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Politico's Cheney Coverage: Editor Defends Its Stenography
Commented Jan 06, 2010 at 12:54:33 in Media
“Thanks for your thoughtful response.
I DO think that your premise of starting with facts and adding context is exactly what the press is supposed to do. There is a huge amount of information flying around, and more than ever each citizen needs help to distinguish fact from fiction. I have lots of other options for entertainment, I would like at least a couple of reliable sources for news that is important to my life.
If doctors, lawyers and other professionals can have their ongoing work held to standards, then so can the news media. The Daily show and Colbert manage to show facts and context, but sadly only as a way to humorous entertainment. And look, TONS of people watch those shows for the stated purpose of getting the news. And I dont care if the news is delivered in an interesting way! I just want the facts as they are known, not a bunch of spin doctors being sold to me as news.”
I DO think that your premise of starting with facts and adding context is exactly what the press is supposed to do. There is a huge amount of information flying around, and more than ever each citizen needs help to distinguish fact from fiction. I have lots of other options for entertainment, I would like at least a couple of reliable sources for news that is important to my life.
If doctors, lawyers and other professionals can have their ongoing work held to standards, then so can the news media. The Daily show and Colbert manage to show facts and context, but sadly only as a way to humorous entertainment. And look, TONS of people watch those shows for the stated purpose of getting the news. And I dont care if the news is delivered in an interesting way! I just want the facts as they are known, not a bunch of spin doctors being sold to me as news.”
Child Porn Fears Block Under 18s From Full Body Scanners
Commented Jan 06, 2010 at 00:50:33 in Technology
“You are correct. Giving up the civil rights of American's because of a few crazed nutjobs with explosives is just plain pathetic. We are 360 million strong, why are we letting a few hundred of these b'tards change our way of life?
I don't even have to refuse to be scared, they DON'T scare me. At all. There is no way any jet will ever be hijacked again because big ole passengers will jump em, just like what happened to Capn Underpants. Maybe we get blown up, but never hijacked.
Our willingness to overreact for the thrill of it...now that is pathetic.”
I don't even have to refuse to be scared, they DON'T scare me. At all. There is no way any jet will ever be hijacked again because big ole passengers will jump em, just like what happened to Capn Underpants. Maybe we get blown up, but never hijacked.
Our willingness to overreact for the thrill of it...now that is pathetic.”
Child Porn Fears Block Under 18s From Full Body Scanners
Commented Jan 06, 2010 at 00:42:51 in Technology
“And because the news media has a story about naked people that they can blab about for weeks, if not months. All that free faux sexy (oh my! Did they say naked?) blather would go away too quickly if they actually stuck to important facts.
Our human nature is at fault, as a general rule we will look at Sex or Danger stimuli, the media has no reservations about using these survival mechanisms against us.”
Our human nature is at fault, as a general rule we will look at Sex or Danger stimuli, the media has no reservations about using these survival mechanisms against us.”
Politico's Cheney Coverage: Editor Defends Its Stenography
Commented Jan 06, 2010 at 00:33:41 in Media
“News media is no longer journalism. It is an entertainment product dedicated to generating profits. There is zero acknowledgment of responsibility to informing the citizenry. A for profit corporation can never be counted on to work toward any goal except profitability, that is the ENTIRE purpose of such a corporation. Its not around to inform anyone, feed the hungry or kiss babies. If you want some other result, a different entity will have to be created for it. The profit motive is very powerful, but it's utility is limited.
In my fantasy world of logic, there would be firm regulations regarding who could be certified as an accredited news channel. As it stands, there seems to be more standards of conduct for used car salesmen than for the news media. At least a car salesman is not masquerading as something else.”
In my fantasy world of logic, there would be firm regulations regarding who could be certified as an accredited news channel. As it stands, there seems to be more standards of conduct for used car salesmen than for the news media. At least a car salesman is not masquerading as something else.”
RamonBackwards replied on Jan 06, 2010 at 09:51:48
“(cont.) Plus, if it's not profitable, who's going to pay for it? Imagine if Politico made the cut as "accredited" and you were forced to pay their salaries out of your taxes because of the "important social service they provide". You'd be paying to provide Dick Cheney with a "accredited" megaphone. Cuz unless you say the NY Times would fail the accreditation test, then you have to realize that they served the exact same role as Politico at a much more important time. Or maybe you think it's only appropriate to serve as stenographer when someone is in power? Either option is distasteful.
Journalists (and news organizations) have a responsibility only to their own principles. If they don't have the principles necessary to put integrity above personal profit, don't watch/read. That is your only option. Many people out there want to be misled by Dick Cheney and they have every right to crave that brainwashing.
If you think you can do it better, you have the most unique opportunity in history to fill the niche you think needs filling. Best of luck if you try. Until then, simply support the organizations that provide a service you value and stay away from those that don't. You're entirely in control of your own choice in that sense. You have exactly no right to decide for others what garbage they choose to feed their brains.”
Journalists (and news organizations) have a responsibility only to their own principles. If they don't have the principles necessary to put integrity above personal profit, don't watch/read. That is your only option. Many people out there want to be misled by Dick Cheney and they have every right to crave that brainwashing.
If you think you can do it better, you have the most unique opportunity in history to fill the niche you think needs filling. Best of luck if you try. Until then, simply support the organizations that provide a service you value and stay away from those that don't. You're entirely in control of your own choice in that sense. You have exactly no right to decide for others what garbage they choose to feed their brains.”
RamonBackwards replied on Jan 06, 2010 at 09:51:02
“"In my fantasy world of logic, there would be firm regulations regarding who could be certified as an accredited news channel"
UGGGGGGGGG
Unfortunately, amigo, there is no definable "truth" on most issues discussed in the news. You can try an approach where you focus on accepted facts and build up, rather than starting with the finely tuned spin and working back to the facts as is the case now, but you can be sure that very few people will pay attention (if you're honest with yourself, even you wouldn't be interested in that. Maybe you can make it a points game and make it interesting?).”
UGGGGGGGGG
Unfortunately, amigo, there is no definable "truth" on most issues discussed in the news. You can try an approach where you focus on accepted facts and build up, rather than starting with the finely tuned spin and working back to the facts as is the case now, but you can be sure that very few people will pay attention (if you're honest with yourself, even you wouldn't be interested in that. Maybe you can make it a points game and make it interesting?).”
troberts1943 replied on Jan 06, 2010 at 08:32:33
“It is a shame when the truthful news we get is from the Jon Stewart or The Colbert Report.
They are entertainers but are a better news.”
They are entertainers but are a better news.”
Dick Cheney's Role in Al Qaeda's Yemeni Resurgence
Commented Jan 06, 2010 at 00:22:59 in World
“How about some due process to prove some kind of punishable activity before you start flailing about with your execution stick? That IS how we do things in the USA, we are not some fundamentalist country that executes people on a whim, at least thats what our rule book says. Sure is a lot of people who like the idea of killing first, establishing facts later (if at all...)
Releasing comes AFTER due process establishes guilt or innocence. Why is this such a mystery?”
Releasing comes AFTER due process establishes guilt or innocence. Why is this such a mystery?”
C Pollard replied on Jan 06, 2010 at 17:41:31
“The had due process, more than any other illegal enemy combatants in the history of the world. But that wasn't enough for your ideological judges. Congress wrote the military tribunal laws, Congress gave jurisdiction, that is their job, the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 vote turned our legal history on its head and there is nothing we can do to remove them from their position. That is why it is not up to courts to decide matters of national security. This is decided law. Remeber Stare Decisis? That is over because of politics and Obama is only making it worse.”
Dick Cheney's Role in Al Qaeda's Yemeni Resurgence
Commented Jan 06, 2010 at 00:15:59 in World
“Nolook, you are revising history. The general liberal view has been that anyone locked up by the US government is covered by either the Geneva Convention or the US code of law. There is no credible spokesperson from the progressive side who asked for detainees to be released outright.
You know, we ARE Americans too, and we also don't like getting attacked. We just feel that our country is based on rule of law, not lynch mob justice. How frightened you must be to completely void yourself of traditional American values in the face of a few guys with explosives. We ARE 360 MILLION Americans in the richest country on earth, with a kick ass military that we can use WISELY.
Speaking for myself, I am not afraid. I pity YOUR groveling terror and feel ashamed that an American would sell out their country because a few rabble threw some rocks at our house.”
You know, we ARE Americans too, and we also don't like getting attacked. We just feel that our country is based on rule of law, not lynch mob justice. How frightened you must be to completely void yourself of traditional American values in the face of a few guys with explosives. We ARE 360 MILLION Americans in the richest country on earth, with a kick ass military that we can use WISELY.
Speaking for myself, I am not afraid. I pity YOUR groveling terror and feel ashamed that an American would sell out their country because a few rabble threw some rocks at our house.”
Democrats Are Dropping Like Flies
Commented Jan 05, 2010 at 23:58:16 in Politics
“Been tried repeatedly, fails due to greed every time. The tax cuts go to personal wealth of top execs instead of job creation.”
Child Porn Fears Block Under 18s From Full Body Scanners
Commented Jan 05, 2010 at 18:07:56 in Technology
“The problem: Dangerous material smuggled under clothing
Is this a solution or not? Seem like there is a very real challenge to the ability of these machines to even do the job. Yes they show knives and other rigid items (spare me the jokes), but would they have found the explosives used in shoes or undies?
I am getting the impression that they would not do the job, so any further discussion on potential side effects is not really necessary.”
Is this a solution or not? Seem like there is a very real challenge to the ability of these machines to even do the job. Yes they show knives and other rigid items (spare me the jokes), but would they have found the explosives used in shoes or undies?
I am getting the impression that they would not do the job, so any further discussion on potential side effects is not really necessary.”
TexasMom replied on Jan 05, 2010 at 19:10:53
“I've wondered also why in all the news reports of hapless reporters being patted down or body scanned we haven't had anyone duplicate the "Boxer Bomber's" modus operandi and say either, "See! We would have found the junk by his junk." or "This isn't going to work at all."”
PBS' 'This Emotional Life': Are We Born With 'Innate' Ideas?
Commented Jan 04, 2010 at 13:26:34 in Living
“Surely we arrive with a number of instincts that serve a variety of survival utilities for different situations? The instinct to learn, to bond with parents, to explore, to sleep. Additional instincts arrive (erupt?) during ones lifetime, I know I went through a huge internal change when my first son was born.
The world we live in is a complex one, and our own advanced cognition & complex socialization creates a huge number of channels for instincts and learning to evolve.
Mazlo's hierarchy is an easy way to visualize a number of the needs we seek to satisfy, with a universe of possible solutions attached to every need.
http://en.
In addition to our individual selves, we also have instincts as members of a family, community and species.
We have got a lot going on.
FYI: I have been working for several years on developing models of play and AI behaviors, thats what got me looking into these areas. Human behaviors are fascinating!”
The world we live in is a complex one, and our own advanced cognition & complex socialization creates a huge number of channels for instincts and learning to evolve.
Mazlo's hierarchy is an easy way to visualize a number of the needs we seek to satisfy, with a universe of possible solutions attached to every need.
http://en.
In addition to our individual selves, we also have instincts as members of a family, community and species.
We have got a lot going on.
FYI: I have been working for several years on developing models of play and AI behaviors, thats what got me looking into these areas. Human behaviors are fascinating!”
White House Responds To Cheney: Your 'Bellicose Rhetoric' Did Nothing
Commented Jan 04, 2010 at 13:01:02 in Politics
“yes, yes, yes”
White House Responds To Cheney: Your 'Bellicose Rhetoric' Did Nothing
Commented Jan 04, 2010 at 13:00:05 in Politics
“dont forget looting the treasury of all those missing billions..
Dems Will Bypass Conference Committee To Get Health Care Passed
Commented Jan 04, 2010 at 12:54:49 in Politics
“The GOP has announced publicly that their agenda will be to impede every attempt at any kind of health care legislation. Their goal is not cooperative governance, their goal is to make the 'other team' look bad so the voters will reject them.
So, why on earth would the Dem's want to continue to attempt to incorporate the GOP into any ongoing discussions? It's a busted pipe dream to continue to do so. Sorry for the citizens who are represented by the GOP reps and senators, your voices have been removed from the conversation by YOUR REPS.
The DEMS have the MAJORITY. They get to work with the tools of the system to carry out their mandate. They have spent far too long allowing the GOP to interfere, its way overdue for them to just Get It Done!”
So, why on earth would the Dem's want to continue to attempt to incorporate the GOP into any ongoing discussions? It's a busted pipe dream to continue to do so. Sorry for the citizens who are represented by the GOP reps and senators, your voices have been removed from the conversation by YOUR REPS.
The DEMS have the MAJORITY. They get to work with the tools of the system to carry out their mandate. They have spent far too long allowing the GOP to interfere, its way overdue for them to just Get It Done!”
OLJW00 replied on Jan 04, 2010 at 13:04:18
“And they will - good luck with the Dems owning this stinker of a bill come next November.
And don't let the door hit you on the way out applies here.”
And don't let the door hit you on the way out applies here.”
sc300nc replied on Jan 04, 2010 at 13:00:10
“I agree! Get this piece of cr*p healthcare bill passed NOW!”
Dems Will Bypass Conference Committee To Get Health Care Passed
Commented Jan 04, 2010 at 12:52:29 in Politics
“- you say that your insurance is raised every year no matter what, so there is no clear cause and effect at work with the latest pending legislation
Just saying”
Just saying”
Brit Hume To Tiger Woods: Convert To Christianity To Recover From Scandal (VIDEO)
Commented Jan 03, 2010 at 16:54:42 in Media
“What Hume said is wrong on so many levels, its clear to the rest of us, but its also clear that from his lofty perch his own opinion on EVERYTHING is what really matters. Facts are only true if they coincide with his belief system. Every other religion is false except his own. He is happy to offer unwanted advice since he is so very clear on how everything works.
Repugnant.”
Repugnant.”
'Glee' Creator Mocks NBC For Macys Parade Snub
Commented Jan 02, 2010 at 17:25:59 in Entertainment
“Fox has a split personality. One part simply awful, the other part full of amazing shows like the Simpsons, Heroes and Glee.”
Obama Foreclosure Program Seen As Failing, Possibly Making Things Worse
Commented Jan 02, 2010 at 16:31:10 in Business
“Proposal
Government takeover of loans that are in danger of default. Banks are paid, homeowner gets zero interest loan with payback options that take each families current economic situation.
This is for current loans only.
I don't know why this would not work.”
Government takeover of loans that are in danger of default. Banks are paid, homeowner gets zero interest loan with payback options that take each families current economic situation.
This is for current loans only.
I don't know why this would not work.”
Winston120 replied on Jan 02, 2010 at 17:05:03
“I would settle starting out for an automatic refi to a low rate (3%/40 years) for people who have been current for the last 12 months or only 1-2 months behind.
The gov't is rewarding people who are financially OK like cash for clunkers, first time home buyers.
Why should the tax dollars for a strugglinh homeowner subsidize a new buyer of a home or car and they get thrown out????
Renters should also get some benefits.”
The gov't is rewarding people who are financially OK like cash for clunkers, first time home buyers.
Why should the tax dollars for a strugglinh homeowner subsidize a new buyer of a home or car and they get thrown out????
Renters should also get some benefits.”
VikingQuest replied on Jan 02, 2010 at 16:35:55
“"Government takeover of loans that are in danger of default. Banks are paid, homeowner gets zero interest loan with payback options that take each families current economic situation.
So you think owning a home should be something that is an entitlement?
If that's the case, I'll buy a $4 million dollar home and default . . . then pay a $1500 mortgage on it.”
So you think owning a home should be something that is an entitlement?
If that's the case, I'll buy a $4 million dollar home and default . . . then pay a $1500 mortgage on it.”
2010 Election Situation Grows More Difficult For Democrats
Commented Jan 02, 2010 at 16:26:49 in Politics
“The people have NOT decided that its Obamas fault, what you are hearing are the echoes of Fox News bouncing off the mass media O sphere. This happens when raving wingnuts are given equal time with thinkers.
I do agree that the Dem's should try to highlight what they HAVE done, rather than focus on the past. Actually, they need to do both as past elections have shown that pro-active information is good for rational people, but the emotional response to perceived villainy will motivate a significant number of voters.”
I do agree that the Dem's should try to highlight what they HAVE done, rather than focus on the past. Actually, they need to do both as past elections have shown that pro-active information is good for rational people, but the emotional response to perceived villainy will motivate a significant number of voters.”
Blackwater Shooting Charges All Dismissed By Judge
Commented Jan 02, 2010 at 15:01:32 in Politics
“Well luckily, since the gov lawyers failed to follow proper guidelines, the crime never happened and all those dead people can now be brought back to life. Right?
Also, this doesn't need to be the end of it. As I understand it in my amateur way, Dismissing the charges means the judge felt there was insufficient grounds to move to trial. The gov can still file new charges that do not depend the unusable evidence?
And as much as I find the entire Blackwater operation repugnant, I don't see anything in this article that indicates they murdered citizens. The ignored statements say that they "fired their weapons". If they did that in response to being attacked then I don't know that they committed any crime?”
Also, this doesn't need to be the end of it. As I understand it in my amateur way, Dismissing the charges means the judge felt there was insufficient grounds to move to trial. The gov can still file new charges that do not depend the unusable evidence?
And as much as I find the entire Blackwater operation repugnant, I don't see anything in this article that indicates they murdered citizens. The ignored statements say that they "fired their weapons". If they did that in response to being attacked then I don't know that they committed any crime?”
LightningJoe replied on Jan 02, 2010 at 18:02:30
“But there WAS no attack on the guards before they fired their weapons!
Really, they fired their weapons nearly every day, but (largely) at targets that fired at them first. There is no controversy about whether firing BACK was allowed. The problem is that this seeming roid-rage incident took place with little or no provocation. Perhaps the guards saw a gun (a very common sight, in Bagdad) and hallucinated an ambush attempt. If so, then the fault is in the tight pitch of anxiety that colored their whole experience there, and in their inability to tell (or care about) the difference.
Bagdad is also upset because this is one of the few high-profile incidents, that was witnessed, whereas there were incidents every day of civilians being shot by these convoys just for following them too closely. Sure, that makes an excuse for the shooting, but never a reason.
See the videos on YouTube for that. Seach for Bagdad Shooting Blackwater.”
Really, they fired their weapons nearly every day, but (largely) at targets that fired at them first. There is no controversy about whether firing BACK was allowed. The problem is that this seeming roid-rage incident took place with little or no provocation. Perhaps the guards saw a gun (a very common sight, in Bagdad) and hallucinated an ambush attempt. If so, then the fault is in the tight pitch of anxiety that colored their whole experience there, and in their inability to tell (or care about) the difference.
Bagdad is also upset because this is one of the few high-profile incidents, that was witnessed, whereas there were incidents every day of civilians being shot by these convoys just for following them too closely. Sure, that makes an excuse for the shooting, but never a reason.
See the videos on YouTube for that. Seach for Bagdad Shooting Blackwater.”
sviolette replied on Jan 02, 2010 at 16:39:13
“It's a crime to fire on unarmed civilians. There was no evidence that anyone except for blackwater fired any rounds or used any grenades.”
2010 Election Situation Grows More Difficult For Democrats
Commented Jan 02, 2010 at 14:52:37 in Politics
“"But that was three years ago. Democrats have been in control since, and Bush is long gone."
What?
Is this the new meme, that one year of stewardship over a burning ship of state is actually 3 years of mismanagement?
I really don't like how the Dem's and Obama have managed the financial debacle so far, but regardless of the critique there can be no doubt as to the time span in question. Just as there can be no doubt as to who was in charge when Wall Street and K Street were gutting the treasury in the Greatest White Collar Crime Ever.”
What?
Is this the new meme, that one year of stewardship over a burning ship of state is actually 3 years of mismanagement?
I really don't like how the Dem's and Obama have managed the financial debacle so far, but regardless of the critique there can be no doubt as to the time span in question. Just as there can be no doubt as to who was in charge when Wall Street and K Street were gutting the treasury in the Greatest White Collar Crime Ever.”
ThosC747 replied on Jan 02, 2010 at 15:01:54
“I was just about to ask the same question.”
Rob Johnson Explains Crony Capitalism (VIDEO)
Commented Jan 02, 2010 at 11:51:27 in Business
“The 'trust us, rules just slow us down' philosophy remains the same tho. Only the ability to do more damage has increased, making the situation worse.”
The Lost Decade: Zero Net Job Creation From 2000-2009
Commented Jan 02, 2010 at 10:43:11 in Business
“WaPo is still blaming homeowners and pining for even more money poured into 'business'! Well, if the investment money actually went into making more jobs then their formula would be correct. But the MBA pirates have instead dialed up the skim percentage and are just draining the capital directly into their own pockets...
Arianna Calls Out Kudlow For Dow '50,000' Prediction, Urges People To Ditch Bailed Out Banks (VIDEO)
Commented Dec 31, 2009 at 15:10:02 in Business
“Why are there any PUNDITS left on a Financial Network? They have all been as wrong as possible. There should be no audience left for them. Is it that the networks have to fill air time somehow, so they have opinion pieces instead of news? This is fine for sports, because ultimately they don't matter in any real world sense. But high finance has profound consequences felt around the world. Thus it would be logical to that media channels not be allowed to treat matters of such importance with the same sports show formula of several loud people predicting results that are essentially unknowable.
Stick to reporting on what it actually going on. There is certainly a lot of that to cover, especially if one really tries to be a journalist about it, rather than an entertainer.
Needless to say, this ain't gonna happen because the news channels are governed by corporate profit motives rather than held to performing essential duties of informing the population.”
Stick to reporting on what it actually going on. There is certainly a lot of that to cover, especially if one really tries to be a journalist about it, rather than an entertainer.
Needless to say, this ain't gonna happen because the news channels are governed by corporate profit motives rather than held to performing essential duties of informing the population.”
Lieberman: The United States Must Pre-Emptively Act In Yemen
Commented Dec 28, 2009 at 00:53:15 in Politics
“Bingo!”
Senate Democrats Tell White House: Drop Cap And Trade Climate Change Bill
Commented Dec 27, 2009 at 16:07:10 in Green
“Well, I don't need to post now because you said everything I was going to say, but better. Great post.
Al Gore is of course running around, with some success, matching up the green tech and venture capital, but this makes him a target for the right propaganda machine as their cartoon version of a green philisophy involves living in a cave eating moss.
The Greenies need to get the good information out into the zeitgeist, and I am guessing we will need a Carl Sagan type who can deliver it. Gore is doing a very good job at this, but he is autofiltered by his history versus the right wingnuts. IMHO We either overcome the lies hindering his work or find another messenger. I love the guy but this is a pivotal moment where major change COULD happen.”
Al Gore is of course running around, with some success, matching up the green tech and venture capital, but this makes him a target for the right propaganda machine as their cartoon version of a green philisophy involves living in a cave eating moss.
The Greenies need to get the good information out into the zeitgeist, and I am guessing we will need a Carl Sagan type who can deliver it. Gore is doing a very good job at this, but he is autofiltered by his history versus the right wingnuts. IMHO We either overcome the lies hindering his work or find another messenger. I love the guy but this is a pivotal moment where major change COULD happen.”
Palin's Book Sparks Attacks On Vegetarian Critic
Commented Dec 27, 2009 at 15:55:17 in Politics
“hahaha...y
Why don't you try running something for real and see how easy it is? Humans are hard, the world is complicated. And those continue to be true regardless of whether YOU have the capacity to comprehend it.
Your automatic negative attitude about every post really doesnt speak well to your capabilities, surely you can try to help solve problems, not just run around spitting on the collective discussion?”
Why don't you try running something for real and see how easy it is? Humans are hard, the world is complicated. And those continue to be true regardless of whether YOU have the capacity to comprehend it.
Your automatic negative attitude about every post really doesnt speak well to your capabilities, surely you can try to help solve problems, not just run around spitting on the collective discussion?”
rubygreen replied on Dec 27, 2009 at 16:15:29
“Bravo - but I think your post might confuse Sandra - for Palinbots you have to keep it simple and uncomplicated.”
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