Matt Walsh:
I started noticing “Cecil the Lion” trending on Facebook and Twitter at some point yesterday afternoon. By the evening, it was the most popular topic on social media, and stories about the lion were popping up on all of the national news sites.
Before I took the time to investigate, I tried to imagine if there could be any valid reason for a wild cat to become the biggest news item in the world. On a day when another undercover videorevealed Planned Parenthood dismembering murdered children for profit, I strained to think if there might be some justification for ignoring the harvesting of human beings in favor of obsessing over a large feline in Africa.
I thought maybe the lion had cured cancer, or sprouted wings and flown into space, or stood on its hind legs and recited the Gettysburg Address. Surely, these developments would vindicate the disproportionate amount of attention it was receiving. But I quickly found out that the lion, from Zimbabwe, had done no such thing. Apparently, all it did was die.
Of course, lots of people died yesterday too, especially in Zimbabwe. Across the planet, human travesties continued to unfold — Christians were slaughtered in the Middle East, political prisoners were tortured and executed in North Korea and Iran, Americans fell prey to crime and violence spilling over our southern border, and about 3,000 human children were butchered in abortion clinics, some of which were then dissected and sold on the black market — but this one unfortunate beast in a forest 9,000 miles away trumped all of these. Human victims would have to wait yet another day to be noticed by our culture. Their plight just couldn’t compete with a cute, fuzzy mammal.
Poor Cecil, as I’m sure you heard, was “murdered” by an American dentist named Walter Palmer. The dentist traveled there and paid some $55,000 for the privilege to hunt and kill the king of the jungle. It turns out that the hunt might not have been legal. He says he thought he was acting within the law, and that he didn’t know Cecil was a beloved animal celebrity in Africa. His pleads of ignorance may or may not be true, but they are called into question by the fact that he’s been convicted of poaching before.
This was all enough to earn him the wrath of progressive America, but none of these crimes compare to the fact that he is, evidently, a Republican. We know these details about his life, and about the sexual harassment claim made against him in 2009, because the media has feverishly poured through his record and heaped more scrutiny upon him than they have on every Democrat politician in the last 40 years combined. Meanwhile, the internet lynch mob predictably leaped into action. Palmer’spersonal address was released, death threats were issued, his business was attacked andshutdown, he was forced into hiding, and scores of drooling trolls flocked to Twitter to fantasize about all of the creative and violent things they’d love to do to him:
I want to shoot a particular American dentist with a crossbow #CecilTheLion
— Mark Lewis (@MLewisLawyer) July 28, 2015
https://twitter.com/ShujaRabbani/status/626209438815289344
I hope somebody reams #CecilTheLion's killer #WalterJamesPalmer a new orifice with his dental drill!
— MizQue (@MizQue) July 28, 2015
Let's drill the dentists teeth without pain killers. #CecilTheLion, #AnimalRights
— Bill Lehman (@LehmanBill) July 29, 2015
Can somebody lure the #dentist wanker from his chair and kill him with his own drill? What a total waste of oxygen! #CecilTheLion
— Tessy (@InfluenzaMom) July 28, 2015
Some even began non-ironically using #LionLivesMatter
Absolutely disgusted that in 2015 a so called educated man would kill for fun. Let's hope Karma gets him pretty quick! #LionLivesMatter
— Laura's Travel (@LaurasTravel) July 29, 2015
Refusing to be upstaged in this contest for the title of Most Exorbitant Reaction, PETA proclaimed that Palmer ought to be “extradited and hung.” A bunch of famous people joined the dog pile, utilizing their platforms to declare Palmer “disgusting,” a “murderer,” and “Satan.” Other celebrities have asked that his citizenship be permanently revoked. Sharon Osbourne labeled Palmer a “killer” and said she hopes he loses his house and his business. According to Sharon, even his wife and children deserve to be homeless. Jimmy Kimmel, late night host on ABC, took time out of his comedy show to deliver a tearful rant, calling the hunter an “a-hole” and a “jackal.”
All of this, over a lion.
It bears repeating that this happened on the same day that a video was released showing lab technicians dissecting the body parts of murdered humans while discussing how much money they could get for each “item.” This footage was completely ignored. Our culture let out a massive, collective yawn, instead choosing to wail over the fate of some random hairy beast in southern Africa.
The whole thing transcends mere absurdity. It is beyond ridiculous. Far past anything that could be called simply exaggerated or irrational. The swarms of petty nitwits in our culture have finally outdone themselves. What we are witnessing is something worse than an Idiocracy; it is total moral chaos.
@Redteam: What’s Bombay got to do with Africa? Are you geographically challenged?
@rich wheeler:
RT said:
“Yes, I’ll say again I’ve been to several of the smelly places in Africa. Unless you’ve been to Bombay, you likely will never go anywhere else that smells worse (than Africa).”
You seem to be comprehension challenged.
Still waiting for you to tell us what you do about animal cruelty and abortion beside just wearing a t-shirt.
@retire05: He claimed he’d been to Africa but hasn’t said where. Have you been there? Re my advocacy–Just posted.
I really think you and RT are quite the tag team–humorous.
@rich wheeler:
Nope, never been to Africa. Have no desire to go, just like I have no desire to go to New York. Been to California. Don’t want to go back. Full of rude people and panhandlers.
@Redteam: A.V. has seen my pictures on FB. How bout giving him access to your best recent photo. He can hold the money and decide—Why are you such a coward about this RT?
@retire05: Steers and Queers in Texas Ugly state
—Dallas in the summer—worse than Da Nang.
@rich wheeler:
While Mexifornia seems to have only queers.
Yep, takes real men to be able to actually work in Texas heat. Unlike the pansies in Mexifornia. But then, Mexifornia is so great it keeps losing businesses, and money, to Texas.
Since you dislike Texas so much, I think you should boycott our oil. Or maybe we should refuse to supply electricity to Mexifornia. Let you girly men sit in the dark. We did that once when Gray Davis refused to pay your bill. Wouldn’t mind doing it again.
@rich wheeler: I’ve never seen photos published on this forum.
@rich wheeler: Rich, for the record, I’ve been on every continent except Antarctica. I’ve been several places on African continent. That’s why some people joined the Navy instead of the Marine Corps, so they could sail the seas and visit countries instead of crawling on our bellies. I have not been to Viet Nam. That whole deal was after my time.
@retire05: Retire, I’ve been to Gayfornia several times. If you stay away from the densely populated areas and the politics, it’s not too bad. No way in hell would a normal person choose to move to San Fran or La or San Diego. Some really terrific scenery up around Lake Shasta and in the Redwoods. Cold water in the ocean, no swimming. Only idiots in the state and local governments there.
@rich wheeler: Let me know when you get your best photo up.
@Redteam:
For me, a state is only as nice as the people who inhabit it. So Rich can keep Mexifornia. And Comrade de Blasio can keep New York.
When people visit us from other states, I am constantly being told how nice the people in Texas are and how they feel welcome. Of course, they gritch about the heat but that is a great trade off for me since I don’t like snow. Everyone told me how beautiful Colorado was, so I went there. I’ll take the Smokies, thank you very much. Not many rude people in Tennessee or North Carolina. But they are everywhere in Colorado.
Say what you want, you can’t beat the South. Just too many Yankees moving in when they can’t find jobs in their liberal utopias.
@Redteam: Stop being a coward –post a current picture on FB -pretty simple. AV has seen mine—05 is a regular visitor—
Also simple—what countries in Arica have you been to?
You certainly seem to have a lot to hide—could it be that mug and that belly?
@rich wheeler:
I would hardly consider two visits to be “regular.” But then, you think you’re popular with 10 followers.
@retire05:You and your sidekick RT are always welcome on my FB page.
@rich wheeler:
No thanks. Two visits to it already provided all the comic relief I needed.
@retire05: You’ve been there 2 times, I’ve been there one, that leaves 7 other visitors.
@rich wheeler: Actually my daughter has a current pic of me on her site. That should be good enough. Did AV get your wrinkle count done already or is he still counting. Let me know when he finishes your neck and starts your face.
@Redteam:
RT, visitors and followers are two different things. You can have lots of visitors (although Facebook doesn’t tell you how many so Rich has no way of knowing) but it does list others who follow you. He has 10, not exactly breaking any record for followers.
@Redteam: Great How does one visit your daughters FB– You’ve evaded all questions about Africa Lets see if you can be honest on this. Looking forward to seeing your picture lol
btw Were you also lying when you said you had a FB page?
Have you always been such a fool RT?.Joking about someone’s picture and then being unwilling to provide your own? I suspect you’ve always been a coward swabbie.
@rich wheeler:
Pete just
bitch slapped youanswered your questions about “sentient” on the other thread. Can’t wait to read your response to him.@retire05: Facebook tells you how many friends—644
You’re only follower is RT who’s so close he’s got his head up your ass.You two make a great couple.
@retire05:
You know the difference, I know the difference, but Rich will never figure that out.
@rich wheeler:
I have not evaded all questions about anything.
As I’ve said before, this is not a social network page. If you want to hobnob with folks on facebook go over there and communicate with folks on that page. This blog is for other reasons such as sharing thoughts on political and hot topic issues and believe it or not, there are loonies in the world.
@rich wheeler:
One thing I do not do is denigrate someone’s military service. That is a measure of class. I have an honorable discharge.
@Redteam: I’m not denigrating your service I’m calling you a coward and a liar RT—Pretty simple.
” hobnob on FB” You went to my page. Then you hide
@Redteam:
???????
@rich wheeler:
Going to your Facebook page, but not asking to be your friend is not hiding.
You want to plaster your sagging skin all over Facebook, that’s your choice.
@rich wheeler:
I’ve had a Facebook page since 09, that’s hardly hiding.
@Redteam: Let’s leave it at you don’t want anybody here to see your aging face and flabby body Fine Lets move on
@rich wheeler: Let’s leave it that you will denigrate someone’s military service just because you lose an argument. Let’s leave it that that is classless.
@Redteam: Lose an argument? How so?
How bout a real name so your FB page and pictures can be seen RT,–You’re the one claiming how good you look. Is that more BS?
@rich wheeler:
What’s it to you if posters here don’t use their real name? With the way that your fellow far-left fanatics SWAT those on the right or otherwise use their information to harass them or get them fired from their jobs, there is no reason why we should cater to your request. Democrats can feel free to give their real names here because conservatives have more class and respect for free speech than to do that kind of intimidation crap.
@Redteam: “Denigrate” You called yourself a swabbie in post above when talking about your journeys.Some real and some imagined it appears.
Ditto Paranoia—ofcourse “just because you’re not paranoid doesn’t mean the government isn’t watching you
@rich wheeler:
So, that’s be like you calling yourself a leatherneck or gyrene. It was the word ‘coward’ in front of it that was denigrating. But then you wouldn’t know about little details like that.
Ditto said it very well, “”With the way that your fellow far-left fanatics SWAT those on the right or otherwise use their information to harass them or get them fired from their jobs, “”and “”Democrats can feel free to give their real names here because conservatives have more class and respect for free speech “”
“your journeys.” I’ve been to 44 foreign countries which were on all continents except Antarctica. I see no need to compile a complete listing for this blog. Some of those were in Africa. You can take my word for it or not, you will not like the odor in Africa.
@rich wheeler: #95
I enjoy killing paper, tin cans, plastic easter eggs filled with flour, and other non-living things.
Quit projecting your faults onto me.
I do not enjoy killing animals, nor do I enjoy killing them by proxy, but will if I need the food, fur or leather. I don’t even try to ignore the source of what I purchase from others.
Mine: “I believe that it is valid to assume then that you have no problem with the murder of people with whom you disagree. ”
Yours:
“That was true with the NVA—but it has not been true since my return in late 1968”
Unlike you, there has never been a time in my life that I had no problem with the murder of people with whom I disagreed.
I was a medic, and I never murdered anyone. I did, however, kill some who were trying to kill me or those for whom I was responsible. But I never murdered anyone.
In fact, I saved (direct, blood-coated hands on) far more than I killed. A better class of people, as well.
Yes, I have blood on my hands. Up to the armpits, at times. It’s the blood of people that I was trying desperately to save.
Can you or MartinGregory say the same?
@Petercat: I agree. There is no need to eat or wear animals .Certainly no need to kill or abuse them. Or pay others to do so
Thank you for your service .I certainly tried to save and protect those I served with in VN.
MartinGregory?
@rich wheeler:
People that believe that are known as ‘fruitcakes’. If you were taking a casual walk in the jungle and a big lion jumped on top of you, with the intent to eat you. Then your answer is that you don’t have a right to kill that lion.. certainly no need to do so? If a cow dies, you’d rather see their hide rot than to be be used to make a pair of shoes. Sounds wasteful. But then, I’ve already said that’s what ‘fruitcakes’ do. Well, other than living in Gayfornia.
@Redteam</ When you or i Iake a casual walk in the jungle I'll listen to your fruitcake argument. for self defense.
You simply confirm my argument–living in the lower 48 there is absolutely no need to kill or abuse an animal or pay another to do so.
Unless you got an addiction to dead animal parts or their secretions Pretty disgusting and certainly unhealthy.
@rich wheeler: #137
MartinGregory was the individual who posted the comment, “If I meet her I will kill her.”
That was not a threat, it was a cold blooded statement of intent to kill someone over a moral disagreement.
A very disturbed individual.
Thank you for your service, as well. Sometimes keeping those around you safe becomes the mission… even as a civilian.
@rich wheeler:
Do you realize you live with someone that has “secretions Pretty disgusting and certainly unhealthy.” Must thrill her knowing how you feel about these disgusting secretions.
These are just a small number of our medicines derived from animal products:
Pig-derived products
Horse
Shellfish
Sheep (Sebaceous Gland extract)
@Redteam: Do you enjoy drinking the secretions of a cow with all those fat globules? How’s your weight –do you take ANY meds?
Have you purchased any PP parts to consume? I’ve heard dog meat is delicious.
Why would you eat a dead cow or a pig and not at least try dog meat or human meat? You might enjoy consuming these dead animals.
@Rich Wheeler:
Rich, instead of asking questions, why don’t you try answering them.
And it didn’t go unnoticed that you have not commented on the scam that Mercy For Animals is. But no surprise that being the fraud you are, you would support a group that is also a fraud.
@Nanny G: I take NO meds— wouldn’t willingly give a dime to a pharmaceutical company.
I am against vivisection.
Keep up your gardening—give up the meat and chicken for starters–you’ll feel better physically and mentally.
Enjoy the debate–do you have a favorite yet?
@Rich Wheeler:
Dead cow? which animals do you eat live? Why do you limit your dead animals to cows and pigs? Have you tried any Live persons? How can you knock it if you haven’t tried it?
Gay founder, Gay parades, Gay Apparel, Gay Rodeos. Just ‘all things ‘gay’ now Rich? Can you imagine your Gay MFA founder, all those fluids and secretions, must not hinder him.
Be sure to send him a big donation this week, he has a trip to raise more money.
You didn’t comment on Hillary dropping out. Surely you didn’t miss the big announcement?
@Redteam: You seem very confused RT.
Enjoy the debate–you got a favorite?
Apparently if there’s a ritual involved in killing a human and harvesting his/her organs Obama is against it:
He added:
@rich wheeler:
i don’t think so. Had a great cube steak for lunch. I told my wife of your concerns and she assured me she had washed the cow urine off of it and got the temp hot enough to kill all the bacteria from all the other waste products that were/might have been on it.
Had some broccoli with cheese sauce, but the cheese was certified ‘bovine waste products free’. Just look for the right labels.
I’m surprised you didn’t know Hillary had dropped out. Thought you kept up with the news.
@Redteam:
Notice how Rich keeps dodging that he has never given a home to a homeless/abused animal, gives money to a scam organization who spends not one dime on feeding/caring for homeless/abused animals, buys two pure bred Golden Retrievers, a breed that designed to retrieve hunted birds, parks his tush on a white LEATHER chair made from a dead cow and thinks wearing a t-shirt, handling out flyers and marching in gay parades is activism?