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Sandlewould, your letter to Chairman Wheeler really inspired me. This has been a thorn in my side for decades. Hence the following:
Dear Chairman Wheeler,
Given the corrosive dumbing-down of our media over the past thirty years, I'm amazed that the FCC even exists anymore. Thanks to the insane deregulating policies of the past several administrations, you haven't been doing your job. I gave up television seven years ago because I'd had my fill of hearing the corporate spin on everything. This propaganda noise machine serves no one except the corporations, their CEOs and their shareholders. I see no point in paying a cable bill each month just to be lied to, annoyed and insulted on a daily basis, not to mention the bombardment of toxic messages that are brainwashing the public into submission.
A functioning democracy requires an informed electorate. The kinds of issues that directly impact our quality of life, such as the labor movement, the TPP, and the fossil fuel industry's assault on our environment, property rights and health are conspicuously absent from mainstream "news". There has also been a lot of misinformation about the ACA, an obvious effort to turn public opinion against something we desperately need. This is not the stuff democracy is made of. I believe this hijacking of our media is responsible for the electorate's habit of voting against their own best interests.
When corporations take over the affairs of the state, we have corporate fascism. Is that the kind of society you want for yourself, your children and grandchildren? That is exactly where we are headed, Mr. Wheeler, and this pathetic excuse for a media is largely to blame.
Respectfully,
DAnne. First of all you have to beleive that global warming is caused by fossil fuels. I know, 95 % bla bla bla. but I read more and more research that is doubting the cause. for example what caused the heat and dry conditions in the 30's. Why have we spent trillions on this and CO 2 levels are not dropping. I just saw on the news the other day how they are holding back wind turbine permits because they are wiping out bird populations. the fact is although we will convert to wind and solar someday it is a long way away. Wind and solar can not make plastics and we wouldn't last a minute with out them. because cars get three to four times the gas mileage and your President is making that law to get it even better I am not sure we are going that way anytime in the near future. But thanks for the tip I will keep it in mind. I personally buy real estate. It has worked well for me.
Kend ~ PS You might want to note that since the Fukushima disaster, and the ever increasing levels of radiation all over the country, the growing trend is going to be far more increasing opposition to any proposals that can harm the environment. In the future, if I were you, I would invest accordingly.
Kend ~ I'm sure the President would love to say yes... It would make his financial backers very happy. It is pressure from We the People who the President is listening too. Very wise of him! It is We the People who are slamming the coffin lid on this proposed disaster. If you had an ounce of sense you would listen to We the People as well. Business owners shoot themselves in the foot every time they proceed against the will of their customers. I've seen it before, and I'm seeing it again. That's called the "free market" baby!
sandlewood: No, we can't all just get along. This would require everyone thinking the same. When the stakes are high, it's a battle between those who would personally gain and those who would personally lose -- on any issue. Idealism is nice, but we've very much reverted to being a primitive, "might-makes-right," society/culture. That's just the way things are.
bobbler: Actually, Mahar played an important role in dividing us, during the Clinton admin., by implicitely confirming the (imagined) difference between poor people and "regular" people, ridiculing the poor (esp., women and children). To understand why this is a critical issue, you need to look at history. This isn't the first time that the richest few gained a dangerous degree of power over our government, to the great harm of the country. Each time in the past, the poor and middle class, workers and the jobless, ultimately united to push back, to everyone's benefit. In the 1980s, the rich/corporate state began regaining power over govt. This time, an agenda was implemented to deeply divide the poor and middle, pitting them against each other, to ensure that there would be no push-back. It was very successful. The reason it is so successful is that the leading media marketed to liberals didn't question the surge of anti-poor propaganda that began in the 1980s. The leading lib media, including Mahar, jumped on the bandwagon. The overall message in lib media today agrees with the right-wing ideology that only those who are of current use to employers/the corporate state (in a country that shipped out a massive chunk of our working class jobs) are real people and deserve to survive.
I don't believe the changes you imply will ever result in this scenario. No "slave patrols," etc. People anticipate a sudden and dramatic change when, in fact, the changes we fear have been gradually taking place, incrementally, since the 1980s. The success of these changes has been contingent on retraining the public to accept that a distinct section of the population is something less than the rest of us. We can use this group as cheap labor (often sub-min. wages), requiring them to work at jobs chosen for them. They have no choices, and no workers' rights or protections. Such a scenario would have been unimaginable before Reagan. Today, even those who consider themselves "progressive" don't even question this agenda. We call it "workfare labor." Of course, this isn't the only segment of the population that can be effectively stripped of choices and paid less than free Americans, but it's the biggest segment, and the point is that "progressive" media itself doesn't consider this worth questioning. Think about this: The US shipped out a massive chunk of its working class jobs since the 1980s, and then even liberals agreed that those who were left behind are no longer entitled to the most basic human rights of food and shelter. That's a stunning change in public thinking, and what it comes down to is the fact that we have accepted (without question) the start of a slave class, stripped of basic rights, where only those who are of service to employers (the corporate state) deserve to live. Success of the "slavery agenda" relies on public acceptance of it, and this generation is the first in modern history that has been willing to embrace it.
Of course corporate news media represents only the corporate spin. This has served to determine our politics and policies since the major changes in corporate-owned news media were implemented back in the 1980s. Nearly all news media today comes from a single soyurce, and presenting both sides of the issue are no longer required. I think one of the most powerful examples of this can be found in our socio-economic discussions (which determine the quality of life in the US). We know, for example, that not everyone can work, due to health or circumstances, and that there are currently only 7 jobs available for every 10 people in desperate need one. Yet even those who oddly call themselves "progressives" maintain that only those who are employed should have the fundamental human rights (per the UDHR) of food and shelter. This idea is actually hard-core capitalist, anti-progressive, but we've been so trained in this corporate ideology that the general public doesn't think beyond the training, asking, "What should we do about all those who are left behind?"
The 2nd amendment was put into place to assure the Southern States that they could keep "well regulated militias" as a means of controlling slave communities and prevent slave rebellion. It was for the continuance of Slave Patrols, to hunt down runaways and keep weapons out of the hands of slaves, the African Americans. It was a big fear back then.
And when we enter into a universal slavery scenario, after the collapse of the U.S. dollar, slave patrols could return all across the nation. Only this time color won't be the issue. Your RFID chip will be an issue.
I hope not. But where is all this gun talk really leading.
One of the gretest weakness of the left, is not sticking together. I've never heard maher do this, and I watch him on real time.. Well, aybe once he came close.. And another time I observed him move on to something else (It looked to me because he was deciding the comedy value if moving on, versus bitch slapping the conservative). Seriously, I've heard him support liberals (not democrats) so much, I could certainly tolerate him not being 100-percent liberal. Example, im hardefton every issue, except:
-1- death penalty; in against it because the court system is not Competent enough to decide life and death (it seems too many liberals focus on revenge; and for cold blooded murder, I could give a rats as).
-2- guns, need regulation, but in still in favor per the reasons in the constitution. Next time, perhaps occupy will bring guns, and it will play out differently when the formerly peaceful protestors fight back. We only need look at nazi germany to see how far fascism can go, before enough of the people wake up to make a difference. My guess, a shoot out with the cops over disparity, will be more difficult to keep out of the news.
Yes, and it's a great talking point for progressive candidates. If there are enough people helping to get out the vote, there could be some changes, despite GOP manipulation. Typically mid-term elections have a low voter turnout. Let's hope enough Republicans are disgusted enough with their party nut cases that even gerrymandering won't be a big factor.
Bill Maher is starting to sound like a right wing democrat. On tonight's show he seemed to be ragging on old people who get social security and medicare. He effectively said that old people (referring of course to those of us who don't have millions like he does) are way too expensive but get away with it "because they vote". That, and his tending to side with invading Iraq years ago, makes me think that he is part of what's wrong with America....people who pretend to be liberal but who are largely right wing. I usually agree with most of what he says but once in a while he'll shoot way off and disgrace himself. I'm expecting him to, one day, joke about turning old people into Soylent Green...and get the strong feeling that he isn't joking! Sure, he donated $1million to Obama's second campaign but these wealthy people tend to hang together anyway.
Kend...
1st up, my principal belief is thet...dispite our venting on each other we should focus on what we agree on... that said...my curiosity peeks...why are you so ‘Gung-ho!; w/ regard to the TxL? ...makes me wonder...but w/ that...Can’t we all just...”get along?” Pretty much seems like, not only homo-sapiens...but mother Earth depend on it...
DAnne have you not read a thing I said. There is no answer. please mr president say no then. deal with what. I would love for Obama to say no. Then it would be over.
2950-10K ~ Well said! i fully agree.
Kend ~ The answer is NO! Deal with it!
10k and DAnne. sincerely why do you think this decision has taken so long? Just say NO then. Why drag it on and on and on. Most Canadians could care less either way. Because of the delay there is three more pipelines being proposed here in Canada two to the west coast and one to the east coast to refine and replace middle east oil. We are going to sell it. That is a fact. I sincerely respect Americans opposition to it and I and all Canadians would respect any decession. But just make it. Why the delay? Is it because America is going to regret the chance they had to get oil from a clean reputable source. If we start shipping over seas the price of energy in the US will go up. Is that what scares them to say no. Honestly here we don't understand. If it isn't for America then JUST SAY NO
Lord knows I've beat the corpse media thing to death on this blog, and elsewhere, and for good reason. As Thom points out, the corporate media is controlled by big money special interest...not a surprise to most of us, but the cause of self injurious voting for millions.
One progressive billionaire could change the course of history overnight if he or she were to buy up a good chunk of media and put the wood to Murdoch with exposure of the issues that truly matter to all of us. But that ain't gonna happen.
I do remain optimistic though. I have many young friends and virtually all of them rely on their smart phones for progressive info and communication....no TV..... not even laptops. Murdoch, his FOX crap, and his 800 plus companies are going out like the horse and buggy. Not only did Anonymous stop Rove and his media lies from stealing the 2012 election, it was a smart device that caught the voting fraud in Perry County Pennsylvania. A voter filmed his attempt to vote for Obama as it registered Romney each time. This image quickly went viral. So yes, I believe there is hope, we the people, do in fact have smart weapons to fight back against Corpse Media propaganda / misinformation.
On the subject of the Koch's XL Pipeline...If the Canadian citizens don't want to refine or transport their god damn tar sands on their own freaking land, and they're getting their way on this, why in hell should we allow the United States to become Canada's third world toxic waste depository? We shouldn't allow rail or barge transport either. This is a Koch/Canadian issue. The State Dept. needs to send their report to the Canadian citizens.....not to us. Move the Koch refineries to Canada. See how that works out!!!!! If we the people owned the energy sector like we should...the transition to green would have already happened. All the argument about how we still need oil should be reframed to.... how quickly can we switch to GREEN?
Kend ~ Thanks! I was sure you could shed light on that question.
As far as Keystone is concerned I can't answer for the majority of Americans; but, if my intuition is correct, the answer is a not no, but fuck no0! If that helps.
Well DAnne. Apparently to be a "blithering idiot" you just have to be elected to the highest office in the USA.
sandlewould ~ Yesterday you mentioned that the media programmed dupes were "Blithering Idiots." I was just curious what does a regular idiot need to do to become a "Blithering Idiot?" I mean, do they need to sign up for a special course and pass a special test? Inquiring minds want to know.
Oh, wait! I think I'm asking the wrong person. Sorry sandlewould!
Kend ~ You should be able to answer this question. What do you say?
Nationalist Belief now trumps and incorporates Religious Belief, putting pride-of-nation to the forefront of belief systems and is quite blinding, figuratively speaking. Use of horrendous weapons and creating death and mayhem in "remote" parts of the world is overlooked as a necessary and acceptable evil. Meanwhile news is now entertainment.
http://www.google.com/m?q=cbs+%22news+as+entertainment%22
In fact, God loves all mankind and all living things, so any horrendous event created by individuals should be viewed as against God.
Oh well. Let's go to the mall.
As far as Keystone goes and believe me I personally have a lot at stake with it. Please, please, please just make a &$%#ing decession. Yes / No whatever. How arrogant do you have to be to hold up a massive decession that holds up a whole nations major industry for 5 1/2 years. Five and a half years and five studies all that passed with flying colors. All the states involved OK'd it. if the truth be told Keystone isn't in the best interest of the Canadian oilfield industry. We would be much better off to go with option two where we refine and export our own oil. Other countries would pay much More. But a good neighbour would reach out and offer to help a struggling freind. A good neighbour would offer to supply a freind with safe, clean, environmentally friendly low priced energy. But I understand. If you believe it isn't the right thing for you no problem. we will move on and sell it to China or India who are starving for clean energy. So please please just for your old buddy kend call who ever you can and get a secession made for me. No, yes what ever just get it over with so we can move on.
dr818dr ~ Well said! I agree 100%. In fact, I would also go so far as to say that the "liberal media" misleads people also with the notion of gun control. The real cause of mass shootings was Reagans defunding of mental institutions. With one swipe of the pen the man plunged this country into a state of extensive homelessness, untreated mental illness, and the obvious violence that we see escalating today. The "liberal media" would have us all believe that this is because of unregulated gun sales. We have always had unregulated gun sales without mass shootings. There used to be a time when the mentally ill weren't allowed to play with matches. I say that if you are for ending mass shootings and gun violence you cannot be for gun control. You must be for refunding mental institutions. So far, not one of the gun related mass shootings was perpetrated by a sane gunman.
On a side note, even John Hinckley, who shot Ronald Reagan, was treated for schizophrenia. The man--Ronald Reagan--never understood mental illness; and, therefore, was in no position to make that stunningly irresponsible decision in the first place. The fact that overturning the decision seems to be beyond the scope of either party today clearly indicates a complicity and conspiracy to overturn the second amendment instead. Would you agree with that dr818dr?
Being under-employed is just as bad as being unemployed. The GOP are masters of keeping the 98% in both conditions and them wants to blame them for not "wanting" to work. I don't see the Walton's working all that hard, and yet they pull down millions per month in welfare from the very people they want to accuse of being shiftless losers. Just because the media is not reporting truth does not necessarily mean the public isn't aware of what the truth about their condition really is.
sandlewould ~ I never said it would work, I said it is the most logical course of action to take. The way I look at it a fight ain't over till it's over. You don't stop swinging until you hit the ground and the lights go off. Glad to hear you're behind movetoamend.org 100%. Be as pessimistic as you want, but don't give up on that fight. Right now, that is the arrow head of our offensive.
chuckle8 ~ I'm not sure if I understand your reasoning. Can you possibly stretch that Constitutional clause to blow away Citizens United?