Hugh Hewitt on Hillary's Bookbag---Wry Witticism or Sad Lack of Life Experience?

Posted by Damozel | HERE IS  MY ORIGINAL COMMENT:

In other news, Hugh Hewitt and the people who listen to him think that Hillary might have been LYING in a speech where she described her reaction to hearing of the death of MLK, since she mentions throwing her bookbag across the room and wearing a black armband in a protest march.(Instaputz)  And why?

Listeners are e-mailing skepticism about their being bookbags and arm bands in 1968. I have no opinion, being 12 at the time. E-mail evidence to hugh@hughhewitt.com. (Hugh Hewitt as quoted in Instaputz)

Wow.  Here is an insight into the average age, or perhaps---though I don't wish to be unkind--- the average IQ, of Hewitt's listeners.  As for Hewitt, I don't know what to say.  As I said, I don't wish to be unkind. 

I was two years younger than Hewitt in 1968, and I remember my many bookbags---we called them 'book satchels' in my part of the world---with no affection whatsoever.  Girls wore them slung painfully across one shoulder; boys got to have backpacks.  But they were all called 'book satchels' or 'bookbags.'

As for armbands, they were around a long time before the Sixties.  Way back in the 1800's, widowers used to wear them.   World O' Crap has photographic evidence of their pre-Millenial existence.

At Instaputz, Blue Texan says:  "If you have the time and inclination, I strongly suggest you e-mail Hugh "evidence" and for the love of god, cc me."   

I didn't keep any photographs of my book satchels or my brother's backpacks, sadly.  And at 10, I wouldn't have been allowed by my hippie-loathing father to wear any armband.  But I would help Hewitt if I could, of course.  I didn't throw anything when I heard about MLK because I didn't really understand what had happened, but one of the ladies who helped raise me cried in the kitchen, so I cried too.

UPDATE: Tom Maguire at  JustOneMinute is under the impression that this was just Hewitt's dry way of mocking the Clintons and has called into question my sense of humor. 

Ah, it was irony; I see it now.  It was Hewitt's remark that he was 12 at the time and that he therefore couldn't offer an opinion re: the existence of bookbags and armbands that threw me.  I thought by saying this he meant that he really didn't know.  In fact, reading the passage again, it still sounds that way.  Perhaps he just needs a refresher in writing dry witticisms/hyperbole.

I guess I mistakenly thought the point of jokes was to be funny.

But as Maguire says, conservatives have their fun too and a whole special brand of right-wing humor that is a sealed book to those of us on the Left.     Given some of the things that emerge from the right, I am afraid that I've lost the ability to distinguish the hyperbole. (Evidence here).  But I'd like Maguire to know, that I do laugh at certain right-wingers (oh, not him; not him).  In fact, I do so frequently.

In the interest of fairness, it's worth mentioning in passing that certain progressives also have a special brand of humor that is a sealed book to me.....

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Comments

[Dody]

I was 10 - Always carried my books in front of me. Never, ever, ever heard of or had a Satchel. Never, ever, ever had a backpack like kids nowadays. Not sure about blackarm bands - maybe early 70's? My brother got in trouble for wearing one in 1970 - they were hot then - were they in 1968? Not sure - benefit of doubt on that one. But I don't believe the book bag - No Such Thin'

[damozel]

Are you calling me a liar, Dody? I and every girl I know had a bookbag and book satchel.

[Marc]

Bookbags, satchels and more were common in the days of the American Revolution for transporting documentation.

They were the requirement for the West during the great expansion into the Western North American continent.

Because one didn't wear one in college was their loss.

I wore mine back when I was in college in the late 80s carrying all my engineering books, pencils, calculator, and drafting supplies.

History of the Messenger Bag (satchel):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messenger_bag

History

This type of bag has been used in the transportation of mail and goods by numerous types of messengers, including Pony Express riders, postal workers, messengers on foot (especially in ancient times), and bicycle couriers. Some Royal Mail carriers in the United Kingdom currently use large messenger bags to deliver mail.

The design of the modern messenger bag traces its origin to the utility lineman's bag of the 1950s made by Globe Canvas.[citation needed] It allowed lineman to carry necessary tools within easy reach while climbing utility poles. Later adapted by New York City bicycle messengers using Manhattan Portage bags, each company would typically use a different color to identify the messenger's company.

Use

Similar in function to backpacks, messenger bags ensure comfort to people carrying heavy and/or bulky items, while allowing easy access to the contents.

Messenger bags typically incorporate features that make them particularly suitable for cycling, such as fittings that make it easy to adjust the shoulder strap, quick release buckles, and the ability to attach a variety of accessories such as lights, phone holsters or U-locks. Stabilizing straps help to prevent the bag from shifting while riding. The top-opening one-strap design allows messenger bags to be easily swung around front so that their contents can be easily accessed without having to remove the bag.

Messenger bags are often used as a fashion accessory. While they can be found in the possession of either gender, they are often commonly employed by men in a function analogous to a woman's purse (that is, to carry bulky items that do not fit into pockets, or a large number of items, while doubling as a fashion accessory). Messenger bags have also become fashionable in urban environments, among cyclists and commuters. College and high-school students make use of them as well, for fashionable as well as functional purposes, especially those who commute on bicycles. Compared to a backpack, it is much easier to place and remove text-books, notebooks, essays and supplies from a messenger bag because they lie on the side of the body, granting the wearer better accessibility. Messenger bags also provide more weather resistance than traditional leather school bags.

[Adam]

This story does have the feel of an elaborate practical joke, but there's definitely a set of people who are sincerely calling Hillary a liar over this. I find this utterly bizarre.

[Daniel Swartz]

I would appreciate if you would question Obama about why he doesn't Support the American Flag. You questioned Govoner Palin on the Israel Flag which i think was good and ok. I can't understand what is wrong with the American people to even consider putting someone in the White House who doesn't even Support our own American Flaf