The "genius" of Russell Brand

... is what MTV is calling his disgusting monologue on the MTV music video awards last night. He is a British comedian, virtually unknown in America. Normally, I wouldn't dive into this kind of thing (especially since music videos ceased being relevant over a decade ago), and it's already all over the media, but there's something else I wanted to point out. Quote:

Please elect Barack Obama! Please! On behalf of the world. Otherwise, you know, would you have let that retarded cowboy fella be president for eight years?

Not a very PC statement about retarded people, but I'm not very PC either. The "cowboy" statement is the one I wanted to remark on. There is a disconnect here between the USA and Europe; many Americans might be surprised that to Europeans, the word "cowboy" is usually meant as an insult. On the other hand, Europeans should know that in the US, the term is not an insult, it's simply a profession (or arguably, a lifestyle), and not considered derogatory in any way. On the contrary, it's often a badge of pride.

Unfortunately, that wasn't all Mr. Brand said. It gets worse:

Sarah Palin. She’s a VILF! Maybe a vice president I’d like to fumble, fondle, I dunno. I do feel a little bit sorry for her daughter, getting pregnant, poor kid. Is it a boy? Is it a girl? No, it’s a P.R. stunt. Come on. Be honest.

It goes on and doesn't get any better from there. Since this man is trying to pull private matters into the ring, then it might be useful to know that Mr. Brand was once fired by MTV for coming to work dressed as Osama Bin Laden after the 9/11 attacks. He is also a recovering alcoholic and heroin addict who admits he has been arrested for public indecency 11 times.

If MTV wanted a "shocking" figure to give them a ratings boost, they probably got it. But the backlash might not be worth it - their message boards are flooded with angry comments. Michelle Malkin puts some samples up at her site.