Congressman Apologizes for Comparing U.S. Debt Crisis to…Amy Winehouse’s Death?
- Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:52pm by
Billy Hallowell
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When celebrity news and American politicians collide, the results can often be bizarre, offensive or just plain silly. The latest example — Republican Rep. Billy Long’s comparison between the U.S. debt crisis and singer Amy Winehouse’s death — probably has characteristics of all three.
On Monday, the Missouri Congressman took to Twitter in what he probably thought was a valiant effort to be relevant and in touch with contemporary pop culture. Here’s what he wrote:
Clearly, Long was trying to draw a similarity between the impending financial disaster in Washington and Winehouse’s untimely death. But, what he likely saw as a viable comparison was viewed by many as insensitive and wrongheaded.
Plus, in sending the message, the congressman is clearly alluding to the fact that the troubled singer died from drug or alcohol abuse — a theory that may be true, but one that has not yet been substantiated.
England’s Daily Mail called his Tweet the “crudest of metaphors.” The newspaper went on to cover Long in a less-than-flattering light:
Long, 55, is a controversial freshman Republican who represents Missouri’s seventh congressional district.
He was elected despite accusations of a smear campaign, racism and homophobia and claims he was involved in sex parties.
Waitress Jennifer Case wrote on Facebook that the congressman was so bigoted he would refuse to be served at her restaurant by black or gay waiters.
It didn’t take the congressman long to apologize for offending followers and opponents, alike. On Monday evening, he wrote the following to the News-Leader:
“Although I do believe spending 42 percent more than we take in is an addiction, I certainly meant no disrespect to Amy, her family or her fans. She was one of the few true artists to come along in a long time. What happened to her was a senseless tragedy and drawing an analogy wasn’t meant to minimize the loss of life. If anyone took offense, I sincerely apologize.”
Like Tim Pawlenty (who shared his love for Lady Gaga with America), Long may have a lesson to learn: It may be better, at least for PR sake, to simply stick with what you know best — crafting policies that will both advance and sustain America.
(h/t BuzzFeed)
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Comments (66)
SHOWMESTATEGUY
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:51pmBilly Long is a good guy. What he said is the truth. The people who complain are just talking the pc crap that the libs always revert to. Hey, the guy is from southwest Missouri and he‘s going to say things the libs don’t like. Live with it.
Report Post »USAMama
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 10:05pmIf he was a Dem they would be defending him.
Report Post »GoodnCool
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 10:10pmA train wreck is a train wreck. Great analogy – nuff said
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:51pmso? he was endorsed by a union
whats your point troll
Report Post »jimtrees
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:50pmWhiskey bottle, brand new car Obama you are in my way. So take another toke.
Report Post »conservativemom99
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:50pmI hate that the republicans are so easily manipulated. I see nothing wrong with that tweet.
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 7:21amWhy are Republicans so easily cowed?
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:45pmWhy did Long feel he had to apologize for that tweet? There is nothing in it that is disrespectful to Amy Winehouse. What he said about her death is true as well what he says about Washington D.C. The timing of the tweet, as close as it is to her unfortunate death, is the only slight, a minor one at best.
Rep. Long, you caved to LEFTIST pressure designed to make you look mean-spirited and vicious. You gave them what they wanted, YOU LOOK FOOLISH NOW!
Report Post »BuckOfama
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:51pmCongrats to Amy Whitehouse for her 72 hours of sobriety……..
Report Post »chips1
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 10:13pmShe was cremated so I guess she is still smokin crack.
Report Post »duckman1911
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 10:23pm@ BUCKOFAMA that is too freakin funny… Just one less doper to have around corrupting our kids.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:37pmWhat’s the big deal?
Report Post »Winehouse was an addict and obama, the dems, and many repubs are addicts in a different way.
And if the politicians don’t stop, all of us will suffer immeasurably.
You have the idiots on the left attacking anybody exhibiting common sense and no one in the media seems to mind.
Keep saying what you think, congressman.
An Old Cattleman
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:22amVery well stated!!
Report Post »FANGS
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:35pmAh Mr Boehner, Straight up, America doesn’t want to raise the Debt Ceiling. Are You Frickin crazy ? The Guy Will spend every Cent on the exact Same Failures and Friends as before. You Would Be Giving a Trillion of Our Kids Money and giving it to our Enemy the unions, more Greese and Itally Bailouts. and Marxist. There’s no way that piddly amount of Cuts you Produced in the first year is going to help at all. I heard You on Rush Today, And I wish I could have reached through the Radio. Dont Give Obama any more of our Money. Make Him Cut His Unsistainable Projects. This is America’s last Chance. Cut or Revolution. There I said it. Just do What We sent You to do.Stop Obama. Stop Obama Care. Cut off the Funding. BTW, How huch does Obama care cost per Month?????
Report Post »Son_of_Liberty
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:32pm“But with respect to future debt; would it not be wise and just for that nation to declare in the constitution they are forming that neither the legislature, nor the nation itself can validly contract more debt, than they may pay within their own age, or within the term of 19 years.”- Thomas Jefferson
Report Post »Gypsy123
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:29pmI see no difference I think he was correct
Report Post »FANGS
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:24pmI wouldn’t want a Black or Gay Waiter either. What’s so biggoted about that?
Report Post »In The Right
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:20pmExcellent tweet no need to apologize.
Report Post »godhatesacoward
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:16pmcall em‘ like I see em’.
Report Post »Ookspay
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:15pmLet’s see, self mutilated, undisciplined, wasted, vulgar, sounds about right to me.
Report Post »eat-more-bacon-USA
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:14pmGood Tweet. Liberalism is a death sentence.
Report Post »ladyda
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:14pmOh no….here we go! The libs will be apoplectic over this one. They will be demanding his immediate resignation, just as if he was a tax cheat or bank fraud!
Report Post »TulsaYeeHaw
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:07pmI farted. Anyone offended?
Report Post »dabbo
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:05pmWhat’s so bad about the tweet?…..
I think it might have been a little insulting to Americans to compare something eminently important like the survival of our republic to something as inconsequential as the overdose death of a drug addict.
But I’m willing to forgive and forget.
Report Post »An Old Cattleman
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 9:26amExcellently stated!!
Report Post »ALibertarianCitizen
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:03pmI don’t see the problem whatsoever, it’s a perfect analogy. Tasteless? I don’t see how, considering the fact he said nothing inflammatory. He told the truth, no one could reach her, but can we learn from that and reach Washington is the question.
Report Post »Exrepublisheep
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:09pmI agree.
Report Post »oldchevyguy
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:03pmGreatt analogy!
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:01pmI hope this is a lesson learned: no bringing up a celebrity’s name in politics.
Report Post »TGS
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:01pmWhat an idiot
Report Post »encinom
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:10pmIts not like he compared the victims of the Norway shooting to Hitler youth, I wonder which brain dead person did that…
Report Post »normbal
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:00pmWorks for me. Now if all the democrats would just buy up some cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine to take him ewith them over the weekend…
I’m just saying.
Report Post »Dakota
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:59pm…and this is a Story? Give me a break.
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:58pmThis has got to be the stupidest thing that I have ever seen a Congress person do – what the hell is wrong with you? You must be a total idiot!! http://wp.me/pYLB7-1cO
Report Post »Psychosis
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 9:53pmreally? its the stupidest youve seen?
so, i guess thinking an island would capsize isnt stupid??? dem …….conyers
or
weiner showing his weiner ?
or wooo screwin a teenager ?
go away you idi.ot no one here has missed you
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on July 26, 2011 at 8:56pmSeemed like a pretty analogy to me.
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