**Bumped for UPDATE with message from the band**

While performing at the inaugural ball honoring America’s military veterans, some wounded vets are reported to have walked out on funk Musician George Clinton over a perceived on stage insult to George W. Bush.
The Washington Times is reporting that during the Heroes Red, White and Blue Inaugural Ball a white towel with the word “[Expletive] GEORGE” spelled out on it was displayed by band members of George Clinton and the P. Funk All-Stars.
Some veterans felt the display was an insult to George W. Bush, and one band member quickly pulled the sign down when it was noticed that wounded vets were leaving in disgust. Band members denied that the sign was any reference to the President and said that it was supposed to be a sign to their own band leader, George Clinton.
The Times reports that Ball organizers denounced the sign as inappropriate.
“Obviously we and the Heroes Ball coordinators were unaware that the sign existed and did not support their actions, especially considering our non-partisan mission and treasured military audience,” said ball spokeswoman Carrie Foster.
It is certainly not clear that the band meant to attack President Bush, but apparently some audience members took it that way nonetheless.
Was this a surreptitious Bush slam from the long-time political minded band or a jab at their band leader?. (Seen here in his mugshot from his 2003 arrest for possession of cocaine)
**UPDATED with message from the band**
One of the musicians that appeared with Funkster George Clinton has emailed me with her explanation about what was going on during that stage show.
I play for George Clinton, the sign was not for Bush. It is a regular part of our show and represents a story line from a comic book that came inside a Parliament record published in the 70’s. BIG misunderstanding. We volunteered for the Heroes Ball. We didn’t not go there to insult anyone, we went there to support the troops.
Hope you can see that now.
Peace- Shaunna Hall
Thanks to Shaunna for contacting me to get the band’s point of view out there to clear the record from their perspective.
(Photo credit: crime.about.com)
Steve Maley
Neil Stevens
Daniel Horowitz
And We're Shocked At This????
Bourbeau Thursday, January 22nd at 10:48AM EST (link)There’s nothing shocking about anything these morons, the MSMs or those egregiously stupid spectators that booed as Presdient and his family were introduced do. This is what we’re left with from the dumbing down of America. A blatantly biased press, an egregious double standard that has no bounds, and an unabashed depravity displayed by Hollywood types that is driven by their desire to outdo each other’s stupidity. Sometimes I think we’re better off not hearing about it; it’s at the point now, where when it’s exposed, they lie about it, and when it’s criticized, they become offended. This from the people they claim we need to change the tone in America; apparently everyone’s tone, except theres.
Sometimes I think we’re better off not hearing about it
Praying (Diary) Thursday, January 22nd at 11:42AM EST (link)Which is why I no longer read anything the MSM puts out.
No!!!11!1!!1!1! The Bilderbergers are coming
Seconded. (nt)
larueladue (Diary) Thursday, January 22nd at 3:59PM EST (link)Cross between Punky Brewster and Gandalf
ColbyS Thursday, January 22nd at 10:50AM EST (link)I guess after 40 years of hitting the coke hard the brain just doesn’t function correctly, as evidenced by Mr Clinton’s appearance in that mugshot.
That’s why I believe this was just really really really ignorant and shortsighted but not a direct or malicious reference to the President. I don’t understand what kind of political statement they would be making putting his name on a towel, and I believe the story that the towel was a reference to George Clinton.
That said, God Bless George W. Bush on all his endeavors and best of luck. His treatment on Tuesday was embarassing but I don’t think P-funk was part of it (at least this specific instance).
Misread
ColbyS Thursday, January 22nd at 10:55AM EST (link)Ahh I thought the towel simply read “George” when in fact it read “[expletive] George.” Now I believe this was a horribly tasteless shot at the President. Oh well, I tried my best not to be depressed by this story but that’s that.
Why am I not surprised?
owise1 Thursday, January 22nd at 12:22PM EST (link)Let me see if I’ve got this right. They put “[expletive} George" on a towel and insist that it never crossed their addled minds that anyone would take it to mean anything other than "[expletive] George Clinton?” Is that about right? So how is it that it never occurred to these illiterates to put “[expletive] Clinton” on the towel instead? I’m sure it was a harmless mistake like we’ve all made… when we were children.
For those on the left who still have a measure of sanity, consider the kind of company you keep. If you run with skunks, don’t be surprised if you find yourself starting to stink.
You soldiers better shut up! You will sit there and take it!
smagar (Diary) Thursday, January 22nd at 8:24PM EST (link)Don’t bother your Commander in Chief by expecting him to apologize. He has important things to do.
And, you did all volunteer…didn’t you?
Now, be quiet.
(Turn SNARK button to “Off” position)
“Who will stand/On either hand/And guard this bridge with me?” (Macaulay)
Re: The bands "excuse"....
USNJIMRET (Diary) Monday, January 26th at 9:40AM EST (link)While the fact may very well be that the sign is/was used regularly at other shows the band puts on, had this had a ‘unintended’ Democrat leaders name associated with it…..the DBM would be screaming about it for days, Leno and Letterman and that POS on “Comedy Channel” would be making that face again, for years!
Maybe there was no intent to insult President Bush, but not meaning something to happen NEVER matters when it’s a Republican, does it?
Remember-perception is everything...
penguin2 (Diary) Monday, January 26th at 9:54AM EST (link)There cannot be a soul around who did not think exactly what they intended you to think when they put up that towel. The problem with the rude, ill-mannered left and the MSM is that they believe we are stupid enough to buy into their excuses and ludicrous explanations when they are caught.
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God. – Benjamin Franklin
When Good stands up to Evil, Evil blinks. – Vassar Bushmills
Conservative Education: Suggested Reading List
Activists Taking Action: Unified Patriots
Why
Magic2171 Monday, January 26th at 11:43AM EST (link)Why was a second rate (at best) group like this contracted to play at such a venue? The entertainment coordinator should be examined for competence and then fired.
I'll break from others here and accept their explanation
Finrod (Diary) Monday, January 26th at 12:34PM EST (link)Face it, a band like this isn’t exactly up on current events or on politics. They were apparently referencing a 30+-year-old in-joke, so I can see how they wouldn’t think about the context.
What I would suggest to the band is that they get together with George W. Bush (he should have plenty of free time now) and do a fundraiser concert for needy veterans. That would be a simple way for them to demonstrate good intent and faith.
Let’s get down to brass tacks here. How much for the ape?
George W would be gracious enough...
furious (Diary) Monday, January 26th at 12:57PM EST (link)…to take them up on their offer, too — he’s that kind of guy.
Funny, though, how all of these sorts of “misunderstandings” involve “mis-percieved” insults to the former president.
–furious
“I find your lack of faith disturbing.” — Darth Vader
But if it's a 30-yr old 'in' joke
The_Gadfly (Diary) Monday, January 26th at 1:02PM EST (link)doesn’t that mean the concert organizers should have known about it, and given the current political climate, directed that the sign should doubly not be used at the show? And had a PR person on site to make sure they didn’t.
Personally, I’m holding of on the accepting the excuse. But IF they do have a fundraiser for veterans groups, and they DON’T show the sign at that concert, I will accept a clearly worded apology.
I'll grant that, definitely
Finrod (Diary) Monday, January 26th at 3:00PM EST (link)The concert organizers were definitely not on the ball for this one. I’m not sure who put the show together, but from what I heard, Obama’s choice of dress at the inaugural ball (wearing a white tie to a black-tie event, and not even wearing what’s supposed to be worn with a white tie) was quite lacking as well.
Let’s get down to brass tacks here. How much for the ape?