From the Right

/

Politics

The DeGeneres-Bush photo received unnecessary roughness

Ruben Navarrette Jr. on

SAN DIEGO -- Who would have thought that we would get to the point where Ellen DeGeneres would be free to marry someone of the same sex -- but not free to sit and watch a football game with someone who has different political beliefs?

We all know that the NFL can be rough. But it turns out the bruises can extend to those in the stands.

Apparently, liberalism has its limits. Those on the left who always have a sermon handy about the virtue of tolerance should practice what they preach. They're often more close-minded than the people whose minds they're trying to pry open. And because they're convinced they're right, and they feel morally superior to everyone else, they don't listen to criticism.

All of which brings me to a sad controversy about football and friendship. DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, were in North Texas on a recent Sunday to watch the Dallas Cowboys play the Green Bay Packers, thanks to an invitation from the daughter of Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones. They were in the luxurious owner's suite, sitting next to another famous couple -- former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush.

Someone took a photo of DeGeneres and the former president. The image went viral. And here's the worst part. In the photo, you could see Ellen and George -- gasp! -- laughing. There's more. As DeGeneres later revealed, the two of them are actually friends.

The nerve of these people, relaxing and having fun at a sporting event while the rest of America is at each other's throats.

 

It probably won't surprise you to learn that some folks rose up in anger to condemn this unlikely friendship. That's how it is with some people. They see some act of civility and kindness, and they have to try to discredit or ruin it.

This time, the uprising occurred on the left. Bush haters who also happen to be fans of DeGeneres had an especially hard time seeing someone they respect enjoying the company of a person they revile.

Many took to Twitter to air their grievances, and then quickly resorted to name-calling. To them, Bush is a liar, a war criminal and a bigot who opposes same-sex marriage. And those are just his good points.

A few days after the game, on her show, the host said she understood why some people were caught off guard.

...continued

swipe to next page

 

 

Comics

Al Goodwyn Gary Varvel Gary McCoy Christopher Weyant Bill Day Lee Judge