Spoof tweets rile Mac
(CNS): The obvious spoof Twitter account of ‘Mckeeva Bush345’, which has been making numerous local followers chortle with its comedy tweets recently, has not found favour with the premier, who has failed to see the funny side. A joke tweeter who has been posing as the Cayman Islands’ premier used an official picture of Bush but was posting tweets that were quite clearly not made by the country’s leader. The tweets appear to have riled Bush, however, as his office has filed a complaint with the social networking site. His press office issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon threatening legal action against people using the internet to defame. The statement also revealed that Bush does not have a Twitter account.
“An account on the social network Twitter that claims to be the account of Premier McKeeva Bush is an impersonation which is against Twitter’s rules,” press secretary Charles Glidden stated. “An impersonation complaint was filed today with Twitter which acknowledged the complaint and an investigation is underway.”
The statement went onto reveal that the “government intends to look at the possibility of putting legislation in place that addresses the misuse of the internet to the detriment and defamation of
others. Such legislation would not obstruct internet connection in the Cayman Islands,” the press secretary added.
According to the Twitter site it is against the rules to impersonate others through the Twitter service in a manner that does or is intended to mislead, confuse, or deceive others.
With the explosion of the internet and social networking sites, some US states have introduced legislation to deal with online impersonation. The state of California’s law – SB 1411 – went into effect on 1 January this year making malicious digital impersonation a misdemeanor that comes with fines up to $1000 and/or up to a year in jail. Senate Bill 1411 made it unlawful to knowingly and without consent credibly impersonate another person through or on an internet website or by other electronic means with the intent to harm, intimidate, threaten or defraud another person.
However, Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) who created the bill claims that his law protects the free speech rights of those who impersonate for parody, satire and political speech.
Category: Headline News
Shared this on all social networks so the world can see how classless the leader of the Cayman Islands really is!
So, this is what Mr. Glidden (aka Chalo) and "Premier the Honourable and esteemed Mr. Bush" (aka Macdinijad/McChavez/XXXX/Bushy) are spending time on….and getting major salaries and other perks for? The madness never ceases with this bunch of "takers" eh!
***** This SEEMS like an all-out-excuse to pass a law to contain and control freedom of expression, speech, and the press. And I back my words with previous news articles where the Premier himself has before made attacks on the media, I recall he made threats to CNS and bloggers that he will have legislated against them hifty fines and even imprisonment. Yes, everyday political leaders have impersonators over the internet. I have to ask, why is the Premier making such a big deal about this one? It only raises my suspicions, which are reasonable suspicions indeed back by the evidence. ***** Libertarian
"Off with their heads" said the Red Queeneeva
I have had quite a few laughs reading most of the comments here. Thanks for being a great news site. At least, some of us have a sense of humor.
I also think Bush just needs to let things go with the flow, and stop with acting like someone just took his candy. He’s a grown man, he should act like one. There’s way more important issues that need his attention, than a few silly stories and jokes about him. If he keeps up with the way he’s acting, things {like the political satire} will only get worse on more Internet sites. IF he thinks he can take on the WWW, I say’ go for it, Mr. Bush. 🙂
the tweets are actually pretty hilarious, you wanna dish it but you cant take it?
lighten up, im pretty sure the person behind the twitter account means no harm to anyone. whether its an account with the Premiers name on it or not, any other regular person with a twitter is capable of quoting him.
Ok Mr. Bush enough time on this. You cannot legislate freedom of expression and speech. Time to start governing the country.
Man Challo I can’t tek dis no more. Dem ole Bloggaz and Dis Jockis wha sayn nuff bout me now yah gah sump-in name Twitta too.
See if I can’t borrow De Governas invitation to William’s wedding to get off dis rock fah lil bit…….ah mean it been a long time since I left ya……must b a week or more now. Cha !!!
Twitta…….whats next…….Rundown…….oh no…..no, no, no, no……..ooooooooooohhhhhhh !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tek mi way quick !!!!!!!!!!
The country has bigger issues than whose pretending to be McKeeva Bush. You’d think this would be at the bottom of their list.
“Spoofed” as in “Mockery?”
How appropriate!!!
Big Mac and his Useless Despicable Puppets are a laughing stock!!!
Uh, Earth to Mac: Have you never heard the phrase "The more you stir s*** the more it stinks"?
By having public hissy fits and uttering threats when people poke fun at you, you are in the process of opening a Pandora’s Box that you are powerless to close. The demons released will spell your political demise. I would wager all my doubloons that hits on the Tweet page have skyrocketed due to all the free publicity you gave the site.
Now we see it. Big Mac is on his way to sharing the plight of another, slightly more famous Bush – who, like Big Mac had his competence called into question by sundry. President George W. Bush was the butt of jokes and parodies by legion of comedians, the media, and ordinary people.
Here are some examples of web sites lambasting the then President in every way possible. I do not know how many of the sites are still active but they were a hoot in the day and the names are priceless:
http://www.bushoccupation.com
http://www.gwbush.com (The infamous site that the President tried unsuccessfully to shut down)
http://www.bushorchimp.com (With pictures comparing press photos of the president with monkeys. I must admit some of the resemblances were remarkable – sorry if I offended any chimps out there.)
http://www.dumbya.com
http://www.presidentmoron.com
http://www.trashbush.com
http://www.georgewankerbush.com
http://www.toostupidtobepresident.com
It would not surprise me if some potential jokesters reading this article rush to register some interesting domain names to have a little fun with the situation. (Hint, hint. Please, huh, please?)
Of interest is the fact that then President George Bush made several comments to the press decrying the anti-Bush web sites and he twice attempted to shut down the site http://www.gwbush.com, even resorting to filing a well-publicised lawsuit.
Big Mac should take note that the U.S. President is arguably the most powerful man on Earth, (an attribute that in my opinion our own Mr. Bush would sell all that is dear to him to possess), but for all his power and influence President Bush’s attempts at shutting down the site were fruitless.
I would suggest that Big Mac just grow up, develop a bit thicker skin and man up to the fact that people like to poke fun at him because his reactions are usually quite amusing and provide us with a little entertainment. Gee, even Jehovah has to tolerate criticism, so how as a mere demigod does Big Mac think he can escape being the butt of a few jokes? (OK. well, maybe more than just a few lately.) We would like to think our Premiere has bigger fish to fry as his country is going to hell in a hand basket and needs his full attention. Instead his focus is on Twitter? OMG! We are doomed!
The two Bush’s seem to share a similar disdain for democratic freedom. President Bush, in one of his drama queen knickers-in-a-knot moments made a statement to the press that our own Bush could have authored: “There ought to be limits to freedom…”
I hate to be the one to rain on Big Mac’s parade but once a politician becomes the butt of popular humour and is foolish enough to show weakness and desperation by overreacting, that politician’s days of being taken seriously are nearing an end. When it comes to being the object of ridicule the best a politician can do is ride it out with some dignity. As the Borg were fond of saying “Resistance is futile”.
Here is the deal Mr. Bush: You may be able to bluff your way out of a debate in the House and you may have witty, demeaning rebuttals to all the "darlings" who dare challenge you in a public meeting, but the only way to challenge humour is to show a sense of humour, even if it puts a dent in your ego. (With an ego that size no one will notice a few dents anyway). You either take it like a man or slip beneath the dignity of a national leader and get down and dirty with ’em. Thus far, the man isn’t showing. But just look what getting down and dirty did for Richard Nixon and G.W. Bush: both went down in flames and their memories inspire little else but snickers.
Heretofore, composing comments here on CNS has been a decent way to vent and is an amusing diversion, but Big Mac’s reaction and remarks regarding this Tweet thing should make someone here give serious consideration to starting a full-blown web site to baste him properly. Maybe it is time to take the gloves off. Anybody here on board with this?
Our magnificent and esteemed leader – who by the way I love, love, love (I did three head-to-the-floor prayer bows just then in his honour, but you can’t read those) – would do well not to find himself the first person found guilty of a crime under Cayman’s shiny new constitution, in limiting the liberty and freedom of speach of people of the Cayman Islands.
May the Honeourable McKeeva live long and prosper. Ah hail McKeeva, All hail McKeeva. Sieg Heil!
What will they think of next??… LMAO!.. Today should’ve been Friday.
The smartest thing to do in a case like this is to laugh and enjoy the humor. This would deflate the impact of the prank. It is always best to laugh at yourself anyway. Of course it takes a very secure person to do this.
And we’ve been waiting HOW long for the environmental laws!!???
Come on folks, lighten up, or is there a dictatorship running this country with just peons as followers
Who are these dogs who mock the leader of this country? How dare they! Mocking is punishable by death. Twitter is a creation of the evil Western nations.
In my country this imposter would be tortured and then hanged. I hope McKeeva Bush is taking note.
In that case, good thing we aren’t in your country!
no matter how much a person is disliked there is no excuse for impersonating someone and whoever is doing this should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and if they are doing it from inside of the cay,an islands then they are breaking the ICTA law.
on the flip side Mr Bush now know how the country feels when he breaks (circumvent) Cayman Islands laws in his dealings such as the last one seeking financing for the country.
NO LAWBREAKING SHOULD BE TOLERATED
Only a fool would have believed the account to be genuine. It’s a spoof, a parody, in the finest traditions of political satire. And I’m afraid you with your censorious response clearly do not get the joke. Lighten up and grow up.
but much, much, much lawbreaking IS tolerated. A huge amount. A staggering amount.
Damn right… so lets prosecute Mac and give the other guy a reason to shut up.
Shameful behaviour.
I hope the perpetrator(s) are caught and sent to jail for 10 years.
This is the leader of our country – and that position should be respected.
10 years?! Really? Same as a gun crime? Wow what logic
It is SATIRE – and all public figures/politicians are open to it, especially when they do & say such dumb things in times of strife.
Perhaps you should move to Saudi or Libya where you can worship your perfect leaders
Respect is to be earned, not granted.
Or legislated.
Wow, I guess I missed when the leader of our country stopped being THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND!!! I don’t see Bush’s face on any currency…not yet at least. O boy, knock on wood!
We take it you do mean the ‘position’, as opposed to the ‘person’?
Big Mac, Small Gliddy.
Good luck suing people that make a saturday night skit of leaders on the internet. That will be a full time job trying to pursue the instigators.
I believe Government should open a new post and call it “Internet Litigation Guru”, hire a Caymanian to do this job and pay them well. Maybe we can become like Cuba and outright just about ban everything on internet to the country?
if only he’d get this riled up and concerned about REAL issues in the community..such as job-losses and crime..? those are real problems..this is a waste of time…you’re the ‘Premier’ not a 12 year old child..stop your whining.
That’s the first thing that came to mind when I read this article. Where is his stance on the serious problems facing our country. For once can we get someone in Government who puts the people first. How many times have we cried out to hear his views on CRIME, UNEMPLOYMENT etc.? There has been silence on many of these issues. Wow, I guess the twitter imposter is really on top of the do list.
I am amazed at how many people on here condone this type of behavior. I am a visitor and reading your news for the first time and I find it absolutely appalling that this happens even outside of the states. Think about how you would feel if it was you that was being impersonated. Doesn’t sound like a joke any more, does it?
If this were to happen where I live we would sue the pants of Tweeter and whoever was impersonating us. Freedom of speech is one thing but when you use my picture and and my name to impersonate me in a negative manner, then I sue…
I agree. How dare you make fun of your leader!
If only I had found out who was impersonating me on Twitter, things would have been different.
I question who you are, why the post and where you live. If you actually live outside of Cayman you would know that to sue FaceBook, tweets or any of the other social networks is an impossible fruitless undertaking. Public figures paid by the public all over the world have to put up with being impersonated. Late Night USA would have a field day with Mr. Bush if they wanted to. This comes with the job for Mr. Bush and I wonder post and the public figure reaction isn’t just an attempt to control the media again.
Time to shut down Rundown then.
Don’t you touch Rundown!! It’s the only thing we have left saving!
I totally agree with you; but you have to understand that in the Cayman Islands politics has blinded us so much that we forget to “hang a dog, but give him is due”. If the Premier was someone else they would be sympatising; but since it is McKeeva Bush they are quickto “crucify him”, it would appears that the man is no longer human like the rest of us, and if the shoe were on the other foot, they would react the same way the Priemier reacted; but we are dealing with hyprocrites and nothing more.
Gee, another non-speller..
This is simply political satire – get over it Mac. According to the article, Twitter’s policy makes it against the rules to:
“…impersonate others through the Twitter servicein a manner that does or is intended to mislead, confuse, or deceive others”
This fits none of those categories. It clearly states that it is an, “…obvious spoof Twitter account of Mckeeva Bush 345”, and posted, “…tweets that were quite clearly not made by the country’s leader.” That means there is clearly no attempt to mislead, confuse, or deceive – it’s to entertain.
Even using the quoted legislation as a guideline, “…made it unlawful to knowingly and without consent credibly impersonate another person through or on an internet website…” I think it has been clearly demonstrated by the article and the Tweets that there is nothing credible about this impersonation. It’s just an attempt at humour (you can individually judge if you find it funny or not).
This is no different than a political cartoon in a newspaper, in which a political figure is portrayed to say or do something that is clearly not true. Humour. Or a show like Rundown, in which an actor plays the part of a politician and says things that are clearly not true. Humour. Nobody could seriously claim they thought the Premier made these posts – it’s just humour.
Mac, get over yourself. When you’re a public figure, you will be criticised, period. Even the most revered leaders in history had their detractors – it comes with the job. Get on with doing your job.
Cuz we’re from Americuh. We sue if our coffee is too hot.
Oh dear..it’s SATIRE – public figures put themselves in a position & we the people are allowed to mock all we wish, especially at times like now where the people are frustrated, protests are ignored & dissent is considered criminal.
So he used his photo & name…so what? Who cares? Only people who wish to distract from the fact that this country is on it’s knees, in part thanks to this Donut King.
a) lots of things happen outside of the US,is this your first time out of your country?
b) its called a laugh.
c) if you actually knoew what was happening here, i.e. outside of the US, then you might understand.
d) have you had your head buried in the sand for your entire life? have you ever watched a show called SNL? (the only reason i mention SNL is because everybody and their dog has seen it before, but there are hundreds / thousands more shows, sites, comedians, that do the same).
e) good luck suing, by the time you even file a motion you will have spent more than you can recover.
An’ wey yah sey ya live, nah? West Bay?
Well I am Amazed, you could not have watched Saturday Night Live. So many times we have seen George Bush, Sarah Palin, Ronald Reagan and so many others ripped apart and roasted on this shows. And how many time have Bob Hope not spoken and impersonated people like Dr. Rene Richards. Come on get a life this is just plain good old fun! But I forgot fun is no longer clean.
So go sue. Mac would LOVE you for it. You think there’s any chance we could sue you for interfering in our politics under the guise of being a visitor? I’m SURE this could happen inside of the states…
Hell, I don’t condone this type of behavior, I freaking applaud it!
You ask how I would feel if it was I who was being impersonated. Dude, the truth is that If I could con the people of your country (wherever that is) into electing me, then parlay that misplaced trust into being placed in the highest office of the land, and I was making an obscene salary for doing little other than spewing hot air, deflecting blame, and continually proposing silly smoke-and-mirrors schemes while the country slides all to hell, and I would be retiring on a lavish pension and perks, hey, joke about me and use my picture all you want! And trust me I would be laughing — all the way to the bank.
(Gee. If your country is the USA, one "Bush" has already "been there, done that", eh? When you elected him what the hell were you all thinking anyway? Probably the same thing those who elected our Bush were thinking. That is IF empty-headed people can think.)
PS: Unless you have big bux, here in the Cayman Islands you would not be suing anyone, as attorneys here do not take cases on a percentage of recovery basis as they do in the USA. So be prepared to fork over upward of $50K for even a very simple and short Grand Court case. A major case can get well into the six figures before you can blink twice. No guarantee you will win either but the attorney fees are payable anyway. So you still ready to place (lots of) dollar bills where mouth is and sue? Probably not, huh?
The bigger men in the world have figured out how to take a joke.
Rahm Emanuel, Twitter @MayorEmanuel Imposter Dan Sinker Meet for the First Time
It seems the truth does hurt…
This is another example of the attitude of the government to free speech. Parody of public figures is a legitimate means of political speech. Some public figures may be more sensitive than others but usually the ones that complain about such things have the most to hide from public commentary.
More worryingly if there is any legislation which limits speech, you can bet that the posters on CNS are going to be in the line of fire.
Mac rather than "do a Berlsuconi" and pass legislation to meet your whims, perhaps you should "turn the other cheek" since you are such a good Christian or maybe if that does not work remember another phrase, "if you can’t stand the heat, there are several planes leaving the islands daily, some of them private planes, funded by secret benefactors with interests in wooing in the politicians of the Cayman islands for their personal benefit"
Absolutely brilliant reply! Especially the last paragraph – Class!
LOL…sorry but they probably wouldn’t know where to take him.
Saudi Arabia and Switzerland both have a good track record of housing fleeing dictators. Venezuela is not too far away.
For the record, I have been keeping track. According to my accounting, Big Mac has done the Christian thing and turned the other cheek to his critics. Trouble is he has only two cheeks (well, four actually, but I don’t think Jesus was including those cheeks in His teaching about forgiveness). Mac has become the butt of more jokes than he has cheeks. (There is a pun waiting there somewhere I just know it!). Mac ran out of cheeks ages ago but he continued to do things that people can make jokes about so the critics and their jokes keep multiplying. No more cheeks and now Mac’s pissed and he’s gonna smack back hard!
The horrifying aspect of this isn’t the website (which I was hoping would be much wittier, but I digress). It is the fact that McKeeva has used his legal team to shove his political weight around for such unimportant matters which are a complete waste of the public purse. The fact that he even cares to address this (and the prior "insulting" news articles and/or bloggers that he has referred to in the past) portrays him, and subsequently the Cayman Islands, as utterly juvenile and downright idiotic. Can you picture the mockery that would ensue worldwide if the head of government in theUSA, UK, etc, attempted to shut down every news outlet or social network that ridiculed/teased/questioned their character and decisions? McKeeva is continuing to act like a petulant child that isn’t getting his way. And the country is suffering as a result.
I wonder whant his response would be if he ended up being portrayed in the UK Comic "Private Eye"…….
Now there’s a thought..
I wonder if "Run Down" will have a little bit of him in it again this time?
***** Again one must question the intentions of the leaders of government: In Resolution 1577 (2007), the human rights Council of Europe states – (CNS note: Too long, deleted. You can read it here)
— Sorry for the large cut and paste, but I a dread a government that tries hard to impose fines and prison sentences on people for any sort of freedom of speech or expression. I am reminded of Brent Fuller / LA’ case. Yes, defamation of character is serious and can cause harm and injury to people like the Premier McKeeva Bush. However, the leaders of government would do well if they tread carefully when it comes to the people’s basic human rights. ***** Libertarian
There seems to be another joker using the name of McKeeva Bush who comes up with nonsense announcements in the LA and on Hansard.
Could this Twitter account be a red herring put out there by Mr Bush or his colleagues to gain support for controlling the media.I believe this will be used as an excuse to bring legislation to control the internet.After all we know that Mr Bush has made known his dislike for CNS and bloggers.This would be similar to tactics used by dictators in other countries eg. they will have a member of their body guards attacked then blame it on their opponents.Hope that’s not the case here.
LMAO! HAAAAA HAAAA HAAAA! You give this man and his “advisors” way too much credit! Are you kidding me? McKeeva probably tries to put his pants on both legs at a time. Moreover, it is no secret that he has university students advising him and writing his speeches. But thanks for my laugh of the morning! 🙂 Good one!
Hey McKeeva,
How about you worry about something REALLY serious…like Crime, Lack of jobs, staggering amounts of national debt…etc, etc…and not something this trivial…
Good Lord- what are you- twelve years old? grow up, Mac. Didn’t mommy ever teach you "sticks & stones"…?
No. Remember he doesn’t turn the other cheek for the second slap. He’s gonna slap back. Tit for tat
Yo Bush, can’t you take a joke ?
XXXXX
I laugh so hard when I read the CayCompass. It says: “The Twitter account uses an official photograph of the Premier as well as containing a ‘Bio’ that reads in part: ‘I’m from West Bay aka Republic/Gazza. That means ‘me alone run tings’, if you don’t know then you’d better ask somebody’. LOL THAT IS CLASSIC
Thanks for telling us about this CNS, I’ll certainly be reading these tweets from now on
Although some of the wittier CNS posters will, no doubt, contribute, I have the feeling this willget stale pretty fast. The alarming aspect of this is that the Premier has no idea about the basic workings of social networking.
Legislating the internet is not the way to go. I think the voters understand that such legislation would open doors in Cayman for controlling the press, online news and freedom of speech. The tweets are in poor taste and really not very funny. I have to point again that Mr. Bush receives a substantial salary and benefits paid for by the people. All elected representatives are in the public eye and the cartoons, tweets, pokes etc come with the job and the salary. My opinion it is a waste of your time chasing and worrying about these personal issues. Time to address the peoples issues. How about some time on crime and tourism.