Apparently loads of Americans lack a sense of humor. Stephen Colbert's presentation at the April 29th White House Correspondents dinner was met with as much dismay as laughter. President Bush was shocked and Laura Bush was said to be "miffed," "disoriented," and "distressed." As explained in Editor and Publisher, the press, targeted as much as the administration, shifted in their seats only enough to remove their hands from under their legs.
Have any of the parties offended by Stephen Colbert's presentation looked up the word, satire?
Using wit and irony to jab those in power is an ancient tradition, not a political bias. It wasn't only fictional Lear who trusted his jester to carry the truth, many cultures prized the court clown. That the Bush administration, its supporters and the press have no tolerance for humor is a reflection of their response to criticism.
The media, the press, those who claim the right to do what Colbert did, must realize that by disuse and abuse of their powerful positions, they have inadvertently opened the door and allowed sharp, fresh air into their closed rooms. One cannot clamor for freedom, cannot toss freedom around as a talking point without allowing people the liberty to talk.
The phrase, "speaking truth to power," was coined by the American Friends, Quakers, in response to the political assumption that military force can bring about peace. Colbert brought truth wrapped in truthiness. I suspect those who did not laugh have mistaken the wrapping for the gift.
Surely the event organizers hired Mr. Colbert precisely because of his satirical work. They are to be admired for inviting the Fool to Court.
