The host of a Fox News program has apologized for a segment on the Canadian military that Defence Minister Peter MacKay called "disgusting" and "crass." A group of pundits on "Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld," which airs weekdays at 3 a.m. on Fox News, each took turns trashing Canada and its military during an episode that aired on March 17.
"Once their Afghan mission winds down sometime in 2011, certain members of the Canadian military are looking to take a much-deserved break. And by certain members I mean all of them," Gutfeld said. "Meaning, the Canadian military wants to take a breather to do some yoga, paint landscapes, run on the beach in gorgeous white Capri pants."
In the four-minute segment, Gutfeld asked the other three members of his panel: "Isn't this the perfect time to invade this ridiculous country? They have no army!"
Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay expressed his anger over the comments and demanded an apology. "It's crass, it's insensitive, it's in fact disgusting given the timing where Canada is just receiving back four fallen heroes here at CFB Trenton," MacKay said. "There should be an apology -- to the families in particular, and to the Canadian Forces and to Canada generally -- given the sacrifice and the commitment that we've demonstrated in Afghanistan."
The host tried to defend his programme, adding "Red Eye is a satirical take on the news, in which all topics are addressed in a lighthearted, humorous and ridiculous manner.”
Given the relative size of their military, Canada is certainly contributing more than its fair share, as far as Afghanistan goes, and it is no surprise that many Canadians have opted to cancel their subscriptions to Fox, and to have complained in their droves.
This Gutfeld guy and the so called pundits on his show simply showed themselves to be pompous, arrogant, and ignorant. One of the panellists, Doug Benson, who’s supposed to be a comedian, was due to perform at an Edmonton club in April, but his show has been after fears for his safety were expressed. Could it be that he’s afraid of bumping into a Canadian soldier who’s home on a well deserved leave? Meanwhile, maybe the host could take time off from his second rate show to go to the appropriate office, and change his name to Gutterfeld.
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