# George W. Bush "Our Leader" Billboards **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [November 24, 2004, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416 "2004-11-24T03:55:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Domokun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c77e96/32.png) [@Domokun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Domokun)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/41 "2004-11-24T12:13:44Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Well, he’s not. My dog **Reeder** is a radical. Myself, I’m on the conservative wing of the extreme left. Don’t you know the difference between a socialist and an anarcho-syndicalist? > > Heavens, however do you manage? The Judian People’s popular front? ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/42 "2004-11-24T12:20:05Z")
> [@Domokun](#): > > The Judian People’s popular front? No! The People’s Front of Judea! And as to this: > [@](#): > > Could this possibly be an anti-Bush statement that uses irony in order to draw a parallel between Bush and Hitler or (more possibly) Bush and Saddam Hussein? From ClearChannel? Not terribly likely. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/43 "2004-11-24T14:46:48Z")
> [@John Mace](#): > > When there’s a line item in the federal budget to erect “Our Leader” billboards in every majore city of the US, I’ll be concerned. Until then, I think I’ll just pour myself another glass of wine and enjoy the evening. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, dude. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/44 "2004-11-24T15:00:12Z")
> [@John Mace](#): > > When there’s a line item in the federal budget to erect “Our Leader” billboards in every majore city of the US, I’ll be concerned. Until then, I think I’ll just pour myself another glass of wine and enjoy the evening. By the time they did such a thing, it would be too late. As Barney Fife used to say, you’ve got to nip it in the bud. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/45 "2004-11-24T15:15:00Z")
Hitler was elected. Don’t ever forget it. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/46 "2004-11-24T15:16:01Z")
Of all the things that are wrong or endangered in our country right now, I’d suggest that somebody’s billboard in Orlando is on a pretty low scale of things to worry about. It’s not as if Bush or the Federal Government is erecting these and declaring martial law. And, as far as I know, the First Amendment is still pretty well in tact (which could make for some pretty fun counterprogramming in the billboard department). When they burn the Reichstag, er, Capitol building, and pass a law putting Bush’s image in all public places I’ll worry. Until then, feh, let people say whatever they want. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/47 "2004-11-24T15:30:08Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > As Barney Fife used to say, you’ve got to nip it in the bud. I prefer Fred Sanford’s version: "I’m gonna go over there with my bud nipper, and nip some bud! " ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/48 "2004-11-24T15:39:59Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > By the time they did such a thing, it would be too late. As Barney Fife used to say, you’ve got to nip it in the bud. Yeah, I’ve heard that argument before. The fact that we don’t notice the slippage towards fascism is proof that it’s happening! No, I don’t think it would be too late by then. I want to see some actual slippage before I get worried, Ain’t been no slippage yet. And **i’luc** , Hitlere did NOT get elected. Not in any sense that we would recognize an election. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/49 "2004-11-24T15:41:47Z")
One more time with preview: And **'luc** , Hitler did NOT get elected. Not in any sense that we would recognize an as election. ---
**Author:** ![Huerta88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/82dd89/32.png) [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/50 "2004-11-24T15:43:01Z")
> [@Huerta88](#): > > But hell, maybe Clear Channel’s just sucking up to the new Administration to prevent regulation of their media consolidation and shady payola activities (if any . . . ha). In fact, that’s probably the most likely explanation – but it’s clear that neither GWB or the govt. put it up, which is the main point that distinguishes this from any non-laughable analogy ad Hitlerum. As I suspected, Clear Channel is happy to try to buy influence on either side of the aisle. [http://www.capitaleye.org/mediacontribs.6.2.03.asp](http://www.capitaleye.org/mediacontribs.6.2.03.asp) [http://latefinal.com/archives/001382.html](http://latefinal.com/archives/001382.html) They skew more Republican, because the GOP is a safer bet to favor deregulated media consolidation, but they’re still funnelling plenty to the Dems. And with congressional inquiries and popular disgust for CC [in the air,](http://www.clearchannelsucks.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index&catid=&topic=6), that’s how politics works. I’d be far from surprised to see the exact same billboard with Kerry’s mug plastered on it had the Dems. won the White House and taken back the Senate. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/51 "2004-11-24T15:48:21Z")
> [@John Mace](#): > > I want to see some actual slippage before I get worried, Ain’t been no slippage yet. Fair enough- but when slippage occurs I’m counting on you to join the resistance. ---
**Author:** ![Huerta88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/82dd89/32.png) [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/52 "2004-11-24T16:35:03Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Fair enough- but when slippage occurs I’m counting on you to join the resistance. Do you have any doubts that if a grass-roots armed resistance to tyrannical government sprung up, you couldn’t keep the right-wingers out if you tried? The right has learned the hard-won lessons of **Red Dawn**. They’d be there, all right, with bells (and camo) on. Wolverines! ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/53 "2004-11-24T16:36:45Z")
I’m taking up a collection to rent the billboards immediately before all the “Our Leader” ones. Mine will have a silhouette of Bush’s head on the left side, next to phrases like: “Who’s giving all your tax dollars to his corporate buddies?” “Who’s benefitted most from the War on Terror?” “Who’s the laughingstock of the world?” “Who’s your daddy, sucka?” That sort of thing. I’ve got… \ about $1.57 so far. Anyone want to contribute? \ ---
**Author:** ![Malodorous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e47774/32.png) [@Malodorous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malodorous)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/54 "2004-11-24T16:48:29Z")
The problem with your plan, **Gyrate** , is that Clear channel and Infinity own all the billboards down here, and state and federal laws make it difficult to erect new ones. I find in unlikely that either company would allow you to rent a board for anti-bush messages. So I’m thinking we put on some black PJ’s and put our own message on the billboard. I agree that it’s a streach to say that this is the first step in a slide to facisim, but it really is in horrible taste. The strength with which it recalls Pictures of Saddam in Baghdad or Stalin in Soviet Russia, especially with the “Our Leader” phrase, is pretty striking. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/55 "2004-11-24T16:55:20Z")
> [@John Mace](#): > > One more time with preview: > > And **'luc** , Hitler did NOT get elected. Not in any sense that we would recognize an as election. Your qualifier holds your entire argument. It is true that Hitler did not have a crushing landslide avalanche of a mandate, like 51%. But the Nazi Party was a powerful minority party in a parliamentary system. One of the weaknesses of the parliamentary system is that a minority party can obtain power wildly out of proportion to their actual numbers. This power was obtained by the usual pedestrian means, votes in ballot boxes. They wanted a strong and resolute leader. They got one. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/56 "2004-11-24T16:58:49Z")
> [@Malodorous](#): > > The problem with your plan, **Gyrate** , is that Clear channel and Infinity own all the billboards down here, and state and federal laws make it difficult to erect new ones. I find in unlikely that either company would allow you to rent a board for anti-bush messages. Oh darn. And I’d already started designing the “Who’s going to sell your children into white slavery?” one. Remember: it’s not a monopoly if everything is controlled by _two_ companies. Roll on the plutocracy. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/57 "2004-11-24T16:59:42Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Fair enough- but when slippage occurs I’m counting on you to join the resistance. Count me in. I agree with \*\*Maladorous \*\*that the worst that can be said about this is that it’s in horrible taste. As patriotic and American are, it isn’t really in our natures to paste pictures of our president on public display like that. In fact, it makes my skin crawl every time a \*\*living \*\*politician gets his nameplate on something. As an example, we had SJ airport renamed “Norm Mineta Airport” a few yearrs ago. I’d have a lot more respect for ol’ Norm if he politely declined that “honor”. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/58 "2004-11-24T17:02:42Z")
> [@Malodorous](#): > > …So I’m thinking we put on some black PJ’s and put our own message on the billboard… Brings to mind an incident from the late '60’s. A local band of civic remonstrators erected a huge billboard showing several forms of marijuana ingestion (a pipe, some rolled up riffers…roofers?..ruffers?..) with the bold legend “Why Do You Think They Call It _Dope_?!” A few days later it was adorned with the addenda: “Because WE have a sense of humor!” ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/59 "2004-11-24T17:05:13Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Your qualifier holds your entire argument. It is true that Hitler did not have a crushing landslide avalanche of a mandate, like 51%. But the Nazi Party was a powerful minority party in a parliamentary system. One of the weaknesses of the parliamentary system is that a minority party can obtain power wildly out of proportion to their actual numbers. This power was obtained by the usual pedestrian means, votes in ballot boxes. > > They wanted a strong and resolute leader. They got one. Meh, I don’t see Bush as Hitler (although Rove would make an excellent Goebbels.) ---
**Author:** ![bup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6bbea6/32.png) [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416/60 "2004-11-24T17:08:29Z")
> [@Huerta88](#): > > Do you have any doubts that if a grass-roots armed resistance to tyrannical government sprung up, you couldn’t keep the right-wingers out if you tried? > > The right has learned the hard-won lessons of **Red Dawn**. They’d be there, all right, with bells (and camo) on. > > Wolverines! Honestly? Yeah, I do. Not because the right wouldn’t be willing to throw their lives and honor into a resistance, but because they wouldn’t recognize it. I’m not claiming we’re there yet, mind. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-w-bush-our-leader-billboards/276416.md?page=4)