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‘Fk Off, German Ct’: Death Wishes and Hate Swirl on Social Media Following Pope Benedict’s Resignation Announcement

Feb. 11, 2013 9:18am Billy Hallowell

Editor’s Note: The following story includes offensive themes and language.

Pope Benedict XVI Receives Death Wishes and Hate Following Resignation Announcement

Pope Benedict XVI (Photo Credit: AP)

This morning, the world learned that Pope Benedict XVI will become the first head of the Catholic Church to resign in 600 years. The Vatican, citing illness, announced that he will leave his position on Feb. 28. While many have responded with prayer and favorable words for Benedict, others have taken to social media to show contempt and to hurl hate-filled insults. From death wishes to overt disrespect, the themes and messages are overwhelmingly troubling.

Among the more prominent individuals to make his voice heard on the matter was Frankie Boyle, a BBC star and comedian. He took to Twitter to joke that the pope is likely hell-bound, writing that Benedict will soon be laughing alongside Adolf Hitler.

.@pontifexDon’t worry, in a few months you’ll be laughing about this. With Hitler in Hell.

— Frankie Boyle (@frankieboyle) February 11, 2013

He followed this up with additional tweets, quipping about Benedict resigning after having sexual relations with a woman (obviously something he conjured up in an attempt to spawn laughter) and making other bizarre comments.

The Pope must have done something even the Church finds unacceptable. I’m guessing he’s shagged an adult woman.

— Frankie Boyle (@frankieboyle) February 11, 2013

There’ll be a resignation ceremony for the Pope, where he fires electrical rays from his fingers as Darth Vader throws him down a lift shaft

— Frankie Boyle (@frankieboyle) February 11, 2013

Boyle wasn’t alone, though, in spouting such commentary. Twitchy captured other instances of offensive messages emerging in the wake of the Vatican’s announcement. From wishing death upon Benedict to using offensive names and expletives to describe him, the statements coming from many Twitter users were especially vile.

Here’s a sampling:

Hey, @pontifex: why don’t you die like every guy before you.

— Jens Vanderbeke (@JenzlWashington) February 11, 2013

Fuck the pope and every practicing Chatholic.Evil people

— Anup the S’eair (@MatthuMiller) February 11, 2013

Hahahaha yes @pontifex, congrats on the retirement, now DIE

— Kieran Morris (@hipsterscumbag) February 11, 2013

So, Pope Benedict XVI @pontifex has resigned. Good fucking riddance, you hate-filled, homophobic, divisive, antediluvian little Nazi.

— Darren (@MetalOllie) February 11, 2013

#Pope Benedict XVI Resign you sick bastard!!

— Blackout Sappy #MTV (@BlackoutSappy) February 11, 2013

@pontifex is abdicating in 17 days – BEST. NEWS. EVER. You were an absolute disgrace, hating women, aids sufferers… Fuck off, German cunt.

— Jay (@jasmine_marien) February 11, 2013

Resignation via slitting your wrists in a bathtub please @pontifex.

— Morally Bankrupt(@snaisy) February 11, 2013

Some even created fake messages and pretended to re-tweet (share) them as though they were coming from the pope’s Twitter account (@Pontifex is his username). Here are some examples:

Steady on old boy. RT @pontifex: fuck you and fuck your shitty job!!!1!!

— Ben (@ben_postgate) February 11, 2013

RT @pontifex Fuck this, i’m done.

— Max Vedel (@SoGreeen) February 11, 2013

RT @pontifex: Fuck the lot of ya. Go to hell. Cunts.

— something in the way (@AllApologies_) February 11, 2013

So, there you go. And that’s only a sampling, as there’s sure to be more hate flying across social media in the wake of the announcement. It’s one thing to disagree with a religious system or the leaders that comprise it, but wishing death upon someone crosses moral boundaries, no?

What do you think about these responses? Let us know in the comments section.

(H/T: Twitchy)

–

Related:

Pope Benedict to Resign at the End of the Month — First to Do So in 600 Years

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Comments (193)

RaydocX
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:48am
have to believe the anger isn’t even from Catholics…
the man says he is too weak to carry on, what fool would want a leader in that state and state of mind to continue?!
it’s not even a precedent, since it HAS happened before.
the state of humanity is sad when people feel so hateful toward another person, who in most cases has NOTHING to do with their everyday life, anyway.

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- redfish52
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:13am
  All Progressive’s I’m betting….
  
  Report this comment
- SLAPTHELEFT
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:14am
  Any messages that come from someone with “morally bankrupt” as their handle are irrelevant.
  
  The hatred has put a smile on satans face. Way to go!
  
  Report this comment
- Gold Coin & Economic News
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:15am
  While the crazy lefties are busy bashing the Pope for the child sex abuse scandal, they so quickly forget, as do many others, that the Catholic church has been the ONE institution that has solidly stood up for the unborn and against abortion. I pray that with a new Pope that support for LIFE continues:
  http://www.isthatbaloney.com/33-week-pregnant-woman-dies-from-safe-and-legal-abortion-in-maryland/
  
  Report this comment
- hypnos
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:05am
  Once again the sea of cowards rise from the slime.ever notice that the first four letters of twitter is twit. Keep it up
  
  Report this comment
- SquidVetOhio
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:26am
  Liberals…. keeping it classy.
  
  Report this comment
- THERAPTURCOMES
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:36am
  Could this be the St Malachy prophecy about to be fulfilled?
  
  Here is a great video about this subject http://youtu.be/1uQAAX0CyGI
  
  The resurrection/rapture is about to take place http://youtu.be/ahEVxIzlxwo
  
  Become a believer while you still can or you will be left behind
  
  Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
  
  10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
  
  Report this comment
- DeniseJ
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:40am
  Note the seething HATRED…….next, note what the haters SUPPORT…..tends to give people a clue that what they are FOR is not a good thing!! Anyone here taking bets these haters support the progressive agenda???
  
  Report this comment
- John655
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:30pm
  @ the rapturcomes
  
  You post videos that call the Pope the anitchrist. You’re no better then the hate filled poor souls on twiter. Take at look at your Bible at MT 16:18-19. You will see at the end of this scipture that your Bibe will refer you to Is 22:22. Now what is happening in Isaiah is God setting up a prime minster to rule over the House of David. This is exactly what Christ was doing when he gave Peter the Keys to the kingdom, and his office has been handed on for 2000 years. I’m not asking you to join my faith but you be wise to stop attacking it, just in case we are right. Good day.
  
  Report this comment
- THERAPTURCOMES
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 1:00pm
  JOHN655
  
  I have no need of as you called it “JUST IN CASE WE ARE RIGHT” I know through studies of the scriptures, Hebraic studies and reading through the lens of the Holy Spirit that you belong to the “WHORE THAT RIDES THE BEAST”
  
  The next pope wont be the anti christ but I do believe he will be the FALSE PROPHET
  
  Catholicism is not Christian, it is a perversion of Christianity
  
  The resurrection/rapture will come and go and you will be left behind to practice you satanic Eucharist as much as you want.
  
  Tell me honestly, when you see the resurrection/rapture come and go, will you leave the satanic cult of Catholicism???
  
  Report this comment
- John655
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 1:45pm
  @ raptur
  
  NO I will never leave my faith or my God, Lord Jesus Christ. Take me to a cross and nail me to it and I will not abandon my faith. And goodluck with the raptur. A man made doctrine if I ever heard one. I’m waiting for the Lord to come on a cloud just as he promised he would. Acts 1:11.
  
  By your works you shall be known. You hate speaks for itself.
  
  Report this comment
- Chuck Stein
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 1:57pm
  @ Therapturecomes
  “Catholicism is not Christian, it is a perversion of Christianity”
  Just because someone has a different belief system than yours, you see fit to engage in baseless name calling. Catholics may have a different view of Jesus than you do — they are still “Christians.” There certainly is a place for religious disagreement (Christ brought “a sword”, after all), but hate, name calling and illogical arguments do nothing to further the useful disagreement that leads to Truth. Those wo employ such rhetorical devices only weaken their argument.
  
  Report this comment
- cosette
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 2:13pm
  There is no low to which the progs will not stoop. They are detestable.
  
  Report this comment
- MIBUGNU2
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 3:30pm
  Where is The Love ????? sad to be so hate filled..
  must be a wonderful way to live !! have a nice day.
  
  Report this comment
- DontCry
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:54pm
  Reminds me of all the ignorant things people said who were sad that their corrupt Republican party lost the election. So many statements wishing everything from death to burning in hell for our President. Hoping for the worst, just so they can blame someone. Typical conservative hypocrites.
  
  Report this comment
- Al Gator
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:16pm
  @dontblubber,
  
  You really are an idiot, aren’t you?
  
  Oh Wait, I didn’t mean to insult idiots. They are what they are by nature. You on the other hand, are a self made idiot.
  
  Report this comment
- Al Gator
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:19pm
  Omaenoaho,
  
  Konyaro, kusoterei na?
  
  Report this comment
- raydg
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:07pm
  All these vile comments about the Holy Father was one of the many reasons I left the Evangelical church to become Orthodox. I do have some issues and reservation with the Catholic Church, including the role of the Papacy, but I do believe that the Catholic Church is a sister church of the Orthodox Church that is still in schism from 1054. Protestants, please understand that we all worship the same Christ and before you call the Pope the Anti-Christ, please read the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Then criticize on theological reasons.
  
  Report this comment
- cosette
  Posted on February 12, 2013 at 3:06pm
  @ Dontcry… It takes little effort for you to write anything you wish on a comment board. It does, on the other hand, take some effort to back up your claims by citing your source. Unless and until you do I will consider them to be lies, advanced to justify the tweets displayed above.
  
  Report this comment
high school drop out
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:46am
Time to start calling it “The ANTIsocial media”

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mrja
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:44am
boy these leftist tweeters are a classy bunch….(end sarcasm)

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- IndianaJan
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:51am
  Ditto! I am not a fan of the Catholic Church, but the insane hatred and extreme vitreol from the Left, especially homosexuals, is amazing. Why don’t they calm down and see that we have to start getting along? The Alinskybots are winning when we are this crazy and divided.
  
  Report this comment
Tigress1
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:44am
My thoughts? Well, it sounds like the KKK is alive and well on the internet. The KKK wasn’t just against black people, they also were against Catholics and Jews.

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- floridaborn
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:56am
  Good point! Social media is devoid of any real value.
  
  Report this comment
- Bamagal0007
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:57am
  LOL…yeah and I am the grand wizard leading all this hate…the majority of these venomous tweets are coming from Europe…they all KKK too?
  
  Sounds more like OWS to me.
  
  Report this comment
- Tigress1
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:13am
  Bamagal0007, maybe we are both correct? We can add radical Muslims too. There is no telling who is hiding under those white hoods! We might be VERY surprised!
  
  Report this comment
- lefty5005
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:08pm
  At least the KKK had a road they picked up trash on and most were religious, although in the wrong way. What are the New Black Panthers, hate filled atheists, outspoken and disheveled bragging how they are going to kill white people and Jews. At least the KKK had the good sense to put a mask over their damn face.
  
  Report this comment
- DontCry
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 8:01pm
  LOL. Yes, the KKK and many that think like them are alive and well on the internet and on this site. The same folks pretending to be Christians are calling Obama a monkey and hoping for failure. If only people really did what Jesus would do. We’d have a lot less blame, and a lot more support and hope.
  
  Report this comment
13th Imam
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:43am
Eurotrash , All these dolts know are wars. Amerotrash mixed in.

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willingtoupe
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:36am
All will be forgiven to the Catholics if the Vatican picks a black Pope…

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- Gonzo
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:43am
  I don’t think Catholics need your forgiveness and skin color should not play any role in the election of the next Pope or any other election for that matter.
  
  Report this comment
- RightUnite
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:02am
  Yeah, nice try….
  
  Report this comment
- 13th Imam
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:05am
  Word Nazi’s
  
  Report this comment
- Mapache
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:24am
  Nobody is asking for your forgiveness.
  
  Report this comment
- Cavallo
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:25am
  @Gonzo, I think his point is that these sexual deviants will be subdued and the media will be reigned in if they pick a black pope, because they would be afraid of being branded with their own weapons as racists.
  
  Report this comment
- Gonzo
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:41am
  Cav, he made earlier remarks about this. Take a look.
  
  Report this comment
- loneindividual
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:55am
  Gonzo, it’s not about skin color. The Black Pope is a conspiracist term for Illuminati Head.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Cabrito_Goat
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:06pm
  Ben Carson for pope
  
  Report this comment
- cosette
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 2:12pm
  Any Pontiff worthy of an embrace by the left would have to be.a female, gay, black, prog. It ain’t happening.
  
  Report this comment
MCON29
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:36am
The usual Liberal/Progressive hypocrates. Claim that someone is hate-filled, bigot, intolerant, as they profess how much they hate him and catholics and want him to die. They make no sense at all and its actually hilarious to come across these. It shows how intolerant and ignorant they are. Bafoons.

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tozzo
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:35am
I don’t get it. I don’t get it at all

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BODYBAG
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:34am
The world is becoming more vile, coarse and vulgar by the day.
Thanks Blaze for perpetuating the cancer.

Why does any media outlet give time to imbeciles?
This would not be a story if you didnt print it.

Why dont you censor this story the way you do member posts?

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- woodyee
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:05am
  It’s billy hall-O’well – he likes to “dig deep”…
  
  Report this comment
- txannie
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:08am
  @bodybag…like I told my kids…just because you don’t hear about it or even don’t Want to hear about it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. It’s ignoring this stuff that allows it to grow large enough to creep up behind you and take you down to it’s level. Ignoring evil in any form just allows it to strengthen in the shadows. Don’t cover your light with a bushel basket….
  
  Report this comment
- gryffn
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:54am
  And I would not know about it if they did not report on it. Shining a light on hate and exposing them is always a good thing. The rats will scurry.
  
  Report this comment
- dblaess
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 5:54pm
  You are correct. If only the Blaze was like all MSM and only printed / reported what the DNC / Obama said should be news.
  
  Report this comment
gryffn
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:33am
Cannot wait until the “tolerant and diverse” Left ends up in a gulag.

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- Gonzo
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:39am
  Be careful what you wish for. We may be right next to them.
  
  Report this comment
- gryffn
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:50am
  We are forewarned so we can move to a better place? We can arm ourselves with food and supplies. We can do many things if we take these crises seriously. And I do.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Cabrito_Goat
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:09pm
  If you don’t believe in being prepared, then why do you buy insurance?
  
  Just a rhetorical question
  
  Report this comment
Gonzo
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:33am
I guess Frankie Boyle wants a Pope that condones homosexuality. He may get one.

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woodyee
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:33am
I note all the hateful comments from those condemning hatred; a twisted lot, are they not?

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- Barb
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:10am
  It’s very simple. The hatred COMES FROM the left and the conservative voices condemn the ugly hatred as well we should. Comparing the comments of Frankie Boyle to those of say MCON29 is a direct result of the powerful ideological kool-aid you are drinking. Now, to be clear, I am not hating you or calling you disgusting names or condemning you to hell withh hitler, I am merely observing the fact that you are unable to discern the truth.
  
  Report this comment
- DontCry
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 7:56pm
  Great point. Is it true they are renaming this web site Blazing Hypocrites?
  
  Report this comment
NigelTufnel
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:32am
Do these people realize that the pedophiles in the church were indeed homosexual and that they infiltrated a world of forgiveness to satisfy their urges? Yes. The church was wrong for covering up their crimes and the dillusion that they could somehow “fix” them. These queers should have gone to prison like anyone else.

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- BobtheMoron
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:16am
  And yet the Left wants gay scoutmasters, teachers and adoptive parents. Gays are pedophiles as they seem to be unable to control themselves. Having sex in parks and rest stops on the interstate with underage boys seems to qualify as pedophilia. Same for those runaway children that end up selling themselves on the street to gays. Aren’t they selling themselves to pedophiles? All of this warped and illegal behavior and they want to mainstream it. Would you allow two heterosexual males to adopt a little girl? True, probably nothing would happen to the child, but would you want to take the chance with the child’s life? What is the difference between that and two gay men adopting a young boy?
  
  Report this comment
momrules
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:32am
I am not Catholic and the Pope has no special place in my heart but WHY must people be so vile? This language is hate filled and only fosters more hatred.

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- SHASTADIANE1
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:48am
  @MOMRULES…I am with you. People are so hateful, and vile these days. Where we use to show respect and compassion for our elderly, now there is only distain and hate and death wishes. They can’t wait to get the old folks out of the way.
  
  Report this comment
- AUsername
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:41am
  Catholics have murdered and persecuted more people than any other religion in history. Islam might be number two but the protestants are climbing the ladder with the endless wars the US is involved in.
  
  Basically a historical grudge.
  
  Report this comment
- Mamma Bear
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:54am
  Hey AUSERNAME – are you really that stupid???? Learn your history you progessive leftie fruitloop!
  
  Report this comment
- tzion
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 11:11am
  @auser
  While i fully support an open discussion on the violent, bloody history of Catholicism, to judge today’s Catholics based on past actions of those long dead is hardly a just approach. Moreover, holding people responsible for crimes long past will only perpetuate animosity between people. Keep talking that way and don’t be surprised when someone takes a shot at the Pope.
  
  Report this comment
- StandingOnMyHead
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:41pm
  @Tzion: Nor have they been held culpable for their recent crimes.
  That being said, there is no room for such vile comments made against this man such as these. Everyday we are seeing more and more evidence of ever increasing hostility toward one another.
  
  Report this comment
perry1980
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:32am
Sick people. Sick in the head and Sick ni the heart.
God bless them because they are gonna need it.

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00100111
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:32am
Yup, that would be the love, tolerance, acceptance, and open-mindedness of the left we all hear so much about.

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BlackCrow
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:32am
Can’t even spell Catholic, rocket scientists with Twitter accounts. (sarcasm font)

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Saltygi
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:32am
Too bad that such hatred exists. It existed before but the level and vileness is amazing and discusting.

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TEXASGRANNY73
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:32am
The comments are evidence of moral corruption of a portion of society who have no self respect.

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IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:31am
I am not Catholic but I am disgusted to the way this world has changed more and more to be so full of hate, liars, filth and do not believe in “do until other as you would want them to do unto you”.

“God promises
a safe landing
not a calm passage”

So do your fair share in making this a peaceful, honest, caring, loving World as God wanted”

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Locked
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:31am
When you’re the biggest kid on the playground, you’re bound to make some enemies who can’t do anything besides talk. The Roman Catholic Church, for better or worse, is the longest-running, most powerful, and largest Christian denomination the world has ever seen; but occupying the number 1 spot gets you a lot of flak.

I wish the pope all the best for the remaining years of his life. After being close to John Paul II for years and seeing the ill effects of his deteriorating mental and physical health, I can understand why Benedict would want to resign and put the RCC into stronger hands before the same happens to him.

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- hannah
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 1:08pm
  Thank you for your nice comment about the Pope.
  
  Report this comment
DZ-015
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:30am
This is why The Blaze has to moderate comments.

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- M13
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 10:07am
  So you believe that censorship is the answer? You just proved to everyone that you are an idiot.
  
  Report this comment
- texastommy
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 4:04pm
  M13. Here’s a concept. Learn to articulate your opinions without all the hate and foul language and there would be no need to “censor?” Oh, and a private website can censor anything they want. Anything. Another new concept for you, I’m sure.
  
  Report this comment
NHwinter
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:26am
The content of their posts is a mirror into their souls. Foul language is expected from evil. I am always disheartened when people say Catholics are not Christians and a cult, when the Eucharist is the heart of the Church and Jesus is our Savior. If they studied the Catholic faith they would know what it stands for and would not make such ignorant remarks, and ignorant and foolish they certainly are, sadly.

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SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:26am
.
Why dont ya’ll tell us how you really feel…..

And some of ya’ll think I’m harsh…..

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justangry
Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:22am
To be honest, I don’t have a lot of love for the guy either after his anti Laissez-faire capitalism rant.

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- XRavishX
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 9:39am
  @JUSTANGRY Not having any love for him doesn’t mean that you hate or wish ill will upon him, right? That’s what’s wrong with the people who posted those disgusting tweets. It’s like like people take a person’s opposing views as a strict personal offense akin to rape or murder. It’s asinine.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Cabrito_Goat
  Posted on February 11, 2013 at 12:13pm
  In complete agreement with both.
  
  Report this comment

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