Sunday, April 03, 2005



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3:31 PM<br> 
<em><strong>ANTI WAR AND COMEDY FOR OUR TROOPS</strong></em><br /><br /><strong>This email came across my machine this morning.  The subject line read "Sorry, Scott, its no joke."</strong><br /><br />"I can go and personally thank the men and women who are protecting us and defending our freedom of speech, which for a comedian is very coveted," said Derenger.<br /> <br />I will assume that you've heard all of the arguments against war and occupation in Iraq. <br /> <br />Do you plan to include references to "ragheads," and "sand niggers?"  I'm sure they would get big laughs from those who fight to defend the US grab of Iraqi oil reserves as they help build a new outpost for US empire in the Middle East.<br /> <br />Oh, I forgot.  These foreign legionnaires are "protecting us" and liberating Iraqis and defending your right to go and joke about the tough job faced by paid killers.  At least those who are still alive on both sides.  Just like Bob Hope did in Vietnam.  Unfunny corporate comics.<br /> <br />BOB SCHWARTZ<br />Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism<br /><br /><strong>**to that I replied**</strong><br /><br />Well hello Mr. Schwartz,<br /> <br />Thanks for getting in touch.  I hope you enjoyed my column.<br /> <br />Let's cut to the chase, Bob.  I find it disturbingly ironic that you, a member of the Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism, had the audacity to reference "ragheads" and "sand niggers."  You wrote it, not me.  Perhaps if you got down from your political soapbox to more enjoyably re-read my column, you would see that I didn't mention anything remotely close to a racial slur.  Anywhere.  So before you sadly attempt to suggest what material I might use in Iraq and Kuwait, how about you you lose the racism first and foremost.  But thanks for the effort.<br /> <br />Not sure what part of my sentence starting with "While I don't agree with the war itself" you didn't understand.  I think it's stated rather clearly - I don't support the war, but I do support the troops.  And that's why I'm proud, just as the famed Bob Hope was for decades before me, to entertain the men and women in our Armed Forces.  If you're going to lump me in with the likes of Bob Hope, I'm extremely honored.<br /> <br />"Unfunny corporate comics."  The beauty of comedy is its subjective nature.  Do you like Coke or Pepsi?  Wheat or white bread?  What'S funny to you may not be funny to me.  But this is America where we have the freedom of speech and the freedom to disagree.  I will most graciously extend a thanks to the troops for them letting you voice your opinion.  And just a minute to reference the "corporate" nature of my comedy.  Have you ever seen my act?  Nope.  And I'm hard-pressed to gather that you've seriously read today's column.  So before you go and toss around racial slur accusations and paint me with a brush too large for a 747, take a look in the mirror and pick another battle.  I'm not a political comedian;  I simply make people laugh.  And I'm damned proud to do so.<br /> <br />Best regards,<br /> <br />SCOTT DERENGER
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