The ethical questions raised...

[mandalay_leigh]

I just wanted to say I also appreciate the lack of a political agenda.  I can't stand comedians who try to subtly or not-so-subtly weave in their political agenda for either a cheap way to get the audience on their side or to spread propaganda. The last thing I want when I'm watching something to laugh and relax to is to get angry and feel like hurling a brick at the monitor.  Taking shots at both sides or staying out of it completely is the best way to go.  Good job, Mike!

And please Mesmor, her name is spelled "Britney", not "Brittany." I only say this because my name is Brittany and I don't want to in any way be associated with her.  "Brittany" is the classier, non-bimbo way to spell it anyway.

[Variety of Cells]

I know how you feel.  Trying to get people to agree with what you think is so lame.  Comedians should just stick to comedy.  How dare they try and incorporate a useful message into their ramblings.  My opinions on politics are exactly that, my opinions.  They shouldn't be effected by humorous facts or hypocrisies.  How dare comedians try and make me see the absurdities of our political system.  People who are so moved by the current state of the world that they feel they need to convey their message in a form that people can understand and will actually listen to can go fuck themselves. 

EDIT:  That was probably way too harsh.  But I feel it makes a better point in the form of comedy then just plain disagreeing with you.  Nothing against you personally.

[Tarantulas]

<My Opinion>I think the people who mostly complain about politicaly charged comedy are right-wingers with no sense of humor about G.W. getting ribbed.</My Opinion>

Politics are one of those hot button issues, but everyone should be able to look at their respective beliefs and laugh.

Just remember, the political left has folks like Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins stinking up the place

[jammindude]

I agree with going the used route.    I picked up Crossroads for 1.92 used. (that's right....for LESS than a rental, I bought the movie and DIDN'T support the producers of the film....win/win situation)   Got it in a week with no issues.

[sarcasm_made_Easy]

<My Opinion>I think the people who mostly complain about politicaly charged comedy are right-wingers with no sense of humor about G.W. getting ribbed.</My Opinion>

i guess then i dont fit your model.  I am considered (but other people not by me) as a rightwinger.  I dont think that comedians should always be politically charged, a lot of them come across as annoying, especially when they dont know crap about what they are talking.  I however also like president bush, and have seen several ribbings of him that i think are hilarious.  A good joke is a good joke more often than not. 

just a side note, political comedian i usually love, Lewis Black.  and stephan colbert is pretty damned funny too.

[Pak-Man]

I have no problem with Politically Charged humor, but it has its place. When I'm watching South Park, it's good and expected, but there are some sources of humor where you don't expect or want a political view, and this may be one of them. I would be somewhat disturbed if, for instance, Weird Al took a strong political stance one way or the other. Likewise, I think we've come to expect a certain degree of safety with MST3K and Rifftrax. Ribbing the president is OK if it fits, but stirring up controversial issues is a task best left to other comedians. Besides, we want EVERYONE to be able to enjoy Rifftrax, right?

[Tarantulas]

I am considered (but other people not by me) as a rightwinger.  I dont think that comedians should always be politically charged, a lot of them come across as annoying, especially when they dont know crap about what they are talking.

Ahh the right-wing knee jerk responce! (Just kidding)

Actualy, its all just opinions and "what sells".  I'd be more concerned with the people polluting the airwaves and people minds on talk radio.

I don't think that Rush Lindbaugh believes half the crap he says.. its all for ratings..

OxyContin, anyone?

[sarcasm_made_Easy]

perhaps, i could see that.  I wonder however if the same is true for his doppleganger on the other end of the political spectrum, al franken?

[kodiakthejuggler]

These comedians obviously feel pretty strongly about their political beliefs, otherwise they wouldn't devote so much time on it in their routines.

They run the risk of alienating some of their audience, because political beliefs are big things, and when someone's beliefs are challenged or made fun of, it acts as a lightning rod, directing hurt to those people.

Just be funny. 

[Tarantulas]

They run the risk of alienating some of their audience

People gravitate towords like minded people... I mean, we are all here, right?

I very much doubt that fans of Larry the Cable Guy are showing up at David Cross shows (and vice versa)

In fact, David Cross wrote a letter addressing the issue.

http://www.bobanddavid.com/david.asp?artID=183

perhaps, i could see that.  I wonder however if the same is true for his doppleganger on the other end of the political spectrum, al franken?

My personal advice to people who don't like political humor is that they need to suck it up and move on.  Regardless of the side of the fence you are on, all parties have strengths and weaknesses.  It never hurts to laugh at yourself every now and again.

"What this says to me is that too many whites are getting away with drug  use. Too many whites are getting away with drug sales. Too many whites are getting away with trafficking in this stuff. The answer to this disparity is not to start letting people out of jail because we're not putting others in jail who are breaking the law. The answer is to go out and find the ones who are getting away with it, convict them and send them up the river, too."   - Rush Limbaugh show, Oct. 5, 1995

All Franken did "borrow" some money from Boy and Girls Club.  See the differece?

They are all just sharks swiming in the dirty water.

[Variety of Cells]

Not saying something for fear of alienating part of your audience is a horrible form of censorship.  You can't even try and fight against it, because you did it yourself.  So what if you don't make as much money?  If it's something that you believe in then say it. 

[Tarantulas]

If it's something that you believe in then say it.

In a society that celebrates/loathes "selling out", its easy to be conflicted.

[starfighter]

   Another reason for avoiding political humor which I believe Mike has mentioned in interviews is that it automatically dates the material.  Much political humor is extremely topical and doesn't hold up years later.  Mike writes these riffs to stand the test of time in most cases.

[Tarantulas]

Yes, its Federline-tacular... hmm....

[Variety of Cells]

yeahhhh, I'm going to agree with Tarantulas.  I don't get half of the references in early MST3K episodes, because I'm too young.  My pop culture knowledge only extends back so far.  They are quite dated.