‘Boo-Yah’: O’Reilly vs. Stewart Showdown Over Rapper Involves Accusations of ‘Pettifogging’
- Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:06pm by
Scott Baker
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Any conversation between Bill O’Reilly and Jon Stewart is going to have its moments. But throw in the controversy over the White House invitation to the rapper Common, and this could be extra fun!
In O’Reilly’s eyes it seemed that the issue was a simple one: the President (or in this case First Lady Michelle Obama) should never have invited the controversial rapper to perform at the White House, because as he sees it, Common celebrates a convicted cop killer. As Stewart sees it though, the only reason that Common is considered a “controversial” rapper is because Fox News trumped up that narrative and repeated on its opinion shows repeatedly (which happen to draw the most viewers on cable news by far.)
While being careful not to speak for the rapper, Stewart redefined Common as someone that wasn’t celebrating the killing of a cop, but rather “honoring someone he thinks was wrongly convicted of cop killing,” adding “I think he believes that she was convicted unjustly.”
The Nation gives the liberal spin:
Stewart really seized control of the terms of debate near the end of the first segment, when he asked whether O‘Reilly would revoke Bono’s White House guest pass, issued by several administrations, because of his song about Leonard Peltier. “It’s the exact same thing: A guy convicted of killing a law enforcement official, no?” asked Stewart, adding “Boo-yah!” to emphasize the point. (He salted his rhetoric with rap slang throughout the debate.) And that‘s when O’Reilly started to melt. “Did Bono, did he actually come out and say that [Peltier] was innocent?” O’Reilly asked, groping for a distinction. “No, I think he was raising questions about it,” O’Reilly offered. “Now who’s pettifogging?,” Stewart countered, “I can’t even see you, through your pettifog!”



















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Comments (192)
JaneA
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:26amIf having a rapper who supports cop killers (Assata Shakur and Mumia Abu Jamal) in the White House calls the President’s character into question, then could we say the same thing when O’Reilly has Marc Lamont Hill on the program who is also a big supporter of Mumia Abu Jamal and Assata Shakur? Both seem to be unacceptable situations.
Report Post »RavenGlenn
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 1:03amIf you’d like, sure.
But keep in mind the difference that matters: 1. A visit to the white house is a visit to one of the most revered and sacred places in this country. 2. Bill’s show is a news show and his job is to have on a wide array of guests from all sides.
Now…if Bill had this person on to praise them and let them read poetry…then sure. You can certainly call his character into question(I didn’t see it, nor do I really care either way as I don’t care about Bill). But in the case of the White House, that is one of the biggest honors a civilian can receive. I know you or I will never be going there to visit.
Report Post »ezeewhiz
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:20amBelieve it or not boys & girls along long time this same conversation took place! Oops may have it been or could it be a meeing of the miinnddss?
Report Post »DangerClose
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:17amQuestion. How does this debate between two celbridiots, about another celebridiot, change one iota about your day? Does it lessen the price of gas? Does it make your azz-breakin job somewhat better to take? How does this change how bad things are getting here in this country? The debt ceiling debate is about to start and you people have time for this. IT is all smoke and mirrors, and sadly we are falling for it. We must stay the course.
Report Post »chickenfried
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:29amWhat course?
Report Post »DangerClose
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:41amThe course set forth on 4 July, 1776. The one we were reminded of on 4 July 1863. The one that withers today because we have failed to hold true. If you don’t understand that, you fail as a person and a Citizen.
Report Post »tifosa
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:36amCHICKENFRIED, when the political right says that they want to take the WhiteHouse back, as you see, they mean waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back.
Report Post »nomercy63
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:09amAnother phony Bill Oreally moment to prop himself up as mister know it all. Dont like John Stewart or Oreally. Two social morons out of touch with America debating what Americans think that is a hoot.
Report Post »zman173rd
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:06amI‘m not reading more crap about O’reily. I’ll bet the two of them are selling books again. First one guy goes to the other’s show, then it’s the other way round. MONEY. They both suk. he a soft ball thrower and I’m tired of the punk. he won’t challenge anyone for fear of never getting them back on his show. Wussey boy!! Ratings monger!! Whar Newt does for politics, Billy boy does for comentary news.
Report Post »jman35
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:55pmI agree with O’Reilly on this one. It seems like such a small issue but in reality it shows us what President Obama cares and doesn’t care about. Common is supporting cop-killing! How can the Obama’s invite this person to the White House?
Report Post »one yrs. food ration like Glenn says..
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 7:29amIll tell you why, because the Cambridge police acted stupidly thats why..
Report Post »caprica
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:52pmmichelle obama have very poor taste. she is a first lady, we would expect a little more class ! she have the title but no class.
Report Post »we are ready for new president and new first lady, can’t wait for 2012 to see a real Amerian President and real Leader of this Great Nation, few more months of obama’s marxist circus !
OnceADem
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 4:02pmThe Mooch has no class. That has been evident since before the fraud was elected. The Obamas are nothing but a classless pair of lying thugs.
Report Post »tiredofprogressives
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:46pmI am a conservative. I dislike liberals. They have no value in life except to murder unborn children then want to free murderers and not send them to the electric chair but allow them appeals for 25 years.
But has anyone noticed that O’Reilly is becoming more Progressive? Bill even gives Socialist Obama passes anymore.
This little thing with John Stewart tonight was terrible. What did it accomplish. In fact what has O’Reilly accomplished lately? He likes to stir up controversy and he is becoming very boring. I dont watch him like I used to. Used to watch 5 days a week and now I am down to one. Bill is just a big blowhard. And why would he bring on idiots like Stewart?
Its like the View. Those stupid little women discussing the world’s problems sitting at that table. There ratings were down the tubes and the show was going to be cancelled. What did O’Reilly do? He started to talk about them on his show. People didn’t know about the View until this stupid Irishman mentioned it numerous times and their ratings went through the roof. If Bill would have ignored them this show would have gone off the air 4 years ago and that lezbo O’Donnell would be on her 3rd marriage and hiding out some where.
O’Reilly go back to Ireland you old windbag.
Report Post »TinSoldier
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:39pmO‘Reilly should have been better prepared with Common’s other lyrics. He let Stewart walk over him.
Report Post »Stronge
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 3:40amDo you have examples of other lyrics he should have had ready?
Report Post »plugthedamnhole
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:31pmBill lost control of this.
So sad to see Jon toy with him.
Report Post »GOWEST2012
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:31pmI wish John Stewart was a Conservative. He’s very bright and very effective, just wrong on his politics.
Report Post »one yrs. food ration like Glenn says..
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 7:25amHow do you know he wrong ? look at you , you‘re roght on your presidental nominee but that doesn’t slow you down…
Report Post »the hawk
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:30pmTake back what I said before Stewart is right !
Report Post »MomaGrisley2
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:30pmO’Reilly lost control of this one because his ego is too big to know when he is being owned. Stewart is a jerk and basically talked over everything Bill was saying. But Stewart did control it. I agree with the blogger who said they hate to watch two liberals duke it out. O’Reilly is so sickening anymore.
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:28pmBILL O’Reilly?
Report Post »If you invite Jon back on your show,I’m changing the channel.
I can’t stand the man and you shocked me when you said he was “smart”
He’s a comedian and influences alot of young people with his liberal moonbatty crap
Oil_Robb
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 1:16amBill is starting to become unwatchable he trying to be a centerist and it doesnt work, I wish he’d let the guests answer a question, its almost (like most hosts) about the spot light instesd of the issue….He must sleep till 4 because he’s usually three days behind Sean Mark and Glenn on most topics
Report Post »the hawk
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:26pmNon story ! can you say entertainment ! Not News!
Report Post »WhiteFang
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:23pmCommon is not the first person in the White House being unqualified.
Report Post »WeAreRepublic
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:24amI know, obama is there as well.
Report Post »LIVINGTHEDREAM
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:22pmGo Bill Go
Report Post »AKMIIKEUS
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:20pmLeave Beck and Palin out of this.
Report Post »LONGSEXYLEGS
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:19pmStewart is just like all the other liberals. Always making excuses for Obama.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 4:59amSorry Stewart made a good point……even if it hurts
Report Post »Sam Brown
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:15pmIt’s hard to watch two liberals argue so I passed on the show tonight.
Sam
Report Post »annieoakley
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 10:01amExactly!
Report Post »BIGJAYINPA
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:14pmAs is typical of all liberals, O’Reilly wanted to discuss a specific act and all Stewart had was comparitive behavior. He wanted to discuss Bono, Dylan et al and the specific charge was Obama’s bad judgement in honoring a man who not only refuses to belive the evidence of guilt in two seperate trials but visits the one HIDING in CUBA to avoid her prison sentence and declaring what a beautiful person she is. I‘ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Our President hates this country and every thing we belive in. He is guilty of violating his oath of office and is an enemy of the Constitution and should be impeached and arrested IMMEDIATELY.
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:25pmBIG
Report Post »I agree completely.All JonnyStewart wanted to do was DEFLECT.
IT matters greatly to me WHO goes to the WHite House
Liberal Moonbats don’t care. Everything is art to them.
Jonny is a loser.
thebarbarian
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:38pmbigjay your right . and it’s time to stop pandering to the leftist. to answer stewie’s question. yes revoke all of those idiots privalages to the white house. if you support anti-American views and support murderers then you are against the people of this Great Nation and should not be allowed to represent her.
Report Post »DislikesHussein
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:40pmYep!
And this Office of Management and Budget allowing to be unionized under the AFL-CIO with Hussein’s approval is very wrong!
Report Post »proudpatriot77
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 9:46amIf Stewart goes on O Reilly to defend Obama on something, it must mean there is something to the charge. If everyone thought it was ok to have this racist rapper at the White House, it wouldnt result in one of the top Progressive PR men (Stewart) trying to defend it.
Report Post »Itchee Dryback
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 10:23amI agree..BO feel for the leftie debate tactic of abstract equivalency.
Bono was at the White House because of his work WITH Bush over AIDS in Africa.
Dylan wrote 1 song a couple of decade ago…in a time when the liberal BullSheite meme machine was getting rolling. He fell for it.
Dylan is also a major decades long creative artist.
Common contributions are limited to popular black street culture with a fuzzy teddy bear thrown in now and then.
Common is an advocate of BLT and Rev Wrights church.
His songs about Shakkur ADVOCATE gun carrying street culture etc. This has little to do with Stewarts claim of “He just thinks those people are innocent……thats all”…spin.
You would think that the person that ‘calls out’ a person for a debate would be better prepared.
Report Post »Way to make the left look smarter Bill. Ugh.
jeffyfreezone
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:13pmOReilly is starting to rent a clue, I credit Beck!
Report Post »revel222
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:12pmI’m so tired of everyone making excuses and tip toeing around the issues with Obama and these Marxist losers of the world. Blind and in denial is what these people are… to what is happening here…Wake up!!
Report Post »jedi.kep
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:48amStewart made good points. O’Riley made good points. Stewart can’t focus on the main point because he wants to bring in Bono, Springsteen into the picture, and when you compare the issues, Common is different because he did visit the cop killer. Stewart was also right to maintain consistency. If Bono wrote a cop killer song, then he shouldn’t be at the WH either. Point is, both of them had ‘gotcha’ moments and I’d call it a tie. As for Stewart bringing up assualt weapons…that is simply stupid to the nth degree. Statistics show the overwhelming majority of gun owners as responsible. The bad guys will still get the guns, even if you ban them. That’s why they are called BAD guys, John.
Report Post »Greyarea
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 11:48pmwould you people just pick what obama is already? first he’s a marxist, then he’s a liberal, then he’s a communist, then he’s a fascist, then he’s a monkey in the jungle. would you just choose what political you would like to wrongly accuse him of already? damn, son, you dumb. you real dumb.
Report Post »s13iLLuminati
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:12pmThis is why O’Reilly is always on top. Good stuff. oh, and 1st!!!!
Report Post »chickenfried
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:27amDon’t ever claim first…that just shows you want to be seen, not heard.
Report Post »Zer0
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 11:04am@S13Illuminatia,
I‘m not a Stewart defender nor a O’Reilly defender, but O’Reilly lost, clearly. Does that make Stewart right? No. Bad behavior does not justify other’s bad behavior (Inviting those who celebrate cop killers during law enforcement memorial week to the White House). Most of Stewart’s issues with FOX News is “consistency”, which I agree is important, but often comes across as another leftist using the argument, “this guy isn’t bad, because your guy has been doing it.” As for Bono and Peltier….I consider myself a huge fan of U2, and never recalled the song that was being referenced, until I looked it up. Apparently, the title of the song had been changed, along with much of the content before it was released on the album Vertigo, about the time I cease to keep up with them.
I don‘t think ’Common‘s’ invitation was as bad as Jill Scott’s. Jill Scott, someone I had admired before she spoke of discovering a friend’s interracial relationship with a white woman, went on a bizarre, hate filled, diatribe against such relationships, claiming it made her “cringe”. I can only imagine if a white, hispanic, or any other ethnicity would get a pass and an invitation to the White House after such “racist” comments. Even “queen” Oprah, herself, said previously such opposition (coming from whites at least) to interracial relationships is “racist”.
At any rate, I do not believe any rapper should beinvited to a poetry event at the White House. Equa
Report Post »Zer0
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 11:10am…..Hughes, Shakespeare, Keats, Yeats, or Poe is ridiculous, insulting, and offensive in of itself. If they want to honor rappers and hip hop ‘artists’, invent a special event for them, but do not confuse rappers with poets/writers, even Mos Def. Rhyming does NOT equal poetry. Pop culture does NOT equal culture. We should not be inclusive just for the sake of being inclusive, rather we should be inclusive when the poet rises to merit such inclusiveness.
Report Post »Zer0
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 11:15am*Equating rappers with poets such as Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes*
Report Post »MrSmartyPants
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:12pmStewart pwns
Report Post »Bob_R_OathKeeper
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:19pmYep, he owns stupidity, that for sure and Bill is just weak now and ineffective.
Report Post »AKMIIKEUS
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:22pmLOL, OReilly was owned.
Report Post »Funny and interesting at the same time how Oreilly tries to distance himself with the rest of the racist commentators on Faux News. (Hannity, Cavuto, Beck)
Unix
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:35pmyeah,! it’s all hands on deck, no more shuffling the deck chairs! that means CUT EVERYTHING down to 10% of revenues damn that is $2.2 TRILLION DOLLARS!!!!!!!!!! Crapola, we spend $3.6 TRILLION, how is THAT affordable, we are all being HAD!!! Pitted against each other…PROPOGANDA! LAMe Stream Media propogates the socialist march, to…Communism! My sworn enemy.
Report Post »Eric_The_Red_State
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:36pmThat‘s the first time that Jon Stewart didn’t sound like a blithering idiot..
Oh my God – does that mean I am turning liberal?
Report Post »Unix
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:46pmohh dodo i must commit hari kari immediately!
Report Post »Joseph28
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:54pmOrielly blew it. He gave stewart his premise. That was the mistake.
By Stewart’s “logic” I could make a rap praising Hitler, I just have to make sure that I say “I don’t think he really did the holocaust”. It’s no different than what Common did with the cop killer. Now should I get invited to the whitehouse? of course not! What I said was outrageous, just like Common.
Have artists that have said stupid things in the past been invited to the whitehouse? yeah sure. Was it wrong? probably. Does it make what Obama did any better? of course not! As Orielly says, you cant justify bad behavior by pointing to other bad behavior.
Report Post »101
Posted on May 16, 2011 at 11:58pmO’Reilly just got owned…LMAO
Report Post »KingArthurUp
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:18amwow… Stewart got Owned!
Report Post »coladude
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 12:41amStewart is an idiot.
http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos
Report Post »Steelhead
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 1:17amStewart ate Billo’s lunch right in front of him, Bill started yelling like he always does when his stupidity paints him in the corner
Report Post »patriotwoman
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 1:29am@AKMIIKEUS: Since it was you who played the race card it is up to you to prove your accusation.
Please give me a specific example of racism from “the rest of the racist commentators on Faux News. (Hannity, Cavuto, Beck). Your “proof” can be in the form of a video, or a link to a REAL news source.
We’re waiting…
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 3:36amIt is a simple matter of freedom of speech. I don’t know if Common is right or wrong but he must be allowed to speak. I would like to agree with Bill, but I can’t.
Presumably Common has a poetic talent worthy of recognition and invitation to the White House and on that basis he should be in. He is nothing like the coarse, vulgar Rev.Wright. And Ayers is an aging, unrepentent terrorist. Common’s statements are mild compared to those two (and some others). I don’t know the facts about the cop-killing so I can’t comment directly to that. Presumably there is some element of doubt or he would not be doing this.
What if Common is right?
Damn, now I have to go and look it up.
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 3:39amI did enjoy watching Stewart, though. Courteous, polite, good-humoured, and standing firm on his position.
An fine example to me, that’s for sure.
Report Post »spikebu
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:23am@patriotwoman, Their definition of racism has nothing to do with race, or nationality. The only “race” involved in their argument is a political one. If you supported a Martian with green skin and purple polka dots, who was a conservative, you’d be a racist. Their goal is to make us feel guilt. Guilt will silence us. It’s the only thing that will. You MUST know who you are. Do not allow them to convict you in your own mind! To argue with them gives them power. Choose your battles, Woman. It’s a lot like raising kids. They know nothing, but they can still rule your life, if you allow it.
Report Post »msduras1
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 5:48amAkmikeus: I cannot stand it anymore, I have to ask. Please give me actual quotes, videos etc as to the “racism” of hannity? Please. I have watched his show off and on for years. Please just 1 instance. And please, disagreeing with the president does not make one a racist, otherwise three-quarters of the country is racist. If you cannot back up this comment, please retractit with an apology. Please make sure you give me an exact verifiable quote.
Report Post »tifosa
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:05amBill invites Stewart on to boost ratings, then, every time, he goes away hungry after Jon eats his lunch. Next show (or several) of the “no spin zone” will be an attempt to spin this into a win for himself (”viewer mail.”) Jon maintains an even voice and Bill devolves into shouting the same point over and over…
Report Post »dr_funk
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:07amNo, Stewart doesn’t pwn.
There is a big difference between what you say in a song, and what you say in person – in the real world. None of those other artists ever uttered a word of support for those killers. They merely wrote songs about them. There’s nothing wrong with that. Many artists write songs about controversy. But to consistently come out and say “hey, i think this [insert criminal] is great!” shows a distinct lack of character, and that should not be rewarded with the honor of being invited to the White House.
Report Post »veruca salt
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:07amGlenn surely wouldn’t get owned. He has all the facts and Stewart is just a stupid liberal who argues on emotion and rhetoric. Sure would be nice to see Glenn make the tag to O’Reilly and step in to rescue him from the Stewart onslaught. Come on, Glenn! Own these liberals! Invite one on like O’Reilly did. You’re not afraid, are you?
Report Post »dr_funk
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:13amOh, cute, O’Reilly wants to ban “assault weapons”?
Don’t ALL weapons assault?
Didn’t our founders intend for us to be able to ASSAULT with equal force and efficiency as those assaulting us?
Report Post »tifosa
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 6:29amGlenn would NEVER have Jon on. EVAH! Not on the radio show, not on his soon-to-end tv show. Jon has invited $arah and Glenn on HIS show (after Glenn’s raucous Veira interview on the Today show, remember? : “Glenn, here’s the thing my man. You don’t have to tell Meredith Veira to ask me!“ ”Glenn Beck, I would like you to be on our show.” oh yeah, there was a booyah all right.
Report Post »one yrs. food ration like Glenn says..
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 7:15amHere’s what I think.. They should just go all the way and change the name of the white house to the black house, because thats all it‘s becoming as of late and with all the west supporters it seems that people wouldn’t mind one bit.. Thats what I think, like it or leave it .. Course it will get deleted by staff but…
Report Post »tompaineknowsthescore
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 7:23amHats off to o’reilly at least he has diverse opinions even if he resorts to shouting them down
Report Post »Glenn however when was the last time he has someone he disagreed with on
the amount of times a guest on beck goes ‘your right glenn’ or ‘thats exactly what im saying’ its infuriating
yougottabekidding
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 8:15amThe one thing that Mr. O”Reilly did not put forth which is all telling is, the Cambridge Cops are stupid!
Report Post »That shows alot coupled with everthing else!
middleclassprophet
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 9:38amImagine sitting in the Belly of the Faux Beast with Facts, Jon slayed him, and did it with a smile. That was just too easy
Report Post »Cerealface
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 9:56amBoo yah!
Report Post »VegasGuy
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 11:03amMy wife and I both felt Stewart won the debate. He may lean left, but he has a pretty sharp wit.
Report Post »kryptonite
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 11:33amO‘Reilly wouldn’t say it, cuz he ain’t got the cajones, but this is how it goes: Common traveled all the way to Cuba to pay the cop killer a visit. She’s a commie, because you don‘t flee to a communist country unless you’re a commie, even if you are accused of a crime you didn’t commit. THEREFORE, Common was palling around with the commie cop killer, and the Red in the WH is palling around with him.
What do you call a commie who will only associate with other commies, terrorists and Islamists?
Report Post »Clive
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 1:08pmglenn doesn’t have the nuts to show up on jon stewarts show.
Report Post »101
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 3:34pm@Clive
Exit is on your left
Report Post »OnceADem
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 3:57pmStewart used the same tired smug liberal argument. “I don’t know him“ just like ”I don’t know that” Stewart sounded like the ignorant Whoopi (do) Goldberg moron when she was last interviewed.
Both Stewart and O’Reilly are idiots; one left and one right/left.
Report Post »Truthbeliever2
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 4:09pmI agree with both of you Stewart owned O’reily in that showdown because he is a weakling who is more worried about offending his liberal audience than defending his argument. Just like a polatitioon
Report Post »DeBaan
Posted on May 17, 2011 at 9:50pmHe used phrases like, “I imagine this is where this comes from.”
He basically admits that he’s making up what seems to him to be a valid excuse. An argument based solely on conjecture, and ignoring O‘Reilly’s questions.
Silly, sad man.
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