Gwar on Joan Rivers

Okay, stay with me here. I'm just getting back from my holiday break and I haven't posted in a while. (I'm still working on my global obesity vs. socialized medicine post. Wait for it!) In the meantime, I decided to post a tribute to free speech rules.

This interview is excellent because both sides understand how ridiculous it is. Joan Rivers tries to get Gwar (Gwar!) to take responsibility for the action of their fans. They reply that anyone that violent can find an outlet in the military or a police station. It's a silly back and forth that occasionally sheds light on the human condition.

Gwar will be the first ones to admit their antics are over the top. They once lost a 1991 mainstream record deal when the female backup singer simulated menstruation on the executive's chair. It's ridiculous but their excess attracts fans that wouldn't listen otherwise.

No one can describe Gwar as serious artists but they provide enough actual art for a museum exhibit. Some Canadian philistines would prefer that speech far tamer than Gwar be silenced. Opinions must be free so debate can reign. Look back at the 1950's when McCarthy quelled dissent. The media only portrayed barely restrained suicidal impulses generated by the Leave It To Beaver style suburban conformity. Safe speech doesn't need protection. Ridiculous viewpoints must rule the land. You might learn something in the best case scenario. At worst, the thousand channel marketplace will get filled with something other than Full House reruns and androgynous Disney singers.