenty Colin:
I think you've brought up a good point: it would be ridiculous to blog every time a Limbaugh/Beck et al spouts his mouth and says something offensive.
But Larson is unique in that he's a local personality with national reach. People all over the country are paying attention to what he's saying about Portland's mayor, and in many ways shaping their opinions about this region.
And according to viewership/listenership, conservative commentators are not targeting fringe niches, but huge swaths of the population. Yes, they are on the far-right end of the political spectrum. But there are a lot of them.
I think you've brought up a good point: it would be ridiculous to blog every time a Limbaugh/Beck et al spouts his mouth and says something offensive.
But Larson is unique in that he's a local personality with national reach. People all over the country are paying attention to what he's saying about Portland's mayor, and in many ways shaping their opinions about this region.
And according to viewership/listenership, conservative commentators are not targeting fringe niches, but huge swaths of the population. Yes, they are on the far-right end of the political spectrum. But there are a lot of them.
13
There will be niche for Larson people like him as long as there are people willing to put liars and peddlers of blatantly ignorant bigotry on the air for money. Probably until the death of civilization.
It's sad but true that you can't "discredit" someone like Larson because it'll wash right over the heads of those listening. Any correct rebuttal of his rhetoric will be viewed by his audience as an attempt to obscure the "truth" and anyone who isn't a follower doesn't care or knows he's full of shit anyway.
So being a watchdog on the misinforming bigots is great, but then what do you do with that information? How do you use it?
It's sad but true that you can't "discredit" someone like Larson because it'll wash right over the heads of those listening. Any correct rebuttal of his rhetoric will be viewed by his audience as an attempt to obscure the "truth" and anyone who isn't a follower doesn't care or knows he's full of shit anyway.
So being a watchdog on the misinforming bigots is great, but then what do you do with that information? How do you use it?
15
Good job on giving Lars free publicity. I'm sure he'll be thinking of you geniuses the next time he's enjoying the rewards of having a wide stance in an airport restroom.
16
Fully agree w/ Will - there isn't really a middle ground on stuff like this, i.e. there aren't a lot of opinions that are being shaped, they are ALREADY shaped.
They are merely being either pandered to successfully, or ignored, in much the same way that ultra left-wingers output is filtered.
Don't let me be too much of a pain in your ass, Sean, I'm impressed (legitimately and not-condescendingly so) by the work you've posted so far.
They are merely being either pandered to successfully, or ignored, in much the same way that ultra left-wingers output is filtered.
Don't let me be too much of a pain in your ass, Sean, I'm impressed (legitimately and not-condescendingly so) by the work you've posted so far.
17
The ultimate question to ask is "WWLWYTD?" What would Lars-ass want you to do?
He and his ilk thrive on attention. He wants "tabs" kept on him because honestly, all that means is another news outlet prints his twattings. Big woop. He won't get fired because no one who employs or listens to him is offended. He doesn't want to be ignored. Yea, he's got a following but is that a big surprise? Roughly half the country voted for Bush twice.
The best outcome we can hope for all this tab-keeping is ultimately catching him sucking dick in a park bathroom at midnight.
He and his ilk thrive on attention. He wants "tabs" kept on him because honestly, all that means is another news outlet prints his twattings. Big woop. He won't get fired because no one who employs or listens to him is offended. He doesn't want to be ignored. Yea, he's got a following but is that a big surprise? Roughly half the country voted for Bush twice.
The best outcome we can hope for all this tab-keeping is ultimately catching him sucking dick in a park bathroom at midnight.
18
Just reading those Facebook status updates makes me feel stupider.
There's no reason to give this minor-league Rush Limbaugh any publicity or dignify him on this blog.
There's no reason to give this minor-league Rush Limbaugh any publicity or dignify him on this blog.
Most Commented on Blogtown, PDX
-
Mandatory French Fries on Sandwiches: CONDEMN OR ALLOW? by Wm.™ Steven Humphrey
-
Win Valentine's Dinner for Two at Central by Alison Hallett
-
Let's Play the Game of
LoveThrones by Erik Henriksen -
In Which Bobby Roberts Attempts to Ruin the One Thing That Made Me Happy Today by Erik Henriksen
-
Should Portland Ban Cops From Using Horses and Pepper Spray to Bust Up Protests? by Denis C. Theriault
-
New Paris Laws Give Bikes Okay to Run Red Lights; Ooh-La-La! by Wm.™ Steven Humphrey
-
Tonight! KATU Wants Everyone to Be Afraid of Marauding Crazy People! by Denis C. Theriault
-
"I Have Chickens Too!" by Alison Hallett
-
CAT BREADING UPDATE: Which Mercury Employee Succumbed to the Pressure? by Bobby Roberts
-
THE ROCK IN 2012 by Erik Henriksen
Our Friends
- UrbanHonking
- Culture Shock
- Portland Roundball Society
- Steph Cassano
- Cort and Fatboy
- Street Roots
- Powell's Books Blog
- Portland Transport
- Portland Afoot
- Bike Portland
- Eater: PDX
- Portland Food and Drink
- Mr. Movie
- Sunday Softball
- BlueOregon
- Sightline Institute
- Ultra: Arts Portland
- Bitch Magazine
- Blazer's Edge
- Reading Local: Portland
- Portland Food Carts
- Stumptown Vegans
Our Enemies
The Handyman Pro - Your Honey-Do Specialist
Don’t let our name fool you. The Handyman Pro, LLC is a repair and remodel service provider with over 25-years experience. We cover all aspects of construction and repairs for residential and commercial clients.
Bands Page
Housing
Jobs
Musicians
For Sale
Wheels
Services
Health
The Arts
Friends 'N' Neighbors
Bulletin Board
Personals
Adult
About Portland Mercury
RSSGoing to Seattle?
Comments (18) RSS