MAGAs, Get This Through Your Fucking Skull: Criteria for the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Because all of you whiny crybabies are bitching about who gets one and who does not.
Letâs talk about the Presidential Medal of Freedomâthe highest civilian award in the United States. Itâs a big fucking deal, given to people whoâve done some serious shit to better the world, inspire others, or just straight-up change the game in their field. But how does someone actually land one of these shiny ass medals? Letâs break it down: the methodology, the reasons, and the criteria for handing out this prestigious piece of metal.
What the Fuck is the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
Established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a way to recognize exceptional contributions to the countryâwithout requiring someone to, you know, save lives on the battlefield. This medal honors civilians (and sometimes military folk, too) whoâve gone above and beyond in areas like:
Public service
Arts and culture
Science and technology
Education
Civil rights
Athletics
Itâs like the Oscars, but instead of actors crying about their craft, youâve got people whoâve actually done something meaningful.
The Methodology: How the Hell Do You Get One?
Hereâs the juicy part: you donât just stroll into the White House and ask for a medal. Thereâs a process, and while itâs not exactly publicized step-by-step, we know enough to piece together how it goes down.
1. Nomination
First off, someoneâs gotta nominate your ass. This can be anyoneâa regular citizen, an organization, or a government official. Surely even you MAGA idiots can understand how a ânominationâ works. If not, then as a MAGA believing idiot, you are stupid. Thereâs no official application form, but nominations are usually submitted in writing to the White House or directly to the Presidentâs staff. So, if youâve done something worthy, you better hope someone notices and takes the time to sing your praises.
2. Review Process
Once nominated, the candidateâs achievements are reviewed by White House staffers. Theyâll dig through your background, accomplishments, and contributions to see if youâre the real fucking deal. This isnât some casual scroll-through-your-LinkedIn situation. Itâs thorough as hell.
3. Presidential Approval
After the staff narrows down the list, the final decision lies with the President. They get the ultimate say on whoâs worthy of this medal. Itâs a personal choice, which means politics, personal values, and even some favoritism can come into play. Letâs be honest, not all picks are pureâsome are strategic as fuck.
4. Ceremony
If you make the cut, congrats! You get invited to a ceremony where the President slaps that medal around your neck in front of cameras and important people. Cue the applause, the heartfelt speeches, and maybe a few tears.
Criteria: Why the Fuck Are These People Chosen?
The criteria for the Presidential Medal of Freedom are intentionally broad, which is both awesome and kind of vague. Hereâs what theyâre looking for:
1. Significant Contributions
Whether youâre curing diseases, leading a civil rights movement, or creating groundbreaking art, your work has to have made a big-ass impact. Think Martin Luther King Jr., Toni Morrison, or Jonas Salkâpeople who didnât just excel but shifted the goddamn world.
2. Inspiration
Some recipients are chosen because theyâve inspired the fuck out of people. For example, athletes like Simone Biles and Billie Jean King have proven that hard work, resilience, and kicking ass can motivate others to do the same.
3. Service to the Country
Public servants, military heroes, and advocates whoâve dedicated their lives to improving America often find themselves on the list. Whether itâs through politics, activism, or community work, these folks are making the country better for everyone.
4. Excellence in Their Field
Sometimes, itâs about being the best damn person at what you do. Take Stephen Hawking, for instance. The dude was a freaking genius, and his contributions to science earned him one of these medals.
Notable Recipients: Who the Hellâs Got One?
Hereâs where it gets interesting. Over the years, the Presidential Medal of Freedom has gone to some legendary namesâand a few controversial ones. Letâs call out a few big hitters:
Martin Luther King Jr.: For his monumental role in the civil rights movement.
Rosa Parks: For refusing to give up her seat and sparking change.
Maya Angelou: For her groundbreaking poetry and activism.
Elvis Presley: Yep, even The King got one. Itâs not all serious stuff, folks.
Sandra Day OâConnor: The first woman on the Supreme Court. Hell yes.
Barack Obama: Awarded during his presidency for⌠well, being Barack fucking Obama.
Controversial Picks: When the Medal Gets Political as Fuck
Not every recipient is universally loved. Sometimes, Presidents hand these medals out to people whoâve raised a few eyebrows:
Rush Limbaugh: Given by Trump, this pick pissed off a lot of people who saw it as a purely political move.
Bill Cosby: Awarded by George W. Bush before all the sexual assault allegations came to light. Yikes.
Harvey Weinstein: Just kidding. Thatâd never fucking happen. But MAGAs would want it Im sure.
Why Does This Shit Matter?
The Presidential Medal of Freedom isnât just a shiny trinket. Itâs a symbol of what America valuesâor at least what the person in the Oval Office values. The people who get this award are held up as examples of excellence, bravery, and service. Theyâre role models, whether you agree with every pick or not.
But letâs be real: the process isnât perfect. Politics, favoritism, and public opinion all play a role. Sometimes it feels like a genuine âThank you for your service,â and other times, itâs more like a strategic âLook at me honoring this personâ move.
Can Regular Assholes Like Us Get One?
Technically, yes. If youâre out there changing the world, making a difference, or being a total badass in your field, someone might nominate you. But letâs face it, most of us wonât even get close. Thatâs okayâyou can still make an impact without a medal.
Final Thoughts: The Medalâs Legacy
At its core, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is about celebrating human achievement and the potential for greatness. Itâs a reminder that individuals can shape history, inspire others, and make the world a better placeâall while rocking a little bling around their neck.
So, whether youâre aiming for one of these medals or just trying to be less of an asshole, take a page from these recipients: do some good, be excellent, and maybeâjust maybeâsomeone will notice.
Non-URL Citations
"Presidential Medal of Freedom Facts." U.S. National Archives.
"Criteria for the Presidential Medal of Freedom." The White House, Presidential Press Releases.
"Profiles of Medal Recipients." Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
"Presidential Medals Through History." National Museum of American History.
"Medal Controversies: The Stories Behind the Awards." Smithsonian Magazine.