“I might not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” I have no idea who first spoke these words, but I used to embrace them.
In today’s political climate of 24/7 say anything, I’m having second thoughts.
A couple of days ago I read a blog discussion about Sarah Palin’s new book, “Going Rogue: An American Life” - for days now the No. 1 “bestseller” on Amaxon.com . The post noted that some persons mentioned in Palin’s book are denying the veracity of the woman’s words.
Immediately, a Palin supporter pointed out that she has the “right to free speech.”
There is an ethical side to the claim of free speech. Of course, the Supreme Court has said free speech does not include yelling “fire!” in a crowded theater. And, there are libel and slander laws in place to protect persons from written or spoken defamation. The Court has ruled that “public figures” voluntarily put themselves in the spotlight and must prove “actual malice.” In any such lawsuit, truth is the best defense.
But, what about lies in the political arena, such as those in South Carolina which derailed John McCain’s bid for the 2000 Republican presidential nomination or the “swift-boating” which hurt John Kerry’s 2004 race?
Morally, is it a matter of free speech when persons lie in order to destroy an individual’s political ambitions? Are there moral connotations when persons spread outright lies to bring down anyone whose ideas they oppose? Did George W. Bush promote free speech when he allowed only supporters into his speeches and rallies, relegating those who opposed him to “free-speech zones” far from the venue in which he appeared?
In 2003, a federal court in Florida unanimously ruled that it is OK for Fox News to lie to its viewers. The defense argued there are no laws in the United States prohibiting media lies. A perfect defense.
I suspect when the Bill of Rights was adopted, guaranteeing basic freedoms, those who wrote the words had no idea how immoral politics and purveyors of opinion could become.
It is, after all, a question of right and wrong, isn’t it?
As long as lies are protected by the First Amendment, we must rely on the standard set forth in John Milton’s great plea for a free press, Aeropagitica:
“Let truth and falsehood grapple. Whoever knew truth put to the worse in a free and open encounter?”
An old Chinese proverb says, “A lie goes around the world while truth is still putting on its shoes.” That was never more true than today. I wonder what Milton would argue in a day of 24/7 cable news, the World Wide Web and No. 1 bestsellers?
I’m betting he would still believe in the power of truth.
11.19.2009
11.17.2009
'Failure is not an option'
For more than two decades 40-year-old Alva Williams of Upstate South Carolina has had a personal motto: “Failure is not an option.”
The Physical Abilities Test of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy is described thusly by WSPA-TV writer Robert Kittle:
“Recruits have to run around the outside of the half-court twice, then hop over two 18-inch obstacles, climb up a flight of stairs, down the other side then turn around and go up and down again, crawl under a pipe that’s three feet off the ground, jump over a 6-foot-wide “ditch”, jump over a 4-and-a-half foot fence, and then climb through a ‘window’ that’s about 4-and-a-half feet off the ground, then drag a 150-pound sandbag, finishing with another lap around the perimeter. And they have to do all that in under 2 minutes and 6 seconds.”
Alva finished this physical test on two occasions just seconds over the time limit. Joining the next class of recruits, he conquered the obstacle course with 17 seconds to spare.
On Friday, October 30, Alva graduated from the Academy with two distinctions.
He won the Courage Award.
And, he became the first person in the state, and possibly the country, to accomplish what he did.
Alva has an above-the-knee leg prosthesis. His leg was amputated follwing a football injury when he was 16.
He is now an officer with the Travelers Rest, S.C., police department, fulfilling his longtime dream.
Need a feel-good moment today? Read Alva Williams’ inspiring story, beautifully conveyed by WSPA’s Kittle. (Scroll below the video for the article.)
And, the next time you encounter some seemingly insurmountable obstacle, remember Alva’s motto.
The Physical Abilities Test of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy is described thusly by WSPA-TV writer Robert Kittle:
“Recruits have to run around the outside of the half-court twice, then hop over two 18-inch obstacles, climb up a flight of stairs, down the other side then turn around and go up and down again, crawl under a pipe that’s three feet off the ground, jump over a 6-foot-wide “ditch”, jump over a 4-and-a-half foot fence, and then climb through a ‘window’ that’s about 4-and-a-half feet off the ground, then drag a 150-pound sandbag, finishing with another lap around the perimeter. And they have to do all that in under 2 minutes and 6 seconds.”
Alva finished this physical test on two occasions just seconds over the time limit. Joining the next class of recruits, he conquered the obstacle course with 17 seconds to spare.
On Friday, October 30, Alva graduated from the Academy with two distinctions.
He won the Courage Award.
And, he became the first person in the state, and possibly the country, to accomplish what he did.
Alva has an above-the-knee leg prosthesis. His leg was amputated follwing a football injury when he was 16.
He is now an officer with the Travelers Rest, S.C., police department, fulfilling his longtime dream.
Need a feel-good moment today? Read Alva Williams’ inspiring story, beautifully conveyed by WSPA’s Kittle. (Scroll below the video for the article.)
And, the next time you encounter some seemingly insurmountable obstacle, remember Alva’s motto.
11.14.2009
'It's not personal, it's business'
Late Friday night I was feeling great. I had almost made it through Friday the 13th with no apparent problems. The New York strip steak I had for dinner was perfect. Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher had just been rescued from the cave in the book I’m listening to. Then, I received the following email:
Obama and his Muslim faith. A muslim president of a Christian nation is a scary thought.
Read this before it is removed. If the administration finds it they will remove immediately.
Watch the YouTube video, “Obama Admits He’s a Muslim.”.
***
"Jesus Christ," I said out loud, "hasn't this been laid to rest?" This email was offensive to me on so many levels and spoiled an otherwise perfect evening. How do you respond without saying “you are ignorant” to the person who sent it? How do you respond without seeming to attack Christianity?
I have chosen to respond on DemWit. To the person who sent the email I quote the line from "The Godfather" trilogy, "It's not personal, it's business." Here are a few facts:
1) I am Christian.
2) Barack Obama is Christian
3) The United States of America is not “a Christian nation.” While the majority of its citizens are of the Christian religion, the Constitution clearly states, “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …” The first part of this clause means America cannot be declared “a Christian nation.” The second means any citizen may worship freely in this country – Muslim, Jew, Christian – or even choose not to worship at all.
4) There is an overriding assumption in the email that all Muslims are evil. Islamic Jihadists are our enemies, an evil presence just as extremists in any religion are, including fanatical Christians.
5) It’s just plain stupid to assert the Obama administration would “remove” this YouTube video. It’s been up since September 2008, and it hasn’t been removed yet. And, it sure as hell didn’t have an impact on Election 2008.
I am on a dial-up connections, too slow to view videos, so I took a trip through Googleland and came up with the original interview from which the YouTube video was lifted out of context.
Obama did not “admit” on ABC to being a Muslim
Here’s the full exchange with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, making it perfectly clear that when Obama says “John McCain has not talked about my Muslim faith,” he meant “John McCain has not claimed I am Muslim.” He’s referring to efforts to smear him, and both he and Stephanopoulos clear the statement up.
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: You mention your Christian faith. Yesterday you took off after the Republicans for suggesting you have Muslim connections. Just a few minutes ago, Rick Davis, John McCain’s campaign manager, said they’ve never done that. This is a false and cynical attempt to play victim.
SEN. BARACK OBAMA: You know what? I mean, these guys love to throw a rock and hide their hand. The …
STEPHANOPOULOS: The McCain campaign has never suggested you have Muslim connections.
OBAMA: No, no, no. But the — I don’t think that when you look at what is being promulgated on Fox News, let’s say, and Republican commentators who are closely allied to these folks …
STEPHANOPOULOS: But John McCain said that’s wrong.
OBAMA: Now, well, look. Listen. You and I both know that the minute that Governor Palin was forced to talk about her daughter, I immediately said that’s off limits. And …
STEPHANOPOULOS: But John McCain said the same thing about questioning your faith.
OBAMA: And what was the first thing the McCain campaign went out and did? They said, look, these liberal blogs that support Obama are out there attacking Governor Palin. Let’s not play games. What I was suggesting — you’re absolutely right that John McCain has not talked about my Muslim faith. And you’re absolutely right that that has not come …
STEPHANOPOULOS: Christian faith.
OBAMA: — my Christian faith. Well, what I’m saying is that he hasn’t suggested …
STEPHANOPOULOS: Has connections, right.
OBAMA: … that I’m a Muslim. And I think that his campaign’s upper echelons have not, either.
Obama and his Muslim faith. A muslim president of a Christian nation is a scary thought.
Read this before it is removed. If the administration finds it they will remove immediately.
Watch the YouTube video, “Obama Admits He’s a Muslim.”.
***
"Jesus Christ," I said out loud, "hasn't this been laid to rest?" This email was offensive to me on so many levels and spoiled an otherwise perfect evening. How do you respond without saying “you are ignorant” to the person who sent it? How do you respond without seeming to attack Christianity?
I have chosen to respond on DemWit. To the person who sent the email I quote the line from "The Godfather" trilogy, "It's not personal, it's business." Here are a few facts:
1) I am Christian.
2) Barack Obama is Christian
3) The United States of America is not “a Christian nation.” While the majority of its citizens are of the Christian religion, the Constitution clearly states, “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …” The first part of this clause means America cannot be declared “a Christian nation.” The second means any citizen may worship freely in this country – Muslim, Jew, Christian – or even choose not to worship at all.
4) There is an overriding assumption in the email that all Muslims are evil. Islamic Jihadists are our enemies, an evil presence just as extremists in any religion are, including fanatical Christians.
5) It’s just plain stupid to assert the Obama administration would “remove” this YouTube video. It’s been up since September 2008, and it hasn’t been removed yet. And, it sure as hell didn’t have an impact on Election 2008.
I am on a dial-up connections, too slow to view videos, so I took a trip through Googleland and came up with the original interview from which the YouTube video was lifted out of context.
Obama did not “admit” on ABC to being a Muslim
Here’s the full exchange with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, making it perfectly clear that when Obama says “John McCain has not talked about my Muslim faith,” he meant “John McCain has not claimed I am Muslim.” He’s referring to efforts to smear him, and both he and Stephanopoulos clear the statement up.
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: You mention your Christian faith. Yesterday you took off after the Republicans for suggesting you have Muslim connections. Just a few minutes ago, Rick Davis, John McCain’s campaign manager, said they’ve never done that. This is a false and cynical attempt to play victim.
SEN. BARACK OBAMA: You know what? I mean, these guys love to throw a rock and hide their hand. The …
STEPHANOPOULOS: The McCain campaign has never suggested you have Muslim connections.
OBAMA: No, no, no. But the — I don’t think that when you look at what is being promulgated on Fox News, let’s say, and Republican commentators who are closely allied to these folks …
STEPHANOPOULOS: But John McCain said that’s wrong.
OBAMA: Now, well, look. Listen. You and I both know that the minute that Governor Palin was forced to talk about her daughter, I immediately said that’s off limits. And …
STEPHANOPOULOS: But John McCain said the same thing about questioning your faith.
OBAMA: And what was the first thing the McCain campaign went out and did? They said, look, these liberal blogs that support Obama are out there attacking Governor Palin. Let’s not play games. What I was suggesting — you’re absolutely right that John McCain has not talked about my Muslim faith. And you’re absolutely right that that has not come …
STEPHANOPOULOS: Christian faith.
OBAMA: — my Christian faith. Well, what I’m saying is that he hasn’t suggested …
STEPHANOPOULOS: Has connections, right.
OBAMA: … that I’m a Muslim. And I think that his campaign’s upper echelons have not, either.
IN CONCLUSION, it took me 10 minutes to research this allegation. If the persons who pass this crap along would take a few minutes to verify it rather than spread bogus information, this would be a better world – and my contented evening would not have been interrupted.
11.12.2009
Lou Dobbs' higher calling
At one time or the other, Lou Dobbs, who joined CNN at its inception in 1980, has met every criteria of DemWit’s description to your left.
Dobbs became a respected journalist anchoring CNN’s “Moneyline.” His reporting on the 1987 stock market crash earned him the George Foster Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting, the venue’s most prestigious honor. He won an Emmy for life achievement in 2005.
Morphing into an advocacy journalist, Dobbs became rabid in his reporting on certain issues. Night after night after night, he became more obsessive and egocentric. You could tune in any night and within one minute you heard the terms “broken borders” and “illegal immigrants.”
Ignoring major polls, Dobbs cited only those which backed his manic convictions.
Then, he joined the far-right’s “birther” movement, demanding that President Obama produce a "legitimate" birth certificate to prove his U.S. citizenship.
Both he and CNN have stated his departure last night from the cable network's nightly lineup was “amicable,” but it’s common knowledge that he has brought controversy to the network in recent years.
Anyone who quoted Lou Dobss to me was met with a pat answer: “Lou Dobbs is an idiot!”
In words similar to those of Sarah Palin, Dobbs sees before him some grandiose mission:
"Over the past six months, it has become increasingly clear that strong winds of change have begun buffeting this country and affecting all of us, and some leaders in media, politics and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem-solving as well as to contribute positively to a better understanding of the great issues of our day and to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible."
Problem-solving and honesty from a man who believes the president of the United States is an illegal immigrant?
Keep an eye on these wingnuts who are leaving their high-paying and prestigious positions to embrace a higher calling.
Read comments by Dobbs and CNN President Jonathan Klein HERE.
UPDATE: Media Matters for America's home page has full coverage of Lou Dobbs' departure from CNN, including "What Really Happened."
Dobbs became a respected journalist anchoring CNN’s “Moneyline.” His reporting on the 1987 stock market crash earned him the George Foster Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting, the venue’s most prestigious honor. He won an Emmy for life achievement in 2005.
Morphing into an advocacy journalist, Dobbs became rabid in his reporting on certain issues. Night after night after night, he became more obsessive and egocentric. You could tune in any night and within one minute you heard the terms “broken borders” and “illegal immigrants.”
Ignoring major polls, Dobbs cited only those which backed his manic convictions.
Then, he joined the far-right’s “birther” movement, demanding that President Obama produce a "legitimate" birth certificate to prove his U.S. citizenship.
Both he and CNN have stated his departure last night from the cable network's nightly lineup was “amicable,” but it’s common knowledge that he has brought controversy to the network in recent years.
Anyone who quoted Lou Dobss to me was met with a pat answer: “Lou Dobbs is an idiot!”
In words similar to those of Sarah Palin, Dobbs sees before him some grandiose mission:
"Over the past six months, it has become increasingly clear that strong winds of change have begun buffeting this country and affecting all of us, and some leaders in media, politics and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem-solving as well as to contribute positively to a better understanding of the great issues of our day and to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible."
Problem-solving and honesty from a man who believes the president of the United States is an illegal immigrant?
Keep an eye on these wingnuts who are leaving their high-paying and prestigious positions to embrace a higher calling.
Read comments by Dobbs and CNN President Jonathan Klein HERE.
UPDATE: Media Matters for America's home page has full coverage of Lou Dobbs' departure from CNN, including "What Really Happened."
11.11.2009
Honoring our veterans
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
- John McCrae
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
- John McCrae
11.09.2009
Graham crosses 'the climate Rubicon'
DemWit would like to commend South Carolina Sen. Lindsey O. Graham. Quite often, I disagree with Graham’s stance on issues and let him know about it. On the occasions he listens to his own conscience and swims against the conservative tide, he deserves kudos.
On one stance, Graham is in hot water with his fellow Republicans.
According to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) the party of “no” became the party of “no show” last week when Republican senators boycotted the legislative markup of a bill designed to produce clean energy and related jobs.
The nations of the world are looking to the United States for leadership as they prepare to gather in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December to develop the successor to the Kyoto Protocol. That global warming treaty was signed by every major nation except the United States, despite our country being one of the largest contributors of carbon emissions.
The Center for American Progress identifies the opposition in America:
“Fossil fuel companies, conservative business lobbying organizations and right-wing pundits have led the resistance. Exxon Mobil alone spent $7.2 million on lobbying in the last quarter - more than the total of the entire alternative energy sector or environmental organizations. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which called for a 'Scopes monkey trial' on climate science in August, suffered months of defections and outside pressure. Grudgingly accepting the need for action, the Chamber is still opposing 'targets and timetables' for reducing carbon pollution.” Particulary outspoken is Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Inhofe, who denies the existence of a global warming problem.
It takes a brave man to stand up to such opposition, and Sen. Graham is paying the price.
On 10 October 2009, Graham co-authoried a New York Times op-ed column with Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) titled “Yes We Can (Pass Climate Change Legislation).”
According to The Progress Report of 5 November 2009, “Graham (on 4 November) rebuked senators unwilling to address carbon pollution, saying that he has ‘seen the effects of a warming planet.’ Graham called for the U.S. to ‘lead the world rather than follow the world on carbon pollution’ to ‘create millions of new jobs for Americans that need them.’
“Graham has ‘crossed the climate Rubicon,’ abandoning denialist conservative activists by recognizing the threat of global warming and working with Democrats. Conservative activists have accused Graham of ‘going to bed with John Kerry’ and making a ‘pact with the devil’ and called him a ‘traitor,’ ‘a Democrat in drag’ and a ‘wussypants, girly-man, half-a-sissy.’
It is not lost on me that all this absurd name-calling is playing off persistent whispering that Graham is gay. I mention this only to point out how dirty the right-wing fights.
The Progress Report continues, “The American Energy Alliance, ‘funded in part by oil and natural gas companies, utilities and other energy-industry firms’ and staffed by Republican operatives, is running ads in South Carolina accusing Graham of supporting ‘new energy taxes’ that will ‘further harm our economy and kill millions of American jobs.’
"But, Graham also has local supporters, who argue that ‘Graham is fighting for South Carolina's needs in the national energy debate.’ John Courson, a conservative South Carolina state senator and former Marine, shot back that ‘when you see all the ads attacking Lindsey Graham for supporting energy reform, just remember this: The special interest groups are protecting their own profits. Lindsey Graham is fighting for South Carolina.’
Beyond that, on this issue, Lindsey Graham is fighting for America, for the world and for the future. So, a tip of the hat today to my senator.
On one stance, Graham is in hot water with his fellow Republicans.
According to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) the party of “no” became the party of “no show” last week when Republican senators boycotted the legislative markup of a bill designed to produce clean energy and related jobs.
The nations of the world are looking to the United States for leadership as they prepare to gather in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December to develop the successor to the Kyoto Protocol. That global warming treaty was signed by every major nation except the United States, despite our country being one of the largest contributors of carbon emissions.
The Center for American Progress identifies the opposition in America:
“Fossil fuel companies, conservative business lobbying organizations and right-wing pundits have led the resistance. Exxon Mobil alone spent $7.2 million on lobbying in the last quarter - more than the total of the entire alternative energy sector or environmental organizations. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which called for a 'Scopes monkey trial' on climate science in August, suffered months of defections and outside pressure. Grudgingly accepting the need for action, the Chamber is still opposing 'targets and timetables' for reducing carbon pollution.” Particulary outspoken is Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Inhofe, who denies the existence of a global warming problem.
It takes a brave man to stand up to such opposition, and Sen. Graham is paying the price.
On 10 October 2009, Graham co-authoried a New York Times op-ed column with Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) titled “Yes We Can (Pass Climate Change Legislation).”
According to The Progress Report of 5 November 2009, “Graham (on 4 November) rebuked senators unwilling to address carbon pollution, saying that he has ‘seen the effects of a warming planet.’ Graham called for the U.S. to ‘lead the world rather than follow the world on carbon pollution’ to ‘create millions of new jobs for Americans that need them.’
“Graham has ‘crossed the climate Rubicon,’ abandoning denialist conservative activists by recognizing the threat of global warming and working with Democrats. Conservative activists have accused Graham of ‘going to bed with John Kerry’ and making a ‘pact with the devil’ and called him a ‘traitor,’ ‘a Democrat in drag’ and a ‘wussypants, girly-man, half-a-sissy.’
It is not lost on me that all this absurd name-calling is playing off persistent whispering that Graham is gay. I mention this only to point out how dirty the right-wing fights.
The Progress Report continues, “The American Energy Alliance, ‘funded in part by oil and natural gas companies, utilities and other energy-industry firms’ and staffed by Republican operatives, is running ads in South Carolina accusing Graham of supporting ‘new energy taxes’ that will ‘further harm our economy and kill millions of American jobs.’
"But, Graham also has local supporters, who argue that ‘Graham is fighting for South Carolina's needs in the national energy debate.’ John Courson, a conservative South Carolina state senator and former Marine, shot back that ‘when you see all the ads attacking Lindsey Graham for supporting energy reform, just remember this: The special interest groups are protecting their own profits. Lindsey Graham is fighting for South Carolina.’
Beyond that, on this issue, Lindsey Graham is fighting for America, for the world and for the future. So, a tip of the hat today to my senator.
11.06.2009
Murdoch defends Fox feuds
During a business interview via conference call from Sydney, Australia, Rupert Murdoch was asked about Fox News’ “feuds” with both MSNBC and the White House.
The News Corp chairman, 78, in a classic Faustian defense of his flagship enterprise claimed, “We did not start this abuse.”
Murdoch was referring to Keith Olbermann and others at MSNBC and to a White House attempt to ban Fox News from a pool interview. He said MSNBC started the feud, and Fox had to “retaliate.” Of the White House matter, Murdoch said Fox News’ competition came to its defense.
Interestingly, he added this about the White House, “"We haven't really had any continuing problem there at all. We cover them, and they have said publicly that we are absolutely fair in our reporting of the White House. They just don't like one or two of our commentators, which we understand."
You didn’t start this abuse, Mr. Murdoch? It’s OK, in your view, for Fox News to malign President Obama, falsely reporting on every aspect of his campaign and his presidency?
Nevermind that, aside from commentators like Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck and a whole host of guests, all of whom repeatedly lie to viewers – a fact backed up by documentation – Fox News’ reporting is often nuanced and driven, right down to biased bottom-of-the-screen headlines.
So what if Keith Olbermann merely reports what your ratings-happy clowns say verbatim and then knocks their own words down with facts?
Could it possibly matter that Fox News won a lawsuit based on its only defense: that it’s OK to lie to its viewers? “In February 2003, a Florida Court of Appeals unanimously agreed with an assertion by FOX News that there is no rule against distorting or falsifying the news in the United States.” (Read about the Florida case HERE.)
As a journalist, I can think of few actions more harmful to this country than falsifying the news to fit a political agenda.
Rupert Murdoch made a deal with the devil in amassing his media empire. At age 78, he might soon meet his dealmaker face to face.
The News Corp chairman, 78, in a classic Faustian defense of his flagship enterprise claimed, “We did not start this abuse.”
Murdoch was referring to Keith Olbermann and others at MSNBC and to a White House attempt to ban Fox News from a pool interview. He said MSNBC started the feud, and Fox had to “retaliate.” Of the White House matter, Murdoch said Fox News’ competition came to its defense.
Interestingly, he added this about the White House, “"We haven't really had any continuing problem there at all. We cover them, and they have said publicly that we are absolutely fair in our reporting of the White House. They just don't like one or two of our commentators, which we understand."
You didn’t start this abuse, Mr. Murdoch? It’s OK, in your view, for Fox News to malign President Obama, falsely reporting on every aspect of his campaign and his presidency?
Nevermind that, aside from commentators like Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck and a whole host of guests, all of whom repeatedly lie to viewers – a fact backed up by documentation – Fox News’ reporting is often nuanced and driven, right down to biased bottom-of-the-screen headlines.
So what if Keith Olbermann merely reports what your ratings-happy clowns say verbatim and then knocks their own words down with facts?
Could it possibly matter that Fox News won a lawsuit based on its only defense: that it’s OK to lie to its viewers? “In February 2003, a Florida Court of Appeals unanimously agreed with an assertion by FOX News that there is no rule against distorting or falsifying the news in the United States.” (Read about the Florida case HERE.)
As a journalist, I can think of few actions more harmful to this country than falsifying the news to fit a political agenda.
Rupert Murdoch made a deal with the devil in amassing his media empire. At age 78, he might soon meet his dealmaker face to face.
11.04.2009
Anatomy of HR. 867
House Resolution 867 passed the U.S. House yesterday with the following votes: 344 yeas, 36 nays, 22 answering “present” and 30 not voting.
The bill title: “Calling on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose unequivocally any endorsement or further consideration of the ‘Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict’ in multilateral fora “
Having followed closely the story which led to this vote in the U.S. House, I believe it is fair to ask if 344 members of Congress knew exactly what they were voting on, or did they stand en masse for a pro-Israeli vote?
THE RESOLUTION:
HR. 867, with all its “whereases” can be read HERE. Essentially, it calls the United Nations’ fact-finding report on the Gaza conflict earlier this year a pack of lies.
THE GOLDSTONE REPORT:
The United Nations report, authored by Justice Richard Goldstone, concludes that “war crimes” were committed by both Palestinians and Israelis during the conflict, resulting in destruction of schools and hospitals and the deaths of civilians, including children.
JUSTICE GOLDSTONE’S CREDENTIALS:
Former South African Constitutional Court Justice Richard Goldstone “led the investigations of abuses in South Africa, the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Kosovo, and worked to identify and prosecute Nazi war criminals as a member of the Panel of the Commission of Enquiry into the Activities of Nazism in Argentina.”
ACCOUNTABILITY:
According to the international rights organization Avaaz, “(President) Obama, our allies in Europe, almost everyone wants basic accountability for war crimes - starting with national investigations on both sides. Under pressure, Israeli cabinet members and Palestinian leaders are themselves considering such inquiries. By endorsing House Resolution 867, Congress would be uncritically taking sides - seeking to tie the president’s hands, and wreck the UN process and all chance of truth and justice.”
(NOTE: According to its Web site, “Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people inform global decision-making. Avaaz means 'voice' in many languages. Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations, and is staffed by a global team based in Ottawa, London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Buenos Aires and Geneva.”)
QUESTIONS:
In a Common Dreams article titled “Israel and Gaza Deserve Better Than HR 867,” Congressman Brian Baird, a Democrat who represents Washington’s 3rd District, asked some very legitimate questions prior to the House vote. Baird was one of two Americans who entered the war zone immediately following the bombing campaign.
* Why are we bringing this resolution to the floor without ever giving former South African Constitutional Court Justice Richard Goldstone a hearing to explain his findings?
* Have those who will vote on H.Res. 867 actually read the resolution?
* Have they read the Goldstone report?
* Are they aware that Justice Goldstone has issued a paragraph-by-paragraph response ... to HR. 867, pointing out that many of its assertions are factually inaccurate or deeply misleading?
* Since scarcely a dozen House members have actually been to Gaza, what actual firsthand knowledge do the rest of the members of Congress possess on which to base their judgment of the merits of H.Res. 867 or the Goldstone report?
* What will it say about this Congress and our country if we so readily seek to block "any further consideration" of a human rights investigation produced by one of the most respected jurists in the world today?
BAIRD’S CONCLUSION:
Rep. Baird concludes, “As one of the first two American officials, along with Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), to enter Gaza shortly after the conclusion of major bombing from ‘Operation Cast Lead,’ then again several months later, I have seen firsthand the devastating destruction of hospitals, schools, homes, industries and infrastructure. Much of that devastation was wrought using U.S. manufactured and paid for weaponry. I have also spoken with health workers, average Gazans, nongovernmental organization relief workers and many others.
“In addition, I have been to the Israeli town of Sderot, which has been the target of repeated rocket attacks, and to a number of Palestinian towns and Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Colleagues who have not been to the region may wish to view some of the images and interviews from these visits on my Web site.
“With the information from these personal visits and on-the-ground knowledge, I read with care and interest the Goldstone report in its entirety, and my firm conclusion is that, although the findings may be unpleasant and troubling, they are, unfortunately, consistent with the facts and evidence. In my judgment, far from meriting the obstruction called for in H.Res. 867, the Goldstone report is without question worthy of further investigation.”
MY CONCLUSIONS:
Yesterday, 344 U.S. House members voted to condemn Justice Goldstone’s report. How they would answer Rep. Baird’s questions may never be known. I plan to write a letter to my congressman, J. Gresham Barrett, who aspires to be South Carolina's governor, and ask him to answer each of the questions for me. (How did your representative vote?)
The Goldstone report places blame for war crimes on Israelis and Palestinians. The United States of America can never broker a Middle East peace accord if our elected representatives are scared that any condemnation of Israel will be viewed as “anti-Semitic.” It is my opinion that this is the reason for 344 yea votes to squelch a report of this magnitude.
Finally, how long can we embrace our nation if torture and war crimes are acceptable over truth and justice?
The bill title: “Calling on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose unequivocally any endorsement or further consideration of the ‘Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict’ in multilateral fora “
Having followed closely the story which led to this vote in the U.S. House, I believe it is fair to ask if 344 members of Congress knew exactly what they were voting on, or did they stand en masse for a pro-Israeli vote?
THE RESOLUTION:
HR. 867, with all its “whereases” can be read HERE. Essentially, it calls the United Nations’ fact-finding report on the Gaza conflict earlier this year a pack of lies.
THE GOLDSTONE REPORT:
The United Nations report, authored by Justice Richard Goldstone, concludes that “war crimes” were committed by both Palestinians and Israelis during the conflict, resulting in destruction of schools and hospitals and the deaths of civilians, including children.
JUSTICE GOLDSTONE’S CREDENTIALS:
Former South African Constitutional Court Justice Richard Goldstone “led the investigations of abuses in South Africa, the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Kosovo, and worked to identify and prosecute Nazi war criminals as a member of the Panel of the Commission of Enquiry into the Activities of Nazism in Argentina.”
ACCOUNTABILITY:
According to the international rights organization Avaaz, “(President) Obama, our allies in Europe, almost everyone wants basic accountability for war crimes - starting with national investigations on both sides. Under pressure, Israeli cabinet members and Palestinian leaders are themselves considering such inquiries. By endorsing House Resolution 867, Congress would be uncritically taking sides - seeking to tie the president’s hands, and wreck the UN process and all chance of truth and justice.”
(NOTE: According to its Web site, “Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people inform global decision-making. Avaaz means 'voice' in many languages. Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations, and is staffed by a global team based in Ottawa, London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Buenos Aires and Geneva.”)
QUESTIONS:
In a Common Dreams article titled “Israel and Gaza Deserve Better Than HR 867,” Congressman Brian Baird, a Democrat who represents Washington’s 3rd District, asked some very legitimate questions prior to the House vote. Baird was one of two Americans who entered the war zone immediately following the bombing campaign.
* Why are we bringing this resolution to the floor without ever giving former South African Constitutional Court Justice Richard Goldstone a hearing to explain his findings?
* Have those who will vote on H.Res. 867 actually read the resolution?
* Have they read the Goldstone report?
* Are they aware that Justice Goldstone has issued a paragraph-by-paragraph response ... to HR. 867, pointing out that many of its assertions are factually inaccurate or deeply misleading?
* Since scarcely a dozen House members have actually been to Gaza, what actual firsthand knowledge do the rest of the members of Congress possess on which to base their judgment of the merits of H.Res. 867 or the Goldstone report?
* What will it say about this Congress and our country if we so readily seek to block "any further consideration" of a human rights investigation produced by one of the most respected jurists in the world today?
BAIRD’S CONCLUSION:
Rep. Baird concludes, “As one of the first two American officials, along with Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), to enter Gaza shortly after the conclusion of major bombing from ‘Operation Cast Lead,’ then again several months later, I have seen firsthand the devastating destruction of hospitals, schools, homes, industries and infrastructure. Much of that devastation was wrought using U.S. manufactured and paid for weaponry. I have also spoken with health workers, average Gazans, nongovernmental organization relief workers and many others.
“In addition, I have been to the Israeli town of Sderot, which has been the target of repeated rocket attacks, and to a number of Palestinian towns and Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Colleagues who have not been to the region may wish to view some of the images and interviews from these visits on my Web site.
“With the information from these personal visits and on-the-ground knowledge, I read with care and interest the Goldstone report in its entirety, and my firm conclusion is that, although the findings may be unpleasant and troubling, they are, unfortunately, consistent with the facts and evidence. In my judgment, far from meriting the obstruction called for in H.Res. 867, the Goldstone report is without question worthy of further investigation.”
MY CONCLUSIONS:
Yesterday, 344 U.S. House members voted to condemn Justice Goldstone’s report. How they would answer Rep. Baird’s questions may never be known. I plan to write a letter to my congressman, J. Gresham Barrett, who aspires to be South Carolina's governor, and ask him to answer each of the questions for me. (How did your representative vote?)
The Goldstone report places blame for war crimes on Israelis and Palestinians. The United States of America can never broker a Middle East peace accord if our elected representatives are scared that any condemnation of Israel will be viewed as “anti-Semitic.” It is my opinion that this is the reason for 344 yea votes to squelch a report of this magnitude.
Finally, how long can we embrace our nation if torture and war crimes are acceptable over truth and justice?
11.02.2009
'Project Censored - 2010'
"Project Censored is one of the organizations that we should listen to, to be assured that our newspapers and our broadcast outlets are practicing thorough and ethical journalism."
— Walter Cronkite
***
It’s that time of the year again! Sonoma State University has released its 33rd annual “Project Censored” list.
Here are the top 25 news stories of 2009 most neglected by the U.S. media. (To read articles, go to the link at the bottom of this post, where each headline is an active link to the story.)
1. U.S. Congress Sells Out to Wall Street
2. U.S. Schools are More Segregated Today than in the 1950s
3. Toxic Waste Behind Somali Pirates
4. Nuclear Waste Pools in North Carolina
5. Europe Blocks U.S. Toxic Products
6. Lobbyists Buy Congress
7. Obama’s Military Appointments Have Corrupt Past
8. Bailed Out Banks and America’s Wealthiest Cheat IRS Out of Billions
9. U.S. Arms Used for War Crimes in Gaza
10. Ecuador Declares Foreign Debt Illegitimate
11. Private Corporations Profit from the Occupation of Palestine
12. Mysterious Death of Mike Connell—Karl Rove’s Election Thief
13. Katrina’s Hidden Race War
14. Congress Invested in Defense Contracts
15. World Bank’s Carbon Trade Fiasco
16. U.S. Repression of Haiti Continues
17. The ICC Facilitates U.S. Covert War in Sudan
18. Ecuador’s Constitutional Rights of Nature
19. Bank Bailout Recipients Spent to Defeat Labor
20. Secret Control of the Presidential Debates
21. Recession Causes States to Cut Welfare
22. Obama’s Trilateral Commission Team
23. Activists Slam World Water Forum as a Corporate-Driven Fraud
24. Dollar Glut Finances U.S. Military Expansion
25. Fast Track Oil Exploitation in Western Amazon
CLICK ON THE PROJECT CENSORED HEADLINES TO READ EACH STORY.
— Walter Cronkite
***
It’s that time of the year again! Sonoma State University has released its 33rd annual “Project Censored” list.
Here are the top 25 news stories of 2009 most neglected by the U.S. media. (To read articles, go to the link at the bottom of this post, where each headline is an active link to the story.)
1. U.S. Congress Sells Out to Wall Street
2. U.S. Schools are More Segregated Today than in the 1950s
3. Toxic Waste Behind Somali Pirates
4. Nuclear Waste Pools in North Carolina
5. Europe Blocks U.S. Toxic Products
6. Lobbyists Buy Congress
7. Obama’s Military Appointments Have Corrupt Past
8. Bailed Out Banks and America’s Wealthiest Cheat IRS Out of Billions
9. U.S. Arms Used for War Crimes in Gaza
10. Ecuador Declares Foreign Debt Illegitimate
11. Private Corporations Profit from the Occupation of Palestine
12. Mysterious Death of Mike Connell—Karl Rove’s Election Thief
13. Katrina’s Hidden Race War
14. Congress Invested in Defense Contracts
15. World Bank’s Carbon Trade Fiasco
16. U.S. Repression of Haiti Continues
17. The ICC Facilitates U.S. Covert War in Sudan
18. Ecuador’s Constitutional Rights of Nature
19. Bank Bailout Recipients Spent to Defeat Labor
20. Secret Control of the Presidential Debates
21. Recession Causes States to Cut Welfare
22. Obama’s Trilateral Commission Team
23. Activists Slam World Water Forum as a Corporate-Driven Fraud
24. Dollar Glut Finances U.S. Military Expansion
25. Fast Track Oil Exploitation in Western Amazon
CLICK ON THE PROJECT CENSORED HEADLINES TO READ EACH STORY.
10.29.2009
'Proof through the night'
“ … gave proof through the night that our flag was still there."
The bodies of 18 Americans arrived at Dover Air Force Base during the night, the first to be honored by their commander-in-chief since the inception of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
President Barack Obama left the White House at midnight on Marine One for Dover, where he met with the families of the fallen and participated in the transport ceremony from plane to mortuary.
Fifteen soldiers and three Drug Enforcement Agency agents were killed Monday in Afghanistan in separate helicopter crashes and in a roadside bombing. The Associated Press reports this has been the deadliest month of the war with 55 American deaths.
The president who took this country into two wars explained his refusal to attend a Dover ceremony by saying he believed the best way to honor the dead was to meet with victims’ families.
President Obama was expected to be back at the White House by dawn. I woke at 3 a.m. to find this breaking news and have had my own private thoughts about it all. Certainly, this is a reminder that we are still engaged in two deadly wars.
Finally, after thousands of American war dead have returned to our shores, an American president has given proof through the night that our flag is still there for them.
READ THE AP ARTICLE.
The bodies of 18 Americans arrived at Dover Air Force Base during the night, the first to be honored by their commander-in-chief since the inception of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
President Barack Obama left the White House at midnight on Marine One for Dover, where he met with the families of the fallen and participated in the transport ceremony from plane to mortuary.
Fifteen soldiers and three Drug Enforcement Agency agents were killed Monday in Afghanistan in separate helicopter crashes and in a roadside bombing. The Associated Press reports this has been the deadliest month of the war with 55 American deaths.
The president who took this country into two wars explained his refusal to attend a Dover ceremony by saying he believed the best way to honor the dead was to meet with victims’ families.
President Obama was expected to be back at the White House by dawn. I woke at 3 a.m. to find this breaking news and have had my own private thoughts about it all. Certainly, this is a reminder that we are still engaged in two deadly wars.
Finally, after thousands of American war dead have returned to our shores, an American president has given proof through the night that our flag is still there for them.
READ THE AP ARTICLE.
10.28.2009
'Whore'
There are certain words which when aimed at certain individuals can be very volatile. Ask Don Imus.
Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) became the darling of the Democratic Party when he aimed a volley of very fitting words at Republicans attempting to stop passage of healthcare reform.
But now, Grayson is on the hot seat and so he should be. In a radio interview last month, just now coming to light, Grayson called Linda Robertson, an aide to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, “a K Street whore.”
A spokesman for Grayson came to his defense with lots of reasons for the remark, and you can read them in a CNN report HERE.
He can enumerate reasons to his heart’s content, there is no excuse for calling this woman a “whore.”
Public figures within a mile of a microphone need to learn to measure their words. Ask Virginian George Allen who mouthed the racial slur “macaca.”
Congressman Grayson has not only hurt himself with his remarks about Ms. Robertson; he has hurt his party.
Sir: take a big safety pin and attach this little saying to your lips:
“Lord, fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff and nudge me when I’ve said enough.”
Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) became the darling of the Democratic Party when he aimed a volley of very fitting words at Republicans attempting to stop passage of healthcare reform.
But now, Grayson is on the hot seat and so he should be. In a radio interview last month, just now coming to light, Grayson called Linda Robertson, an aide to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, “a K Street whore.”
A spokesman for Grayson came to his defense with lots of reasons for the remark, and you can read them in a CNN report HERE.
He can enumerate reasons to his heart’s content, there is no excuse for calling this woman a “whore.”
Public figures within a mile of a microphone need to learn to measure their words. Ask Virginian George Allen who mouthed the racial slur “macaca.”
Congressman Grayson has not only hurt himself with his remarks about Ms. Robertson; he has hurt his party.
Sir: take a big safety pin and attach this little saying to your lips:
“Lord, fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff and nudge me when I’ve said enough.”
10.26.2009
Canvas
Jenny has become a good friend in every sense of the word since she volunteered to help me with my grocery trips several months ago.
After days abed with not a praying-to-die case of the flu, but close, with weakened vision and no appetite, I called Jenny to tell her I was feeling a little better. “I don’t want anything I have here to eat,” I told her. “All I can think of is a big, real-beef burger with lettuce and tomato.” (Fast food is an obsession with those who cannot see to drive.) Two hours later, Jenny was at my door with two burgers. By nightfall, I felt like myself for the first time in days.
Jenny, whose late husband was visually impaired, spends most days of her month making life better for those with vision problems.
On Friday she will drive a group up into the mountains to a camp owned by the National Federation of the Blind. She really wants me to tag along. “It’s peak time for the fall foliage,” she said. “I can’t see it now,” I replied. “That’s why I’m going to describe it to you,” she said.
I do not want to go. I told Jenny I don’t want to go. I cannot explain to her why. But the why of it has been on my mind.
As a child I was never satisfiled with Crayola’s box of eight and can still name every coolor in the box of 64.
I have been on mountain drives hundreds of times. I’ve seen the foliage at Clingman’s Dome and Newfound Gap in the Smokies and across the peaks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have stood at the highest point east of the Mississippi River, at the center of a 360-degree palette of every imaginable hue and shade.
In those moments, through the years, I felt closest to God. Now, the canvas will be white. He will trust me to fill in the colors. If I am to fill it in from memory, I need to be alone.
Only then can some who were blessed with sight for most of their lives become true artists.
The imagination is full not just with colors, but with experiences which have colored one's life. The present can be intrusive.
Perhaps I can better explain my reluctance to return to the mountains this way. Have you stopped at a passage in a book and realized the author has touched a thought or a memory inside you? That the words are more meaningful because you’ve experienced them, and you need a quiet moment to reflect?
Because I had lived it with a husband and five cats I loved, I closed my eyes and felt the following scene from James Lee Burke’s “Crusader’s Cross.” In it, his fictional character, New Iberia Parish sheriff’s detective Dave Robicheaux, his three-legged raccoon Tripod, his cat Snugs and his new wife Molly share a backyard breakfast.
“Tripod climbed down from his perch in the live oak, and Snugs appeared out of the bamboo, his tail pointed straight up as stiff as a broomstick. The four of us commenced to share breakfast at the redwood table.
“When the world presents itself in the form of a green-gold playground, blessed with water and flowers and wind and cenuuries-old oak trees, and when you are allowed to share all these things on a fine Sunday morning with people and animals you love, why take on the burden of the spirituality afflicted?”
***
The week of illness turned out to be a respite from the news, the blogs, the daily reminders of the “spiritually afflicted” who put fault-finding and self-seeking before the greater good.
There is a world of difference between being lonely and being alone. Sometimes we just need the quiet moments, however they might come.
After days abed with not a praying-to-die case of the flu, but close, with weakened vision and no appetite, I called Jenny to tell her I was feeling a little better. “I don’t want anything I have here to eat,” I told her. “All I can think of is a big, real-beef burger with lettuce and tomato.” (Fast food is an obsession with those who cannot see to drive.) Two hours later, Jenny was at my door with two burgers. By nightfall, I felt like myself for the first time in days.
Jenny, whose late husband was visually impaired, spends most days of her month making life better for those with vision problems.
On Friday she will drive a group up into the mountains to a camp owned by the National Federation of the Blind. She really wants me to tag along. “It’s peak time for the fall foliage,” she said. “I can’t see it now,” I replied. “That’s why I’m going to describe it to you,” she said.
I do not want to go. I told Jenny I don’t want to go. I cannot explain to her why. But the why of it has been on my mind.
As a child I was never satisfiled with Crayola’s box of eight and can still name every coolor in the box of 64.
I have been on mountain drives hundreds of times. I’ve seen the foliage at Clingman’s Dome and Newfound Gap in the Smokies and across the peaks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I have stood at the highest point east of the Mississippi River, at the center of a 360-degree palette of every imaginable hue and shade.
In those moments, through the years, I felt closest to God. Now, the canvas will be white. He will trust me to fill in the colors. If I am to fill it in from memory, I need to be alone.
Only then can some who were blessed with sight for most of their lives become true artists.
The imagination is full not just with colors, but with experiences which have colored one's life. The present can be intrusive.
Perhaps I can better explain my reluctance to return to the mountains this way. Have you stopped at a passage in a book and realized the author has touched a thought or a memory inside you? That the words are more meaningful because you’ve experienced them, and you need a quiet moment to reflect?
Because I had lived it with a husband and five cats I loved, I closed my eyes and felt the following scene from James Lee Burke’s “Crusader’s Cross.” In it, his fictional character, New Iberia Parish sheriff’s detective Dave Robicheaux, his three-legged raccoon Tripod, his cat Snugs and his new wife Molly share a backyard breakfast.
“Tripod climbed down from his perch in the live oak, and Snugs appeared out of the bamboo, his tail pointed straight up as stiff as a broomstick. The four of us commenced to share breakfast at the redwood table.
“When the world presents itself in the form of a green-gold playground, blessed with water and flowers and wind and cenuuries-old oak trees, and when you are allowed to share all these things on a fine Sunday morning with people and animals you love, why take on the burden of the spirituality afflicted?”
***
The week of illness turned out to be a respite from the news, the blogs, the daily reminders of the “spiritually afflicted” who put fault-finding and self-seeking before the greater good.
There is a world of difference between being lonely and being alone. Sometimes we just need the quiet moments, however they might come.
10.21.2009
1-800-CATCH-22
For years when there has been good, ground-soaking rain, my phone line develops static and an annoying squiggly sound which prevents conversation and access to the Internet.
Although I would rather eat a green snake than to make such a call, on Wednesday, 14 October, I called the toll-free number for “AT&T Home Repair.” There was no need to explain the problem as the representative could hear it quite well for herself. I was adamant that the problem is not inside my home, that I am not going to pay for repair and that the problem only occurs after much rain.
“We will send a tech out by the 21st,” she said .
Today.
The static problem finally clearen up around noon yesterday. At 3 p.m. a very nice lady from AT&T called. Briefly, here’s how the conversation went:
AT&T: Good afternoon, Ms. Trotter. I’ve just checked your phone line, and it is clear. The tech has a ticket to come out and check your phone line, but he cannot do so if the line is now clear.
Me: Well, if he had come any time in the last week, he could have check my line. The static has just cleared up.
AT&T: He has an instrument which can pinpoint the area on the cable where the problem exists, but it has to be causing the static when he does it. I’ll have to pull his work ticket for today.
Me: So, you are saying I will have to wait until another good rain, call then and hope the repairman pulls the work ticket before the problem clears up?
AT&T: Why don’t you do this: keep up with the weather report, and if rain is predicted, go ahead and call and set up a work ticket. You can always cancel it if you have to.
Me: I’m not playing that game of caling, then calling again to cancel.
AT&T: I’m sorry. I guess it’s a “Catch-22” situation.
Me. I guess it is.
***
At 5 p.m., I was typing a rather long email to friend Frodo – a discussion about immigrants who settled in the Mississippi Delta – and got kicked offline.
Static.
Although I would rather eat a green snake than to make such a call, on Wednesday, 14 October, I called the toll-free number for “AT&T Home Repair.” There was no need to explain the problem as the representative could hear it quite well for herself. I was adamant that the problem is not inside my home, that I am not going to pay for repair and that the problem only occurs after much rain.
“We will send a tech out by the 21st,” she said .
Today.
The static problem finally clearen up around noon yesterday. At 3 p.m. a very nice lady from AT&T called. Briefly, here’s how the conversation went:
AT&T: Good afternoon, Ms. Trotter. I’ve just checked your phone line, and it is clear. The tech has a ticket to come out and check your phone line, but he cannot do so if the line is now clear.
Me: Well, if he had come any time in the last week, he could have check my line. The static has just cleared up.
AT&T: He has an instrument which can pinpoint the area on the cable where the problem exists, but it has to be causing the static when he does it. I’ll have to pull his work ticket for today.
Me: So, you are saying I will have to wait until another good rain, call then and hope the repairman pulls the work ticket before the problem clears up?
AT&T: Why don’t you do this: keep up with the weather report, and if rain is predicted, go ahead and call and set up a work ticket. You can always cancel it if you have to.
Me: I’m not playing that game of caling, then calling again to cancel.
AT&T: I’m sorry. I guess it’s a “Catch-22” situation.
Me. I guess it is.
***
At 5 p.m., I was typing a rather long email to friend Frodo – a discussion about immigrants who settled in the Mississippi Delta – and got kicked offline.
Static.
10.17.2009
Rain check
Noah’s Ark (AP) After 40 days and 40 nights of rain, the blogger known as DemWit cannot access the Internet due to static on her dial-up connection. Author BJ says she will send an olive leaf when AT&T corrects the problem. Check back, please!
10.15.2009
In the catbird seat
FROM GALLUP TODAY
Hillary Clinton Now More Popular than Barack Obama
President Barack Obama’s favorable rating is down 22 points since January, to 56 percent. Meanwhile, his chief rival for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination (and current Secretary of State) Hillary Clinton has a favorable rating of 62 percent, little changed over the same time span.
Read the Gallup Poll.
BOTH POPULAR
Let me hurriedly point out that 56 percent of Americans view President Obama favorably. That rating still can be viewed positively given the blatant hatred of Obama coming from the right.
Hillary Clinton’s popularity has always been consistent. Maybe those who don’t like her are very vocal, but she always ranks high in such polls.
OLD DEMWIT
Here is one of DemWit’s earliest posts:
12.28.2007
A love-hate thing
In the annual USA Today-Gallup poll released 26 December, the following were named as the men and women most admired by Americans:
MOST ADMIRED MAN
President George W. Bush – 10 percent
Former President Bill Clinton – 8 percent
Former Vice President Al Gore – 6 percent
Senator Barack Obama – 5 percent
MOST ADMIRED WOMAN
Senator Hillary Clinton – 18 percent
TV host Oprah Winfrey – 16 percent
First lady Laura Bush – 3 percent
Actress Angelina Jolie – 3 percent
So, let’s get this straight: the most-hated man in America, presumably, President Bush, making his 7th appearance atop the list, and the most hated woman in the country, former first lady and New York State Senator Clinton, topping the list for the 12th time, are also the most admired.
Tell me this is not a “house divided.”
Posted by B.J. at 4:49 AM
THREE CONCLUSIONS
Some of my readers came over to DemWit from my archived blog, “I See My Dreams.” They know I’ve been unwavering in my support of Hillary.
They also know that when Barack Obama became the Democratic Party nominee, I voted for him and have supported him.
In my opinion, today’s Gallup figures reflect three conclusions:
President Barack Obama is in the catbird seat in the Oval Office. Perhaps the 40 percent who view him unfavorably is reactionary: he and our country inherited difficult issues which require difficult solutions.
Sadly, it is my belief that some in that 40 percent are racists – plain and simple. This is reflected across the right-wing blogosphere and in remarks by conservative politicians and pundits.
Finally, and possibly primarily, the 22 percent drop in Obama’s popularity might indicate the powerful influence of a well-oiled propaganda machine headed by Fox News and right-wing radio. And, never underestimate the impact of those anonymous and false emails continually circulated via the Internet.
Bolstering this last point is this fact: there are an awful lot of people in America who don’t keep up with the day-to-day minutiae of politics. I talked with four persons this week who had no idea who had won the Nobel Peace Prize. I’m not even certain they know what the Nobel Peace Prize is!
This Gallup poll was conducted October 1-4, before the Nobel jury honored Obama. Given the caustic reacton from the right - and Gallup points this out – it is unclear whether that honor will affect Obama’s upcoming ratings.
A SIMPLE QUESTION
I have been struck by the vitriolic hatred of America which bleeds through many right-wing blog comments. These people not only belittle Obama, they frolic in his failure.
Granted the same could be said for the eight years of the Bush administration. But, that was eight years, and Bush’s record speaks for itself.
The attacks which are dragging Barack Obama’s numbers down began before he took the oath of office.
We all – conservatives and liberals, Republicans and Democrats alike - know that our country’s future depends largely on the success of our president.
Can’t we give him that?
Hillary Clinton Now More Popular than Barack Obama
President Barack Obama’s favorable rating is down 22 points since January, to 56 percent. Meanwhile, his chief rival for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination (and current Secretary of State) Hillary Clinton has a favorable rating of 62 percent, little changed over the same time span.
Read the Gallup Poll.
BOTH POPULAR
Let me hurriedly point out that 56 percent of Americans view President Obama favorably. That rating still can be viewed positively given the blatant hatred of Obama coming from the right.
Hillary Clinton’s popularity has always been consistent. Maybe those who don’t like her are very vocal, but she always ranks high in such polls.
OLD DEMWIT
Here is one of DemWit’s earliest posts:
12.28.2007
A love-hate thing
In the annual USA Today-Gallup poll released 26 December, the following were named as the men and women most admired by Americans:
MOST ADMIRED MAN
President George W. Bush – 10 percent
Former President Bill Clinton – 8 percent
Former Vice President Al Gore – 6 percent
Senator Barack Obama – 5 percent
MOST ADMIRED WOMAN
Senator Hillary Clinton – 18 percent
TV host Oprah Winfrey – 16 percent
First lady Laura Bush – 3 percent
Actress Angelina Jolie – 3 percent
So, let’s get this straight: the most-hated man in America, presumably, President Bush, making his 7th appearance atop the list, and the most hated woman in the country, former first lady and New York State Senator Clinton, topping the list for the 12th time, are also the most admired.
Tell me this is not a “house divided.”
Posted by B.J. at 4:49 AM
THREE CONCLUSIONS
Some of my readers came over to DemWit from my archived blog, “I See My Dreams.” They know I’ve been unwavering in my support of Hillary.
They also know that when Barack Obama became the Democratic Party nominee, I voted for him and have supported him.
In my opinion, today’s Gallup figures reflect three conclusions:
President Barack Obama is in the catbird seat in the Oval Office. Perhaps the 40 percent who view him unfavorably is reactionary: he and our country inherited difficult issues which require difficult solutions.
Sadly, it is my belief that some in that 40 percent are racists – plain and simple. This is reflected across the right-wing blogosphere and in remarks by conservative politicians and pundits.
Finally, and possibly primarily, the 22 percent drop in Obama’s popularity might indicate the powerful influence of a well-oiled propaganda machine headed by Fox News and right-wing radio. And, never underestimate the impact of those anonymous and false emails continually circulated via the Internet.
Bolstering this last point is this fact: there are an awful lot of people in America who don’t keep up with the day-to-day minutiae of politics. I talked with four persons this week who had no idea who had won the Nobel Peace Prize. I’m not even certain they know what the Nobel Peace Prize is!
This Gallup poll was conducted October 1-4, before the Nobel jury honored Obama. Given the caustic reacton from the right - and Gallup points this out – it is unclear whether that honor will affect Obama’s upcoming ratings.
A SIMPLE QUESTION
I have been struck by the vitriolic hatred of America which bleeds through many right-wing blog comments. These people not only belittle Obama, they frolic in his failure.
Granted the same could be said for the eight years of the Bush administration. But, that was eight years, and Bush’s record speaks for itself.
The attacks which are dragging Barack Obama’s numbers down began before he took the oath of office.
We all – conservatives and liberals, Republicans and Democrats alike - know that our country’s future depends largely on the success of our president.
Can’t we give him that?
10.14.2009
OMST: She's all that!
My dear DemWit:
WTG on putting in a word for education, particularly “proper English grammar.” Our lackluster school systems are evidenced across the American blogosphere.
And, what sort of simpletons would make light of the Nobel Peace Prize? I tell you, honey, a couple of those wingnuts, as you call them, made me get out my smelling salts!
Right now, I’m pretty upset about that.
The word “that,” that is. So, today I’d like to mention both the unnecessary and the incorrect uses of the word, which abound on blogs!
UNNECESSARY use of the word “that:”
Rule: If the sentence reads the same without the word “that,” leave it out. Example:
Incorrect: The boy knew THAT he was in trouble.
Correct: The boy knew he was in trouble.
INCORRECT use of the word “that:”
Rule: Never use “that” when referring to a person. Examples:
Incorrect: He is a man THAT gets things done.
Correct: He is a man WHO gets things done.
Incorrect: The president is a leader THAT gets things done.
Correct: The president is a leader WHO gets things done.
Correct: I am listening to a book THAT is boring me to tears. (Very correct, it’s “The Wings of the Dove” by Henry James!)
The first cold nights of autumn put me in a romantic mood, and I’m into English novels about unrequited love.
And, that, my dear, is that!
Respectfully,
OMST
WTG on putting in a word for education, particularly “proper English grammar.” Our lackluster school systems are evidenced across the American blogosphere.
And, what sort of simpletons would make light of the Nobel Peace Prize? I tell you, honey, a couple of those wingnuts, as you call them, made me get out my smelling salts!
Right now, I’m pretty upset about that.
The word “that,” that is. So, today I’d like to mention both the unnecessary and the incorrect uses of the word, which abound on blogs!
UNNECESSARY use of the word “that:”
Rule: If the sentence reads the same without the word “that,” leave it out. Example:
Incorrect: The boy knew THAT he was in trouble.
Correct: The boy knew he was in trouble.
INCORRECT use of the word “that:”
Rule: Never use “that” when referring to a person. Examples:
Incorrect: He is a man THAT gets things done.
Correct: He is a man WHO gets things done.
Incorrect: The president is a leader THAT gets things done.
Correct: The president is a leader WHO gets things done.
Correct: I am listening to a book THAT is boring me to tears. (Very correct, it’s “The Wings of the Dove” by Henry James!)
The first cold nights of autumn put me in a romantic mood, and I’m into English novels about unrequited love.
And, that, my dear, is that!
Respectfully,
OMST
10.10.2009
'A very good place to start'
“The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.
“Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama's initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.
“Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.
“For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama's appeal that ‘Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges.’ ”
- Oslo, October 9, 2009
***
Call it nationalism, boosterism, jingoism, the kick-ass, it’s-cool-to-be-dumb attitude which has characterized America over the last decade is both shameful and embarrassing.
This era of failure to exist within the framework of a world community is symbolized for me by that straddle-legged, codpiece strut across the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln. Remember? Under the banner “Mission Accomplished.”
That mission is not yet accomplished. Our men and women in uniform are still engaged in Afghanistan and Iraq, and they are still coming home in body bags.
These and other challenges Baract Obama willingly took on. Only with the backing of a united America can they be overcome.
Republicans are very angry that the Nobel Committee never honored George W. Bush with a Peace Prize. This anger raged when Jimmy Carter won for The Carter Center’s humanitarian efforts around the world and when Al Gore won for his devotion to abating climate change which will, if unchecked, destroy our planet.
That anger has reached a fever pitch. Right-wing guru Rush Limbaugh told his Dittoheads that Obama hasn’t done “diddly squat,” that the awarding of the Peace Prize to our president is “laughable,” and that Obama is “the laughing-stock of the world.”
In whose eyes?
When a Republican can make this statement – “The Nobel Peace Prize has always been a joke” - a message reverberates around the world that in America ignorance continues to exist.
The right-wing dog-and-pony shows of Fox News and talk radio know their audiences. For years they have hammered their propaganda into the very brain cells of an uneducated and unsuspecting following. For profit. Their worst nightmare is an educated citizenry.
Mr. President, let’s begin our better world with the little children playing on the street corners and sandlots of this country. Let’s don’t stop until they once more have a love of math, science, history, music, art, classic literature and proper English grammar. Then, and only then, will there be an America united to help you and future visionaries build a better world.
When I face a formidable problem or task, I find myself singing, “You start at the very beginning, a very good place to start …”
“Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama's initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.
“Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.
“For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama's appeal that ‘Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges.’ ”
- Oslo, October 9, 2009
***
Call it nationalism, boosterism, jingoism, the kick-ass, it’s-cool-to-be-dumb attitude which has characterized America over the last decade is both shameful and embarrassing.
This era of failure to exist within the framework of a world community is symbolized for me by that straddle-legged, codpiece strut across the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln. Remember? Under the banner “Mission Accomplished.”
That mission is not yet accomplished. Our men and women in uniform are still engaged in Afghanistan and Iraq, and they are still coming home in body bags.
These and other challenges Baract Obama willingly took on. Only with the backing of a united America can they be overcome.
Republicans are very angry that the Nobel Committee never honored George W. Bush with a Peace Prize. This anger raged when Jimmy Carter won for The Carter Center’s humanitarian efforts around the world and when Al Gore won for his devotion to abating climate change which will, if unchecked, destroy our planet.
That anger has reached a fever pitch. Right-wing guru Rush Limbaugh told his Dittoheads that Obama hasn’t done “diddly squat,” that the awarding of the Peace Prize to our president is “laughable,” and that Obama is “the laughing-stock of the world.”
In whose eyes?
When a Republican can make this statement – “The Nobel Peace Prize has always been a joke” - a message reverberates around the world that in America ignorance continues to exist.
The right-wing dog-and-pony shows of Fox News and talk radio know their audiences. For years they have hammered their propaganda into the very brain cells of an uneducated and unsuspecting following. For profit. Their worst nightmare is an educated citizenry.
Mr. President, let’s begin our better world with the little children playing on the street corners and sandlots of this country. Let’s don’t stop until they once more have a love of math, science, history, music, art, classic literature and proper English grammar. Then, and only then, will there be an America united to help you and future visionaries build a better world.
When I face a formidable problem or task, I find myself singing, “You start at the very beginning, a very good place to start …”
UPDATE:
Serendipity! I have just read “The Uneducated American” by Paul Krugman, an examination of the state of education in America today – and a perfect addendum to this post. Mr. Krugman writes:
“(W)e need to wake up and realize that one of the keys to our nation’s historic success is now a wasting asset. Education made America great; neglect of education can reverse the process.”
Read his column HERE.
Serendipity! I have just read “The Uneducated American” by Paul Krugman, an examination of the state of education in America today – and a perfect addendum to this post. Mr. Krugman writes:
“(W)e need to wake up and realize that one of the keys to our nation’s historic success is now a wasting asset. Education made America great; neglect of education can reverse the process.”
Read his column HERE.
10.08.2009
A surprising Muslim world
I am a daughter of the Deep South, and I can attest that not all white Southerners are members of the Ku Klux Klan.
Sometimes the concentrated focus on the worst in any group leads to the belief that the entire group is bad. Isn’t this the basis of prejudice?
In my opinion, one in every four persons in the world is getting a bad rap. Not all Muslims are fanatical, America-hating killers.
With this in mind, a survery caught my attention early this morning as I scanned CNN headlines.
An intensive study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life concludes there are 1.57 billion Muslims in the world, and approximately 9 out of 10 are Sunni.
By contast there are 2.2 billion Christians in the world population of 6.8 billion. It’s pretty apparent to me and should be to you that the future of this planet depends on these two groups learning to coexist peacefully.
What makes the Pew study results so fascinating is the location of the world's Muslims.
CNN reporter Richard Allen Greene writes:
“India, a majority-Hindu country, has more Muslims than any country except for Indonesia and Pakistan, and more than twice as many as Egypt.
“China has more Muslims than Syria.
“Germany has more Muslims than Lebanon.
“And Russia has more Muslims than Jordan and Libya put together.
“Nearly two out of three of the world's Muslims are in Asia, stretching from Turkey to Indonesia.
“The Middle East and north Africa, which together are home to about one in five of the world's Muslims, trail a very distant second.”
The Pew research team analyzed data from 232 countries and territories over a three-year period.
The CNN article addresses the implications on U.S. policy in light of the surprising population distribution. A brief article highly recommended: LINK
Sometimes the concentrated focus on the worst in any group leads to the belief that the entire group is bad. Isn’t this the basis of prejudice?
In my opinion, one in every four persons in the world is getting a bad rap. Not all Muslims are fanatical, America-hating killers.
With this in mind, a survery caught my attention early this morning as I scanned CNN headlines.
An intensive study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life concludes there are 1.57 billion Muslims in the world, and approximately 9 out of 10 are Sunni.
By contast there are 2.2 billion Christians in the world population of 6.8 billion. It’s pretty apparent to me and should be to you that the future of this planet depends on these two groups learning to coexist peacefully.
What makes the Pew study results so fascinating is the location of the world's Muslims.
CNN reporter Richard Allen Greene writes:
“India, a majority-Hindu country, has more Muslims than any country except for Indonesia and Pakistan, and more than twice as many as Egypt.
“China has more Muslims than Syria.
“Germany has more Muslims than Lebanon.
“And Russia has more Muslims than Jordan and Libya put together.
“Nearly two out of three of the world's Muslims are in Asia, stretching from Turkey to Indonesia.
“The Middle East and north Africa, which together are home to about one in five of the world's Muslims, trail a very distant second.”
The Pew research team analyzed data from 232 countries and territories over a three-year period.
The CNN article addresses the implications on U.S. policy in light of the surprising population distribution. A brief article highly recommended: LINK
10.07.2009
'The Conservative Bible Project'
DemWit’s readership, that I know of, is made up mostly of Christians, a few Jews, at least four atheists. I am certain that among my Middle East visitors there are Muslims. I do not personally know a Rastafarian, but everyone is welcome here.
All, I believe, will find this post of interest. Oh, I thought about being really clever and writing a conservative version of The Beatitudes – “Wretched are the peacemakers, for they shall not be called neocons” - and The Ten Commandments – “Thou shalt not commit adultery unless you are a televangelist or a holder of public office” – but the “Conservative Bible Project” is far too serious to make light of.
The Project is headed by attorney and teacher Andy Schlafly, son of conservative standard-bearer Phyllis Schlafly. Its goal is to expunge “liberal bias” from the Holy Bible. So help me, God!
There are a lot of articles via Google, and I might be one of the last persons on the planet to hear of this project, but I pass this article from The Huffington Post along to you, dear reader. Although I will have a few words to say following it, I cannot improve on this “just when you thought you’d heard it all” story:
Conservative Bible Project Cuts Out Liberal Passages
The Huffington Post Rachel Weiner
October 5, 2009
Lo and behold, the Bible has gotten too liberal, according to a group of conservatives. And it needs a little editing.
That's the inspiration behind the Conservative Bible Project, which seeks to take the text back to its supposed right-wing roots.
Yes, even scripture is not orthodox enough for the modern conservative. Not that it's the fault of the author(s), exactly. The group cites a few reasons why the Bible is too progressive: "Lack of precision in the original language ... lack of precision in modern language" and "translation bias in converting the original language to the modern one."
So how can the Bible be conservatized? The group has proposed a Wikipedia-like group editing project. Some of the ideas would only bring the translation closer to the original. But others would fundamentally change the text.
1. Framework against Liberal Bias: providing a strong framework that enables a thought-for-thought translation without corruption by liberal bias
2. Not Emasculated: avoiding unisex, "gender inclusive" language, and other modern emasculation of Christianity
3. Not Dumbed Down: not dumbing down the reading level, or diluting the intellectual force and logic of Christianity; the NIV is written at only the 7th grade level[3]
4. Utilize Powerful Conservative Terms: using powerful new conservative terms as they develop;[4] defective translations use the word "comrade" three times as often as "volunteer"; similarly, updating words which have a change in meaning, such as "word", "peace", and "miracle".
5. Combat Harmful Addiction: combating addiction by using modern terms for it, such as "gamble" rather than "cast lots";[5] using modern political terms, such as "register" rather than "enroll" for the census
6. Accept the Logic of Hell: applying logic with its full force and effect, as in not denying or downplaying the very real existence of Hell or the Devil.
7. Express Free Market Parables; explaining the numerous economic parables with their full free-market meaning
8. Exclude Later-Inserted Liberal Passages: excluding the later-inserted liberal passages that are not authentic, such as the adulteress story
9. Credit Open-Mindedness of Disciples: crediting open-mindedness, often found in youngsters like the eyewitnesses Mark and John, the authors of two of the Gospels
10. Prefer Conciseness over Liberal Wordiness: preferring conciseness to the liberal style of high word-to-substance ratio; avoid compound negatives and unnecessary ambiguities; prefer concise, consistent use of the word "Lord" rather than "Jehovah" or "Yahweh" or "Lord God."
Among the words to be eliminated: "government." A conservative columnist at Beliefnet described the effort as "just crazy ... like what you'd get if you crossed the Jesus Seminar with the College Republican chapter at a rural institution of Bible learnin'."
***
In a post titled “Conservative Bible Project Draws Predictable Liberal Scorn,” the conservative media site NewsBusters warns:
“But whether the Conservative Bible Project is inspired or misguided, liberals should exercise some circumspection before piling on. Even Weiner explained that, ‘Some of the ideas would only bring the translation closer to the original.’ "
NewsBusters omits the rest of her quote: “But others would fundamentally change the text.”
I have had my own problems with the King James Version (KJV) translation, but it’s the version I grew up with and since I am not fluent in Greek or Hebrew, it suffices.
In instances where the original talks about “agape” (the love of God), “philial” (brotherly love) and “erotica” (sexual love), the KJV uses only the word “love.”
Churches base foreign mission work on “The Great Commission,” which in the KJV begins, “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations. …” But, the original version means “As you go into the world. …” The latter challenges persons to witness by their daily lives. Two good concepts, two different meanings.
But, I’ve got a little news for NewsBusters: conservatives all over this country grew up with the King James Version of the Holy Bible, and they are not going to cotton to the removal of words like “Jehovah,” “Yahweh” and “Lord God.”
What these new translators really want is an American theocracy, while at the same time – in their zealotry – condemning theocracies like Iran.. Do we really want persons of such reasoning ability to interpret scriptures for us?
I would challenge any members of this project to read Matthew 5: 1-48 – The Sermon on the Mount – and tell me how they would improve this essence of Christianity, this passionate passage of great literature.
All, I believe, will find this post of interest. Oh, I thought about being really clever and writing a conservative version of The Beatitudes – “Wretched are the peacemakers, for they shall not be called neocons” - and The Ten Commandments – “Thou shalt not commit adultery unless you are a televangelist or a holder of public office” – but the “Conservative Bible Project” is far too serious to make light of.
The Project is headed by attorney and teacher Andy Schlafly, son of conservative standard-bearer Phyllis Schlafly. Its goal is to expunge “liberal bias” from the Holy Bible. So help me, God!
There are a lot of articles via Google, and I might be one of the last persons on the planet to hear of this project, but I pass this article from The Huffington Post along to you, dear reader. Although I will have a few words to say following it, I cannot improve on this “just when you thought you’d heard it all” story:
Conservative Bible Project Cuts Out Liberal Passages
The Huffington Post Rachel Weiner
October 5, 2009
Lo and behold, the Bible has gotten too liberal, according to a group of conservatives. And it needs a little editing.
That's the inspiration behind the Conservative Bible Project, which seeks to take the text back to its supposed right-wing roots.
Yes, even scripture is not orthodox enough for the modern conservative. Not that it's the fault of the author(s), exactly. The group cites a few reasons why the Bible is too progressive: "Lack of precision in the original language ... lack of precision in modern language" and "translation bias in converting the original language to the modern one."
So how can the Bible be conservatized? The group has proposed a Wikipedia-like group editing project. Some of the ideas would only bring the translation closer to the original. But others would fundamentally change the text.
1. Framework against Liberal Bias: providing a strong framework that enables a thought-for-thought translation without corruption by liberal bias
2. Not Emasculated: avoiding unisex, "gender inclusive" language, and other modern emasculation of Christianity
3. Not Dumbed Down: not dumbing down the reading level, or diluting the intellectual force and logic of Christianity; the NIV is written at only the 7th grade level[3]
4. Utilize Powerful Conservative Terms: using powerful new conservative terms as they develop;[4] defective translations use the word "comrade" three times as often as "volunteer"; similarly, updating words which have a change in meaning, such as "word", "peace", and "miracle".
5. Combat Harmful Addiction: combating addiction by using modern terms for it, such as "gamble" rather than "cast lots";[5] using modern political terms, such as "register" rather than "enroll" for the census
6. Accept the Logic of Hell: applying logic with its full force and effect, as in not denying or downplaying the very real existence of Hell or the Devil.
7. Express Free Market Parables; explaining the numerous economic parables with their full free-market meaning
8. Exclude Later-Inserted Liberal Passages: excluding the later-inserted liberal passages that are not authentic, such as the adulteress story
9. Credit Open-Mindedness of Disciples: crediting open-mindedness, often found in youngsters like the eyewitnesses Mark and John, the authors of two of the Gospels
10. Prefer Conciseness over Liberal Wordiness: preferring conciseness to the liberal style of high word-to-substance ratio; avoid compound negatives and unnecessary ambiguities; prefer concise, consistent use of the word "Lord" rather than "Jehovah" or "Yahweh" or "Lord God."
Among the words to be eliminated: "government." A conservative columnist at Beliefnet described the effort as "just crazy ... like what you'd get if you crossed the Jesus Seminar with the College Republican chapter at a rural institution of Bible learnin'."
***
In a post titled “Conservative Bible Project Draws Predictable Liberal Scorn,” the conservative media site NewsBusters warns:
“But whether the Conservative Bible Project is inspired or misguided, liberals should exercise some circumspection before piling on. Even Weiner explained that, ‘Some of the ideas would only bring the translation closer to the original.’ "
NewsBusters omits the rest of her quote: “But others would fundamentally change the text.”
I have had my own problems with the King James Version (KJV) translation, but it’s the version I grew up with and since I am not fluent in Greek or Hebrew, it suffices.
In instances where the original talks about “agape” (the love of God), “philial” (brotherly love) and “erotica” (sexual love), the KJV uses only the word “love.”
Churches base foreign mission work on “The Great Commission,” which in the KJV begins, “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations. …” But, the original version means “As you go into the world. …” The latter challenges persons to witness by their daily lives. Two good concepts, two different meanings.
But, I’ve got a little news for NewsBusters: conservatives all over this country grew up with the King James Version of the Holy Bible, and they are not going to cotton to the removal of words like “Jehovah,” “Yahweh” and “Lord God.”
What these new translators really want is an American theocracy, while at the same time – in their zealotry – condemning theocracies like Iran.. Do we really want persons of such reasoning ability to interpret scriptures for us?
I would challenge any members of this project to read Matthew 5: 1-48 – The Sermon on the Mount – and tell me how they would improve this essence of Christianity, this passionate passage of great literature.
10.05.2009
A week for Greeks
My friend Jenny and I had planned to have lunch at Applebee’s Sunday before she helped with my grocery outing.
It’s been a week for Greeks, as I’ve thought about the athletes of ancient Olympia, their current counterparts and the right-wing pea-brains of our own fairly new civilization – and I use the term loosely – who don’t have a clue about their significance.
These are the intellectual heavyweights who thought America’s loss of the 2016 Olympics was really funny and might know Homer is a character on “The Simpsons” and Athens is a town in Georgia.
I also had followed the story this week of Grrece’s upcoming Sunday election with the Socialist party challenging the ruling center-right New Democracy party.
Socialist leader George Papandreou had campaigned on the promise of open and honest government and a proposed massive stimulus to jump start Greece’s weak economy
So, when Jenny arrived yesterday and wondered if there was any chance I might prefer the Greek Festival at our local Farmer’s Market to Applebee’s, I had one thing to say:
“Moussaka!”
Moussaka is a Greek meatloaf made with lamb and sweet spices and layered with sliced eggplant. It’s the single most difficult – and delicious - recipe I’ve ever prepared, so I welcomed the chance to sample the efforts of Greek chefs.
Apparently the local Greeks find the recipe a tad formidable, too, so we settled for gyros and baklava as we ate al fresco and enjoyed a live band and dancers from Atlanta. I couldn’t see the entertainers so I visualized Zorba’s happy dance and wondered whatever happened to my old Internet buddy, Greek warrior Ted Neros..
We had joined a group of Jenny’s friends, and I was surprised to hear these seventy-something steel magnolias turn the conversation to criticism of George W. Bush. All I could say was, “Don’t get me started.”
There was a time when, unhampered by needing someone to assist me, I would have grabbed a reporter’s notebook and granted our Greek hosts first-person opinions about the day’s events in their mother country. Their insight would have made this post far more informative.
On Sunday, the Socialist party won and will now control 160 seats in the 300-seat Greek parliament (LINK).
I’m not promoting socialism over capitalism here as my acumen of economics is pretty scant. I am just trying to say to the yahoos who are lambasting Obama’s stimulus spending that some folks get it.
Especially the Greeks.
It’s been a week for Greeks, as I’ve thought about the athletes of ancient Olympia, their current counterparts and the right-wing pea-brains of our own fairly new civilization – and I use the term loosely – who don’t have a clue about their significance.
These are the intellectual heavyweights who thought America’s loss of the 2016 Olympics was really funny and might know Homer is a character on “The Simpsons” and Athens is a town in Georgia.
I also had followed the story this week of Grrece’s upcoming Sunday election with the Socialist party challenging the ruling center-right New Democracy party.
Socialist leader George Papandreou had campaigned on the promise of open and honest government and a proposed massive stimulus to jump start Greece’s weak economy
So, when Jenny arrived yesterday and wondered if there was any chance I might prefer the Greek Festival at our local Farmer’s Market to Applebee’s, I had one thing to say:
“Moussaka!”
Moussaka is a Greek meatloaf made with lamb and sweet spices and layered with sliced eggplant. It’s the single most difficult – and delicious - recipe I’ve ever prepared, so I welcomed the chance to sample the efforts of Greek chefs.
Apparently the local Greeks find the recipe a tad formidable, too, so we settled for gyros and baklava as we ate al fresco and enjoyed a live band and dancers from Atlanta. I couldn’t see the entertainers so I visualized Zorba’s happy dance and wondered whatever happened to my old Internet buddy, Greek warrior Ted Neros..
We had joined a group of Jenny’s friends, and I was surprised to hear these seventy-something steel magnolias turn the conversation to criticism of George W. Bush. All I could say was, “Don’t get me started.”
There was a time when, unhampered by needing someone to assist me, I would have grabbed a reporter’s notebook and granted our Greek hosts first-person opinions about the day’s events in their mother country. Their insight would have made this post far more informative.
On Sunday, the Socialist party won and will now control 160 seats in the 300-seat Greek parliament (LINK).
I’m not promoting socialism over capitalism here as my acumen of economics is pretty scant. I am just trying to say to the yahoos who are lambasting Obama’s stimulus spending that some folks get it.
Especially the Greeks.
10.03.2009
He Brooks no BS
Hats off to David Brooks, conservative op-ed columnist for the New York Times, who wrote on October 2 about ineffectual right-wing “talk jocks.”
Microphone huggers like Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly are caught up in “the myth of their own power,” Brooks writes, as he points out their negative effect on the Republican Party.
Of course, the blowhards are blowing back, calling Brooks “irrelevant” and “incoherent.” Limbaugh called him “jealous.” (Of what? Dittoheads vs. intelligent readers?) And, they all just love one more opportunity to blast the New York Times.
But, Brooks makes his case – that “the rise of Beck, Hannity, Bill O’Reilly and the rest has correlated almost perfectly with the decline of the G.O.P.” – with indisputable facts from recent election history.
Hey, this column has ticked off the big boys of right-wing talk, so why wouldn’t you want to read it?
"The Wizard of Beck," David Brooks, New York Times, October 2, 2009.
Microphone huggers like Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly are caught up in “the myth of their own power,” Brooks writes, as he points out their negative effect on the Republican Party.
Of course, the blowhards are blowing back, calling Brooks “irrelevant” and “incoherent.” Limbaugh called him “jealous.” (Of what? Dittoheads vs. intelligent readers?) And, they all just love one more opportunity to blast the New York Times.
But, Brooks makes his case – that “the rise of Beck, Hannity, Bill O’Reilly and the rest has correlated almost perfectly with the decline of the G.O.P.” – with indisputable facts from recent election history.
Hey, this column has ticked off the big boys of right-wing talk, so why wouldn’t you want to read it?
"The Wizard of Beck," David Brooks, New York Times, October 2, 2009.
10.01.2009
'Bloody battle'
I have been telling my Democratic friends – liberals and progressives: “We’re not the ones collecting guns and stockpiling ammo.”
Over the top? What is happening in this country is moving beyond partisan bickering. If loving this country makes me a patriot, then I am a patriot of the first order. i am neither blind to its warts nor its worth. As a patriot, I am both heartbroken about and scared to death of what lies ahead.
Some DemWit readers might already be aware of what transpired in St. Louis, Mo., last weekend. The following post from ThinkProgress, in case you missed it, reveals what should be a source of angst and alarm for any American:
Right-Wing Conference Tells Activists To Get Their Guns Ready For ‘Bloody Battle’ With Obama The Nazi
By Lee Fang
ThinkProgress, September 28, 2009
At the How To Take Back America Conference last weekend, conservative speaker Kitty Werthmann led a workshop called “How to recognize living under Nazis & Communists.”
Announcing the panel in a column preceding the conference, talk show host Janet Porter gushed how Werthmann’s description of Austria in the 1930s is a “mirror to America” today — noting “They had Joseph Goebbels; we have Mark Lloyd, the diversity czar.” The room was packed over capacity to hear Werthmann, who grew up as a Christian in Austria and serves as Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum South Dakota president.
During her session, Werthmann went through a litany of examples of how President Obama is like Adolf Hitler. She noted that Hitler, who acted “like an American politician,” was “elected in a 100 percent Christian nation.” Although she failed to once mention anti-Semitism or militarism, Werthmann explained how universal healthcare, an Equal Rights Amendment, and increased taxes were telltale signs of Nazism.
Werthmann also warned the audience:
“If we had our guns, we would have fought a bloody battle. So, keep your guns, and buy more guns, and buy ammunition. [...] Take back America. Don’t let them take the country into Socialism. And I refer again, Hitler’s party was National Socialism. [...] And that’s what we are having here right now, which is bordering on Marxism.”
Werthmann noted that her Nazism speech is gaining popularity. She not only has delivered it to several tea parties, but has been asked by “a group of bankers” to address them this month.
Before the event, ThinkProgress asked Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), one of several Republican members of Congress also speaking at the conference, to autograph Werthmann’s DVD about National Socialism. She happily obliged:
See photo of Bachmann’s autograph and watch video of Werthmann’s remarks HERE.
***
For the record, the number one argument against Social Security: it was a program begun by Adolph Hitler.
How To Take Back America? I would say that is the foremost problem facing our country today. How to take back America from a lunatic fringe preying on the fears of poor ignorant souls.
Frightening.
***
UPDATE – A friend just emailed me the following column, and I urge you to read it.
“Somethng very dangerous is happening …”
- “Where Did ‘We’ Go?” Thomas L. Friedman, The New York Times, 29 September 2009
Over the top? What is happening in this country is moving beyond partisan bickering. If loving this country makes me a patriot, then I am a patriot of the first order. i am neither blind to its warts nor its worth. As a patriot, I am both heartbroken about and scared to death of what lies ahead.
Some DemWit readers might already be aware of what transpired in St. Louis, Mo., last weekend. The following post from ThinkProgress, in case you missed it, reveals what should be a source of angst and alarm for any American:
Right-Wing Conference Tells Activists To Get Their Guns Ready For ‘Bloody Battle’ With Obama The Nazi
By Lee Fang
ThinkProgress, September 28, 2009
At the How To Take Back America Conference last weekend, conservative speaker Kitty Werthmann led a workshop called “How to recognize living under Nazis & Communists.”
Announcing the panel in a column preceding the conference, talk show host Janet Porter gushed how Werthmann’s description of Austria in the 1930s is a “mirror to America” today — noting “They had Joseph Goebbels; we have Mark Lloyd, the diversity czar.” The room was packed over capacity to hear Werthmann, who grew up as a Christian in Austria and serves as Phyllis Schlafly’s Eagle Forum South Dakota president.
During her session, Werthmann went through a litany of examples of how President Obama is like Adolf Hitler. She noted that Hitler, who acted “like an American politician,” was “elected in a 100 percent Christian nation.” Although she failed to once mention anti-Semitism or militarism, Werthmann explained how universal healthcare, an Equal Rights Amendment, and increased taxes were telltale signs of Nazism.
Werthmann also warned the audience:
“If we had our guns, we would have fought a bloody battle. So, keep your guns, and buy more guns, and buy ammunition. [...] Take back America. Don’t let them take the country into Socialism. And I refer again, Hitler’s party was National Socialism. [...] And that’s what we are having here right now, which is bordering on Marxism.”
Werthmann noted that her Nazism speech is gaining popularity. She not only has delivered it to several tea parties, but has been asked by “a group of bankers” to address them this month.
Before the event, ThinkProgress asked Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), one of several Republican members of Congress also speaking at the conference, to autograph Werthmann’s DVD about National Socialism. She happily obliged:
See photo of Bachmann’s autograph and watch video of Werthmann’s remarks HERE.
***
For the record, the number one argument against Social Security: it was a program begun by Adolph Hitler.
How To Take Back America? I would say that is the foremost problem facing our country today. How to take back America from a lunatic fringe preying on the fears of poor ignorant souls.
Frightening.
***
UPDATE – A friend just emailed me the following column, and I urge you to read it.
“Somethng very dangerous is happening …”
- “Where Did ‘We’ Go?” Thomas L. Friedman, The New York Times, 29 September 2009
9.29.2009
Play it again, Pete
Moments that stir our senses never leave our memories. One such memory for me was a moment many years ago.
As the song from “Phantom of the Opera,” appropriately “The Music of the Night,” describes it, it was a moment when “silently the senses abandon their defenses.”
I was sitting at the bar in the Bateau Lounge on Bourbon Street. A man with a goatee sat in a chair atop the bar. From his clarinet came one of the sweetest sounds I’ve ever heard, and it had nothing to do with Teacher’s on the rocks.
“Just a closer walk with thee ...”
I share with you the following poignant passage as I listen to Douglas Brinkley’s “The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
“Saventy-five-year-old Pete Fountain, the legendary clarinetist, tried to stay positive. He was safe, but his $1.5 million Bay St. Louis (Miss.) house was gutted, and his most treasured possessions, which documented his illustrious jazz career, were lost forever.
“Correspondence with Frank Sinatra, gold albums, signed pictures of himself with presidents, Louis Armstrong memorabilia. Losing the gold record of his signature song, ‘Just a Closer Walk with Thee,’ was a truly personal blow. Fountain’s vintage gun collection was also gone. After Katrina, it all came under the heading of one word: debris.
“Fortunately, Fountain had evacuated with his family to Hammond, Louisiana, 75 miles west. ‘Katrina really got me,’ he told the Associated Press, ‘but I have two of my best clarinets, so I’m OK.’
“That’s what Fountain told the press after Katrina. He had that Mississippi Gulf Coast male mentality that no matter what your age you don’t complain. His post-Katrina sadness, though, was acute. For 46 years Fountain had participated in New Orleans’ Mardi Gras parades. His krewe was called ‘Half-Fast Marching Club’ and was a huge tourist draw, parading down St. Charles Avenue while Fountain played his clarinet, a modern-day Pied Piper.
“When February 2006 rolled around, however, Fountain stayed at his rented home in Hammond, Louisiana, refusing to participate in Mardi Gras. His heart wasn’t in it. ‘I think maybe it was just depression about all the stuff that happened,’ he said, ‘all the things we lost, all the disruption. And then you look around and see all the stuff messed up. It just sort of grinds you down.’ ”
***
Upstairs, somewhere in a box, I have Mardi Gras doubloons from the Half-Fast Marching Club. (If you haven’t caught on, it’s pronounced “half-assed.”) I have Fountain’s original album. These are little treasures I myself hoard.
Smile, Pete. When you take that closer walk, I – and the world – will have your music.
No winds, however menacing, can take away the music.
As the song from “Phantom of the Opera,” appropriately “The Music of the Night,” describes it, it was a moment when “silently the senses abandon their defenses.”
I was sitting at the bar in the Bateau Lounge on Bourbon Street. A man with a goatee sat in a chair atop the bar. From his clarinet came one of the sweetest sounds I’ve ever heard, and it had nothing to do with Teacher’s on the rocks.
“Just a closer walk with thee ...”
I share with you the following poignant passage as I listen to Douglas Brinkley’s “The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”
“Saventy-five-year-old Pete Fountain, the legendary clarinetist, tried to stay positive. He was safe, but his $1.5 million Bay St. Louis (Miss.) house was gutted, and his most treasured possessions, which documented his illustrious jazz career, were lost forever.
“Correspondence with Frank Sinatra, gold albums, signed pictures of himself with presidents, Louis Armstrong memorabilia. Losing the gold record of his signature song, ‘Just a Closer Walk with Thee,’ was a truly personal blow. Fountain’s vintage gun collection was also gone. After Katrina, it all came under the heading of one word: debris.
“Fortunately, Fountain had evacuated with his family to Hammond, Louisiana, 75 miles west. ‘Katrina really got me,’ he told the Associated Press, ‘but I have two of my best clarinets, so I’m OK.’
“That’s what Fountain told the press after Katrina. He had that Mississippi Gulf Coast male mentality that no matter what your age you don’t complain. His post-Katrina sadness, though, was acute. For 46 years Fountain had participated in New Orleans’ Mardi Gras parades. His krewe was called ‘Half-Fast Marching Club’ and was a huge tourist draw, parading down St. Charles Avenue while Fountain played his clarinet, a modern-day Pied Piper.
“When February 2006 rolled around, however, Fountain stayed at his rented home in Hammond, Louisiana, refusing to participate in Mardi Gras. His heart wasn’t in it. ‘I think maybe it was just depression about all the stuff that happened,’ he said, ‘all the things we lost, all the disruption. And then you look around and see all the stuff messed up. It just sort of grinds you down.’ ”
***
Upstairs, somewhere in a box, I have Mardi Gras doubloons from the Half-Fast Marching Club. (If you haven’t caught on, it’s pronounced “half-assed.”) I have Fountain’s original album. These are little treasures I myself hoard.
Smile, Pete. When you take that closer walk, I – and the world – will have your music.
No winds, however menacing, can take away the music.
9.28.2009
'Vast right-wing conspiracy'
Remember when Hillary uttered the words “vast right-wing conspiracy,” and the media and public opinion pooh-poohed her?
Now that Bill Clinton has called this vast right-wing conspiracy as “virulent” as ever, bear in mind that he didn’t bring it up, but was asked specifically about Hillary’s remark Sunday morning by “Meet the Press” moderator David Gregory (LINK).
Is there a vast right-wing conspiracy? You betcha!
The Cliintons, Bill and Hillary, like President Obama now, have been the brutal brunt of it.
The Clintons were accused of murder. President Obama is being accused of wanting to murder old folks with “death panels.” The right-wing continues to strip itself of its self-proclaimed monopoly on moral values.
For this reason, the former president says there’s “no way” Republicans will retake Congress in 2010.
For an eye-popping look at the right-wing’s vulnerable underbelly, read David Brock’s “political and journalistic mea culpa,” Blinded by the Right: The Conscience of an Ex-Conservtive.” (There are multiple paperback copies for 75 cents on half.com.)
This is a no-holds-barred, nonfiction roman à clef which names names and exposes how they dished the dirt.
As one of a bright and talented army of young conservatives recruited to destroy the Clintons, Brock was the dirtiest of the dirty tricksters. As he personally struggled with his homosexuality, he experienced a road-to-Damascus revelation about the puppetmaster pulling his strings.
The word “conspiracy” turns me off, but it did exist when Hillary talked about it, and it exists now that Bill acknowledges it. Brock’s book is a good jumping-off place to fully understand both its impact and the money and power behind it.
Brock continues to expose and fight this conspiracy today on the Web site he founded, Media Matters for America, described thusly:
“A non-profit progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing and correcting conservative misinformation.”
As to whether the efforts of the right-wing are as effective today, Clinton told MTP’s audience, "The country is more diverse and more interested in positive action." The people saw Republican control of Congress under George W. Bush, he said, and “they know the results were bad.”
Inexplicably, there remains a fringe out there hellbent on bringing Obama and his positive agenda down, and we must hold complicit media and members of Congress accountable. They are, after all, doing the bidding of the puppetmasters with the power and the money.
Now that Bill Clinton has called this vast right-wing conspiracy as “virulent” as ever, bear in mind that he didn’t bring it up, but was asked specifically about Hillary’s remark Sunday morning by “Meet the Press” moderator David Gregory (LINK).
Is there a vast right-wing conspiracy? You betcha!
The Cliintons, Bill and Hillary, like President Obama now, have been the brutal brunt of it.
The Clintons were accused of murder. President Obama is being accused of wanting to murder old folks with “death panels.” The right-wing continues to strip itself of its self-proclaimed monopoly on moral values.
For this reason, the former president says there’s “no way” Republicans will retake Congress in 2010.
For an eye-popping look at the right-wing’s vulnerable underbelly, read David Brock’s “political and journalistic mea culpa,” Blinded by the Right: The Conscience of an Ex-Conservtive.” (There are multiple paperback copies for 75 cents on half.com.)
This is a no-holds-barred, nonfiction roman à clef which names names and exposes how they dished the dirt.
As one of a bright and talented army of young conservatives recruited to destroy the Clintons, Brock was the dirtiest of the dirty tricksters. As he personally struggled with his homosexuality, he experienced a road-to-Damascus revelation about the puppetmaster pulling his strings.
The word “conspiracy” turns me off, but it did exist when Hillary talked about it, and it exists now that Bill acknowledges it. Brock’s book is a good jumping-off place to fully understand both its impact and the money and power behind it.
Brock continues to expose and fight this conspiracy today on the Web site he founded, Media Matters for America, described thusly:
“A non-profit progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing and correcting conservative misinformation.”
As to whether the efforts of the right-wing are as effective today, Clinton told MTP’s audience, "The country is more diverse and more interested in positive action." The people saw Republican control of Congress under George W. Bush, he said, and “they know the results were bad.”
Inexplicably, there remains a fringe out there hellbent on bringing Obama and his positive agenda down, and we must hold complicit media and members of Congress accountable. They are, after all, doing the bidding of the puppetmasters with the power and the money.
9.26.2009
Decade's totally bad flicks
Headed out to your favorite movie rental spot? This one’s for movie buffs and lovers of lists!
In my home film library I have a collection of movies labeled “Totally Bad Sci-Fi.” I also have 17 of the old black-and-white Godzilla films, which might be viewed in a different light when you realize Godzilla represents the atomic bomb. (Bought a movie ticket for the latest Godzilla, and it sucked.)
These are movies which the publication VideoHound Golden Movie Retriever would call “a waste of film and studio vehicles.”
Sometimes they’re just so bad they’re good.
Rotten Tomatoes has compiled a list of the 100 Worst Movies of the Decade (2000-2009).
To help you decide what you might want to avoid for your movie weekend – or check out depending on how warped and campy you are – DemWit has complied the list and put it in The Reading Room, so you won't have to wade through all those pesky screens. This is a LONG list, so feel free to scroll and scan - or zero in on one that was a waste of your ticket money!
Fire up the popcorn and get a taste of totally rotten HERE. To comment, please hit "backspace" and return to this post. Thanks!
In my home film library I have a collection of movies labeled “Totally Bad Sci-Fi.” I also have 17 of the old black-and-white Godzilla films, which might be viewed in a different light when you realize Godzilla represents the atomic bomb. (Bought a movie ticket for the latest Godzilla, and it sucked.)
These are movies which the publication VideoHound Golden Movie Retriever would call “a waste of film and studio vehicles.”
Sometimes they’re just so bad they’re good.
Rotten Tomatoes has compiled a list of the 100 Worst Movies of the Decade (2000-2009).
To help you decide what you might want to avoid for your movie weekend – or check out depending on how warped and campy you are – DemWit has complied the list and put it in The Reading Room, so you won't have to wade through all those pesky screens. This is a LONG list, so feel free to scroll and scan - or zero in on one that was a waste of your ticket money!
Fire up the popcorn and get a taste of totally rotten HERE. To comment, please hit "backspace" and return to this post. Thanks!
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