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Why Is the Creator of ‘Friday Night Lights’ Accusing Mitt Romney of ‘Plagiarism’?

Oct. 12, 2012 9:37pm Jason Howerton

Peter Berg Accuses Mitt Romney of Plagiarism Over Friday Night Lights Mantra

Director Peter Berg arrives at the Premiere Of Universal Pictures' 'Battleship' at The Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 10, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Credit: Getty Images)

The creator of the “Friday Night Lights” television series and movie is accusing Mitt Romney of plagiarizing a phrase from the show to use as a campaign slogan — and he’s not happy about it.

Peter Berg wrote a letter to Romney on Friday saying he’s “not thrilled” that the Republican presidential candidate is using the show’s “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose” slogan on campaign posters and his Facebook page.

On the TV show, a small-town Texas football coach uses the phrase to inspire his players before taking the field.

Berg’s agent distributed the letter to the media. In it, the writer-director-actor says Romney’s politics and campaign aren’t aligned with the themes of the TV series.

“The only relevant comparison I see between your campaign and ‘Friday Night Lights’ is in the character of Buddy Garrity — who turned his back on American car manufacturers selling imported cars from Japan,” Berg said in the letter, obtained exclusively by The Hollywood Reporter.

He also wrote that the “politics and campaign” of the Romney/Ryan ticket “are clearly not aligned with the themes we portrayed in our series.”

Berg goes on to thank the governor for supporting the show but says, “Please come up with your own campaign slogan.”

To read Berg’s entire letter, click here.

However, there is another piece of controversy stirring in this scathing rebuke of Romney, which was caught by the Huffington Post:

While Berg — who came up with the phrase — is quick to rebuke the Romneys, the author of the book the series and movie are based on recently endorsed the candidate in a column posted by The Daily Beast. Buzz Bissinger wrote that Barack Obama’s poor debate performance and what Bissinger sees as Romney’s emerging, moderate platform led him to make that decision.

In a follow-up piece, Bissinger says he has been vilified by the “liberal media” and his own friends, some of whom he believes he’ll never feel the same about.

Bissinger also slammed Berg’s letter on Friday in a statement to THR:

“I love Pete but he is being childish and petulant…He should be flattered that Romney is honoring his show. Obama tried to use the slogan as well but unsurprisingly was ineffective in getting the message across.”

The Romney campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Berg is also currently directing the movie version of “Lone Survivor,” based on the best-selling book. The Hollywood Reporter explains the plot:

Lone Survivor recounts how [Marcus] Luttrell and three other SEALs were on a reconnaissance mission near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in 2005. They came across an old man and three boys, and while knowing that it could jeopardize their lives, the commandos let the group pass. The act of mercy backfired, and soon the team was under attack by a small Taliban army. Luttrell was the only one who survived. A later firefight led to the largest loss of life in SEAL history.

Luttrell has appeared on The Glenn Beck Program a several times.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Comments (137)

denkat56
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:16pm
pretty pathetic, dial 1-800 i want my moma.

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- Kaoscontrol
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 2:40am
  Too bad Berg has the rights to direct the movie version of Marcus Luttrell’s book. Does he realize he just turned off all the God fearing patriots who represent the biggest percentage of Lone Survivor’s potential audience and box office? If “Friday Night Lights” doesn’t reflect our values, “Survivor” probably won’t either. Berg just offended us by behaving like a petty weasel. What an doofus!
  
  Report this comment
- PATTY HENRY
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 3:48am
  @ KAOSCONTROL agreed… talk about a dummie. Most shows would fall on a sword to get this viewing market’s big plug for this saying. YOU are totally correct about the market for his show.
  But, look at the poor dolt…he doesn’t look like a mental giant does he? All of this goes away when MITT and PAUL WIN in 25 days!
  
  Report this comment
- Miami
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 4:31am
  Guy’s Peter Berg is a Hollywierd MORON that was born under a ROCK
  
  My coach use to say this back in the early 80′s, I would say to my students in the 90′s and I;m pretty sure it’s been said before.
  
  Report this comment
- yougottabekidding
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 6:28am
  Children do anything to get attention; even if it’s not right they have their attention.
  
  Never saw the show! GUESS WHAT, I HAVE HEARD THIS MANY TIMES!!!!! IDIOT
  
  Report this comment
- yougottabekidding
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 6:47am
  Which means you are using it as yours and that is ______________.
  And as for your other stupid comment.
  How much of our stimulus money is government motors spending of the American Peoples stimulus money in foreign countries. Thats hussain you ass!
  
  Report this comment
- yougottabekidding
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 7:32am
  Kaoscontrol
  
  I would think Marcus (a true American hero) would have cause for a law suit for sabotaging his royalties.
  
  Report this comment
- Bluefish49
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 8:16am
  This just proves that Hollywood has the Narcissistic attitude that no matter what they do or say their fans will just get on board…..wrong. I tried to watch the “FNL” TV Show because I thought the movie was good……but the show…not so much.
  
  Report this comment
- ambrosia
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 9:11am
  Agree with the others-
  never watched the show
  but this phrase has been around….forever !
  
  Berg needs to get a life-
  he fancies himself as such a great director-
  I wonder what the “greater” director, Clint Eastwood would tell him to do
  with his ornery, penned letter to Romney’s camp ?
  
  This is just another case of another wannabe;-
  wanna’ get my 2 cents into the campaign thicket.
  
  Those words didn’t fit in with Obama’s Commie campaign,
  but these do-
  “Red eyes, No Heart, Can’t win” !
  
  Report this comment
- SocialistSlayer
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 9:21am
  Hey Berg – Would you like some cheese to go with your whine ?
  
  Report this comment
- SocialistSlayer
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 9:22am
  And while you are at it shave the scraggly face of yours , you loser!
  
  Report this comment
- Wango
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 10:38am
  REAGANFEALLOTR . . .Comments like yours are why liberals have nothing to worry about.
  
  Report this comment
- crackerone
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 10:39am
  Biden’s campaign slogan……..Bloodshot eyes, Fully Loaded Depend’s, Capital “L” Loser!
  
  Report this comment
- oneshiner
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 10:54am
  Please? Who is this idiot person? Didn’t know those words were copyrighted. When someone says Clear Eyes, I immediately think about eye drops. Have no idea what this Peter thinks!
  I read the silly list, and they are common 2 word phrases everyone uses. WE ALL BUNDLE. jerk.
  
  Report this comment
- oneshiner
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 11:01am
  Also Peter, I doubt Romney ever saw your pathetic show, I never have. If you’re being such an arse, I doubt I’d ever see the Marcus Luttrell movie, just because I always make a point to abstain from anything people like this Peter does. Just becomes a habit not to encourage jerks.
  
  Report this comment
- Wango
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 11:03am
  CRACKERONE . . .Ryan’s campaign slogan . . .”I work out at the gym . . .with guys . . .sweaty guys . . . muscled guys . . . glistening guys . . .with blue eyes . . and thick thighs . . . and the occasional rise . . . my favorite surprise.”
  
  Report this comment
- SocialistSlayer
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 12:02pm
  Wango The Communist – You’ll be worried I’m sure come November when we take America back from you Communists and we force you off the American Teat and make you work for a living!
  
  Report this comment
- Wango
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 12:27pm
  SOCIALISTSCREAMER . . . I don’t have to work. I’m retired. Jealous? Thought so.
  
  Report this comment
- oneshiner
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 1:30pm
  WANGO…………….are you talking about obama being gay? It’s been all over the internet, in fact News Week named him the First Gay President.
  The latest to come out is: Jesse Jackson & rev. wright put Michelle together with obama to give him respectability he needed to run for office and keep him out of the low down clubs & bath houses and promised Michelle she could have anything she wanted.
  
  Report this comment
- Wango
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 2:47pm
  ONEWHINER . . . Ann Coulter is a man! That’s all over the internet too. You must learn to discriminate. (Should be right in your wheelhouse!)
  
  Report this comment
- hold_my_stones
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 3:42pm
  I’ve seen this guy in several class “B” movies & shows. Never figured he’d turn out to be such a Hollyweird lefty loon.
  
  BTW, our team uses that same chant. Perhaps this dipsh*t would like to call our coach and tell him he can’t use this commonly used chant.
  
  Report this comment
- sWampy
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 5:51pm
  Like many liberals, his uncle ass raped him at 6, the gift that keeps on giving.
  
  Report this comment
- sWampy
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 5:58pm
  Wango, who ass raped you at 6, even after all these year you still remain the same brain dead idiot you were all those years ago, still stuck 6 even then old and retired, voting for as ******* that thinks logans run was a good idea.
  
  Report this comment
- crackerone
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 6:04pm
  @WANGO
  
  In your twisted mind, you’re having confused dreams about Paul Ryan. He don’t hit that way. Go back to dreaming of bath-house Barry, Reggie Love, and your favorite she-man, Swamp Donkey Debbie.
  
  Report this comment
- jcldwl
  Posted on October 14, 2012 at 8:39am
  I’ll skip on Lone Survivor. I already know the story and really don’t need to see it. Especially since it appears it will be a major Hollywood production. No thanks.
  
  Report this comment
- Wango
  Posted on October 14, 2012 at 8:47am
  SWAMPY . . .uncle at 6? Fairly specific, what shall I call it . . .memory. There are people who can help you with that, even if you can’t afford to pay for it. Is this a great country or what? Just ask GONZO, he’s been dealing with his Uncle Ernie memories for decades now, and he’s almost a fully functioning human.
  
  Report this comment
- hifi74
  Posted on October 14, 2012 at 10:11am
  Wango, you seem to be confusing your desires and wants with those of other peoples. Sorry pal, but just because you want your idiotic and erroneous suppositions to be true, doesn’t make them true. SO please just do us all a favor and keep those inane and flagrant comments locked away in that sick and twisted communist/socialist mind of yours. And for someone who says he’s retired you certainly do act like a kid, hell my 6 yr old acts more mature than you. Says a lot about you and the kind of people you associate yourself with doesn’t it? Run a long kid, you’re stupid.
  
  Report this comment
steelpanther
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:14pm
Never heard of the show, and I’m getting fairly annoyed with all these people that think they can come up with a sentence or two and that it’s some how “theirs”, or places like apple that “own” hand motions. It’s like car companies whining and suing each other because other car companies make cars with 4 wheels.

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- urnokid
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 9:15am
  it’s like, I said that once and no one else is allowed to say it.
  
  Report this comment
- Dustoff
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 10:12am
  Me either… Most of these shows are so dang boring. I just shoot by them.
  
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Fatheroftwo
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:44pm
Sounds like another Hollywood cry baby to me!!

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- symphonic
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:44pm
  Hollywood trying to get political again, and failing.
  
  Report this comment
- I support God's Israel!
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 12:32pm
  Never heard of this guy and never heard of his show cause I DO NOT WATCH LIBERAL SHOWS, FOLLOW LIBERAL AUTHORS, SPEND MY MONEY ON ANYTHING LIBERAL – PERIOD!
  
  The next time all you hypocrites start watching your favorite TV show, DO YOUR HOMEWORK ON WHO IS DIRECTING IT AND PRODUCING IT. Then, tell me how good it is.
  
  There are very very very very very few TV shows I watch because I KNOW JUST ABOUT ALL THE PRODUCERS AND DIRECTORS’ backgrounds. I will NOT support their liberal views with my time, or my money! YES, that leaves very few TV shows, but then if you are here complaining about liberals, THEN LOOK IN THE MIRROR. YOU ARE SUPPORTING THEM!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- hold_my_stones
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 4:06pm
  Commiewood is kissing Bozo’s ass beacause they want the rights to all of his & world marxist propaganda films.
  
  I pray that when the SHTF, our brother patriots on the west coast will take out hollyweird quickly to eleimate any further propaganda.
  
  Report this comment
Buddynoel
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:42pm
Let’s take this further because the Mitt Romney character is probably best captured by Coach Taylor, the man who knows that his team is undersized and outmatched by the opponent in at least half of the games. Even more so in the TV series than the movie, the Coach Taylor character has to listen intently to his ranting and angry surroundings and come back with only a few words he can use to inform, direct and inspire people into doing what is best for them.

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tothepoint
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:42pm
My questions are: “Has Berg done as much for his fellow man as Romney has done? Has Berg donated all his salary and worked for free as Romney has done in the past? Has Berg donated all his inheritance to charity as Romney has done? I doubt it. Until then, Berg might well want to emulate someone who has done so much for so many as Romney has done. You can be sure Obama did none of the above.

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amespo13
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:41pm
Peter Berg–you’re petty.

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antitheist
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:39pm
Until 1978, the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” was offically a racist organization. Mitt Romney was in fact an adult in 1978. The media should ask this question, but we know they never will. We need to hear Romney’s self-criticism, if he has any.

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- Fatheroftwo
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:46pm
  A raciest organization according to Whom???
  
  Report this comment
- Belwraith
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:57pm
  It wouldn’t matter…because every Republican is a racist anyway….right? (sarcasm off)
  
  Report this comment
- LIBERTARIAN T38
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:21pm
  Dude, sniffing glue is SO 1970s!
  
  Report this comment
- denkat56
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:23pm
  what does this have to do with letter that berg wrote. how old were you in 78, and how did this event effect you. problem is that you hate the l d s religion, just say it, get it over with, and go back to work, and carry on with your life. im sure you will feel better.
  
  Report this comment
- Anadara
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:41pm
  ANTI – It’s regrettable that there are ignorant people who judge LDS with such ludicrous logic. You call yourself an anti-theist when your own belief system was gained in the Madrassa of liberalism.
  
  Report this comment
- CEO BKI
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 3:49am
  What are you basing this comment on? The Mormons were anti-slavery from the beginning. Even though they were themselves being persecuted and fleeing west to avoid it; their men returned to fight for the Union that was persecuting them.
  
  Without some facts to back up your claim, I’ll just assume you’re just another lying POS left-wing idiot.
  
  Report this comment
- yougottabekidding
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 6:38am
  Ron white said it all!
  
  antitheist – even obomacare “can not fix stupid”
  As a total population of the US the democratic party was the most violent racist organization you had to be a WASP which was a pre requisite for the KKK!
  
  Report this comment
Buddynoel
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:35pm
What characters in Berg’s film represent the teachings of Obama? Maybe the Obama character is embodied by Booby Miles, the team’s all-star running back who was seen skipping his training and studies because he claimed his talent was “God given.” He then tears a ligament in his knee and is reduced to a crying mess in the parking lot.

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- Buddynoel
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:46pm
  The Miles character was always surrounded with people who wanted to be a part of someone famous. No one punished Miles for being lazy or told him to tone down his cocky showmanship. He was conned by the throngs of people who said “yes” to his needs and assured him he could do no wrong. Those folks were gone the day after he lost his ability to run. The future of Obama could be seen in what happens to a star that falls so hard.
  
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dealer@678
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:35pm
Peter Berg, The one hit wonder.

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garbagecanlogic
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:35pm
Lordy, someone give the guy a razor and some money for a haircut. What a doofy lookin dude.

Praise Be To Obama. Psalm 109:8

The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
The U.N. Out Of The U.S.

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- oneshiner
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 11:17am
  Some of the street people in my town look cleaner than this man, whomever he is. I was a bit confused as my first reaction was: why put a suit on a drunk begger? Maybe he just came back from the OWS stint and didn’t have time to shave and comb his **** to look respectable.
  
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LIBERTARIAN T38
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:32pm
This guy looks like he needs to sober up, get something to eat, shower, shave and get some sleep. In other words, he looks like a liberal…

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mavsfan75
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:29pm
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can Lose? I guess so….being from a small Texas town, I loved FNL, but Berg is a dumbsh*t and should be happy that his slogan is being taken up by a true patriot.

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FreedomWitness
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:26pm
Never heard of him, never seen the show, F.O.

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- Wango
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 2:26pm
  You kiss your boss with that mouth?
  
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dealer@678
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:23pm
I just watched the 2004 version of the Manchurian Candidate on the Sundance Channel. It was chilling how Meryl Steeps character reminded me so much of how Valerie Jerrett worships Obama

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Verceofreason
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:15pm
If Romney stooped any lower he could play Verne Troyer’s parts.

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- sbenard
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:42pm
  I suppose you know that because you’re already there!
  
  Report this comment
- Wool-Free Vision
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:00pm
  Ranae Shrider already beat him to it. Also, Verce, you should be careful about making fun of little people, you hateful heightist. Troyer’s lawyers are apparently capable of filing life-sized lawsuits.
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verne_Troyer#Sex_tape_scandal
  
  Report this comment
- LIBERTARIAN T38
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:24pm
  Is that all you’ve got? Weak…like, yeah, after your mom was done with them!
  
  Report this comment
nobull14
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:08pm
This Idiot from Friday night lights should pull his lips over his head and swallow.

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- Joseph732
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 1:12pm
  Obama also uses the phrase. I’m sure he didn’t get permission.
  http://barackobama.tumblr.com/post/23484907352/clear-eyes-full-hearts
  
  Report this comment
ProgressivePete
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:58pm
To be fair Obama was accused of some sort plagiarism in 2008. The voters generally overlook these minor details when making their final decision

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- TulsaYeeHaw
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 11:27pm
  No matter what phrase I utter, someone else has probably said it before.
  
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I SPY
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:56pm
That dumb show is still on? I thought it was kicked off after the first season. Guess I don’t watch enough boring television shows.

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smokeyridgerunner
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:55pm
Eat my under short’s!

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Wool-Free Vision
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:52pm
Buzz > Berg

Author > Director

Romney > Obama

Peter Berg is the typical Hollywood leftist. He took a story which was already written for him, translated it to film, and now thinks he created it and can pick and choose who should derive inspiration from it. Hey Pete, get over yourself.

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- db321
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:57pm
  Jerk
  
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conservativeone
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:51pm
Another Self Absorbed Left Winger that believes they have ownership of freedom of speech.
Have at Peter … Go around the Country criticizing Romney. Let the majority of the Country know your political stance so they can choose not to watch your boring show.

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- Wool-Free Vision
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:13pm
  I’m pretty sure that the majority of the country has already chosen not to watch his boring show. I had no idea the thing was still on. This probably explains his entire purpose for writing the letter, he’s looking for some press and/or relevance.
  
  Report this comment
LB
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:48pm
Why would Marcus sell the rights to his book to this left wing nut?

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thekidslepthere
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:48pm
Oh his agent Ari Emanuel, Rahm’s brother, released the letter. Wow isn’t that surprising that he’d come out against Romney. Big surprise there.

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KingCanon
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:44pm
“Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose”
It is not plagiarism by law… sorry!

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- Verceofreason
  Posted on October 12, 2012 at 10:15pm
  Well it’s not as if Romney is using dead soldiers in his campaign ads with their family’s permission -
  oh, wait!
  
  Report this comment
- DIR
  Posted on October 13, 2012 at 1:27am
  @VERSEOFREASON
  
  Well at least Romney didn’t lie and people like the ambassador and 3 others die, and become bumps in the road to the lier and chief Barry. Besides according to Barry’s reps. Libya is a dangerous place, meaning if you work for Barry your life is in your own hands. I’m sure if the slain ambassador knew he was going to become a sacrificial lamb to some cockamamie story, dreamed up by the fruitcake and chief,. he would have likely selected another line of work like flipping burgers at Carls. Oh well, that’s what you get when you trust Barry and his boys When I say trust Barry, I’m talking about anyone having to do anything with him, including the people who vote as well. If you trust Barry to cover your back, you can count on him to go on David Letterman, go golfing, to some really lavish fund raising party, or just adore himself, while you’re being dragged through the street after being sodomized by your gay terrorist. Now that’s my kind of President, one who really cares ………… about himself!
  
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Ars21689
Posted on October 12, 2012 at 9:44pm
I just hope Lone Survivor turns out better than Battleship.

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