Here is a blog I recently discovered while I searched what people are still saying about Detroit News columnist and ESPN contributor Rob Parker. I'll explain in a little bit while I am continuing to be intrigued by this issue. I found a blog written by Debbie Schlussel that caught and held my attention all the way through. Parker, is under a lot of national fire for his joke (admittedly in very poor taste and ill timed to say the least) toward Rod Marinelli. Parker, after the Lions fell to 0-15, asked Marinelli if he wished his daughter had married a better defensive coordinator (Joe Barry, the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions is married to Marinelli's daughter). It was a cheap shot. No doubt about that being a cheap shot and just plain bad to use it in such a situation. It's hard to imagine what Rob was thinking there (and I say that as a person who has met Rob and thinks Rob is a good guy).
But, here is an excerpt from a blog by Schlussel:
"When I discussed affirmative action on my show and how I was against it--he called my show, angrily. But the fact is that he had a show and his lackluster column in The Detroit News because of race. At the radio station, he was mostly absent, and the show was basically done entirely by his on-air co-host. His colleagues at the News tell me he's heavily edited, and his column is still terrible.
And that's why a guy who says the kind of things Rob Parker said to Rod Marinelli about his daughter is in the position to begin with--affirmative action. He's a lackluster columnist, and there are other Black writers at the paper who are far better--like Terry Foster. The Detroit News should fire Parker, but they won't. And race isn't the only reason."
Parker clearly has strong opinions and he has some strong opinions about race issues (just as it appears Schlussel does). Affirmative action is a controversial issue and there are strong opinions on both sides of the aisle (black and white people are for it and black and white people are against it). Here is one of the disturbing lines from her blog, "But the fact is that he had a show and his lackluster column in The Detroit News because of race." When people do not like a black columnist, when people are uncomfortable with a black columnist bringing up an issue related to race, or do not think he/she is good, the first thing they do is accuse the individual of being an "affirmative action hire" who is only in the position because of race. A lot of writers and columnists are heavily edited and that just, frankly, comes across as a bitter cheap shot by a former "colleague" out for some sort of revenge. It's not like Rob is the only black columnist in America. He has gotten where he has gotten not because of affirmative action. He has gotten there on his own skills, his willingness to ask tough questions, his willingness to tackle the controversial issues that make some columnists pee their pants and more. He steps out of line from time to time and he has made some notable mistakes, but to say he is an affirmative action hire is a baseless and, quite frankly, idiotic argument. Schlussel is funny in being critical of Parker for being "militant" with race. it seems that she is at least as militant, if not more so, than Parker. Want evidence? Look at the last two lines of the excerpt I quoted from her blog. I am intrigued by this Parker issue because it smokes out the people who think that black columnists (a true minority in the industry) only get what they get because they're black.
Debbie Schlussel:
http://debbieschlussel.com/
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Republicans Showing Racism Get In Trouble … Call The Ken Blackwells Of The World
Whenever Republicans get into trouble, with something racially offensive, you can bet that the leadership calls on a few of its favorite helpers to come in to bail them out. Generally, the Republicans rely on men like Michael Steele, Jesse Lee Peterson and Juan Williams. But, according to Politico, a new voice is coming to the rescue of Republicans making racially-offensive mistakes (such as Republican National Committee Chairman candidate Chip Saltman distributing a hate-filled CD that includes the Rush Limbaugh favorite, “Barack The Magic Negro”): Ken Blackwell, a frequent Fox News contributor (that should tell you plenty right there). Blackwell is in the race to become RNC Chairman as well.
Here is Blackwell, as quoted by Politico:
“Unfortunately, there is hypersensitivity in the press regarding matters of race. This is in large measure due to President-Elect Obama being the first African-American elected president. I don’t think any of the concerns that have been expressed in the media about any of the other candidates for RNC chairman should disqualify them. When looked at in the proper context, these concerns are minimal. All of my competitors for this leadership post are fine people.”
It’s a shame that Blackwell would turn his back on racial insensitivity in a color-free Republican Party for the sake of his own benefit. At some point, the Ken Blackwell’s of the GOP need to step forward and work to build bridges with minorities instead of burning bridges. The Republicans are behind the times and seemed determined to stay on a course toward its own destruction as minority populations continue to grow. Someday, maybe all of us will be dead by the time it happens, Republicans will pay dearly should they continue to aggressively resist racial progress and cultural diversity.
Politico:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/Blackell_defends_Saltsman.html
Here is Blackwell, as quoted by Politico:
“Unfortunately, there is hypersensitivity in the press regarding matters of race. This is in large measure due to President-Elect Obama being the first African-American elected president. I don’t think any of the concerns that have been expressed in the media about any of the other candidates for RNC chairman should disqualify them. When looked at in the proper context, these concerns are minimal. All of my competitors for this leadership post are fine people.”
It’s a shame that Blackwell would turn his back on racial insensitivity in a color-free Republican Party for the sake of his own benefit. At some point, the Ken Blackwell’s of the GOP need to step forward and work to build bridges with minorities instead of burning bridges. The Republicans are behind the times and seemed determined to stay on a course toward its own destruction as minority populations continue to grow. Someday, maybe all of us will be dead by the time it happens, Republicans will pay dearly should they continue to aggressively resist racial progress and cultural diversity.
Politico:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1208/Blackell_defends_Saltsman.html
“Barack The Magic Negro” … A New Strategy For Republicans
Republicans lost badly in the recent elections of Nov. 4, but apparently the lesson went over the heads of the Republicans or in one ear and out of the other with little to slow it down. When will Republicans cease playing racial politics … as they are again by raising from the dead the tired and racist “Barack The Magic Negro” song pushed hard by right-wing extremist Rush Limbaugh. It’s sad when this party is having so much of what it hopes to accomplish driven by someone like Limbaugh, one of the most divisive political figures/commentatorsin the United States of America. The GOP, however, is taking some heat for practically spitting in the face of black people with one of the candidates for Republican National Committee Chairman looking unbelievably stupid. The man’s name is Chip Saltsman, who mailed an offensive CD to a number of Republican officials containing numerous offensive songs, including “Barack The Magic Negro.” Hopefully the Republicans will reject this kind of racial garbage and prepare itself to become a more inclusive party instead of the exclusive and virtually all-white party it is right now. The Republicans must adapt with the times.
Here is a pssage from an article run by Politico:
In the “Republican Plan for Victory” that is Saltsman’s platform in the chairman’s race, he writes: “I believe that countering an emboldened Democratic Party, led by the Obama-Reid-Pelosi troika, requires an aggressive national strategy. This campaign’s message cannot depend upon traditional media outlets or communication methods. It will require building upon new media and developing and mastering new tactics.”
Apparently, the new media is an offensive CD and the new tactics include racially divisive words, songs and deeds from GOP leadership. Apparently this is Saltsman’s idea of an aggressive national strategy.
Politico:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16876.html
Fox News:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/27/gop-blasts-magic-negro-cd-distributed-republican-operative/
Here is a pssage from an article run by Politico:
In the “Republican Plan for Victory” that is Saltsman’s platform in the chairman’s race, he writes: “I believe that countering an emboldened Democratic Party, led by the Obama-Reid-Pelosi troika, requires an aggressive national strategy. This campaign’s message cannot depend upon traditional media outlets or communication methods. It will require building upon new media and developing and mastering new tactics.”
Apparently, the new media is an offensive CD and the new tactics include racially divisive words, songs and deeds from GOP leadership. Apparently this is Saltsman’s idea of an aggressive national strategy.
Politico:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16876.html
Fox News:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/27/gop-blasts-magic-negro-cd-distributed-republican-operative/
Republicans Bringing Back “Barack The Magic Negro” Shows It Wants To Continue To Be A Party For Whites Primarily
Conservatives, led by talk radio’s king of hate (Rush Limbaugh), has pushed the racist song “Barack The Magic Negro” as an obvious shot of hate aimed at the president-elect (Barack Obama). Limbaugh and others pushed this throughout the presidential campaign and now, it appears, even high-ranking Republican officials have taken a liking to the song. The Republicans, a party that has long since turned its back on all people of color, gays, lesbians and (well, I could go on and on), continues to play racial politics in an effort to strengthen its own political base. As always, the GOP prefers to appeal to the lowest common denominator in its party.
From The Hill:
RNC candidate Chip Saltsman’s Christmas greeting to committee members includes a music CD with lyrics from a song called “Barack the Magic Negro,” first played on Rush Limbaugh’s popular radio show.
Saltsman, a personal friend of conservative satirist Paul Shanklin, sent a 41-track CD along with a note to national committee members.
“I look forward to working together in the New Year,” Saltsman wrote. “Please enjoy the enclosed CD by my friend Paul Shanklin of the Rush Limbaugh Show.”
The CD, called “We Hate the USA,” lampoons liberals with such songs as “John Edwards’ Poverty Tour,” “Wright place, wrong pastor,” “Love Client #9,” “Ivory and Ebony” and “The Star Spanglish banner.”
Several of the track titles, including “Barack the Magic Negro,” are written in bold font.
Republicans simply don’t get it and maybe never will.
The Hill:
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/rnc-candidate-distributes-controversial-obama-song-2008-12-26.html
From The Hill:
RNC candidate Chip Saltsman’s Christmas greeting to committee members includes a music CD with lyrics from a song called “Barack the Magic Negro,” first played on Rush Limbaugh’s popular radio show.
Saltsman, a personal friend of conservative satirist Paul Shanklin, sent a 41-track CD along with a note to national committee members.
“I look forward to working together in the New Year,” Saltsman wrote. “Please enjoy the enclosed CD by my friend Paul Shanklin of the Rush Limbaugh Show.”
The CD, called “We Hate the USA,” lampoons liberals with such songs as “John Edwards’ Poverty Tour,” “Wright place, wrong pastor,” “Love Client #9,” “Ivory and Ebony” and “The Star Spanglish banner.”
Several of the track titles, including “Barack the Magic Negro,” are written in bold font.
Republicans simply don’t get it and maybe never will.
The Hill:
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/rnc-candidate-distributes-controversial-obama-song-2008-12-26.html
Karl Rove Still In The Pocket Of Right Wing While Posing As An “Analyst” On Fox News
Karl Rove, who is about as conservative and biased as it gets, nonetheless is regularly given a platform on Fox News to spew right-wing hatred while disguised as an objective “analyst.” This is yet another unethical practice on the part of Fox News that spits in the face of the principles objectivity so many hard-working and honest journalists strive to live up to every day. Most people tend to view Dick Cheney, the outgoing vice president, as someone who lacks ethics and character, as someone who is power hungry and obsessed with control, and as someone who will go down as one of the most hated politicians of all time. But, Rove still finds a way to defend his brothers in the GOP … even with the mess the Bush Administration has made of the United States of America (a mess that I tend to hold Cheney most responsible for).
Here is a comment from Cheney captured by Think Progress:
ROVE: You know what’s amazing to me? I would never believe that Vice President Cheney,I know for fact certain he never asked President Bush, Governor Bush at the time in 2000 for the kind of commitment that Senator Biden apparently asked of Senator Obama, that you know, I, the vice president, have to be in the room at every major decision you make and you have to consult with me.
Vice president-elect Joe Biden has not even stepped into office yet Rove already is accusing him of trying to acquire more power than Cheney had (as if that is somehow even remotely possible). It would be interesting if Rove’s “analysis” was held to the scrutiny that most reporters have to provide in written stories. Rove is allowed to push forth right-wing talking points and he is rarely (if ever) counterbalanced with someone from the left to at least match the level of propaganda.
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/23/rove-cheney-biden/
Here is a comment from Cheney captured by Think Progress:
ROVE: You know what’s amazing to me? I would never believe that Vice President Cheney,I know for fact certain he never asked President Bush, Governor Bush at the time in 2000 for the kind of commitment that Senator Biden apparently asked of Senator Obama, that you know, I, the vice president, have to be in the room at every major decision you make and you have to consult with me.
Vice president-elect Joe Biden has not even stepped into office yet Rove already is accusing him of trying to acquire more power than Cheney had (as if that is somehow even remotely possible). It would be interesting if Rove’s “analysis” was held to the scrutiny that most reporters have to provide in written stories. Rove is allowed to push forth right-wing talking points and he is rarely (if ever) counterbalanced with someone from the left to at least match the level of propaganda.
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/23/rove-cheney-biden/
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Rob Parker Was Wrong For Comment, But Being Tough On Coaches Is Not Wrong Or Lazy
I was reading a column by Sports Illustrated’s Arash Markazi and it made me think a little deeper about journalism - particularly the evolution of sports journalism. Sports journalism is different based to some degree on the level of competition a writer or columnist covers (high school, college or professional). There are also differing rules (like it or not) and flexible journalism standards based on whether a person is a general assignment “writer” or a “columnist.” I started to think of all this when I read a piece written by Markazi that had the following excerpt:
“Instead of interviewing coaches, players and others around the league to explain to readers why the Lions are struggling, it has become more convenient to badger a head coach with one condescending question after another with the hope that one of his answers will be a juicy sound bite or a headline-grabbing quote. It’s the laziest form of journalism and one that is far too often becoming the norm amongst columnists auditioning for their own TV or radio show.”
He was, of course, writing on the growing controversy about the confrontation between Detroit News columnist and ESPN contributor Rob Parker and Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli. Markazi makes some good points about reporters digging a little deeper, working sources beyond the local and presenting outside opinions. Perhaps there is a degree of laziness. But, Markazi is wrong to seemingly assert that reporters should not be tough on professional coaches like Marinelli who are being paid a lot of money to produce results only to fail and offer little hope and only the most minimal explanation (if any at all). Sure, reporters and columnists ask questions seeking “juicy” soundbites (particular major-market journalists and columnists). Reporters and columnists covering professional sports have an obligation to ask the tough questions and to demand tough answers. This is not the local rocket football program being covered. It’s time to wake up and realize this is the big time. Parker was not auditioning for TV shows or radio shows … he has both already at the highest levels of sports (ESPN). So, this is not about that. Parker made a mistake and he has apologized for it. But, journalists and columnists must ask the tough questions to get the answers that the fans want. Journalists and columnists have access to coaches and players that the fans don’t have. With that comes the responsibility to not be in the pocket of the organization and to have the guts to ask tough questions. Like him or not, Parker asks the tough questions. He has made more than his share of mistakes, but asking tough questions and not settling for talking points answers (as many journalists and columnists are so willing to do) is not one of his mistakes.
CNN/Sports Illustrated:
http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/for_the_record/posts/34982-journalists-should-report-and-stay-out-of-the-story?eref=fromSI
Highlight Reel:
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2008/12/parker_incident_typical_of_spo.html
“Instead of interviewing coaches, players and others around the league to explain to readers why the Lions are struggling, it has become more convenient to badger a head coach with one condescending question after another with the hope that one of his answers will be a juicy sound bite or a headline-grabbing quote. It’s the laziest form of journalism and one that is far too often becoming the norm amongst columnists auditioning for their own TV or radio show.”
He was, of course, writing on the growing controversy about the confrontation between Detroit News columnist and ESPN contributor Rob Parker and Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli. Markazi makes some good points about reporters digging a little deeper, working sources beyond the local and presenting outside opinions. Perhaps there is a degree of laziness. But, Markazi is wrong to seemingly assert that reporters should not be tough on professional coaches like Marinelli who are being paid a lot of money to produce results only to fail and offer little hope and only the most minimal explanation (if any at all). Sure, reporters and columnists ask questions seeking “juicy” soundbites (particular major-market journalists and columnists). Reporters and columnists covering professional sports have an obligation to ask the tough questions and to demand tough answers. This is not the local rocket football program being covered. It’s time to wake up and realize this is the big time. Parker was not auditioning for TV shows or radio shows … he has both already at the highest levels of sports (ESPN). So, this is not about that. Parker made a mistake and he has apologized for it. But, journalists and columnists must ask the tough questions to get the answers that the fans want. Journalists and columnists have access to coaches and players that the fans don’t have. With that comes the responsibility to not be in the pocket of the organization and to have the guts to ask tough questions. Like him or not, Parker asks the tough questions. He has made more than his share of mistakes, but asking tough questions and not settling for talking points answers (as many journalists and columnists are so willing to do) is not one of his mistakes.
CNN/Sports Illustrated:
http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/for_the_record/posts/34982-journalists-should-report-and-stay-out-of-the-story?eref=fromSI
Highlight Reel:
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2008/12/parker_incident_typical_of_spo.html
Is Lions Coach Rod Marinelli A Hypocrite?
Detroit Lions football coach Rod Marinelli was justifiably unhappy with the comments Rob Parker, a columnist for the Detroit News and an ESPN contributor, said about whether he wishes (Marinelli’s) daughter had married a better defensive coordinator. Joe Barry, the Lions’ defensive coordinator, is Marinelli’s son-in-law and the Detroit’s defense has been an atrocity all season. Plus, nepotism in this case simply does not look good and it has been even worse considering the Lions have been so bad. But, one thing that came out of Marinelli’s Monday press conference caught my attention and is getting a little of play on talk radio, in blogs and in columns.
“Anytime you attack my daughter, I’ve got a problem with that. In a room of stink … and as a man and it was premeditated. I think there was something wrong with that, yeah.”
What does Marinelli mean by a “room of stink” in this comment? Is he badmouting all newspaper reporters in a blanket stereotype? Isn’t that inappropriate? Maybe Parker and Marinelli have some sort of running battle going on, but for Marinelli to cheapshot all reporters is wrong. I’m not contending it’s as wrong as what Parker said in a weak attempt at a joke, but it’s still not right. I wish Marinelli would have let it go (or handled it with a simple “I was offended and I choose not to accept that apology at this point”), but instead he chose to pour gasoline on the fire during his Monday press conference and seemingly badmouth (most if not all) media. Honestly, I believe he did it to position himself as a sympathetic figure and set the stage for his remaining head coach of the Detroit Lions. As bad as Marinelli’s team is, at 0-15, don’t be surprised if he is retained as the coach. Nothing should surprise fans of the Lions.
Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081223/SPORTS0101/812230387/1004/SPORTS
“Anytime you attack my daughter, I’ve got a problem with that. In a room of stink … and as a man and it was premeditated. I think there was something wrong with that, yeah.”
What does Marinelli mean by a “room of stink” in this comment? Is he badmouting all newspaper reporters in a blanket stereotype? Isn’t that inappropriate? Maybe Parker and Marinelli have some sort of running battle going on, but for Marinelli to cheapshot all reporters is wrong. I’m not contending it’s as wrong as what Parker said in a weak attempt at a joke, but it’s still not right. I wish Marinelli would have let it go (or handled it with a simple “I was offended and I choose not to accept that apology at this point”), but instead he chose to pour gasoline on the fire during his Monday press conference and seemingly badmouth (most if not all) media. Honestly, I believe he did it to position himself as a sympathetic figure and set the stage for his remaining head coach of the Detroit Lions. As bad as Marinelli’s team is, at 0-15, don’t be surprised if he is retained as the coach. Nothing should surprise fans of the Lions.
Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081223/SPORTS0101/812230387/1004/SPORTS
Only Rob Parker Could Turn Rod Marinelli Into A Sympathetic Figure
Detroit News columnist and ESPN contributor Rob Parker is taking a lot of heat (a lot of it justified) for his in-poor-taste comments aimed at Detroit Lions head football coach Rod Marinelli (asking him, in a poor attempt at humor, if he wished his daughter had married a better defensive coordinator. Joe Barry, the Lions’ defensive coordinator, is married to Marinelli’s daughter). Ironically enough, however, it seems that Parker may have done a lot to turn Marinelli into a sympathetic figure … in spite of the fact he has a pitiful0-15 record and has turned the franchise even more into the laughingstock of professional football. Marinelli seems to be a good man, but he has really hurt himself during his tenure as head coach with his unwillingness to truly own up to the failures of this team under his direction and leadership. Parker has asked Marinelli some tough questions and should ask tough questions. In Parker’s defense, he asks the tough questions that a lot of journalists and columnists will not ask. He asks the questions that the guys who bashed him on Fox (Terry Bradshaw, Michael Strahan, Jimmy Johnson and Howie Long) probably would not ask because their job is to make the NFL look good with only mildcriticism. I agree that Parker was out of line with his comments toward Marinelli, but I disagree that he was taking a shot at Marinelli’s daughter. He was, however, taking a cheap shot at both Rod and his son-in-law, Joe Barry. But, now that Parker is being trashed in the media, Marinelli has been put into the role of victim and has become a sympathetic figure. Marinelli played up that status by implying Parker took a shot at his daughter. It’s Rod’s choice whether or not he wants to accept Rob’s apology, and I would have no problems either way. But, hopefully he will not play this victim status up too much and he will move on to the biggest problem … Detroit being the first NFL team to lose 15 games in a season and potentially being the first team to finish 0-16 in a season. Parker’s poor comment aside, Marinelli still needs to answer for why he should continue to have a job as head coach of the Detroit Lions.
Black Reporters Take More Heat
When a black sports reporter makes a mistake or does something wrong, it’s because he/she was an “affirmative action” hire. When white reporters make a mistake or do something wrong it’s just a mistake or just something wrong … it has nothing to do with the color of their skin. Want proof, check this out from an ESPN message board for the controversial story involving Detroit News reporter/ESPN contributor Rob Parker and Detroit Lions football coach Rod Marinelli:
mnkcoburn (12/22/2008 at 8:25 PM)
Report Violation
kaneynini (12/22/2008 at 7:20 PM) Report Violation I doubt that Parker is a racist, but there’s a good chance he has his job because of his race. I know for a fact that he got his first job with The New York Daily News because of affirmative action quotas and, to his credit, he’s getting a lot of mileage out of little ability.
I wont say he is a racist. I will say him and Bayless are prone to completely inappropriate comments and never face any consequences.
It amazes me how some people are so quick to believe that black people only accomplish things because white people feel guilty and want to give some undeserving minority a chance. This is the kind of disgusting crap that keeps the races divided.
ESPN:
http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/story/3787809
mnkcoburn (12/22/2008 at 8:25 PM)
Report Violation
kaneynini (12/22/2008 at 7:20 PM) Report Violation I doubt that Parker is a racist, but there’s a good chance he has his job because of his race. I know for a fact that he got his first job with The New York Daily News because of affirmative action quotas and, to his credit, he’s getting a lot of mileage out of little ability.
I wont say he is a racist. I will say him and Bayless are prone to completely inappropriate comments and never face any consequences.
It amazes me how some people are so quick to believe that black people only accomplish things because white people feel guilty and want to give some undeserving minority a chance. This is the kind of disgusting crap that keeps the races divided.
ESPN:
http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/story/3787809
Monday, December 22, 2008
Al Franken On The Verge Of Potentially Beating Norm Coleman In Minnesota Senate Race
First, I think it would be funny if Al Franken was to somehow manage to defeat incumbent Norm Coleman in the United States Senate race in Minnesota (a race that is in a recount). It appears Franken is in good position to win, but nothing is chiseled into stone at this point. But, that has not stopped some Republicans from becoming panicked over the possibility of the loss. Huffington Post writer Sam Stein quotes this message from the Republican National Lawyer Association:
Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/22/gop-group-in-panic-over-p_n_152894.html
“As you may know, the precinct recount phase of the Minnesota Senate race was won by Sen. Norm Coleman on Election Day,” reads the petition. “But Al Franken still won’t concede. Instead, Franken raised millions of dollars from liberals in New York and Hollywood to fight a “legal” battle to undo the will of the voters. He even got the Minnesota Supreme Court to order canvassing boards to consider about 1600 previously rejected and questionable ballots. Now, Republican Norm Coleman has until December 31st to fight against Franken’s liberal legal team to keep his Senate seat. RNLA and Norm Coleman are fighting for every vote — literally!”This cracks me up for several reasons. The biggest thing that gets me is what seems to be a contradiction with respect to wanting to have “every vote” counted. It seems that those who would defend Coleman only want every Republican/pro-Coleman vote counted. The message accuses Franken of wanting “to undo the will of the voters.” The next sentence says “he even got the Minnesota Supreme Court to order canvassing boards to consider 1600 previously rejected and questionable ballots.” So, apparently, the will of the voter does not count with these 1600 ballots since too many of them might be pro-Franken. The last sentence ends with “RNLA and Norm Coleman are fighting for every vote — literally!” That is a flat lie.
Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/22/gop-group-in-panic-over-p_n_152894.html
Sarah Palin Just Won’t Go Away
Alaska Republican Gov. Sarah Palin reminds me of the Friday the 13th movie series. The series just went on and on … long after we were all ready to turn the page in favor of something new, fresh and of greater substance. Don’t get me wrong, I like the first few Friday the 13th movies, but it went downhill in a hurry. Gov. Palin continues to claim that the McCain campaign blew it by holding her back and not allowing her to go out and do more interviews. Of course, judging by her performances with Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric (Palin was brutally bad), Team McCain easily made the right decision. John McCain made some bad decisions (chief of which was picking Palin), but he was wise enough to realize she had no chance in real interviews, particular early on. She was ill-equipped to be vice president, and perhaps even more disturbing was how ill-equipped she was to do simple interviews with questioners who were not hardcore right wingers (Fox News). If Palin (who bungled a question about the duties of the vice president, could not name significant U.S. Supreme Court cases beyond Roe v. Wade and could not or would not even name some of the newspapers she supposedly reads) had it her way, I am sure she would simply have gone on Fox News for those puff-piece segments with Greta Van Susteren, who had a bizarre fascination/obsession with the Alaska governor and the Palin family, or Sean Hannity, who is from the extremist wing of the Republican Party. Maybe Bill O’Reilly, another right winger, would have thrown a few more tough questions than Hannity or Van Susteren, but in the end he is still a conservative and would have been kissing her feet after 10 or 15 minutes. Palin is positioning herself for a potential run/loss in 2012 for the presidency, but if 2008 is any example of what she has to offer than she could end up as a political version of the turkey that was slaughtered in back of her during that one television interview.
Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/22/palin-mccains-biggest-mis_n_152857.html
Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/22/palin-mccains-biggest-mis_n_152857.html
NFL Is Still The No Fun League More Than The National Football League
I’m convinced that the powers-that-be in the National Football League simply don’t get it, or flat out do not care. New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker caught a touchdown pass, dropped into the snow and made a snow angel. For this mortal sin, Walker was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. My question is this: Are we as fans able to flag the NFL for insane-like conduct? Can we flag them for conduct detrimental to the fun of what is supposed to be a game? The only thing that was interesting about the Patriots’ 47-7 win was probably Welker’s rather modest “touchdown celebration.” It just amazes me the arrogant stupidity of the NFL to do all it can to legislate the fun out its product. Don’t get me wrong, the NFL has done a lot of good things, but it’s time for these guys to think … football is supposed to be fun. Welker is not a player who is a bad sport or anything like that … which makes the penalty being called all the more ignorant.
Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/22/wes-welkers-snow-angel-ce_n_152811.html
Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/22/wes-welkers-snow-angel-ce_n_152811.html
Detroit News Reporter Rob Parker Apologizes For Comment To Detroit Lions Coach Rod Marinelli
Detroit News columnist and ESPN contributor Rob Parker apologized for an attempt at humor he made toward Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli. Parker asked Marinelli if he now wished his daughter had married a better defensive coordinator (Rod’s son-in-law is Joe Barry, the Lions’ defensive coordinator). While Parker’s comments were a little better understood locally (for the relationship he and Marinelli have) it was aggressively ripped by the national commentators of Fox.
Rob Parker was right to apologize … it was necessary. I have been almost as dismayed by all of the people who are now cheapshotting Parker and being critical of his writing. I have listened to a couple of guys on WDFN who called Parker a poor writer and basically trashed him. Parker is a solid writer, who is bashed because he doesn’t have a pompous and cutesy writing style that make some gullible people drool like one of Pavlov’s dogs. Where he gets himself in trouble is being a little too loose with things that he says and things that he writes. He ends up getting himself in trouble. But, in defense of Rob, he asks the tough questions that a lot of people do not have the guts to ask coaches. He writes about the controversial topics that most people are scared to talk about.
Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081222/OPINION03/812220369/1004/UPDATE
Here is Parker’s apology in his column:
What might have seemed like a personal attack wasn’t.Locally, people know I have questioned Marinelli about the job Barry has done all season. In fact, I have asked Marinelli on numerous occasions if he’s going to fire his son-in-law.Every week, Marinelli says the same thing.“No.”It’s almost a running joke. A news conference isn’t complete unless I ask it.Sunday, with my attempt at humor, I was trying to get Marinelli to lighten up, have some fun after a rough day.Who knows, Marinelli, a straight shooter who never goes off script, might actually have given us a funny quote. He didn’t. My attempt failed.And because of that, my attempt at humor may have seemed slighted, cruel, and even insensitive.For that, I apologize.
Rob Parker was right to apologize … it was necessary. I have been almost as dismayed by all of the people who are now cheapshotting Parker and being critical of his writing. I have listened to a couple of guys on WDFN who called Parker a poor writer and basically trashed him. Parker is a solid writer, who is bashed because he doesn’t have a pompous and cutesy writing style that make some gullible people drool like one of Pavlov’s dogs. Where he gets himself in trouble is being a little too loose with things that he says and things that he writes. He ends up getting himself in trouble. But, in defense of Rob, he asks the tough questions that a lot of people do not have the guts to ask coaches. He writes about the controversial topics that most people are scared to talk about.
Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081222/OPINION03/812220369/1004/UPDATE
Rob Parker Taking Heat … And Most Of It Deserved, But …
This is the kind of stuff that really disappoints me, and hopefully a lot of other people. Detroit News columnist and ESPN contributor Rob Parker is taking heat for his out-of-line comment toward Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli. But, below is a comment off an AOL message board that makes me think that the worst of us all come out at the worst times.
Here is the message:
PATRICK said…
“I lived in the Detroit area for over 10 years and wondered why the News/Free Press would hire such a bigoted pc of crap like Parker, and then still keep him after laying off some very talented reporters. I cancelled my subscription last year after reading his racist rants and idiotic missives. Never fair. The paper will not repremand him, thats why they continue to lose readers. Marinelli may have done a poor job this year, but remember the talent that Millen gave him. BTW, I hear that Millen was hired as the Sports editor at the Detroit News…stay tuned for results of his closed door meeting with Wimp Parker……..”
So many times when black reporters or other minority reporters bring up important issues of race, people like the above writer become uncomfortable. People like “PATRICK” want to stick their head in the ground and hope that racism gets bored and walks away. People like “PATRICK” would see no problem with only four (I guess now five with Ron English apparently getting the Eastern Michigan job) black coaches out of 119 at the major-college level in football. Is it racist to bring up that this is somewhat disturbing? We have to not be so afraid to talk about racial issues if we are to make progress in our society. Newspapers are losing readers, but it has less to do with Rob Parker and more to do with the changing times. Lastly, bringing up race issues does not make one a racist.
AOL Sports:
http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2008/12/21/rob-parker-rips-rod-marinelli-for-hiring-his-son-in-law-as-defen/2#comments
Here is the message:
PATRICK said…
“I lived in the Detroit area for over 10 years and wondered why the News/Free Press would hire such a bigoted pc of crap like Parker, and then still keep him after laying off some very talented reporters. I cancelled my subscription last year after reading his racist rants and idiotic missives. Never fair. The paper will not repremand him, thats why they continue to lose readers. Marinelli may have done a poor job this year, but remember the talent that Millen gave him. BTW, I hear that Millen was hired as the Sports editor at the Detroit News…stay tuned for results of his closed door meeting with Wimp Parker……..”
So many times when black reporters or other minority reporters bring up important issues of race, people like the above writer become uncomfortable. People like “PATRICK” want to stick their head in the ground and hope that racism gets bored and walks away. People like “PATRICK” would see no problem with only four (I guess now five with Ron English apparently getting the Eastern Michigan job) black coaches out of 119 at the major-college level in football. Is it racist to bring up that this is somewhat disturbing? We have to not be so afraid to talk about racial issues if we are to make progress in our society. Newspapers are losing readers, but it has less to do with Rob Parker and more to do with the changing times. Lastly, bringing up race issues does not make one a racist.
AOL Sports:
http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2008/12/21/rob-parker-rips-rod-marinelli-for-hiring-his-son-in-law-as-defen/2#comments
Detroit News Reporter Rob Parker Out Of Line With Shot At Detroit Lions Head Coach Rod Marinelli
It really kind of pains me to write this because I’ve met Rob Parker and I think he really is a good guy (in spite of how many people bash and trash him as a columnist). But, on Sunday (Dec. 21) he stepped out of line as he delivered a bad cheap shot to Detroit Lions football coach Rod Marinelli in the post-game press conference following a 42-7 loss to New Orleans that dropped the team to 0-15 on the season (the first National Football League team ever to start 0-15). After shredding Marinelli and the team he ended his questioning with this: “Do you wish your daughter had married a better defensive coordinator (Marinelli’s daughter is married to Lions defensive coordinator Joe Barry)?” That was out of line and it could land Parker, a columnist for the Detroit News and a frequent ESPN contributor, in some deep, DEEP water. Parker was ripped by the Fox show hosts who all found his attack on Marinelli out of line (particularly Terry Bradshaw). On a side note, the Detroit Free Press (a sort of rival to the News although the two papers are to some extent partners in the city) picked up the story, but neglected to mention that Parker was once a columnist for the paper. For the sake of full disclosure, however, the Free Press should have mentioned that fact.
To view the video, visit:
http://simmerdown3.wordpress.com/2008/12/22/detroit-news-reporter-rob-parker-out-of-line-with-shot-at-detroit-lions-head-coach-rod-marinelli/
Detroit Free Press:
http://www.freep.com/article/20081221/SPORTS01/81221044
Parker from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Parker_(sports_journalist)
ProFootballtalk.com
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/12/21/post-game-ugliness-in-motown/
To view the video, visit:
http://simmerdown3.wordpress.com/2008/12/22/detroit-news-reporter-rob-parker-out-of-line-with-shot-at-detroit-lions-head-coach-rod-marinelli/
Detroit Free Press:
http://www.freep.com/article/20081221/SPORTS01/81221044
Parker from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Parker_(sports_journalist)
ProFootballtalk.com
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/12/21/post-game-ugliness-in-motown/
Rick Warren Pick Does Not Excite Me, But Time Magazine Columnist Is Out Of Line On Barack Obama
I am the first to admit that the choice of Rick Warren to be involved in the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama does not give me that warm-and-fuzzy feeling. However, I can understand Obama wanting to have a big and inclusive tent that brings in people from all walks of life, but on the other hand … Warren is a very controversial figure with some strong viewpoints that not all mainstream people would be in agreement with in our society. But, that being said, here is an excerpt from the Time magazine article that has created some controversy.
The piece was written by narrow-minded John Cloud:
“Rick Warren may occasionally sound more open-minded than Jerry Falwell, another plump Evangelical who once played a prominent role in U.S. politics. But he’s not. Gays and lesbians are angry that Barack Obama has honored Warren, but they shouldn’t be surprised. Obama has proved himself repeatedly to be a very tolerant, very rational-sounding sort of bigot.He is far too careful and measured a man to say anything about body parts fitting together or marriage being reserved for the nonpedophilic, but all the same, he opposes equality for gay people when it comes to the basic recognition of their relationships. He did throughout his campaign, one that featured appearances by Donnie McClurkin, a Christian entertainer who preaches that homosexuals can become heterosexuals.”
The last sentence gets back into the guilt-by-association politics that close-minded Republicans used throughout the presidential campaign. That alone is bothersome to me and should be troublesome to most mainstream individuals. Here is the most disturbing line of the piece: “Obama has proved himself repeatedly to be a very tolerant, very rational-sounding sort of bigot.”Again, I am not excited about Warren being involved, but President-elect Obama has talked about being a uniter who wants to bring all people together and create a dialogue. To call President-elect Obama a bigot is out of line and irrational.
Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/21/time-mag-columnist-obama_n_152668.html
Lesbian Life:
http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/lesbianactivism/p/BarackObama.htm
Time:
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1867664,00.html
The piece was written by narrow-minded John Cloud:
“Rick Warren may occasionally sound more open-minded than Jerry Falwell, another plump Evangelical who once played a prominent role in U.S. politics. But he’s not. Gays and lesbians are angry that Barack Obama has honored Warren, but they shouldn’t be surprised. Obama has proved himself repeatedly to be a very tolerant, very rational-sounding sort of bigot.He is far too careful and measured a man to say anything about body parts fitting together or marriage being reserved for the nonpedophilic, but all the same, he opposes equality for gay people when it comes to the basic recognition of their relationships. He did throughout his campaign, one that featured appearances by Donnie McClurkin, a Christian entertainer who preaches that homosexuals can become heterosexuals.”
The last sentence gets back into the guilt-by-association politics that close-minded Republicans used throughout the presidential campaign. That alone is bothersome to me and should be troublesome to most mainstream individuals. Here is the most disturbing line of the piece: “Obama has proved himself repeatedly to be a very tolerant, very rational-sounding sort of bigot.”Again, I am not excited about Warren being involved, but President-elect Obama has talked about being a uniter who wants to bring all people together and create a dialogue. To call President-elect Obama a bigot is out of line and irrational.
Consider the following from Lesbian Life:
“Barack Obama supported gay rights during his Illinois Senate tenure. He sponsored legislation in Illinois that would ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.”
“Every two years the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national gay and lesbian organization, issues a scorecard for members of the Senate based on their sponsorship and voting on key issues of importance to gay and lesbian citizens. Barack Obama scored 89 out of 100% in the 2006 scorecard.”
Also, Obama supported adding gays and lesbians to hate crimes laws.
“Barack Obama supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and believes it should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Obama wants to repeal “Don’t ask don’t tell” in the military so gays and lesbians can serve equally with heterosexuals.
Believes gays and lesbians should have the same rights to adopt as heterosexual couples.
He favors civil unions over gay marriage, but also recognizes the rights of states to make their own decisions.
Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/21/time-mag-columnist-obama_n_152668.html
Lesbian Life:
http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/lesbianactivism/p/BarackObama.htm
Time:
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1867664,00.html
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Anti-Black Racism On ESPN In Regard To Turner Gill-Auburn-Race Issue
ESPN has what appears to be an open forum and I am in no way saying this has any reflection on the organization. I can respect that. Read this message pretty closely.
AUBURNTIGERFAN83 (Thu Dec 18 17:20:22 EST 2008)you could give all 120 ncaa football teams a black coach and they still wouldnt be happy because they would find something else to gripe about like they didnt make as much as the white coaches did or there arent enough black quarterbacks or people arent wearing enough black shoes or some kind of B.S. that deals with race. im tired of the have pity on blacks thing because that crap ended 40+ yrs ago…GET OVER IT!!! LIFES NOT FAIR
COMMENTS: Instead of facing racism head on … many conservative whites become very angry when racism is called out. “They still wouldn’t be happy because they would find something else to gripe about like they didnt make as much as white coaches or there aren’t enough black quarterbacks …” Apparently it’s wrong for black people to want to make the same amount of money as white people. This writer says or implies that is outlandish. This writer is stuck in the past. We have black quarterbacks now. There are good black quarterbacks, too. This is the kind of garbage that puts racism in a comfort zone. The writer says “that crap ended 40+ yrs ago … GET OVER IT!!! LIFES NOT FAIR.” This is the kind of stupid stuff that keeps racism alive. This is the kind of individual frightened to confront and stamp out racism. This is the ostrich mentality (put your head in the ground and hope that it just goes away on its own). Sadly, however, racism does not work that way. Racism needs a little help in going away, but as long as there are those who are afraid to confront racism, it will always have a safe haven in our society.
ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3773858
AUBURNTIGERFAN83 (Thu Dec 18 17:20:22 EST 2008)you could give all 120 ncaa football teams a black coach and they still wouldnt be happy because they would find something else to gripe about like they didnt make as much as the white coaches did or there arent enough black quarterbacks or people arent wearing enough black shoes or some kind of B.S. that deals with race. im tired of the have pity on blacks thing because that crap ended 40+ yrs ago…GET OVER IT!!! LIFES NOT FAIR
COMMENTS: Instead of facing racism head on … many conservative whites become very angry when racism is called out. “They still wouldn’t be happy because they would find something else to gripe about like they didnt make as much as white coaches or there aren’t enough black quarterbacks …” Apparently it’s wrong for black people to want to make the same amount of money as white people. This writer says or implies that is outlandish. This writer is stuck in the past. We have black quarterbacks now. There are good black quarterbacks, too. This is the kind of garbage that puts racism in a comfort zone. The writer says “that crap ended 40+ yrs ago … GET OVER IT!!! LIFES NOT FAIR.” This is the kind of stupid stuff that keeps racism alive. This is the kind of individual frightened to confront and stamp out racism. This is the ostrich mentality (put your head in the ground and hope that it just goes away on its own). Sadly, however, racism does not work that way. Racism needs a little help in going away, but as long as there are those who are afraid to confront racism, it will always have a safe haven in our society.
ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3773858
Fox News’ Greg Gutfield Talks Newspaper Industry Struggles … On Partially Hits The Point
Fox News’ Greg Gutfield has a blog about the struggling newspaper industry (he’s not the first person to right about this issue). He actually took an opportunity to bash USA Today a little for one of its cover stories (one on Michelle Obama … amazing that a Fox News person would be upset about a cover story on someone named Obama). Gutfieldis of the belief that these kinds of stories are indicative of the struggling newspaper industry (a lack or original stories and a lack of creativity). He is right in that newspapers have failed to adapt to the kinds of stories their readers want (particularly with so much available on the Internet and breaking news being delivered to people almost instantly online, through television and radio) and that is a major reason they have fallen behind. Print newspaper headlines generally are old by the time they reach you with your morning coffee. Heck, some newspapers have been slow even to realize the value of an online edition of their paper (some are still stupid and trying to charge for any online content). Gutfield should also realize that the print newspaper business is struggling because expenses (ink, paper, personnel, gas for delivery, etc.) are going up and (in many cases) advertising revenue is going down. We are becoming far more digital and print newspapers are dying a slow (and in some cases) painful death.
Fox News:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,470048,00.html
Fox News:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,470048,00.html
Fox News’ Andrea Tantaros Is Off The Mark In Caroline Kennedy-Sarah Palin Comparison
Fox News right-wing commentator Andrea Tantaros has made another ridiculous claim that seems to validate the conservatives blindly-loyal support of the inadequate Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska, who was in over her head as a potential vice president (and, gasp … president … in the event of the unthinkable had John McCain been elected). Tantaros is upset because she feels that Palin was roughed up (this is nothing new coming from the right wing) while Caroline Kennedy, who apparently is being strongly considered to fill the United States Senate seat that will be open once Hillary Clinton becomes secretary of state in the administration of President-elect Barack Obama. An argument can be made as to whether or not Kennedy would up for this seat if her name were not Kennedy. But, it is puzzling that this conservative injects the name of Palin into the discussion. First off, Palin was an out-of-left-field pick by the GOP to be vice president. Also, vice president is very close to the president and thus a higher level of scrutiny has to be expected. In that case, it would hardly matter whether her name was Kennedy or whether it was Palin. Tantaros is funny as she continues to whine about the so-called “inexperience” of President-elect Obama (apparently caring little about the fact that the majority of the voters in this nation were comfortable with Barack Obama’s qualifications and liked them over and above John McCain’s). Palin bungled answers to simple questions over and over again. She performed frighteningly poorly in early interviews (the few that she was willing to do). People who saw those interviews and her puzzling or outright incorrect answers to some of the simplest questions (example: the duties of the vice president, name some famous U.S. Supreme Court cases, what newspapers do you read, etc.). Tantaros says stature is not a substitute for substance. Palin had minimal stature (she was a virtual unknown)and very little substance when grilled by even moderate reporters (who did not work at Fox News and subject her to puff-piece interviews like Sean Hannity and Greta Van Susteren did). Kennedy, at the very least, has stature (based on name recognition and respect of those who know her) and time will tell if she has substance to match or exceed her stature.
Fox News:
http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/12/19/tantaros_caroline_kennedy/
Fox News:
http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/12/19/tantaros_caroline_kennedy/
Bigots Sean Hannity and Bill Cunningham Find An Outlet On Fox News
Fox News channel has long been a safe haven for right-wing bigots to express their virtually unchallenged viewpoints. Sean Hannity, a host of programs on the network, is chief of Fox News channel’s bigots. He, in an effort to get a little backup, invited one of the biggest bigots in all of talk radio, Bill Cunningham, a man who has made some of the most outrageous comments ever heard on the airwaves (you can check out News Hounds for some of the documentation or do a simple Google search). Take an opportunity to read how Hannity whines about the way that conservatives were rightly called out for using President-elect Barack Obama’s middle name as a racist slur. Many conservatives tried to use it as a racial slur to scare fellow white Americans into thinking that Obama was too much like “one of them” and could not be trusted and should not be supported. This is the essence of the subtle racism that many conservatives utilize to achieve their goals. Then, of course, Hannity and Cunningham go on to bring up Rev. Wright and all the other “associations” of President-elect Obama. Then, predictably, Hannity and Cunningham tried to tie Obama to now disgraced Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich for their own nefarious purposes. It’s all tired and old stuff that has gotten the Republicans nowhere. The show is also evidence that the conservative extremists on the right wing, those who keep the party virtually racially/culturally segregated, still hold too much power in the GOP.
News Hounds:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200812190008?f=h_latest
News Hounds:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200812190008?f=h_latest
Fox News Spins Barack Obama Controversy Out Of Nothing
Leave it to Fox News channel’s Sean Hannity and the hosts of “Fox and Friends” to try and spin a controversy involving President-elect Barack Obama out of next to nothing. Fox News, probably more than a little bit annoyed that Obama has continued to receive big-time positive publicity, took an opportunity to throw yet anotherfit about some old photos from the 1980s that were released to Time magazine that featured Barack Obama in various poses … with and without cigarettes. Hannity had a fit and whined about the photos being “released” after the election and then speculated whether or not similar photos of John McCain would have been released prior to the election. This is, of course, little more than baseless speculation. The controversy was continued as the hosts of Fox and Friends continued to beat up on the issue by taking the baton from Hannity. Fox News is acting much like a bitter old person who does not realize time has passed, a new era is now underway and it’s time to move on. It is amazing how the hosts of Fox and Friends speculate about controversies and invent controversies and sleights without any evidence to support. Fox and Friends is notorious for this, baseless reports and outright wrong reports (most notably in regards to Obama attending a Muslim school … a report that was proven false by the far more reputable CNN). No amount of angery, crying or complaining will change the fact that Barack Obama, a black American, is going to be president of the United States of America next month.
Media Matters for America:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200812190008?f=h_latest
Media Matters for America:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200812190008?f=h_latest
How Dumb Is This Turner Gill Reaction?
Here is another example (from the ESPN message board) of what I am talking about in regard to the stupid reactions we’ve seen from this whole mess that involves Turner Gill, Gene Chizik, Charles Barkley, Auburn University, Lane Kiffin, the University of Tennessee and more.
mauriello1776 (12/19/2008 at 11:03 AM)
Report Violation
Lets see where to begin, Gene Chizik, he was Assistant Coach of the year in 2004 and was DC of the 13-0 Auburn team that got hosed by the BCS. Furthermore he is from the South and is familiar with the High School coaches and has recruiting inroads. As a high school coach in Florida I can tell you from personal experience he is great coach, great recruiter and an even better person. Turner Gill had a nice season at Buffalo, but did you see their schedule? What do you think Turner Gills record would of been in the Big 12 ? He would of been lucky to win 5 games. Bottomline Chizik has coached in the SEC and is more familar with the landscape, his hiring makes more sense than Gill, and anyone with a non racist brain can see that.
It is so pathetic to see the black race predictably pull out the race card every time they PERCEIVE something does not go their way. It is nothing but weak A $$ B.S. excuse making and speaks volumes.
COMMENTS: This writer does not mention that Chizik is 5-19 overall and coming into this job off a 10-game losing streak. This writer mentions that Turner Gill had “a nice season” and then proceeds to bash his schedule. This writer does not tell you that Gill improved a downtrodden Buffalo program and went from 2-10, to 5-7, to 8-5 with a Mid-American Conference championship and a win over previously undefeated Ball State in the championship game. This writer talks about Chizik’s resume as being a defensive coordinator for Auburn’s 13-0 season. The writer does not mention that Turner Gill was an assistant coach for three national championship teams at Nebraska. Gill was a position coach for two All-Americans at Nebraska (Tommie Frazier and Eric Crouch) and he coached a Heisman Trophy winner (Crouch). The writer does not tell you that Gill also has National Football League experience. The writer bashes Buffalo for the schedule it played, but the MAC has proven to be a strong conference and he was coaching a MAC team against MAC competition. So the competition argument is stupid. The writer searches for every excuse possible to justify Chizik’s hiring, but it doesn’t fly. Then the writer talks about “the black race” and “the race card” and “excuse making” at the end of a ridiculous post. People like this are why this nation may never truly come together.
ESPN:
http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/story/3780386
mauriello1776 (12/19/2008 at 11:03 AM)
Report Violation
Lets see where to begin, Gene Chizik, he was Assistant Coach of the year in 2004 and was DC of the 13-0 Auburn team that got hosed by the BCS. Furthermore he is from the South and is familiar with the High School coaches and has recruiting inroads. As a high school coach in Florida I can tell you from personal experience he is great coach, great recruiter and an even better person. Turner Gill had a nice season at Buffalo, but did you see their schedule? What do you think Turner Gills record would of been in the Big 12 ? He would of been lucky to win 5 games. Bottomline Chizik has coached in the SEC and is more familar with the landscape, his hiring makes more sense than Gill, and anyone with a non racist brain can see that.
It is so pathetic to see the black race predictably pull out the race card every time they PERCEIVE something does not go their way. It is nothing but weak A $$ B.S. excuse making and speaks volumes.
COMMENTS: This writer does not mention that Chizik is 5-19 overall and coming into this job off a 10-game losing streak. This writer mentions that Turner Gill had “a nice season” and then proceeds to bash his schedule. This writer does not tell you that Gill improved a downtrodden Buffalo program and went from 2-10, to 5-7, to 8-5 with a Mid-American Conference championship and a win over previously undefeated Ball State in the championship game. This writer talks about Chizik’s resume as being a defensive coordinator for Auburn’s 13-0 season. The writer does not mention that Turner Gill was an assistant coach for three national championship teams at Nebraska. Gill was a position coach for two All-Americans at Nebraska (Tommie Frazier and Eric Crouch) and he coached a Heisman Trophy winner (Crouch). The writer does not tell you that Gill also has National Football League experience. The writer bashes Buffalo for the schedule it played, but the MAC has proven to be a strong conference and he was coaching a MAC team against MAC competition. So the competition argument is stupid. The writer searches for every excuse possible to justify Chizik’s hiring, but it doesn’t fly. Then the writer talks about “the black race” and “the race card” and “excuse making” at the end of a ridiculous post. People like this are why this nation may never truly come together.
ESPN:
http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/story/3780386
Examples Of The Kind Of Ignorance That Helps Disguised Racism Thrive
I was reading an article about the Black Coaches and Administrators considering legal action over the NCAA’s poor record of getting its members to truly consider and hire qualified black coaches or black coaches who are at least as qualified as white peers. But, racism thrives in hiring practices when people like this open their mouths:
tjjulkowski (12/19/2008 at 12:44 AM)
Schools don’t seem to have a problem recruiting black kids who can play ball, so I’m pretty sure they would take on a black coach with a proven track record. Who are some of the guys getting passed over so this frivolous-looking lawsuit can tie up our legal system?
COMMENT: Schools do not have a problem recruiting black athletes because they can control the black athletes and the black athletes make the coaches look good. How can blacks be good enough to be athletes, but not be good enough to coach a team? Who are some of the guys getting passed over? How about if we start with Buffalo head coach Turner Gill, who appears to have been a token interviewee at Auburn University during that recent farce of a coaching search.
qpc68 (12/19/2008 at 11:03 AM)
GawgaBwoy770
Give me one example, one real example, over the last 15 years that backs up your statements. Please. Show me the evidence that proves that blacks have less of an opportunity in the real word based upon their skin color. No bias, no heresay, actual facts. Try not to hurt yourself.
COMMENT: This, again, is why racism thrives. People work hard to convince themselves that Turner Gill was fairly judged next to Gene Chizik’s 5-19 record and 10-game losing streak. People like this convince themselves that Lane Kiffin is the top candidate in a so-called “national search” coming off his poor coaching record. How many black candidates are being hired for big-time job opportunities? When they are hired (Tyrone Willingham) they are not given nearly the opportunity that white coaches are given (Charlie Weis). Willingham got another chance at Washington and failed, but he clearly did not get a fair shake at Notre Dame in comparison to Weis.
ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3780386
tjjulkowski (12/19/2008 at 12:44 AM)
Schools don’t seem to have a problem recruiting black kids who can play ball, so I’m pretty sure they would take on a black coach with a proven track record. Who are some of the guys getting passed over so this frivolous-looking lawsuit can tie up our legal system?
COMMENT: Schools do not have a problem recruiting black athletes because they can control the black athletes and the black athletes make the coaches look good. How can blacks be good enough to be athletes, but not be good enough to coach a team? Who are some of the guys getting passed over? How about if we start with Buffalo head coach Turner Gill, who appears to have been a token interviewee at Auburn University during that recent farce of a coaching search.
qpc68 (12/19/2008 at 11:03 AM)
GawgaBwoy770
Give me one example, one real example, over the last 15 years that backs up your statements. Please. Show me the evidence that proves that blacks have less of an opportunity in the real word based upon their skin color. No bias, no heresay, actual facts. Try not to hurt yourself.
COMMENT: This, again, is why racism thrives. People work hard to convince themselves that Turner Gill was fairly judged next to Gene Chizik’s 5-19 record and 10-game losing streak. People like this convince themselves that Lane Kiffin is the top candidate in a so-called “national search” coming off his poor coaching record. How many black candidates are being hired for big-time job opportunities? When they are hired (Tyrone Willingham) they are not given nearly the opportunity that white coaches are given (Charlie Weis). Willingham got another chance at Washington and failed, but he clearly did not get a fair shake at Notre Dame in comparison to Weis.
ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3780386
Black Coaches And Administrators May Explore Legal Options In Fight
The NCAA has a poor record of hiring black football coaches. And, it now appears the Black Coaches and Administrators is considering some kind of legal action to remedy this troubling record by the largest so-called governing body of intercollegiate athletics. While the Lane Kiffins and the Gene Chiziks of the world seem to get great opportunities to become head football coaches at major Division I powers like Tennessee and Auburn, black head coaches like Turner Gill are passed over in spite of their success rebuilding downtrodden programs. Said Floyd Keith, the executive director of the BCA, in an Associated Press article, “I think someone is going to get tired of listening to the excuses. We’re giving them [the coaches] every opportunity, but we can’t select the individuals. The individuals have to bring this forward. We are looking very strongly at every case, and we’re taking it on an individual basis.” Sadly, token interviews are a good first step, but not good enough when just four of 119 Division I A (Football Bowl Subdivision) coaches are black.
ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3780386
ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3780386
Friday, December 19, 2008
Fox News’ Juan Williams Fills In Perfectly For Bill O’Reilly
Juan Williams is ridiculous some times. Does Juan, who is substituting as a host for Bill O’Reilly’s show, “The O’Reilly Factor,” is attempting to convey the message that somehow liberals in the United States of America are somehow pleased with the shoes that were thrown at President Bush during his visit to Iraq. Maybe a few people thought it was funny, but I doubt anyone would have thought it was funny had the president been injured or worse. I doubt very many people condone the behavior or would advocate such behavior. It is amazing how irresponsible ”journalists” make blind assertions about how all people who are left wingers or liberals feel about the incident. Juan Williams is simply being ignorant. He is playing right into the O’Reilly (bashing the left wing and make blanket negative claims about left wingers) talking points and repeating them as if he was little more than a well-trained parrot or a ventriloquist doll being operated from afar by O’Reilly. Once again, Juan has disgraced himself and offered further validation that the “O’Reilly Factor” is simply a right-wing show that is unbalanced and attacks the left wing.
WDFN’s Matt Shepard Making Ridiculous Claims About Turner Gill Being Shot Down By Auburn And Deciding To Stay
Matt Shepard, a good sports talk radio show host on WDFN and a fine play-by-play man for sports, is way off base. He is claiming Charles Barkley is off base for comments in support of Turner Gill, the Buffalo head coach who was turned down by Auburn for a coach with a 5-19 record and on a 10-game losing streak. Shepard (I have no personal beef with him) is on the air this morning (Dec. 18) whining about Gill apparently not wanting to take the Iowa State job after being turned down (by Auburn) coming off a Mid-American Conference championship and rebuilding a struggling Buffalo program. Maybe Turner Gill did not want to move his family to Iowa State. Maybe he had always dreamed of coaching at Auburn. Barkley did not say Turner Gill should have been hired simply because he was black. He did say he thought the main reason Gill was not hired was because he was black. He also mentioned something about how hiring a black coach would make a splash (but, maybe that is because there are only four out of like 119 Division I-A (yes, I still call it that) positions being occupied by black coaches. People try to talk about this so-called “race card” garbage. This is the kind of stuff that enables people doing things based solely on partially on race are able to get away with things. They capitalize on our fear of discussing race in an open and honest fashion by saying it’s just the “race card” being played. I believe the vast majority of people who assert that others play the “race card” do so out of fear of race. His assertion is that Turner Gill had by far stronger credentials to the man that ultimately was hired. He did. He flat out did. Maybe someone else could have applied with stronger credentialsthan Gill or Gene Chizik (who might turn out to be a good coach). But, if you’re choosing between Gill and Chizik, by any objective standard Gill should have been tapped. I am a little troubled that Shepard is bordering on running down Gill (for some reason). So many black coaches are given less-desirable jobs where it’s difficult (if not impossible) to win. Gill has already taken one of those jobs and he has turned the situation around (Buffalo). Why should Turner Gill go and be yet another token interview for a job that he might not even want? Turner Gill can choose what job he wants to apply for … just like Matt Shepard. I also noticed the anger toward Charles Barkley. Isn’t it amazing how angry people are toward an outspoken black person who is not afraid to bring up issues of race other people run screaming from? Now, this is more jumbled than I usually write, but those segments kind of annoyed me.
Sean Hannity Named Media Matters for America’s Misinformer Of The Year 2008
Fox News channel’s Sean Hannity, who has turned bias to a new low and continues to be a fountain of misinformation, was finally “rewarded” for his right-wing efforts. Media Matters for America has named the blantantly-biased Hannity it’s 2008 Misinformer of the Year. We should all commend Media Matters for taking the time to meticulously compile all of the misinformation that Hannity has spewed during the last year (clearly, this was no simply task). I would encourage all people to take a look at Sean Hannity, the new champion of misinformation by familiarizing yourselves with the lies and half-truths that have come to define him in his ongoing effort to disgrace journalism and the hard-working men and women who truly are struggling to be non-biased, use facts, base opinion on facts, see both sides of an issue and simply do the right thing. Hannity, however, has never allowed the truth to get in the way of good, old-fashioned and right-wing bias. Honestly, it’s amazing when you see all the garbage that Hannity has tried to sell to the public during the last year. Credible media outlets would probably fire someone so often wrong and so clearly biased. What does Fox News do? It is about to reward Hannity (who is a right-wing, unapologetic bigot with well-documented associations with racists and anti-Semites) with his own prime-time show every night on FNC. Legendary boxing promoter Don King used to say “only in America.” In this case, big Don might say, “only on Fox News” can a person like Hannity be rewarded with his own show.
Media Matters for America:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200812170007?f=h_top
Media Matters for America:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200812170007?f=h_top
Barack Obama Wants To Shape His Game Similar To Abraham Lincoln … Some Mischaracterize And Unfairly Bash President-elect For It
I don’t recall one time where President-elect Barack Obama said he was Abraham Lincoln or he was going to be the next Abraham Lincoln. Based on articles I’ve read and comments I’ve heard, the president-elect is a great historical admirer of Lincoln and hopes to - in some ways - pattern his own presidency after Lincoln’s. That does not mean he is calling himself Abraham Lincoln or saying that he is going to be the next Abraham Lincoln, as two writers (Alexander Burns and John F. Harris) from Politico recently implied in an article I found that was picked up by the Detroit News. Just because a basketball player may want to pattern his game after LeBron James or Kobe Bryant does not mean he is saying he is LeBron James or Kobe Bryant. It merely means that he wants to take a look at the best attributes of individuals he admires and use them to improve upon himself. If an up-and-coming player says he wants to be a solid all-around player like Kobe or LeBron who can pass, rebound, play defense and score in bunches … does it mean he is saying he is or will be better than outstanding talents like Bryant or James? Of course not. To assume anything of the kind is just plain ignorant. In my readings, I found an article co-authored by Burns and Harris in the News in which the men try to pummel President-elect Obama for wanting to pattern aspects of his presidency after that of the man who was the 16th president of the United States of America. Reading between the lines, as I like to do, it almost seems as if the authors are accusing President-elect Obama of being too uppity in trying to pattern himself after Lincoln (or maybe by simply mentioning Lincoln’s name at all).
Here is an excerpt from the article:
In Barack Obama’sappearance last month on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” the conversation turned to the president-elect’s long-time love of Abraham Lincoln.
“There is a wisdom there,” Obama told interviewer Steve Kroft, “and a humility about his approach to government, even before he was president, that I just find very helpful.”
Humility? Obama’s frequent invocations of Lincoln — a man enshrined in myth and marble with his own temple on the National Mall — would not at first blush say much about his own instincts for modesty or self-effacement.
And now there areearly rumblings of a backlash to Obama’sostentatious embrace of all things Lincoln, with his not-so-subtle invitations to compare the 44th president to the 16th, the “Savior of the Union.”
Simply put, some scholars think the comparisons have gone a bit over the top hat.
Sean Wilentz, a scholar in American history at Princeton, said many presidents have sought to frame themselves in the historical legacies of illustrious predecessors, but he couldn’t find any examples quite so brazen.
“Sure, they’ve looked back to Washington and even, at times, Jackson. Reagan echoed and at times swiped FDR’s rhetoric,” Wilentz said. “But there’s never been anything like this, and on this scale. Ever.”
I invite anyone to disagree with me, but I don’t think the authors made their case that President-elect Obama did anything even remotely disrespectful or arrogant in showing his admiration for Lincoln. if I’m wrong, please read the article and tell me. Seriously. Presidents and president-elects always show admiration for past presidents and work to emulate the best quality of their historic predecessors. Burns and Harris, in my opinion, failed to make their case that President-elect Obama stepped out of line or did anything unusual or disrespectful in expressing his admiration for Lincoln and attempting to follow that lead in an effort to unite the country. This piece reads like two guys fighting hard to try and do what reporters have been doing since the beginning … manufacture and/or spin a negative story out of what should be an inspiring story.
Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081216/POLITICS/812160305
Here is an excerpt from the article:
In Barack Obama’sappearance last month on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” the conversation turned to the president-elect’s long-time love of Abraham Lincoln.
“There is a wisdom there,” Obama told interviewer Steve Kroft, “and a humility about his approach to government, even before he was president, that I just find very helpful.”
Humility? Obama’s frequent invocations of Lincoln — a man enshrined in myth and marble with his own temple on the National Mall — would not at first blush say much about his own instincts for modesty or self-effacement.
And now there areearly rumblings of a backlash to Obama’sostentatious embrace of all things Lincoln, with his not-so-subtle invitations to compare the 44th president to the 16th, the “Savior of the Union.”
Simply put, some scholars think the comparisons have gone a bit over the top hat.
Sean Wilentz, a scholar in American history at Princeton, said many presidents have sought to frame themselves in the historical legacies of illustrious predecessors, but he couldn’t find any examples quite so brazen.
“Sure, they’ve looked back to Washington and even, at times, Jackson. Reagan echoed and at times swiped FDR’s rhetoric,” Wilentz said. “But there’s never been anything like this, and on this scale. Ever.”
I invite anyone to disagree with me, but I don’t think the authors made their case that President-elect Obama did anything even remotely disrespectful or arrogant in showing his admiration for Lincoln. if I’m wrong, please read the article and tell me. Seriously. Presidents and president-elects always show admiration for past presidents and work to emulate the best quality of their historic predecessors. Burns and Harris, in my opinion, failed to make their case that President-elect Obama stepped out of line or did anything unusual or disrespectful in expressing his admiration for Lincoln and attempting to follow that lead in an effort to unite the country. This piece reads like two guys fighting hard to try and do what reporters have been doing since the beginning … manufacture and/or spin a negative story out of what should be an inspiring story.
Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081216/POLITICS/812160305
Fox News Again Tries To Portray A Democrat As Not Quite American
Brian Kilmeade of the less-than-stellar Fox and Friends show, once again tried to imply that a Democrat (in this case Caroline Kennedy, who may be up for the United States Senate seat that currently belongs to Hillary Clinton, the soon-to-be secretary of state) may not be a great supporter of the United States of America.
Here is the exchange as documented by Media Matters for America:
GRETCHEN CARLSON (co-host): I believe Caroline Kennedy will become the next senator from New York.
DOOCY: I mean, it sounds like she did call up and speak to the governor of the Empire State of New York, David Paterson, within the last week or so, to essentially tell him, OK, these are my qualifications. And what she said was that she’s been involved in charity work, education, and she is a constitutional lawyer. Now Hillary Clinton’s critic — supporters rather –
KILMEADE: Is that American Constitution?
DOOCY: I’m hoping.
KILMEADE: Oh, OK.
DOOCY: Sure — runs in the family. Hillary’s supporters say, “What’s going on with this? She’s got no experience.”
Nice, Kilmeade again cheap shots a Democrat. But, of course he and others on Fox contend it’s fair. Maybe it is fair: They smear all Democrats … not just a few here and there.
Media Matters for America:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200812160003?f=h_clips
Here is the exchange as documented by Media Matters for America:
GRETCHEN CARLSON (co-host): I believe Caroline Kennedy will become the next senator from New York.
DOOCY: I mean, it sounds like she did call up and speak to the governor of the Empire State of New York, David Paterson, within the last week or so, to essentially tell him, OK, these are my qualifications. And what she said was that she’s been involved in charity work, education, and she is a constitutional lawyer. Now Hillary Clinton’s critic — supporters rather –
KILMEADE: Is that American Constitution?
DOOCY: I’m hoping.
KILMEADE: Oh, OK.
DOOCY: Sure — runs in the family. Hillary’s supporters say, “What’s going on with this? She’s got no experience.”
Nice, Kilmeade again cheap shots a Democrat. But, of course he and others on Fox contend it’s fair. Maybe it is fair: They smear all Democrats … not just a few here and there.
Media Matters for America:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200812160003?f=h_clips
Want To Read An Ignorant Piece On Racism And College Sports?
Man, you can find a little bit of everything on the Internet. Much of what you find will make you shake your head in disbelief. Well, I found one such item during my look around the Internet. The article takes to task Richard Lapchick (who has done outstanding work calling out racism in college athletics for many years) because he had the audacity to be concerned that only four out of 119 Division I-A head coaches are black (in spite of the fact that nearly half the football players are black).
Here is the first ignorant comment that I read in the piece:
“When I saw the headline “A call to civil rights action in college football,” I thought the article would be a quirky and unexpected take on “affirmative action” in recruiting football players. That is, recruiting more whites to play on football teams for, you know, diversity’s sake. No such luck. Richard Lapchick’s article is decidedly uncool and totally expected.”
See, the problem is that when you’re recruiting players you’re recruiting the players who best help you win. And, if you don’t think nearly every coach in America covets great white players (especially in college basketball) then you don’t know squat about college sports.
Here is another dumb comment:
“Here’s my take on it. It wouldn’t hurt schools, private or public, to widen recruitment nets and add more “people of color” to the hiring pool. But hiring someone based on his skin color should be a no-go. Still, private organizations like the NFL can discriminate and prefer all they want. Taxpayer-supported institutions may not. If private colleges want to participate in racial bean-counting, that’s their prerogative. But you can’t be in the skin color game if you’re using the public’s money.”
No one is saying black coaches should be hired because they are black anymore than white coaches should be hired because they are white. But, when you have so many black coaches (and half the players are black) out there and only four out of 119 are black … that is disturbing. Conservative whites always go to the other extreme and think because some people lament the number of black head coaches that they are just saying people should go and pick a black guy off the street and hand him a head coaching position. Honestly, blacks have trouble getting coordinator positions and trouble getting head coach positions. When Turner Gill is passed over by Auburn for a coach with a 5-19 record … that is troubling.
Also, pay close attention to the comments that follow the article. You will notice how many whites fear discussing race topics and run away (practically screaming) from pretty much any discussion that puts racism on the table. Many of these conservative whites (and some blacks as well) seem to be of the belief that if we ignore racism it will simply go away. Sorry people … it doesn’t work that way. Racism must be confronted openly and honestly. It’s time to do away with the fantasy belief that all people are considered equally. Ask Turner Gill if all people are treated equally after his experience as a token interview by Auburn. It would be different if he was passed over for someone with a decent record that was even close.
Dumb article about Richard Lapchick:
http://www.acri.org/blog/2008/12/10/richard-lapchick-on-college-football-civil-rights/
Here is the first ignorant comment that I read in the piece:
“When I saw the headline “A call to civil rights action in college football,” I thought the article would be a quirky and unexpected take on “affirmative action” in recruiting football players. That is, recruiting more whites to play on football teams for, you know, diversity’s sake. No such luck. Richard Lapchick’s article is decidedly uncool and totally expected.”
See, the problem is that when you’re recruiting players you’re recruiting the players who best help you win. And, if you don’t think nearly every coach in America covets great white players (especially in college basketball) then you don’t know squat about college sports.
Here is another dumb comment:
“Here’s my take on it. It wouldn’t hurt schools, private or public, to widen recruitment nets and add more “people of color” to the hiring pool. But hiring someone based on his skin color should be a no-go. Still, private organizations like the NFL can discriminate and prefer all they want. Taxpayer-supported institutions may not. If private colleges want to participate in racial bean-counting, that’s their prerogative. But you can’t be in the skin color game if you’re using the public’s money.”
No one is saying black coaches should be hired because they are black anymore than white coaches should be hired because they are white. But, when you have so many black coaches (and half the players are black) out there and only four out of 119 are black … that is disturbing. Conservative whites always go to the other extreme and think because some people lament the number of black head coaches that they are just saying people should go and pick a black guy off the street and hand him a head coaching position. Honestly, blacks have trouble getting coordinator positions and trouble getting head coach positions. When Turner Gill is passed over by Auburn for a coach with a 5-19 record … that is troubling.
Also, pay close attention to the comments that follow the article. You will notice how many whites fear discussing race topics and run away (practically screaming) from pretty much any discussion that puts racism on the table. Many of these conservative whites (and some blacks as well) seem to be of the belief that if we ignore racism it will simply go away. Sorry people … it doesn’t work that way. Racism must be confronted openly and honestly. It’s time to do away with the fantasy belief that all people are considered equally. Ask Turner Gill if all people are treated equally after his experience as a token interview by Auburn. It would be different if he was passed over for someone with a decent record that was even close.
Dumb article about Richard Lapchick:
http://www.acri.org/blog/2008/12/10/richard-lapchick-on-college-football-civil-rights/
Lapchick: Time For A Civil Rights Movement In College Football
Richard Lapchick, who has done great work calling out racism in college sports for a long time, is also troubled by the lack of black head coaches at the major Division I level. Wrote Lapchick: “You don’t really need a study to conclude that four African-American head coaches out of 119 Football Bowl Subdivision schools — in a sport in which 46 percent of the players are African-American — verges on scandalous. That’s the smallest number in 15 years.” These numbers alone are quite disturbing to a lot of people. But, the fact blacks are increasingly being paraded in front of the media as little more than token interviews by athletics directors trying not to look racist is yet another disturbing trend.
Lapchick on ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=lapchick_richard&id=3755312
Lapchick on ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=lapchick_richard&id=3755312
Charles Barkley Calls Out Auburn For Racism After Passing Over Black Turner Gill For White Candidate With Inferior Credentials
It’s no big secret: Black coaches have had a difficult time getting much respect for head coaching positions in major Division I-A college football (I am not buying into the NCAAs irrational name changes for I-A and I-AA, but that is another story). I think Auburn University disgraced itself by not hiring Turner Gill, who has been successful as a head coach at Buffalo, including winning the Mid-American Conference championship by upsetting previously unbeaten Ball State. Instead of hiring someone with stronger credentials, Auburn inexplicably decided to hire Iowa State head coach Gene Chizik, who had a less-than-stellar 5-19 record in two seasons with the Cyclones. Chizik might turn out to be a good coach. I’m not saying he is not a good coach and that he does not have some roots with Auburn as an assistant coach. But, how can he be favored over Gill? Does this continue a disturbing pattern of qualified black head coaches who somehow can not break through the glass ceiling while white coaches with inferior records get chance after chance in big-time BCS conferences. The NCAAs record on hiring of minority head coaches is nothing short of pathetic. It’s horrible.
Said Charles Barkley, an NBA Hall Of Fame player and former Auburn basketball star:“I think race was the No. 1 factor. You can say it’s not about race, but you can’t compare the two résumés and say (Chizik) deserved the job. Out of all the coaches they interviewed, Chizik probably had the worst résumé.”
Gill not only is a black coach, but he also is a black coach with a white wife and there is speculation that also played a factor in his not being more strongly considered in spite of what many people would consider superior qualifications.
Added Barkley, who spoke with Gill:“We talked about the whole race thing in Alabama. I told him it’s there and it’s going to be anywhere you go. I told him you can’t not take the job because of racism. He was worried about being nothing more than a token interview. He was concerned about having a white wife. It’s just very disappointing to me.”
It’s very disappointing to a lot of people that a great coach like Turner Gill once again can’t sit in the front of the bus. The NCAA needs to answer for its poor record of hiring black head coaches. Worst still, when black coaches are hired they are given bad opportunities or opportunities at small schools where it would take a miracle to win. Gill did that at Buffalo, but was passed over. It would different if he was passed over for a guy with a halfway-decent record. But, this was not even close.
ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3770769
Said Charles Barkley, an NBA Hall Of Fame player and former Auburn basketball star:“I think race was the No. 1 factor. You can say it’s not about race, but you can’t compare the two résumés and say (Chizik) deserved the job. Out of all the coaches they interviewed, Chizik probably had the worst résumé.”
Gill not only is a black coach, but he also is a black coach with a white wife and there is speculation that also played a factor in his not being more strongly considered in spite of what many people would consider superior qualifications.
Added Barkley, who spoke with Gill:“We talked about the whole race thing in Alabama. I told him it’s there and it’s going to be anywhere you go. I told him you can’t not take the job because of racism. He was worried about being nothing more than a token interview. He was concerned about having a white wife. It’s just very disappointing to me.”
It’s very disappointing to a lot of people that a great coach like Turner Gill once again can’t sit in the front of the bus. The NCAA needs to answer for its poor record of hiring black head coaches. Worst still, when black coaches are hired they are given bad opportunities or opportunities at small schools where it would take a miracle to win. Gill did that at Buffalo, but was passed over. It would different if he was passed over for a guy with a halfway-decent record. But, this was not even close.
ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3770769
Glenn Beck Has Been Brought Up To Speed For Fox News
I read this blurb on Think Progress:
On his radio show today, conservative talker Glenn Beck complained that the media is not talking about the “real issues.” To make his point, Beck wondered allowed about why the media isn’t “leading every news cast” with the apparent arson incident at Gov. Sarah Palin’s church. He concluded with a plug for his new network, Fox News Channel, saying that in comparison to other morning news shows, Fox and Friends is like a “think tank.”
War in Iraq, war in Afghanistan, struggling economy nearing a depression, budget deficit continuing to spiral out of control, housing crisis, auto industry crisis, new president elected, president selecting his new cabinet and Glenn Beck is wondering why we are not talking about Sarah Palin’s church burning up. Sounds like Glenn is ready to go for Fox News.
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/15/beck-palin-church/
On his radio show today, conservative talker Glenn Beck complained that the media is not talking about the “real issues.” To make his point, Beck wondered allowed about why the media isn’t “leading every news cast” with the apparent arson incident at Gov. Sarah Palin’s church. He concluded with a plug for his new network, Fox News Channel, saying that in comparison to other morning news shows, Fox and Friends is like a “think tank.”
War in Iraq, war in Afghanistan, struggling economy nearing a depression, budget deficit continuing to spiral out of control, housing crisis, auto industry crisis, new president elected, president selecting his new cabinet and Glenn Beck is wondering why we are not talking about Sarah Palin’s church burning up. Sounds like Glenn is ready to go for Fox News.
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/15/beck-palin-church/
President Bush Draws Quite The Reaction
Muntader al-Zaidi, an Iraqi journalist who made international headlines for throwing his shoes at President George W. Bush during a press conference could be in deep water. I heard about the guy throwing the shoes at Bush, but it was amazing to see the actual video. But, apparently, this cat could find himself in some hot and deep water for his gesture of insult and anger toward President Bush. It sounds as if he could get in the neighborhood of 15 years. I have to admit. Maybe the most amazing part about the whole scene was the agility and reflexes of President Bush and his ability to take an awkward situation and turn it into a light situation. President Bush might be happy that he probably has made his last trip to Iraq.
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/16/zaidi-15-years/
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/16/zaidi-15-years/
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Naming Mitt Romney Car Czar Would Border On Sinister
Mitt Romney is a lot of things (and a few of them are good things), but one thing he should not be is car czar. Romney is no friend to the auto industry, no friend to the state of Michigan and no friend to working-class families who depend on the auto industry in a number of different ways. The man who advocated letting Detroit go bankrupt is the wrong man for this position - a position who requires someone dedicated to making things right and not someone who is for the rich, but only lukewarm to helping middle-class Americans (men and women who are the backbone of our nation). Romney might be from Michigan, but that part of him is long gone and, perhaps (in looking at it now), was never really there in the beginning.
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/12/romney-car-czar/
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/12/romney-car-czar/
Bunning Was A Hall Of Fame Player, But Is A Hall Of Shame Senator
Michigan justifiably said no to Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky. Bunning, a Republican, is one of a number of GOP individuals who have stood in opposition to the government lending a helping hand to the auto industry. Bunning was supposed to sign autographs at the Gilbratar Trade Center in Taylor, Mich., just outside of Detroit. In Michigan, it is a prestigious place where many former great athletes from Detroit are invited to sign autographs and to interact with fans. But, in light of Bunning, a former Detroit Tigers baseball star, turning his back on working-class families in Michigan who are tied to the auto industry, some in the state of Michigan have decided to dis-invite Bunning to take part in anything at the Gilbratar Trade Center. Bunning has helped to damage the economy in the state of Michigan and it stands to reason that the people of that great state would want nothing to do with him. Bunning should take this time to reevaluate what he is as a senator and ask where his priorities are as someone who is trusted with power to help people. Bunning has spit in the face of working-class citizens, he has spit in the face of the auto industry and all other businesses that are impacted by the auto industry. Republicans have disgraced themselves and should be ashamed. But, you have to have a level of character to feel a level of shame.
CNN/AP:
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/b835f1d0f93b927a0fb9bcb979789125.htm
CNN/AP:
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/b835f1d0f93b927a0fb9bcb979789125.htm
Behold … The 20 Senators Who Should Be Charged With Obstruction Of Fairness
The Republicans have become the masters of obstruction (except when it comes to bailing out the rich, white-collar people who need help). Somehow, blue-collar people (who are the backbone of our society) are not good enough to get a helping hand from the Republican jackasses who thumbed their noses at working-class Americans struggling due to the auto industry’s struggles. But, why should that bother rich-ass Republicans who could care less and even a few heartless Democrats, who politically mooned working families who depend on the auto industry?
The 20 United States Senate Scrubs Who Said No To Working Class Families:
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)
Sen. Robert Bennett (R-UT)
Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC)
Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)
Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN)
Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN)
Sen. John Ensign (R-NV)
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH)
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
Sen. Kay Hutchison (R-TX)
Sen. John Isakson (R-GA)
Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR)
Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL)
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
These individuals were in favor of bailouts for Wall Street, but turned their backs on bailouts for Main Street. But, should we expect anything less from overpaid, underworked and out-of-touch Republicans and a few Democrats following behind them like lovesick puppies? We know Republicans are the party for rich white people, but there are also a lot of middle-class/working-class white people who need their help too.
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/12/20-flipped-on-auto/
The 20 United States Senate Scrubs Who Said No To Working Class Families:
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)
Sen. Robert Bennett (R-UT)
Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC)
Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK)
Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN)
Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN)
Sen. John Ensign (R-NV)
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH)
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
Sen. Kay Hutchison (R-TX)
Sen. John Isakson (R-GA)
Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR)
Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL)
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Sen. John Thune (R-SD)
These individuals were in favor of bailouts for Wall Street, but turned their backs on bailouts for Main Street. But, should we expect anything less from overpaid, underworked and out-of-touch Republicans and a few Democrats following behind them like lovesick puppies? We know Republicans are the party for rich white people, but there are also a lot of middle-class/working-class white people who need their help too.
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/12/20-flipped-on-auto/
The United States Senate Spits In The Faces Of Working Class People As It Blows Off Proposed So-Called Bailout
The federal government, particularly the United States Senate, has turned its back on hard-working Americans who depend on their jobs in the automotive industry. Make no mistake about it: This is a politically-motivated decision on the part of senators who thumbed their nose at the proposed loan to assist struggling car manufacturers General Motors and Chrysler. Daniel Howes, a columnist for the Detroit News, wrote an intriguing column about what may be the motives of some of the U.S. Senators who said “no” to assisting the auto industry in this - the most trying of times economically. The senate said “no” to working families. How many times have politicians bailed out failing white-collar-type businesses only to spit in the face of blue-collar-type industries? Apparently, so-called bailouts are OK for banks, but not OK for the auto industry.
Here is an excerpt from Howes’ column:
“Now a federal bailout for Detroit’s automakers appears close to dead, delivering a crushing blow to a Michigan economy reeling from high unemployment, skyrocketing home foreclosures and sagging tax revenue. The obstructionists: southern Republicans determined to use a financial crisis to rework corporate balance sheets and rewrite collective bargaining agreements on their terms and timetables.”
“Obstructionists” is a great word to use. What is the motive of the individuals (mostly Republicans, but also some Democrats)? Is this a union-busting thing? Is it a way of getting revenge on the union and trying to (if not break) severely weaken the union? What is the agenda of these obstructionists who are playing politics with the jobs of hard-working people who make a fraction of what these politicians in their fancy suits, living in their fancy houses make? What these obstructionists are doing is foolish, and it will impact more than just auto workers.
“I don’t think the southern senators understand this isn’t a Japanese and Big Three thing,” says Gregory Raymond, a member of UAW Local 372 who works at Chrysler’s Trenton Engine plant, to Howes in a column. “It’s an American thing. All auto companies use the same suppliers and they’re all going to suffer if the supply base goes down.”
Too bad short-sighted politicians, probably looking to get a little kickback for themselves or further some other sort of hidden agenda, don’t seem to care.
Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081212/OPINION03/812120397
Here is an excerpt from Howes’ column:
“Now a federal bailout for Detroit’s automakers appears close to dead, delivering a crushing blow to a Michigan economy reeling from high unemployment, skyrocketing home foreclosures and sagging tax revenue. The obstructionists: southern Republicans determined to use a financial crisis to rework corporate balance sheets and rewrite collective bargaining agreements on their terms and timetables.”
“Obstructionists” is a great word to use. What is the motive of the individuals (mostly Republicans, but also some Democrats)? Is this a union-busting thing? Is it a way of getting revenge on the union and trying to (if not break) severely weaken the union? What is the agenda of these obstructionists who are playing politics with the jobs of hard-working people who make a fraction of what these politicians in their fancy suits, living in their fancy houses make? What these obstructionists are doing is foolish, and it will impact more than just auto workers.
“I don’t think the southern senators understand this isn’t a Japanese and Big Three thing,” says Gregory Raymond, a member of UAW Local 372 who works at Chrysler’s Trenton Engine plant, to Howes in a column. “It’s an American thing. All auto companies use the same suppliers and they’re all going to suffer if the supply base goes down.”
Too bad short-sighted politicians, probably looking to get a little kickback for themselves or further some other sort of hidden agenda, don’t seem to care.
Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081212/OPINION03/812120397
Idiotic Letter To The Editor In Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press
Dr. Bernard Taylor, who serves as the superintendent of Grand Rapids (Mich.) Public Schools, has unfairly come under heat for his efforts to try and help students with the proposed “H” grade that would allow students an opportunity to make up needed work and pass at a later date. I knew he would be hated on for this … especially when I heard that he was going to go on right-wing Fox News channel to explain his position to the nation. As I predicted, he was attacked by the host and the other guest. But, I have been a bit surprised at the public outcry from some people against this proposal.
Here is a letter from a woman to the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press:
Tuesday December 09, 2008, 9:00 AM
So my suggestion is that we place a fee on each “H” (”held”) that a student carries each trimester. The money gathered from this fee could be used to pay the teachers that have to make up new tests for these students who apparently didn’t study for the first ones.
Way to go Bernard Taylor, superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools. Don’t hold students accountable (”GRPS students won’t fail,” Press, Dec. 3). Give them a letter and another chance.
As Dr. Taylor so aptly said, even lawyers in some states get unlimited chances to take the bar exam and people have three chances to get their driver’s license. But don’t forget, these future lawyers and drivers pay a fee to take these tests over and over.
The money could also go to reward the “A,” “B,” and “C” students who did what they were supposed to do in the first place — show up for class, have their homework completed on time, and study for the tests.
Comments: So, she wants to apply a sort of tax to students who get an “H” grade? I guess that makes great sense in his economy, huh? Parents who are already struggling to make ends meet, parents who may be working multiple jobs, parents who are fighting to keep their homes … now are supposed to pay some kind of tax on a letter grade of “H” their child gets? It makes no sense. First of all, these students still have to do the work. Where is the outcry on college and university campus when students get an “I” for incomplete and make up the work that they’ve missed. This is not a pass to the next grade for free proposal here. Students still must do the same work. It is amazing how people lose their compassion and have no problem throwing kids under the bus. But, I guess it is easier to push someone under the bus than it is to reach down and help someone up.
Grand Rapids Press:
http://www.mlive.com/grpress/opinion/index.ssf/letters_to_the_editor/
Here is a letter from a woman to the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press:
Tuesday December 09, 2008, 9:00 AM
So my suggestion is that we place a fee on each “H” (”held”) that a student carries each trimester. The money gathered from this fee could be used to pay the teachers that have to make up new tests for these students who apparently didn’t study for the first ones.
Way to go Bernard Taylor, superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools. Don’t hold students accountable (”GRPS students won’t fail,” Press, Dec. 3). Give them a letter and another chance.
As Dr. Taylor so aptly said, even lawyers in some states get unlimited chances to take the bar exam and people have three chances to get their driver’s license. But don’t forget, these future lawyers and drivers pay a fee to take these tests over and over.
The money could also go to reward the “A,” “B,” and “C” students who did what they were supposed to do in the first place — show up for class, have their homework completed on time, and study for the tests.
Comments: So, she wants to apply a sort of tax to students who get an “H” grade? I guess that makes great sense in his economy, huh? Parents who are already struggling to make ends meet, parents who may be working multiple jobs, parents who are fighting to keep their homes … now are supposed to pay some kind of tax on a letter grade of “H” their child gets? It makes no sense. First of all, these students still have to do the work. Where is the outcry on college and university campus when students get an “I” for incomplete and make up the work that they’ve missed. This is not a pass to the next grade for free proposal here. Students still must do the same work. It is amazing how people lose their compassion and have no problem throwing kids under the bus. But, I guess it is easier to push someone under the bus than it is to reach down and help someone up.
Grand Rapids Press:
http://www.mlive.com/grpress/opinion/index.ssf/letters_to_the_editor/
I Think Most People Would Love To Have Had Eight More Clinton-Gore Years Than Eight Years Of Bush-Cheney
While right-wing commentators like Michelle Malkin may lament the years that Bill Clinton and Al Gore were in the White House, I think most people would rather have had 16 years of that duo rather than the last eight years of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. As for Barack Obama preparing to become president of the United States, he can hardly do worse than the current guy who is in office: steal an election, serve as president during the worst terrorist attack on the U.S. mainland, go to war in Iraq, war in Afghanistan, see terrorist becoming inspired and united all over the world, ruin the reputation of the U.S. around the world, destroy coalitions built over the years with other nations, run up the deficit to unbelievable numbers, see a terrible housing crisis, the worst economy since the Great Depression … and on and on. It would be difficult for any president to do much worse than that. You could probably go to most colleges and universities in the United States, recruit their student government officials and have them run our country more effectively.
Michelle Malkin:
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/12/11/obama-press-conference-on-blago/
Michelle Malkin:
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/12/11/obama-press-conference-on-blago/
Michelle Malkin, Like Sean Hannity And Others, Engage in Bigoted Stereotypes Of Illinois, Chicago
Some stereotypes are more acceptable than others - apparently. Conservative blogger Michelle Malkin and fellow right-wing extremists like Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly, who has a reputation as a hater, has joined the chorus of many others in spewing bigoted stereotypes of the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois. Recently, we’ve been hearing so much talk about so-called “Illinois politics” and so-called “Chicago politics” and the alleged corruption of politics in the Windy City and in the state of Illinois. Apparently, this truly has become an acceptable stereotype. Sadly, however, it has not just been the conservatives making such bigoted comments, but they have been the ones making these comments the loudest. Obviously, a big part of that is the glee they feel over the scandal involved the now-disgraced Illinois Gov. (hopefully not for much longer) Rod Blagojevich. Many on the conservative wing of the political spectrum have been using this latest controversy as a means to attack President-elect Barack Obama (led by O’Reilly, Hannity and Malkin … in spite of how much they try to fake emphasizing that Obama has not been charged with anything). This is their opportunity to try and tie President-elect Obama to a scandal to try and poke holes through his image. It’s wrong, however, to keep feeding into the old and played-out stereotypes of Chicago and Illinois. Each individual person should stand on his or her own. Just as it would be wrong to judge all peopleof Blagojevich’s race by his sins, so too is it wrong to stereotype all of the good people of Chicago and Illinois. For every cooked politician that has come out of Chicago and out of Illinois, think about all of the good ones who have come out who have never been convicted of crimes, never had a hint of scandal and have worked hard for the greater good of the people of Chicago and of Illinois. People have problems with President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. They’re not from Chicago or Illinois.
Fox News Conservative Show Host Sean Hannity Can’t Bring Himself To Fully Believe Jesse Jackson Jr.
Republicans have been licking their chops over the scandal involving now disgraced Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is in deep criminal trouble. On the show Hannity & Colmes, extremist right winger Sean Hannity had mixed emotions about his evaluation of an explanation from Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who is alluded to in the criminal complaint against Blagojevich as “Senate Candidate 5.” Jackson came out and strongly explained his involvement in the scandal. Jackson had made no secret that he wanted to be considered as a candidate for the United States Senate seat that was vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. This is the seat that Blagojevich has apparently been attempting to sell to the highest bidder, according to allegations against him brought by the Feds.
Media Matters for America summarized a recent story this way:
Summary: On Hannity & Colmes, discussing reports that “Senate Candidate 5″ in the criminal complaint against Gov. Rob Blagojevich is a reference to Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., Sean Hannity asserted that Jackson “gave an emotional — and he gave a very passionate defense of his conduct here” and that “he came off as very credible and believable to me.” Hannity added, “[B]ut there’s always a skeptical side of me. You know, in the back of my mind I hear that voice, ‘I did not have sex.’ You know, I hear Bill Clinton.”
Hannity could not bring himself to fully agree with Jackson without trying to throw some kind of blanket of suspicion over Jackson (who will be hard-pressed to be popular among many conservatives … primarily because he is the son of Jesse Jackson Sr.). It’s a shame that Hannity took an opportunity to cheap shot Jackson using partisan politics. Even with what appears to be a very thorough investigation by the FBI, we’ve heard of no evidence of any wrongdoing on the part of Jackson, and it is thus highly irresponsible and unethical for Hannity to cheapshot him. Instead, Hannity abused his platform on Fox News (not the first time that has happened and not the first host on Fox that has done that) and used the scandal (as you will read in the Media Matters article) to attack Obama, Clinton, Jackson, Democrats and anyone else liberal. It was typical Hannity.
Media Matters for America:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200812110008?f=h_latest
Media Matters for America summarized a recent story this way:
Summary: On Hannity & Colmes, discussing reports that “Senate Candidate 5″ in the criminal complaint against Gov. Rob Blagojevich is a reference to Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., Sean Hannity asserted that Jackson “gave an emotional — and he gave a very passionate defense of his conduct here” and that “he came off as very credible and believable to me.” Hannity added, “[B]ut there’s always a skeptical side of me. You know, in the back of my mind I hear that voice, ‘I did not have sex.’ You know, I hear Bill Clinton.”
Hannity could not bring himself to fully agree with Jackson without trying to throw some kind of blanket of suspicion over Jackson (who will be hard-pressed to be popular among many conservatives … primarily because he is the son of Jesse Jackson Sr.). It’s a shame that Hannity took an opportunity to cheap shot Jackson using partisan politics. Even with what appears to be a very thorough investigation by the FBI, we’ve heard of no evidence of any wrongdoing on the part of Jackson, and it is thus highly irresponsible and unethical for Hannity to cheapshot him. Instead, Hannity abused his platform on Fox News (not the first time that has happened and not the first host on Fox that has done that) and used the scandal (as you will read in the Media Matters article) to attack Obama, Clinton, Jackson, Democrats and anyone else liberal. It was typical Hannity.
Media Matters for America:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200812110008?f=h_latest
More Evidence Fox News Channel’s Conservative Host Bill O’Reilly Is Crazy
Fox News conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly has proved once again that he seriously - SERIOUSLY - needs some sort of a psychological evaluation and perhaps subsequent treatment. A part of me wanted to watch his recent interview with Ted Turner, but another part of me just has difficulty watching O’Reilly for anymore than a few minutes here and there. I was, however, quite intrigued to see that he had Turner as a guest on his O’Reilly’s show, “The O’Reilly Factor.” One of the other reasons I chose not to watch the show was because there was virtually no doubt in my mind what O’Reilly would say. Obviously, Turner is a leftist. But, one of the many, MANY differences between O’Reilly and Turner is that O’Reilly is delusional or an outright liar since he refuses to admit he is a right winger and runs his show to appeal to a right-wing audience. O’Reilly, coming from the O.J. Simpson school of denial, tries to portray himself as a common man who speaks to people who are right in the middle of the political spectrum. Quit laughing.
Think Progress documented one of the exchanges between Turner and O’Reilly about the far right-wing lean of Fox News as a channel. Clearly, Mr. O. was not having that (obvious as it is to normal, unbiased people).
Here’s how Think Progress had the transcript from the Turner-O’Reilly:
O’REILLY: Right and I’m a nice guy. Well, maybe that’s overstating. I’m an honest guy, who’s just trying to do the best I can. But, you know, I think that you underestimate Fox News and its appeal to traditional Americans.
TURNER: That’s true. And I also said in there that I knew that that was our most vulnerable spot before I even went on the air with CNN that a right wing network would pose a threat because not only was CNN pretty much in the middle but so were CBS, NBC, and ABC. And you’re right. The far right did not have a voice.
O’REILLY: You can’t possibly think that Fox News is a far right operation? I mean, because it’s not.
TURNER: I do.
O’REILLY: Oh, come on. I mean, maybe coming from a Jane Fonda point of view it is, but come on.
TURNER: Well, I was married to Jane Fonda.
O’REILLY: I know. I mean, but how can - I’m a far right guy? I mean, the far right hates me.
You either don’t watch or you’re so far left.
See, it’s OK for O’Reilly to label people as being on the far left and to call them all kinds of names. But, boy, if you label him as he is (a right-wing guy) … he loses his mind. As Think Progress points out, and as I have said and written many times, look at the “analysts” that Fox News parades onto its sets: Bill Kristol, Newt Gingrich, Karl Rove, Mike Huckabee (they gave this guy a show), Glenn Beck (as an analyst and probably soon a show of his own, too), Bill Bennett, Dick Morris (who has an ongoing vendetta against the Clintons and now all liberals) and others. Worse, these individuals are never counterbalanced with an equally strong liberal. Why? Because Fox News pushes a right-wing agenda that does a masterful job of integrating conservative opinion with factual news (to the point that viewers have no idea they are being fed right-wing propaganda). When O’Reilly is gone from the show, pay attention to who hosts. Conservatives are substituted in for him and we are left with the likes of Laura Ingraham and John Kasich - right wingers. Bill is right, some right wingers may hate him, but for him to try to portray himself as anything but a right-wing guy is, in the simplest of terms, crazy.
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/10/billo-fox-far-right/
Think Progress documented one of the exchanges between Turner and O’Reilly about the far right-wing lean of Fox News as a channel. Clearly, Mr. O. was not having that (obvious as it is to normal, unbiased people).
Here’s how Think Progress had the transcript from the Turner-O’Reilly:
O’REILLY: Right and I’m a nice guy. Well, maybe that’s overstating. I’m an honest guy, who’s just trying to do the best I can. But, you know, I think that you underestimate Fox News and its appeal to traditional Americans.
TURNER: That’s true. And I also said in there that I knew that that was our most vulnerable spot before I even went on the air with CNN that a right wing network would pose a threat because not only was CNN pretty much in the middle but so were CBS, NBC, and ABC. And you’re right. The far right did not have a voice.
O’REILLY: You can’t possibly think that Fox News is a far right operation? I mean, because it’s not.
TURNER: I do.
O’REILLY: Oh, come on. I mean, maybe coming from a Jane Fonda point of view it is, but come on.
TURNER: Well, I was married to Jane Fonda.
O’REILLY: I know. I mean, but how can - I’m a far right guy? I mean, the far right hates me.
You either don’t watch or you’re so far left.
See, it’s OK for O’Reilly to label people as being on the far left and to call them all kinds of names. But, boy, if you label him as he is (a right-wing guy) … he loses his mind. As Think Progress points out, and as I have said and written many times, look at the “analysts” that Fox News parades onto its sets: Bill Kristol, Newt Gingrich, Karl Rove, Mike Huckabee (they gave this guy a show), Glenn Beck (as an analyst and probably soon a show of his own, too), Bill Bennett, Dick Morris (who has an ongoing vendetta against the Clintons and now all liberals) and others. Worse, these individuals are never counterbalanced with an equally strong liberal. Why? Because Fox News pushes a right-wing agenda that does a masterful job of integrating conservative opinion with factual news (to the point that viewers have no idea they are being fed right-wing propaganda). When O’Reilly is gone from the show, pay attention to who hosts. Conservatives are substituted in for him and we are left with the likes of Laura Ingraham and John Kasich - right wingers. Bill is right, some right wingers may hate him, but for him to try to portray himself as anything but a right-wing guy is, in the simplest of terms, crazy.
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/10/billo-fox-far-right/
Jindal Is Precisely What The Republicans Need
Republican Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal could be the future of the GOP if the conservatives are smart enough to recognize. It’s reasonable to have doubts about the leadership of the Republican Party when it spends so much time trying to manufacture controversies out of benign so-called “associations” with respect to President-elect Barack Obama. In other words, the GOP has clearly taken its eyes off the ball in its exasperation over how to stop the journey to progress (the election of Obama) in the United States. Jindal, as speculation would have it, is having his name thrown in the hat for a possible run for president in 2012. This would be, at least at this point, a colossal mistake. Jindal has t pick his battle a little more wisely (I think he will) and wait until the time is right (more likely 2016). Said Jindal, “I think anybody who is even thinking of running would be well served to roll up their sleeves and support our new president. I told our people, ‘It doesn’t matter whether you’re Republican, Democrat or independent, it doesn’t matter whether you voted for him or not, President-elect Barack Obama is our president.’” Whether he believes that last part or not is irrelevant. The point is that he is speaking wisely. The real question is: Could the close-minded Republican Party, with a base that is almost exclusively white, could truly accept a candidate like Jindal?
Associated Press:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081210/ap_on_el_pr/jindal2012
Associated Press:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081210/ap_on_el_pr/jindal2012
O’Reilly Trying To Play Association Card With Obama and Blagojevich
Fox News channel’s Bill O’Reilly (Dec. 10, 2008) began his Wednesday night show trying his hardest to paint President-elect Barack Obama’s “association” with recently-arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. He has right-wing chronically-wrong Dick Morris on to validate his right-wing opinions. Typical O’Reilly trying to play out this association card. The evidence compiled against Blagojevich clearly shows that the governor was upset that he was not getting something out of Obama (like perhaps a cabinet position or something else). O’Reilly’s false worry about this (potentially impacting Obama) was pitiful. O’Reilly is a right-wing liar. Blagojevich is the one in trouble and in any way trying to link him to anyone else is ridiculous, irresponsible and erroneous.
Bitter Republicans Fighting To Tie Obama To Blagojevich
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, obviously, is in a lot of trouble after his arrest for attempting to sell the vacated United States Senate seat formerly held by President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder. Not content with this, Republicans have been trying their hardest to link this scandal to President-elect Obama. Typical reaction from the Republicans who still are coming to grips with their defeat in the general election. The “war” is not over to these Republicans and they continue to fight on using any means necessary to achieve whatever objective it is they have in their small heads. It comes back to playing the tired guilt-by-association card once again. Here are a couple of disturbing comments I saw from an Associated Press story about Obama being tied to the scandal:
“The serious nature of the crimes listed by federal prosecutors raises questions about the interaction with Gov. Blagojevich, President-electObama and other high ranking officials who will be working for the future president,” said Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, the new GOP House whip.
Added Robert M. “Mike” Duncan, chairman of the Republican National Committee, “President-elect Barack Obama’s comments on the matter are insufficient at best.”
Once again, this is the disgusting part of politics that we saw from Republicans throughout the general election. The Republicans will use any person or any scandal to try and tear down another person for nothing more than political gain. The FBI did a thorough investigation of Blagojevichand had no evidence that this was anything other than the Illinois governor trying to cash in on the opportunity to get something from his ability to make the appointment of the new U.S. senator. If the Republicans question the thorough nature of the work of the FBI (the government) does that make the GOP unpatriotic or somehow un-American? It’s easy to spread rumors such as what Cantor and Duncan are doing, but it’s a lot harder to substantiate such rumors. It’s irresponsible on both of their parts and stabs right at the heart of any credibility these two men may once have had as representatives of groups of people.
Yahoo/AP:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081210/ap_on_go_pr_wh/illinois_governor_analysis
“The serious nature of the crimes listed by federal prosecutors raises questions about the interaction with Gov. Blagojevich, President-electObama and other high ranking officials who will be working for the future president,” said Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, the new GOP House whip.
Added Robert M. “Mike” Duncan, chairman of the Republican National Committee, “President-elect Barack Obama’s comments on the matter are insufficient at best.”
Once again, this is the disgusting part of politics that we saw from Republicans throughout the general election. The Republicans will use any person or any scandal to try and tear down another person for nothing more than political gain. The FBI did a thorough investigation of Blagojevichand had no evidence that this was anything other than the Illinois governor trying to cash in on the opportunity to get something from his ability to make the appointment of the new U.S. senator. If the Republicans question the thorough nature of the work of the FBI (the government) does that make the GOP unpatriotic or somehow un-American? It’s easy to spread rumors such as what Cantor and Duncan are doing, but it’s a lot harder to substantiate such rumors. It’s irresponsible on both of their parts and stabs right at the heart of any credibility these two men may once have had as representatives of groups of people.
Yahoo/AP:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081210/ap_on_go_pr_wh/illinois_governor_analysis
O’Reilly/Rove Setting The Stage To Steal Credit if Obama Can Turn Around HORRIBLE Bush/Republican Economy
Fox News conservative talk show host Bill O’Reilly is doing everything he can to rehabilitate the failed policies of President George W. Bush while also trying to marginalize the Democrats and President-elect Barack Obama. O’Reilly, along with Fox News “analyst” Karl Rove (a true right winger who was the architect of so many things we can thank the Bush Administration for), worked out their pro-Republican script pretty well the other night on “The O’Reilly Factor.”
Here is the exchange:
O’REILLY: All right, so you are agreeing with me then that there is a conscious effort on the part of The New York Times and other liberal media to basically paint as drastic a picture as possible, so that when Barack Obama takes office that anything is better than what we have now?
ROVE: Yes.
What a shock that these two right wingers agree with each other about Obama bashing. They can’t stand the fact that Obama might be able to clean up the mess created by Bush, Rove and Cheney who were backed by right-wing cheerleaders like O’Reilly.
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/09/rove-oreilly-economy/
Here is the exchange:
O’REILLY: All right, so you are agreeing with me then that there is a conscious effort on the part of The New York Times and other liberal media to basically paint as drastic a picture as possible, so that when Barack Obama takes office that anything is better than what we have now?
ROVE: Yes.
What a shock that these two right wingers agree with each other about Obama bashing. They can’t stand the fact that Obama might be able to clean up the mess created by Bush, Rove and Cheney who were backed by right-wing cheerleaders like O’Reilly.
Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/12/09/rove-oreilly-economy/
Only A Matter Of Time Before Obama Is Linked To Blagojevich
Throughout the presidential campaign (both in the primary and general) the Republicans attempted to pin down Barack Obama by using the guilt-by-association attack against him. It has been my opinion that the Republicans surely are salivating over the thought of trying to pin this scandal involving Illinois Gov. Rod Blajojevich (who has been accused of essentially trying to sell Obama’s former seat in the United States Senate to the highest bidder). It has already started: Republicans are trying to find ways to spin this as a negative against President-elect Obama.
Media Matters for America has documented this:
Summary: MSNBC Liveco-host Contessa Brewer baselessly speculated that Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s arrest for, among other allegations, allegedly trying to sell President-elect Obama’s Senate seat, might “taint” Obama and “whoever gets named to the Senate seat.” Newsweek’s Michael Isikoff responded, in part, that “this is a very sticky matter for Obama,” adding: “There are a lot of — a web of interrelationships between Obama and Blagojevich’s political world that’s gonna make this awkward.” Neither noted that, as U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald did later, the criminal complaint “makes no allegations about the president-elect whatsoever.”
Trying to make this stick to Obama is stupid. But, Republicans have been trying to tear down Obama through Jeremiah Wright, Michael Pfleger, Bill Ayers and others (because they can not … could not defeat him on the issues that are important to the American people). It didn’t work then and it will only work for the extremist nuts on the far right of the political spectrum who are uncomfortable with Obama as president for reasons that are up for speculation.
Media Matters for America:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200812090012?f=h_top
Media Matters for America has documented this:
Summary: MSNBC Liveco-host Contessa Brewer baselessly speculated that Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s arrest for, among other allegations, allegedly trying to sell President-elect Obama’s Senate seat, might “taint” Obama and “whoever gets named to the Senate seat.” Newsweek’s Michael Isikoff responded, in part, that “this is a very sticky matter for Obama,” adding: “There are a lot of — a web of interrelationships between Obama and Blagojevich’s political world that’s gonna make this awkward.” Neither noted that, as U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald did later, the criminal complaint “makes no allegations about the president-elect whatsoever.”
Trying to make this stick to Obama is stupid. But, Republicans have been trying to tear down Obama through Jeremiah Wright, Michael Pfleger, Bill Ayers and others (because they can not … could not defeat him on the issues that are important to the American people). It didn’t work then and it will only work for the extremist nuts on the far right of the political spectrum who are uncomfortable with Obama as president for reasons that are up for speculation.
Media Matters for America:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200812090012?f=h_top
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