Wow, people across the spectrum have become deeply invested in Greta Thunberg ever since Time Magazine put her on the cover. (And hey, credit to them for doing so — when was the last time this many people talked about Time Magazine?!) It is starting to appear very few have a balanced mindset regarding this teenaged activist.
Frankly, it is a mystery. Any proper debate regarding what Thunberg says should follow this template:
- She’s how old?
- Moving on…
Of course, this means that the President could not move on, and he made comments about the teen, which only spiked the passion of those on the left. Like so many of her supporters, actor Don Cheadle picked up the mantle in support of Greta.
so kids ARE fair game after all i guess, right deplorables …? https://t.co/1NYimnl6St
— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) December 12, 2019
You just have to love it when the noble and socially upright experts who always lecture us against making sweeping prejudicial assumptions about others are perfectly free to make sweeping prejudicial assumptions of others. It’s almost precious. But also he is off the mark here.
Kids aren't fair game. That's why they shouldn't get to play.
— Kyle Beckley (@Kyle_Beckley) December 12, 2019
Only when they volunteer themselves to be out there on stage. Would you want your kids out there in the public eye? I wouldn’t. Not everyone would agree. Litmus test is, are they forced into public eye or no?
— Unicron 2020 (@Unicronisboss) December 13, 2019
I do not condone his behavior, but going after his kid who has no public influence or presence is a little different than a girl who has been outspoken and thrust herself into the limelight. If you invite fame into your life, you also risk inviting infamy.
— Spencer Cooper (@spencer_cooper) December 12, 2019
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They are when they voluntarily put themselves forward as an advocate in a pattern of public interest or controversy. She doesn’t get to hector the world from the U.N. podium, then be shielded from criticism because “she’s only a child.”
— Ming the Merciless Siamese Cat (@CGweilo) December 12, 2019
It is this, exactly. If Greta is above criticism and we cannot be critical of her words because she is a teen then we also cannot be loudly applauding her for the exact same reason. If her words are off-limits to criticism due to her age then they are equally off-limits to praise and public broadcast.
What is amazing is that with all of the wise adults scattered about the planet the best spokesperson that could be found is a petulant and emotional teen. Pardon us for not hanging on her every word.
But Cheadle takes it to another level of dizziness. He tries to praise the young girl, and yet in doing so manages to unravel his original point.
you are so ignorant it's sad. if you think it's the adults that pushed her and not the other way around you probably have read nothing about her and/or don't have strong willed kids … ??♂️ https://t.co/8EUdRZH3h5
— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) December 12, 2019
You grasping this? Greta, you see, is a strong-willed and forceful girl who has the strength to push adults! Oh, and if any adults dare challenge her or criticize her comments they are ”attacking” a child so she needs to be defended from these unacceptable words.
Don seemed to take exception to this exposure of his comments. He responded with a rambling dose of loaded questions, which were rather far afield of the discussion.
but i thought y'all were saying she IS the shield? and how is she the shield? is she supposedly there to make it impossible to attack "us" (which happens daily, from the commander in chief, no less)? how does it work? what do YOU think WE think the gag is? https://t.co/lAr2QEhqFo
— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) December 13, 2019
The attempt was made to steer things back to the main path.
When did I refer to her as a ''shield''?
My take – she is a kid, and if that means she is prevented from being criticized then it means she is also too young to be an authoritative voice. It cannot be one way only.
But if you need to attribute words to me never spoken…— Brad Slager: Tossing Others Under the Sleigh ? ? (@MartiniShark) December 13, 2019
So we understand, Greta is a force of nature who can withstand any confrontation and can overcome all challenges — unless somebody says something…
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