NPR Journalists ‘Appalled’ by Schiller’s Comments

Media • Views: 30,828

Twenty-two journalists at NPR have signed a statement denouncing former fundraiser Ron Schiller’s remarks at a dinner set up by scam artist James O’Keefe: NPR hosts, journalists ‘appalled’ by Ron Schiller’s comments.

An Open Letter from Journalists at NPR News…..

Dear Listeners and Supporters,

We, and our colleagues at NPR News, strive every day to bring you the highest quality news programs possible. So, like you, we were appalled by the offensive comments made recently by NPR’s now former Senior Vice President for Development. His words violated the basic principles by which we live and work: accuracy and open-mindedness, fairness and respect.

Those comments have done real damage to NPR. But we’re confident that the culture of professionalism we have built, and the journalistic values we have upheld for the past four decades, will prevail. We are determined to continue bringing you the daily journalism that you’ve come to expect and rely upon: fair, fact-based, in-depth reporting from at home and around the world.

With your support we have no doubt NPR will come out of this difficult period stronger than ever.

Thank you,

Robert Siegel
Michele Norris
Melissa Block
Renee Montagne
Scott Simon
Liane Hansen
Guy Raz
Michel Martin
Neal Conan
Susan Stamberg
Nina Totenberg
Linda Wertheimer
Daniel Zwerdling
John Ydstie
Richard Harris
Tom Gjelten
Howard Berkes
Mike Shuster
Laura Sullivan
Lynn Neary
Jacki Lyden
Mara Liasson

Jump to bottom

293 comments
1 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:11:42pm

Good move on their part.

Notwithstanding O’Keefe’s monumental lowlife and creep factor, Schiller made some disturbing remarks- and not just about the Tea Party.

The NPR journalists were right to take a stand.

2 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:15:12pm

re: #1 researchok


Notwithstanding O’Keefe’s monumental lowlife and creep factor, Schiller made some disturbing remarks- and not just about the Tea Party.

“The current Republican Party is not really the Republican Party. It’s been hijacked by this group, that is…not just Islamaphobic but really xenophobic. I mean, basically…they believe in [some] sort of white, middle-America, gun-toting…I mean, it’s scary. They’re seriously racist, racist people.”

I’m not sure that wouldn’t stand up to a “fair comment test”.

3 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:16:29pm

So much for NPR being a bunch of left wing hacks.

4 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:17:40pm

re: #3 HappyWarrior

So much for NPR being a bunch of left wing hacks.

Yea… sure… LOL.

5 Kragar  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:17:44pm

And now we have a response from conservative pundits calling out O’Keefe in his childish, attention whoring attempts at gotcha journalism.

…
…
Any minute now
…
…

6 dragonfire1981  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:18:51pm

Sometimes its takes a lot of guts and some political incorrectness to tell the truth.

The remarks were inappropriate but they were quite accurate.

7 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:19:06pm

re: #3 HappyWarrior

So much for NPR being a bunch of left wing hacks.

Liasson has been an apologist for the way the GOP has been headed for some time now.

8 Kronocide  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:19:18pm

But it’s accurate to state that there’s a bunch of racism and xenophobia in the Tea Party.

They just validated O’Keefe.

9 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:20:06pm

re: #7 wozzablog

Liasson has been an apologist for the way the GOP has been headed for some time now.

As I said, left wing hacks they ain’t.

10 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:20:07pm

re: #6 dragonfire1981

Sometimes its takes a lot of guts and some political incorrectness to tell the truth.

The remarks were inappropriate but they were quite accurate.

Even the president stuck his neck out so far as to say they were clinging to their guns……it was 100% clear who he meant.

11 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:21:10pm

re: #10 wozzablog

Even the president stuck his neck out so far as to say they were clinging to their guns…it was 100% clear who he meant.

and he hasn’t been forced to resign by Mara Liasson yet.

12 _RememberTonyC  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:22:09pm

I agree with the journalists that Schiller’s remarks were unacceptable. Good for them for taking a stand. I thought Schiller was clearly pandering, which is not surprising to me considering that NPR and PBS need to beg for money in order to subsidize their operations. I fully expect the journalists at NPR to be even more vigilant moving forward so that their deeds match their words. Because it is not enough to protest against a guy who is already gone. That is the easy part. The tough part is to make sure they give all sides a fair shake.

13 TedStriker  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:24:05pm

re: #1 researchok

Good move on their part.

Notwithstanding O’Keefe’s monumental lowlife and creep factor, Schiller made some disturbing remarks- and not just about the Tea Party.

The NPR journalists were right to take a stand.

I disagree; if this is what offends them:

Schiller: The current Republican Party, particularly the Tea Party, is fanatically involved in people’s personal lives and very fundamental Christian — and I wouldn’t even call it Christian. It’s this weird evangelical kind of move… it’s been hijacked by this group that…

Fake Muslim: The radical, racist, Islamophobic, Tea Party people?

Schiller: It’s not just Islamophobic, but really xenophobic. Basically, they believe in white, middle America, gun-toting — it’s pretty scary. They’re seriously racist, racist people.

then these NPR hacks have no brains, no guts, and no balls. Ron Schiller was dead on in what he said, but the people back at NPR are scared the TPGOP is going to accelerate their push to cut their federal funding.

Guess what, NPR slugheads? The TPGOP is going to attempt it in any case, so you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t (castigate/disown Schiller’s comments).

14 webevintage  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:24:06pm

The truth is the truth and sometimes it is offensive.

15 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:25:01pm

re: #12 _RememberTonyC

The tough part is to make sure they give all sides a fair shake.

Attempting to give the Tea Party a fair shake is to validate them - which is to play “Magical balance Fairy/Some Say” bullpucky when Peter King is doing his Mccarthy schtick or Palin is still out there selling easy answers to the gullible.

The media should do it’s fucking job and call these people on it - not “give them a fair shake”.

16 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:25:11pm

re: #8 BigPapa

But it’s accurate to state that there’s a bunch of racism and xenophobia in the Tea Party.

They just validated O’Keefe.

Man I can’t wait until they get rid of NPR and then we’ll have ALL fair and balanced reporting all the time!

It’ll be a glorious new future full of chrome logos and American Eagles!

17 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:25:49pm

re: #2 wozzablog

“The current Republican Party is not really the Republican Party. It’s been hijacked by this group, that is…not just Islamaphobic but really xenophobic. I mean, basically…they believe in [some] sort of white, middle-America, gun-toting…I mean, it’s scary. They’re seriously racist, racist people.”

I’m not sure that wouldn’t stand up to a “fair comment test”.

All true- but there were other, equally questionable remarks.

18 webevintage  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:26:29pm

re: #17 researchok

All true- but there were other, equally questionable remarks.

and those were?

19 freetoken  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:26:46pm

Well, I’m not “appalled” by Schiller’s comments, though they seem rather tone-deaf for someone whose job is as a fund-raiser for a non-profit organization which advertises itself as journalism.

And here is the problem - raising money. The way for-profit companies (in media) do it is by selling advertising or limited distribution (e.g., subscriptions or sales of physical products like DVDs.) In most cases for-profit companies who want to grow to be large try to be as least offensive to as many people as practical (at least within their self defined “target” audience.)

However, non-profit groups can do just the opposite. Religious groups are a case in point (see AFA, etc.) They sell themselves to their in-group by trying to identify with them, often by reinforcing pre-conceived notions. If others on the outside are offended then that sometimes works well as it reinforces the groups’ boundaries. Many ideological non-profits thus remain small in number but are fine with that state.

I’m wondering if Schiller didn’t fall into the latter trap, not really accepting that the majority of NPR professionals would prefer to identify with the previous schema (of the large corporations who at least want to appear as inoffensive)? They want NPR to grow larger and more influential, and thus appeal to a broader audience.

In some ways Murdoch has shown the way. His prescience in realizing the future of “journalism” lay in ideological presentations rather than neutral analysis is (one reason) why he is so rich. There is a much more rewarding market for conflict than there is for conflict resolution.

20 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:26:52pm

re: #13 talon_262

I disagree; if this is what offends them:

then these NPR hacks have no brains, no guts, and no balls. Ron Schiller was dead on in what he said, but the people back at NPR are scared the TPGOP is going to accelerate their push to cut their federal funding.

Guess what, NPR slugheads? The TPGOP is going to attempt it in any case, so you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t (castigate/disown Schiller’s comments).

Don’t worry… these NPR reporters are not “hacks.” There’s nothing to worry about. This is just smart posturing for public consumption. You can be sure that your beloved NPR “hacks” will turn right around and continue making statements like this.

Calm down… it’s all good!

21 _RememberTonyC  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:26:52pm

re: #15 wozzablog

Attempting to give the Tea Party a fair shake is to validate them - which is to play “Magical balance Fairy/Some Say” bullpucky when Peter King is doing his Mccarthy schtick or Palin is still out there selling easy answers to the gullible.

The media should do it’s fucking job and call these people on it - not “give them a fair shake”.

i’m not talking about the tea party needing a fair shake. I’m talking about ALL people of the left, center, and right. Opinion has its place, but should not be disguised as “news.”

22 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:27:38pm

re: #13 talon_262

I disagree; if this is what offends them:

then these NPR hacks have no brains, no guts, and no balls. Ron Schiller was dead on in what he said, but the people back at NPR are scared the TPGOP is going to accelerate their push to cut their federal funding.

Guess what, NPR slugheads? The TPGOP is going to attempt it in any case, so you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t (castigate/disown Schiller’s comments).

There were other remarks about Israel, Jews, etc that were equally offensive.

That has a lot to do with why the NPR journalists signed the letter.

23 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:28:21pm

re: #14 webevintage

The truth is the truth and sometimes it is offensive.

Sure is! I will say this: there’s a lot of great podcasts out there, it isn’t like NPR is the only thing out there where you can hear non-commerical and non-crazy broadcasting. We do have the internet, after all :-)

24 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:28:35pm

re: #18 webevintage

and those were?

About NPR representing the Palestinians, how Jews control the media, etc.

25 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:28:44pm

re: #17 researchok

All true- but there were other, equally questionable remarks.

I’ve just read some more detailed transcript - what did you find disturbing?

26 Kronocide  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:28:47pm

I just can’t reconcile what that guy said, in context of the time/event, as being that bad.

Not a fucking remote comparison as to what Fox has on it. Not even close.

I still think Schiller goofed in handling William’s firing though.

27 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:28:53pm

re: #23 WindUpBird

Sure is! I will say this: there’s a lot of great podcasts out there, it isn’t like NPR is the only thing out there where you can hear non-commerical and non-crazy broadcasting. We do have the internet, after all :-)

To keep up with Charlie Sheen.

28 webevintage  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:29:10pm

re: #21 _RememberTonyC

i’m not talking about the tea party needing a fair shake. I’m talking about ALL people of the left, center, and right. Opinion has its place, but should not be disguised as “news.”

Except Schiller is not a reporter.
He has nothing to do with the news that is reported on NPR.
He is a professional fundraiser.
That’s it.

29 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:30:24pm

re: #25 wozzablog

I’ve just read some more detailed transcript - what did you find disturbing?

‘Jews control the media’ type remarks, NPR is deliberately representing the Palestinian cause, etc.

30 webevintage  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:30:53pm

re: #22 researchok

There were other remarks about Israel, Jews, etc that were equally offensive.

I thought Schiller did not make those comments, but rather O’Keefe’s buddies and Schiller did not agree with them.

31 zora  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:30:58pm

re: #25 wozzablog

do you have a link for the transcript?

32 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:31:44pm

re: #27 Walter L. Newton

To keep up with Charlie Sheen.

Charlie Sheen is on Funny or Die now, he’s got production, effects, a script, an engineer and everything ;-)

I’ve been into podcasts since 1997 or so, because radio sucked 14 years ago, sucks even more now

33 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:32:14pm

re: #24 researchok

About NPR representing the Palestinians, how Jews control the media, etc.

“Speaking of Zionist influence at NPR: I don’t actually find it at NPR; the zionist or pro-Israel even among funders. No. I mean it’s there in those who own newspapers, obviously; but no one owns NPR. So I, actually, I don’t find it … Right, because I think they are really looking for a fair point of view and many Jewish organizations are not. And frankly, many organizations, I’m sure there are Muslim organizations that are not looking for a fair point of view. They’re looking for a very particular point of view and that’s fine. We’re not one of them. I’m gathering that you’re not, actually.”

There is a pro-Israel line among Newspaper owners…….factually - is that incorrect?.

34 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:32:23pm

re: #29 researchok

‘Jews control the media’ type remarks, NPR is deliberately representing the Palestinian cause, etc.

He never said the Jews control the media.

35 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:32:25pm

re: #30 webevintage

I thought Schiller did not make those comments, but rather O’Keefe’s buddies and Schiller did not agree with them.

And he said nothing, didn’t challenge them or implied he concurred.

The reporters didn’t sign the letter because they concurred with Schiller.

36 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:32:45pm

re: #31 zora

do you have a link for the transcript?

[Link: www.examiner.com…]

37 zora  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:33:21pm

re: #36 wozzablog

thanks

38 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:33:28pm

re: #3 HappyWarrior

So much for NPR being a bunch of left wing hacks.

They may indeed be, but they are behaving properly.

39 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:33:50pm

re: #33 wozzablog

“Speaking of Zionist influence at NPR: I don’t actually find it at NPR; the zionist or pro-Israel even among funders. No. I mean it’s there in those who own newspapers, obviously; but no one owns NPR. So I, actually, I don’t find it … Right, because I think they are really looking for a fair point of view and many Jewish organizations are not. And frankly, many organizations, I’m sure there are Muslim organizations that are not looking for a fair point of view. They’re looking for a very particular point of view and that’s fine. We’re not one of them. I’m gathering that you’re not, actually.”

There is a pro-Israel line among Newspaper owners…factually - is that incorrect?.

No idea. We are talking about NPR.

This might be of interest to you.

40 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:34:31pm

re: #12 _RememberTonyC

which is not surprising to me considering that NPR and PBS need to beg for money in order to subsidize their operations.

Otherwise known in the nonprofit world as ‘fundraising’.

41 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:34:52pm

re: #39 researchok

No idea. We are talking about NPR.

This might be of interest to you.

You see… you see… I was right… he never mentioned the Jews controlling the media… he was talking about Zionist controlling the newspapers… big, big difference.

42 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:35:16pm

re: #39 researchok

No idea. We are talking about NPR.

This might be of interest to you.

Schiller responds by saying he doesn’t find “Zionist or pro-Israel” ideas at NPR, “even among funders. I mean it’s there in those who own newspapers, obviously, but no one owns NPR.”

43 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:35:22pm

re: #38 SanFranciscoZionist

They may indeed be, but they are behaving properly.

Clearly Schiller lost the confidence of those around him and needed to resign, i just don’t think his comments were “appaling” in the way, that say, half of those made by Republican members of the Senate are (which these NPR reporters then procede to ignore).

44 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:35:59pm

re: #34 Walter L. Newton

He never said the Jews control the media.

No, but he didn’t challenge them either.

Further, I doubt you would sit down to lunch with (purported) bigots as he did. Call me psychic.

Like I said, there is a reason those journalists signed the letter.

45 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:36:04pm

re: #33 wozzablog

There is a pro-Israel line among Newspaper owners…factually - is that incorrect?.

I would say that it is.

46 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:36:27pm

re: #44 researchok

No, but he didn’t challenge them either.

Further, I doubt you would sit down to lunch with (purported) bigots as he did. Call me psychic.

Like I said, there is a reason those journalists signed the letter.

You’re missing my sarcasm.

47 spool32  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:36:35pm

re: #5 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

And now we have a response from conservative pundits calling out O’Keefe in his childish, attention whoring attempts at gotcha journalism.

…
…
Any minute now
…
…


Here’s one, with a link to a couple others. Not too hard if you aren’t infected with confirmation bias…
[Link: www.nationalreview.com…]

48 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:36:40pm

re: #39 researchok

No idea. We are talking about NPR.

This might be of interest to you.

No, I thought we were talking about the comments of Ron Schiler relating to the wider media and you being uncomfortable with some of them.

49 Skeetghazi  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:37:14pm

re: #29 researchok

‘Jews control the media’ type remarks, NPR is deliberately representing the Palestinian cause, etc.

That was said by the O’Keefe people, not by the NPR fundraiser. And there is no way to confirm he agreed, because he did not say anything in response.

50 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:38:04pm

re: #46 Walter L. Newton

You’re missing my sarcasm.

Actually, I’m not.

I just cleaned coffee from my monitor.

The ‘You see, you see’ comment.

51 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:38:12pm

re: #49 Stanley Sea

That was said by the O’Keefe people, not by the NPR fundraiser. And there is no way to confirm he agreed, because he did not say anything in response.

Schiller responds by saying he doesn’t find “Zionist or pro-Israel” ideas at NPR, “even among funders. I mean it’s there in those who own newspapers, obviously, but no one owns NPR.”

[Link: www.commentarymagazine.com…]

How many links to this comment you need? Even NPR had this comment on their website.

52 webevintage  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:38:48pm

I’m confused by the transcript it does not say who is saying what…..

53 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:39:36pm

re: #49 Stanley Sea

That was said by the O’Keefe people, not by the NPR fundraiser. And there is no way to confirm he agreed, because he did not say anything in response.

If someone made racist and bigoted remarks to you, I submit you would not sit down and enjoy a nice lunch.

Like I said, there is a reason those NPR journalist signed that letter.

54 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:39:41pm

I have a confession to make

I only listen to NPR by accident in my car on weekends when i don’t have my iPod

55 Skeetghazi  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:39:50pm

re: #51 Walter L. Newton

Schiller responds by saying he doesn’t find “Zionist or pro-Israel” ideas at NPR, “even among funders. I mean it’s there in those who own newspapers, obviously, but no one owns NPR.”

[Link: www.commentarymagazine.com…]

How many links to this comment you need? Even NPR had this comment on their website.

Gee Walter, no need to be nasty.

56 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:40:10pm

re: #53 researchok

If someone made racist and bigoted remarks to you, I submit you would not sit down and enjoy a nice lunch.

Like I said, there is a reason those NPR journalist signed that letter.

They might have signed it just to get the heat off!

57 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:40:31pm

re: #51 Walter L. Newton

Schiller responds by saying he doesn’t find “Zionist or pro-Israel” ideas at NPR, “even among funders. I mean it’s there in those who own newspapers, obviously, but no one owns NPR.”

[Link: www.commentarymagazine.com…]

How many links to this comment you need? Even NPR had this comment on their website.

Your battling a mindset.

Good luck with that.

58 freetoken  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:41:09pm

re: #54 WindUpBird

I never listen to NPR… but, I hardly ever listen to radio. I confess, I’m an internet guy. I do link to NPR every once in a while, when one of my news scans finds an interesting article there.

59 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:41:22pm

re: #52 webevintage

I’m confused by the transcript it does not say who is saying what…

Then listen to the video… listen to the two hour version of the video. Interesting, the video released to the press was 11 minutes long, the actual raw footage was two hours long… the original was edited yet no one has gone to the full length version and claim that something was taken out of context.

I think O’Keefe was more careful not to edit his material down to something that could be challenged. He’s learned some lessons. He’s getting better.

60 TedStriker  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:41:26pm

re: #28 webevintage

Except Schiller is not a reporter.
He has nothing to do with the news that is reported on NPR.
He is a professional fundraiser.
That’s it.

He did represent NPR as a fundraiser in an official capacity, so he was a public face. The only issue I have is not what he said, but where he said it; if it had been in private conversation, it’d been one thing, but the TPGOP would hold it against him (and NPR) regardless.

The comments may be truthful, but there was no way for them to win.

61 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:41:27pm

re: #56 WindUpBird

They might have signed it just to get the heat off!

Maybe, but they didn’t have to sign or apologize for anything.

Schiller did.

62 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:41:51pm

re: #55 Stanley Sea

Gee Walter, no need to be nasty.

Sure… hall monitor?

63 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:41:54pm

re: #58 freetoken

I never listen to NPR… but, I hardly ever listen to radio. I confess, I’m an internet guy. I do link to NPR every once in a while, when one of my news scans finds an interesting article there.

I listen to internet radio! It’s just superior to the stuff on the dial in every way

64 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:42:45pm

re: #45 SanFranciscoZionist

I would say that it is.

The ADL performed an audit of Newspapers in 2000 and were not all that unhappy about them. I don’t know how much has changed in 10 years.

65 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:43:02pm

re: #61 researchok

Maybe, but they didn’t have to sign or apologize for anything.

Schiller did.

If they’re part of NPR, they’re part of NPR, and they’ll be unfairly tagged with the anti-semite tag in the media, on cable news, unless they explicitly say they’re not

66 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:43:08pm

re: #56 WindUpBird

They might have signed it just to get the heat off!

See… re: #20 Walter L. Newton

67 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:43:38pm

re: #44 researchok

No, but he didn’t challenge them either.

Further, I doubt you would sit down to lunch with (purported) bigots as he did. Call me psychic.

Like I said, there is a reason those journalists signed the letter.

I’m not totally sure how far to be pissed off about the sitting down part. He was feeling out a fundraising lead.

He also apparently spent quite some time telling these purported Muslim fundamentalists about his taste in wine, and how into Madeira he is, so I’m not sure how in touch with reality he is to begin with, but I’m not sure exactly how far he exceeded the limits of kissing ass in fundraising.

I don’t like various things that came out of his mouth, but I’m not surprised by them either.

68 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:44:14pm

This isn’t about NPR, this isn’t about NPR funding, politics, liberals, conservatives or anything else.

This is about one guy who made a fool of himself and of NPR.

That is why the journalists signed the letter.

69 thecommodore  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:44:29pm

re: #1 researchok

Good move on their part.

Notwithstanding O’Keefe’s monumental lowlife and creep factor, Schiller made some disturbing remarks- and not just about the Tea Party.

The NPR journalists were right to take a stand.

I was struck by how O’Keefe left in Schiller’s preface to those remarks about conservatives, which was “I’m taking off my NPR hat.” He was speaking off the record to people he believed he could confide in.

Most importantly, he isn’t a journalist. If it had been Robert Siegel, Renee Montaigne, etc, then the right - and journalists - would have a legitimate beef.

The only thing he said that bothered me were his comments about Jews in the press, which no one is really talking about. It’s mainly conservatives whining yet again about how they’ve been victimized by the “liberal media.”

70 spool32  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:45:04pm

re: #61 researchok

Maybe, but they didn’t have to sign or apologize for anything.

Schiller did.


You’d hope that people who value their perception of impartiality would feel the need to apologize for and denounce the bigoted, offensive behavior of someone with whom they’re associated.

Damage control like this is the minimum.

71 freetoken  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:45:26pm

re: #63 WindUpBird

I listen to internet radio! It’s just superior to the stuff on the dial in every way

This is important, as it shows how out-dated the NPR model is becoming, if they want to rely on broadcasting to reach donors.

Frankly, Google is much more important to getting information than NPR is… and I wonder if it weren’t for aging millionaire heiresses if organizations like NPR would continue to exist?

72 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:45:27pm

re: #67 SanFranciscoZionist

I’m not totally sure how far to be pissed off about the sitting down part. He was feeling out a fundraising lead.

He also apparently spent quite some time telling these purported Muslim fundamentalists about his taste in wine, and how into Madeira he is, so I’m not sure how in touch with reality he is to begin with, but I’m not sure exactly how far he exceeded the limits of kissing ass in fundraising.

I don’t like various things that came out of his mouth, but I’m not surprised by them either.

I agree wholeheartedly.

NPR however, needs to be better represented, even by fundraisers. I believe that is why the journalist signed the letter

73 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:45:32pm

re: #49 Stanley Sea

That was said by the O’Keefe people, not by the NPR fundraiser. And there is no way to confirm he agreed, because he did not say anything in response.

You can say that he should have challenged them, but once again, this was not a programming meeting, or a public debate, this was a feeler for a big donation.

I think I can dislike him without thinking he overstepped the bounds.

74 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:45:53pm

re: #66 Walter L. Newton

See… re: #20 Walter L. Newton

Could be right! Shit, let’s burn NPR down, that’s what we want, right? I can’t wait to see what O’Keefe does next, maybe he can ruin a few dozen more careers! I love America, we’re really bright!

75 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:46:05pm

re: #51 Walter L. Newton

Schiller responds by saying he doesn’t find “Zionist or pro-Israel” ideas at NPR, “even among funders. I mean it’s there in those who own newspapers, obviously, but no one owns NPR.”

[Link: www.commentarymagazine.com…]

How many links to this comment you need? Even NPR had this comment on their website.

Do you find Zionist ideas at NPR?

76 freetoken  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:46:13pm

Notice how it took an internet-savvy con-man (okeefe) to cause this problem for the still old-modeled NPR.

77 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:46:47pm

re: #73 SanFranciscoZionist

You can say that he should have challenged them, but once again, this was not a programming meeting, or a public debate, this was a feeler for a big donation.

I think I can dislike him without thinking he overstepped the bounds.

The journalists felt otherwise- that he did overstep his bounds.

That’s where the letter comes in.

78 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:46:50pm

re: #70 spool32

Hey, I liked you when you were getting your ticket punched by Obdicut back there, that made a lot of sense to me

79 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:47:07pm

re: #76 freetoken

Notice how it took an internet-savvy con-man (okeefe) to cause this problem for the still old-modeled NPR.

Ouch!

80 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:47:07pm

re: #71 freetoken


and I wonder if it weren’t for aging millionaire heiresses if organizations like NPR would continue to exist?


They’re only in it for the tote bags.

81 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:47:18pm

re: #64 wozzablog

The ADL performed an audit of Newspapers in 2000 and were not all that unhappy about them. I don’t know how much has changed in 10 years.

I didn’t say they leaned anti-Israel, particularly.

82 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:47:32pm

re: #78 WindUpBird

Hey, I liked you when you were getting your ticket punched by Obdicut back there, that made a lot of sense to me

LOL

83 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:47:59pm

re: #21 _RememberTonyC

i’m not talking about the tea party needing a fair shake. I’m talking about ALL people of the left, center, and right. Opinion has its place, but should not be disguised as “news.”

Opinion regarding the tea party does not need to be dressed up as news - what they actually do and say should be, and their more questionable friends have not had anywhere near the scrutiny they should have.

84 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:48:26pm

re: #80 Killgore Trout

They’re only in it for the tote bags.

Am I the only one who gets the Zamfir cassettes?
//

85 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:48:43pm

re: #77 researchok

The journalists felt otherwise- that he did overstep his bounds.

That’s where the letter comes in.

Which is reasonable.

Fundraisers are kind of nuts.

86 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:48:51pm

Evil Jimmy Carter waits in his darkened throne room, a vortex of bats above his head, a single crooked finger beckoning his advisors closer as he plots his next move

SOON NPR WILL BE MINE AS A PLATFORM TO DESTROY ISRAEL, says Evil Jimmy Carter

87 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:49:25pm

re: #79 researchok

Ouch!

It’s true. Internet pranksters have a great deal of power. See: anonymous :)

88 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:49:51pm

re: #74 WindUpBird

Could be right! Shit, let’s burn NPR down, that’s what we want, right? I can’t wait to see what O’Keefe does next, maybe he can ruin a few dozen more careers! I love America, we’re really bright!

NPR is not going any where… they are not going to disappear, hell, if you don’t believe me, then maybe you’ll believe Mr. Schiller… “It is very clear that we would be better off in the long run without federal funding,” Schiller said, saying it would allow the organization to become an independent voice and clear up the misconception that it is largely government-funded.”

Calm down…

89 freetoken  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:49:56pm

re: #86 WindUpBird

SOON NPR WILL BE MINE AS A PLATFORM TO DESTROY ISRAEL, says Evil Jimmy Carter

I can see it now… National Palestinian Radio…

90 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:50:08pm

re: #85 SanFranciscoZionist

Which is reasonable.

Fundraisers are kind of nuts.

I used to work for Jewish National Fund, and we had this fundraiser who called everyone ‘tatteleh’, and once called a woman to offer to let her husband throw out the first pitch at a ballgame we were connected to, only to learn that he’d been dead for five years.

Fundraisers are INSANE.

91 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:50:13pm

re: #85 SanFranciscoZionist

Which is reasonable.

Fundraisers are kind of nuts.

On that we are 100% in sync.

A breed unto themselves.

92 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:50:34pm

re: #86 WindUpBird

Evil Jimmy Carter waits in his darkened throne room, a vortex of bats above his head, a single crooked finger beckoning his advisors closer as he plots his next move

SOON NPR WILL BE MINE AS A PLATFORM TO DESTROY ISRAEL, says Evil Jimmy Carter

You think a man who loses fights with rabbits lets bats hang in a vortex around his head?

93 spool32  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:50:46pm

re: #78 WindUpBird

Hey, I liked you when you were getting your ticket punched by Obdicut back there, that made a lot of sense to me


You can tell you’re losing an argument when the other guy quits rather than strain himself following its thread.

94 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:50:52pm

re: #90 SanFranciscoZionist

I used to work for Jewish National Fund, and we had this fundraiser who called everyone ‘tatteleh’, and once called a woman to offer to let her husband throw out the first pitch at a ballgame we were connected to, only to learn that he’d been dead for five years.

Fundraisers are INSANE.

LOLOL

How many years of therapy to overcome the insanity?

95 Obdicut  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:51:10pm

I’d really have preferred if they pointed out which of his comments they were taking issue with. There are some of the things he said that I find offensive to good manners, others verging into antisemitic conspiracy, and others to be just fucking stupid.

However, it is very true that the GOP has been taken over by a weird, evangelistic surge, as is visible by the number of creationists jockeying to be the presidential nominee, the horrendous anti-abortion laws being forced in in GOP-controlled states, and the growing Christian supremacy shown openly by many GOP politicians. That part of what he said was accurate and it was fair.

96 TedStriker  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:51:14pm

re: #29 researchok

‘Jews control the media’ type remarks, NPR is deliberately representing the Palestinian cause, etc.

Those comments were made by the “donor”, but Schiller didn’t challenge him on it. Being a fundraiser for NPR, he either tacitly agrees with the “donor” (passively nodding) and gets a potential windfall for the organization or he comes out swinging against same said “donor” and loses such potential donation (and possibly get canned).

It was a shitty, no-win situation…and O’Keefe knew it by putting Schiller into it.

97 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:51:20pm

re: #94 researchok

Actually, I have it on good authority you never get over it…

98 researchok  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:52:36pm

re: #95 Obdicut

I’d really have preferred if they pointed out which of his comments they were taking issue with. There are some of the things he said that I find offensive to good manners, others verging into antisemitic conspiracy, and others to be just fucking stupid.

However, it is very true that the GOP has been taken over by a weird, evangelistic surge, as is visible by the number of creationists jockeying to be the presidential nominee, the horrendous anti-abortion laws being forced in in GOP-controlled states, and the growing Christian supremacy shown openly by many GOP politicians. That part of what he said was accurate and it was fair.

No one can argue that

99 martinsmithy  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:52:37pm

The problem with NPR and PBS “telling the truth” (and Schiller’s remarks ARE the truth) is that, by taking public money, they are holding themselves accountable, or even hostage to, the entire American public, including that large minority of it that is currently deluded by the Tea Party nonsense. Just as I would rightfully object if my tax money were going to a broadcasting organization with the political viewpoint of Fox News, someone on the right of the political spectrum has a legitimate beef if he thinks his money is going to an organization one of whose key members feels he can express such views about the Tea Party.

The best of all worlds would be for one of our more enlightened billionaires - hello Warren Buffett? George Soros? - to step up and endow the Corporation for Public Broadcasting with a billion dollar endowment fund, the interest and income from which would allow the organization to tell O’Keefe, Breitbart, Eric Kantor, Jim DeMint, and all of its other right-wing critics to publicly go to hell.

Or maybe if we all gave them some more of our money during one of their fundraising drives, they could amass a similar war chest.

100 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:52:44pm

re: #71 freetoken

This is important, as it shows how out-dated the NPR model is becoming, if they want to rely on broadcasting to reach donors.

Frankly, Google is much more important to getting information than NPR is… and I wonder if it weren’t for aging millionaire heiresses if organizations like NPR would continue to exist?

You know, i honestly have no idea

I do think eventually all terrestrial radio will become as irrelevant as over-the-air TV and 8-track players. I could RIGHT NOW do a podcast, bullshit for an hour, add intro and bumper music, add some production, sound effects, news clips, and have it online this evening if I wanted to. All it takes is a mic and some patience with the software. It is easy as breakfast.

I won’t do that, because I don’t want to :D

101 Obdicut  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:53:24pm

re: #99 martinsmithy

someone on the right of the political spectrum has a legitimate beef if he thinks his money is going to an organization one of whose key members feels he can express such views about the Tea Party.

How do you figure?

102 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:54:20pm

re: #88 Walter L. Newton

NPR is not going any where… they are not going to disappear, hell, if you don’t believe me, then maybe you’ll believe Mr. Schiller… “It is very clear that we would be better off in the long run without federal funding,” Schiller said, saying it would allow the organization to become an independent voice and clear up the misconception that it is largely government-funded.”

Calm down…

You sorta missed my point there dude ;-) If you trust in internet pranksters, well, have fun with that! I’m sure they’ll be very responsible.

103 Obdicut  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:54:58pm

re: #100 WindUpBird

A good breakfast is not trivial, man!

Image: epicurious0171.jpg

104 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:55:28pm

re: #101 Obdicut

How do you figure?

Apparently if one member of your audience doesn’t like what you say…


wow, radio must be really dull where that guy comes from

105 freetoken  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:55:39pm

re: #100 WindUpBird

Terrestrial broadcasting has its uses, but offering high quality information dense programming is not one of them. Today broadcast radio fills roughly three purposes - pop music, sports, and what I’ll graciously call “talk radio”. Even religious stations are not what they once were, unless they are serving up contemporary Christian music.

106 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:55:54pm

re: #103 Obdicut

A good breakfast is not trivial, man!

Image: epicurious0171.jpg

JESUS! I think that actually scared me for a second

107 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:56:18pm

Laters all.

108 Obdicut  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:56:23pm

re: #106 WindUpBird

That’s some aggressive bacon for damn sure.

109 tigger2005  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:56:28pm

OT, but I would really like for somebody much more knowledgable than I on the ins and outs of global warming to respond to “Bob King” on Facebook who puts up post after post claiming to discredit global warming. His latest tack is to post pictures of scientists and researchers who are skeptical of AGW and sing their praises. He has an entourage of dittoheads who “Like” and agree with his every post, and hardly anyone rebutting his arguments. I’m not able to do so effectively because I’m just not well versed in this issue.

Someone said LVQ might be a good candidate. You out there LVQ?

110 webevintage  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:57:08pm

re: #59 Walter L. Newton

Then listen to the video… listen to the two hour version of the video. Interesting, the video released to the press was 11 minutes long, the actual raw footage was two hours long… the original was edited yet no one has gone to the full length version and claim that something was taken out of context.

OK, there is not a full transcript then.
I’m gonna bow out on this because I’m not going to devote 2 hours to watching a video of guys having a lunch meeting and discussing his new love of Maderia (of all things) while maybe also making some semi-offensive remarks about Jews and newspapers.
My “what is offensive to Jewish people” meter is not very sensitive, I’ll admit, But if SFZ found his (their?) remarks had crossed a line then…well there ya go.

He’s still on the money about the TEAGop though.

111 freetoken  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:57:11pm

re: #109 tigger2005

Skeptical Science has online resources as well as an App for phones.

112 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:57:16pm

re: #105 freetoken

Terrestrial broadcasting has its uses, but offering high quality information dense programming is not one of them. Today broadcast radio fills roughly three purposes - pop music, sports, and what I’ll graciously call “talk radio”. Even religious stations are not what they once were, unless they are serving up contemporary Christian music.

It’s great for telling me whether I need chains on the Volvo to get across the pass :D

My favorite radio show on terrestrial radio is buried in late night on a conservative station here (it is a show that satirizes conservative radio)
and even that i listen to on the internet instead

113 freetoken  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:57:47pm

re: #109 tigger2005

[Link: www.skepticalscience.com…]

114 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:58:06pm

re: #108 Obdicut

That’s some aggressive bacon for damn sure.

My side monitor is large enough that it just filled my vision *_*

115 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 2:58:49pm

re: #112 WindUpBird

It’s great for telling me whether I need chains on the Volvo to get across the pass :D

My favorite radio show on terrestrial radio is buried in late night on a conservative station here (it is a show that satirizes conservative radio)
and even that i listen to on the internet instead

Phil Hendery satires everyone.

116 Ojoe  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:01:49pm

Bad craziness in Wisconsin.

117 freetoken  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:02:22pm

re: #109 tigger2005

Speaking of AGW, like all fading media the San Diego Union Tribune (whose print edition is now almost non-existent) runs an online site (SignOnSanDiego). To push the comment numbers they run an AGW story every couple of days, and given the nature of San Diego (home to Roger Hedgecock and even more rabid right wingers) there are plenty of anti-science types who take the bait an write comments ad naseum on the the “scam”… Well, this time I thought I’d write the first comment (saw the story come over the electronic transom) and see if it would influence the comments… a bit of an experiment.

It didn’t have much influence:
[Link: www.signonsandiego.com…]

118 Ojoe  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:02:41pm

I think NPR means Nail Polish Remover

119 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:03:07pm

re: #115 Walter L. Newton

Phil Hendery satires everyone.

In the past, yes, his early-2000’s era show absolutely, but have you listened lately?

He reimaged his show about a month or so ago, he changed the production to very closely mimic a conservative talker, changed the bumper music to country. music He now introduces itself as “Radio! For Patriots by patriots!” He (as himself) takes a conservative position now, and his guest characters are now taking liberal positions exclusively, aimed at trolling conservative callers.

120 Martinsmithy  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:03:08pm

re: #101 Obdicut
Are you suggesting that only people on the left have the “right” to complain about where their tax money goes?

121 jamesfirecat  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:03:32pm

re: #116 Ojoe

Bad craziness in Wisconsin.

Jebus Cripes… way to go whoever you did this, you managed to make a union buster look like a poor put upon victim!

122 Obdicut  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:04:03pm

re: #120 Martinsmithy

Are you suggesting that only people on the left have the “right” to complain about where their tax money goes?

How on earth did you get that out of my statement?

123 Obdicut  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:04:12pm

re: #122 Obdicut

My question, rather.

124 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:04:20pm

re: #120 Martinsmithy

Are you suggesting that only people on the left have the “right” to complain about where their tax money goes?

dude, you really do not want to ask Obdicut dopey questions ;-)

125 Ojoe  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:04:52pm

re: #121 jamesfirecat

No excuse for some behaviors; & it is easy to lose a lot of sympathy.

126 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:05:50pm

So that’s how John Ydstie spells his name. I never would have guessed that one.

127 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:06:49pm

re: #116 Ojoe

Bad craziness in Wisconsin.

Agh death threats are never acceptable. People have the right to be upset but that’s crap.

128 Ojoe  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:06:50pm

re: #115 Walter L. Newton

Myself, I have always liked Art Bell & the UFO contingent. Very entertaining late at night.

BBL

129 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:07:03pm

re: #119 WindUpBird

In the past, yes, his early-2000’s era show absolutely, but have you listened lately?

He reimaged his show about a month or so ago, he changed the production to very closely mimic a conservative talker, changed the bumper music to country. music He now introduces itself as “Radio! For Patriots by patriots!” He (as himself) takes a conservative position now, and his guest characters are now taking liberal positions exclusively, aimed at trolling conservative callers.

No… I stopped listening to him a long time ago, not that I didn’t like him, but he got old, stale, after a while, the same old routine becomes boring.

If you say he’s reframed his bit’s, then maybe I’ll look him up. I know he’s not played in this market anymore, maybe I can get something on the internet, which is the way I listen to radio most of the time, since getting clear signals up here in the mountains is almost impossible.

130 jamesfirecat  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:07:11pm

re: #125 Ojoe

No excuse for some behaviors; & it is easy to lose a lot of sympathy.

I agree with you that this behavior is uncalled for, and abhorrent.

However this does not make me loose any sympathy for the union cause in general, nor should it lead anyone else down that road.

I will say that it does give me a speck more sympathy for Walker and the Republican Senators though.

131 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:08:18pm

re: #128 Ojoe

Myself, I have always liked Art Bell & the UFO contingent. Very entertaining late at night.

BBL

I don’t find Art Bell, or any of his spin off host, to be entertaining. Than again, I don’t find magical god daddies in the sky to be entertaining either.

132 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:09:12pm

re: #130 jamesfirecat

I agree with you that this behavior is uncalled for, and abhorrent.

However this does not make me loose any sympathy for the union cause in general, nor should it lead anyone else down that road.

I will say that it does give me a speck more sympathy for Walker and the Republican Senators though.

Nailed how I feel. Not going to change my mind on how I feel on the issue. I do feel bad that they got threats. There’s a way to disagree on the issue without resorting to that.

133 spool32  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:09:40pm

re: #119 WindUpBird

In the past, yes, his early-2000’s era show absolutely, but have you listened lately?

He reimaged his show about a month or so ago, he changed the production to very closely mimic a conservative talker, changed the bumper music to country. music He now introduces itself as “Radio! For Patriots by patriots!” He (as himself) takes a conservative position now, and his guest characters are now taking liberal positions exclusively, aimed at trolling conservative callers.


So he’s basically ape-ing Colbert. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…

134 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:09:53pm

Ok… I have a 7 hour shift coming up, till midnight, so I’m about out of here. Later.

135 jamesfirecat  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:10:35pm

re: #133 spool32

So he’s basically ape-ing Colbert. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery…

You are confusing Imitation and Satire.

136 palomino  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:11:33pm

Do Roger Ailes or any of his employees ever apologize for their over the top statemtents? Answer of course is no. NPR has more class and is a real news organization, especially by comparison. Even if Jon Stewart does call them pussies for not standing their ground and fighting back. But it’s the difference in worldview between journalists and propagandists.

137 spool32  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:13:09pm

re: #135 jamesfirecat

You are confusing Imitation and Satire.

I don’t think I am. This radio guy satirizes the conservative position by playing it up for laughs, Colbert satirizes the conservative position by playing it up for laughs…

… am I missing something here? That seems like imitation to me.

138 Skeetghazi  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:13:45pm

BreakingNews Breaking News

Spokesman: Rep. Giffords plans to be at April 19 launch of space shuttle Endeavor, commanded by her husband -CNN

139 jamesfirecat  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:14:48pm

re: #137 spool32

I don’t think I am. This radio guy satirizes the conservative position by playing it up for laughs, Colbert satirizes the conservative position by playing it up for laughs…

… am I missing something here? That seems like imitation to me.

Imitation is trying to be like someone because you look up to someone.

Satire is pretending to be like someone so you can make fun of them.

140 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:15:13pm

re: #138 Stanley Sea

BreakingNews Breaking News

Spokesman: Rep. Giffords plans to be at April 19 launch of space shuttle Endeavor, commanded by her husband -CNN

Awesome news. Really amazed at her whole recovery. She’s an inspiration.

141 jamesfirecat  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:15:56pm

re: #140 HappyWarrior

Awesome news. Really amazed at her whole recovery. She’s an inspiration.

I hope she’s well enough to be at Jared Lee Loughner’s sentencing….

142 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:17:43pm

re: #141 jamesfirecat

I hope she’s well enough to be at Jared Lee Loughner’s sentencing…

Me too.

143 garhighway  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:18:54pm

OT: Two interesting items.

1. Politco (hardly a liberal outlet) runs an Op Ed on King’s hearings, calling them bad policy and worse politics.

[Link: www.politico.com…]

2. Joe Barton (R-BP) says that if we strip the oil industry of it’s tax breaks, Exxon will go under.

[Link: tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com…]

144 PhillyPretzel  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:19:29pm

re: #138 Stanley Sea
That is wonderful news. I pray she continues her rapid rate of recovery.

145 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:21:12pm

re: #143 garhighway

OT: Two interesting items.

1. Politco (hardly a liberal outlet) runs an Op Ed on King’s hearings, calling them bad policy and worse politics.

[Link: www.politico.com…]

2. Joe Barton (R-BP) says that if we strip the oil industry of it’s tax breaks, Exxon will go under.

[Link: tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com…]

Heck in 2000 I think Bush won the Muslim vote. I took 8th grade Civics that year and I can actually remember arguing in favor of Gore against a Muslim kid who favored Bush.

146 spool32  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:23:34pm

re: #139 jamesfirecat

Imitation is trying to be like someone because you look up to someone.
Satire is pretending to be like someone so you can make fun of them.

Yes. Imitation is when a comedian reinvents himself into someone who satirizes conservatives on the radio, so he can be like the much more famous comedian who satirizes conservatives on TV.

Are we speaking the same language here? You did realize the Colbert Report is satire, right?

147 garhighway  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:23:41pm

re: #145 HappyWarrior

Heck in 2000 I think Bush won the Muslim vote. I took 8th grade Civics that year and I can actually remember arguing in favor of Gore against a Muslim kid who favored Bush.

That was part of Politico’s point. They are taking a group that had low turnout and mixed allegiance and have turned it into a high turnout solid blue group.

The GOP is turning into a party that has to win every white vote to win nationally, and that’s a pretty heavy lift.

148 palomino  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:24:11pm

re: #143 garhighway

OT: Two interesting items.

1. Politco (hardly a liberal outlet) runs an Op Ed on King’s hearings, calling them bad policy and worse politics.

[Link: www.politico.com…]

2. Joe Barton (R-BP) says that if we strip the oil industry of it’s tax breaks, Exxon will go under.

[Link: tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com…]

Barton is as bought and paid for by the oil industry as Sen. Inhofe (R-OK) who happens to be the Senate’s chief climate change denier. Both total whores.

149 TedStriker  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:24:37pm

re: #128 Ojoe

Myself, I have always liked Art Bell & the UFO contingent. Very entertaining late at night.

BBL

Too bad Art retired…while he may believe in a lot of what his guests talked about, he made it fun to listen to. Listening to George Noori (and Art’s other [short-lived] successors) is, at times, like listening to paint dry or flies fuck; it’s just not the same as listening to Art, but I will give that George has gotten better though.

150 jamesfirecat  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:24:48pm

re: #146 spool32

Yes. Imitation is when a comedian reinvents himself into someone who satirizes conservatives on the radio, so he can be like the much more famous comedian who satirizes conservatives on TV.

Are we speaking the same language here? You did realize the Colbert Report is satire, right?

Sorry I thought your comments were aimed at suggesting he was imitating conservatives rather than imitating Colbert. You are correct good sir.

151 quiet reader  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:25:04pm

Rand Paul:
“I Have Less Choice In Toilets Than Women Have In Abortions”
“We have to flush the toilet 10 times before it works”

If it takes ten flushes, he must be full of shit.

TPM video

152 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:25:09pm

re: #147 garhighway

That was part of Politico’s point. They are taking a group that had low turnout and mixed allegiance and have turned it into a high turnout solid blue group.

The GOP is turning into a party that has to win every white vote to win nationally, and that’s a pretty heavy lift.

Yeah I noticed that. It’s interesting really how much has changed.

153 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:25:31pm

re: #147 garhighway

That was part of Politico’s point. They are taking a group that had low turnout and mixed allegiance and have turned it into a high turnout solid blue group.

The GOP is turning into a party that has to win every white vote to win nationally, and that’s a pretty heavy lift.

It also puts them in a bad spot, because they can’t go after Medicare and Social Security, both of which they claim to be the source of all our budget woes, without pissing off their rapidly aging base.

154 jamesfirecat  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:26:29pm

re: #148 palomino

Barton is as bought and paid for by the oil industry as Sen. Inhofe (R-OK) who happens to be the Senate’s chief climate change denier. Both total whores.

If they’re the whores why am I the one feeling like I the oil industries just gave me Cleveland Steamer?

155 spool32  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:26:35pm

re: #147 garhighway

That was part of Politico’s point. They are taking a group that had low turnout and mixed allegiance and have turned it into a high turnout solid blue group.

The GOP is turning into a party that has to win every white vote to win nationally, and that’s a pretty heavy lift.

True, though they really only need to pull a quarter of the hispanic vote to take pretty much any election in a battleground state. That’s a much lower bar to get over.

156 Skeetghazi  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:27:14pm

re: #143 garhighway

Politico’s comments are guaranteed to be a cesspool, but this one is so over the top I’m laughing.

Hope this dude doesn’t live close to any of us (or is one of our dear relatives)

That’s right Politico, I’m sure it’s only “WHITE voters” that are concerned about radical Islam and terrorism in America. GLAD TO KNOW YOU AREN’T RACIST POLITICO.

You Libs are in for a real shock when the GOP ramps up the war on terror, ends public unions, defunds NPR, PBS and your gay Cowboy poetry festivals, ends welfare entitlements, ends affirmative action, limits abortion/murdering of babies, starts drilling wherever we want, brings God back into the classroom, prosecutes Obama and his Demwit partners in crime, and slaps you libturds to Hell and back and CONTINUES TOP PICK UP SEATS IN WASHINGTON AND ACROSS THE NATION. With a little determination we can outlaw Liberalism as treason and start throwing you leftist communist domestic terrorists in GITMO with your Muslim Brotherhood buddies!!!!

MEMO TO LIBTURDS: YOU ARE A MINORITY, YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD AND TOTALLY BLEW IT, NOW GET READY TO RIDE IN THE TRUNK FOR THE NEXT 20+ YEARS!!!!!

Read more: [Link: www.politico.com…]

157 palomino  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:28:11pm

re: #147 garhighway

That was part of Politico’s point. They are taking a group that had low turnout and mixed allegiance and have turned it into a high turnout solid blue group.

The GOP is turning into a party that has to win every white vote to win nationally, and that’s a pretty heavy lift.

You’re right. They’ve alienated virtually everyone else. They’re losing the Hispanic vote almost as badly as they lost the black vote. Very short-sighted for people who claim their primary concern is their grandchildren’s generation.

158 TedStriker  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:28:42pm

re: #156 Stanley Sea

Politico’s comments are guaranteed to be a cesspool, but this one is so over the top I’m laughing.

Hope this dude doesn’t live close to any of us (or is one of our dear relatives)

Read more: [Link: www.politico.com…]

That’s got to be a put-up job, because if it isn’t, it’s fucking scary ;-P

159 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:29:01pm

re: #156 Stanley Sea

Politico’s comments are guaranteed to be a cesspool, but this one is so over the top I’m laughing.

Hope this dude doesn’t live close to any of us (or is one of our dear relatives)

Read more: [Link: www.politico.com…]

Hahahaha what the fuck is a gay cowboy poetry festival? What a headcase haha.

160 palomino  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:29:03pm

re: #154 jamesfirecat

If they’re the whores why am I the one feeling like I the oil industries just gave me Cleveland Steamer?

Some people will pay for that shit, pun intended.

161 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:29:27pm

re: #158 talon_262

That’s got to be a put-up job, because if it isn’t, it’s fucking scary ;-P

I disagree, I think it’s fucking hilarious how much ragasm that guy has.

162 Skeetghazi  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:29:48pm

re: #158 talon_262

That’s got to be a put-up job, because if it isn’t, it’s fucking scary ;-P

I believe those people are the real deal.

163 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:29:57pm

re: #20 Walter L. Newton

Don’t worry… these NPR reporters are not “hacks.” There’s nothing to worry about. This is just smart posturing for public consumption. You can be sure that your beloved NPR “hacks” will turn right around and continue making statements like this.

Calm down… it’s all good!

Is that why they immediately fired the people who made these statements?

164 TedStriker  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:30:55pm

re: #161 HappyWarrior

I disagree, I think it’s fucking hilarious how much ragasm that guy has.

Lemme qualify my last post: it’s so bad, it’s funny, in a scary, Hannibal Lecter-type of way

165 Skeetghazi  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:31:16pm

OK, freeway time.

Really glad I left you folks with that crazy person’s rant.

I’m concerned about riding in the trunk now.

166 albusteve  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:31:34pm

re: #148 palomino

Barton is as bought and paid for by the oil industry as Sen. Inhofe (R-OK) who happens to be the Senate’s chief climate change denier. Both total whores.

shills, whores, and paid off guys…it’s important to know who’s who, but further, what’s true or not is my bottom line…as usual

167 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:32:34pm

re: #164 talon_262

Lemme qualify my last post: it’s so bad, it’s funny, in a scary, Hannibal Lecter-type of way

Heh it’s all good. I love seeing how angry and hatefilled they are towards liberals. It just amuses me deeply.

168 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:35:07pm

re: #167 HappyWarrior

Heh it’s all good. I love seeing how angry and hatefilled they are towards liberals. It just amuses me deeply.

And filled with God’s love, each and every one. Hypocrites.

169 lostlakehiker  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:35:16pm

re: #117 freetoken

Speaking of AGW, like all fading media the San Diego Union Tribune (whose print edition is now almost non-existent) runs an online site (SignOnSanDiego). To push the comment numbers they run an AGW story every couple of days, and given the nature of San Diego (home to Roger Hedgecock and even more rabid right wingers) there are plenty of anti-science types who take the bait an write comments ad naseum on the the “scam”… Well, this time I thought I’d write the first comment (saw the story come over the electronic transom) and see if it would influence the comments… a bit of an experiment.

It didn’t have much influence:
[Link: www.signonsandiego.com…]

Actually, you kicked off a debate and this fellow “traal” stuck up for the science, rebutting the first putative rebuttal to your post.

If 90% of life is showing up, well, you showed up.

The thread wasn’t as one sided as it might have been.

170 spool32  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:36:38pm

re: #156 Stanley Sea

Politico’s comments are guaranteed to be a cesspool, but this one is so over the top I’m laughing.

Hope this dude doesn’t live close to any of us (or is one of our dear relatives)

Read more: [Link: www.politico.com…]

Dear Listeners and Supporters,

I, and my conservative colleagues, strive every day to bring you the highest quality blog comments possible. So, like you, we were appalled by the offensive comments made recently by the capslock-wielding lunatic at the link above. His words violated the basic principles by which we live and work: accuracy and open-mindedness, fairness and respect, and not being a certified wingnut.

Those comments have done no real damage to conservative blog comments. But we’re confident that the culture of professionalism we have built, and the values we have upheld for the past few years, will prevail. We are determined to continue bringing you the daily perspective from the sane and sensible right that you’ve come to expect and rely upon: fair, fact-based, properly formatted comments with source links and at least a semblance of rational thought.

With your support we have no doubt blog comment threads will come out of this difficult period stronger than ever.

171 garhighway  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:37:10pm

re: #155 spool32

True, though they really only need to pull a quarter of the hispanic vote to take pretty much any election in a battleground state. That’s a much lower bar to get over.

After the way the GOP demonized Hispanics in 2008, that seems unlikely.

But I’m not sure of your math: are Hispanics a big swing vote in Ohio and Pennsylvania? My quick look at Census data says that Ohio’s population is about 2% Hispanic, and I would guess that their percentage of registered voters is even lower than that. I really doubt Ohio’s outcome will swing on the Hispanic vote. I doubt Pennsylvania is much different.

172 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:37:43pm

re: #167 HappyWarrior

Heh it’s all good. I love seeing how angry and hatefilled they are towards liberals. It just amuses me deeply.

“did you know that everyday mexican gays sneak into this coiuntry and unplug our braindead ladies”

[Link: www.vixbase.com…]

173 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:38:41pm

re: #172 wozzablog

(classic simpons vid clip, just to set any minds at rest)

174 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:39:22pm

re: #173 wozzablog

(classic simpons vid clip, just to set any minds at rest)

Ha, thanks. The Simpsons has always had some clever gags at Fox going way back.

175 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:42:22pm

re: #174 HappyWarrior

Ha, thanks. The Simpsons has always had some clever gags at Fox going way back.

Homer- “liberals - i hate them sooo much!”

(next on fox - can strippes run their own airline?)

WOO-HOO

176 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:42:28pm

Has anybody bothered to watch the new oKeefe NPR video? Is it worth looking into?

177 William Barnett-Lewis  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:44:10pm

re: #163 Fozzie Bear

Good use of the new tag.

178 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:47:28pm

re: #80 Killgore Trout

They’re only in it for the tote bags.

We need the tote bags to carry around our coffee mugs and umbrellas. And of course, more tote bags.

(I’m drinking coffee out of my NPR mug right now, lol)

179 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:50:01pm

re: #13 talon_262

I disagree; if this is what offends them:

then these NPR hacks have no brains, no guts, and no balls. Ron Schiller was dead on in what he said, but the people back at NPR are scared the TPGOP is going to accelerate their push to cut their federal funding.

Guess what, NPR slugheads? The TPGOP is going to attempt it in any case, so you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t (castigate/disown Schiller’s comments).

EXACTLY. The most embarrassing thing about NPR is their response to embarrassment. Note to NPR: Self-immolation is not a PR strategy.

180 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:51:20pm

As far as I am concerned, until something appears in the MSM which even begins to approach the quality of journalism produced by This American Life, NPR earns every fucking penny of their public funding. (Not to mention all the other great shows.)

181 spool32  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:51:36pm

re: #171 garhighway

After the way the GOP demonized Hispanics in 2008, that seems unlikely.

But I’m not sure of your math: are Hispanics a big swing vote in Ohio and Pennsylvania? My quick look at Census data says that Ohio’s population is about 2% Hispanic, and I would guess that their percentage of registered voters is even lower than that. I really doubt Ohio’s outcome will swing on the Hispanic vote. I doubt Pennsylvania is much different.

I might be a bit off, yes. Looking at the numbers:

Kerry won Pennsylvania in 2004 by only 2.5%, Bush won Ohio by 2.1%. I could find numbers for Ohio and Pennsylvania for latino voters as a % of the total ballots cast but my sense fro looking at Indiana and Nevada (two places where the data is good) is that the GOP needs a floor of around 25% to have a shot at winning. Dip below that and you’re pretty well sunk. Rise above 30% and you see a strong correlated with a GOP win in the state. So I might’ve understated things a bit, but it’s not at all impossible for the GOP to win while pulling less than 1/3rd of the Latino vote in a battleground state, and doing so isn’t a tough challenge. They don’t need to win latinos to win… they just need to split the vote at a minimum 75/25 D/R.

182 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:52:15pm

re: #180 Fozzie Bear

As far as I am concerned, until something appears in the MSM which even begins to approach the quality of journalism produced by This American Life, NPR earns every fucking penny of their public funding. (Not to mention all the other great shows.)

Atleast one network should be aimed above the lowest common demoninator.

183 jamesfirecat  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:53:30pm

re: #181 spool32

I might be a bit off, yes. Looking at the numbers:

Kerry won Pennsylvania in 2004 by only 2.5%, Bush won Ohio by 2.1%. I could find numbers for Ohio and Pennsylvania for latino voters as a % of the total ballots cast but my sense fro looking at Indiana and Nevada (two places where the data is good) is that the GOP needs a floor of around 25% to have a shot at winning. Dip below that and you’re pretty well sunk. Rise above 30% and you see a strong correlated with a GOP win in the state. So I might’ve understated things a bit, but it’s not at all impossible for the GOP to win while pulling less than 1/3rd of the Latino vote in a battleground state, and doing so isn’t a tough challenge. They don’t need to win latinos to win… they just need to split the vote at a minimum 75/25 D/R.

Of course this is the party whose best add they could come up with was one that told Latino voters to stay home on election day….

184 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:54:22pm

As far as I’m concerned, this article gets it right:

They Brought a Tote Bag to a Knife Fight

Wake up, public media people! You have no magic exemption from the requirements of political maturity. There are people out there who seek your destruction, and they are not evenly distributed. They reside among culture warriors on the political right. That is a fact, and you are in the business of reporting facts.

Among them is James O’Keefe, the trickster who secretly taped NPR executive Ron Schiller ranting about the Tea Party and saying other incendiary things. Like his patron, Andrew Breitbart, who has said he’s “committed to the destruction of the old media guard” (adding, “it’s a very good business model…”) O’Keefe is a performance artist who profits from the public wreckage and institutional panic his media stunts seek to create.

These people want to destroy you. You don’t get to decide whether you have political enemies or not. The enemies have that power. But you can decide how to respond to them. The default setting is a series of political defeats. It permits a trickster to take down your CEO.

Read it all, or don’t.

185 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:55:04pm

re: #182 wozzablog

Atleast one network should be aimed above the lowest common demoninator.

And i’m sorry if that offends any “spliffy mcspliff head in themorning” or “hoot if you love sports” or “rushbo” fans - but - yours is the plurality of choice, it’s difficult enough finding anything remotely challenging to watch or listen to these days without shit being so tuned down to the most base level that it becomes acceptable and palatable to some vacuous majority.

186 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:55:27pm

re: #183 jamesfirecat

Of course this is the party whose best add they could come up with was one that told Latino voters to stay home on election day…

But only if they didn’t look Chinese.

187 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:56:24pm

re: #182 wozzablog

Atleast one network should be aimed above the lowest common demoninator.

Hear hear!

Seriously, if anybody hasn’t listened to This American Life, I strongly recommend it. Their coverage of the financial crisis is, in my opinion, unparalleled to this day. I haven’t seen anything in the MSM which even came close to the depth of analysis that show regularly produces, and it does so in a way that sucks you in as only an expert storyteller can.

Ira Glass is one of the best journalists this country has, and few people even know who he is.

188 spool32  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 3:57:17pm

re: #183 jamesfirecat

Of course this is the party whose best add they could come up with was one that told Latino voters to stay home on election day…


I’d like to think both party’s best ads were in Spanish, but I don’t speak it. Anyhow, GOP voters sent plenty of latinos to high office in 2010, so they must have done something right.

189 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:01:37pm

re: #188 spool32

I’d like to think both party’s best ads were in Spanish, but I don’t speak it. Anyhow, GOP voters sent plenty of latinos to high office in 2010, so they must have done something right.

The Numbers for ‘12 don’t look great for the GOP.

one sees only 9 percent of Latinos “certain” to vote for a Republican presidential hopeful, with 8 percent “probably” voting GOP and 4 percent “leaning” toward a Republican.

That’s 21 percent, which means the Republican Party has the potential to have an even more humiliating year in 2012 than they did in ’08.


[Link: mylatinonews.com…]

190 spool32  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:02:55pm

re: #184 negativ

As far as I’m concerned, this article gets it right:

They Brought a Tote Bag to a Knife Fight

Read it all, or don’t.


The problem for NPR isn’t that they have political enemies… they’ve always had political enemies. It’s that this series of own-goals is making them lots of NEW enemies, and they’re finding common cause with the culture warriors.

Listen: the Tea Party is not full of racist bigots, though they certainly have their fair share. When somebody smears the whole group like this, it just radicalizes the moderate right. Doubling down in the battle against their old enemies by making new ones out of moderates who disagree but still listen - that’s terrible advice.

191 garhighway  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:03:28pm

re: #181 spool32

I might be a bit off, yes. Looking at the numbers:

Kerry won Pennsylvania in 2004 by only 2.5%, Bush won Ohio by 2.1%. I could find numbers for Ohio and Pennsylvania for latino voters as a % of the total ballots cast but my sense fro looking at Indiana and Nevada (two places where the data is good) is that the GOP needs a floor of around 25% to have a shot at winning. Dip below that and you’re pretty well sunk. Rise above 30% and you see a strong correlated with a GOP win in the state. So I might’ve understated things a bit, but it’s not at all impossible for the GOP to win while pulling less than 1/3rd of the Latino vote in a battleground state, and doing so isn’t a tough challenge. They don’t need to win latinos to win… they just need to split the vote at a minimum 75/25 D/R.

So what’s the GOP’s plan, to lock the nativists in a trunk for the next year and a half? So long as the Tom Tancredo’s of the world are walking around free and unmuzzled, the GOP won’t hit double digits in the Hispanic community.

The GOP says “Build the dang wall”. the Hispanic voter hears “I want you the fuck out of my country.”

That’s one tough sell.

192 spool32  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:04:38pm

re: #189 wozzablog

The Numbers for ‘12 don’t look great for the GOP.


[Link: mylatinonews.com…]

Agreed. It’s early days yet, though. A lot depends on who emerges as the frontrunner. At this time in 2007, Hillary was the Dem to beat…

193 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:05:14pm

re: #188 spool32

I’d like to think both party’s best ads were in Spanish, but I don’t speak it. Anyhow, GOP voters sent plenty of latinos to high office in 2010, so they must have done something right.

Other than Rubio in Florida, who else? The problem is since Bush has left office and thus not been the face of the Republican Party, the party has grown more hostile to issues that many Latino voters find important. You have candidates like Sharron Angle making bizzare comments like “I don’t think all of you are Latino, some of you look Asian.” What James mentioned about staying home or Jane Brewer acting like most illegal immigration are murderers and criminals. Plus, you have numerous GOP officials who act like the Spanish language being spoken in some terrible thing. I see in the near future the Hispanic vote growing more Democratic since the GOP burned a lot of bridges with the community. Latinos are a socially conservative bloc but they’re also if I am not mistaken one of the bigger supporters of labor and other left wing economic policies.

194 jamesfirecat  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:05:27pm

re: #192 spool32

Agreed. It’s early days yet, though. A lot depends on who emerges as the frontrunner. At this time in 2007, Hillary was the Dem to beat…

And this time in 2011 its Herman Cain former pizza salesman… I mean he’s the only one running right?

195 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:06:47pm

re: #191 garhighway

So what’s the GOP’s plan, to lock the nativists in a trunk for the next year and a half? So long as the Tom Tancredo’s of the world are walking around free and unmuzzled, the GOP won’t hit double digits in the Hispanic community.

The GOP says “Build the dang wall”. the Hispanic voter hears “I want you the fuck out of my country.”

That’s one tough sell.


But - they always seem to manage to get people to vote against their own interets. Just look at how less well off white men are likely to belive that the least well off and most oppressed minority in the country are those earning over $250k.

196 Bubblehead II  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:07:09pm

Is the second O’Keefe video?

Secretly recorded phone calls cast NPR fundraiser in unflattering light.

The linked video is 44:37 minutes long.

197 Bubblehead II  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:09:35pm

Never mind. Should have read a bit deeper into the story.

In a lengthy follow-up phone call with Liley after the lunch, an O’Keefe associate posing as “Ibrahim Kasaam ” of the Muslim Education Action Center (a fictitious entity) expressed concerns that NPR, which receives government funding, would be subject to government audits or would have to disclose the source of its donations.

198 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:09:51pm

re: #191 garhighway

So what’s the GOP’s plan, to lock the nativists in a trunk for the next year and a half? So long as the Tom Tancredo’s of the world are walking around free and unmuzzled, the GOP won’t hit double digits in the Hispanic community.

The GOP says “Build the dang wall”. the Hispanic voter hears “I want you the fuck out of my country.”

That’s one tough sell.

Shit, I forgot all about Tancredo but yes when the GOP is sounding more Tancredo on Bush on things like immigration and assimilation then I would say there’s an uphill battle..

199 Charles Johnson  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:09:59pm

re: #176 Killgore Trout

Has anybody bothered to watch the new oKeefe NPR video? Is it worth looking into?

Meh.

Fake Muslims asked to remain fake anonymous, NPR employee said she’d look into it, looked into it.

Meanwhile, NPR was already backing away from the group when they found the address was a UPS office.

It’s BS, like the first tape. I cut these NPR reps a lot more slack than most people seem to be willing to. Nobody’s trained to handle the kinds of patently outrageous things O’Keefe’s actors deliberately say to provoke uncomfortable reactions they can overplay and distort. Real life doesn’t follow a script. People don’t always do or say what seems obvious in hindsight.

The O’Keefe technique of pretending to be a “protected minority,” saying over-the-top things, and filming the response is just the worst kind of bullshit ambush pseudo-journalism. It sucks, and so does James O’Keefe and anyone who works with him.

I hope NPR doesn’t rush into another knee-jerk over-reaction.

200 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:10:07pm

re: #192 spool32

Agreed. It’s early days yet, though. A lot depends on who emerges as the frontrunner. At this time in 2007, Hillary was the Dem to beat…

yes- but - she was still a viable heavyweight candidate.

For the democrats to be in the position the GOP are in their candidate list would be:

Al Sharpton (Token religionist)
Carol Mosely Braun (John Huntsman - i.e who?)
John Edwards (Newt Gingrich)
Denis Kucinich (Ron Paul, in terms of cult like status)

201 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:10:24pm

re: #191 garhighway

So what’s the GOP’s plan, to lock the nativists in a trunk for the next year and a half? So long as the Tom Tancredo’s of the world are walking around free and unmuzzled, the GOP won’t hit double digits in the Hispanic community.

The GOP says “Build the dang wall”. the Hispanic voter hears “I want you the fuck out of my country.”

That’s one tough sell.

It’s not just the part about the wall. Look at the wall up for consideration (last I checked) in Texas that says hiring an illegal is punishable by fines and jail time…unless they’re domestic help. Why the exception? Because if they didn’t have it, most of the folks in Texas would be headed to prison. The GOP can’t win over the Latino vote when they’re saying “We need you to mow our lawns, clean our houses, and take care of our kids…but we don’t need you as a fellow citizens.”

202 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:11:18pm

re: #201 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

It’s not just the part about the wall. Look at the wall law up for consideration (last I checked) in Texas that says hiring an illegal is punishable by fines and jail time…unless they’re domestic help. Why the exception? Because if they didn’t have it, most of the folks in Texas would be headed to prison. The GOP can’t win over the Latino vote when they’re saying “We need you to mow our lawns, clean our houses, and take care of our kids…but we don’t need you as a fellow citizens.”

PIMF

203 Obdicut  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:13:57pm

re: #201 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

I seriously thought that was an Onion article when I read about it.

204 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:16:26pm

re: #199 Charles

It’s BS, like the first tape.

That’s pretty much what I would have guessed. NPR will probably overreact again. These corporate structures are easily spooked by scandals and they aren’t used to these tactics.

205 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:16:59pm

THe problem is I don’t see any possible candidate making any real inroads with the Latino community. Bush, I will say had an unique gift in that he understood and spoke Spanish, has an immigrant for a sister in law,and as an oilman and baseball owner no doubt met and understood the experiences of more Latinos than your average Republican.

206 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:19:06pm

re: #203 Obdicut

I seriously thought that was an Onion article when I read about it.

It’s sad that Texas is slowly working to eclipse Florida as the state where, when you hear crazy shit about it, you just roll your eyes and say “Not a surprise.”

207 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:20:54pm

re: #200 wozzablog

yes- but - she was still a viable heavyweight candidate.

For the democrats to be in the position the GOP are in their candidate list would be:

Al Sharpton (Token religionist)
Carol Mosely Braun (John Huntsman - i.e who?)
John Edwards (Newt Gingrich)
Denis Kucinich (Ron Paul, in terms of cult like status)

Who is Sharpton meant to be? He’s never held office, I believe.

208 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:21:54pm

re: #207 EmmmieG

Who is Sharpton meant to be? He’s never held office, I believe.

Perhaps Cain. I know Cain is a businessman and not a member of hte clergy but Cain’s never been elected either.

209 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:22:33pm

re: #208 HappyWarrior

Perhaps Cain. I know Cain is a businessman and not a member of hte clergy but Cain’s never been elected either.

I’m not sure I even know who that is.

210 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:23:32pm

re: #209 EmmmieG

I’m not sure I even know who that is.

Pizza mogul, spoke at CPAC. I don’t know much about him either.

211 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:24:37pm

re: #207 EmmmieG

Who is Sharpton meant to be? He’s never held office, I believe.

Ah, that’d be Huckabee. Ordained minister.

They are not exact like for likes, Edwards was never speaker of the house for example.

It’s just a thought excersise.

I couldn’t see any of those named beating a generic republican.

Like i can’t see Gingrich, Huck, Huntsman or paul beating a generic democrat.

212 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:25:21pm

re: #205 HappyWarrior

THe problem is I don’t see any possible candidate making any real inroads with the Latino community. Bush, I will say had an unique gift in that he understood and spoke Spanish, has an immigrant for a sister in law,and as an oilman and baseball owner no doubt met and understood the experiences of more Latinos than your average Republican.

The thing about presidential elections is that, in the early days, any predictions are subject to serious revision. There can be candidates in the wings that nobody’s considered, scandals that might sink one campaign but elevate another, real world events that change voter priorities, and so forth.

As pointed out above, in ‘07, Hillary was considered the mark to beat. She had political strength, she had a hefty warchest, she had all the sorts of inroads that were considered unbeatable. A lot of folks that I talked to said that Obama, if he got anywhere, it might be as the VP. That ‘08 wasn’t going to be his year, just a bullet point on his resume for a future run.

213 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:27:28pm

re: #211 wozzablog

Ah, that’d be Huckabee. Ordained minister.

They are not exact like for likes, Edwards was never speaker of the house for example.

It’s just a thought excersise.

I couldn’t see any of those named beating a generic republican.

Like i can’t see Gingrich, Huck, Huntsman or paul beating a generic democrat.

As little as I personally like Huckabee, he actually has been elected as a state Governor.

Of those four, the only one I could vote for, and I am a Republican, is Huntsman.

214 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:28:03pm

re: #211 wozzablog

Ah, that’d be Huckabee. Ordained minister.

They are not exact like for likes, Edwards was never speaker of the house for example.

It’s just a thought excersise.

I couldn’t see any of those named beating a generic republican.

Like i can’t see Gingrich, Huck, Huntsman or paul beating a generic democrat.

I don’t know. Huckabee’s been elected governor. Only thing he really has in common with Sharpton is being a minister. It’s no small thing but I think Huckabee’s more comparable to what Dean was for hte Dems in 2004. Governor of a smaller state that is popular amongst the party’s activist wing.

215 Obdicut  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:28:15pm

re: #213 EmmmieG

I just can’t see Huntsman winning the primary unless he sells out far to the right. He’s not insanely anti-gay, he’s not an AGW denier. Those two things alone are pretty toxic for any Republican.

216 Bubblehead II  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:28:18pm

re: #199 Charles

“I hope NPR doesn’t rush into another knee-jerk over-reaction.”

*snip*

“NPR put Liley on administrative leave as a result of the video.”

She’s toast.

217 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:28:35pm

re: #212 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

The thing about presidential elections is that, in the early days, any predictions are subject to serious revision. There can be candidates in the wings that nobody’s considered, scandals that might sink one campaign but elevate another, real world events that change voter priorities, and so forth.

As pointed out above, in ‘07, Hillary was considered the mark to beat. She had political strength, she had a hefty warchest, she had all the sorts of inroads that were considered unbeatable. A lot of folks that I talked to said that Obama, if he got anywhere, it might be as the VP. That ‘08 wasn’t going to be his year, just a bullet point on his resume for a future run.

Yeah, you’re right about that. Gonna be interesting to see what happens.

218 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:28:41pm

re: #211 wozzablog

Ah, that’d be Huckabee. Ordained minister.

They are not exact like for likes, Edwards was never speaker of the house for example.

It’s just a thought excersise.

I couldn’t see any of those named beating a generic republican.

Like i can’t see Gingrich, Huck, Huntsman or paul beating a generic democrat.


Gringrich and Edwards do share the whole “cheating on my wife at the lowest point in her life, gee I guess I missed the in sickness and in health part of my vows” thing.

219 sagehen  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:30:13pm

re: #155 spool32

True, though they really only need to pull a quarter of the hispanic vote to take pretty much any election in a battleground state. That’s a much lower bar to get over.

To quote Grover Norquist, “you can’t win votes by telling people you plan to deport their mothers.”

220 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:31:22pm

re: #215 Obdicut

I just can’t see Huntsman winning the primary unless he sells out far to the right. He’s not insanely anti-gay, he’s not an AGW denier. Those two things alone are pretty toxic for any Republican.

I agree with that assessment of Huntsman. I for one hope he stays true to himself. There needs to be more people like him in his party.

221 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:32:03pm

re: #220 HappyWarrior

I agree with that assessment of Huntsman. I for one hope he stays true to himself. There needs to be more people like him in his party.

Not like he needs the money.

222 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:33:25pm

re: #215 Obdicut

I just can’t see Huntsman winning the primary unless he sells out far to the right. He’s not insanely anti-gay, he’s not an AGW denier. Those two things alone are pretty toxic for any Republican.

The GOP’s in a position no party wants to be: Looking for somebody who can please the base but be electable. So far, they got plenty of guys who the base would love to see go to the White House, but won’t get past the gate. And the handful that could get past the gate are persona non grata to the base.

The only option, then, is to try to set the issues that will determine the next vote. They want it to be about the budget, they want it to be about unions, they want it to be about private jobs vs public jobs, and so forth. They lost in ‘08 because the economy went south when they had the momentum going, so they don’t want to make the same mistake twice.

223 sagehen  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:33:46pm

re: #159 HappyWarrior

Hahahaha what the fuck is a gay cowboy poetry festival? What a headcase haha.

Harry Reid mentioned the Cowboy Poetry Festival as part of his pitiful defense of the National Endowment for the Arts, but I don’t think they were gay.

Youtube Video
224 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:33:51pm

It just occurred to me that Brietbart and O’Keefe’s success is a direct result of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Jesse and Al spent decades training American corporations to buckle and panic at the first hint of scandal or outrage. Even if the outrage is trumped up or fake Dj’s were fired, commercials pulled off the air, public apologies etc. A company’s first instinct is to make the problem go away as soon as possible. Brietbart and OKeefe have just stumbled upon a new way of exploiting this.

225 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:35:04pm

To clarify the reason for my list - someone upthread said a GOP candidate to cchallenge may yet emerge given that nonone expected Obama to win at this stage in the cycle last time.

I posited the Clinton was an in the bag name at that point already - she had the potential to stand up and beat a generic republican. I don’t see a similar Republican name being in the mix yet.

Huckabe - my reading of his candidacy was that he got more traction for his religion than his elected experience, which is why Sharpton is the equivalent. If i was doing it on a small state governor basis i’d have used Richardson probably, maybe not dean.

226 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:35:20pm

re: #221 EmmmieG

Not like he needs the money.

Is he independently wealthy? I know little about him on a personal level. Romney is a wealthy guy too and he still tried to reinvented himself as a huge conservative. I like what I know about Huntsman. From my understanding he was very pragmatic in his approach as governor of Utah despite the fact he if he wanted to could have been a big partisan.

227 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:39:22pm

re: #226 HappyWarrior

Is he independently wealthy? I know little about him on a personal level. Romney is a wealthy guy too and he still tried to reinvented himself as a huge conservative. I like what I know about Huntsman. From my understanding he was very pragmatic in his approach as governor of Utah despite the fact he if he wanted to could have been a big partisan.

His father is a billionaire. However, if you check his resume, he’s spent his life working.

228 Prononymous, rogue demon hunter  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:41:20pm

re: #222 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

The GOP’s in a position no party wants to be: Looking for somebody who can please the base but be electable. So far, they got plenty of guys who the base would love to see go to the White House, but won’t get past the gate. And the handful that could get past the gate are persona non grata to the base.

The only option, then, is to try to set the issues that will determine the next vote. They want it to be about the budget, they want it to be about unions, they want it to be about private jobs vs public jobs, and so forth. They lost in ‘08 because the economy went south when they had the momentum going, so they don’t want to make the same mistake twice.

If they want to frame it in terms of positive economic points then they need to get to work. Nothing they have done so far has helped jobs one bit and I don’t see any proposals from them that make any sense in that regard.

If unemployment and the economy still sucks in 2012, the politics is going to get very ugly.

229 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:42:20pm

re: #222 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

The GOP’s in a position no party wants to be: Looking for somebody who can please the base but be electable. So far, they got plenty of guys who the base would love to see go to the White House, but won’t get past the gate. And the handful that could get past the gate are persona non grata to the base.

The only option, then, is to try to set the issues that will determine the next vote. They want it to be about the budget, they want it to be about unions, they want it to be about private jobs vs public jobs, and so forth. They lost in ‘08 because the economy went south when they had the momentum going, so they don’t want to make the same mistake twice.

Thats how you end up with Kerry. Someone who scrapes through the primary withot setting the world on fire by being “the other guy” - and who loses the General due to very few people being truly inspired by the candidacy.
Sure - you have a bse fired up and angry as hell, as the Dems were in 2004 - but see how it plays out.

230 sagehen  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:43:26pm

re: #208 HappyWarrior

Perhaps Cain. I know Cain is a businessman and not a member of hte clergy but Cain’s never been elected either.

He became a wingnut hero ages ago, when he confronted Bill Clinton at a health care town hall the first time around, talking about what it would do to the price of pizza if he had to put all his employees on Hillary-care.

231 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:46:00pm

re: #227 EmmmieG

His father is a billionaire. However, if you check his resume, he’s spent his life working.

I looked in to him. Sounds impressive. I don’t know if I could vote for him but Huntsman fits the mold of some past Republicans here in Virginia whom I respected: Tom Davis, I have many Democratic friends who are gov majors who have taken his course and rave about the guy’s intelligence and fairness and John Warner who was a wonderful senator.

232 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:47:04pm

re: #218 EmmmieG

Gringrich and Edwards do share the whole “cheating on my wife at the lowest point in her life, gee I guess I missed the in sickness and in health part of my vows” thing.

That was no coincidence. It’s the “after the fact” Edwards.

233 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:47:52pm

re: #230 sagehen

He became a wingnut hero ages ago, when he confronted Bill Clinton at a health care town hall the first time around, talking about what it would do to the price of pizza if he had to put all his employees on Hillary-care.

He goes that far back huh?

234 Obdicut  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:53:36pm

re: #231 HappyWarrior

Hell, I’d campaign for Huntsman if he took on the craziness. Anyone who could restore sanity to the GOP would be good.

However, this would involve him denouncing about 90% of the GOP as loons, so I’m doubtful.

235 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:53:47pm

I have a couple of down-dings left over from yesterday. What should I do with them?

236 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:54:48pm

re: #233 HappyWarrior

He goes that far back huh?

It’s all the same faces.

Even fresh faced Paul Ryan goes back to the mid-90’s with Sam Brownback, Bill Bennet and Jack Kemp.

237 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:55:04pm

re: #235 b_sharp

I have a couple of down-dings left over from yesterday. What should I do with them?

Me! Me! Ding me!

238 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:56:04pm

re: #237 wrenchwench

Me! Me! Ding me!

and balance is restored…. :p

239 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:56:04pm

re: #237 wrenchwench

Me! Me! Ding me!

There you go. I hope it’s the right colour.

240 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:56:21pm

Jerk.

///

241 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:57:03pm

re: #234 Obdicut

Hell, I’d campaign for Huntsman if he took on the craziness. Anyone who could restore sanity to the GOP would be good.

However, this would involve him denouncing about 90% of the GOP as loons, so I’m doubtful.

Yeah, you’re right about that. Either way, he’s got an uphill battle because the very fact he served as Obama’s ambassador to China will be used against him. I think that was a really good pick by the way on Obama’s part. Huntsman seems to be a guy who really understands China. I’ve gotten in to modern Chinese history over the past year and it fascinates me. Have a great professor too.

242 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:57:15pm

re: #240 wrenchwench

Jerk.

///

You are soo kind, thank you.

243 Wozza Matter?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:59:08pm

G’night everyone.

Even you b_sharp ;-)

244 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 4:59:50pm

re: #228 prononymous

If they want to frame it in terms of positive economic points then they need to get to work. Nothing they have done so far has helped jobs one bit and I don’t see any proposals from them that make any sense in that regard.

If unemployment and the economy still sucks in 2012, the politics is going to get very ugly.

For the GOP, the economy is a case of “Good, Bad, and Ugly” By that, I mean that the only way they can play the economy card is if things get worse than they are now. If the economy gets better, Obama claims it proof his policies are beneficial, takes credit, and rides it to reelection.

The economy stays the same, then the GOP gets in deep shit with the voters over their promises to “create jobs.” If all these budget cuts and tax cuts don’t create jobs, but corporate profits continue to rise, then folks are going to realize that the “gravy train” never left the station.

Only with the economy getting worse can they gain headway, as they can blame Obama’s policies. Say it’s the “delayed effect,” that the stimulus spending and “Obamacare” didn’t start to have an effect on the economy until years after being passed. Run on overturning those policies, like they just did in ‘10, and gain some serious traction.

245 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:00:02pm

re: #243 wozzablog

G’night everyone.

Even you b_sharp ;-)

G’night ;P

246 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:00:16pm

re: #241 HappyWarrior

Yeah, you’re right about that. Either way, he’s got an uphill battle because the very fact he served as Obama’s ambassador to China will be used against him. I think that was a really good pick by the way on Obama’s part. Huntsman seems to be a guy who really understands China. I’ve gotten in to modern Chinese history over the past year and it fascinates me. Have a great professor too.

On a personal note, the fact that Huntsman served his mission in China plays into it greatly. Obama wasn’t just asking him to be an ambassador. He was asking him to be an ambassador to a people he had lived among, served, and loved.

247 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:01:13pm

re: #236 wozzablog

It’s all the same faces.

Even fresh faced Paul Ryan goes back to the mid-90’s with Sam Brownback, Bill Bennet and Jack Kemp.

SHit Ryan goes that far back. I know he’s not incredibly young but damn. Honestly, I am surprised he didn’t run for governor or senator this year in Wisconsin. I always hear about how he’s the future of the GOP. Seemed like an odd move. or there lack of.

248 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:04:04pm

re: #246 EmmmieG

On a personal note, the fact that Huntsman served his mission in China plays into it greatly. Obama wasn’t just asking him to be an ambassador. He was asking him to be an ambassador to a people he had lived among, served, and loved.

Yep, not just a guy who understands the culture but has lived there was probably huge in the president’s consideration of Huntsman for the job. It’s a fascinating place really. As I said, I am taking a Chinese history course right now and while my speciality and main love remains European, I’ve fallen in love with the place and its history. My professor has also been great as I said, he’s got a wonderful way of approaching history. He wants us to see history not just as the stories of famous people like Mao, Chaing Kai Shek, and others but of the regular people. He’s also quite funny as well. And like Hunstman, he has been to the country many times.

249 Jalal bin Smokin?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:06:42pm

OT

Heh, Ghadaffi has an official website.

[Link: www.algathafi.org…]

Now we know how to spell his name. We were ALL wrong!

250 HappyWarrior  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:07:25pm

re: #249 mracb

OT

Heh, Ghadaffi has an official website.

[Link: www.algathafi.org…]

Now we know how to spell his name. We were ALL wrong!

I was hoping it would be geocities.

251 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:15:46pm

re: #249 mracb

OT

Heh, Ghadaffi has an official website.

[Link: www.algathafi.org…]

Now we know how to spell his name. We were ALL wrong!

An Al Ghadaffi by any other name still smells as sweet acts insane.

252 Prononymous, rogue demon hunter  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:15:50pm

re: #244 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds

I see it working out something like this:

If the economy gets better the republicans will say, “see? you elected us and things got better”. But they will be going against a president presiding over a good economy, not a strong position to be in. Plus Obama will simply say that the stimulus took time and he prevented republicans from damaging that recovery.

If the economy is flat neither has any solid footing there so it will turn into a social issue poo-flinging contest. IMO, republicans are screwed if that happens.

If the economy sours republicans will blame it on Obama. And he will be presiding over a bad economy, not good for his position. But the democrats won’t let the public forget about all the 2010 republican claims either.

253 Killgore Trout  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:23:16pm

Interesting….

Gadhafi likely to survive revolt, U.S. intelligence chief says

I thought for sure he was fucked. Shows what I know.

254 Jalal bin Smokin?  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:25:57pm

re: #253 Killgore Trout

A few minutes before I came on here I read Kaddaffi was actually not doing so well. Now I can’t figure out where I read that.

255 Prononymous, rogue demon hunter  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:30:22pm

re: #253 Killgore Trout

Interesting…

Gadhafi likely to survive revolt, U.S. intelligence chief says

I thought for sure he was fucked. Shows what I know.

I’m not normally one to advocate violence, and I don’t think we should engage in foreign warfare in most cases. But this is a situation that could be easily resolved with a sniper bullet or space laser. That man is a menace to humans everywhere.

256 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:30:23pm

re: #253 Killgore Trout

One possible glint of hope (at least from my POV) is that the US intelligence apparatus has repeatedly shown itself to be breathtakingly clueless over the past couple of decades.

257 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:31:34pm

re: #255 prononymous

I’m not normally one to advocate violence, and I don’t think we should engage in foreign warfare in most cases. But this is a situation that could be easily resolved with a sniper bullet or space laser. That man is a menace to humans everywhere.

NATO should create a no-fly zone and supply the rebels with equipment.

258 albusteve  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:32:28pm

re: #253 Killgore Trout

Interesting…

Gadhafi likely to survive revolt, U.S. intelligence chief says

I thought for sure he was fucked. Shows what I know.

he’s still fucked…his country is in chaos, and others are gunning for him now too

259 jaunte  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:34:43pm

re: #258 albusteve

“Tasters wanted, apply at palace.”

260 Prononymous, rogue demon hunter  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:35:09pm

re: #257 b_sharp

NATO should create a no-fly zone and supply the rebels with equipment.

I agree that will probably be the likely outcome. And at least it is something.

But to what end? It only prolongs the bloodshed for the same end result.

261 blueraven  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:36:26pm

re: #53 researchok

If someone made racist and bigoted remarks to you, I submit you would not sit down and enjoy a nice lunch.

Like I said, there is a reason those NPR journalist signed that letter.

If you imagine a GOP candidate, meeting with a possible big donor. Do you honestly think they would have an argument with someone who started calling Obama a socialist, a Muslim, an enemy of America born in Kenya?
Or might they just keep their mouth shut? Have you never had a friend or family member that you let spout out some very disagreeable views, just to keep the peace?
I know I have. Not always proud of that, but it is what it is.

262 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:37:42pm

I’m not a fan of Ed Markey, but broken clocks, etc etc.

During Climate Hearing, Markey Asks If Anti-Science GOP Will Repeal Gravity, Heliocentrism, Relativity

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to a bill that overturns the scientific finding that pollution is harming our people and our planet.

However, I won’t physically rise, because I’m worried that Republicans will overturn the law of gravity, sending us floating about the room.

I won’t call for the sunlight of additional hearings, for fear that Republicans might excommunicate the finding that the Earth revolves around the sun.

Instead, I’ll embody Newton’s third law of motion and be an equal and opposing force against this attack on science and on laws that will reduce America’s importation of foreign oil.

This bill will live in the House while simultaneously being dead in the Senate. It will be a legislative Schrodinger’s cat killed by the quantum mechanics of the legislative process!

The line between The Onion and reality grows ever blurrier.

And that reminds me of a nerd joke. (the audience groans in dismay)

Werner Heisenberg gets pulled over for speeding. The cop says, “Sir, do you know how fast you were going?” Heisenberg says, “No, but I know exactly where I am.” {rimshot}

263 albusteve  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:37:51pm

re: #260 prononymous

I agree that will probably be the likely outcome. And at least it is something.

But to what end? It only prolongs the bloodshed for the same end result.

how does grounding Libyan aircraft prolong the bloodshed?

264 Vicious Babushka  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:38:36pm

re: #261 blueraven

If you imagine a GOP candidate, meeting with a possible big donor. Do you honestly think they would have an argument with someone who started calling Obama a socialist, a Muslim, an enemy of America born in Kenya?
Or might they just keep their mouth shut? Have you never had a friend or family member that you let spout out some very disagreeable views, just to keep the peace?
I know I have. Not always proud of that, but it is what it is.

Scott Walker, the “Koch” prank caller.

QED.

265 Targetpractice  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:38:43pm

re: #257 b_sharp

NATO should create a no-fly zone and supply the rebels with equipment.

So long as the no-fly zone is run by the UN first and we get our NATO allies aboard, I’m all for it. If nothing else, we’ll have Russia and China on record as standing on the side of a genocidal dictator (not something new, but still).

But supplying the rebels is a non-starter, IMHO. If you wanna know why, look at our history of supplying opposition movements, as far back as Uncle Ho in WWII and the Cuban rebels in the 50s, and you’ll begin to understand.

266 simoom  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:39:22pm

re: #257 b_sharp

and supply the rebels with equipment.

Isn’t the worry that anything given to the rebels that would be effective against Gadhafi’s air power would also be potentially dangerous to Western pilots too (especially if the some of the equipment turns up on other battlefields)?

267 Prononymous, rogue demon hunter  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:40:46pm

re: #263 albusteve

how does grounding Libyan aircraft prolong the bloodshed?

Compared to doing nothing? You are right, it doesn’t.

Compared to vaporizing Gadhafi with a space laser right now? There will still be days/weeks of fighting even if the no-fly zone is successful.

268 albusteve  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:40:51pm

Tunisia and Egypt should invade….TKO
problem solved

269 engineer cat  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:41:23pm

re: #262 negativ

I’m not a fan of Ed Markey, but broken clocks, etc etc.

During Climate Hearing, Markey Asks If Anti-Science GOP Will Repeal Gravity, Heliocentrism, Relativity


The line between The Onion and reality grows ever blurrier.

And that reminds me of a nerd joke. (the audience groans in dismay)

Werner Heisenberg gets pulled over for speeding. The cop says, “Sir, do you know how fast you were going?” Heisenberg says, “No, but I know exactly where I am.” {rimshot}

heh

and heh!

270 WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.]  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:45:55pm

re: #199 Charles

Meh.

Fake Muslims asked to remain fake anonymous, NPR employee said she’d look into it, looked into it.

Meanwhile, NPR was already backing away from the group when they found the address was a UPS office.

It’s BS, like the first tape. I cut these NPR reps a lot more slack than most people seem to be willing to. Nobody’s trained to handle the kinds of patently outrageous things O’Keefe’s actors deliberately say to provoke uncomfortable reactions they can overplay and distort. Real life doesn’t follow a script. People don’t always do or say what seems obvious in hindsight.


The age of internet pranksters influencing policy seems to be upon us

271 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:47:43pm

re: #260 prononymous

I agree that will probably be the likely outcome. And at least it is something.

But to what end? It only prolongs the bloodshed for the same end result.

It allows them to decide their own fate. They want some support, they don’t want big brother stepping in and taking over the effort.

272 Four More Tears  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:49:10pm

Barton: Govt Subsidies Necessary To Keep Exxon From Going Out Of Business

Check out this interview of Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) — he of apologizing to BP fame — by ABC on Wednesday. Pressed repeatedly by Jon Karl to stake out a position on tax credits enjoyed by offshore oil companies, Barton argued that the subsidies represent equal treatment, and are required to keep the companies like Exxon-Mobil from going out of business.

“Over time if you put so many disincentives against any U.S. manufacturing or production company, or oil and gas exploration company, they’ll go out of business,” Barton said.

Is… is this some kind of sick joke?

273 Prononymous, rogue demon hunter  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:49:41pm

re: #271 b_sharp

It allows them to decide their own fate. They want some support, they don’t want big brother stepping in and taking over the effort.

And if they say they would like the world’s help with Gadhafi? Wouldn’t that be self-determination as well?

274 Bubblehead II  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:49:43pm

Lizards I am out of here for the night.

As for the Mid-East, Let them eat their own. They* have being doing this for centuries and they will continue to do it for the foreseeable future.

Sigh. You would think that after centuries of conflict these idiots would get a clue.


*= Muslims/Christians/Jews

275 jaunte  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:51:10pm

re: #272 JasonA

Like Willie Sutton, he knows where the money is.

Profits at Exxon Mobil, the world’s largest oil company, soared 53% in fourth quarter profits powered by rising oil prices and natural gas.

Exxon’s profits were $9.25bn (£5.8bn) compared with $6.05bn for same the period a year ago. The profits were Exxon’s largest for more than two years. Total revenue in the quarter was $105.2bn, up from $89.8bn in the quarter a year earlier. For the year Exxon made $30.46bn compared to $19.4 bn in 2009. [Link: www.guardian.co.uk…]

276 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:52:09pm

re: #266 simoom

Isn’t the worry that anything given to the rebels that would be effective against Gadhafi’s air power would also be potentially dangerous to Western pilots too (especially if the some of the equipment turns up on other battlefields)?

If there is a no-fly zone patrolled by F-18s, and F-22s there would be no need for anti-aircraft weapons. Equipment also includes food, medical supplies, vehicles, uniforms and even personal armour.

277 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:52:34pm

re: #267 prononymous

Compared to doing nothing? You are right, it doesn’t.

Compared to vaporizing Gadhafi with a space laser right now? There will still be days/weeks of fighting even if the no-fly zone is successful.

What space laser?

278 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:53:57pm

re: #273 prononymous

And if they say they would like the world’s help with Gadhafi? Wouldn’t that be self-determination as well?

Yes, but they haven’t ask for that. They have asked for a no-fly zone and equipment.

279 prairiefire  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:54:21pm

re: #270 WindUpBird

The age of internet pranksters influencing policy seems to be upon us

I heard on Michael Savage’s radio show that he was going to sic O’Keefe on a big contributor to the ACLU in the bay area. O’Keefe agreed with Savage that the ACLU were a bunch of commies.

280 wrenchwench  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:54:44pm

re: #274 Bubblehead II

Lizards I am out of here for the night.

As for the Mid-East, Let them eat their own. They* have being doing this for centuries and they will continue to do it for the foreseeable future.

Sigh. You would think that after centuries of conflict these idiots would get a clue.

*= Muslims/Christians/Jews

There has been war all over the world since the dawn of humans. I think the attitude you recommend is about the worst one could adopt. There ARE good guys and bad guys in the middle east, and we should not lump them all together as “these idiots”. We can root for the better side, if nothing else. Change isn’t always good, but frequently it is.

I couldn’t type all that before you logged out. See you tomorrow.

I’m out too. Later, lizards.

281 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 5:55:45pm

re: #280 wrenchwench

There has been war all over the world since the dawn of humans. I think the attitude you recommend is about the worst one could adopt. There ARE good guys and bad guys in the middle east, and we should not lump them all together as “these idiots”. We can root for the better side, if nothing else. Change isn’t always good, but frequently it is.

I couldn’t type all that before you logged out. See you tomorrow.

I’m out too. Later, lizards.

Later.

282 Prononymous, rogue demon hunter  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 6:02:26pm

re: #276 b_sharp

If there is a no-fly zone patrolled by F-18s, and F-22s there would be no need for anti-aircraft weapons. Equipment also includes food, medical supplies, vehicles, uniforms and even personal armour.


…and weapons. More weapons out in the world, in people’s hands.

re: #278 b_sharp

Yes, but they haven’t ask for that. They have asked for a no-fly zone and equipment.


Some have asked for intervention. Others have asked us to stay out. Who should we listen to?

re: #277 b_sharp

What space laser?


It’s my humorous replacement for an army on foreign soil. There are plenty of real ways to make Gadhafi a non-issue.

283 compound idaho  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 6:09:38pm

re: #193 HappyWarrior

US Congressman Raúl Rafael Labrador R-Idaho

284 Our Precious Bodily Fluids  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 6:09:42pm

re: #277 b_sharp

What space laser?

This link is not intended by its author as parody or satire.
[Link: www.drjudywood.com…]

She’s a real Ph.D., and she really does believe the WTC was destroyed by a space-based energy weapon.

285 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 6:11:27pm

re: #284 negativ

This link is not intended by its author as parody or satire.
[Link: www.drjudywood.com…]

She’s a real Ph.D., and she really does believe the WTC was destroyed by a space-based energy weapon.

Where, oh where, is the roll-eyes smiley?

Insanity doesn’t respect letters.

286 engineer cat  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 6:20:18pm

re: #267 prononymous

Compared to doing nothing? You are right, it doesn’t.

Compared to vaporizing Gadhafi with a space laser right now? There will still be days/weeks of fighting even if the no-fly zone is successful.

they should try a no underpants zone instead

287 Prononymous, rogue demon hunter  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 6:23:32pm

re: #286 engineer dog

they should try a no underpants zone instead

Isn’t that Gadhafi controlled territory?

288 b_sharp  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 6:23:54pm

re: #286 engineer dog

they should try a no underpants zone instead

Space laser his dick off?

289 Bubblehead II  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 6:33:29pm

re: #283 compound idaho

US Congressman Raúl Rafael Labrador R-Idaho

I am not happy he got the nod. Nor am I happy that Bryan Fisher supported him. Fischer is anther whack job who unfortunately, defiles the State of Idaho by his very presence here.

290 Buck  Thu, Mar 10, 2011 9:02:06pm

re: #199 Charles

Well, the only reason I can see to believe that “NPR was already backing away from the group” is to take their word on it.

The pranksters have an email from Lily saying MEAC was cleared to make an anonymous donation of $5 million. She says she checked with NPR management.

“NPR can list MEAC as an anonymous donor in our database, which would mean we would not disclose the organization’s name,” Liley wrote in the e-mail to the fictitious Kasaam. “We do not publish a list of gifts, so it would not be an issue there.”

Sorry, but “repeatedly pressed us to accept a $5 million check, with no strings attached, which we repeatedly refused to accept” just doesn’t seem to add up.

DOESN’T mean that NPR is the devil, or that everyone there is a criminal, but I am going to ask for evidence to back up their claims on this, not just take their word.

291 judithet  Fri, Mar 11, 2011 3:35:16am

That part about NPR being “jokingly” referred to as “National Palestinian Radio”—that’s why I stopped listening. Every once in a while I try a quick listen to see if anything’s changed.
Nope. Not at all.

292 Obdicut  Fri, Mar 11, 2011 5:00:26am

re: #290 Buck

Lying again.

[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com…]


Why do you need to lie so much? Shouldn’t it tell you something about the paucity of your argument that you need to resort to lies all the time?

293 Buck  Fri, Mar 11, 2011 8:41:22am

re: #292 Obdicut

Take that back!

The link you provide was posted AFTER I said:

Well, the only reason I can see to believe that “NPR was already backing away from the group” is to take their word on it.

Which only means I had seen no evidence to back that up. Not a lie. I don’t normally read TPM.

However now I have read all of the emails provided from NPR. I still don’t see any evidence of “repeatedly refused to accept”. Unless asking for more information is considered a refusal. So I am still waiting for that evidence. Maybe you have it?

In fact the emails make it clear to me that IF they had been a registered 501c, there would have been no problem with accepting the money. They certainty don’t speak of any issue with where the money was coming from, only the lack of a 990.

Wouldn’t you like to have seen some discussion about not taking the money because the group is a Muslim Brotherhood backed group?

AND it is nice to hear that the lawyers kept them honest with respect to following the law. However I don’t think this started out as a sting to show that NPR would break the tax law, it was to show that they would get into bed with the Muslim Brotherhood.

Clearly if it meant money, Betsy Liley, and other in the organization would gladly play the role of anti-semite. Maybe that is OK with you? Maybe you think it is alright to pretend to agree with racists as long as they pay the bill?

CAMERA has documented a decades-long pattern of anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian bias in much of NPR’s Middle East reporting.


This article has been archived.
Comments are closed.

Jump to top

Create a PageThis is the LGF Pages posting bookmarklet. To use it, drag this button to your browser's bookmark bar, and title it 'LGF Pages' (or whatever you like). Then browse to a site you want to post, select some text on the page to use for a quote, click the bookmarklet, and the Pages posting window will appear with the title, text, and any embedded video or audio files already filled in, ready to go.
Or... you can just click this button to open the Pages posting window right away.
Last updated: 2023-04-04 11:11 am PDT LGF User's Guide RSS Feeds

Help support Little Green Footballs!

Subscribe now for ad-free access!Register and sign in to a free LGF account before subscribing, and your ad-free access will be automatically enabled.

Donate with
PayPal Cash.app
Recent PagesClick to refresh
Texas County at Center of Border Fight Is Overwhelmed by Migrant Deaths EAGLE PASS, Tex. - The undertaker lighted a cigarette and held it between his latex-gloved fingers as he stood over the bloated body bag lying in the bed of his battered pickup truck. The woman had been fished out ...
Cheechako
3 days ago
Views: 136 • Comments: 0 • Rating: 1