Trading e-mails with the "Fix That Flag" guy

[Paragon]

A little background, for the uninitiated:
http://www.comedycentral.com/tv_shows/thedailyshowwithjonstewart/ (Click on "The Daily Show Headline: Be more patriotic, traitorous scumbag!" video link)
http://cbsnewyork.com/topstories/topstorieswcbstv_story_294130249


My first e-mail, using the "Fix That Flag" submission page (http://cbsnewyork.com/specialmail), not expecting a response:

I can't tell you how happy I was to see The Daily Show crucify your "Fix That Flag" asshat.

Making your audition tape for FOX News Channel, Lou? "Very patriotic," moron..."very patriotic."


Lou's reply:

Thanks Theo--
Why don't you TRY to tell me how happy you were? Use words. "Asshat?" Did you see the stories or just the Stewart segment. You know, Jon told me "You realize it's a COMEDY show?" I do. And although I probably deserve being spoofed by allowing that "patriotic" comment to remain in the story I also deserve to get feedback from people who get their information from someplace other than Comedy Central. It IS a Viacom owned company, though, so thanks for watching.

Lou Young
CBS 2 News


My reply:

You're welcome, Lou...but there's no link to your e-mail address on Comedy Central or its website. I used the submission form on CBS 2's site. I'll give you a pass on that one -- one's journalistic instincts get a little rusty chasing around tattered flags all day for the local news.

I did, in fact, watch the segments available on the site before sending that e-mail, if only to relive the sheer surreality of what I saw on The Daily Show. If you did actually talk to Jon, he'd also tell you that things are funny because they're true -- and the truth is the entire concept of "Fix That Flag" is moronic. You didn't just get spoofed for one inappropriate comment, Lou. But hey - onward, Viacom soldier.

P.S. - "Asshat" is slang, by the way - urbandictionary.com defines it as "One who has their head up their ass. Thus wearing their ass as a hat."


Will update if/when replies warrant. :D

[Exultant Democracy]

1. you are kick ass

well done

[SideshowScott]

2. Good Job! Someone should ask that jackass if...

Hes just trying to get a Fox news Job..Im sure they called him first thing after seeing that laughable yet scary news story

[Paragon]

3. I did!

Reread my initial e-mail to CBS 2.

[REP]

4. Asshat: The Reality

A "Hat" or "Ass Hat" is a plastic hat-shaped container that fits over a toilet seat and is used to collect urine or stool. The etimology of the slang use may be correct, but there is such a thing as an asshat, and I always picture human asshats as those who collect shit on their heads.

Good work on nailing the asshat!

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

5. I have to say I am torn on this one... pardon the pun...

Because I don't like the way people display flags, especially since 911 and even more so since the Iraq misadventure.

Being a veteran, it does bother me. I have NO problem with burning flags for protest... nah, go for it. But it does touch a nerve to see almost see-thru faded rags on poles.

Sorry to piss on the fun.

And yes, that guy is an asshat. The way he goes about it, it is just too weird. Like there is nothing else in NYC for him to go do.

[Paragon]

6. I don't disagree with you at all

Honestly, it bugs me, too - really says something about the people "displaying" those flags. But I can't stand that sort of guerilla journalism, even when it's Michael Moore, who I love. You ask for a civilized sit-down interview, and if they refuse, you move on.

There are also a lot more pressing issues to tackle - even at the local level and especially in New York. If this guy's bio is to be believed, he's capable of much more.

[NightTrain]

7. Well, this is intriguing!

> According to the Flag Code, "when a flag has served its useful
> purpose, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning."

I thought burning the American flag was "unpatriotic."