In The Case Of Vick, Fox News Commentator Seems To See A Black Man's Life Worth No More Than A Dog's Life

Tucker Carlson

We know that some right-wing commentators at Fox News have a clear disdain for President Barack Obama - a disdain that was illustrated most recently in the case of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who had a highly-publicized involvement in dog fighting. Recently, however, President Obama saluted the Eagles for giving Vick a second chance.

Obviously, there had to be at least one commentator at Fox News ready to take a shot at the president over this one.

This all leads me to a little excerpt I read from Dr. Boyce Watkins, who blogged about some very disturbing comments made by right-wing Fox News commentator (I know that is sort of redundant) Tucker Carlson regarding Vick, who has bounced back from his self-inflicted dog-fighting troubles, turned his life around and again is excelling on the football field (and presumably in life).

That's not good enough for some of the tighty righties at Fox News - like Tucker Carlson.

Here is a portion of what Watkins wrote in his blog regarding Carlson:

"I'm a Christian, I've made mistakes myself, I believe fervently in second chances," Carlson said. "But Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did in a heartless and cruel way. And I think, personally, he should've been executed for that. He wasn't, but the idea that the President of the United States would be getting behind someone who murdered dogs? Kind of beyond the pale."

First of all, I think that most decent Christians would not believe that Tucker Carlson is a Christian. But then again, most of the original members of the KKK also considered themselves to be Christians, so perhaps Carlson's delusional behavior actually makes sense. I'd be curious to see if Carlson believes that the hundreds of thousands of deer hunters and members of the National Rifle Association should also be executed for killing animals themselves. After all, killing an animal is the same no matter what, right?

Secondly, Carlson's insinuation that the life of this black man is worth less than that of a dog is a telling reminder of how the Right Wing is nothing more than a modern-day manifestation of those who've profited from slavery and the execution of black men for the past 400 years (they continue to profit from slavery within the prison system - the only place where the United States Constitution allows slavery to take place). If this were 1840, Tucker Carlson would surely be part of the lynch mob that would have dragged Michael Vick out of jail in the middle of the night and murdered him in front of his family.

Like Watkins, I too am deeply disturbed that Carlson seems to suggest that the lives of dogs are sort of an even swap for the life of a black man.

Much like Sarah Palin, Carlson can seemingly resist no opportunity to take a shot at President Obama.

This incident, and the implication of Carlson's words, are different. This man is acting as if, were he so empowered, would hold himself up as judge, jury and executioner of Michael Vick.

It's almost Jim Crow-era justice: A black man's life for a dog's life.

It shows a dark part of Tucker Carlson's heart that is chilling. What's more disturbing is that he has a powerful platform at Fox News where he seems to fit in so well.

Fox News Bias ... Through The Eyes Of The Liberal Viewer

Hugh Hefner, 84, Marries Woman, 24, ... Player, Player

Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, is getting his marriage on, again.

This time, Hefner, 84, is marrying Crystal Harris, 24.

Who cares if she is young enough to be his granddaughter. Hey, let the players play.

So, don't hate the player.

Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/26/crystal-harris-photos-playboy_n_801288.html#s215324

The Idiocy Of Fox News, In Its Needless Defense Of Christmas, Attacks The NBA

First off, note the famed Fox/Fox News/Fox Nation tactic ... the screaming and controversial headline with the question mark (designed to absolve them of blame because they're only throwing the question out there).

Media Matters for America picked up on the latest target of our friends at Fox, self-appointed defenders of Christmas and enemies of all who differ: The National Basketball Association.

In its latest effort to defend Christmas (which really needs no defense as it is fairly widely celebrated worldwide), Fox, through its hateful, racist, bigoted, homophobic Fox Nation blog, has targeted the NBA.

Apparently, those scholars over at Fox are unaware that the NBA has long been playing games on Christmas (as do other sports).

To make its case, Fox went to a somewhat bizarre and definitely whiny rant from Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson (known for both) about having to "play" and "entertain" on Christmas:

The Fox Nation post linked to a story about Los Angeles Lakers' coach Phil Jackson's displeasure at having to work on Christmas Day. Jackson reportedly stated: "It's like Christian holidays don't mean anything to them anymore. ... We just go out and play and entertain the TV. It's really weird." But as the original ESPN.com article noted, the Lakers game this year will mark the 13th time in 15 seasons the team has played on Christmas Day. The Lakers have played on Christmas every year since 1999, when Jackson took over as head coach, and 36 times in all; that record is eclipsed only by the Knicks' 45 game appearances on that day. Not only that, but NBA basketball games have been played on Christmas since the league's inception.

Moreover, five NBA games were played on Christmas in 2008 and 2009 as well. Three were played on Christmas Day 2007, and at least a couple have been played on Christmas since 1991. And guess what else? Sixty-six games were played during Hanukkah this year, from December 1-8, and 47 games during Passover, from March 30 to April 5. I'm sure Fox can do the math on how many games were played this year during Muslim holidays.

Oh, and incidentally, the 3D version of Jack Black's Gulliver's Travels hits theaters nationwide on Christmas Day. The movie will be released by 20th Century Fox (a News Corp. subsidiary, like Fox News). If the NBA is engaged in a "War on Christmas," isn't Fox?

This is yet another misguided effort on the part of the idiots at Fox, who obviously had to reach far to find some way to show Christmas being attacked.

Fox, in typical fashion, took Jackson's words and turned them into an all-out NBA attack sneak launched on Christmas and Christianity.

Is that an NBA attack on Christianity? No.

Is that an NBA attack on Christmas? No.

Is this another pathetic right-wing, made-up Fox story? Yes.

Juan Williams Takes A Rare Shot At Sarah Palin And ... GASP ... Does It On Fox

Juan Williams, for once, actually told it like it is: 1. President Obama does have some vulnerability looking ahead to 2012, 2. the Republicans have no one who captures the imagination other than Sarah Palin and 3. Sarah Palin is not on the intellectual level of Barack Obama.

Williams definitely hurt himself in the Fox News crowd. They probably spanked slapped his hand back stage.

I am sure he will do something to earn those points back.

Help Turn Of Fox News

Dear Sandy,

In the coming days, many of us will be spending time with family and close friends. You might find yourself in a house with Fox News on the TV, or you might find yourself in the company of a family member who likes to talk about the "truth" coming from Fox. You could also be with folks who understand the damage Fox does, but haven’t heard about this campaign. Any of these could be a great opportunity to talk about why you don’t watch Fox and why you’re part of the movement to get it turned off in public places. And if you have any good conversations, let us know.

There's no need to be confrontational. The person you’re talking with may not be receptive to what you have to say — and that’s ok. But you might be surprised. This is about sharing your concerns and beliefs, and hearing the thoughts of someone you love. When people are approached respectfully by someone they like and trust, it creates space for them to think and change.

Here are some pointers:

1. Remain calm. The point here isn't to start an argument — it's to share information. Even though some people may be hostile to what you have to say, keeping your cool can help defuse tense situations and make even skeptics receptive to what you have to say.

2. Just the facts. We’re often tempted to use inflammatory language when describing Fox News and their tactics — "evil" or "racist," for example. But think of the impact that this language might have on someone you’re trying to win over to your point of view. Does the fact that they watch Fox News make them "evil" or "racist"? Better to stick to the facts by describing what Fox News Channel does — stoking racial fear, helping to spread dangerous conspiracy theories, and distorting the truth. You can refer to our flyer "The Case Against Fox" for a few examples of what Fox News does, and the impact of their actions.

3. Listen to what others have to say. If you want to be listened to, then you should also be willing to listen to others' perspectives. If they state something untrue, you can and should offer facts to correct the record when you can — but not until after they've finished their thought. And remember, the point isn’t to get into an argument or even prove that you're correct. It's to share your point of view.

4. Offer more information. If the folks you talk to are interested in learning more about our campaign, just have them check out TurnOffFox.org. They can sign up for the campaign at that website.

The holiday season provides a unique opportunity to help more people understand what Fox is, how it poisons national discourse, and what role everyday people can play in stopping the damage.

After you have these conversations (even with those who already understand the issue), we would love to hear how they went.

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

-- James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Natasha, and the rest of the TurnOffFox.org team
December 22nd, 2010

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU — your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don't share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:

https://secure.colorofchange.org/contribute/

Misinformer Of The Year Is ... No Big Shock ... Sarah Palin

Dear Sandy,

This year, we've chosen Sarah Palin -- former half-term governor, current Fox News contributor and prolific Facebook user -- as our Misinformer of the Year.

It was a tough competition. On issues like health care, net neutrality, climate change and immigration, the conservative media offers an unprecedented flood of distortions, exaggerations and utter fabrications. We at Media Matters for America work around the clock to expose, fact-check and counter this non-stop flood of lies and attacks.

Click here to watch the "Misinformer of the Year" video and support Media Matters for America with a tax-deductible donation.

This year, Palin stood out for her sheer ability to dominate our national conversation and draw the attention of the entire news media to her factually challenged claims and vicious attacks. She has blurred the line completely between media figure and political activist.

When Glenn Beck's over-the-top rhetoric and conspiracy theories inspired unhinged gunman Byron Williams to target the Tides Foundation with violence, Palin could have stood up for responsibility and helped rein Beck in. Instead, she legitimized him and his attacks, saying "I stand with you, Glenn."

From spreading lies about "death panels" to cropping Obama's comments about "American exceptionalism," from her comfortable perch at Fox News to her self-promoting books and reality show, Palin has truly broken new ground in misinformation.

In the year to come, Palin is sure to keep up her efforts at dominating the headlines, influencing the political process and advancing falsehoods and distortions at every turn -- aided and abetted by millions in free airtime and glowing coverage from her friends at Fox News. We are prepared to fight back -- but we need your help.

Click here to watch the "Misinformer of the Year" video and support Media Matters for America with a tax-deductible donation.

Thank you for your support.

David Brock
Founder and CEO
Media Matters for America

When Fox News Wins Democracy Loses ... A Message From Media Matters For America

Dear Sandy,

Glenn Beck and Fox News have had a toxic effect on the political process, and they're only going to push harder now.

Over the past two years, Fox has gone from a conservative-leaning news source to an active player in politics -- and things have taken an even darker turn as Beck's nightly show on Fox has brought right-wing extremism into the mainstream. Beck routinely launches outlandish attacks painting his progressive targets as part of a sinister conspiracy to intentionally destroy the country.

When advertisers sponsor Fox News, they're not just buying commercial airtime. They're making an affirmative investment in a political game -- one that puts dishonest smears, fearmongering, and vicious attacks ahead of accuracy. Money that goes to Fox funds Beck's conspiracy theories, baseless political attacks, and outright promotion of right-wing candidates for office.

Companies that are considering advertising on Fox need to keep that in mind, and they need to hear from you.

Give your tax-deductible donation today to help us fight Fox, Beck and conservative misinformation.

Every day, we at Media Matters for America monitor Fox News and its allies in the conservative media, researching claims, exposing violent rhetoric, debunking misinformation and preventing falsehoods from spreading unchallenged.

We've had success in making sure others in the press know that Fox is a player in politics, not an observer. We need your help to keep up that fight and get the message out to potential Fox advertisers. Unless it hits them right in the bottom line, Fox News has made it clear it won't rein in Beck and other serial misinformers.

You can be part of that fight.

Give your tax-deductible donation today to help us fight Fox, Beck and conservative misinformation.

Thank you for your support.

David Brock
Founder and CEO
Media Matters for America

While Repeatedly Showing Shooting Video Clip, O'Reilly Asks Is It Appropriate To Show

Right-wing Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly does and says stuff that makes you shake your head in utter disbelief.

OK, while warning his viewers about the real violence in a video clip of a shooting scene in Florida during a school board meeting, O'Reilly repeatedly plays (teases) the footage.

Also, while repeatedly showing the footage of gunman Clay Duke's shooting rampage to his viewers, O'Reilly asks if the footage should be shown.

WTF?

Are U.S. Supreme Court Right Wingers Set To Show True Bias Against President Obama?

Rumors abound that some of the U.S. Supreme Court justices are considering not attending the President's upcoming State of the Union address.

It was a topic of discussion this past weekend on Fox News Sunday as U.S. Supreme Court justice Stephen Breyer was interviewed.

Some of the justices apparently have their panties in a bunch because President Barack Obama was critical of one of their decisions.

If these justices are that weak, that they can't take that little bit of criticism, then that truly is disturbing.

BUT, if they are whining and pouting because they are upset with the politics of what President Obama said, then that is pathetic.

Aren't judges/justices supposed to be impartial? Would their protest (should it happen) be indicative of a U.S. Supreme Court that truly is political?

From Crooks and Liars:

During his 2010 State of the Union address, Obama criticized the court's Citizens United decision which said that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts cannot be limited.

"With all due deference to separation of powers, last week the Supreme Court reversed a century of law to open the floodgates for special interests – including foreign corporations – to spend without limit in our elections," Obama said.

"Well, I don’t think American elections should be bankrolled by America’s most powerful interests, and worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people, and that’s why I’d urge Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps corrects some of these problems," he added.

While Democratic lawmakers cheered for the president's remarks, Justice Samuel Alito could be seen mouthing the words "not true."

Weeks later, Chief Justice John Roberts said the address had "degenerated to a political pep rally."

"The image of having the members of one branch of government standing up, literally surrounding the Supreme Court, cheering and hollering, while the court -- according to the requirements of protocol -- has to sit there expressionless, I think is very troubling," Roberts said to University of Alabama law students.

It will be interesting to see what whiners like John Roberts, Sam Alito and high-court right wingers do.

Crooks and Liars:
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/david/justice-breyer-very-important-attend-state-u

Sammon's Memo Is Latest Evidence Of System Bias In Favor Of Far Right On Fox News

Bill Sammon's memo to the Fox News staff fighting to shape the health care debate in a pro-Republican way is not really a big surprise.

Sammon, the biased Washington managing editor for Fox News, is a true right winger. As we know, Fox News has been almost 100-percent opposed to health care reform.

Beyond calling it "Obamacare," an effort to try and substitute the president's name for "health," there is the issue of "public option" vs. "government option" going on these days.

Sammon, who might as well be on the GOP payroll, has made his slant clear as reported by Media Matters for America:

At the height of the health care reform debate last fall, Bill Sammon, Fox News' controversial Washington managing editor, sent a memo directing his network's journalists not to use the phrase "public option."

Instead, Sammon wrote, Fox's reporters should use "government option" and similar phrases -- wording that a top Republican pollster had recommended in order to turn public opinion against the Democrats' reform efforts.

Journalists on the network's flagship news program, Special Report with Bret Baier, appear to have followed Sammon's directive in reporting on health care reform that evening.

Sources familiar with the situation in Fox's Washington bureau have told Media Matters that Sammon uses his position as managing editor to "slant" Fox's supposedly neutral news coverage to the right. Sammon's "government option" email is the clearest evidence yet that Sammon is aggressively pushing Fox's reporting to the right -- in this case by issuing written orders to his staff.

As far back as March 2009, Fox personalities had sporadically referred to the "government option."

To borrow the famous (some might say infamous) words of Dennis Green, "They are who we thought they were." He wasn't talking about Fox News, but it certainly fits.

This is why you can't trust a lot of what you hear from Fox News without checking it against other reputable and fair media outlets.

Sarah Palin's Own Words Describe Her Perfectly: Proudly Intolerant

Who knew that Sarah Palin's own words could describe her as well (or better than) her toughest critic.

From Fox News (Fox Nation), her media relations organizations:

In tonight's episode of "Sarah Palin's Alaska," the former governor showcases the Alaska tundra while caribou hunting with her father. Beyond proving she's a great shot, the episode is giving Palin an opportunity to "proudly" take aim at "anti-hunting hypocrisy."

"Tonight's hunting episode of Sarah Palin's Alaska ‘controversial'? Really? Unless you've never worn leather shoes, sat upon a leather couch or eaten a piece of meat, save your condemnation of tonight's episode. I remain proudly intolerant of anti-hunting hypocrisy. :)" Palin posted on Facebook and Twitter today.

Palin's pro-hunting posts began on Friday when she urged fans to tune in to "see how we fill our freezers and feed our families with home-grown tundra-roaming Alaskan wild game. We'll show you how Alaskans hunt. As my friend Sue says, ‘the tundra is the type of landscape that will make a man out of anybody.' And, PETA..." she wrote on Facebook.

When I think of Sarah Palin I think of proudly intolerant. She was speaking of hunting, but I see it as ideally descriptive of her as a person and as a politician.

Sarah Palin Clearly Wants To Be President ... If She Is Willing To Go To Haiti

Frankly, the fact that Fox News celebrity Sarah Palin was willing to go to Haiti, and spend that much time around that many black people, shows me that she is strongly considering running for president of the United States.

I can't see many other reasons why she would want to be around that many black folks (even if it was a controlled and made-for-television Fox News special).

Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/article/20101212/POLITICS03/12120313/1025/POLITICS03/Sarah-Palin-visits-Haiti-under-tight-guard

Bernie Goldberg's Slobbering Love Affair With The Rich Who Exploit The Poor

Bernard Goldberg, a right-wing analyst who makes frequent appearances on Fox News to spread his far-right messages, thinks the rich are not getting enough from the poor.

In Saddam Hussein-like fashion, Goldberg essentially suggests that the poor should build a monument to the rich as pointed out by News Hounds.

I suggest that we build a big bronze and granite monument, a statue to honor some truly American heroes, unsung American heroes… the rich… Try to imagine an America without rich people. Rich people pay the freight for a whole bunch of things that are good, like taking care of poor people who can’t afford to buy food and medicine and sending other kids to college… The top one percent of all wage earners pay almost 40 percent of all our federal income taxes. The top five percent pay 60 percent and the top 10 percent pay 70 percent. Now I’m not saying, Megyn, that these people are selfless philanthropists. I’m not even saying that they need a tax break. But I’ll tell you what they don’t need. They don’t need to be vilified by people like Bernie Sanders and a whole bunch of other liberal Democrats in Congress.

…I’m not defending anybody who’s crooked or anybody who sent this economy into a tailspin… There are a lot of people out there who worked hard for their money… Maybe they’re not making a million or a billion dollars but something over $250,000. These people deserve our gratitude. I mean, how many poor – by the way, the bottom 50 percent of taxpayers… pay a paltry 2.7 percent of all the federal income tax. So how many of those people, how many of those people do you think are helping the poor in this country. It’s the rich who are disproportionately paying taxes and disproportionately helping the poor.

We could write a book about Bernie Goldberg and call it, A Slobbering Love Affair: The True (And Pathetic) Story of the Torrid Romance Between Fox News and the Rich Elitists Who Want to Preserve a Slave-Like Society.

The rich are rich on the backs of hard-working and oftentimes underpaid folks (not too unlike what happened during times of slavery and not too unlike what happens with those who exploit so-called illegal immigrants.

The O'Reilly Sucks Blog Highlights Bill O'Reilly Going Ape S--t Over A Cartoon

I am always amazed at how Bill O'Reilly obsesses about almost every slight (real or perceived) against his precious Fox News.

O'Reilly is like the parent of a serial killer, who says "he/she was such a good kid." Like that parent, O'Reilly will go to great lengths to take up for Fox News no matter how inaccurate, racist or biased.

These days, O'Reilly has been whining about some shots the hit Fox Broadcasting cartoon "The Simpsons" has been taking at Fox News (see the cartoons below from Steve of The O'Reilly Sucks Blog that I found).

Below is what Steve had:



But of course O'Reilly did not find it funny at all. The Fox News blowhard came to the defense of his network, labeling the cartoon characters as pinheads.

O'REILLY: Continuing to bite the hand that feeds part of it, Fox Broadcasting once again allows its cartoon characters to run wild.

VIDEO from The Simpsons featuring helicopter emblazoned with "Not Racist But #1 With Racists" slogan. As the helicopter lets one passenger off at the statue of liberty, it becomes unsteady and the pilot says, "We're unbalanced. Its not fair" before crashing.

Pinheads? I believe so.

Even though O'Reilly slammed them, the Simpsons was right back to needling Fox News on last Sunday's show in which the right-wing network was given yet another alternative slogan, this one reading "Unsuitable For Viewers Under 75."



Fox Broadcasting and the producers of the Simpsons are not living in fear of Papa Bear Bill O'Reilly.

Our Friends At Fox Try As They Might, But Can't Politicize High-School Player Who Prayed After TD And Was Flagged

Far-Right Nutty Racism On The Floor Of The House Of Representatives

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Rep. Steve King and Rep. Michele Bachmann advancing the perception of racism from the far right.

King talks about "drug addicts" and "reparations" and a very "urban" senator (talking about President Barack Obama's support of compensation for black farmers who were the victims of discrimination) and advances the stereotype of blacks being lazy and looking for a handout.

Do we need to draw a racial map here.

This is racial politics at its most despicable, but not unexpected with King and Bachmann - to classic right-wing bigots.

Player Hatin' Palin Is Back At It With Her Attacks On Michelle Obama

There has been no shortage of talk about quitter former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's ridiculous and misguided comments attacking first lady Michelle Obama who is leading a national campaign to combat obesity among young people.

You will hear a lot of people say a lot of things about what Palin is doing, but before I get to that lets get to some of what she had to say via Roland Martin on CNN who cited Huffington Post:

"Take her anti-obesity thing that she is on. She is on this kick, right. What she is telling us is she cannot trust parents to make decisions for their own children, for their own families in what we should eat.

"And I know I'm going to be again criticized for bringing this up, but instead of a government thinking that they need to take over and make decisions for us according to some politician or politician's wife priorities, just leave us alone, get off our back and allow us as individuals to exercise our own God-given rights to make our own decisions and then our country gets back on the right track."

I really think this comes down to one thing: the blind-rage hatred that people like Palin and others on the right have for the Obamas.

This is a reckless and ignorant attack on Palin's part. Part of it is she is selling a book, but another part of it shows how pathetic it is that people would actually vote for her to be president of the United States.

Palin is driven by blind-rage hatred of anything that does not fit her world view and right-wing self righteousness.

A VERY large number of these extremist right wingers, tea baggers, birthers, truthers, etc. flat out hate President Obama and have ever since summer of 2008 when he emerged as the front runner to represent the Democrats in the presidential election.

CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/11/24/martin.michelle.obama.palin/index.html?hpt=T2

Is It Wrong To Tell People What Should Or Should Not Offend Them?

That should offend you.

That should not be offensive to you.

These are two sentences I've heard from people pertaining to issues (mostly issues related to race and racial sensitivity ... or insensitivity).

Check out this video:

I Am Not A Mascot from UCD Video Group on Vimeo.

Bitter John McCain Still Attacking President Obama, And Weakly So

Sen. John McCain continues to look like a bitter and petty man any time President Obama's name comes out of his mouth.

This, from Think Progress, is another example of Sen. McCain attacking President Obama over the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" gays-in-the-military policy:

But McCain remained undeterred. He agreed that decisions about integration should not be held hostage to the opinions of servicemembers, but then insisted that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell doesn’t pose a problem for gay soldiers or the military. He also reiterated that the Service Chiefs — three of whom publicly endorsed the study last week — are still concerned about repeal:

CROWLEY: Doesn’t [Gates] have a point?

MCCAIN: Well, I think he certainly has a point. I would also certainly say that we should remember where this all started. There was no uprising in the military, there was no problems with Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. [...]

It wasn’t a problem because you didn’t have. It’s called ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ Okay? If you don’t ask somebody and they don’t tell and it’s an all volunteer force. [...] The fact is, this was a political promise made by an inexperienced President or candidate for Presidency of the United States. [...]

The fact is, that this system is working and I believe we need to assess the effect on the morale and battle effectiveness of those people, those young Marines and Army people I met.

But, the "inexperienced" line is nothing more than an irrational cheap shot on Sen. McCain's part. Bitter John McCain again shows that he is and was far from presidential and that he is little more than a typical partisan politician.

More from Think Progress:

McCain’s characterization of President Obama as “inexperienced” is particularly petty, however, since every Democratic president and presidential candidate since President Clinton has come out against the ban.

It's weak on McCain's part.

Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2010/11/28/mccain-dadt-letter/

Here Is Another Example Of How Weak Ron Christie Is To Defend Rush Limbaugh

Ron Christie's analogy to President Obama is absurd and indicative of a man who has sold out to an ideology that is oftentimes excusing of racism and sometimes flat-out guilty of racism.

Hat tip to The Field Negro for appropriate naming Christie "House Negro Of The Day."

Ailes Of Fox News Goes All In With Tea-Bagging Morons With Crazy Comments

Far-right extremist Roger Ailes of Fox News

Roger Ailes, chairman of Fox News and a far-right zealot, is at it again with the talking points that his network has made famous: Barack Obama is socialist.

Fox News, which long ago divorced itself of any hint of objectivity, has now gone to openly cheerleading for far-right causes and candidates and against anything viewed as left of the political middle. The comments of Ailes, as documented by Howard Kurtz, are indicative of a man who is no journalist and essentially overseas a network that is a 24-hour right-wing propaganda machine.

This is from Media Matters for America:

Ailes: Obama was "told by the French and the Germans that his socialism was too far left." From Howard Kurtz' November 17 Daily Beast article:

"The president has not been very successful," the Fox News chairman says in a lengthy interview. "He just got kicked from Mumbai to South Korea, and he came home and attacked Republicans for it. He had to be told by the French and the Germans that his socialism was too far left for them to deal with."

The 70-year-old Ailes, dressed in a lavender shirt and tie, goes on in this vein, saying the network isn't singling out Obama for criticism but that its style "tends to be more direct" in challenging presidents. Then he offers this observation about Obama:

"He just has a different belief system than most Americans."

That seems a rather loaded phrase--different belief system--even if you strongly disagree with most of Obama's policies. It fits the view of those who are trying to paint the president as being outside the mainstream. But from the big second-floor office at Fox's Midtown Manhattan headquarters, it's the rest of the media that are using a distorted lens.

This is nothing new with Fox News, a network that now clearly is devoted to advancing Republicans, tea baggers and nearly all conservative causes.

Bill O'Reilly Lies ... I Know ... It's Redundant

Which Palin Should Be President: Sarah Or Bristol?

In choosing between mother and daughter Palin, for president (I didn't mean to frighten) ... I honestly think Bristol might make a better president than Sarah.

Look At Who's Voting In This Election

Behar Was Wrong In Her Language, But Right To Slam Sharron Angle

Joy Behar

Oh goodness has Joy Behar, an outspoken and quite liberal (not that there's anything wrong with that ... obviously) co-host for the popular ABC program, The View, gotten herself in a whole pool of hot water.

Here is one person's description of Behar's comments:

Joy Behar condemned a political ad by Nevada Republican Senate nominee Sharron Angle as fomenting racial divisiveness. The View aired Angle’s latest TV ad on the talk show on Tuesday morning. Looking at the camera, Behar addressed Angle, calling her a “bitch” and concluding that Angle is “going to hell, this bitch.”

Wow, that is way over the top for Behar. While I don't think it is appropriate for that kind of language on television to attack someone (even Sharron Angle), I do see where her anger is coming from - not that it justifies what she said.

Angle's recent add was one that I ripped apart in an earlier blog with this comment:

By watching her ad (showing wholesome white families and dangerous Latinos), you'd think she is running as a segregationist (pre-Civil Rights movement) candidate.

I still think that is an apt description of her racially-poisoned ad.



Still, Behar was wrong for those her language in attacking Sharron Angle. In all honesty, she nearly lowered herself to Angle's lowly level (and that is hard to do).

Bill O'Reilly Goes On The Attack Against Detroit Free Press Cartoonist

Here is Mike Thompson's Detroit Free Press cartoon that apparently caused Bill O'Reilly to blow a nut.

Fox News far-right (I know ... kind of redundant) commentator Bill O'Reilly has been working overtime to take revenge on numerous people who have dared to in any way be what he perceives as negative toward Juan Williams, who made bigoted comments about his fear of Muslims on airplanes.

One of the targets of O'Reilly has been Detroit Free Press cartoonist and blogger Mike Thompson, who apparently drew a cartoon that drew the ire of Big Daddy Bill.

I found the response of Thompson, and a portion of it is published here:

For the past week, Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly and his colleagues at Fox News have been bending over backwards to defend former National Public Radio news analyst and current Fox commentator Juan Wiliams, who was fired from his NPR gig for making disparaging remarks about Muslims. A journalist should not be fired for speaking his mind, according to O’Reilly. No, apparently a journalist who speaks his mind should have his e-mail inbox crammed with threatening, disparaging e-mails, according to O’Reilly.

Last Sunday I drew a cartoon about Fox News and the Juan Wiliams affair. O’Reilly apparently took offense to my cartoon and showed it on the air Monday evening. He then gave out my work e-mail address and instructed his viewers to “let him know what you think.” O’Reilly stressed that his viewers should take the high road in their e-mails to me, which is a little like placing a bowl of Halloween candy in front of kids and telling them not to gorge themselves. O’Reilly’s smart enough to know what would happen.

And e-mail me they did, more than 2,500 e-mails, many of them unsuitable to publish here, clogged my inbox.

O'Reilly is not above name calling (does the word "pinhead" ring a bell?), badmouthing people (ask Boyce Watkins, the family of the murdered Dr. George Tiller and others), using blatant acts of intimidation (not unlike what gangs do), dispatching his hired thugs (disguised as "producers") to harass and badger his enemies and more. He has not resorted (yet) to the methods of U.S. senate candidate Rand Paul supporters through which he would have people beat down and stomp on critics.

Ah yes, tough guy Bill O'Reilly now is going after cartoonists.

A Letter From Media Matters For America: Drop Fox

Dear Sandy,

We've watched as Fox News has gone from a conservative-leaning news source to an active political player -- but over the last two years, Fox has taken an even darker turn, aggressively pushing outright lies, over-the-top attacks, conspiracy theories, and heated, violent rhetoric. This sharp turn for the worse is epitomized by Glenn Beck, the self-described "progressive hunter" who paints the network's political adversaries as poisonous threats to freedom, faith and the Constitution.

Beck's falsehoods and dark prophecies of the nation's destruction have already had dangerous consequences. Beck's message inspired Byron Williams to embark on a mission of violence -- an attempt to "start a revolution" by killing staff at progressive organizations, including frequent Beck target the Tides Foundation.

Advertisers who sponsor Fox programming aren't just putting ads on a television network. They're actively paying to support a toxic force in our political climate, enabling the worst kind of incitement and deliberate misinformation.

Thousands of you have signed up to join our campaign to get advertisers to drop Fox. Companies who sponsor Fox need to make a choice. And they need to hear that from you.

You can join our campaign to tell advertisers to Drop Fox today.

Beck hasn't backed down. He's only stepped up his vilification of the Tides Foundation and other progressives in increasingly apocalyptic language. And rather than recognizing the danger and reining in Beck, Fox is standing by him. Though hundreds of companies refuse to advertise on Beck's show, their ongoing support for Fox helps keep Beck on the air.

As People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan said:

Americans deserve a wide range of viewpoints in their media, but Glenn Beck's violent rhetoric has crossed the line ... we cannot stand mute as his hate-filled broadcasts incite listeners to violence against those he has targeted.

Corporations that advertise on Fox should do so with their eyes wide open to what their money is supporting and what the consequences could be.

You can join our campaign to tell advertisers to Drop Fox today.

Thank you for your support.

David Brock
Founder
Media Matters for America

P.S. - This weekend, as thousands come to D.C. for the Rally to Restore Sanity and the Rally to Keep Fear Alive, Media Matters for America is helping them get involved in this important campaign. Visit FoxKeepsFearAlive.com to learn more.

Race, The Tea Party, Barack Obama And Modern American Politics

Sharron Angle Is A Chilling Reminder Of The Pull Of Tea Baggers

Sharron Angle, who actually is in a position to possibly become a U.S. senator, should scare more people than she apparently does as she seeks to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator Harry Reid.

That Angle is as popular as she is in Nevada should send shockwaves up the backs of all people in the U.S.

This extremist, using this racially polarizing advertisement to her political advantage, is just too extreme.

Sadly, there is a chance she could win. If she does, the U.S. needs to pause and take a look in the mirror at the ugliness (Sharron Angle) it could send to such a prestigious body.

By watching her ad (showing wholesome white families and dangerous Latinos), you'd think she is running as a segregationist (pre-Civil Rights movement) candidate.

Think Progress:
http://thinkprogress.org/2010/10/25/angle-immigration-latinos/

Firing Of Juan Williams Illustrates The Bias Of Fox News

Let the Fox News hypocrisy and trend of double standards continue in the wake of the firing of Juan Williams by National Public Radio for his comments about fearing Muslims or people in Muslim garb when he is in airports or on airlines.

Conservatives now are bringing the heat to NPR with threats. Ah, the far-right hypocrisy continues. Many of these are the same people who attack the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton for using boycotts to fight what they see as injustices.

From Think Progress:

THE DOUBLE STANDARD: ThinkProgress first reported Williams' comments to highlight the bigoted nature of his remarks. ThinkProgress never called for any specific action to be taken, and NPR's firing of Williams came as a surprise. Many media figures, including NPR's own ombudsman, questioned NPR's decision to fire Williams before providing him with a chance to clarify his statements. As Serwer notes, "firing people for things like this tends to chill the public discourse. Misconceptions should be discussed publicly rather than driven underground." While arguably premature, the network is within its rights to terminate an employee whose public statements undermine its reputation as a credible news source. According to the announcement, NPR decided to terminate Williams' contract because his remarks "were inconsistent with our editorial standards and practices, and undermined his credibility as a news analyst with NPR." As stated in NPR CEO Vivian Schiller's email to member stations, his comments violated NPR's long-standing ethics code in which all journalists and contracted analysts like Williams cannot "express views they would not air in their role as an NPR journalist" nor "participate in shows...that encourage punditry and speculation rather than fact-based analysis." Nor was this the first time NPR admonished Williams on this issue. Last year, after Williams compared Michelle Obama to "Stokely Carmichael in a designer dress," NPR requested he no longer be identified as affiliated with NPR when appearing on Fox. The radio network's decision does advance the idea that there shouldn't be a double standard in what is and is not appropriate rhetoric on the airwaves. CNN host Rick Sanchez and White House correspondent Helen Thomas were fired for insensitive and irresponsible remarks about non-Muslims. CNN also fired Octavia Nasr for comments about a popular Muslim Lebanese leader which were deemed impolitic. If media figures can be fired for anti-Jewish or pro-Muslim comments, then the principle should be applied for anti-Muslim comments as well. But as Fox News proves time and again, anti-Muslim remarks are generally appreciated -- if not promoted -- on the network.

You see, it's OK for Fox News to use this kind of tactic or a similar kind of tactic when they want to protect one of their own or to protect an opinion for which they agree.

I don't feel the least bit sorry for Williams, who has willingly been used as a pawn by people at Fox News to attack black people and to stand in as a fake liberal.

As the excerpt illustrates, where was Fox News when Helen Thomas and Rick Sanchez were fired in high-profile dismissals?

Where were they when Octavia Nasr was let go?

They were silent because they're hypocrites.

Now, Fox News and others on the far right are calling for NPR funding to be revoked because it stood out against Williams' bigoted comments:

SELF-RIGHTEOUS: As if to prove the point, conservative pundits and politicians whipped into an apoplectic rage yesterday over NPR's announcement, with many decrying the termination as a quintessential attack method of the "super-liberal, politically correct goon squad ." An irate Fox News host Megyn Kelly blamed Council on American-Islamic Relations' (CAIR) Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper-- who had called for "swift action" against Williams -- for the firing, repeatedly asking "are you happy now?" Right-wing blogger Andrew Breitbart launched a boycott of NPR, declaring, "I refuse to be guest on NPR until Juan Williams is reinstated. I suggest all BIG editors, contributors follow same course." Former Arkansas governor and Fox News host Mike Huckabee not only joined in boycotting NPR's "censorship," but called on the government to "start making cuts to federal spending" by defunding NPR. Despite the fact that NPR gets less than six percent of its revenue from government grants and "receives no direct federal funding for operations," several more Republicans jumped on the defund bandwagon. "At a time when our country is dangerously in debt and looking for areas of federal spending to cut, I think we've found a good candidate for defunding" in NPR, wrote Tea Party maven Sarah Palin. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich called on Congress to "investigate NPR" and "consider cutting off their money," while House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) said, "I think it's reasonable to ask why Congress is spending taxpayers' money to support a left-wing radio network -- and in the wake of Juan Williams' firing, it's clearer than ever that's what NPR is." O'Reilly said he "wanted to take it further than that. I want it suspended today while the investigation takes place." GOP operative Karl Rove enthusiastically concurred, quipping "our country needs to save money." Last night, O'Reilly even announced to a distraught Williams that Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) will introduce legislation to defund NPR. "Congress is going to defund NPR," O'Reilly assured Williams, "and you did it."

Republican hypocrisy at its dubious worst.

Virginia Thomas Brings Up Ancient History In Asking Anita Hill For An Apology

I can still remember it, and it's stunning to think that it was like 19 years ago the nation experienced the Clarence Thomas-Anita Hill drama as it played out on national television during Thomas's U.S. Supreme Court nomination hearings.

Fast forward to present-day U.S.

This is from Media Matters for America:

A few days ago, Brandeis University professor Anita Hill received a message on her voice mail at work.

"Good morning, Anita Hill, it's Ginny Thomas," said the voice. "I just wanted to reach across the airwaves and the years and ask you to consider something. I would love you to consider an apology sometime and some full explanation of why you did what you did with my husband. So give it some thought and certainly pray about this and come to understand why you did what you did. OK, have a good day."

Are you serious? Is she still so troubled by that episode that she wants to bring it back into the national spotlight - nearly two decades after it all went down?

Well, the answer seems to be, "YES."

Now, as a full confession, this all happened during the days when I was more of a conservative (prior to my personal enlightenment). At the time, my feelings were that Thomas had the right to be a U.S. Supreme Court justice (even though I had no reason and have no reason to doubt Anita Hill's story).

Still, it is interesting that Ginny Thomas is back on this story.

Here's more from the article originally posted by ABC:

Mark Matthews of our affiliate KGO learned about this and reached out to Virginia Thomas.

Thomas e-mailed him, saying: "I did place a call to Ms. Hill at her office extending an olive branch to her after all these years, in hopes that we could ultimately get past what happened so long ago. That offer still stands, I would be very happy to meet and talk with her if she would be willing to do the same. Certainly no offense was ever intended."

No offense was intended, huh? What in the world is Virginia Thomas thinking? She makes a call essentially demanding an apology and then calls it an "olive branch" in a follow-up conversation via e-mail. I imagine Anita Hill is doing a better job of getting past the issue than is Ginny Thomas, who seems to still be quite troubled.

Virginia Thomas should have exorcised her own demons before stepping to Anita Hill. Her voicemail sounds/reads like the message of a person with major issues to confront.

Color Of Change Letter Regarding Turning Off Fox News

Here is a letter I received in my e-mail inbox from Color of Change:

Dear Sandy,

More than 200,000 people have joined the Turn Off Fox campaign, and there are more than 6,000 reports of public places playing Fox News. The next step in our campaign is to call those businesses on behalf of our membership and ask them to stop.

Can you take a moment to call a business in or near Big Rapids? It’s easy. When you click below you’ll get the name of the business and the phone number, along with a script you can read. Just click below to get started:
http://www.turnofffox.org/tools/call

Most of the places that we now know are playing Fox News haven’t yet been asked to stop playing it. And of those who have been approached, many haven’t been asked by multiple people and potential customers from their town.

Your phone call can help to change that, delivering the message — along with others near you — that everyday folks from your community have had enough of Fox News’ dangerous and divisive rhetoric.

Please take a moment to call on businesses near you to turn off Fox News. It’ll won't take much time, and it could help make a big difference.
http://www.turnofffox.org/tools/call

Thanks and Peace,

James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Natasha and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
Oct. 21, 2010

Morris Admits He Is Working For The GOP Through Fox News

Here is Dick Morris, a Fox News analyst, admitting what we already knew: He is working for the GOP and doing it for the love of the party and probably for the hatred of President Obama.

From the October 20 edition of Fox News Channel's The O'Reilly Factor:

With So-Called 'Anchor Babies,' Fox News Again Uses Race And Fear To Divide

I read this entry on News Hounds (describing what is, in essence, a typical day of race baiting, fear and xenophobia on Fox News):

Today’s Fox “anchor baby” shower spilled over from Fox “opinion” news to actual Fox “News” when Martha MacCallum talked about how “anchor babies” are an abuse of the 14th Amendment. But it turns out that the party began with American’s favorite “Aryan” morning show a.ka. “Fox & Friends” where blonde, Teutonic former Miss America Gretchen Carlson spoke of how the fight against “so called anchor babies” is brewing in a bunch of states. Gretch defined “anchor babies” as those born to illegal immigrants. (As opposed to those on student or other visas who are just so much better than those who work for deplorable wages, in deplorable conditions so that “real” Americans can make real profits.) If Fox really wants to extend the theme aspect of their party against undocumented (read, bad brown Spanish speaking people who pick our vegetables) then they should really have a Pinata.

Fox News ignores the offensive nature of the term "anchor baby" or "anchor babies" as it hits the airwaves.

I wanted to laugh at some of the descriptions but this hits pretty close to home when you take a look at what Fox News does 24/7 as a public relations firm for the GOP.

A Letter From NAACP President Benjamin Jealous Regarding Tea Party Extremism

Here is a letter sent out by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People:

Just moments ago, the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights (IREHR) released a report documenting specific examples of Tea Party leaders and Tea Party-associated organizations providing platforms for anti-Semites, racists and other bigots.

The report serves as a reminder: There is a very active presence of racists in America's public political discourse, and there is a very real threat of moving backward if we do not stand up and speak out.

Please take a moment to read more from the report:

http://action.naacp.org/TeaPartyReport

To be clear: Whether we agree with their policy positions or not, we at the NAACP believe the majority of Tea Party supporters are sincere, principled people of basic good will. We have no problem with their expression of political views in our great democracy.

We do, however, have a problem when prominent Tea Party members have direct ties to organizations like the Ku Klux Klan, and are allowed to use Tea Party events to spread their hateful messages. Moreover, we have a problem when Tea Party members call civil rights heroes vicious slurs or repeatedly and publicly deny the President's place of birth and his status as an American citizen.

Most importantly, we have a problem when regular Tea Party members stand silent as those who share the Tea Party name push a racist agenda. A great man once warned, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

We in the NAACP refuse to tolerate silence.

Last summer, after months of waiting for accountability, we publicly called on Tea Party leaders to repudiate those who would use the Tea Party platform to espouse racism or call for violence against any group in our society.

We are pleased that in response, Tea Party leaders took a few steps in the right direction. They expelled a leader who repeatedly made racist comments. They fired another who suggested gay people should be killed. Still, as this report shows, much remains to be done.

For more than one hundred years, the NAACP has stood sentinel against racism and hate violence in the United States. We know that we have a moral obligation, summarized succinctly in our nation's pledge of allegiance, to oppose those who would seek to tear the United States apart by espousing hatred or calling for violence against any group in our country.

We are One Nation. That is why we came together on October 2nd for a truly diverse March on Washington that spoke to this nation's greatest values. That is why we will continue to fight for hope, not hate.

I commend the research done by the IREHR. Their report proves why our work is more important than ever. I encourage you to read this comprehensive effort. It delves deeper into the specific evidence that prompted the NAACP's call on the Tea Party to act responsibly than any prior study:

http://action.naacp.org/TeaPartyReport

Today, America stands at a choice point in its historic march towards making our nation's pledge real. In one direction, there is the possibility of a real debate between people of good will about the options for moving our nation forward. In the other, there is a place filled with vicious hate, threats, and lies that can only take us backward.

Thank you for standing up for civil rights for all. Thank you for calling for the most basic civility in America's great town square. Thank you for insisting that America moves ever forward, never backward.

Yours in the struggle,

Ben Jealous
President and CEO
NAACP

Fox News Moron-In-Residence Brian Kilmeade Driven To Make Absurdly False Statement About Muslims

What drives some of these right-wing morons on Fox News to make such outrageous anti-Muslim comments?

Are they trying to inflame their white and conservative followers?

Are they trying to create an anti-Muslim climate (even more than the one that already exists in the U.S.)?

This is from Media Matters for America:

Kilmeade: "Not all Muslims are terrorists, but all terrorists are Muslims." On the October 15 edition of Fox News' Fox & Friends, Kilmeade defended O'Reilly's comments on the October 14 edition of ABC's The View by claiming the show's hosts "were outraged that somebody was saying there's a reason -- there was a certain group of people that attacked us on 9-11. It wasn't just one person. It was one religion. Not all Muslims are terrorists, but all terrorists are Muslims."

Later during his radio show, Kilmeade asserted that it's a "fact" that "every terrorist is a Muslim." On the October 15 edition of Fox News Radio's Kilmeade & Friends, Kilmeade stated: "Not every Muslim is an extremist, a terrorist, but every terrorist is a Muslim. You can't avoid that fact." From Kilmeade & Friends:

KILMEADE: Muslim extremists, Al Qaeda, blew up those buildings -- blew up the Khobar Towers, blew up the Cole, blew up the embassies, tried to blow up Times Square, tried to blow up the plane. The shoe bomber, the Times Square bomber, the underwear bomber -- they have one thing in common. They are all extremists, and they are all Muslims.

Not every Muslim is an extremist, a terrorist, but every terrorist is a Muslim. You can't avoid that fact. And that is ridiculous that we got to keep defining this - the people that equate Timothy McVeigh with the Al Qaeda terrorist organization, which is growing and a threat that exists.

Kilmeade seems to have (pun intended) whitewashed what it means to be a terrorist. He has minimized the cowardly and devastating terrorist act of Timothy McVeigh and his cohorts. Perhaps Kilmeade would have been tougher on McVeigh were he a little more Muslim.

He has minimized the wanton acts of terrorism committed by anti-abortion extremists. Because they are not Muslim (and because conservatives agree with the core principles of these anti-abortion idiots), this kind of terrorism is minimized.

I eagerly await Kilmeade's clarification of his idiotic stance. It's interesting that it will take him a whole weekend to think of the damage control he needs kick into gear.

If Kilmeade worked at a television station with ethics he probably would have gotten a pink slip. But, because he works at Fox News, he can say the most idiotic of things (as long as it is in line with far-right bigotry) and can survive.

Brian Kilmeade Of Fox News Proves To Be An Idiot Of Epic Proportions

Keith Olbermann has it right with this moron Brian Kilmeade of Fox News.

Waiting For Fox News Bias

Another good job by the Liberal Viewer.

Carl Paladino Is A Chilling Reminder Of Far-Right Extremism Gone Mainstream

We've seen an increase in extremism coming from the far right since the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States.

Those on the far right have just gone nuts in an obsession to attack President Obama and anyone even remotely leaning to the left.

Honestly, the extremism from the right is so extreme that we have seen an emergence of fringe politicians who even a few years ago would have been laughed out of races. Not anymore, these extreme candidates are finding a home in the GOP.

One prime example is Carl Paladino, a Republican candidate for governor of New York.

Here is an excerpt from a report from Media Matters for America. I would advise you to go to MMA's Web site and check out all of the craziness coming from this man.

Here is a tease:

New York GOP gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino recently said he didn't want children "brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option" as "getting married and raising a family." Right-wing pundits have since defended his remarks, calling his comments "dead on the money," "defensible," and "[not] bad at all."

How does a man like this get even remotely close to being governor of New York? It's crazy.

Reactions Of Beck And Producer Wreak Of Classism, Callousness And Bigotry

Here's a perfect example of what is increasingly wrong with so many conservatives in our country.

A family home burns down in Tennessee over this $75 fee that the couple did not pay. Instead of putting the fire out and charging the family for services rendered, the fire department essentially allows the house to burn to the ground.

Enter Fox News far, FAR right commentator Glenn Beck and one of his cronies (Pat Gray, a producer for his radio show).

Check out how these two sensitive Americans gently discuss the issue:

GRAY: (mocking Cranick’s accent) Even tho’ I hadn’t paid mah seventy five dollahs I thought dey’d put it out. [...] I wanted ‘em to put it out, but dey didn’t put it out.

BECK: Here’s the thing. Those that are just on raw feeling are not going to understand. [...]

GRAY: But I thought they was gonna put the fire out anyway, but it burned down. Dat ain’t right! [...] What’s the Fire Department for if you don’t put out the fire?! [...] I thought they’d put out mah fire even if I didn’t pay seventy five dollars.

BECK: This is the sort of argument that Americans are going to have.

GRAY: It is.

BECK: And it goes nowhere if you go onto “compassion, compassion, compassion, compassion” or well, “they should’ve put it out, what is the fire department for?” [...] If you don’t pay the 75 dollars then that hurts the fire department. They can’t use those resources, and you’d be sponging off your neighbor’s resources. [...] It’s important for America to have this debate. This is the kind of stuff that’s going to have to happen, we are going to have to have these kinds of things.

One can quickly see the bigotry and classism rearing its ugly head at the hands of these two right-wing knuckleheads who who have no problem joking about this man after his home burned to the ground.

What's next, the police charging a $75 and not stopping thugs from mugging an old lady because she did not pay up?

Lets hope not, but this is s sad commentary on where it seems our society is headed. It's one thing to repossess a car because of nonpayment, but to let a house burn down is disgraceful.

Cantor's Admissions About Jews And Underdogs Fast Becoming Par For The Course For Right Wing

Some things are stunning, even for our friends on the far right (Rep. Eric Cantor included).

This was published on Think Progress:

But during the interview, which was conducted by the paper’s conservative columnist Steve Moore, Cantor made a startling admission:

Mr. Cantor is the only Jewish Republican in the House and Senate (there are more than 40 Jewish Democrats), and we discuss why. “First of all,” he laughs, “I’m looking for some company in Randy Altschuler,” who is running in the first congressional district of New York. “Randy’s looking good in his race, so we are hoping to double the Jewish Republican caucus.”

Mr. Cantor believes the American-Jewish community is overwhelmingly Democratic because Jews “are prone to want to help the underdog.”

Jed Lewison at Daily Kos remarks, “As one of those American Jews, I’d like to thank Mr. Cantor for pointing out why so many of us vote Democratic.”

That is just a stunning set of remarks supposedly made by Cantor. It's disturbing that something like that would come out of his mouth. It's not stunning so much because it's offensive, but rather because of the remarkable insensitivity on the part of Cantor and so many others on the right.

Is helping the underdog really such a bad thing?

To Eric Cantor, apparently so.

Tennessee Fire Allowed To Burn Shows An Erosion Of American Values

The callousness of some people never cease to amaze me.

We have this story from Tennessee of a fire department essentially watching a family home burn to the ground because the owners did not pay a $75 fee to a nearby fire department.

I agree, it's cheap and to some extent it is gambling with your house and property. But, come on now. If a person is dying in the hospital emergency room ... do you not help the person because they may not have insurance or did not pay their last premium?

Seriously, put the fire out and bill the family for services rendered. For this town and these firefighters to allow that house to burn down runs counter to the American spirit.

It's an example of how far our society has plummeted since the days and weeks after 9/11 when we were all Americans pulling together to help one another.

To allow this home to burn down over $75 is pathetic and disgraceful.

Here are some opinions from the blog Booker Rising, which tends to feature the opinions of black conservatives:

The FOX Business analyst and conservative writes: "Much is being made over the home being allowed to burn to the ground because the owner didn't pay his $75.00 fee to the neighboring town's fire department. The owners of the home in Obion County in Tennessee offered to pay the fee when firefighters arrived, but that offer was turned down. The mayor explained that it's like trying to pay auto insurance after an accident. The family lost three dogs and a cat, along with their doublewide. This is a cautionary tale in so many ways. I think the firefighters should have put out the fire and charged an extra fee after."

More: "Beyond that is the economic reality that speaks to accountability. There are services we all willingly pay for, including police and fire protection. Big government advocates like to leverage those commonsense needs that are met by taxing for massive government spending that flies all over the board, and extends from protecting citizens from foreign and domestic invasion to protecting citizens from harming themselves or exercising creative thought. What is really interesting is why the county doesn't provide firefighters. Obion County has 33,000 residents whose incomes are well above the 2,500 of South Fulton."

Booker Rising response: No sympathy. The owners had enough money to care for three dogs and a cat, then they had enough money to pay the $75 fire department fee and protect their assets. They gambled with their home by choosing not the pay the fee beforehand....and lost big. And by the way, this ain't an example of libertarianism run amok. For one, the fire department is the only game in town. Two, they had no option for folks who want fires put out after not paying the fee. In a free market, such an option would emerge.

This is precisely the kind of libertarian mindset that is ruining this country and putting each person and each family on an island. I take care of my island and you take care of your island. it's like working in an office and everyone is in their silo. It's like walking through a building and seeing trash on the floor and saying "I am not picking that up ... it's the custodian's job and he gets paid to do it." Where's the mindset of helping your fellow person ... even if you need to invoice for services rendered?

Well, like the togetherness following 9/11 ... it apparently has become a passing fad.

No Surprise Angle Continues To Play Racial Politcs As Republicans Use Scorched-Earth Plan

It never ceases to amaze me how some people can make it so far in politics with so little of substance to stand on.

When not using Fox News as her personal public relations firm, Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle is left to her own devices (beginning with the usual race baiting).

From Think Progress:

Last month, Nevada senatorial candidate Sharron Angle (R) released an ad that portrayed opponent Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) as being the “best friend an illegal alien ever had.” This month, Angle’s latest racially-tinged ad goes after Reid and his support of undocumented students.

This is no surprise with Angle and Republicans in this 2012 mid-term election. Since Barack Obama was elected president, right wingers have become unhinged.

The right and the far right are in the midst of a scorched earth plan to win back the U.S. House of Representatives and possibly the U.S. Senate.

Their win, with these tactics, comes at the expense of this country. But, that is our country and it has survived worse.

Republicans spend so much time worrying about the government intruding in their lives, but then turn around and obsess about what people they think are "illegal" are getting.

But, if they don't think "illegal" immigrants are real people then I guess what is happening to them doesn't count in the eyes of the far right.

Sharron Angle did approve this message and that is the saddest part.

Just When You Think It Can't Get More Ridiculous ... In Comes Greg Gutfeld

Greg Gutfeld at his dubious best.

Greg Gutfeld, one of the Fox News right-wing talking heads, is leading the cries of the Fox News whiners over President Obama's comments about them in a Rolling Stone article.

The funny part is that Fox News is whining about President Obama talking about him all while calling the president "thin skinned." It's the height of hypocrisy (although Fox News takes us to new heights of absurdity and hypocrisy almost every night and, for that matter, throughout the day).

Here is a sample of what Big Hollywood resident genius (as Jon Stewart would say, being a genius on Big Hollywood is like "being the thinnest kid at fat camp") Greg Gutfeld had to say:

Okay. So, you’re the President of the United States, with both Houses under your control. You also have the most fawning press of any president in the history of the universe. And yet you let FNC get under your skin, because it’s the only network that doesn’t have a thrill up its leg?

Obama is like a sports team who owns the ref, the fans and the field- but refuses to play until the kid in the tenth row stops chewing gum.

So let’s indulge Obama’s fantasy: and imagine if FNC didn’t exist. Yeah, it’s the good old days, when the only media was a liberal one.

Well, Obama would still be in trouble. See, it wasn’t Fox who started the tea parties. It was Rick Santelli – and then America ran with it.

In fact, it would be far worse for Obama if there was no Fox, because then he’d only have the American people to bash. There is no Republican adversary, and without FNC – who’s left? You.

And this is why the Whiner-in-Chief needs us. It provides cover, so Obama can criticize Americans without ever saying “America.” He can just say Fox News instead.

I don’t mind. We’re happy to help.

And if you disagree with me, you’re a racist, homophobic, taurophobe.

The analogy to sports and refs was beyond stupid.

No, Greg, if we disagree with you we're probably sane and we're not down on our knees in front of Fox News and tea baggers (if there is any difference). So, stand up, Greg, brush off your knees and join us in society.

Also, it seems like the president is getting under the skin of the right wingers at Fox News who don't even pretend to be objective anymore. Fox has gone all in on the far right.

It's Red Eye because it bores us to tears.

Big Hollywood:
http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/ggutfeld/2010/09/28/obama-hates-us-he-really-hates-us-and-fox-news/#more-399365

Wall Street Journal:
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/09/30/president-obamas-rolling-stone-interview-excerpts/