Once again proving the rule that the people who whine and scream the most about how politically divided the nation seems to be these days are the people who do most to keep it that way, the Washington Post details a rant delivered by Chevy Chase at the Kennedy Center on Tuesday evening.

Chase, formerly a comedic actor, was hosting a gala thrown by People for the American Way, a group that awarded their Defenders of Democracy to Alec Baldwin and Susan Sarandon. Parenthetically, if you've ever wondered why you have never received a Defender of Democracy award, perhaps it is because you have never gone on national television to advocate the stoning of Rep. Henry Hyde of Illinois or added to the sum wisdom of democratic ideals by making a movie such as "The Banger Sisters." Pity you.

After Baldwin and Sarandon finished their acceptance speeches, Chase went on a diatribe about the President and Vice President that even left ardent blue state lefties red with embarrassment. A sample from the comic genius:

The President, Chase said, is "a dumb f*ck." Deep. He added, "I'm no f*cking clown either, this guy started a jihad." Umm—hmm. Finally, "This guy in office is an uneducated, real lying schmuck."

Yes, well, Chase's BA in English from Bard College does look impressive in the face of the degrees from Yale and Harvard that the President holds.

Chase and his fellow travelers in Hollywood do not shock or surprise anyone with any sense any longer. In fact, these statements made by Chase are perhaps the funniest thing he has said or done in years, though of course he can't even get that right as it is funny judged on the scale of unintentional comedy.

In case they haven't noticed, Hollywood is having one of its worst years at the box office in a long time. Part of that is due to the absoloute schlock that continues to come out of movie studios, but part of it is due to the fact that sensible people all over the nation just aren't cowed by celebrity pronouncements on matters about which they know nothing. People find it annoying and trite, and there comes a time when sensible people just can't stand the thought of giving even a few dollars toward these spoiled, ignorant jackasses. That time is now.

Keep it up, though, brave defenders of democracy. The more you protest, the more irrelevant you become, and the stronger the Republican Party becomes. So, in a word, thanks.

Matt May   12 16 04