With no apologies, but sincere thanks, to the great Stan Freberg.

barack obama john mccain political correctness pc race bob dylan stan freberg

Nandor: I've got a new song for you tonight, it's a special --

Tweedly: Pardon me, Mr. Nandor, but my name is Tweedly.

Nandor: Well, we all have our problems.

Tweedly: I am the censor from the Internet Citizens Committee. And, um... I feel--

Nandor: You uh... from the Internet Citizens Committee, you say?

Tweedly: That's exactly what I said, yes. I--

Nandor: And what is your purpose in being here?

Tweedly: I must OK all the material used on your program here, and I think the best method is to just sit back here and interrupt when I feel it's necessary.

Nandor: You mean you plan to stop me every time I do something that YOU think is wrong?

Tweedly: Exactly. I'll just sound my little horn like this (buzzer). And then you stop, and I'll tell you what's wrong.

Nandor: Uh, somehow I can tell this is gonna be one of those days.

Tweedly: You just go right ahead, Mr. Nandor. Don't mind me.

Nandor: Yeah, now the Obama campaign has had a lot of songs written about it, but I'd-- (buzzer)

Tweedly: I hope you are not implying that African American citizens are more musically inclined.  Prejudice is negative. We must be a good influence on... children.

Nandor: Why, that's a darling little horn there.

Tweedly: Mmm-hmm.

Nandor: Thanks very much, Mr. Tweedly.

Tweedly: You're welcome, I'm sure.

Nandor: I'd like to sing an old folk song about hope and unity in honor of both Senators John McCain and Barack Obama, in this heated election season.  Mr. Tweedly, may I, if you please?

Tweedly: Very polite, Mr. Nandor.

Nandor: Thank you.

Come gather round people ... (buzzer)

Nandor: All right Tweedly, what in the world is wrong with "Come gather round people"?

Tweedly: The word "people" has a negative connotation when written about African Americans.  They are individuals, Mr. Nandor.  I would suggest you make the substitution, please.

Nandor: I suppose you insist.

Tweedly: Precisely. You may continue.

Nandor: Okay. (music) (buzzer)

Tweedly: You forgot to say--

Nandor: Thank you, yes, okay. Thank you, Mr. Tweedly.

Tweedly: You're quite welcome, I am sure.

Come gather round individuals, wherever you roam ... (buzzer)

Nandor: All right, now what, Tweedly?

Tweedly: "Roaming" is something done by nomadic peoples.  Did you mean to imply that you are singing to nomads?

Nandor: No, no, I don't.

Tweedly: I'm sorry. The home is a classroom, Mr. Nandor.

Nandor: I know, you said that.  All right. (music) (buzzer) Thank you, thank you.

Tweedly: You're welcome, I'm sure.

Come gather round individuals, wherever you are

And admit that the waters around you have grown (buzzer)

Nandor: Let me guess, Tweedly.  Katrina?

Tweedly: Precisely, Mr. Nandor.  We wouldn't want to imply.

Nandor: OK, this is going to be a tough one. Alright, I think I've got it.  Thank you, Mr. Tweedly.

Tweedly: You're welcome, I'm sure.

  Come gather round individuals, wherever you are

  And admit that the federal government neglected its responsibility to save you

  And accept it that soon you'll be drenched to the bone (buzzer)

    left on your own (buzzer) the victim of oppression

  If your time to you is worth saving (buzzer) worth 

  And you better start swimming or you'll sink like a stone

Well, we got by with that one.

  Oh the times they are a-changing

OK, take your finger off.