Anyone know the origins of moonbat?

[Lone_Star_Dem]

I think I know the meaning, is supposed to be a derogatory term for a liberal, right?

I'm curious why it's supposed to be an insult.

[blm]

1. I remember back in the 80s, GOPs called Jerry Brown - Gov. Moonbeam, and

called Kerry - Senator Moonbeam.

[Webster Green]

2. I'm guessing Archie Bunker

I really don't know for sure.

[salvorhardin]

3. Moonbat: Originally a derogatory term for George Monbiot

Though the creator of the term says not.

Moonbat is a political epithet coined in 2002 by Perry de Havilland of Samizdata, a libertarian weblog. Contrary to some speculation, de Havilland has stated it was was not originally a play on the last name of George Monbiot, a columnist for The Guardian, regardless of the fact he and Mr. Monbiot have appeared on the BBC together expressing politically opposed views. The terms was originally rendered as 'Barking Moonbat', suggesting that certain issue seem to trigger a reflexive response from some people much like wolves howl at the moon (i.e. the term evokes the traditional association between the moon and insanity).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonbats

[BlooInBloo]

4. Several possibilities...

(a) The diseased mind of michelle malkin, into whose depths no one shall enter and return unmarked.

(b) a combination of the hippie-insult "moonbeam" with the crazy-insult "batty"

?

That's all I got...

[sweetheart]

5. jerry brown

was called governor moonbeam/moonbat back long ago early 70's
if memory serves.

Moonbat i've seen in derogatory for mopaul... and where is he,
now that i've noticed his absence. god bless you mopaul, wherever
you walk tonight.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

7. Yes, I've also noticed that mopaul is missing

I hope all is well and they just needed a break.

Oh, and thanks for the input on moonbat. It really doesn't sound very insulting to me. I guess that's the best that they could come up with though.

[Lorien]

6. Personally I think it's a great complement to be

likened to a bat-one of the most beneficial creatures on earth. Bats consume so many insects that without them we would be facing Biblical plagues of the invertebrates, and fruit bats are responsible for seeding much of the tropics, as many plant seeds must pass through a bird or bat's digestive tract before they can germinate.

Repugs, on the other hand, are more like disease carrying cockroaches who scurry away when a light is shown on their activities.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

8. I can't find the insult in it either

Where I live we nurture our bats and provide housing for them under the overpasses. They are a highly beneficial creature.

I guess that's part of the reason I could never 'get' the insult.

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

9. Don't you know? It's a delicious snack!

Mmmm, Moonbats 'n Wingnuts®! Crunchy little wingnuts and soft chewy moonbats, all mixed together for a taste sensation that will drive you crazy. Whether you're a snacking extremist or just craving an extreme snack, reach for Moonbats 'n Wingnuts. It's unreal!™

(Repost of something that I'm going to keep reposting until I find someone who wants to invest in R&D. :P)

[Lone_Star_Dem]

13. Sounds like I've been missing out

They sound delicious! :9

:rofl:

[AlCzervik]

10. When i hear Moonbat i think of everyone that works for one of the Moonie

owned publications and their readers.

[Kurovski]

12. Those would be "Goonbats".

Hired thugs who perpetrate violence upon the truth.

[kevsand]

11. Isn't it from that old Van Morrison song?

You know, "It's a marvelous night for a moonbat..."

[Kare]

14. Beware the Jabberwock my son!

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

see... not moonrat mome rath :)

[soothsayer]

15. here's an etymology (The Libertarian Samizdata" weblog)

Moonbat
English
Etymology

Moonbat is a pejorative political slogan coined by Perry de Havilland of "The Libertarian Samizdata," a pro-war weblog.
Noun

moonbat

1. Pejorative, Internet. Used by the right-wing blogosphere to refer to their ideological opponents.

so says this site http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/science_fair_project_dictionary/Moonbat

[raysr]

16. Crawford Texas?