Tag Archives: Media

2008 Election, Media, Politics

Rush, Others Get Punked

As any comedian or philosopher will tell you, what makes comedy and/or satire funny is there has to be a shred of believability, not to be confused with truth, in it.

So on Friday’s show, Rush commented on an article from Michael Ledeen, a respected writer, that gave an excerpt to what was alleged to be the highly sought after thesis that candidate Obama wrote while at Columbia University. Before his show ended, Rush also held out the possibility that the story may not be true. Doing some due diligence, he said this . . .

A researcher has been scouring the Internet and can’t find any sources for the quote. “The blog that Ledeen cites doesn’t have supporting info,” supposedly. The source post that was from August, says it’s going to be in an upcoming report from Joe Klein, but the researcher can’t find anything that has come out since, and nothing in Klein’s blog. There have been no matches found on the Internet for any of the info or quotes other than the source posting. So I now say that the blog from which this came has no sourcing data other than Joe Klein upcoming report and Joe Klein hasn’t written his upcoming report. So we have to hold out the possibility that this is not accurate.

Ledeen’s source was from a post in the Jumping in Pools blog. That, attributed the ‘quote’ to research by Joe Klien, another respected writer. Problem is, it was all made up. You have to look very carefully at a tag at the end of the post that among others is ‘satire.’

Here’s the made-up quote:

‘[T]he Constitution allows for many things, but what it does not allow is the most revealing. The so-called Founders did not allow for economic freedom. While political freedom is supposedly a cornerstone of the document, the distribution of wealth is not even mentioned.

“‘While many believed that the new Constitution gave them liberty, it instead fitted them with the shackles of hypocrisy.'”

Pretty hot comment, if it were true. Until the real thesis is exposed we’ll never know. Much like the way Dan Rather claimed that his report on Bush’s National Guard service was true even though the paper itself was fabricated.

Why would that quote be believable you ask? Mostly from what we know Obama himself has said, as well as the way he is governing, and from the way his policies affect the country. His penchant for ‘economic and social justice,’ redistribution of wealth (Joe the plumber), and Chicago style politics, attacking anyone or any industry that opposes him and his policy.

This video is relevant to Obama’s driving philosophy.

Lesson here is, like anything else you read or hear from any source, whether from the internet sewer or the pristine printed and broadcast media is this.

Don’t believe anything you read on this web page unless it is consistent with what you already know to be true, or unless you have taken the time to research the matter to prove its accuracy to your satisfaction. This is known as “doing your homework.”

related links:

Media, MRIOTD, Politics

Media Falls For Another Hoax

Last Monday, Oct 19, the National Press Club was punked by a group posing as the National Chamber of Commerce. A group later discovered to be the ‘Yes Men,’ were there to explain why the Chamber changed its position on Obama’s global warming legislation called ‘cap and trade,’ saying that the Chamber now supports it. A man calling himself Hingo Sembra represented himself as a spokesperson for the Chamber of Commerce. And the media just ate it up.

The ‘real’ news organizations Reuters, CNN, the Washington Post, and New York Times fell for it, putting out their ‘news’ in much the same way Sam Donaldson did with Bush’s National Guard hoax.

This, after US Chamber of Commerce Director of Communications Eric Wohlschlegel interrupted the fake press conference and said this . . .

I’m with the US Chamber of Commerce. This is not an official US Chamber of Commerce event, so I don’t know under what pretenses you’re here. I know some of you in the press world, but this is a fraudulent press activity and a stunt.

If anyone has any questions, you want to talk to the real Chamber of Commerce, they can direct — direct your questions to me.

But it gets better. The hoaxer was given legitimacy on CNN (the most respected name in news) by ‘reporter’ Rick Sanchez. Sanchez was giving the fraud kudos for his acting. Giving this fraud yet another platform to push his, and the President’s agenda, meets all the criteria for CNN receiving the Most Ridiculous Item Of The Day award.

Media, Politics

The 'Real' News Outlet

Because of all the attention the President and his disciples have been giving Fox News by saying that FOX News isn’t really a news organization, I did a little investigation of my own this morning.

I tuned in to the Today Show to see what, according to The White House, a real news outlet looks like.

It took all of about 10 minutes to learn this:

  1. Matt Laurer asked guest Newt Gingrich if it is a smart tactic for Republicans to oppose Obamacare simply because it is a Democrat plan. You know, that vaporous concept that will burden future generations with debt. Following the President’s lead in characterizing Republicans as the party of NO, without an alternative, Newt accepted the false premise of the question to sell is book. Maybe Newt isn’t aware, but certainly Matt Laurer of the ‘real’ news organization should know, that Republicans DO have an alternative to the Democrat’s theory to health care reform. It is called H.R.3400.
  2. Then, in the next segment, the NBC Today Show, the ‘real’ news organization, reported on the balloon boy story by showing an interview, conducted by Fox News, in a picture-in-picture format, where a Fox News person was interviewing the Sheriff who was explaining how charges will likely be filed against balloon boy’s parents.

When NBC News goes to Fox News for their news, what does that tell you? What I learned from this exercise was the reason that I and a growing number of Americans watch Fox News.

As is typical in politicizing the news and the message by Democrats in Washington, NBC is the one who is not a real news organization but rather a public relations arm of the Obama administration. Exactly 180 degrees from what The White House Communications Director Anite Dunn is claiming about Fox News being a PR wing of the Republican Party.

Media, Pensacola, Politics

Jeff, Meet Henry

Henry Kelly is challenging Jeff Miller (R-FL) for his Congressional District 1 seat. Kelly is running as an Independent and like Miller, is also a supporter of the FairTax.

I met Henry last Saturday, and he said something that I’ve heard from others in the area who are not satisfied with what’s going on in Washington. And about which I happen to agree.

Specifically, where are the conservative voices and why don’t we hear them or see them speaking out, speaking for us? The voters who elected them are expecting them to stand up and speak up. Its not about being complacent and resigned to the fact that they are in the minority. Conservatives and real Republicans should do more to make themselves heard by their constituents, regardless of the fact that they are in the minority and have no power.

They should learn from the Democrats. They don’t shut up whether they’re in the minority or the majority. They have ‘stage shows’ on the steps of the Capital or in The White House rose garden in trying to advance their agenda. They put up a front for people to get behind.

Maybe Republicans are speaking up, but are not being reported on by the Obamamedia? Much like the not-reported Republican health care bill, H.R.3400. All the more reason for representatives like Miller to put his stuff on YouTube and let his constituents know so that the alternative media can do the media’s job.

related link: Kelley for Congress

Economy, Media, Politics, War On Terror

That 3am Call

After nine months as President, and nearly two months since receiving a request from the General on the ground, the man who, according to his campaign, had all the answers on how to fight the war, is showing just how indecisive he is when it comes to the most important and serious problems we face. Too busy remaking America, exacerbating our economic problems, to handle this one?

So how could Americans have elected such an empty suit? You’ll have to ask the entity Hillary and McCain ran against. The media.

Hearken back to March 2008 when candidate Hillary Clinton made her famous 3a.m. ad. Mr. wishy-washy don’t-block-my-shot Wesley Clark was supporting Hillary at that time.

“One of the most important duties of the President is ensuring the safety of the American people,” said retired General Wesley Clark of the commercial. “Inevitably, another national security crisis will occur. And when it does, voters shouldn’t have to wonder whether their President will be ready. As President, Hillary will be ready to act swiftly and decisively.”

In response, candidate Barack Obama aired his own ad. From The Fix blog on the Washington Post . . .

The commercial touts Obama’s “judgment and courage” in opposing the Iraq war from the start and his clarity to see that the war distracted the country from rooting out terrorists in Afghanistan. “In a dangerous world, it’s judgment that matters,” says the ad’s narrator.

I can’t argue with that. Judgment does matter. What we need is an adult in The White House instead of an empty suit.

Media, Politics

Was Obama Believable Then? What About Now?

Seems like only yesterday that candidate Obama said this. But it was Sept 8, 2008.


It was enough to give the media a severe case of amnesia.

7  Broken Promises:

  1. Make Government Open and Transparent. No lobbyists, except for the ones in the executive branch.
  2. Make it “Impossible” for Congressmen to slip in Pork Barrel Projects.
  3. Meetings where laws are written will be more open to the public. But not to Republicans who weren’t allowed to participate in drafting health care legislation.
  4. No more secrecy.
  5. Public will have 5 days to look at a Bill.
  6. You’ll know what’s in it, unless you’re a Republican Senator.
  7. We will put every pork barrel project online.

The whole concept of ‘trust,’ both in the President and the media comes into question. Just preparing the handbasket.

Economy, Media

The Shrinking Dollar

The Federal Reserve has really caught on to the way things work in Washington. You say you won’t do something, then you do it anyway, with all the confidence that no one, especially the media, will call you on it.

No one, except Karl Denninger at The Market Ticker.

Karl brings the whole monetizing of the debt to light. It is the economic shell game that is the leading indicator of not just inflation, but hyper-inflation.

link: Bernanke Gives Finger To The Law (Again)

Immigration, Media, Pensacola, Politics

Media Mute On Administration Actions

After seeing this Air America Radio talk show host’s opinion of the so-called mainstream (CBS, NBS, and ABS) media  bias, one would have to wonder just where his planet is? The notion that they are all biased in favor of Republicans is beyond laughable.

Since President Obama’s address before the joint session of Congress on Sept 9th, lets review what has been said by Obama and what has been done by the Obama administration, then ask yourself if you’ve seen the dichotomy reported in any of those media outlets.

He says all bills will be made publicly available  no less than 10 days before it would be voted on. He wants bills voted on without being read or even completely written. He kills amendments submitted by Republicans that would require legislation be made publicly available 72 hours before being voted on. Why would they do that?

He says that illegal aliens will not be covered under whatever health care bill ends up being voted on. He kills amendments submitted by Republicans that would require proof of citizenship for participation. Why would they do that?

All that and not a peep out of the media that is supposed to be biased to the Right? The media silence demonstrates exactly the opposite.

related links: Who Do You Trust? | PNJ: Papantonio: ABC, NBC, CBS much worse than Fox News

Update 10/3/09:  Video version of Pensacola News Journal article on GoLeft.tv, Be sure to check the comments for a sampling of Air America’s audience.

Florida, Media, Politics

Grayson Gets His Street Creds Back

Taking hyperbole to a whole new, if not criminal level, Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) is in denial about the Republican alternative health care reform plan, which happens to be H.R.3400, and then some. Tuesday on the floor of the House, he comes out with charts that say Republicans want you do die quickly if you get sick. If that’s not desperation I don’t know what is.

No apologies or retractions coming. Not from him or Speaker Pelosi. That their reaction is what it is speaks volumes about their character and that of their leadership. The very same leadership that promised an open and ethical administration. As for Grayson, he must be feeling pretty secure in his district to think he can get away with a stunt like that. Or, he is rehabilitating himself under the thumb of Nancy Pelosi for his criticism of the administration last summer in an attempt to find out where trillions of taxpayer dollars have gone.

And isn’t it also instructive to see the media sit back and watch, as if marveling at the tactic. For them, and the Democrat leadership in Washington, the end justifies the means.

Iran, Media, Politics, United Nations

United Nations, For The Wrong Reason

It has been an interesting couple days in the UN General Assembly, as has the media coverage of it. After suffering through 96 minutes of drivel from Muammar Gaddafi, I was hard pressed to find out what nations, if any, demonstrated their approval/disapproval by leaving the chamber. A tradition of that body since its inception. Where Gaddafi is concerned, I can’t find any evidence that the US delegation walked out.

When Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke his insane bit, the US delegation did walk out.  And I share Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s frustration with the UN for giving Ahmadinejad a platform, and with the delegations there that sat to listen to him deny the Holocaust.

“To those who gave this Holocaust denier a hearing, I say on behalf of my people. … Have you no shame? Have you no decency?”

The media coverage of the walkout is remarkable.  German media Deutsche Welle put it this way. Canada who refused to attend the speech, and 11 delegations left the speech.   According the Associated Press, Ahmadinejad spoke to a half-empty chamber. So out of 192 member states, only 12 showed their disapproval. Does that sound like a half-empty chamber to you?

The whole experience does demonstrate the ineffectiveness, if not unwillingness, of the United Nations to live up to its charter and how the media props them up.

The fact that President Obama is now head of the UN Security Council, a first for a US President, does not give me any hope that the UN will change. His ’round-the-world apology tour, like his speech to the UN General Assembly, validates that his idea of foreign relations is just like theirs. And for our sake, I hope I am wrong.

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