Everyone is aflutter over Kanye West’s outburst at the Video Music Awards this weekend.

For those of you who somehow missed it, West jumped on the stage when Taylor Swift beat Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” for best female video. West said, “Taylor, I’m really happy for you, and I’m gonna let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time.” Well, at least he’s happy for her.

In West’s defense, Beyonce’s video was pretty awesome. My roommate and I have spent many an evening driving up and down the Boulevard, blasting “Single Ladies” and (badly) imitating the dance out the window. But it’s still not cool.

Taylor Swift seems like a nice enough person. She’s done quite a bit of good in the world, such as teaming up with Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen to combat online sex crimes. She’s given and raised tons of money for charity. And, as far as I know, she hasn’t been caught with a sex tape or naked photos of herself, which is more than I can say about some celebrities her age. Although I love the “Single Ladies” dance, I won’t begrudge someone like Swift.

West has been condemned by just about everyone. At the VMAs, people booed at the mention of his name. Since then, the blogosphere has lit up with indignation. Even President Obama weighed in. Speaking informally and off-the-record, he called West a “jackass.” Tough words from the most presidential of presidents.

This isn’t the first of West’s freak-outs, either. He’s thrown tantrums at the Grammys and the American Music Awards. He even did it at the VMAs before. His three strikes are up.

West is an egoist looking to get attention any way he can. He’s insulted not only Swift but everyone who worked to make the VMAs happen.

My advice: Stop inviting him places.

Nathaniel French is a junior theater studies major. He can be reached for comment at [email protected].