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How About a Little Coverage of the Millions of At-Risk Kids Not Trapped in a Balloon (or Hiding in the Attic)?
Commented Oct 25, 2009 at 15:38:17 in Media
“FTA:
"news execs inevitably fall back on the old 'we're just giving the people what they want.'"
I always wonder about who "the people" are who only care and want to know about blonde girls or very photogenic children in the news. People caught up in bizarre situations. "The people" must think everyone else can go take a flying jump in the lake.
Personally, I care and want to know about anyone in need of help. Regardless of age, gender or social background. Apparently, I'm in the minority in that thinking going by what stories get attention.
"news execs inevitably fall back on the old 'we're just giving the people what they want.'"
I always wonder about who "the people" are who only care and want to know about blonde girls or very photogenic children in the news. People caught up in bizarre situations. "The people" must think everyone else can go take a flying jump in the lake.
Personally, I care and want to know about anyone in need of help. Regardless of age, gender or social background. Apparently, I'm in the minority in that thinking going by what stories get attention.
How Alan Grayson and Michael Moore Changed the Conversation
Commented Oct 11, 2009 at 17:17:23 in Politics
“Who elected Olympia Snowe president, indeed.
I don't care what people call them, I want people like Michael Moore and Rep. Alan Grayson to keep telling the truth and not be cowed by bullies.
If we are really lucky, Grayson won't be one lone "wingnut". Instead, he'll start a trend of politicians who due their damn jobs. Represent the will of the majority of people. The people who voted the people into Congress.”
I don't care what people call them, I want people like Michael Moore and Rep. Alan Grayson to keep telling the truth and not be cowed by bullies.
If we are really lucky, Grayson won't be one lone "wingnut". Instead, he'll start a trend of politicians who due their damn jobs. Represent the will of the majority of people. The people who voted the people into Congress.”
Shiral replied on Nov 05, 2009 at 21:43:03
“Me too! Grayson is my new hero. I wish we had 300 more Democrats with his backbone and courage.”
Lack of Legal Help: One More Way the Deck Is Stacked Against Homeowners
Commented Oct 05, 2009 at 18:49:33 in Business
“Sounds like yet another reverse Robin Hood scheme. Steal from the poor/middle class to pay the wealthy.
The thing that gets me if they cannot consume all the wealthy they already have. What's the purpose of accumulating even more?”
The thing that gets me if they cannot consume all the wealthy they already have. What's the purpose of accumulating even more?”
Does the Brotherhood of Fame Endow You With a Lifetime Exemption From Accountability?
Commented Oct 03, 2009 at 17:52:45 in Entertainment
“" sexyrexy
read the bible and history-- in fact,it was not only acceptable-- but the norm to marry girls as soon as they reach puberty."
1- This is not the social norm in mainstream 2009 American culture. You have to dig deep into minority subcultures to find marrying girls as soon as they reach puberty as standard and expected behavior.
2- Polanski did not marry the young lady in question. He used her body as his sex toy. He did not intend to set up a household and start a family with the child.
Basically, your head is in the sand if you think your words are adequate defense for Polanski's behavior.”
read the bible and history-- in fact,it was not only acceptable-- but the norm to marry girls as soon as they reach puberty."
1- This is not the social norm in mainstream 2009 American culture. You have to dig deep into minority subcultures to find marrying girls as soon as they reach puberty as standard and expected behavior.
2- Polanski did not marry the young lady in question. He used her body as his sex toy. He did not intend to set up a household and start a family with the child.
Basically, your head is in the sand if you think your words are adequate defense for Polanski's behavior.”
Wonder Why Middle America Doesn't Trust Hollywood Liberals? Three Words: Weinstein and Polanski
Commented Oct 01, 2009 at 07:35:11 in Entertainment
“Nice summary of the arguments against making Polanski be accountable for his crimes.
Although you did miss a fourth point. "Having sex with a 13 year old is no big deal in _______________ (fill in the blank with European country of choice). Americans are so puritanica
Of course, they don't mention the part where the girl said NO or where she was plied with drugs and alcohol to make her more vulnerable. Kind of funny how they leave out that part.”
Although you did miss a fourth point. "Having sex with a 13 year old is no big deal in _______________ (fill in the blank with European country of choice). Americans are so puritanica
Of course, they don't mention the part where the girl said NO or where she was plied with drugs and alcohol to make her more vulnerable. Kind of funny how they leave out that part.”
Why Robert Harris' NY Times Pro-Polanski Op-Ed Is an Offensive, Self-Serving Disgrace
Commented Oct 01, 2009 at 07:00:28 in Entertainment
“Thank you Andy Ostroy for articulating a lot of the outrage I feel about this whole Polanski situation. Hearing Polanski's high powered friends (such as Debra Winger from Hollywood & Mayor Willie Brown from Politics) make excuses for his behavior make me sick to my stomach. Do they hear the words coming out of their mouths?
Most of them basically say Polanski should have no jail sentence because so much time has passed. I bet the same people have no problems with any other child rapist who is not their friend getting punished.
If the defenders don't mind their daughters or nieces or granddaughters being drugged and raped by a man in his mid-40s, that's their business. But they shouldn't be surprised that their opinion is outside acceptable behavior of most Americans. They can't be that out of touch, can they?
Also, they say the girl is now an adult and just wants to forget the whole thing.
Well, duh.
Who wants to relive one of the worst nights of their lives over and over and over? If anything, every "news" program that contact the victim to ask her opinion should be fined $100K each time they bug her. Half the money should go to current rape victims and half should go to the woman for her troubles.”
Most of them basically say Polanski should have no jail sentence because so much time has passed. I bet the same people have no problems with any other child rapist who is not their friend getting punished.
If the defenders don't mind their daughters or nieces or granddaughters being drugged and raped by a man in his mid-40s, that's their business. But they shouldn't be surprised that their opinion is outside acceptable behavior of most Americans. They can't be that out of touch, can they?
Also, they say the girl is now an adult and just wants to forget the whole thing.
Well, duh.
Who wants to relive one of the worst nights of their lives over and over and over? If anything, every "news" program that contact the victim to ask her opinion should be fined $100K each time they bug her. Half the money should go to current rape victims and half should go to the woman for her troubles.”
HarkaDahl replied on Oct 01, 2009 at 07:54:18
“If the victim does not want to prosecute, and she is old and mature enough to make that decision, then that is the end of the matter.
All over America everyone is trying to don the cloak of unassailable moral outrage - "just think of the little children!!" - all trying to sound shriller and more indignant than the last. Why? The rest of the planet is far less agitated. Why the difference? Non-Americans are paedophile
The whole matter is deeply unpleasant and no-one would wish any of it on anyone. But American media hysteria suggests another thing: moral pomposity, a sense of permanent, misdirected vengeance. Its ugly.”
All over America everyone is trying to don the cloak of unassailable moral outrage - "just think of the little children!!" - all trying to sound shriller and more indignant than the last. Why? The rest of the planet is far less agitated. Why the difference? Non-Americans are paedophile
The whole matter is deeply unpleasant and no-one would wish any of it on anyone. But American media hysteria suggests another thing: moral pomposity, a sense of permanent, misdirected vengeance. Its ugly.”
Does the Brotherhood of Fame Endow You With a Lifetime Exemption From Accountability?
Commented Oct 01, 2009 at 05:54:49 in Entertainment
“Unfortunately, I heard Debra Winger reading a statement in defense of Polanski. Apparently, he was on his way to some film festival when he got nabbed. Winger was one of the judges or organizers or something.
She took the position that Polanski is a great man, plus Americans are philistines, so we should just leave him alone.
Very disappointing.”
She took the position that Polanski is a great man, plus Americans are philistines, so we should just leave him alone.
Very disappointing.”
Charles Shackelford replied on Oct 01, 2009 at 19:02:58
“Actually he is a great man. You have tried and convicted him in this lynch mob blog making many assumptions. For a fair view of the issues you need to see the HBO documentary on the subject and educate yourself before issuing your absolute condemnation. If a judicial process is corrupted and politicized, especially with misconduct by a judge, all the supposed facts are brought into question. Please educate yourself before impugning the reputation of Ms. Winger and others who support Mr. Polanski.”
Time to Get Real About the ACORN "Controversy"--and Republican Double Standards
Commented Sep 21, 2009 at 16:24:03 in Politics
“Amazing. I wouldn't have believed Congress could move that fast before this incident.
Now we know how much they are BS-ing us when Congress claims to need months or years to get stuff done.
FTA:
"Think about it. An amateur Right Wing journalist finally finds an ACORN employee who provides him and his faux hooker cohort with some outrageous advice, and the Republicans get Congress to pass legislation cutting off funding in little more than a week. Blackwater employees kill 14 Iraqi civilians, endangering America's mission in Iraq and the Republicans don't utter a peep."”
Now we know how much they are BS-ing us when Congress claims to need months or years to get stuff done.
FTA:
"Think about it. An amateur Right Wing journalist finally finds an ACORN employee who provides him and his faux hooker cohort with some outrageous advice, and the Republicans get Congress to pass legislation cutting off funding in little more than a week. Blackwater employees kill 14 Iraqi civilians, endangering America's mission in Iraq and the Republicans don't utter a peep."”
Tone Deaf? The White House and Unemployment
Commented Sep 16, 2009 at 03:00:47 in Politics
“FTA:
Sustained unemployment is methodically dismantling the American middle class. If that's not the outcome Democrats are seeking, now would be a good time to take some action.
The rebuke to Congressman Joe Wilson gave me some hope. Hope that Democrats are willing and able to leverage their majority status to get things done. I was having serious doubts to this point.
Maybe now they have 1 success under their belts, they'll find the initiative to go after bigger social issues.”
Sustained unemployment is methodically dismantling the American middle class. If that's not the outcome Democrats are seeking, now would be a good time to take some action.
The rebuke to Congressman Joe Wilson gave me some hope. Hope that Democrats are willing and able to leverage their majority status to get things done. I was having serious doubts to this point.
Maybe now they have 1 success under their belts, they'll find the initiative to go after bigger social issues.”
Igniter replied on Sep 16, 2009 at 09:44:30
“Boy, you don't need much to keep your "hope" alive.”
Please Mr. President, More "Jackass" Outbursts
Commented Sep 15, 2009 at 14:52:05 in Politics
“Very good observation, RetireGreen. I hope someone brings this to President Obama's attention. Otherwise he'll be spending the rest of his Presidency commenting on fools rather than helping us get America healthy for the future.”
Economic Crisis: One Year Later
Commented Sep 11, 2009 at 22:18:47 in Politics
“So many crimes are not being investigated nor guilty parties punished that it turns my stomach to think of it.
Who knew that the S&L scandal was the last time big roller, white collar criminals would be sentenced to jail? Guess the lesson learned was to make sure one of your buddies becomes the gatekeeper to decide whether or not to pursue justice.”
Who knew that the S&L scandal was the last time big roller, white collar criminals would be sentenced to jail? Guess the lesson learned was to make sure one of your buddies becomes the gatekeeper to decide whether or not to pursue justice.”
Girlfriends' Guide: What Are We Teaching Our Kids About the President, Anyway?
Commented Sep 11, 2009 at 21:51:06 in Living
“All these complainers, whiners and disrespectors are so short sighted. When "their side" wins again, how do they think the president will be treated? If there is any justice in the world, with the same level of meanness and incivility.”
NoSillyName replied on Sep 12, 2009 at 11:29:58
“No, we should try to rise about their level.”
How to Deal with Fox News
Commented Sep 11, 2009 at 21:07:05 in Media
“As far as I know, being a member of the Communist political party is not against the law. Uninformed people may attach a stigma to the Communist party but they are a legitimate alternative to being a Democrat, Republican or Libertarian.
Big business hates Communist ideology because they wouldn't be able to make shovelfuls of money on the exploitation of the working people.”
Big business hates Communist ideology because they wouldn't be able to make shovelfuls of money on the exploitation of the working people.”
GoodConservative replied on Sep 11, 2009 at 23:10:19
“Communism destroys human spirit.”
scottb99 replied on Sep 11, 2009 at 23:06:02
“And Communism has been successful where?”
How to Deal with Fox News
Commented Sep 11, 2009 at 20:29:00 in Media
“I admit I'm not nearly as enlightened as Mr. Deepak Chopra. I cannot give Fox News a smile once in a while.
The relentless lies, distortions, rabble rousing and thinly veiled hatred is a hailstorm of hostility. Most of it unprovoked. As this Daily Dish article, http://bit
"Juvenile, manipulative, impossibly smarmy, hateful - or at least more than willing to use the weapon of other people's hate - and, above all, relentlessly cynical."
There's nothing wrong with having different opinions or alternate points of view. But the goal of the right wingers is to disrupt and sabotage rather than come up with policy or solutions to benefit America or citizens of the country.”
The relentless lies, distortions, rabble rousing and thinly veiled hatred is a hailstorm of hostility. Most of it unprovoked. As this Daily Dish article, http://bit
"Juvenile, manipulative, impossibly smarmy, hateful - or at least more than willing to use the weapon of other people's hate - and, above all, relentlessly cynical."
There's nothing wrong with having different opinions or alternate points of view. But the goal of the right wingers is to disrupt and sabotage rather than come up with policy or solutions to benefit America or citizens of the country.”
The Snowe Job, and Why a "Trigger" for a Public Option is Nonsense
Commented Sep 09, 2009 at 22:28:17 in Politics
“All, I can say is "We shall see". To see if Democrats pull something pro-human out of their hats or if we need to hit the streets like the citizens after the Iran Election.”
The Most Nightmarish Health Care Reform Bill Ever
Commented Sep 09, 2009 at 18:18:44 in Politics
“Exactly, Mason. This is the boat I'm in now. Too unemployed and underemployed to afford health insurance. So I'm shaking in my boots at the thought of being penalized for not buying something I couldn't afford in the first place.”
The Snowe Job, and Why a "Trigger" for a Public Option is Nonsense
Commented Sep 09, 2009 at 16:55:12 in Politics
“I don't get why the last 40+ years don't count as "trigger". Or even since the Clintons tried to push through health care reform. Why doesn't that count as "trigger"?”
IrvBersak replied on Sep 09, 2009 at 17:46:56
“If the American People are dumb enough to fall for "Death Panels" and believe that Insurance and Pharmaceutical companies will be compassionate and lower their prices voluntarily without a Public Choice to contend with they deserve what they don't get. If the voice of the People becomes meaningless they only have themselves to blame. Let the 'For Sale' Senators and Representatives know that they will not be re-elected next time around and soon enough the People's voice will become unmuted and loud and clear.
But first, we must make it clear to Obama that he will also suffer the wrath of the People if he does not make it clear that he will veto any Health Care bill that will not include the Public Choice option.
He was elected to provide needed change, but, so far, he has waffled on the Health Care imperative and has not cleared us out of the mid-East Wars which, by any rational logic, are unwinnable. If a one-party majority occupies both the Executive and Legislative branches of government as it does currently and cannot steer the ship of state between the reefs of the 'Just say No' opposition, we are in deep trouble.
So, our choice is- lie down and get stepped on in the interest of 'bipartisanship' or lead the country so that we can compete in the world as the power of understanding and compassion that we say we are.”
But first, we must make it clear to Obama that he will also suffer the wrath of the People if he does not make it clear that he will veto any Health Care bill that will not include the Public Choice option.
He was elected to provide needed change, but, so far, he has waffled on the Health Care imperative and has not cleared us out of the mid-East Wars which, by any rational logic, are unwinnable. If a one-party majority occupies both the Executive and Legislative branches of government as it does currently and cannot steer the ship of state between the reefs of the 'Just say No' opposition, we are in deep trouble.
So, our choice is- lie down and get stepped on in the interest of 'bipartisanship' or lead the country so that we can compete in the world as the power of understanding and compassion that we say we are.”
Who Will Be Hurt if the Democrats Pass Health Care Alone
Commented Sep 03, 2009 at 01:04:36 in Politics
“Why are the Democrats so afraid of their own shadow? They are acting like Democrats are under Republican's thumb, rather than the other way around. They were elected to do a job but seem to come up with every excuse not to do it.
Forget about being re-elected. Even one term congresspeople get lucrative lobbyist jobs anyway. Not like Democrats are going to starve if they do something bold.
FTA:
"The reason millions of Americans voted Democratic last fall was to pass progressive legislation such as health care reform. There is little point in having a Democratic majority if the party is afraid to use its majority to actually do anything. Inevitably the Democratic majority will be reduced and eventually the Republicans will come back in power. It would be a mistake to let this time go by without passing progressive legislation and get nothing out of this period of Democratic dominance, however long or brief it may be."”
Forget about being re-elected. Even one term congresspeople get lucrative lobbyist jobs anyway. Not like Democrats are going to starve if they do something bold.
FTA:
"The reason millions of Americans voted Democratic last fall was to pass progressive legislation such as health care reform. There is little point in having a Democratic majority if the party is afraid to use its majority to actually do anything. Inevitably the Democratic majority will be reduced and eventually the Republicans will come back in power. It would be a mistake to let this time go by without passing progressive legislation and get nothing out of this period of Democratic dominance, however long or brief it may be."”
eklektikone replied on Sep 03, 2009 at 01:47:11
“Apparently Democrats lack the strength of their convictions. Bush was wrong moreoften than not, but he appeared supremely confident and forged ahead with his party's agenda...a
If Obama is really about change..he wouldn't be worrying about what is politically expedient. He'd do what he believes is right and let the chips fall where they may. He needs to quit listening to political advisors who always advise caution to get re-elected. After all does one just want to be in office for 8 years and get nothing done??? It should be about America not about the party's political future?
Obama is fond of pointing out how the other side is playing politics. What is becoming equally obvious is he's doing it too.. all of a sudden universal coverage or a public-option are slivers and unimportant. That's not what he was saying when he was running. He was supposed to change the culture in Washington, not become a part of it.
On Wednesday besides defining the plan, the president needs to define himself, quit, in effect, running scared. Remember, you won, not them. How can something so obvious escape Democratic understanding? I go back to how I began -- insecurity. Without confidence in what he stands for, Obama cannot ably lead or accomplish anything.”
If Obama is really about change..he wouldn't be worrying about what is politically expedient. He'd do what he believes is right and let the chips fall where they may. He needs to quit listening to political advisors who always advise caution to get re-elected. After all does one just want to be in office for 8 years and get nothing done??? It should be about America not about the party's political future?
Obama is fond of pointing out how the other side is playing politics. What is becoming equally obvious is he's doing it too.. all of a sudden universal coverage or a public-option are slivers and unimportant. That's not what he was saying when he was running. He was supposed to change the culture in Washington, not become a part of it.
On Wednesday besides defining the plan, the president needs to define himself, quit, in effect, running scared. Remember, you won, not them. How can something so obvious escape Democratic understanding? I go back to how I began -- insecurity. Without confidence in what he stands for, Obama cannot ably lead or accomplish anything.”
Sue 'Em Back to the Stone Age: The RNC Files Suit to Reverse the Small Donor Revolution
Commented Sep 03, 2009 at 00:37:27 in Politics
“The sad thing is you KNOW some American zombies will be riled up to support the repeal of Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. Even though corporate personhood literally threatens the well being of humans and other living creatures as well as Earth itself.”
BlueFloyd replied on Sep 03, 2009 at 07:42:33
“the idiots are already screaming that coporate taxes are too high. absurd stuff, coming from blue collar folk at town halls.”
BlueFloyd replied on Sep 03, 2009 at 07:41:48
“oh yeah, Joey Blue Collars will be standing at the next town hall, neck veins bulging green, face straining red, as he screams: "LET THE CORPORATE SOFT MONEY IN!!!!"”
On Losing a Human Rights Icon and a Beloved Uncle
Commented Sep 02, 2009 at 23:38:15 in Politics
“I've been thinking of this story too. Such a small gesture that meant so much symbolically.”
On Losing a Human Rights Icon and a Beloved Uncle
Commented Sep 01, 2009 at 23:45:50 in Politics
“Thank you, Kerry, for sharing these stories about your Uncle Ted. I don't know how he could be both a family man as well as man of the people but looks like he pulled it off.
We, Americans, are counting on you and your family to continue the Kennedy traditions of fighting for those who don't have the money or power to stand up for themselves. By your excellent writing and empathy, I can tell you are well on your way to making your own legacy as well as continuing to share the Kennedy gift with the world.”
We, Americans, are counting on you and your family to continue the Kennedy traditions of fighting for those who don't have the money or power to stand up for themselves. By your excellent writing and empathy, I can tell you are well on your way to making your own legacy as well as continuing to share the Kennedy gift with the world.”
Sarah Palin's Obama Obsession
Commented Sep 01, 2009 at 05:18:33 in Politics
“I think the other political heavyweights in the room would feel sorry for Palin and ease off. The contest would be so lopsided, it wouldn't even be fun to take her on.”
Sarah Palin's Obama Obsession
Commented Sep 01, 2009 at 05:16:26 in Politics
“Kinda like Palin stealing Obama's pencil so he'll chase her in the school yard.
Except he doesn't. Obama barely register's a pencil is gone as he uses another writing tool and keeps going.
Too funny.”
Except he doesn't. Obama barely register's a pencil is gone as he uses another writing tool and keeps going.
Too funny.”
Horus45 replied on Sep 02, 2009 at 13:05:26
“spot on”
Dominick Dunne (1925-2009): A Lovely Man Who Took No Prisoners -- Starting with Himself
Commented Aug 31, 2009 at 00:08:00 in Media
“I've read a couple of Mr. Dunne's books and articles over the years. I enjoyed his TV shows too.
I hope he finds the peace now that acceptance no longer matters. RIP.”
I hope he finds the peace now that acceptance no longer matters. RIP.”
Ted Kennedy, My Friend and Colleague
Commented Aug 30, 2009 at 23:53:19 in Politics
“The Senator Byrd - Senator Kennedy friendship is a great example of birds of a feather, flock together. I'm rooting for Senator Byrd to keep fighting the good fight, as long as he can.”
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