“A conservative filmmaker in Hollywood thought he had developed a worthwhile iPhone app: a telephone directory listing every U.S. senator and congressman, with caricatures of the legislators drawn by an artist,” Gene J. Koprowski reports for FOX News. “But Apple apparently didn’t see the value, and the computer behemoth said a cartoon drawing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was part of the reason why.”
“The filmmaker, Ray Griggs, told FoxNews.com that his small firm, RG Entertainment, received a rejection letter from Apple this week calling the caricatures ‘objectionable.’ He added that he has received several e-mails suggesting that Apple stock owned by Pelosi’s husband may have played a factor in the decision,” Koprowski reports. “Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill, when questioned about the application, said ‘this is the first I’ve heard of this.’ He declined to comment further. Apple didn’t return repeated phone calls and e-mails seeking comment for this story. RG has developed other apps for the iPhone that Apple has accepted.”
“The directory’s caricatures feature the drawings of every member of Congress — Republicans, Democrats and independents alike — by freelance artist Tom Richmond, who has drawn for Mad Magazine. The heads of the politicians bobble on the iPhone screen,” Koprowski reports. “The app was developed for young voters who want instant online and telephone access to their senators and congressmen.”
Koprowski reports, “Apple’s rejection letter for Griggs’ app states: ‘Thank you for submitting Bobble Rep – 111th Congress Edition to the App Store. We’ve reviewed Bobble Rep – 111th Congress Edition and determined that we cannot post this version of your iPhone application to the App Store because it contains content that ridicules public figures.'”
MacDailyNews Take: So what? Public figures exist to be ridiculed. And the whole point of caricature is meant to depict a person or thing with certain striking characteristics exaggerated in order to create a comic and/or distorted effect in the name of instant recognition. Caricature has a very long and important history in politics, entertainment, literature, etc. It’s an art form, not something that should be banned because some politically correct cretan in a Cupertino cubicle thinks there’s a chance that it might offend somebody somewhere. Newsflash: Somebody somewhere will always be offended no matter what.* Sheesh. Thomas Nast is spinning in his grave right now.
MacDailyNews Note: Read Tom Richmond’s reaction to Apple’s idiotic, ill-conceived rejection via his blog here.
Koprowski continues, “The e-mail was signed by the ‘iPhone Developer Program’ — no name was given — and it included an image of Pelosi that it deemed ‘offensive.’ [Griggs said], ‘These politicians are public figures. No permission is needed to write or comment on them. We have a complete right to do this.'”
“Griggs said he’s received a lot of e-mail alleging that Speaker Pelosi’s husband, Paul, owns $5 million in shares in Apple, and the Washington newspaper Roll Call wrote that the speaker’s spouse owned the shares,” Koprowski reports. “Pelosi’s spokesman would not answer e-mailed questions asking whether her husband still owns the shares, or whether she or her staff or her husband were in contact with Apple regarding the images.”
MacDailyNews Take: So, Griggs received a lot of email. Big deal. As if Pelosi or her husband has a hot line to Apple’s snot-nosed app approval flunkies. Seriously, we’d be shocked if either of The Pelosis even know there is an App Store, much less have a hand in rejecting a once-obscure iPhone app that offers online and telephone access to senators and congressmen alongside their caricatures. Let’s stay at least loosely connected with reality, okay? That said, Griggs is doing the right thing and should keep conjuring up as much publicity as possible. Maybe this one’ll finally prompt Apple to take some meaningful action or at least explain why an app devoted to a helping a cartoon monkey piss into a toilet before the room overflows with pee is fine and dandy for App Store inclusion, but this app is not.
Koprowski reports, “Some think Apple may simply have been acting cautiously. Nationally syndicated columnist and commentator Betsy Hart tells FoxNews.com: ‘I don’t think this is just another case of liberal media bias. While it may start there, surely Apple has witnessed what the Democratic machine in Washington has done or attempted to do as it has muscled into the American banking, auto and energy industries. And that’s not to mention healthcare. If I were the folks at a multibillion dollar corporation like Apple, I wouldn’t want to tick off Nancy Pelosi and her gang either!'”
Read more details in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple blew it. Again. This app features caricatures of all 540 members of Congress, regardless of political party. This app should never have been rejected and whoever’s in charge of the college intern(s) in Apple’s App Store approvals department is clearly incompetent enough to be serving in the U.S. Congress themselves.
This falls into exactly the same category as the “I Am Rich” rejection. Apple should make sure that apps are safe to run on iPhone OS and leave taste, or lack thereof, out of the approval equation. It’s not Apple’s responsibility to “protect” people from downloading apps that may offend the downloaders’ or others’ sensibilities. Frankly, nobody much cares if you’re “offended.” STFU and deal with it; we’re beyond tired of all the whining. Nobody’s entitled to a life free of offense and insult, real or imagined. That’s simply not how this planet and the human race work. Attempting to thwart human nature instead of using it constructively is the root of mankind’s folly. We could’ve used “humankind” there, but we didn’t. And, we’re never changing it. Deal with it.
Apple’s only considerations should be to make sure apps do not harm the device and/or encourage physically harming others, directly or indirectly. That’s why we immediately condemned that despicable “Baby Shaker” app and applauded Apple for nixing it. Of course, it never should have been approved in the first place, but we already knew that Apple’s app approval process had major issues long before that particular SNAFU. (And, by the way,” for those that want to bring up FPS or similarly violent games: A defenseless infant is actually different than an armed soldier. If you’re ever in an actual war, you’re supposed to fight the enemy; if you’re ever holding a real baby, you’re never, ever to shake him or her.)
Members of Congress are public figures and political caricatures are part of the deal that comes with holding public office. The fact that these particular caricatures are so innocuous only highlights the severity of Apple’s App Store approval issues.
We don’t know if Apple’s problem is: (a) the quality of the staff they’ve hired to flip the coins they use to determine app approvals; (b) if said staff is totally overwhelmed; (c) if said “staff” is really just that lone not-so-smart MobileMe launch guy whom the new, more mellow Steve didn’t have the heart to fire; or (e) all of the above, but they really ought to have worked it out by now.
When they wake up, people with brains at Apple are likely going to want to correct this one yesterday. The problem is that yesterday has passed. Another looming App Store PR debacle is all that remains.
MacDailyNews Note: Contact Apple via Web form here.
UPDATE: November 14, 3:03 PM EST: About face! Apple approves iPhone app featuring caricatures of politicians for sale in App Store
*Trust us on that one. You should read our email.
This is so inane, that I can’t believe it will stand more than 24 hours. Going out on a limb and predicting Apple will rescind this tomorrow (Fri 11/13).
Let’s hope so. Apple needs to stay above the fray of politics du jour or risk screwing up one of the worlds most valuable brands.
Apple doesn’t want to get into a political game like that. Oh and I really think $5M shares is something Apple is worried about. The company is worth $180BB.
That’s an excellent caricature of Pelosi. It captures her usual deer in the headlights look quite well.
Just look at this video of her and I’m sure you’ll agree:
Yes, Virginia, we have a babbling, lying idiot as U.S. Speaker of the House, but look on the bright side, at least you’ve elected a Republican Governor!
2010, then 2012.
Here’s Tom Richmond’s rant on the matter:
http://www.tomrichmond.com/blog/2009/11/09/apple-rejects-my-caricature-app/
The commenters are quick to point out Android’s superiority.
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I wondered if this was gonna show up here.
If I were Ray Griggs, I would sue Apple up the wazzoo for violation of the 1st Amendment right to freedom of speech. The app is WELL within the bounds of any sense of humor and respect. This is a lawsuit waiting to happen…
It’s MUCH better looking than the botoxed hag really looks like.
Extremely proud to be a fairly large AAPL shareholder (1/4 the Speaker’s holdings) and strident Mac proponent. REALLY embarrassed to be part of the Apple/Gore/Pelosi/anti-US Chamber of Commerce political connection.
Won’t own GE. Beginning to wonder about AAPL.
Koprowski received some emails?
Well then it MUST be true.
Fox Executive — Gene, we need a conservative spin on this if you want to see it air. I don’t care if you don’t have a source for this story, just say you received some emails.
@MacMan
Of course you would sue Apple, you idiot. Its the knee jerk reaction of the generation of our times … wet in your diapers, cry to mommie, then go stammering off to your lawyer and file a suit for anything.
Grow the fsck up.
Democrat and Republican jokes aside, Apple did blow it!
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Careful there Apple. You’re treading in shark infested water when you start playing politics.
As a fan of Apple, I can accept that they are a liberal company, but as a financial conservative I can only take so much.
It would be a good idea to drop this one and continue to make insanely great products.
I can’t see anything offensive about it… I’m not one to cry Apple censorship but this is really over the line. They should stop at checking to make sure things function and don’t do anything malicious programmatically. How they ever think they can be the world’s Taste Police is an irksome mystery to me. I really feel for this guy, developing apps isn’t fscking free you know.
Perhaps apple should consider quieting some of the objections to app store rejections down by outsourcing the app store approval process to a third party. Spend the cash to train and retain a ton of staff. Then, when apps are rejected for idiotic reasons, Apple can swoop In as the hero to fix everything- blame the third party, make a big public show about talking to them, and only through Apple’s own intervention was it saved. Good PR, and a nice re-direct of the issue.
Or they could just pull their heads out of their collective asses.
MDN: Clearly your intention is to take a bat to the hornet’s nest of political contention around here. Home run.
Whether RG Entertainment had similar intentions remains to be seen. In any case, I’m staying out of this one, as apparently is Apple.
Nancy Pelosi scarryly looks like Sarah Palin! Berk! Is she standing within the same insane creationist line? Do some people still wote for such a b….t?
LOL! I love how the wingnuts are trying to make some conspiracy theory out of this, claiming this was all Pelosi’s doing. For once, MDN was correct in its take. Don’t you wingnuts realize that Apple has a horrendous app rejection policy and this latest one is nothing new?
Go take your whining conspiracy theories to Beck, I’m sure he’ll listen.
Yes, politicians deserve to be caricatured. Hell, they deserve worse than that. And, yes, denying this app makes it look like Apple is being bought and influenced.
How about keeping politics out of this site?!!!!!!!!
Agree.
Anything with that looney left lib Pelosi is offensive. Trash the app, kick her out of Congress and send her back to that crap hole San Francisco where she fits in perfectly.
Reported on FOX News, huh? Eh. I think I’ll wait for it to be reported on a real news network before I get upset.
——RM
As your regular fanboy I have to say
Shame on you Apple!
Did you call the Chinese government before making this decision?
It is the very soul of liberty and democracy…. to be able to ridicule public figures… especially in government.
Steve what have you been smoking?
I see 3 things:
1. Stupid decision of Apple.
2. Incredible childish behavior of the people who want to blame this on Pelosi.
3. Unbelievable uninformed people who believes the incredible childish behavior of the people who want to blame this on Pelosi.
MDN Politics Zen Puzzle:
The Senate is considering a bill to force Apple not to discriminate against political speech. The bill would not regulate any aspect of Apple’s business except to say that App Store apps cannot be rejected on political grounds.
Government: good or bad?
Discuss.
Fredo: Any links?
Pelosi is offensive!
Funny that MDN reports on this, which only made the rounds in the conservative media, but didn’t even report on Facebook app developer Joe Hewitt blasting Apple and quitting the platform (something which was much more widely reported); I guess they’re waiting for the appropriate spin from another source.
All that said, rejecting the Congressional app was a pretty weak move by Apple…
Let’s give apple a chance to explain, to me this sounds like a smear campaign. Apple has a long history of treating issues fairly. Let’s see if this filmaker is telling the truth or just trying to smear the opposition using apple’s high name recognition and following
According to the blog of rhe illustrator, Griggs has been scheduled on several Fox shows today including Glenn Beck to discuss his new film and his app. If Apple doesn’t squash this hard by 7am PST, the topic will be all. About the rejection of the app.
As I write this it’s 5am PST. I wonder if Apple PR or the misguided lackey who rejected the app have any idea yet the poop-storm that awaits them at work today.
If I was an Apple employee at 1 Infinite today, I would take the stairs.
…and if I was the Apple employee who rejected that app, I’d use my passport.
I find Pelosi to be offensive in all incarnations –
This is pure censorship.
@ Foofy:
Hahaha – I was going to comment the exact same thing (sans YouTube link).
If it wasn’t this app rejection, it would be some other (Baby Shaker, anyone?) getting people riled up.
They’re caricatures and not supposed to be flattering. Who cares?
Before passing judgement, I’d like to hear some actual facts instead of the usual shrill finger-pointing BS.
I don’t give a rat’s ass either way. Even if the app were free I still would’t put this directory on my device.
Why in the fsck would I want to talk to those clowns in congress anyway, they’re all idiots!
I say let them bash apple, they’ve been bashed by whackos for thirty years.
What I’m waiting for now is Enderle to come in swinging.
The caricature of McCain looks like him. The problem with Pelosi’s is it looks too much like Carol Burnett.
Apple has been pushing the political issues for years…
California abortion amendment (donating money and support)…
Global warming support (Al Gore)…
Pulling out of the Chamber of Commerce…
Donations to political leaders…
And many more…
I am not talking about the rights/wrongs of abortion or global warming etc. I am talking about political agendas. Apple are you becoming another GE? Maybe you can start making wind mill applications for the iPhone.
Apple, big deal with bobble head iphone app! Get over your agenda and put this app out!
wmd
apple stop being F(*%ing disney
Reading the “political” posts on MDN it seems like the most liberal company in the US has a lot of conservative fan boys… Dudes, don’t you know what Apple’s political standpoint has been throughout the years? Picturing some of the square minds here with an Apple MacBook on the local diner is like a Green Peace t-shirt on a tea party. Apple makes the best computers and everybody should use them but you should be aware of the imagery/culture you bought in to, cemented for decades by the hardcore Apple family. Now, you can go and get yourself that Save the Environment t-shirt as well.
Boy, wait until Rush gets this story. Rush is a big Mac fan. He’s going to rip Apple a new one. Damn shame!
It is great to see Apple get the most vicious bitch slapping that it so richly deserves. Apple’s control of Apps is beyond insane.
Steve Jobs is as liberal as the come. Al Gore, the climate fraud, is on APPL’s board. What do you expect?
I was considering buying a new iMac for Christmas, but now think why support these libs’ efforts to suppress free speech?
You have to remember that this is being reported by Fox News, so who knows how fabricated all of this is (remember the Tea Bagger protests?). So I wouldn’t even bother reacting to this–the whole thing sounds like a concocted story to me.
Now, it’s no surprise that MDN would take the bait and report on this, since we know that MDN “pals around” with Rupert Murdoch and his ilk. And of course MDN knows that Obama was not born in this country…
Apple…the new Microsoft…..what’s with these guys…….they captured Pelosi’s blank vacant empty headed stare perfectly.
“MacDailyNews Take: So what? Public figures exist to be ridiculed. And the whole point of caricature is meant to depict a person or thing with certain striking characteristics exaggerated in order to create a comic and/or distorted effect in the name of instant recognition. Caricature has a very long and important history in politics, entertainment, literature, etc. It’s an art form, not something that should be banned because some politically correct cretan in a cubicle thinks there’s a chance that it might offend somebody somewhere. Newsflash: Somebody somewhere will always be offended no matter what.* Sheesh. Thomas Nast is spinning in his grave right now.”
That is way MDN keeps anonymous, so as to avoid ridicule? Although I do agree, this is plain and simply totally against freedom of speech. If you don’t want people to draw caricatures of you, avoid a public office life.
Ummmm, where EXACTLY did Apple’s rejection mention Pelosi? Or anyone for that matter?? Wingnuts….
I’m no Pelosi fan, but her caricature (as compared with the others) does come across as insulting. It’s a little more over the top.
Apple has the right to reject or approve any App it sees fit. This is a free country and if you don’t like the tactics of a company, buy from someone else. It’s the same as turning the TV station when you don’t like the content of a certain program. The sense of entitlement in America is truly astounding.
For those that think this is censorship… grow up.
I disagree with Apple on this one. I could use this app.
Couldn’t agree more, MDN. So sick of hearing these stories, but this one is particularly egregious.
Man oh man is Pelosi and the rest of the Democrat scum disgusting. She should be standing on a communist flag with a hammer and sickle not the good old stars and stripes. You commies are traitors and destroying our country. We will fight your unconstitutional agenda tooth and nail every step of the way. This is all out war now. We will use all of your liberal tactics right back at you.
@MacMan
Lawsuits, eh? While I concede that Apple has to act within certain bounds (e.g., non-discrimination), do you actually have a “right” to post an iPhone app? In that case, I might have something I’d like to post on your facebook page…it must be my right.
Conservatives claim to be pro-business until it suits them (or lawsuits them) to be otherwise.
MacMan
King Mel is right! The 1st amendment deals with your right against the government, not a company, barring your free speech.
@Proud American
That’s fine, as long as you don’t use those nasty conservative tactics.
Seriously, do you think that you hold the cards in terms of dedication, devotion, and commitment to the ideals on which this country were founded? It appears that the GOP “reality-distortion” field has fully saturated its own.
Moderation is the key, folks. In general, the extremists on both ends are far too close-minded and in love with their professed agendas. Our Congress has become disfunctional over the past few decades, as has our legal system. Seriously, is everything in the world now termed a disability?
Apple should outsource the approval process for the app store and stay above the fray.
They’ve blessed over 100k apps, which is an extraordinary feat in and of itself, but some just can’t seem to keep this in perspective, and would instead make unwarranted threats, raise conspiratorial practices, raise the notion that Apple is anti-democracy, when in fact they have given thousands, if not billions of us, a marvelous venue for expression.
I can let this go, because in the bigger picture, Apple has performed almost flawlessly to deliver a marvelous product that is open to every stripe.
To those who would smear Apple over this one app, in spite of the fact that a handful of individuals who work to weigh the merits of thousands of submissions aren’t being very realistic. Everyone needs to take a breath and ask yourself is this really that significant enough to all worked up about? Personally, I don’t see any trend here, however there are those here, especially non-registered members who will take the smallest issue and use it to advance their hateful agendas.
I say let it go! We have greater issues to deal with.
and there are bound to be a few stinkers
@ Proud American: Same conservative rhetoric, different day.
For the umpteenth time, socialism is not the same as communism. Look it up, you frelling retard.
If you don’t like any socialism, then lets dig up all the roads by your house, stop police and fire service to your neighborhood, and close all the parks. Oh, and we can empty the prisons too. SOME levels of socialism are unavoidable. Social provisions are considered marks of an advanced society.
If you are so enamored of the past I’ll get you a tri-cornered hat, boot you through a time machine, and see how you enjoy using a horse as transportation and having to go outside to poop.
@proud american
**THWACK** and **THWACK**
Hey derekcurrie, I though you said if you cut off their heads, zombies die?
proud american is a patriotic troll declaring war against americans, liberal or otherwise, they’re still americans, and your calling liberals commies? That’s rich.
Proud american has never served his country. Fail.
Apple thinks that ‘FARTS’ are OK, but ‘FRUMPS’ are not?
Nancy Lugosi can’t even shut her eyes – she’s stretched so tight.
Looks like Cupertino is much closer to San Francisco than a road map would make one think….
just my $0.02
G4Dualie,
Obviously, you’ve never attended an English class. Fail.
Proud American is as much entitled to his opinion and dissent as anyone else.
Holy crap…
MDN is on a ‘tear’ (hint: rhymes with ‘bear’) with their ‘take’.
Gotta love it.
MaWo: ‘showed’.
btw, I also love it when the ‘National Socialists’ (trained, taught, & educated) knee-jerk reactionaries resort to name-calling because of their inability to intellectually persuade others to agree with their position.
Please continue to do so. This will continue to illustrate your tyrannical Marxist / Stalinist / (“Those who disagree with us should be destroyed.”) position. Thank you for showing what you really are.
You can tell conservatives are involved on a story when the hysterical invective and “leftist conspiracy” nonsense gets thrown around. And get a grip on reality, teabaggers. After watching that dipshit Palin in action, do you think anyone gives a sh!t what you think of Pelosi? You are obviously judgement impaired.
Is CNNMoney.com a good enough source for you? I can’t understand the FoxNews haters here. Just like the President you should get a life and not be such a cry baby because some news organization doesn’t put your spin on things for you.
“it contains content that ridicules public figures”
Quick contact Apples ad agency! If ridicule if off limits at Apple they better quit making those Mac/PC ads……….
Yeah, this is Apple at its most IDIOTIC. Though I’m an Apple fan, and shareholder, I have to say this type of BS is occurring with increasing frequency.
To Apple: FIX THIS FAST!
I’m not a big fan of the extreme left or right, but I don’t see what the big fuss was for Apple. Just how was the caricature of Pelosi offensive? MDN, you’re correct. Apple blew it big time on this one.
Journo:
G4Dualie’s reaction wasn’t to Proud American’s right to dissent and free speech. It was to his declaration of war on his fellow Americans who don’t think like him. The Proud American has crossed the line, since he is publicly implying violence in order to fight for his own political views.
The statement sounded exactly as if it had been taken out of Joseph McCarthy’s speeches. If anyone here isn’t familiar with the guy, he was the most vicious and evil political figure in the American history (and competition is rather strong there). He destroyed lives of thousands of great Americans because of their purported political beliefs. Our Proud American is hoping for a re-run of that McCarthy show…
The entire problem here is that Apple is opening itself up to potential lawsuits with the whole “We need to not only police the quality of apps on the app store, but also the content of apps.” Please Apple, focus only on the quality and put a large disclaimer in your license agreement to end users that states that Apple has no responsibility for the content of apps.
As I have said before, Apple approving content on apps would be like if Microsoft had to approve every application that runs on Windows and as part of this approval, had to approve the content as well.
Predrag,
Are you referring to Proud American’s promise to “fight… tooth and nail?” I ask, because I read that as a figure of speech, not an implied incitement of actual violence.
Stop branding people who don’t agree with your views – views that have repeatedly and routinely failed throughout human history – as hoping for “vicious and evil” people to gain power and you’ll likely get more of the under-25/no life experience/Democrat-voting crowd to agree with your warped, failed thinking.
Big government is not the answer.
If I’ve lost MacDailyNews, I’ve lost the Apple fans.
I love Apple’s products. But when they delve into politics, they risk losing up to 50% (or more) of potential customers. Remember, this country was founded based on the ideas of life, liberty (which means freedom), and the pursuit of happiness.
Apple can do what they want, but do ALL of Apple’s employees feel the same, or just those at the top?
Do all of our citizens feel the same as Nancy Pelosi?
Does Apple vote in public elections? Does Steve Jobs get two votes when Apple takes a political positions for the company? Should he? Or should he get the same as everyone else: one individual, one vote?
This is change we are going to have to live with for a few more years.
Where is fredom of speech/expression? Ask a czar.
Give me a break.
@gladrob
What are you talking about? Seems the feelings that were hurt was Mr. Pelosi’s. Not the conservatives.
And that’s right, this is a free country and if we dont like what Apple’s doing or their policies, those that want to can go somewhere else.
I hope we are still free to do that.
And presently I think we have too many cry babies and too many of them have been voted in.
Come on people, don’t hold back, tell us how you really feel.
As a resident of The Rest of the World™, I am offended by every America only App or Feature that doesn’t work for us or is irrelevant to us. Except for a few American ex-pats, most of The Rest of the World™ could care less about this App.
As for the App acceptance criteria, Apple should just rate this App as a Political App and not let anyone under the voting age have access to it.
For those of you who think the First Amendment to the US Constitution contains a freedom of speech, it actually says that the government itself cannot restrict free speech. Apple, as a private corporation, has wide latitude to restrict content.
That being said, Apple probably will not react to this situation or even comment. So, we’re not going to know their real reason, and, in lieu of no information, we’re going to fill in the blanks. This was dumb. As a progressive, and as opposed to the right wingers, I think it’s patriotic to criticize your leaders, as long as it is done with respect. This app seems respectful. And the Pelosi caricature is fine, even neutral.
This is one dumb decision by Apple, and will give the 5 Android and 10 Pre users an orgasm. Really.
Apple will NEVER win this battle in the end.
Apple has turned dangerously delusional if they imagine that they have the right to censor content they deem objectionable on purely subjective grounds. We’re not talking about child porn here, but political satire. I am shocked and dismayed by Apple’s actions and can only hope that they either come to their senses or are held accountable by the proper authorities for unjustified and illegal censorship.
A reminder, in case you missed it above:
Unregistered users: Feedback from multiple usernames are subject to deletion. Off-topic and posts from suspected astroturfers will be removed.
@Gary
I was considering buying a new iMac for Christmas, but now think why support these libs’ efforts to suppress free speech?
Passive agressive much? I heard this same lame argument from my father growing up…
I was going to let you have the car this weekend but since you fscked up, I’m not going to now.
This is so typical of you Gary, cut off your nose to spite your face! ha ha ha
@Journo
Where’ve you been these past few days? proud american has been quite vocal and disgusting really. I’ve challenged him to register his moniker but he can’t bring himself to do so. Instead he hides behind his anonymity, like a white sheet, to avoid disclosing his identity.
His vicious rants are replete with vitriol directed at anyone on these boards who have taken a contrary position. He’s not been selective at all, in fact as far as I could tell, he’s lumped everyone on these boards into the same category of “commies and liberals”, which includes you.
And because you’ve been elsewhere lately, let me point out that I served in the Marines for twenty-years defending the Constitution so that scum like proud american can say what he wants.
That my friend, I believe, gives me every right to challenge those whom I believe are undermining the good order.
If you’ve read any of his comments at all, you would see they are full of absolutes, not a single idea or thought on how to resolves this country’s problems. He’s just throwing stones. He hasn’t offer up a single thought that could be construed as constructive.
All of his rants have been myopic vitriol of no real value. He yells a lot, calls everyone commies and liberals, but offers nothing in rebuttal to contrary opinions except more name-calling.
I’m still defending his right to say whatever he wants, but as a matter of taste and decency, his thoughts have no intrinsic value whatsoever, that’s why Predrag and myself are confronting him.
When are you going to start?
@macarina
Apple will NEVER win this battle in the end.
what battle, in the end of what? Please expound on your statement.
Don’t leave us hanging.
@Journo
So why does NCIceman get a pass but you failed me?
@Journo
how come KingMel gets a pass but you failed me?
Apparently something I said, hit a nerve. Either that or you’re really proud american’s registered name?
You may have noticed that there are a number of registrants who have challenged proud american’s comments to which he hasn’t replied to a single one of them.
Don’t you find that odd, that all he does is spew his hate and refuses to address those who challenge him, with anything that could pass for civilized conversation?
I suspect proud american has been defending and supporting his own comments by using all manner of unregistered names, especially in the “Should Apple resume manufacturing in the US” thread.
One of his anonymous characters actually came to his defense by saying proud american is a long-time mac user who has been on these boards for years. I challenged anyone to show evidence of this and not a single person came forward.
Honestly, this sounds like the work of a single moron on the app approval team more than it sounds like an official policy of Apple to defend the honor of our.. Ahem.. Virtuous public figures.
Like the approval of Baby Shaker, I think the rejection of Bobble Rep is getting blown out of proportion and things are getting read into it that aren’t there.
Which is good to the extent that hopefully this will force Apple to improve their app approval process, but bad to the extent that now we’re going to be hearing that it’s all an evil conspiracy by Apple because LIBERALS = SATAN.
super comments guys, just super!
wow, conservative wingnuts for the loss of IQ…
“Man oh man is Pelosi and the rest of the Democrat scum disgusting. She should be standing on a communist flag with a hammer and sickle not the good old stars and stripes. You commies are traitors and destroying our country. We will fight your unconstitutional agenda tooth and nail every step of the way. This is all out war now. We will use all of your liberal tactics right back at you.”
first, get a dictionary, and look up communist. you don’t appear to know what it means.
second, the last group of people to attempt to destroy the country was the group that thought that a depression at the same time as two wars (one for no real reason) while cutting taxes for the wealthy and giving no bid contracts to your own country are policy. grow a brain cell.
third, exactly what unconstitutional agenda is that? and please explain how and why it is unconstitutional? do you wiretaps? or habeas corpus suspension? which one was it exactly?
at what liberal tactics are they you plan on using “right back at” us? smearing anyone who questions the president as a traitor? oh wait that is only when it is your incompetent in office isn’t it?
please, declare “all out war” why don’t you. go get violent somewhere. i would love to see all you rightwing retards locked away. maybe we could finally grow up as a country. stfu.
I’ve sent my complaint to Apple. The caricatures depicted are really quite good. Nancy Pelosi doesn’t look that good in real life!
God, I find Pelosi offensive. Period. She is a creepy lifetime politician. She needs to be thrown out of Congress. Fast.
Lol back to the topic at hand, I do disagree with Apple banning this ad. I support free speech, and the right to look like a jackass from it occasionally as well.
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”raspberry” style=”border:0;” /> I do apologize for calling Proud American a frelling retard, that was bad form. I just love the fake word “frell”…thank you Farscape!
The caricatures displayed are nothing worse that what is on the cover of The National Review every week. And it appeared to me that conservatives got as much of the cartoon treatment as liberals.
So no harm no foul, let the app through.
@ericdano
She needs to be thrown out of Congress. Fast.
So does GOP Sen. Tom Coburn of oklahoma for being the lone hold-out on passing the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009, which is designed to address the 1.5 million veterans who don’t have access to military health insurance!
2,266 veterans died last year due to a lack of health insurance. In a single year, it’s a disgrace!
Coburn said he couldn’t in good conscience sign off on the bill because there wasn’t enough clarity on how the money is spent. And yet…
He signed off on billion dollar bills for two wars, iraq and afghanistan, and didn’t question where all that money went. He’s a hypocrite and I’m almost certain he’ll buckle under the weight of hypocrisy.
@ericdano
But I feel your pain. The thought of you having to endure her creepiness is more any one man should have to bear.
Ho hum. MDN is such a haven for the nutcase types, who put a wrong-headed political slant on any story that appears here. The comments section has become a waste of time, and running a story like this is just waving a red flag in front of the wacko crowd. Move along, folks, there’s nothing to see here.
Wow. Just wow. Reading the commentary here really reinforced my adopted catch-phrase:
Stupidity is a condition; ignorance, a choice!
There’s so much of both on display that I fear that any latent intelligence will be completely atrophied/destroyed by reading the posts.
There’s no truer indictment of the US educational system than the ravings of these wingnuts. Heaven help the whole planet.
@Hm…
I agree. The wingnuts don’t even bother with the topic anymore, and admittedly, I don’t either once I’ve made my thoughts known on the subject, then I go looking for wingnuts to thwack, but not a moment sooner.
I wish more people here would directly confront those who would change the subject, we’d certainly get more out of these <strike>debates</strike> conversations.
Ri-di-cule?
Re-jection?
RE diculous!!!!!
REally stupid to censor the innocuous but release monkey pissing apps, baby killing apps (briefly), fart apps, etc.
Farting isn’t offensive but caricatures ARE??!!!?
RE DO and make it quick, Apple. This can’t go on. 🙁
“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things.”
_________
I own Apple stock and love Apple products, but I am competely disgusted with their approach on this one. I thought a company that proudly printed the above words on their posters would be above such petty censorship. How very sad and disappointing.
I love Apple stuff…but boy-o-boy are they getting to be a real politically correct wussy.
I cannot see ANY valid reason for this app to be shot down. It’s not like it focused on one party over the other. And even if it did, SO WHAT?
Hey Apple…. Grow Up, develop a sense of humor and stop being so P-whipped.
Journo hit the nail squarely on the head. G4 and the rest of the communists are out of their minds. We will stop you and your mission to destroy the US. I can promise you that. This nation was not founded under your insane values and we will not let you take us down this proven failure path. Trying terrorist in NYC?????????????? CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So I guess Mad Magazine shouldn’t even bother developing that iPhone application.
That would be WAY too much offensive content there, eh?
OOoooohhh…. can’t have that evil satire and cariactures.
Liberals are the plague on the US. MDN I’m positive the posters on here are not astroturfers. Just worried citizens trying to fight off the libs everywhere and anywhere.
as usual the libs are always protective of the sacred cows–and in this instance a real cow. That communist bitch…of course she had something to do with getting it being rejected. She needs the space to launch her own gulag app, that way when you disagree with her, make fun of her, caricature her–POOF you gone, just like the constitution and everything else that made America great. Liberalism really is a mental disease
Of course it’s “objectionable”. It’s Nancy Pelosi for God’s sake!
Here’s hoping Apple reverses the decision to reject this app. I so want an app with Nancy Pelosi’s likeness on it. (Even though it really doesn’t capture her look. The artist did better with McCain & John Kerry.) I’m just hoping the app will allow me to pinch her head off…or at least pull her hair! (So much cheaper than therapy.)
I repeat- Botoxed hag, who’s stretched so tight she can’t close her eyes. SF deserves this witch.
So you agree that Apple is a plague on the US, too, given that it’s composed of liberals?
@Dave
Yeah, I’m sure this is all a sinister conspiracy perpetrated by Nancy Pelosi. To quote the MDN take, “Let’s stay at least loosely connected with reality, okay?”.
Just to set the record straight, I wasn’t suggesting that they should sue for freedom of speech reasons, I was trying to be tongue-in-check sarcastic about how America seems to be the land o litigation and that lawsuits are the knee-jerk reaction to any problem. I, personally, do NOT approve of such litigation.
After reading comments on this site, I have to agree that there is no free speech suit here.
@Figurative
So I guess Mad Magazine shouldn’t even bother developing that iPhone application.
Wrong again.
Mad magazine has nothing to do with this app.
@proud american
Trying terrorist in NYC?????????????? CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you got that right, at least.
“Proud American”
You’re name does not suit you. You have no understanding of freedom in America. What are you an operative for al Qaeda?
Conservatives are the plague on the US. MDN I’m positive the posters on here are mostly astroturfers. A few are worried citizens trying to fight off the conservatives everywhere and anywhere.
what I find interesting is that the app rejection was on the issue of offense and not on ‘unauthorized use of a likeness’. A filmmaker would know that you have to have approval to use someone’s face, voice etc. and even a drawing could be enough to invoke that need for approval.
Pelosi IS offensive. That means the drawing is accurate.
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