>I am getting pretty sick of all the cutesy ways that people try to insult those with whom they disagree. You don’t agree with my political views, so I’m now a “ReTHUGlican” or a “RATpublican” or something. Others are “Democraps” or “Libtards.” What’s worse is when people start doing it to people’s names. Rush Limbaugh used to make fun of Jesse Jackson just by pronouncing his name like Jesse talks…that’s ok in my book, but he never called him some other name that would insult the man. One I heard a lot over the last eight years by people demonizing George Bush is “Bushitler.” “Commander in Thief.” Yes. Very amusing. You sir, are a veritable wordsmith of wit.

The other day I was listening to the radio, and I found a program I had never heard before: The Monica Crowley Show. She’s a conservative talk radio commentator type person, and she was going on about what President Obama was doing wrong. Except she wasn’t calling him “Mr. President,” “Obama”, “Barack,” or even “Barry” (which I’ve been told is a nickname of his). She kept referring to him as “The Bama” I don’t know why she was doing this, but after listening to her use this phrase repeatedly for over 2 minutes, I had to turn the radio station. I sent her an e-mail telling her this, but I haven’t gotten a response.

Why do people feel that they must jab at our brains with these little “pseudo-witticisms” so we’ll pay attention? Would I have kept listening to that radio show if she hadn’t insisted on using her little pet name for the President? Probably. Will I listen again? Not as long as there’s some good accordion music as an alternative (and just ask me how willing I am to listen to THAT!).

Here’s what I think: when I’m talking to someone about politics (or whatever), and they insert one of these inanities, I instantly assume they don’t want to discuss it any further, and their only goal is now to be insulting. So I stop talking to them. I may disagree with Barney Frank with every fiber of my being, but the man has enough problems without me mispronouncing his name. Grow up, people.