Access Atlanta > Entertainment > Radio Talk > Archives > 2008 > July > 23 > Entry
7/23: Stephen Colbert disses Canton, Larry Wachs reax to Janet fine turnabout, radio stations helping babies
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Award-winning talk show host/satirist Stephen Colbert dissed Canton Georgia during his Monday night show. It was mildly amusing - at least for the folks in Canton, Ohio.
He was complaining that the media was so focused on Barack Obama’s worldwide tour, why not get “super jazzed” about John McCain’s “fiscally responsible staycation”?
“I’ve got his schedule right here,” Colbert noted. “This week, Sen. McCain is rocking through Kennebunkport, Maine, Rochester, New Hampshire, Baltimore Maryland. That means crabcakes! And Canton. And not the crappy Canton in Georgia. I’m talking about Canton, Ohio! Where he is hosting a… finance reception.”
Here’s the video (the joke is at about the 5 minute point.)
On the Colbert web boards, one Canton resident didn’t take kindly to this:
Dear Mr. Colbert
We, the good citizens of Canton, Georgia, do NOT appreciate your disparaging reference to our fine, God-fearing town as the “crappy” Canton! After all, to take second fiddle to Canton, Ohio? What were you thinking? I know you are a native South Carolinian, which by all means, casts a superior light of unbearable being on your shallow soul; however, have you ever actually been to Canton (aka - the crappy one)? As president of the Historic Canton Homeowners Association, I officially invite you to our next “Mint Juelp Party on the Porch” gathering, and I double dog DARE you to actually show up with your stage make-up and camera crew in tow! Show us what you are made of, or are you actually afraid that you may hurt your wrist or scar your pretty on-camera face in the process? Make no mistake, I have been a huge fan, up until tonight, but crappy Canton boy now says, “die, you gravy-sucking pig!” Have your people contact my people, and we will go from there. Now, I think I shall retire to my crappy bed in crappy Canton, Georgia…
I look forward to your crappy response.
Sincerely,
Bill Grant
Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood, a Cherokee County native, took the joke in good humor.
“He’s probably never been to quote ‘crappy’ Canton,” Hobgood said Wednesday morning. “Had he been, he probably wouldn’t have said that. It wouldn’t have been funny.”
Then I gave him a chance to sell Canton, which has about 17,000 people in it. “It’s one of the fastest growing cities in the nation,” he noted, nearly tripling in size since 1990. “Obviously it has a lot going on for it else people wouldn’t be moving here in droves.”
He noted the revitalization of downtown and on the same night Colbert made the comments, someone requested that a thousand acres be annexed to the city of Canton for 2,300 homes and commercial properties. “I doubt Canton, Ohio has done that!” he said, admitting he has never been to that Ohio city.
Indeed, the city of Canton, Ohio has about 80,000 people, based on the 2000 census but a 2006 census estimate had Canton shrinking to about 78,000.
Hobgood noted that newcomers to Canton are ironically more resistant to some of the growth in the city because many had come to the city to get away from the traffic and hassle. And he said people who move to Canton are from all over — even the North. “We have a few Yankees here,” he said, adding lightly: “Some are actually nice folks!”
-Larry Wachs of the Regular Guys on Rock 100.5 was not amused by the news Monday that the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia overturned a $550,000 FCC fine against CBS for the Janet Jackson breast slip during the Super Bowl in 2004.
“I’m going to be writing a letter to the FCC to tell them what I think,” he said. “They put so many people through so much misery for nothing — including me.”
He said he didn’t even realize CBS had appealed the original fine. “I wish Clear Channel had the [cojones] to do the same thing but of course they didn’t. They didn’t have the courage of their convictions.”
Wachs and the Regular Guys soon after the “incident,” were trotted out by Clear Channel and 96rock (now Project 9-6-1) as a great example of “edgy” radio that wouldn’t cross the line. Then in April, Wachs accidentally did so while proving a point about the silliness of the censorship by trying to air backwards porn. But while recording it, some naughty words got caught on air during a car ad. After the show, Clear Channel suspended them, then took them off the air.
After they came back in 2005, the show minus “Southside” Steve Rickman wasn’t the same. Wachs sounded angry and Eric Von Haessler wasn’t fully engaged. The ratings never quite returned to their glory times. They were fired in 2006 for a problem unrelated to the FCC and indecency. But Cumulus has given them a third shot this year. And with Rickman part of the team again, they sound much happier.
Wachs notes that the Parents Television Council and other conservative groups have cut back on filing complaints lately. “The witchhunt is off,” he noted, as Congress and the public are focused on more crucial issues such as rising oil prices and the mortgage mess.
On the air Tuesday morning, he said my call dredged up bitter feelings from the past. “I started getting angry,” he said. “I gave him so many foul-language filled quotes, he probably can’t use them. Irony of ironies!”
-All morning shows on virtually every major radio station in Atlanta is participating July 29 in the second annual March of Dimes fundraiser. This is a repeat of last year’s efforts. Though it didn’t raised that much money compared to the Achievement in Radio Awards for the March of Dimes (or many multi-day station-only fundraisers), it is an impressive cooperative effort among competitors.
Here’s a segment from the press release:
All stations will direct listeners to make donations by calling the toll free number 1-866-MOD BABY (663-2229) or by going online at www.marchofdimes.com/georgia.. Certain pledge amounts will earn listeners prizes such as AirTran Airways business class tickets for domestic travel; two-night stays at Beau Rivage Resort on the scenic Mississippi Gulf Coast; Vacation Express travel packages to Oasis Hotels and Resorts in Cancun, Mexico and dinner for two at some of Atlanta’s most popular restaurants.
Comments
By Keith
July 23, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
Eric Von Haessler is the only reason to listen to morning radio in Atlanta
By Bubba from Buckhead
July 23, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
Canton, GA? Who cares. Just a bunch of trailers out there anyway. They just got a McDonalds last week.
By Tyrone
July 23, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Colbert is hilarious..I saw that clip live and thought it was very funny.
By Becca
July 23, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Bubba - Canton was producing a governor, printing newspapers and county seat to the northern half of Georgia when Buckhead was a wide spot in the road with a deer head on a tree. And BTW we’re “up here” not “out there” - I guess you’re directionally challenged as well as plain ignorant.
By jd
July 23, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Very funny, and so was the response from Canton! (the crappy one…) I’m guessing he will show up, with crew. Better him than Kathy Griffin.
By Nick
July 23, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
I lived in Canton for 5 years and it is indeed crappy.
By Mike In Woodstock
July 23, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Mr. Colbert has obviously never been to a Bridgemill (Canton address) pool party. He would think differently if he could see firsthand what a chic swinger community it really is.
By Shane
July 23, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Satire Folks! I live in Canton and thought the bit was hilarious.
By Chris
July 23, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Colbert is talking through his ass because his mouth knows better!!!
By saywhat
July 23, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Hey - Bubba from Buckhead - obviously you have never been to Canton with your dumba** remark. Maybe you should visit before you pass judgement. BTW - I (and many others) would live in Canton well before I would live in Buckhead, even if they offered free housing. Besides - real bubbas don’t live in Buckhead - I know that because I used to work in that area. So I say - come to Canton - it’s much better. And no, I do not live in a trailer - but a 4,000 sft home that is a quarter of the price of one in Buckhead.
By Glenn
July 23, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Canton’s become a pretty decent town. Much better than the declining community of Buckhead.
By Bobby
July 23, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Canton is white trash at its best. It is the armpit of Georgia. What a hell hole!! Saywhat, you are a moron if you think that Canton is nice. Here is a tip for you…If the trailer park is 4,000 sf you can not count that towards your sf. Your little half acre that your trailer sits on is all that counts. I am sorry to break your heart, but get back to your trailer and turn on your window unit and try to cool down. HA HA HA HA HA
By Jen
July 23, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Who would want to live in Ohio anyway?
By RK
July 23, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
He said that Atlanta was “so gay” last night, as well.
By Meat
July 23, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Canton is to Atlanta what Jersey is to NY - a place to dump trash…and there’s plenty of White Trash there. Which reminds me, please lay off the Daisey Dukes if your thighs are as large as your waist…and lose the cigarette and can of Pabst!
By Refugee Who Fled Canton
July 23, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
I lived in the city limits of Canton for eight years, and under the reign of Mayor Pruett, it went from a decent quiet small town to a mecca for trashy people and criminals. The gangs, drug-dealers, and other assorted rif-raf have taken over the town. Thank God we got out! Canton, in its current state, is indeed crappy.
By The Snark
July 23, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Wait a minute … didn’t he say “the crappy little Canton in China”?
By Stand Tall
July 23, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Canton an armpit??? PLEASE!!! Listen, I don’t care how many Bubba’s proclaim to know something … the truth is, with a name like that, and with such detailed descriptions painted so eloquently, one would have to assume that he knows a little too much about Canton…as if he actually lives there, probably through state-subsidized low income housing. We are proud Cantonians, and I will not stop until we replace all the hate that is spewed in our direction. Oh and do not forget the rich history here, we once were the silk capital of the US, hence the name Canton, as in the Canton province in CHINA! We had such quality silk that the name was a tribute to the best silk manufacturers in the world in the Far East. So Bubba, read a little history, or have someone read it for you, or better yet find one of those “pitcher books” and let your brain absorb something for a change. It may prove to be educational, but then again, in your one horse town they probably haven’t discovered books yet. So to recap, if your daddy would have just gotten off your sister, there would be one less “Bubba” to contend with, a welcome change indeed!
By Jen
July 23, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Bobby and Meat, you sound familiar with things that are white trash. Why is that?
By Bobby
July 23, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Thank You Johnny Reb for proving my point you stupid Inbred. Go back to your inbred family in Canton and have realtions with your mom or sister, we all know its the same person anyway. YOU STUPID REDNECK!!! HA HA HA
By Tommy
July 23, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
johhnyreb, you sound like a bitter little girl… apparently what you and your uncle “do together” keeps you happily confined to Canton…….trash..
By Stand Tall
July 23, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Touche… JEN
I like you, you rock!
Unlike Meat and Bubba of course, who just SMOKE the rock!
By Tommy
July 23, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
JohhnyReb is my closeted boyfriend…. he just gets as bitter as a little girl when folks talk about his town. I love my nephew JR very much…
By Kim
July 23, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
What you’re all missing is that his whole show is SATIRE. None of is is serious. Jesus. And Johnny Reb, please stay in Canton, wherever it is.
By jd
July 23, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Any appeal Canton may have had has been replaced by super walmart and mcmansion subdivisons. It’s no different from any other Atlanta suburb that sold out to the developers.
Colbert’s joke was kind of lame. I seriously don’t understand how anybody could be offended by something that a 2nd grader would say.
By JT
July 23, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
I like turtles…
By Jen
July 23, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
I am college educated and live in a nice neighborhood in Canton. Everyone I know in Canton is also college educated and lives in a nice neighborhood. I have never seen a trailer in Canton (although I know there may be some). My point is, those who think Canton is white-trash must be seeking out those types of people. If you attract a certain type of person, you will find those types wherever you go.
By Gary Lamb
July 23, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
I pastor a church in Canton that will Rock you face off! I love this place and Steven Colbert you are no longer welcome in my town!
By Gary Lamb
July 23, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
I pastor a church in Canton that will Rock you face off! I love this place and Steven Colbert you are no longer welcome in my town! Revolution Church Rocks!
By In Town
July 23, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Canton is ignorant, redneck and lost in time. It’s that mentality that has caught up with us and why our country is falling apart. “I can do what I want how ever I want without regards to anyone else” Thanks for burning the country down, fools.
By bmc
July 23, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Funny joke from Colbert. Funny response from Mr. Grant. I hope Colbert takes him up on the invite. Nuff said. Let’s move on.
By JohnnyReb
July 23, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Bobby & Tommy, as you sit in your little pantywaifer midtown loft adorned with pictures of Lenin, Stalin, Che Guevara listening to Liberace, Elton John & Judy Garland sipping espresso running your sodomite sewer-mouths, how about hauling your sorry @$$e to San Fransicko with the rest of your fellow fruits? At minimum, go back to your favorite haunts of bathhouse or reststop bathrooms & your favorite “activities” & leave the discussion to us decent folks. Us real Americans can do without 2-bit, commie vermin like you!!!
By canton ancestor
July 23, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
When my great grandmother died, she was the oldest ancestor to the founders of Canton, and the army individual who brought the silkworms and visited Canton, China. My family also worked in the cotton mills that produced ‘salty dog’ denim, only from Canton GA. They also were sharecroppers and worked the river bottoms of the Etowah. There are many people in Canton that are uneducated and are white trash. I am related to some of them! But, there are lots of intelligent and informed people in Cherokee County.(not just transplants) I still love Colbert. Thanks for the shout out Steve! It is all in fun.
By Bobby
July 23, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Johnny how is your sister I mean mom I mean Aunt I mean Grandmother doing. Wow how do you keep up with who your mother is with that 3rd grade education you got in Canton. Good luck this weekend at the white trash inbred cook off. I know your family is the favorite. YOU STUPID REDNECK. PLEASE SHUT UP AND DO NOT SPEAK UNTIL YOU ARE SPOKEN TO. YOU STUPID _you fill in the blank. I’m sure even you know how to do this.
By uga
July 23, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
I think you all are taking this satire a little too personally - come on people…
By For the Record
July 23, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Stand Tall:
Your clarification of the history of Canton is appreciated, but the founders named it Canton because they had high HOPES for a bustling silk center - it never came to fruition.
By rock barn
July 23, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
FYI- that ‘rock barn’ beside Cherokee High school across from the Governor’s Mansion for the former Joseph Brown was an old slavery auction barn. It used to still have the shackles on the wall.
Now it is a community center
By JohnnyReb
July 23, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Bobby, how’s about you go back to filling your filthy yap with it’s usual “contents” & STFU you gutless, candy@$$, limp-wristed scourge of humanity!!! You scumbag pinkos are all the same, full of dogsqueeze & not knowing jacksquat about reality!!!
By Doofy
July 23, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Colbert is a horse’s @$$
By Greg Ohio
July 23, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
I live near Canton, Ohio, and I’d bet our white trash can kick Canton, Georgia’s white trash white a**es.
Incidentally, Canton Ohio is where President Bush campaigned at a factory run by one of his supporters who then laid off 1300 people.
By johnwhere'scanton
July 23, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
I guess that homeowner or mint julip guy is trying to be funny but actually he’s not. Buddy see if you can tell the difference. To those of you offended learn about sarcasm.
Geez, Colbert doesn’t literally mean Canton is Crappy, he’s making a joke, because frankly even Canton OH is not all that glamorous either. Both are perfectly fine places.
But Face it Canton GA people. You sold out your history and have become merely another sprawl suburb in Metro Atlanta. Probably a nice place to raise a family but you are out there from the center of things - nothing wrong with that. And you certainly are no longer unique or glamorous.
But Colbert’s just making an joke…its quiet funny. Amazing you don’t see it that way. And Mint Julip guy don’t quit your day job your answer is a lame attempt to do Colbert humor, unfortunately you get a little abrasive with your terms.
By qwerty
July 23, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
All these people defending Canton like Colbert insulted their mom. This is funnier than the original joke, which apparently nobody from Canton, GA got.
By katie
July 23, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Whatever, I grew up in canton it does suck.
By Stand Tall
July 23, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Steven Colbert would have his a$$ handed to him if ever tried to come here and publicly condemn our fine city! This guy soaking wet could not conjure up 100 pounds, so it would not be a problem to beat him down! And I know it’s satire, but let’s call a spade a spade… he is a terrible actor (anyone ever see the Law & Order in which he bombed fantastically in??), an even worse political pundit, and if I told you I know someone in SC who says as a child he used to pay other male students $$ to sniff their jocks?? I mean this guy couldn’t stand the South so he converted to be a NYC quirky dork (NO NOT YOU TOMMY). Get over yourself Colbert, you are old hat, and a has-been living off the coattails of Jon Stewart, another overrated talking head, who gets WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY too much publicity! Stick to what you know … which isn’t much, and back off of Canton, before you get done up son!! PUNK!!!!!
By Jen
July 23, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Johnwhere’s, of course we know Colbert was making a joke, but I disagree Canton, GA is not unique. The people are what make a place special and some of the nicest people I have ever met are from Canton, GA.
By baseballdoc
July 23, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Well, Bill, you lost me at GOD-fearing.
By Budd
July 23, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Larry Wachs is da bomb yo!
By Tim P
July 23, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
I find it amusing that people are taking a show made up of satire seriously.
By JohnnyReb
July 23, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Tommy, NYC!!! That cesspool is full of crackheads, gangsta-trash, crook Wall Street swindlers & drag queens like you! it doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to know a fruitcake son! This ol’ southern boy is 100x more real man than your commie @$$ could ever hope to be. Now why don’t you go back to your LSD & dope you Greenwich Village pinko scumbag! No true Georgian gives a rat’s @$$ what Noo Yawkaz think anyways. You live in Sodom & Gomorrah East & probably loooove all the Marxist trappings up there. So STFU & go back to pole-smoking you Bolshevik, pantywaist turd!!!
By Gary
July 23, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Guys, it was satire for goodness sake and was a lame attempt even at that. Canton, though not a great town, is not crappy. Yes it has its holes just like any other city, but it also has some nice spots as well. Some people take this stuff a little too seriously but understand how you feel about your hometown. I am the same way about my hometown but have this saying that if people are putting it down then obviously they have never been there or have and badly want to live there. Those who are talking about white trash and trailer parks are probably 15 year olds who have nothing better to do than sit at home on a summer afternoon and try to entice an argument and hateful speech. Arguing with them just makes their day because you fell for the bait and switch. Say your peace and move on.
Oh and btw….colbert is not all that funny folks. Anyone who gets all uptight and actually listens to the bad attempt at satire from him and John Stewart are sad people. They are nothing more than Saturday Night Live’s weekend update spin offs.
By Gary
July 23, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Guys, it was satire for goodness sake and was a lame attempt even at that. Canton, though not a great town, is not crappy. Yes it has its holes just like any other city, but it also has some nice spots as well. Some people take this stuff a little too seriously but understand how you feel about your hometown. I am the same way about my hometown but have this saying that if people are putting it down then obviously they have never been there or have and badly want to live there. Those who are talking about white trash and trailer parks are probably 15 year olds who have nothing better to do than sit at home on a summer afternoon and try to entice an argument and hateful speech. Arguing with them just makes their day because you fell for the bait and switch. Say your peace and move on.
Oh and btw….colbert is not all that funny folks. Anyone who gets all uptight and actually listens to the bad attempt at satire from him and John Stewart are sad people. They are nothing more than Saturday Night Live’s weekend update spin offs.
By Sarah
July 23, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Do people not know that he is from South Carolina? He knows about the South. It is hilarious that people get p** at him. He is a comedian. Georgia gets itself made fun of a lot. SNL featured a sketch last season in which a mom and her two daughters were shopping for clothes in a New York boutique and were very loud and annoying. They proclaimed they were from Decatur, GA. (One cast member from Atlanta.) Plus all the crap that Georgia got about the Evolution textbook stickers and the flag. Heck, Futurama made fun of Atlanta for half an episode (the lost city of Atlanta. Only thing worth noting was Coca-Cola, CNN, and the airport.) People need to quit being so serious. Colbert is still funny. He disses liberals all the time and I do not get insulted. If he had said something aboout Kennesaw or Marietta, I would have laughed and gone on with my life. Canton, get over yourself.
By Zach White
July 23, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Canton, Georgia is a awesome place to live I lived there for 3 years and still live close by and I spend most of my time there, It is whole lot better place than that dump of a place called South Carolina where Colbert is from.
By budman
July 23, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Hey home boy…you were raised better>>>
By Donette
July 23, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
I personally think and this is just my obviously small town, small minded opinion, that Mr. Colbert and many other so call celebrity want-to-be’s should keep their mouths shut and be thought stupid, rather than to open their mouths and prove it to us all.
By TNT
July 23, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Canton is the crap hole of the world, yes I said world. I had never seen a tralier until I moved to Cherokee county. Not a mobile home a true trailer. Living in Canton in 1972 was the worse time in my life. I have never been able to get over the way I was treated, my family was targeted by vandals because we were from Atlanta. Canton left permanent scars on me. Want a taste of the true town, drive on the back street of the city of Canton, better yet take a drive through Whispering Pines Trailer Park, you will think you were back in the 1950’s. Because you will not believe that in this day and time people would live that way.
By Brian
July 23, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
i knew a girl from canton. she had tattoos all over and dated brothaz. she was a dirt ball.
By Billy
July 23, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
You know, people take the mindless blatherings of TV bozos way too seriously. I’m a GA boy, born and raised, and know the metro area very well, but I don’t think I’ve ever been to Canton, GA myself. Then again, I’ve never heard of this jokester either; have never watched the Comedy Central channel, and don’t even have cable TV. Here’s some advice fellas: build a library of your favorite DVD’s and use the TV for watching them. You can get enough idiocy from out of the air, i.e. with an antennae. I never could figure out why someone would pay for commercial TV. My wife and I are getting a big kick out of the digital channel 2.1; has a bunch of shows we grew up with. I can’t believe WSB has actually provided us with something we enjoy!:)
By melissa
July 23, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
I think everyone is titled to their own opinion. I live in Canton Ga., I like it ok, it’s growing very fast!! Despite its reputation it is very clean and family friendly.. Btw you have to go a little further north for the “white trash” these days.
By Ruddy White Shoes
July 23, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
I think I got genital warts in Canton…
By southside girl
July 23, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
I remember being up for a promotion in 2003. With that promotion came a transfer and Canton, GA was one of the places I could have been transferred to. My boss told me that he would not send me there because Canton could not handle a Black female in authority. That immediately shed a bad light on Canton and after inquiries, I found out he was correct. BTW….he is a straight-up White conservative. I thanked him for not wanting to send me to such a place and I have never set foot there and probably never will.
By melissa
July 23, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
I agree with Billy. Bobby is the taker for sure. Hey Booby get a life there’s alot more in this world to worry bout than Canton. I would love to see a cockfight between Johnny and Bobby, yea I said cockfight, guess what though I’m from Cumming and relocated to Canton as a kid. Rednecks are everywhere Bobby grow up and please get a life and stop polluting the world with your idiotic stereotypes. You’re obviously ignorent, what other types of people are you scared of or to stupid to get along with?
By J.D.
July 24, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this
You know, he wasn’t actually saying anything bad about your city. He (or the writers) just picked another, lesser known, Canton. The intent of the joke had nothing to do with your Canton or any of the others (if they had decided to pick any of those). His character on the show is very cocky and passes judgement easily and quickly.
I’m sure Canton, GA is a nice city.
By edge770
July 24, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this
Maybe someone alerted him to the overly ego based law enforcement agency that LOVES to run traffic stops there. Or the “growth at any costs” mentality. Or maybe the overly expensive YMCA named for the former mayor who started the “growth at any cost” movement. The town that let’s good quality jobs like at Kimberly Clark slip away. So yeah there are fault lines there. The best job you can get in Canton is a hotel cleaning job.
By Carlos
July 24, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Get a life, it was a joke.
What IS offensive, is voting on whether or not Canton is a crummy place. Who’s thought up THAT crap?
Ahhhh, journalism…
By Hugo Palm
July 24, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
The Stephen Colbert we see on the “Colbert Report” is A MADE UP CHARACTER. It’s a JOKE. His show has bee on, what, 2-3 years. If Canton does not understand this, then the town really does have problems.
By mayretter local
July 24, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
Just cause y’all are new to this area, does not mean Canton is or has always been “great”. It was a far away place when I was a kid, and Cherokee County was not the place you wanted to live. Now it’s got a lot of development, interlopers, tons of strip malls, and more money in deh guvment pockets, but it’s still out in the boondocks!!! y’all have fun up there! can’t wait to see the towne lake ghetto in a few years.
By Lissa
July 24, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Hey now - leave Towne Lake out of this!
Hasn’t Canton been picked on enough already? Let’s pick another town to make fun of - how about Byron? Now, there’s a town full of trailer parks!
By Flatpoint Grief Counselor
July 24, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
It was a joke. The Colbert Report is a comedy show. The character of Stephen Colbert says things he doesn’t mean. Is this clear enough?
The city of Canton, GA now has enough publicity to last ‘em for the next decade. What are they complaining about?
By Touche'
July 24, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Are there any turtles in Canton??
By cantonh8er
July 25, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
i hate canton. when i lived there my dog got ran over 5 times, my trailer was destroyed by a tornado twice, my car got stolen at the police station, and i got robbed at the bank atm. i hate canton.
By cantonbear
July 26, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
If Canton is represented at all by their public official Judge John B. Sumner, then it is not onlu crappy, but corrupt. His mug shots are being distributed around town with his DUI history and worse. This man is certianly no role model, read all about him http://www.courthouseforum.com/forums/worstjudge.php?id=174216
Canton will be less crappy when John Sumner is off the bench.
By dave
July 31, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
I find it hilarious that all these small town people have nothing better to do than chastise a comedian simply doing a satire news show. Canton, Ga is pretty crappy, and I spent a few months there. Lighten up people, it’s not a real news show. This only shows how overly sensitive our country has gotten. If colbert had referred to Canton, oh as crappy, all of the Canton, Ga residents would be rolling on the ground laughing.
By john
August 1, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
stop bitching Canton.
By k
August 3, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
He apologized. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ldZ5htx7g8)
By AnimalLover
August 6, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
This is not news. It is a joke. Stop getting your panties in a bunch!
By obcdy
August 26, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
The comments are humorous. But as a couple people have said, Colbert was making a joke of how not desirable Canton, OH was, and then he just tossed in some random other Canton that most people have never even heard about. It really has nothing to do at all with Canton, Ga.
But of course, if you are comparing, Canton, Ohio is by far the most recognizable due to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and its proximity to Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Akron and Columbus. It’s in the “undesirable” part of the country and is therefore used often (along with of course cleveland, akron and youngstown) in the butt of jokes. Canton, GA just happened to be another Canton, albeit a very small and unknown one. It wasn’t about Georgia and that’s pretty much it.