Greeson: Stupid is as stupid does, regardless of color or group

Richard Tyler is a buffoon, a publicity-seeking clown who can't get out of the shadow of his own ignorance.

Tyler has become a national punchline because of his "Make America White Again" campaign.

Staff photo by Doug Strickland / A campaign sign for congressional candidate Rick Tyler which features confederate flags surrounding the white house is seen on Hwy. 64 on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in Polk County, Tenn. Tyler also posted a billboard sign which read "Make America White Again" on Hwy. 411 near Benton, Tenn., which has been removed.

This WRCB photo shows Rick Tyler's campaign sign off Highway 411 in Polk County.

In truth, even mentioning this two-bit huckster sadly plays into his narrative, proving yet again the wisdom of Twain's wondering: "Who's the bigger fool, the fool or those who argue with the fool?"

But the clear and present anger that Tyler has stirred - and that he assuredly revels in - is exactly what he wants.

He even posted it on his website.

"You see this is not a mere publicity stunt, but rather a calculated maneuver to dispense hardcore truth while simultaneously doing an end run around the iron curtain of censorship," the site reads.

Whatever.

Jay Greeson

Take the nightmares inflicted by those who pervert the Muslim faith. Take the senseless disregard for life - their own and others' - of gang members. Take, well you get the idea.

These scenarios prompt calls for accepting that extremists are outliers. Those situations prompt discussions about understanding a religion or empathizing with calls for compassion for the majority of whatever group.

Tyler and the rest of hate-filled white Southern jackwagons, though, put all of us into the spotlight of public scorn.

Redneck. Hillbilly. Ignorant Southerner. We've heard all the punchline tags that make the national late night shows and become the convenient stumps from which to lob insults.

And for the most part we're fine with that. We're used to it, and those clowns deserve it. Doesn't make it right, because I can assure you that every Southerner knows that Tyler's schtick is neither funny nor representative of the progress we've made.

So for that, we say thanks for nothing, Rick Tyler. You represent the worst of all of us, and remind us of the hatred that has swirled through these parts for far too long.

Speaking of Tyler

Tyler added that his "Make America White Again" billboard was indeed a takeoff on GOP presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump's slogan "Make America Great Again."

Which begs the question - what word best fits in the "Make America -- Again" slogan?

We'd welcome your thoughts, and here are some options.

Make America One Again. This would be a terrific goal, especially given Tyler's lunacy. But in truth, not unlike the factual inaccuracy of Tyler's original claim, we have to ask if America has ever been one.

Make America Grow Again. Not sure growth is the answer, but this is a start.

Here's a thought, Make America America Again.

Trouble will find you

OK, meet Schaquana Spears, a 30-year-old mother of three sons in Baton Rouge, La.

Her boys - ages 13, 12 and 10 - recently were caught burglarizing a home in the neighborhood.

The boys were whipped when they came home, and now local officials have arrested Spears on charges of cruelty to juveniles.

Man, no one is an advocate of child abuse. No one.

But if we get to the point where the only penalties against childhood sins this egregious are criminal, well, we have little chance moving forward.

So hot coals are hot (even Tyler knows that)

Yep, the story of everyone's favorite fraud/motivational guru Tony Robbins started making the rounds Friday.

It seems up to a dozen of the folks who paid to hear Robbins' pyscho-babble suffered various degrees of burns on the bottoms of their feet after walking on hot coals.

Apparently, Robbins' spiel included blocking out imaginary fears and conquering demons.

Super. That works great with the gargoyle in the closet or the fear of public speaking.

Not bare flesh on hot coals.

How's this for a new spin: not unlike money, fools and their skin are soon parted.

Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and 423-757-6343. His "Right to the Point" column runs on A2 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.