Fox News Suspends Gingrich and Santorum

An ethical charade

MediaMarch 2011 • Views: 31,496

For some reason, Fox News is trying to look they have ethics and scruples today: Fox News suspends Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum.

Fox News has suspended contributors Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum effective immediately until they decide whether to run for president.

Anchor Bret Baier announced on air late Wednesday morning that the network “has suspended its contributor arrangements” with Gingrich and Santorum for the next 60 days.

Both, Baier said, “have signaled possible runs for the presidency” and it “is Fox policy” for them to be suspended.

It might be funny if it didn’t reek of corruption. They gave Gingrich and Santorum platforms to promote themselves relentlessly for years, and paid them for it, and now suddenly Fox News is having an attack of responsibility?

And what about Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin, and John Bolton? We’re not supposed to notice them, I guess.

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111 comments

William of Orange Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:33:41am

I always thought they were just too liberal...

William of Orange Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:34:29am

And why didn't Palin join them??

jamesfirecat Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:35:29am

"Look is their anybody here who isn't planning to run for President?"

b_sharp Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:36:05am

It's always a good thing when you take the mic out of the hands of loons. Now, if Palin et al can be given dead mics.

HappyWarrior Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:36:55am

I don't get it either. Shrug, better them who don't have as much a chance for the nomination getting suspended as opposed to Huckabee or Palin who will remain on TV and provide us with laughter until then.

Simply Sarah Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:37:47am

Clearly, there's only so much room at Fox News for people that might run for the GOP nomination in 2012. Newt and Rick are just the odd men out.

Kragar Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:38:08am

Someone's kickback checks must have bounced.

celticdragon Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:38:55am

And what about Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin, and John Bolton? We’re not supposed to notice them, I guess.

Shhh! They want to keep their wingnut welfare gravy train going!

HappyWarrior Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:39:44am

I guess they think if they suspend Palin, she or her groupies will go nuts. They're not known to take bad news well.

jamesfirecat Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:40:45am

re: #8 celticdragon

Shhh! They want to keep their wingnut welfare gravy train going!

Speaking of Welfare, . Haley Barbour is apparently trying to be this generation's Ronald Reagan... in all the wrong ways.

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) said states should also be free, for instance, to compel Medicaid patients to pay for part of their medicine, saying, "We have people pull up at the pharmacy window in a BMW and say they can't afford their co-payment."

Kragar Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:41:21am

re: #8 celticdragon

Shhh! They want to keep their wingnut welfare gravy train going!

Gravy, but that's how it goes

Killgore Trout Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:42:02am

re: #2 William of Orange

And why didn't Palin join them??

I doubt she's going to actually run. I think she's just cashing in on the publicity that comes from the prospect of her running.

celticdragon Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:42:34am

“We can’t have Speaker Gingrich on our payroll while he is in the midst of an exploratory committee to see if he’s going to run for office,” Fox News’s executive vice president of legal and business affairs Diane Brandi told the Los Angeles Times. “It’s a clear conflict.”

Not that it won't stop us from whoring ourselves to have him and "fecal lubed" Santorum on Hannity, Van Susteren and O'Reilly every night to give them free, unregulated advertising.

Decatur Deb Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:43:32am

re: #10 jamesfirecat

Speaking of Welfare, . Haley Barbour is apparently trying to be this generation's Ronald Reagan... in all the wrong ways.

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) said states should also be free, for instance, to compel Medicaid patients to pay for part of their medicine, saying, "We have people pull up at the pharmacy window in a BMW and say they can't afford their co-payment."

BMW? Cool--we've come a long way from the Welfare Cadillac.

HappyWarrior Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:44:02am

re: #12 Killgore Trout

I doubt she's going to actually run. I think she's just cashing in on the publicity that comes from the prospect of her running.

Do you think that's because she's actually smart enough to realize she won't win or because she realizes there's more money in not running? I gotta wonder who or if she'll endorse any of the candidates. Huckabee is socially conservative like her but they're different despite his recent rhetoric on economics. Romney seems too insiderish for her tastes.

Vicious Babushka Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:44:17am

re: #10 jamesfirecat

Speaking of Welfare, . Haley Barbour is apparently trying to be this generation's Ronald Reagan... in all the wrong ways.

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) said states should also be free, for instance, to compel Medicaid patients to pay for part of their medicine, saying, "We have people pull up at the pharmacy window in a BMW and say they can't afford their co-payment."

Wow. Imagine that! Somebody who once had a good job is now unemployed. How could that happen?

celticdragon Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:44:56am

re: #10 jamesfirecat

Speaking of Welfare, . Haley Barbour is apparently trying to be this generation's Ronald Reagan... in all the wrong ways.

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) said states should also be free, for instance, to compel Medicaid patients to pay for part of their medicine, saying, "We have people pull up at the pharmacy window in a BMW and say they can't afford their co-payment."

We can't have strapping young bucks buying T-bone steaks.

leftynyc Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:45:25am

Does suspended mean "without pay"? It's such a joke anyway since sarah and huck are also employees. That network becomes a bigger joke every single day.

Simply Sarah Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:47:50am

re: #10 jamesfirecat

Speaking of Welfare, . Haley Barbour is apparently trying to be this generation's Ronald Reagan... in all the wrong ways.

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) said states should also be free, for instance, to compel Medicaid patients to pay for part of their medicine, saying, "We have people pull up at the pharmacy window in a BMW and say they can't afford their co-payment."

This from the party of "Any racist signs you may see at Tea Party rallies do not reflect the real membership of the Tea Party!"

blueraven Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:49:04am

re: #14 Decatur Deb

BMW? Cool--we've come a long way from the Welfare Cadillac.

Ugh...I have a family member who is a doctor. I hear this all the time. "They are on medicaid but they drive off in a Cadillac" Right!

I am not saying there is no fraud in medicaid. There is. And that has to be addressed in a meaningful way. But these people take a few incidents and turn it in to a well-worn talking point to discredit the poor and the disabled.

jamesfirecat Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:49:41am

re: #19 Simply Sarah

This from the party of "Any racist signs you may see at Tea Party rallies do not reflect the real membership of the Tea Party!"

Now now, there was nothing racist about (this) comment by Mr. Barbour, it was good old fashioned class warfare as it's been practiced by those with much power against those with little for just about all of human history....

goddamnedfrank Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:50:38am

Fly my shitties! Fly!!!

HappyWarrior Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:50:46am

re: #20 blueraven

Ugh...I have a family member who is a doctor. I hear this all the time. "They are on medicaid but they drive off in a Cadillac" Right!

I am not saying there is no fraud in medicaid. There is. And that has to be addressed in a meaningful way. But these people take a few incidents and turn it in to a well-worn talking point to discredit the poor and the disabled.

I think Reagan popularized that myth with his welfare queen meme. I mean yeah I am sure fraud happens but there are a lot of people out there who really need that help. So, the logic of Reagan and by extension Barbour seems to be "screw all of them."

Vicious Babushka Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:52:12am

re: #21 jamesfirecat

Now now, there was nothing racist about (this) comment by Mr. Barbour, it was good old fashioned class warfare as it's been practiced by those with much power against those with little for just about all of human history...

Beemers are a Boomer car. So it's very likely that the driver who can't afford the co-pay is over 50 (good luck funding a job now!), driving in a vehicle that he bought at the peak of his career which was during Y2K.

HappyWarrior Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:52:34am

To me, it's amusing. Republicans often complain of "class warfare" when it's pointed out that their tax cut plans mostly benefit the wealthy but they engage in it all the time when it comes to the poor. That's worse if you ask me.

Obdicut Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:52:53am

Huckabee is still an employee though, right?

It's a little late for FOX to pretend it isn't the propaganda arm of the GOP. Or that the GOP isn't the political wing of FOX and the other conservative media. It's more the tail wagging the dog these days.

Simply Sarah Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:53:25am

re: #23 HappyWarrior

I think Reagan popularized that myth with his welfare queen meme. I mean yeah I am sure fraud happens but there are a lot of people out there who really need that help. So, the logic of Reagan and by extension Barbour seems to be "screw all of them."

Well, some police are corrupt, so we should get rid of all police, right? Some of the military is waste, so we should get rid of it entirely, correct? Some politicians are corrupt so we should...wait, they'd probably say yes to this one.

Decatur Deb Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:54:08am

re: #24 Alouette

Beemers are a Boomer car. So it's very likely that the driver who can't afford the co-pay is over 50 (good luck funding a job now!), driving in a vehicle that he bought at the peak of his career which was during Y2K.

That's well-thought out, but it's more likely the BMW came out of Barbour's ass, with all his other ideas.

celticdragon Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:55:45am

re: #28 Decatur Deb

That's well-thought out, but it's more likely the BMW came out of Barbour's ass, with all his other ideas.

I wondered why he always looked a bit constipated. He should have seen a proctologist with something like that wedged in there. ;)

HappyWarrior Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:56:28am

re: #27 Simply Sarah

Well, some police are corrupt, so we should get rid of all police, right? Some of the military is waste, so we should get rid of it entirely, correct? Some politicians are corrupt so we should...wait, they'd probably say yes to this one.

Ha, I guess so. You know they'd have me more sympathetic to their point of view if they talked about cracking down on corruption in these programs rather than demeaning people who are on the programs. One of the reasons I don't respect Ronald Reagan is because he engaged in that crap. Of course there are a lot of reasons why I don't like or respect Ronald Reagan but that's a different story for a different day.

Simply Sarah Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:57:21am

re: #30 HappyWarrior

Ha, I guess so. You know they'd have me more sympathetic to their point of view if they talked about cracking down on corruption in these programs rather than demeaning people who are on the programs. One of the reasons I don't respect Ronald Reagan is because he engaged in that crap. Of course there are a lot of reasons why I don't like or respect Ronald Reagan but that's a different story for a different day.

It's a mindset of tossing out a lot of babies.

celticdragon Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:59:11am

re: #31 Simply Sarah

It's a mindset of tossing out a lot of babies.

With brown skins or unmarried parents, especially.

The best way to keep the Religious Right actually liking you is to remain in your mother's womb.

b_sharp Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:00:20am

re: #31 Simply Sarah

It's a mindset of tossing out a lot of babies.

Hey, if the water's dirty, so is the baby.

b_sharp Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:01:19am

re: #32 celticdragon

With brown skins or unmarried parents, especially.

The best way to keep the Religious Right actually liking you is to remain in your mother's womb.

Might there be a market for adult sized fetus suits?

blueraven Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:02:24am

re: #23 HappyWarrior

I think Reagan popularized that myth with his welfare queen meme. I mean yeah I am sure fraud happens but there are a lot of people out there who really need that help. So, the logic of Reagan and by extension Barbour seems to be "screw all of them."

There are a lot of doctors, clinics, imaging centers and lawyers gaming the medicaid and medicare system. This adds up to quite a bit I would think. Probably a lot more than the singles incidents.

HappyWarrior Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:03:13am

The religious right talks about how we need to be a more "Christian" society yet their views on the poor are more closer to Ayn Rand than Jesus Christ. I don't think Christ was a Communist or Socialist but he certainly wasn't Jerry Falwell on social issues and Ayn Rand on the poor either.

Interesting Times Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:04:36am

re: #34 b_sharp

Might there be a market for adult sized fetus suits?

And now I have a mental picture of protesters walking around in such suits, with signs reading "GOP: Now will you care about us?"

celticdragon Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:04:54am

re: #36 HappyWarrior

The religious right talks about how we need to be a more "Christian" society yet their views on the poor are more closer to Ayn Rand than Jesus Christ. I don't think Christ was a Communist or Socialist but he certainly wasn't Jerry Falwell on social issues and Ayn Rand on the poor either.

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

Luke18:22

avanti Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:05:03am

re: #20 blueraven

Ugh...I have a family member who is a doctor. I hear this all the time. "They are on medicaid but they drive off in a Cadillac" Right!

I am not saying there is no fraud in medicaid. There is. And that has to be addressed in a meaningful way. But these people take a few incidents and turn it in to a well-worn talking point to discredit the poor and the disabled.

I have no problem with looking at some modifications to Medicare and SS for the very rich. i.e. increasing the income level on taxes withheld, some restrictions on free Medicare for those that have no need for it.
Maybe the wealthy can only get back what they invested, and not get $1500/month is SS when they spend that on shirt. Yea, I know, that's redistribution of wealth.

b_sharp Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:05:09am

re: #37 publicityStunted

And now I have a mental picture of protesters walking around in such suits, with signs reading "GOP: Now will you care about us?"

ROTFLMAO.

kirkspencer Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:05:18am

re: #36 HappyWarrior

The religious right talks about how we need to be a more "Christian" society yet their views on the poor are more closer to Ayn Rand than Jesus Christ. I don't think Christ was a Communist or Socialist but he certainly wasn't Jerry Falwell on social issues and Ayn Rand on the poor either.

"As you have done to the least of these my brethren, so you have done to me."

Not a popular scripture for some reason.

celticdragon Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:05:47am

re: #37 publicityStunted

And now I have a mental picture of protesters walking around in such suits, with signs reading "GOP: Now will you care about us?"

That rocks. :D

blueraven Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:09:53am

re: #37 publicityStunted

And now I have a mental picture of protesters walking around in such suits, with signs reading "GOP: Now will you care about us?"

Maybe they can get John Galliano to design the suits...I here he is looking for a job./

nines09 Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:11:24am

To be a true Fox News viewer you have to have the ability to suspend belief anyway. Fox news a GOP/TP mouthpiece? Who would say that? Someone with a brain?

Darth Vader Gargoyle Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:11:50am

re: #41 kirkspencer

"As you have done to the least of these my brethren, so you have done to me."

Not a popular scripture for some reason.

The Sheep and the Goats
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

I read this passage at my FIL memorial service. He worked as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity on dozens of houses. Prior to that he was a volunteer fireman for years while working a full job. He epitomized taking care of others, especially the less fortunate.

jaunte Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:13:51am

Both, Baier said, “have signaled possible runs for the presidency” and it “is Fox policy” for them to be suspended.

I don't suppose Fox News policies are in written form, accessible to the public?

mr.fusion Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:14:19am

re: #35 blueraven

There are a lot of doctors, clinics, imaging centers and lawyers gaming the medicaid and medicare system. This adds up to quite a bit I would think. Probably a lot more than the singles incidents.

And Governor's of Florida

kirkspencer Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:14:21am

re: #45 rwdflynavy

I read this passage at my FIL memorial service. He worked as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity on dozens of houses. Prior to that he was a volunteer fireman for years while working a full job. He epitomized taking care of others, especially the less fortunate.

Yeah, but it's the left hand that always gets ignored.

b_sharp Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:15:53am

re: #46 jaunte

I don't suppose Fox News policies are in written form, accessible to the public?

They must be on a tele-prompter somewhere.

I doubt anyone there reads books, articles, or even memos.

blueraven Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:18:18am

re: #43 blueraven

Maybe they can get John Galliano to design the suits...I ~~here~~ hear he is looking for a job./

Jeesh!

garhighway Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:27:32am

Mark 10:25 isn't too popular with the GOP, either:

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Darth Vader Gargoyle Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:30:23am

re: #51 garhighway

Mark 10:25 isn't too popular with the GOP, either:

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Context is everything.

Kragar Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:30:55am

Qaddafi Vows to Fight to the ‘Last Man’

Challenge accepted.

Simply Sarah Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:32:46am

re: #53 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Qaddafi Vows to Fight to the ‘Last Man’

Challenge accepted.

I dunno. I'm getting pretty concerned. His grip on power seems tighter than I had originally thought and his military capabilities appear to still be legit, especially against poorly equipped, poorly trained rebels.

abolitionist Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:33:53am

re: #53 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Qaddafi Vows to Fight to the ‘Last Man’

Challenge accepted.

Wait-a-minute. His bodyguards are women!

iossarian Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:34:26am

re: #54 Simply Sarah

I dunno. I'm getting pretty concerned. His grip on power seems tighter than I had originally thought and his military capabilities appear to still be legit, especially against poorly equipped, poorly trained rebels.

Don't worry, I'm sure there will shortly be lots of neo-cons calling for us to send in the Marines and establish democracy.

What say you, neo-cons?

What's that? I can't hear you.

Sol Berdinowitz Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:35:21am

re: #55 abolitionist

"I am no man!"

Youtube Video

b_sharp Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:35:55am

re: #51 garhighway

Mark 10:25 isn't too popular with the GOP, either:

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

I got yer camel, right here.

_remembertonyc Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:36:20am

i fully expect khadafy to bust out the poison gas when he feels he has nothing left to lose. he is nothing but a saddam-like punk. and if he does use gas as saddam did against the Kurds in 1987, I will silently thank George W. Bush for scaring khadafy into giving up his "would be" nuke program after we toppled the iraqi butcher.

Kragar Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:36:23am

re: #54 Simply Sarah

I dunno. I'm getting pretty concerned. His grip on power seems tighter than I had originally thought and his military capabilities appear to still be legit, especially against poorly equipped, poorly trained rebels.

Most of his best forces are mercenaries, and they usually expect to get paid at some point. His cash reserves and arms can only last so long. Libya also has a law obligating all men to serve in the army at some point, so many of the rebels have at least basic military skills.

Darth Vader Gargoyle Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:38:09am

re: #60 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Most of his best forces are mercenaries, and they usually expect to get paid at some point. His cash reserves and arms can only last so long. Libya also has a law obligating all men to serve in the army at some point, so many of the rebels have at least basic military skills.

My hope is that those loyal to Ghaddafi will decide this isn't worth it and let him fight "to the last man".

Kragar Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:39:09am

re: #61 rwdflynavy

My hope is that those loyal to Ghaddafi will decide this isn't worth it and let him fight "to the last man".

I still want to see the girl squad turn on him.

garhighway Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:39:22am

re: #52 rwdflynavy

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Context is everything.

My take on all of those verses is that through God, the rich man can still gain salvation, but in accepting God he shall no longer BE a rich man: he'll divest himself of worldly things.

In other words, verses 26 and 27 give the rich man a path to salvation. It's an easy path to visualize, but a very hard path to walk.

Do you disagree?

William of Orange Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:39:27am

What the hell!!!!

The Awl's Abe Sauer is at the Wisconsin state house with press credentials, and he describes the scene after rogue governor Scott Walker defied a court order and violated state law by locking the public out of the capitol. But then something even weirder and creepier happened: a cadre of out-of-town ringers in suits were smuggled into the gallery through the civil defense tunnels to bleat their approval for Walker's budget proposal

kirkspencer Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:40:17am

re: #48 kirkspencer

Yeah, but it's the left hand that always gets ignored.

as in:

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

garhighway Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:41:01am

re: #64 William of Orange

What the hell!!!

Shades of the Brooks Brothers Riot!

Kragar Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:41:08am

re: #64 William of Orange

What the hell!!!

I guess the real Koch brother's finally got him on the phone.

Summer Seale Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:41:28am

Youtube Video

Oh if only it were true.

On another note, that's still one of the best introductions ever made for any movie. Just hadda say that. =)

Sol Berdinowitz Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:43:33am

re: #51 garhighway

Mark 10:25 isn't too popular with the GOP, either:

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Don't forget the grip that Calvinism still has on American fundamentalist theology: wealth is an outward sign of Inner Grace: those whom God has blessed with wealth enjoy his blessing, and we dare not try and take it away from them through taxation or collective bargaining...

Darth Vader Gargoyle Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:44:33am

re: #63 garhighway

My take on all of those verses is that through God, the rich man can still gain salvation, but in accepting God he shall no longer BE a rich man: he'll divest himself of worldly things.

In other words, verses 26 and 27 give the rich man a path to salvation. It's an easy path to visualize, but a very hard path to walk.

Do you disagree?

I think God expects us to share from our abundance, but I don't think the intent is that you will give up all worldly possessions, just that you won't let them rule your life. Also the definition of "rich" is tricky, is that a villager who owns 3 head of cattle-rich or a Bill Gates Billionaire-rich? or something in between?

Cineaste Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:44:41am

To be fair, Fox also suspended all the Democrats who are on retainer to them who are considering running for president.

*crickets*

CuriousLurker Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:50:14am

The whole "policy" thing is lame seeing as how both Huckabee & Palin have also signaled possible runs.

Since no one has formally announced yet, I think it's a way to test the waters. Like let's send out our 2nd sting candidates first to test the waters and see what kind of crazy crap they can get away with saying.

If I worked for Fox, I'd be thinking something along these lines: Gingrich & Santorum are the least likely to be able win the nomination, so whatever they say isn't really going to hurt them, and some of the turds they throw might prove to be viable new memes with our base.

Since they won't be working for Fox for the next 60 days, we can maintain plausible deniability and distance ourselves from anything that;'s too far over the top. We'll gain some valuable information before sending out our more valuable players, and since we're keeping 2nd string's seats here at Fox warm for them, it's a win/win situation for everyone.

Or something like that. Time will tell.

Kragar Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:54:47am

Newt fails to win AFA support.

Newt Gingrich has been forgiven by God for his adulteries. But the issue before the nation is not his fitness for heaven but his fitness for the Oval Office. His fitness for heaven is an issue between him and his God. His fitness for the presidency is between him and the American people.

He is a very bright man, a creative thinker, and a brilliant scholar who has much to offer the conservative movement in the realm of ideas. Perhaps that is where he is designed to make his greatest contribution at this time in our history.

The conservative movement needs creative, insightful thinkers like Mr. Gingrich to motivate and inspire us to better and more incisive public policy.

But with the American family in the desperate shape it's in, it is imperative that the next standard bearer of the conservative movement be a man who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to family values in deed as well as in words, a man who does not just talk the talk but has walked the walk.

Surely the conservative cupboard is not so bare that social conservatives cannot find a candidate to back who has met the minimum qualification for public service, fidelity to the wife of his youth.

Gus Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:55:45am

I have an idea that can save them a lot of time and trouble. Just change the name from Fox News^© to GOP News^©.

William Barnett-Lewis Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:56:54am

re: #70 rwdflynavy

I think God expects us to share from our abundance, but I don't think the intent is that you will give up all worldly possessions, just that you won't let them rule your life. Also the definition of "rich" is tricky, is that a villager who owns 3 head of cattle-rich or a Bill Gates Billionaire-rich? or something in between?

Except that slightly earlier, Mark 10:21 explicitly states that in addition to obeying the commandments the rich man would have to give everything away to gain real riches. Only then would he be able to follow Jesus. And we know what the rich man's choice was ...

b_sharp Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:57:03am

re: #74 Gus 802

I have an idea that can save them a lot of time and trouble. Just change the name from Fox News^© to GOP News^©.

/

Why not change the GOP to the FOX party?

Gus Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:57:37am

re: #76 b_sharp

Why not change the GOP to the FOX party?

Hmm. That might be cheaper too. Let me make a few calls.

goddamnedfrank Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:57:45am

re: #72 CuriousLurker

To get into the Fox mindset you've got think like the Orks from 40k. You want to send the Grots in first to clear away any minefields for the Nobs' assault.

garhighway Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:57:58am

re: #70 rwdflynavy

I think God expects us to share from our abundance, but I don't think the intent is that you will give up all worldly possessions, just that you won't let them rule your life. Also the definition of "rich" is tricky, is that a villager who owns 3 head of cattle-rich or a Bill Gates Billionaire-rich? or something in between?

I agree that the definition of "a rich man" might vary over time, since back then livestock was the unit of measure and now people use other yardsticks.

But I don't see verses 26 and 27 creating some sort of loophole, where the rich man (however defined) can think to himself that there is a road to both being rich and achieving the Kingdom of Heaven. I can see why rich men would like that idea, though.

And of course, we'll never know, will we?

CuriousLurker Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:58:14am

re: #70 rwdflynavy

I think God expects us to share from our abundance, but I don't think the intent is that you will give up all worldly possessions, just that you won't let them rule your life. Also the definition of "rich" is tricky, is that a villager who owns 3 head of cattle-rich or a Bill Gates Billionaire-rich? or something in between?

Be in the world, but not of the world. It's the attachment to worldly things that's the problem, not the things themselves.

kirkspencer Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:59:10am

re: #70 rwdflynavy

I think God expects us to share from our abundance, but I don't think the intent is that you will give up all worldly possessions, just that you won't let them rule your life. Also the definition of "rich" is tricky, is that a villager who owns 3 head of cattle-rich or a Bill Gates Billionaire-rich? or something in between?

Theoretically, you're right. Practically, the rich man is an attitude of acquisitiveness. Gaining wealth, or at least sustaining it, takes precedence.

In this light, when the argument against health care being paid for by higher taxes is that it's taking money away from people is, it is "the rich" demonstrating how they will not be caring for the least of these my brethren.

CuriousLurker Wed, Mar 2, 2011 11:59:59am

re: #78 goddamnedfrank

To get into the Fox mindset you've got think like the Orks from 40k. You want to send the Grots in first to clear away any minefields for the Nobs' assault.

LOL, clearing minefields was actually the first thing that came to my mind.

jamesfirecat Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:00:55pm

re: #78 goddamnedfrank

To get into the Fox mindset you've got think like the Orks from 40k. You want to send the Grots in first to clear away any minefields for the Nobs' assault.

But if the grots survive than dey get all the good bitz!

lawhawk Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:01:05pm

Irony alert. An African American news reporter comes to the rescue of a white man while taping a news segment, only to discover later that the guy he just helped out may be a "white supremacist."

Shomari Stone with KOMO 4 News in Seattle was at Victor Steinbrueck Park late last week filming his report when several feet behind his cameraman, a fight broke out between two men.
"I didn't want to jump in," Stone said, but "when you see [the] suspect just pounding the victim while he's laying on the concrete, instinct just snapped in."

The suspect is shown in the video punching the victim, a white man with a shaved head, several times in the face. Stone then appears and tackles the suspect, a black man in a dark jacket and hat.

As the reporter struggles with the suspect, another man in glasses appears to come to their aide, helping the separate the combatants.

The video shows others standing nearby, one of whom seems to take something from the suspect, then hits the victim with an object.

"He's trying to rob me," the suspect yells several times, pointing at his victim.

A witnesses called 911 and police arrived shortly after. It was at that point that Stone learned the man he saved was decorated with Nazi tattoos.

goddamnedfrank Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:03:41pm

re: #83 jamesfirecat

But if the grots survive than dey get all the good bitz!

That why I pay the extra point for grot scavengers, they tend to blow themselves up with firebombs.

Darth Vader Gargoyle Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:11:36pm

re: #81 kirkspencer

Theoretically, you're right. Practically, the rich man is an attitude of acquisitiveness. Gaining wealth, or at least sustaining it, takes precedence.

In this light, when the argument against health care being paid for by higher taxes is that it's taking money away from people is, it is "the rich" demonstrating how they will not be caring for the least of these my brethren.

The real problem with "the rich" is that there aren't enough of them when you start talking tax increases. You really need the lifting power of the middle class. That never seems as popular as sticking it to "the rich".

celticdragon Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:13:25pm

re: #64 William of Orange

What the hell!!!

A replay of the"Brooks Brothers riot" during the Florida recount when a bunch of GOP guys in $1,000 suits posing as "outraged Floridians"stormed the recount office.

garhighway Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:18:31pm

re: #87 celticdragon

A replay of the"Brooks Brothers riot" during the Florida recount when a bunch of GOP guys in $1,000 suits posing as "outraged Floridians"stormed the recount office.

Hey, it worked once...

Amory Blaine Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:20:07pm

If John Bolton is elected President, I will be Canadas newest illegal alien.

Canucks FTW eh!!!!

celticdragon Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:20:22pm

re: #86 rwdflynavy

The real problem with "the rich" is that there aren't enough of them when you start talking tax increases. You really need the lifting power of the middle class. That never seems as popular as sticking it to "the rich".

Really? Never enough of them while they are handing themselves billions in bonuses for sinking major banks and putting hundreds of thousands out of work?

The "Middle Class" is quickly becoming a thing of the past. The average single wage earner in 1970 could support a family with 2.5 kids in a modest home while saving for college, retirement and a two week vacation every year.
By 1985, it took two wage earners in the same family to do that.
BY 1995, two wage earners could not keep up with that at all and loans against homes became the way to keep a middle class life style up. All, of course, sold to the middle class by bankers who repackaged those loans into insanely complicated financial products that were sliced and diced by hedge fund managers who make over one billion dollars (no lie) a year.

Now, the middle class dream is all but dead.

If you can hold onto a job with decent healthcare, that is now the dream.

CuriousLurker Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:21:35pm

re: #75 wlewisiii

Except that slightly earlier, Mark 10:21 explicitly states that in addition to obeying the commandments the rich man would have to give everything away to gain real riches. Only then would he be able to follow Jesus. And we know what the rich man's choice was ...

We have a sort of similar hadith. I don't remember the exact wording, but it basically says that the only real wealth you have is that which you give away (good deeds, charity, etc.) with the intention of pleasing God.

garhighway Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:21:38pm

re: #70 rwdflynavy

I think God expects us to share from our abundance, but I don't think the intent is that you will give up all worldly possessions, just that you won't let them rule your life. Also the definition of "rich" is tricky, is that a villager who owns 3 head of cattle-rich or a Bill Gates Billionaire-rich? or something in between?

Nowadays the rich would just set up an astroturf group and create the impression that the people really want rich men to go to Heaven, and thereby get the verses amended.

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:22:23pm

Arguing from Jesus' pronouncements to strengthen some liberal or left-wing position or other is somewhat incoherent IMHO, cause Jesus also said lots of things that are hardly compatible with those. Sometimes people have this touchy-feely newagey view of Jesus as some hippie liberal that is hardly faithful to the Gospels. (Not that I think it can be proven that the historical Jesus really said any of those things anyway.)

Amory Blaine Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:23:45pm

re: #86 rwdflynavy

The real problem with "the rich" is that there aren't enough of them when you start talking tax increases. You really need the lifting power of the middle class. That never seems as popular as sticking it to "the rich".

No. There are enough of them. Tax them more. They rely on America to keep their interests and money safe.

garhighway Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:24:10pm

re: #92 garhighway

Nowadays the rich would just set up an astroturf group and create the impression that the people really want rich men to go to Heaven, and thereby get the verses amended.

"Americans for Biblical Fairness" would do the trick.

Or "Christians for Economic Justice". Actually, that's the better one, since the really precious astroturf names describe a group whose true purpose is the exact opposite of what the name would lead you to think.

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:40:20pm

re: #28 Decatur Deb

That's well-thought out, but it's more likely the BMW came out of Barbour's ass, with all his other ideas.

could be an old E30, you can find those for a couple grand now: [Link: salem.craigslist.org...]

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:41:05pm

re: #89 Amory Blaine

If John Bolton is elected President, I will be Canadas newest illegal alien.

Canucks FTW eh!!!

If John Bolton becomes President, i'm just going to call him Michael Bolton, and purposefully mix the two up

'it's so great we have a president who's a musician!"

WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:44:42pm

re: #36 HappyWarrior

The religious right talks about how we need to be a more "Christian" society yet their views on the poor are more closer to Ayn Rand than Jesus Christ. I don't think Christ was a Communist or Socialist but he certainly wasn't Jerry Falwell on social issues and Ayn Rand on the poor either.

They don't want a Christian society, they want exactly their brand of dominionist society, this has nothing to do with Jesus Christ or religion per se, and everything to do with social conservatives in America and their know-nothing politics

Plenty of Christians in this world (Sayyyy Catholics? In South America?) that these people would hate more than poison

Fozzie Bear Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:44:58pm

re: #20 blueraven

Ugh...I have a family member who is a doctor. I hear this all the time. "They are on medicaid but they drive off in a Cadillac" Right!

I am not saying there is no fraud in medicaid. There is. And that has to be addressed in a meaningful way. But these people take a few incidents and turn it in to a well-worn talking point to discredit the poor and the disabled.

There really is rampant medicare/medicaid fraud, but the vast majority of the money lost to such fraud isn't lost to individuals. The bulk of it is lost to corporations over-billing and/or billing for unnecessary services. It's a huge problem.

Exhibit A: Rick Scott.

Not only that, but I know plenty of non-wealthy people who drive beamers. You can get a BMW really cheap on the used market. I owned one for years, and I have never made more than 45k in a year in my entire life. It's a total non-sequitur.

100

Fozzie Bear Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:46:31pm

re: #93 Sergey Romanov

Arguing from Jesus' pronouncements to strengthen some liberal or left-wing position or other is somewhat incoherent IMHO, cause Jesus also said lots of things that are hardly compatible with those. Sometimes people have this touchy-feely newagey view of Jesus as some hippie liberal that is hardly faithful to the Gospels. (Not that I think it can be proven that the historical Jesus really said any of those things anyway.)

It can't even be proven he existed at all. His story is more mythic than historic, frankly.

101

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:48:51pm

re: #100 Fozzie Bear

It can't even be proven he existed at all. His story is more mythic than historic, frankly.

I'm more on the historical side due to the gospels themselves as well as Josephus, who did not seem to doubt at least Jesus' existence (e.g. "James, brother of Jesus"), but I keep an open mind. Jesus' existence is certainly not as well established as that of, say, Herod the Great or Caesar.

102

Turkey Jihad Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:54:33pm

Newt Gingrich would steal the quarters off a dead man's eyes.

103

Fozzie Bear Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:57:28pm

re: #101 Sergey Romanov

I don't at all doubt that the story of Jesus is based on something real, I just don't think it is necessarily true that it is based on a single person rather than a group, or that it isn't some kind of amalgamation of myth and reality, Paul Bunyan style. (I.e., guy sets a broken arm, and thus is born the idea that he heals with a touch. Guy gives a rousing political speech, and we have the sermon on the mount. etc.)

104

Slap Wed, Mar 2, 2011 12:57:29pm

re: #97 WindUpBird

If John Bolton becomes President, i'm just going to call him Michael Bolton, and purposefully mix the two up

'it's so great we have a president who's a musician!"

HEY NOW.

Why insult musicians in this way???

105

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Mar 2, 2011 1:01:04pm

re: #103 Fozzie Bear

It is also the question of how far the historical figure can diverge from his/her depiction to be still considered one and the same "person".

106

Simply Sarah Wed, Mar 2, 2011 1:02:06pm

re: #105 Sergey Romanov

It is also the question of how far the historical figure can diverge from his/her depiction to be still considered one and the same "person".

You mean like Reagan?

107

Lord Baron Viscount Duke Earl Count Planckton Wed, Mar 2, 2011 1:04:12pm

re: #106 Simply Sarah

LOL, yeah. If in 100 years there will be a sect with the Book of Reagan having someone named "Ronald Reagan" being born of a virgin, healing and resurrecting people and bringing worldwide peace, meanwhile getting most details of the "real" bio wrong, it is fair to ask whether the Ronald Reagan of the Book of Reagan ever existed.

108

kirkspencer Wed, Mar 2, 2011 1:08:29pm

re: #86 rwdflynavy

The real problem with "the rich" is that there aren't enough of them when you start talking tax increases. You really need the lifting power of the middle class. That never seems as popular as sticking it to "the rich".

The top 5% of the nation has almost half the nation's individual wealth, and earns about 40% of the total income. It isn't a matter of there not being enough of them, it's the matter that they've got too much.

109

moderatelyradicalliberal Wed, Mar 2, 2011 1:13:15pm

re: #73 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

But with the American family in the desperate shape it's in, it is imperative that the next standard bearer of the conservative movement be a man who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to family values in deed as well as in words, a man who does not just talk the talk but has walked the walk.

Pssssst! Hey, AFA! He's not a conservative, but we already have a man like that in the White House.

110

Fozzie Bear Wed, Mar 2, 2011 1:22:58pm

re: #108 kirkspencer

The top 5% of the nation has almost half the nation's individual wealth, and earns about 40% of the total income. It isn't a matter of there not being enough of them, it's the matter that they've got too much.

I would say the problem isn't that the rich have too much, per se, it's that extreme concentration of capital is inherently destabilizing to a market economy. It's a practical issue every bit as much as a question of what is a "fair share" of the burden.

111

Opal Wed, Mar 2, 2011 10:43:45pm

re: #3 jamesfirecat

"Look is their anybody here who isn't planning to run for President?"

That's the thing. Nobody is committing. Santorum and Gingrich need to get off the bench and get in the race. Fox is just giving them a nudge. If they start now, they can totally humiliate themselves. Others that Fox would actually prefer run (like Huckabee) can sit back and analyze Santorum and Gingrich on their own Foxnews programs. Sweet deal. What politician wouldn't like to have several months of Foxnews airtime to self-promote (while criticizing opponents who have already committed) before they are required by federal election law to actually pay for airtime?

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