BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson

Subject: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Tunesmith
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 08:35 AM

British TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson ( I think he's known in the States, too) may have opened his big mouth once too often.
On tv yesterday, he suggested that all the public sector workers who went on strike should be shot!
What an idiot! I imagine every person in the country knows somebody who works in the public sector.
And, of course, Clarkson - who's probably a millionaire - hasn't got to worry about the government protecting his pension.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 08:49 AM

Clarkson is an unpleasant bully with a large landed estate across which he has tried to extinguish rights of way to keep peasants out.

A telegraph writer, one Delingpole, has tried to defend Clarkson, but I have messaged Delingpole from his website: -

""Your defence of Clarkson is a disgrace. For decades people like you said "Can't women take a joke?" "Can't Jews take a joke?" "Can't negroes take a joke?" Some joke.

A little time watching any of Clarkson's TV appearances (or indeed a tiny bit of research into his landed estate and the rights of way on it) will demonstrate that the man is a self-important bully.

It is time that toadying to such bullies stopped."

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: theleveller
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 08:53 AM

I've complained to the Beeb. Doubt if they'll do anything, though.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 09:07 AM

Clarkson is hopefully digging his own showbiz grave.

He is so conceited and smugly full of shit he has completely lost touch with what is appropriate 'humour'
for early evening mass TV light family entertainment
and what is best kept in reserve for private late night drinking sessions
with his boorish rabid far right mates.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 09:31 AM

I can't think of anyone more repulsive than Clarkson, but this time I think he was attempting a joke that misfired. Just before the offending diatribe he had said he was grateful to those on strike because their actions had kept the roads clear. He then said that as he was on the BBC he ought to be impartial - and launched into his diatribe in what I took to be a facetious gesture towards "balance."

That said, I would be happy to be proved wrong, and even if I'm right I would be happy if the episode put paid to Clarkson's career, which is of course mostly public-service funded.

For David Cameron it makes a second bosom buddy and near neighbour persona non grata (Rebekah Brooks being the first). As the political commentator Paul Waugh tweeted, at this rate he'll be able to host his Christmas party in a phone booth.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 09:42 AM

the other night on The One Show, when the hosts were talking about ridiculous train fares, all he could offer to the shocked howst and other guests was a complaint that someone always throwing themselves in front of the train to Redditch and why does the driver have to stop. They can't help the person they struck so they might as well drive on and keep the train on schedule.

He keeps racking these comments up and eventually he won't be welcome on any show.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: G-Force
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 09:46 AM

He's not an idiot, he's a successful entertainer posing as an idiot and appealing to many people (including idiots, no doubt).

I thought it was a nice bit of irony/satire, although rather crudely done.

It was worth it, though, for the look on Alex Jones' face.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: GUEST,Shining Wit
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 10:02 AM

He's right up the arse of Rebekah Brooks and Cameron, so he's probably reflecting the views of a certain section of society. Boorish rich tory gits.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Musket
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 10:13 AM

And judging by these posts, Clarkson has met his objective....

He reserves his real disdain for those who take him seriously. Mind you, yes he is a bully, he is boorish and he is very entertaining.

The trick is to enjoy him rather than try to understand a parody that doesn't exist. I watch Top Gear, read his columns and enjoy his many attempt to provoke outrage. Doesn't mean I have to agree with either the person or his alter ego, but by putting the boorish persona forward, he allows people to either laugh with him or at him. I don't think he worries which as long as they laugh.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 10:15 AM

Clarkson Island

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 10:20 AM

Ian, i can see that Clarkson is tiresome, tedious, puerile etc, but entertaining? The trick surely is to pressure the BBC to stop funding his self-indulgent crap.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Musket
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 10:27 AM

No, as TV licence payer, I would suggest the BBC fund him even further. After all, the money The BBC makes out of Top Gear helps keep the licence fee low. It is the best selling product they have, screened in God knows how many countries and the merchandise rights have the commercial stations green at the gills with envy.

Top Gear is the most watched regular TV series on the planet, and The BBC rake it in.

That's the thing about Clarkson's self indulgent crap, it pays for less entertaining self indulgent crap.

Sorry Peter, but I doubt The BBC are funding Clarkson, it would appear he is funding them to an extent...

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 10:36 AM

After Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand's hideous remarks on TV some time ago, and the furore which followed, Clarkson no doubt, like them, will continue his merry way. There are several 'comedians' who insult and outrage the public, and nothing is ever done to rein them in. What amazes me is that people watch their shows and are enchanted by them. They're all just silly overgrown schoolboys trying to shock and thinking it's funny. It isn't, but we don't have to watch them. The Beeb's spending is justified if thousands enjoy their 'wit', and apparently they do.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 10:47 AM

He is an overgrown spoilt brat that has been allowed to get away with his self indulgent crap for far too long. In the beginning he did present Top Gear really well and kept me entertained even though I couldn't careless about the performance of various cars he had skill of presenting that kept me interested and watching the program. Now he even tries to sabotage QI next time he does I hope Stephen Fry has a custard pie at the ready.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Musket
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 11:13 AM

Sorry Eliza, I can't see the connection between James May and Jeremy Clarkson discussing the merits of one car versus another and Jonathan Ross & Russell Brand upsetting an old man by saying things about his Grand Daughter?

Yes, there are people making a living out of saying nasty things about people but not in my wildest dreams do I for one make connections saying that if you are on the BBC to be funny you are to be compared with others doing the same? Being funny is subjective. I laugh when Clarkson says something outrageous but if that makes me an overgrown schoolboy, then bring on the catapult and conkers... It is funny by the way, a lot of it is very funny. Your saying it isn't funny doesn't make it not funny. See? Humour is at somebody's expense. That is what humour is, whether vicious disgusting humour or light hearted observation, it's all funny to someone.

When we rein in comedians, why stop there? Rein in folk singers who insult the millions who don't vote Labour? Rein in anybody who has their coffee black rather than "no milk?" Rein in anybody who says things you disagree with?

Ironically, not even Clarkson's alter ego calls for that....

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: GUEST,Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 11:32 AM

So, you sign up to a deal where you take a reduced wage because you are promised that your employer will put some money aside for you to have as a pension when you retire.

Then your employer takes that money and spends it on something else.

Then your employer tells you that you won't be getting so much pension after all, you will have to work for longer and he wants you to pay some more in for the rest of the time that you are working.

You get a bit upset and go on strike.

The Clarkson says that!

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 11:36 AM

It's pretty obvious - a fair bit of what Clarkson does is offensive bullying. What Ross and that other sociopath did was offensive bullying. Simple enough, Mither?

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 01:45 PM

Ian, I was not comparing Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand's remarks with Jeremy Clarkson and James May on Top Gear at all. I was comparing them with his LATEST remarks about shooting protesters, and mocking people who commit suicide under trains (remarks which at least the BBC saw fit to expunge) If vicious and repulsive remarks are 'funny to someone' (and I don't need the 'see?' thank you very much) I assume you feel it is perfectly acceptable to air them. I don't.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: melodeonboy
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 01:45 PM

Whether it makes money or not, I'm proud that we have such an instution as the BBC, and happy to pay the licence fee, but I object to it being devalued by twats like Ross and Brand, and particularly Clarkson, who must be the vilest man I've ever seen on the box. Wouldn't they all be better suited to one of Murdoch's grot channels? You know, horses for courses and all that!

As for Cameron having chums like Wade and Clarkson, what does that tell you?

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 02:35 PM

I did not see the whole show as I was prompted by his remarks about the strike to switch over. I understand though that he became even more offensive later in the show having been reported as saying:

"I do sometimes use the train to come to London but it always stops in Reading. It's always because somebody has jumped in front of it and somebody has burst."
"You just think, why have we stopped because we've hit somebody? What's the point of stopping? It won't make them better."


Frankly, words fail me.

Rog

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 03:37 PM

Top Gear is the most watched regular TV series on the planet

Really, Ian? If you're trying to do a Clarkson, you need to try a bit harder than that. But I expect you're still chuckling at the one about trains not stopping when they hit people - you not having had any suicides among your friends and relatives presumably?

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: akenaton
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 03:47 PM

Well thereyeare!!

Ian. I am in full agreement with your views on this subject.
Sorry about that, but its a cross which you must bear with fortitude.

It wont happen again....I promise!

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Paul Burke
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 03:56 PM

Didn't some young unknowns get put in jail for publicly advocating violence recently, even though their views got practically zero publicity?

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: paula t
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 03:57 PM

He never surprises does he? Think of the most ridiculous, right wing answer to any question........and he delivers it!
How reliable he is.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 04:02 PM

Oh dear, sense of humour failures or what.
You first mistake was taking that clown Clarkson seriously.
Ignore him, just be grown up about it, and ignore him.
All he wants is attention, and you're giving it to him.
Send him to sit on the naughty step FFS.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 04:10 PM

I didn't recognize who Jeremy Clarkson was until I looked him up on Wikipedia. Now I know he's on "Top Gear" which is shown on BBC America, which is carried by my local cable provider. I've seen maybe 10 minutes of that show out of many years it's been on. I don't know where to find any statistics about how many Americans watch BBC America, but I'd bet most Americans have never heard of Clarkson.

He sounds about as appealing as Gordon Ramsey—the other big star of BBC America.

By the way, I read that BBC America is not funded in any way by UK license fees. BBC America carries advertising.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: autolycus
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 04:19 PM

What he said was the kind of thing the Beeb was very fearful Nick griffin might make on Question Time.

Clarkson is not a comedian or clown. He's a presenter.

One cannot say just anything under the guise of 'joking'. That's just a cheap getout from talking responsibly.

30+ years ago, people like Clarkson wouldn't have got near a mike. His gain is our loss in decency replaced by vileness, and hate disguised as 'only joking'.

I bet those supporting him have some sort of half-decent standards in their work and their areas of expertise.

Is nothing too terrible to get on the Beeb. Things like this make defending the Beeb so much harder.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 04:30 PM

I'm inclined to think that his comment made a lot of people feel more sympathetic to the strikers.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Gurney
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 04:53 PM

Jeremy Clarkson talks a lot of sense. Well, from a point of view, anyway, and quite a lot of people share his point of view, or alternatively laugh at it.
He points out that he is puzzled why anyone should take him seriously. Her Indoors just cracked up laughing at many of the posts on this thread. "Don't they have a sense of humour?"
If anyone finds him a bully, they must be seriously timid. Fancy being too scared to turn off the TV! And for those who want to stop him doing a typical 'Clarkson,' that is bullying behaviour too, but they will never see it.
I believe in freedom of speech, up to a point, and JC hasn't come anywhere near that point.
My personal point of view corresponds pretty well with John MacKenzie's just above.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 05:25 PM

Jeremy Clarkson talks a lot of sense.

Well, he does talk an awful lot, and even a stopped clock is correct twice a day.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 06:03 PM

Did anyone see or has anyone reported the context? I am not excusing the comments but I think the media is playing fast and loose with the public yet again. I only caught the lead up once but it was something like Clarkson saying how much better London was with everyone being on strike. Then , with a reference to being fair to both sides he made the stupid comments as an opposite to his prior 'support' of the strike. It was exeedingly obvious both sets of comments were tongue in cheek and anyone believing he meant either needs their bumps feeling!

Having said that - He should have known, and probably did, what effect the remarks would have.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Lox
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 06:53 PM

.


          Clarkson? .......   Satire? ......



          This is Satire!!




.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: paula t
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 07:38 PM

Stopped the papers from focussing on George Osborne's horrendous announcement yesterday though didn't it? Hmm....

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: ChrisJBrady
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 07:44 PM

JC is a thoroughly nasty arrogant ar$ehole.

"In November 2004 Clarkson took a Land Rover up a trackless Scottish hillside, churning up fragile peat bogs and heather, causing much concern amongst environmental groups. The Mountaineering Council of Scotland said that the stunt was irresponsible and likely to encourage similar destructive behaviour on other private estates. The council's president, John Mackenzie, the Earl of Cromartie said "The virgin land Clarkson has chewed up will now take hundreds of years to be regenerated. There's no excuse for this, no matter how good the Land Rover might have been. This sets a precedent and it is going to encourage even less disciplined individuals to act irresponsibly'." (Guardian 16 November 2004)."

In July 2005 Clarkson continued his anti-cyclist theme writing that he would run any cyclist down he saw going though a red light 'for fun' and also warning cyclists to ensure they did not stop in front of him at traffic lights either as he would "set off at normal speed and you will be crushed under my wheels."

http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/jeremy-clarkson/other-clarkson-controversies.html

I remember a few years ago he said that all motorcyclists should be decapitated with a wire across the road.

"Clarkson has gained a lot of notoriety in the biking world for his comments on motorcycling, such as "I'm not scared of bikers. If they crash into my car, they crumple and I go home" and "One day I will silence them by stretching a piece of cheese wire across the road"."

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2008/October/13-19/oct1308-clarkson-caught-on-scooter/

"Despite his love of fast cars Clarkson has little time for motorcyclists. In a 'Times' column in 2004 he wrote of how much he hated noisy motorcycles saying "One day I will silence them by stretching a piece of cheese wire across the road". Clarkson made similar comments during a Top Gear programme broadcast on 7 August 2005, this time saying that those with noisy motorbikes should be "shot in the face"."

http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/jeremy-clarkson/other-clarkson-controversies.html

Unfortunately one night some idiot did just that - he strung a wire across Arundel Road in Kemp Town, Brighton, near where we used to live. As it happened a motorcyclist did come down the road early in the morning, ran into the wire, and yet with luck didn't decapitate himself. But he did end up in hospital with a severe cut across the chest (his leathers saved him) and with serious head injuries from falling off his bike at speed.

====

I also remember a few years ago another ar$ehole Billy Connolly made a joke about Brit. kidnap victim Ken Bigley in Iraq.   

http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Kenneth_Bigley

"In October 2004, during an 18-night stint at London's Hammersmith Apollo, the Scottish comedian and actor Billy Connolly was criticised for making jokes about the hostage Bigley. Shortly after Connolly joked about the future killing of the hostage and touched on the subject of Bigley's young Thai wife, Bigley was beheaded in Iraq. Connolly claims he was misquoted. He has declined to clarify what he actually said, claiming that the context was as important as the precise words used. Connolly's routine has since been defended as an attack on the prurient media coverage of the incident, rather than a tasteless comment at the expense of the Bigleys."

Actually the Beeb broadcast the routine during which Connolly remarked something to the effect that "the negotiations for Bigley's release had gone on long enough and if they were going to behead the guy then they had better do it soon." The next day he was indeed beheaded.

====

Nice people - NOT ...

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 08:55 PM

No doubt if the BBC marketted pornography and public executions it would raise a few quid. But Clarkson is such a plonker that he is doing England's image no good at all. Irretrievable harm, I should have thought.

As a columnist, he is funny. I find him distressing as a TV personality. Not because of anything he says. Its just that you know 14 year old boys are watching this and are thinking that boorishness, sexism, and insulting behaviour are tied up with being a grown up.

Go the sump classes of any comp in the land, and you'll find kids getting JC's Christmas video in their stocking on Xmas day. He's a really bad example of how to behave and how to talk to your fellow man.

He's bad news.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: michaelr
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 09:17 PM

He sounds like the UK's version of Glenn Beck. Let's hope he goes the same way!

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 10:37 PM

I'll settle for Tony Parson's description, quoted in one of CJB's links above: "Jim Davidson with a driving licence."

But can there be any incident that shows Clarkson more clearly than this one for the crass pillock he is? It was for just such glorious moments that the Germans invented that word schadenfreude.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 01 Dec 11 - 10:39 PM

Sorry, should have said Parsons'...

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Fossil
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 02:44 AM

Don't like Jezza? Don't bloody watch him then. That is why your TV remote has an power button.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 02:47 AM

Hard to avoid yesterday...!

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 03:05 AM

He brings shame on his native Yorkshire, glad he no longer lives here.

Dave H

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: melodeonboy
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 04:38 AM

"Its just that you know 14 year old boys are watching this and are thinking that boorishness, sexism, and insulting behaviour are tied up with being a grown up."

Exactly! A very important point, Alan. Something that the people who say "Just turn him off then if you don't like it" don't consider.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 05:42 AM

Jeremy Clarkson should, instead, aim at the revolting inequality and grossly unfair competition that free-markets produce. My brief Sage Gatesead/Radio 3 talk "Cut Capitalism" - http://davidfranks.blogspot.com/2010/11/ne-england-gig-06112010.html

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: GUEST,Shining Wit
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 06:37 AM

"When we rein in comedians, why stop there?"

Clarkson isn't a comedian - where has this come from? It's not the first time I've heard it. He's a journalist (supposedly) and broadcaster and although he can be witty in his own way he's about as far from being a comedian as it's possible to be.

The funniest thing about Clarkson is the two sycophantic oiks-posing-as-middle-class-blokes that hang around with him. Those two are really crap.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: theleveller
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 07:45 AM

Sign this petition to get rid of the twat

http://www.change.org/petitions/bbc-sack-jeremy-clarkson

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: GUEST,Mike Rogers
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 09:29 AM

I'll sign a petition to keep him if I can find one.
Clarkson must be laughing himself silly at all the self righteous
clods who have seemingly suffered a mass humour by-pass.
Save your indignation for the bastards who speak in the Houses of Parliament every week and who cause REAL offence.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Tunesmith
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 09:39 AM

Is Cameron one of those bastards in the Houses of Parliment?
Well, he's a very good friend of the obnoxious Jeremy Clarkson, and you know what they say about judging a person by the company he keeps!

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 10:01 AM

suffered a mass humour by-pass

what would you regard as serious - an expressed wish to see all the Jews shot, all the postmen, all the folksingers, allthe black people , all the muslims. all the children under the age of six, everyone over five foot ten, all the royal family.......?

If you sack him, he'll be back, like Brand was. Can't see the point of a petition. He's too well in.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: theleveller
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 10:04 AM

"Save your indignation for the bastards who speak in the Houses of Parliament every week and who cause REAL offence."

Oh, believe me, there's plenty to go round all the bastards - in or out of Parliament.

Subject: RE: BS: Jeremy 'The Idiot' Clarkson
From: GUEST,Mike Rogers
Date: 02 Dec 11 - 11:06 AM

Is Cameron one of those bastards in the Houses of Parliment?
asks Tunesmith.

Yes in my view, as are most of the other inhabitants. Actually I doubt that Cameron is too pleased with Clarkson who at a stroke increased sympathy for the strikers. But Just Call Me Dave keeps some lovely company over at Chipping Norton.

Clarkson will no doubt enjoy huge sales of his latest book. I don't like the guy as it happens and would struggle to spend more than a couple of minutes in his company without wanting to punch him.

Meanwhile the world is on the verge of complete financial meltdown, the NHS is about to be destroyed and a volcano may catastrophically erupt. I've more things to get blathered about than a few ill-chosen words of a buffoon.