When Rush Limbaugh was announced as a judge for the 2010 Miss America pageant, I didn't have time to give the news the attention it deserves; media outlets carried the story and blogs and message boards erupted.
In the official press release, Miss America's CEO, Art McMaster said, "We are thrilled to have Rush join us for our pageant this year...We know that the 2010 Miss America Pageant will be filled with new twists and exciting opportunities with him as one of our national judges."
However, many question Limbaugh judging a pageant that is aiding women's education and trying to "Go Green," given his many sexist and anti-environmental comments. Naysayers believe it to merely be a publicity stunt and those who don't like either Rush or pageants find it to be an antiquated match made in heaven. There are also those who feel his conservative views fit perfect with the ideals of Miss America.*
What do you think?
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*Writing an affirmative sentence about Rush Limbaugh was extremely difficult for me. His racist, sexist, repulsive sentiments speak for themselves. I think both sides of the political spectrum should be represented on the judging panel, but there are far less offensive options, with cleaner criminal records to boot! In my opinion, this is a pathetic publicity stunt and I can not wait for the day Miss America gets out of bed with FOX News!
With the changes coming down from the top, it makes it harder and harder to tolerate, work around, or explain their position to people working on the local level. Negative changes: having eliminated contestants sit on the stage then commenting on being able to eat,contracting controversial judges, semi-finalists ready to perform talent then eliminating them at the last minute, TLC highlighting some contestants and not all, changing talent to 90 seconds (could it be shorter?), requiring an entry fee which is disguised as a CMN donation, controversy about the way the pageant is run not only on the national level but at the state level as well. Is it any wonder that locals are challenged these days when recruiting contestants? It's frustrating, disappointing, and absolutely needless.
ReplyDeleteNancy M.--part-time West Central Ohio Comm.
To be honest, when I heard this news it was a blessing I didn't win my state title.
ReplyDeleteI love Rush and his politics. We already have a crazy liberal in the office at least lets get a sane Miss America or I am moving to Canada.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am a current contestant and won't post my name because "oh my oh my" liberals make me sick. No one said you can't be far right winged at be Miss America now did they? I am sure I will get bashed for being a Republican - but that's okay
I voted: "No way! He will favor women who share his views and low-ball those who don't. 25% (5 votes)".
ReplyDeleteA judge's personal opinions are just that ... personal opinions. I think that diversity is important on a panel, unless the folks selected to be judges can't leave their own personal vendettas at the door. I don't have a lot of faith that Mr. Limbaugh can do that.
@ Conservative contestant:
ReplyDeleteIMO, being "conservative" is one thing. Openly embracing a racist, sexist, homophobic jerk is quite another thing all together. I weep for our nation's future if the selection of a Miss America is the catalyst to make you renounce your citizenship and move to Canada.
And a bit of unsolicited advice: you will likely go much further in the Miss America system (and in life) when you find the courage of conviction to put your name behind your opinion.
Conservative Contestant,
ReplyDeleteNo one is going to bash you solely for being a Republican and I don't even mind your anonymity. The bigger issue is that your comment here was very inarticulate.
If you're going to call our moderate Democrat President a "crazy liberal" and if you stand by someone as provocative as Limbaugh, you'd better be able to express and defend yourself!
Agreed!!! There's nothing wrong with being a republican. However, I do find sexism and racism absolutely untolerable. It's obvious Miss America is just trying to have a repeat of Miss USA with Perez Hilton, only on the conservative side instead of the crazy liberal kind.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I think that anyone that is extremely pollemical has no business being a judge.... not just crazy republicans or crazy liberals....Can we please get someone open-minded and inteligent??
In my opinion his political party has nothing to do with the decision to place him on the judges panel. I cannot believe Miss America would recruit a judge who stands for everything Miss America tries to avoid...ignorance...opinionated...closed-minded...prejudice...unfaithful...drug abuse...to name a few. I think we are sending mixed signals for the sake of increasing the ratings? Aren't we taking a gamble of bringing more negative publicity to the program?
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who don’t like Rush because you believe he is anti-women, what a remarkable opportunity to show him how amazing, intelligent, hardworking and capable the young women of today can be. It will be good for him to experience the process of choosing Miss America, there is so much more to these young women than what is seen on stage. He can’t help but be impressed by the resumes, accomplishments, interviews and talents of our contestants. Style, Service, Scholarship and Success! I believe the Miss America program will benefit by the publicity Rush can provide.
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