Stephen King is at it again

After that last exchange about ole SK, I figured I should give him the benefit of the doubt and see if he made any clarifying remarks about his remarks on Capital Hill.  He did and it's all on his web site at  http://www.stephenking.com/news.php

What a profile in courage.  

First he dodged his remarks and began with the tired liberal prerequisite that he respects the troops.  He did it in his inimitable style, saying that he "likes the troops just fine" (huh?) and that he "respects the hell out of their brainpower" (and he demonstrates that how?).  He followed that with, "I know that most of them read, because I send them books when they ask, and a lot do."  Yessiree-some-of-mah-best-friends-r-soljers. 

He then deflected his remarks by changing topics.  He railed about how the government doesn't spend enough on education and complained that when the government does spend money all it cares about is test scores and not actual learning. 

Lastly he prayed that it would all go away.  He wistfully hoped that his little remarks won't detract from the real problem that "too many kids in America read for pleasure on the text-screens of their phones and hardly anywhere else."  

So I guess that's what he meant to say up on Capital Hill?  I can see how things got mixed up.  It's pretty easy to confuse ignorant soldiers with kids sending text messages.  Moreover, it's a very astute summary of the real problem.  Kids don't read for pleasure much anymore.  Yep, that's what's wrong with society. 

A little further down on King's web site you will find how much he values debate, discussion and free speech.  He was thoroughly annoyed by a conservative blogger (Noel Sheppard) who felt that King's comments were inappropriate and wrote, "Nice sentiment when the nation is at war, Stephen."  King urged the readers of his web site to send an email to Sheppard stating, "Hi Noel - Stephen says to shut up and I agree." 

Defensive, deflective, petty and vindictive.  One of the comments on my last post about King said, "the last time I checked, it's a free country and he, like everyone else, is entitled to his opinion."  Apparently King doesn't believe that should apply to Noel Sheppard.

Stephen King has demonstrated that learning to read is no guarantee of intelligence or thoughtfulness.  If you're ignorant and can't read you can grow up to go in the Army.  If you're ignorant and can read, you can grow up to be a successful novelist.