Fox News takes ownership of tea parties, and, therefore, their extremist rhetoric
SUMMARY: By aggressively promoting upcoming tea party protests despite the numerous instances of extremist rhetoric at previous tea party events, Fox News is associating itself in advance with whatever rhetoric emanates at the upcoming events.
In light of the extremist rhetoric in evidence at previous tea party protests, by aggressively promoting what it has labeled "FNC Tax Day Tea Parties," Fox News is also associating itself in advance with whatever violent, offensive, or otherwise extremist rhetoric emanates at those upcoming events.
Several Fox News hosts will be broadcasting their shows from the protests and have encouraged viewers to attend them. For example, Glenn Beck has implored his viewers: "If you can't make the one in San Antonio, please go to the one with Neil [Cavuto] or with Sean [Hannity] in Atlanta, that's supposed to be great, Greta [Van Susteren] is in Washington, D.C. Just get out and let your face be seen." In addition, Fox News' new website, TheFoxNation.com, has featured several items on the protests, including from Fox News contributors promoting the events. Fox News has repeatedly provided organizing information for the protests and featured interviews with protest organizers.
In its promotion of the forthcoming protests, Fox News repeatedly aired footage from previous tea party protests that include protesters with signs suggesting President Obama and the Democrats are socialists, communists, fascists, and thieves.
The following images were taken from Fox News' footage of previous tea party protests:
From the April 4 edition of Glenn Beck:
From the April 9 edition of Your World with Neil Cavuto:
From the April 9 edition of America's Newsroom:
From the April 9 edition of America's Newsroom:
From the April 7 edition of Your World with Neil Cavuto:
Further, the following photos from recent tea party protests in Orlando, New York City, Chicago, Raleigh, and Tulsa, have appeared on blogs:
It's true. One picture is worth a thousand short buses.
There are like 20 pictures above. 20 out of thousands of people who showed up.
Kind of like out only about 1 out of every 100,000 or so muslims is actually a terrorist? (If that?) BTW - each picture contained MANY sign-waving idiots in it.
Kind of like the comments O'Reilly digs up on Kos and attributes to the whole website?
Easytorefutewingnuts, Plain and simple: FoxNews "HATES" President Obama and "alot" of Democrats. In the history of television, I can "NOT" ever recall when a tv station (cable or broadcast) advertised for it's viewers (audience) to "rise-up" against a newly elected American President for what-ever reason there may have been. Unheard of and so scary. Wow.
LMAO -- how stupid are you? If an agency disagrees with a "policy" or "philosophy" they "hate" someone?
Let me ask you this -- when is the last time the media, whether it be cable or mainstream, was accused of being conservative?
Never? Ha! Really? I am shocked~
R.
Lou Dobbs, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, Joe Scarbourough, Brit Hume, Bret Baier, Shepard Smith, Brian Williams has said he listens to Rush, Bob Schieffer is a Bush golfing buddy, should I go on?
thats funny as hell . tell simple and sit back and laugh at these clowns
The scariest part about all these fools that really believe the garbage spoon fed to them all these years is that they can all vote!
Well... excpet the children I can see in those pictures!
I happily display my three bumper stickers on my car:
Obama 08
Yes, We Did!
Change We Can Believe In
My ACLU membership sticker
and
My WCPT AM820 sticker from Chicago's Progressive Talk
I refuse to remove them...
But I fear that one day some right-wing pycho will pull up next to me and like the good zombie... will proceed to do something stupid...
I weep for this country that we have people this brainwashed into thinking that scum like Glen Beck or Rush Limbaugh or FoxNoise in general speak for them and their interests...
Scary and extremly sad!
oops... I meant to say... my three Obama stickers and my other two stickers from the ACLU and WCPT.... my bad.
The amount of hate these people display is scary. FOX is not a legitimate news source and should be boycotted. Enough is Enough.
JLyones, so when the left protest it’s not hate, just speaking out? If someone on the right takes the time to make a sign and protest you call it hate. What not tolerance? If you were to watch the other news agencies you would never know there has been Tea Parties in the past. Thank Goodness for Fox.
Umm, did you read the signs? Nobody is saying that there isn't hate on the left either (ever hear of a strawman argument? You're making one now). What we're talking about, the topic at hand, is the protests that are going on, or will be going on this week. It's hate when you make things up about folks that aren't, you know, true. Or, pictures of drilling into Al Gore's head (how did he even come up?). And again, nobody is saying they don't have the right to speak out (strawman, again). We also have a right to speak against what we think is hate speech, which is clearly what most of these protests will probably be about. If we let stupid things go un-checked in the name of "tolerance", that's just not acceptable.
Thank God Fox is shamelessly promoting these events you mean? That's the problem. It's not the coverage, of something that hasn't happened yet, it is the blatant promotion and fundraising Fox and other corporate entities are doing for these alleged grassroots protests.
Ok here are some of the signs slogans, if they opinions, they are not lies.
Socialism is not a an American Value
Three Stooges -
Impeach Everyone -
I Want your Money - No Socialism
CHAOS
Repeal the Pork
Obama = Socialist
You call my statements as a Straw Man Argument, (a statement a person makes if they want to more easily attack an opposing position) so what? You can call it what ever you like, but I call it the truth. I do not see any hate speech in the above signs slogans, what I see are opinions that are different then yours. This then goes right back to what I said, if we disagree with you , it is hate.
Of course you call it the truth, you believe the lies. But let's play along and put what you're doing in terms of a football analogy so you can understand it.
This faux outrage would be like the Detroit lions blaming the NFL for their disasterous showing last season because the NFL didn't let them play the games they wanted to play, and now that they have the worst record in NFL history they want the NFL commision to change the outcome because they think they won more games than they really did.
Even you can understand that one.
Hey Snoopy, the NFL does control what teams Detroit Plays.
Again, what lies did I put on this thread? You like others enjoy throwing out "Straw Man" and in some cases yes, I do not care. Many of the things we may do on the right, we have to bring it back down to the first grade for liberals like you. I mean you just used a sports analogy to help you break down something.
Hey Snoopy, the NFL does control what teams Detroit Plays. which makes the analogy even more fitting.
And pretty much everything you've tossed out is a lie, from claiming Obama is a socialist to the claims of the fairness doctrine. But keep up the strawmans, if you wan't I can send you over my kid's used crayons too. I'll be waiting in grad school on the slim hope you can eventually catch up. ;)
Nice try with the football analogy. Because to the right-wingers, politics is nothing more than a big football game. Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing. You're not trying if you're not cheating.
Snoopy, Lies, as usual you call me names, but yet no proof. I have shown today alone one leaning this Administration has towards Socialism. I keep asking when was the last time a President fired a CEO of a Non Governmental Company? (Truth) No one has answered that question - Fairness’ Doctrine, it many not be called the fairness doctrine in future polices, but there is some Legislators out there looking at verbiage to control talk radio. (Truth) I have my degree, why would I want to attend a class where 95% of the professors are liberals. Why take a class from a Professor that has never seen the inside of a boardroom, or ever earned a living in the working world? No thanks
I called you names? Really? But you never did show proof of your claims today, you only sported more of your opinions. Proof usually requires some posting of fact to back it up. Looks like today isn't going to be your day either. Maybe tomorrow?
My professors learned their stuff in laboratories, working in coal mines, being in former government positions, etc. They come from all walks of life. How is a boardroom business person suppossed to gather knowledge about past societies and how to build a spaceship?
Also, I know the perception is that most (you say 95%) profs are liberal, and I would agree that most are, in liberal arts. But, I have to say my teachers in science, mathematics, clinical psychology and one notable african studies prof were quite outspoken in their conservative, republican views. Not that that was a bad thing. This is just my personal observations from three universities, all under grad.
BTW, Obama fired no ceo (truth) contrary to what you said (lie).
COME ON DO YOU EVEN BELIEVE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING OR ARE YOU GONNA HIDE BEHIND A BUNCH OF PROPAGANDA. YOU ARE BOYCOTTING BUSHESE TAXESAND YOU SUPPORTED EVERYTHING ELSE YOU ARE BOYCOTTING UNDER BUSH
of course he is....it's all he has
It is not un-true to say that Obama is pursuing a Socialist agenda. And that by pursuing this agenda he is in fact showing hiomself to be a Socialist.
So you're just making up your own definitions for words now? If Obama is a socialist, then what does that make Reagan?
If you have read my opther posts on this topic I recognize this has been happening for over 50 years.
Dead
yes..your morals and ideas most certainly are dead.
"It is not un-true" vs "it's true"...
you people waste everything, don't you?
What?
Words. The joke was that you were wasting words. Snoopy should know better than to expect that you would understand an abstract joke.
I laughed at the joke. It's too bad the local conservatives are too stupid to appreciate witty humor.
do you proofread? seriously.....
where does it say there will be collective ownership of resources and property?
the bank bailouts? AIG....well as far as i understand things....the money is supposed to be paid back. thats real socialist to me....getting a LOAN and repaying it? i thought that was capitalisim.
Yes it is untrue to say Obama is pursuing a Socialist agenda it is also untru to say he is in ANY WAY much less in fact showing himself to be a socialist. You keep using this word Socialist. I dont think the word means what you think it means
"...the blatant promotion and fundraising Fox and other corporate entities are doing for these alleged grassroots protests. "
Seriously??? Let me get this straight...you have issues with Fox promoting these tea parties but you, most likely, think it's just fine for George Soros to promote the opposite views by pouring money into MoveOn.org? Just a guess on my part, mind you, but it would be consistent with the views you've expressed here.
As usual...liberal double standard...
What journalistic ethics are being violated by the funding of moveon.org?
As usual...apples/oranges. MoveOn doesn't have a tv network the last time I checked.
not according to bernard goldberg and billo the clown. according to them........well they are funneling money into msnbc.....wonder what the next reference to death from goldberg will be.....or the next time he chops up an interview to fit his own bias
i have a problem with Fox promoting these events, because they are a news organization. Moveon.org is not a news organization, they are essentially a political blog that is highly liberal, and they also make it known who is donating to their causes. I don't have a problem with rich folks like Scaife donating their time and or money to conservative organizations, now that's a direct comparison. That you fail to see that FoxNews is promoting this protest, and or paying for it tells me volumes.
For the record, I would have an issue if say, NBC were promoting an anti war protest (which they haven't), or if any other news network were promoting a protest movement. I'm not sure why you don't have this problem.
Also, bear in mind, we are constantly told that FoxNews is fair and balanced. How is promoting a right wing conservative movement fair and balanced? How is this "we report, you decide."? It's not.
Seriously??? Let me get this straight...you have issues with Fox promoting these tea parties but you, most likely, think it's just fine for George Soros to promote the opposite views by pouring money into MoveOn.org? Just a guess on my part, mind you, but it would be consistent with the views you've expressed here.
As usual...liberal double standard...
WHAT? YOU can't be that stupid!
MoveOn is an American NON-PROFIT progressive, liberal public policy advocacy group and political action committee
Fox News Channel (FNC) is a United States-based cable and satellite NEWS channel. As of April 2009, it is available to 102 million households in the U.S. and further to viewers internationally.
What do you think of this, jjmutt, Mark, etc, a Republican spokesperson claims the Republicans own Fox.
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/gop-admits-it-owns-fox-dont-misunderestimate
Um... do you even know what the original Tea Party at Boston Harbor was all about?
Please... do yourself a favor and read the real history on it!
I'll allow you to respond on your own to me if you would like... if you don't know or don't care to look it up... I'll happily share with you some knowledge that may come in handy.
Perhaps then you might actually come to realize that you have no idea what you are even defending.
neo con's have trouble with history cause they like to rewrite it constantly
there is a bit of difference in what is said.......like neo cons telling people to rise up.....
people who protest on the left speak out and make themselves heard.
JLYONS, Ill second that. It looks like the LUNITICS have been let out of the assylums.
JLyons, who do you think is watching that doesn't share the viewpoints that Fox promotes?
What about the amount of hate and vitriol that was displayed at similar events against the Iraq war and ultimately Bush. I didn't see anyone on this sight being flabergasted or disgusted by that.
Funny, I don't remember MSNBC or CNN or NBC or CBS or ABC sponsoring/promoting any anti-war rallies. Do you?
I remeber Code Pink being interviewed about upcoming protest and other organzers beiing interviewed and given plenty of time on the air about upcoming events.
Code pink interviews = hours upon hours of televised promotions and attendance at these rallies by the Fox talking heads. Only in your reality.
Code Stink also manages to get into evey major address of the POTUS. Some insider trading?
THATS WHAt i've been screamin' let start a poll on who thinks fox should be boycotted and who thinks they should admitt to telling lies to manipulate who they know have no personal opinions or no grip on reality
Fox take responsibility and ownership? That would be a first.
MMFA, DNC and US ... WE need to make sure WE hold Fox News accountable for pushing this propaganda as "NEWS"
MK3872 - You are correct that is it Propaganda and glad that at least one News Agency is willing to show that not all citizens agree with this administration. So be it if they agree with our cause, this is no different then the main-stream media believing in Obama agenda. I wonder how Chris Matthews is doing in making sure he is doing all he can to make sure this President succeeds.
Webster - Propaganda - the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person
Really, mark, they are just "showing" that not everyone agrees with administration?
Hmmm ... take a look around here at MMFA, you will see that they are PROMOTING it and HOSTING it. They are not just "showing" it.
You want to see what the majority of people think? See the latest Pew polls as an example. 88% of Dems and 57% of Independents AGREE with the prez.
Only these right wing radical zealots do not. And Fox News has noe become PART of their movement. They are NOT a news agency. They are the right wing propaganda machine.
SO again, if we oppose this President we are Radical Zealots, this is just a typical liberal name-calling tactic to help you better understand opposing opinions. What about we are citizens of this great country that disagree with the policies of this Administration? This would be no different then when Anti War Protesters were out against the war. I do not call them wacko lefties; I think their opinion counts, good for them for taking the time to protest. Just shows we have more Tolerance then someone like you.
"Just shows we have more Tolerance then someone like you."
We? How many times were war protesters called "un-american", "traitors", etc? You have some nerve to take your opinion and act as if it applies to conservatives in general. Nobody made a peep about war protests because you didn't, supposedly.
You have the right to disagree, but you should be honest and reasonable about it. You're radical zealots because your crying and screaming about socialism, marxism, fascism, etc, and there's no basis for it.
I did not make a peep about those protesting the war; they have every right to protest. Just looking forward to those some protesters to go after Obama now that he is sending more troops into Afghanistan
You may recall that those anti-war protest were largely concerning the unwarranted invasion of Iraq. Most of the country supported the push into Afghanistan.
In case you forgot, Afghanistan is where the 9-11 masterminds are hiding. And there won'd be any protests because the vast majority of Americans SUPPORT sending more troops there.
You're making another false assumption if you're saying that everyone who opposed the War in iraq opposed the War in Afghanistan. There was a lot of support from all sides for the war against those who attacked us.
People protested the war for different reasons. Of course their are those who are against war, but if I remember right President Obama campaigned on increasing US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. Also i would venture to say that those protest ing the Iraq war were doing it because it was not necessary and we were lied into it. Quite different than just protesting war.
Nope, feel free to protest, Mark. Why is a news network sponsoring a protest? Doesn't that make Fox itself a zealot?
Please, did you see the rhetoric aimed at anti-war protesters, Mark? We were called America haters, terrorist sympathizers, etc.
Still waiting for you, or anyone else for that matter, to show me a "news" network sponsoring a protest.
Fox "News" is hosting these things. You're missing the point. Again.
Histroy, I am not missing the Point, I do not care if Fox is or is not Hosting the events. I think there is 100 plus protests locations, that is a lot of money Fox is paying to host. I wondering if they are paying for the signs as well? I sure hope they put on the signs, "Sponsered by Fox News" at least they will get some bang for their buck.
Uh, don't look now, but they are getting bang for their buck. And what part of "FNC Tea Party Day" did you not understand? Hint: "FNC" stands for Fox News Channel. They've already branded it.
You said " SO again, if we oppose this President we are Radical Zealots, this is just a typical liberal name-calling tactic to help you better understand opposing opinions. What about we are citizens of this great country that disagree with the policies of this Administration? This would be no different then when Anti War Protesters were out against the war. I do not call them wacko lefties; I think their opinion counts, good for them for taking the time to protest. Just shows we have more Tolerance then someone like you."
Fox is pretending that their events are grassroots events. They're openly lying and mindlessly opposing Obama, no matter what. They are not a news organization. That is the point, not the fact that they're opposing Obama.
MK - Ok so even 12% of Dems disagree with Obama, 42% of Indy's Disagree and guessing 100% Republican? Wow for a man that says he is going to be a president that will unites us, seems to even have many individuals that disagree. I still have yet to see where FOX News is hosting, yes many personalities on their networks who have more of a editorial show, not the news, are going out to speak. Day in and day out these personalities talk about these same topics and other things that are going on in the world. Like I said before, CNN has bought into Global Warming Theory and they even promote shows to the topic, what is the difference? I do not get up all in arms with CNN; I just do not watch CNN because I understand they may show these types of Programs. Just today my local paper had a sob story about some Illegal Immigrant that may get deported and how important it was to support some new policy the Obama Administration is going try and push through. Guess what, it was a main story, not even in the Editorial Section, so by your standards they are in the bag for Lefties?that type of programming. Just like you have every right not to watch Fox.
Mark B- Sorry, my friend, by 72% of Repubs disagree with Obama. That equates to 60% of the population AGREE. Welcome to the minority. It sucks and I hope you find your way.
He never said he would unite us; that was your former president. He said he would reach across the aisle and he tried and was rebuffed.
And CNN and that newspaper are pushing the mainstream position. Fox usually pushes the fringe position.
markb, fox news=propaganda.
If all the opposition can do it to tell us who they fear and what they're against, then America has become a failed state.
Worrie, how has American failed if the right are against someone’s polices? American was founded on the institution on freedom of speech. They have every right to protest; just like the left had ever right to protest during a Presidency they disagree with on policies. You act as if the right has not offered up ideas and the right has been giving ideas to this administration, but since they want less government, less spending they are saying no. The Tea Parties are about spending, this administration is out of control. Yes the Bush Administration started it and it needs to stop.
The right has NOT offered up any policies, and or positions lately other than, "If Obama is for it, I'm against it." They used to have ideas, and now, not so much, it's just opposition for opposition's sake.
Nobody is saying they don't have the right to protest. Nobody.
The Tea Parties might have started out about spending, but what they're spinning into is just straight up anti Obama and anti democrats.
Now Magnolia, that is incorrect. The Republican Party offered up a Budget Plan in Mid March, no not the one without numbers, but an actual Budget Plan. Pelosi called it out of Whack. This shows that Pelosi was not open to ideas, she has her agenda and since she has the Majority, her prerogative. To say the Republicans have not offered up any policies is incorrect statement.
The Tea Parties are still about spending, and so what it they are also a protest against this Administration.
You mean the plan that they didn't present at the unveiling press conference that even republicans admitted would widen the deficit even more so than obama's plan? That plan? Yeah, good plan, that. I wish we had more time to read it.
No one is saying the Right is the solution. The parties are still about anti-big government. Obama and his policies happen to the current personification of big government,
These parties welcome everyone sick of big government. That is left, right, and middle ground people.
Bush - 8 years of the biggest government expansion ever. No protests.
Obama - 100 days into trying to fix the Bush mess. Faux protests.
These parties are at least 5o0 years in the making.
Your tipping point. after 50 years, was Obama's attempt to rescue the economy? You know, the vast majority of people in this country do not agree with you.
Wow. That might be the dumbest post of the day (so far). Even assuming that you meant to type "50 years," you're telling us that it took Obama's stimulus plan to get people motivated enough to speak up?
If the tea parties are about spending, why are some using the motto "No taxation without representation." Please show me one protest during the Bush years that was promoted by a major network.
The right wants less government and spending? Really? Why, because they no longer run the government?
If the function of the tea parties is to protest spending, why didn't any of these crop up in the past 8 years? Obama has been in since late January and there is already a huge movement against spending? Funny.
I did not agree with the spending of Bush either, no I many not have protested but Bush did not have A Trillion Dollar Stimuli package pushed through either. I guess you did not watch the news when Bush was pushing for a Bail Out, we on the right were saying No. We were calling our Reps and saying NO, we may not have been marching in the streets, but we were protesting. 82% of the public said no to the Bailout. Yes Obama has been in Office since January and he is the only President in recent history to fire a CEO of a Non-Governmental Company and his Treasury Sectary said there could be more. No, not Funny.
Did you protest over AIG and the first round of bailouts? Did you organize like this?
Check out what happened with the AIG bailout, Mark.
AIG was a waste of money.
Yes Obama has been in Office since January and he is the only President in recent history to fire a CEO of a Non-Governmental Company and his Treasury Sectary said there could be more. No, not Funny.
Pleaseeeee Try using a little common sense!!!
In his eight years at the helm, Wagoner, who was GM's top executive since 2000, the company has lost $68 billion and the company's stock value has declined 95 percent.
With Wagoner's poor track record at GM, YOU would be screaming from the rooftops IF Obama gave GM, with Wagoner STILL at the helm, 16.6 billion in additional funding, on top of the $13.4 billion GM has already received from the government. That includes $4.6 billion in loans Wagoner wanted in March and April. Wagoner also requested a $7.5 billion line of credit that could be drawn if needed, and asked to defer repayment of a $4.5 billion credit line due in 2011.
Pearlene, Common Sense! See you still think the Government should have given GM money. GM as a public trading company should have filed for Bankruptcy when it realized that they could not make things work under the current situation. One, this would allow GM to reorganize under Chapter 11; two (which should have never been done) saved the taxpayers of this country 30 Billion (under your estimates of cost). Worst of all, they will still file for bankruptcy and our Tax Dollars will not be paid back, great thanks a lot Obama and Treasury Department, make sure I never follow your investment ideas. I wonder if I can write off some of that loss on my taxes in ‘09. That is what I call Common Sense, and during all of these changes the board of directors could make the determination of either fire Wagoner or not.
During the Bush administrations there were tons of stories that prmoted upcoming protests about Bush, his policies, and the Iraq War. And then when the protest happened they had cameras there and reported on the event itself.
There is nothing wrong with a news agency letting the public know about these protest so that everyone who would want to go will know about it.
No, covering is not the same as promoting. You're acting as if "There will be a protest" is the same as "Come to the protest!"
So when CNN does a story on Global Warming, and promotes the upcoming story, is that wrong as well.
Apples/oranges. Try again.
What the hell are you talking about?
Is CNN sponsoring a global warming protest?
I am looking at the pictures of Fox News covering the protest and each news personality looks to me as a commentator. Fox News is very honest in telling the public what show is commentery and which is actual news. I did not see one screenshot above that was part of Fox New's regular news coverage.
They've been directing people to information about attending these things. As a network they are promoting the events.
Could you imagine what the uproar would be from wingnut radio/internet if CNN or MSNBC had actively sponsored an anti-war rally?
Less spending, poor regulation, lower taxes and endless war is what got us into the mess we're in today.
How is a continuation of the same going to turn things around? That's all the Republicans have proposed.
And the tea parties are nothing but jingoistic propaganda being fed by Fox News.
WORRIER, AMEN TO THAT.
What got us into this mess was Socialism. For over 50 years the Federal Government has become more pervasive in it's control over our daily lives.
How is your life controlled by the government?
Through money.
I asked about the method, not the means.
Just as I suspected. You don't know WTH you're saying. You're throwing around "socialism" without knowing what the term means and then making some outlandish claim about your life is being controlled.
Well Worrier we now know where you stand. Socialism, equal for all.
That's what you believe socialism means?
a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.
In a nut shell, yes Equal for all
In what industries, as you have it defined, is this socialism currently taking place?
What proposals currently fit this definition?
I would like to know what industries too.
And how did you reach that conclusion?
All you cons have is the charge of socialism. It's your response to everything these days.
And as others have pointed out, i don't think you understand the meaning of the terms you throw around.
Worrier, can you give me a recent example where a sitting President fired a CEO of a major non-government company? Also, they (The Administration) have said more could come.
I'm assuming you mean GM. He wasn't fired. His resignation was a condition of accepting bail-out funds. Big difference.
Really, this is the job of the Treasury Department? When did our Government become the controller of GM? Worrie, please give me an example of this happening before?
WASHINGTON, April 12 (Reuters ) – The U.S. Treasury Department is directing General Motors to lay the groundwork for a bankruptcy filing by June 1, even though the automaker has publicly stated it could reorganize outside of court, The New York Times reported on Sunday.
GM could have passed on the money and toughed it out with Wagoner. Those were the terms, they accepted it, Wagoner is gone.
Pete, Fog, The Treasury Department has come out and said they will be firing more CEO's and even telling banks what they can and can not pay employees. These are employees of non-governmental companies. SOCIALISM
It is not the government’s job to tell a company when and when not to file Bankruptcy, or what type of cars it can build in the future. That is an example of Socialism. Do not give me the "it was apart of the agreement” The government is not in the business of agreements with public companies. They may offer or not offer a loan, but not tell a company who and who cannot run the company. NONE of their BUSINESS.
You keep missing the point. Only companies that ACCEPT bail-out funds will be subject to oversight by the government. Or would you rather just have us blindly hand over the cash and trust these CEO's to continue doing good work after they've crippled their companies and the economy as well?
If you don't want oversight, don't take the money. It's not socialism no matter how loud you yell it.
"The government is not in the business of agreements with public companies."
As much as I'd love for that to not be the case, it is.
When the company accepts government money, the government becomes a shareholder and should have the power to account for how that money is used. It's our money, IT'S OUR BUSINESS.
Evidently contracts and pre-conditions mean nothing to markbfoot. It's all about 'the firing of the CEO of GM. No president in history has fired the CEO of a non-governmental entity". OMG, the world is coming to an end. Obama is a socialist because of this! The sky is falling, the sky is falling!!!
Can you be any more disingenuous?
Does anyone on MM really care about the support of fox, or the whole tea party idea. I can understand the fox issue showing support for the demonstrations as biased, but why all the pictures and signs, that has nothing to do to the link to fox. I live in massachusetts, and I know of at least 2 rallies in New Hampshire that are being sponsored by conservative groups ( no mention of fox at all). The topic should be whether you agree or disagree with the right to protest, and I hope the turnouts are large throughout the country to try and send a message that govt can't spend forever without longer term consequences.
"The topic should be whether you agree or disagree with the right to protest, and I hope the turnouts are large throughout the country to try and send a message that govt can't spend forever without longer term consequences."
Strawman. Nobody disagrees with the right to protest.
Barbatio, seems as much as the left is coming out against (finding reasons to bring up the topic besides being against it) these protest, sure seems to me you are not real happy. I know this is odd for the left to see so many on the right getting ready to protesting, even more since we are not having to bus individuals to the protest with preprinted posters or hire ACRON to bring out individuals. See most days we are working and making a living. To me seems the left is very nervous, I will say this, it will not lead as a story on any of the three Big Networks news organizations.
So does that unhappiness mean that we're saying you don't have the right to protest? Or does it mean that we don't like partisan and hypocritical behavior?
I said it before and I'll say it again:Bush was a disaster, so conservatives have to have a collective hissy fit in order to create some false sense of equivalence. That's all this is really about.
Barbantio, was the 4.2 unemployment under Bush a Disaster?
As a whole, the Bush administration was a disaster. You might want to apply your logic to your friends who complain about the Clinton years.
Stagnant and falling wages, increased poverty, Americans losing their benefits, Americans working more hours to make up for stagnant wages, etc. were a disaster.
The left? Nervous about right wing protesters? Hmmm, what' wrong with your whole premise here? It'll come to me...
Snoopy glad to see your stealing someone else's art work.
uhh, mark? The owner of the artwork is in the upper left corner. Note it doesn't say "snoopy"...
Yes, I see that, did you pay Corbis royalties or ask permission to steal their work before posting it here? I am sure you did not, if you did please show us proof.
Snoopy gave attribution for the picture, by posting the picture!
Snoopy isn't making money off of the pic, so no royalties are necessary.
Idiot.
I remember when Tommy would have 50 plus posts on a topioc and be accussed of hijacking the thread. Markputsfootinmouth, though, is just fun to watch.
Hey, Mark! Did you get tired of hardly anyone responding to your nonsense on Colorado's media matters?
Tax protest group plans bus trip to Indy tea party
THE STAR PRESS • April 11, 2009
http://www.marshbaby.com/teaparty
That's what stunk about your claim, seems they really are busing in protesters and giving away free pre-printed signs! Yesterday wasn't your day, looks like today is gonna suck too...
I am not sure if you noticed but not one sign was anti-Obama or anti-Democrat.
But most of them are pro-ignorance. Jusr look at all those "Don't raise my taxes" signs. Who are those for? Why do you wingnuts choose to ignore the simple fact that unless you're making over a quarter million dollars a year, you're taxes are NOT going up? This is just a bunch of mindless sheep who are protesting against their own best interest.
No one's taxes should be going up. People who make more are already paying more as it is. They should be singled out to pay even more.
It is not in anyone's interest to tax the richer more.
It is not in anyone's interest to tax the richer more.
You must be Joe the Plumber. Or you are either rich or an apologist for the rich. Right now, the disparity in wealth is skewed toward the rich at it's highest level since the 1920's. And how did the 1930's work out for America?
"Pro Ignorance" That is your Opinion.
No, it's not an opinion. It's a fact. Tell me who exactly is supposed to be holding up the sign that says, "Don't Tax Me, Bro." Do you think that everyone who displays that sign or agrees with it is earning a salary in the top 1% range? Anyone waving that sign who isn't in the top 1% is only flaunting their ignorance.
what a stupid assertion, and THE dumbest post of the day. Would you say that to someone who is holding up an anti-war sign, oh unless they are in fear of going into battle they are only flaunting their ignorance of war.
You wingnuts do understand the phrase "comparing apples to oranges," don't you? Because this is at least the tenth post in this thread that does just that.
i don't care what fruit you call it, just because someone isn't personally affected by a policy or some law doesn't mean they are just ignorant. What about gay rights protests, do you think everyone is either gay or is affected by it? Of course not, it's an asinine argument.
James, I have a little assignment for you on the 15th. Go to your local tea party and ASK ANYONE HOLDING A SIGN or PROTESTING what they are protesting. Ask them if Obama should change the tax laws back to how they were under Bush the dumber.
Ask anyone holding a 'Socialism' sign what it means. Ask them what a Marxist is. Ask them when Obama is going to take their guns.
I'm not as psychic as Sylvia Browne, but I'd bet big money that you'll get total ignorance and outright lies and misinformation from the *protestors*.
I have a little assignment for you. when you have your next liberal elitist society meeting when you can tell those people who do not support raising taxes that they are ignorant and misinformed because they demand fiscal accountability,and that you are really smart because you like taxes raised, tell each other how really smart you are, and truly informed and educated you are. the rest of us are really impresssed.
You wingnuts do understand the phrase "comparing apples to oranges," don't you? Because this is at least the tenth post in this thread that does just that.
It's the curse of a sadly limited vocabulary.
Speaking for myself, I attended anti-war rallies because I don't like people, especially innocent people, dying.
and those who protest higher taxes on principle probably feel the government has enough, wastes too much and doesn't need more to waste. It has nothing to do with ignorance, that is just liberal elitism, again. They always think they know better, and that govt knows best.
It is ignorance when they're protesting something that doesn't affect them, their friends, or their co-workers negatively. Now if all the protesters were CEO's and movie stars, then it would be a different story.
so I ask you, what if someone marches in a gay rights protest and is not gay, doesn't know anyone gay, and is not affected by it at all. Are they ignorant too? Of course not.
Your analogy doesn't work. Let me help you. What would you say to a straight person who went to a gay rights rally and held up a sign that said, "Don't take away my right to marry"?
You would tell them that they are misinformed and confused. Just like the working class guy who holds up a sign that says, "Don't tax me, bro."
i already explained to you why the guy has concerns when any taxes are raised, if you don't, or can't, or won't understand it then too bad. Let me help you, if a guy went to a protest against the draft which was considered being reinstated for say 18-29 year olds, and he was 33 and his sign said "Don't Draft Me", I would think that he is concerned that the draft age may be extended to 33 if 18-29 is not adequate. there is nothing ignorant about his concern. nor is there anything ignorant about the tax guy's either. You just don't like it when someone protests taxing the "ultra rich", and can't imagine why unless they are "ultra rich" themselves. foolish.
So your position, and presumably the position of the protesters that you support, is that nobody should be taxed? Maybe you haven't really thought through how that might affect us all?
nobody's taxes should be RAISED. typical liberal idiotic strawman to say to anyone who opposed tax increases wants them eliminated altogether, how utterly predictable. is that the best you can do?
How to do we pay for our commitments?
"How do we pay for our commitments?"
we prioritize what we need to spending across the board, tighten the belt, stop the waste, fraud, abuse, and needless pork and live within our means. Let people keep more of their own money that they will spend, which will lead to job creation and revenues to the govt. will increase, allowing us pay for our "committments".
Where do you think the waste, fraud, abuse and pork are in the budget and what percentage of the overall budget do you think these things amount to?
10% across the board spending reductions would be a good start, then we will see. I have not studied the budgets of each expenditure, obviously, but no more increases. I expect every budget to be gone over and cut appropriately, we are taxed out, we cannot sustain more money leaving our paychecks and going to the govt. Are you claiming there is no waste, fraud or abuse, or unnecessary pork in out budget, are you really saying that? wow.
"[...]we cannot sustain more money leaving our paychecks and going to the govt."
And again, unless you are among the very wealthy, you are actually seeing less money leave your paychecks and going to the government. That's less, as in the opposite of more.
These conservatives are fighting hard for the wealthy as though the wealthy [on the right] actually care about them.
if you are too simple to realize the tentacles of rising taxes extends to more than just those whose particular taxes are being raised, then I cannot help you. so you stay in your little liberal enclave of those who think that raising taxes on the "ultra rich" is going to magically stop with them, the rest of us know better.
It will. Nothing else is politically feasible.
Yeah, you get back to us when Obama raises taxes on the rest of us.
We programs would you cut?
I would put the number somewhere between 2 to 5 percent.
That should be "What".
Several problems with your argument, James. First, a "10% across the board spending reductions would be met with protests the likes of which you have never seen. Veterans benefits would be crippled at just the time their needds are growing, education, especially in inner cities would be devestated, infrastructure (like the highway and bridges you drive to work on) would crumble and fail, the military budget would be cut by billions of dollars (and I thought you were afraid Obama was going to gut the military). Entitlement programs like food stamps and disability and social security would quite possible cause indirectly the death of Grandmothers and children across the country. I could go on, but I think I've proven my point.
Second, economics shows that taxes have already "priced" into your wages. In other words, if your taxes went to 0 tomorrow, your employer would find it much easier to find someone to work for far less because their NET pay would be equal. Vice versa, if my taxes are raised employers will find they need to offer higher salaries to offset the net loss. The tax rates in this country have been "virtually" stagnant for quite some time, thus, we can never be "taxed out". If you really think you are then you should quit your job and stop paying taxes since you'd be better off according to your argument.
Third, every budget in the federal government is audited multiple times and trimmed to the absolute minimum as it is. While waste, fraud and abuse is there, it is pitifully small as a % of GDP.
wow, indeed.
OK, so they shouldn't be raised. Ever? Raised from what? When was this magical time when everyone, in your eyes, was being taxed appropriately? You preferred the tax structure under Bush? If so, why?
not now they shouldn't. People are hurting, and they have to do with less. why is it the govt. never has to do with less? why can't they tighten their purse strings, yep, they should. And that is even the point really, the point is unless and until this govt demonstrates to me that they give a damn about stopping the waste they do not deserve one more penny, from anyone. If your child kept coming back for more money, and more, would you first look at your bank account and say ok, I can afford to give them more allowance or would you demand some accountability?
The government can do with less when all commitments are being met.
you mean when every liberal social program is given carte blanche, got it. say what you really mean instead of hiding behind ridiculous vague terms like when all our committments are being met. And you ask me for specifics?
Social programs/safety nets are a necessity. Are you advocating we dismantle them?
are you advocating we fund them infinitely with no accountability? as I said, cut them 10% to start.
Yes.
Why would you cut them 10 percent? How did you come up with ten percent?
It's just arbitrary. It's just knee-jerk wingnut-speak. Government bad, free market good. The thinking doesn't extend beyond that.
And the idea that there's no accountability for social spending is absurd. Maybe JamesB isn't aware that he's allowed to vote.
loonz, i'll second that.
The people whose tax cuts are expiring are not hurting. And your demand that this government demonstrate to you that they give a damn about stopping waste only tells us that you haven't been paying attention. But I suppose that your definitions of "waste" and "pork" fluctuate from administration to administration, and that you're one of the spending-isn't-stimulus crowd, right?
paying attention? you mean since Jan 20th all waste in govt. has haulted? you really don't know what you're talking about, do you?
There is no consensus on what is waste.
Just to point out one example (and to demonstrate that you're just throwing out blanket accusations without knowing the first thing about what you're talking about), in March, Obama reformed government contract spending to the tune of $40 billion a year. From the AP:
"Reversing Bush policy, President Barack Obama ordered an overhaul of the way the government hands out contracts Wednesday, promising to curtail no-bid awards that have led to waste, abuse and corruption investigations."
James, if the Government were to "cut back" and use your arbitrary 10% budget cuts, our economy would free fall into a depression far greater than any other in the history of this country. The last thing this country needs is another huge cut in spending. Everyone is cutting spending, that is the whole problem. Banks aren't lending, people aren't spending, loans aren't being made. You cut the only piece of the economy still able to grow and you have signed its death warrant.
and just because someone protests higher taxes doesn't mean their ignorant just because their personal taxes won't be raised. not everyone is of the liberal mindset to soak the other guy, the rich, some people feel all taxes are too high, no matter who is getting soaked. period.
The other guy isn't getting soaked. The other guy just isn't getting his Bush tax cut renewed. You do realize that it was Bush's legislation that said that his tax break for the rich was to expire this year, don't you? Obama isn't raising taxes; he just isn't renewing the tax break that Bush gave the uber-rich.
Now tell me what exactly is it about that that makes a guy who earns $32k a year (and just got a tax break) pick up a sign that says, "Don't Tax Me, Bro."
because no matter what liberals try to sell us, we know that when you raise taxes on one class, or just one income level, it will affect us all. anyone who believes otherwise is ignorant, which would be you obvioulsy. The "Don't Tax Me, Bro" guy knows it. people who can think beyond their class warfare mentality know it too.
So you can never raise taxes on any group?
So do tell us what is going to happen as a result of Bush's tax cuts not being renewed. 95% of the country gets a tax break, the top 1% will start paying more (but still less than what they've paid before), and Fox is urging working class people to hold up signs that say, "Don't Tax Me." Tell me exactly what is the thinking behind "Don't Tax Me, Bro," because from where I'm sitting, it looks like a blatant attempt to deceive people into protesting against their own self-interest. And no, I don't need to read more smokescreen gibberish about "liberal class warfare." Tell me exactly what the working class "Don't Tax Me, Bro" guy knows that the rest of us don't. The truth is that he's being deceived into doing the bidding of the ultra-rich.
first off you think $250,000 is ultra rich? That is just one of the stupid comments in your post. And who are you to tell this guy that he is ingorant and protesting against his own self-interest. I just told you that he knows that taxing one class affects all. the tax doesn't stop one place. And another thing, this guy most likely thinks the govt has enough, that is plenty reason to protest, on principle. so don't sit there and call someone ignorant because they act on their perfect right to peacefully protest something they don't like our govt. doing. You can't pick and choose which policies you think are protest worthy and then means test the protesters to make sure they are protesting against their "self interest". How utterly condescending and arrogant of you. If you don't agree with the protesters, fine. To call them names is the height of rudeness, not to mention slamming a core tenet of our freedoms. wise up.
"first off you think $250,000 is ultra rich?"
The only people who will be paying more taxes (yet still less than before Bush) are those in the top 1 percentile income bracket. Yes, those are the ultra rich.
The rest of your post is you performing mindreading on a hypothetical protester. The fact is that it literally makes no sense for someone who just got a tax break to hold up a sign that says, "Don't raise my taxes." But I guess that's the "height of rudeness" to point that out.
"mindreading"?, now that is hysterical after you assume you know his annual income. I take back what I wrote earlier, this is the dumbest post of the day, and the most hypocritical.
Idiot. The "guy" I've been talking about is a hypothetical based on a sign that's being sold through one of the tea party sites someone linked to above. If you don't know what the grownups are talking about, then stay out of it.
my point, that you couldn't grasp, is that you have no clue what anyone makes whether they hold that sign or any sign. you assume they won't be affected, you have no clue, on many things apparently around here. you are the idiot.
You do know what "hypothetical" means, don't you? And I do have a clue what people make. And we aren't all in the top 1%. That's all I need to know in order to make my point.
I'm assuming almost no one in the crowd makes anywhere near 250K.
"And no, I don't need to read more smokescreen gibberish about "liberal class warfare." The truth is that he's being deceived into doing the bidding of the ultra-rich". Ha, good job, you just illustrated your own class warfare rhetoric in a matter of two sentences. seconds apart. proof you can't even recognize it in yourself. thanks for confirming what I knew from reading just a couple of your posts today.
No, I simply recognized that that would be your knee-jerk wingnut reaction to what I wrote. Big difference.
Snoopy your right, they wanted to make sure folks like you would not have other problems with the protest, so they are saving gas and carpooling.
Is that the message being sent, that the government can't spend forever?
From what I see, the message being sent it one of pride in ignorance. I doubt very much that the majority of the people attending these rallies understand how our government and economic systems work.
But they do know that Obama is a socialist, Marxist and or communist. The people with the signs have hit all their marks, Acorn, illegal aliens, pork, bailouts, Al Gore.
How is anything done in the last three months different than what the previous administration done?
We're teetering on the brink. If so many are willing to take to the streets to argue about something they don't understand, with all of the answers provided by the right wing media, what chance do we have of succeeding and pulling the economy out of free fall?
I know, I know, tax cuts and military budget increases.
The shots at Gore are mindless hate spewing unrelated to Obama and his policies. And this bunch not too long ago said that Reagan proved that deficits don't matter.
Are you just sooooooo offended? Bush effigies were burned in the US during his term. I'm not going to lose sleep over either.
and the "liberal" press promoted it nightly, right?
Who said anything about being offended? The point was that Gore doesn't have anything to do with what they're supposedly protesting. As worrierking pointed out, most of them don't appear to have any idea what they're protesting. These protests are fueled by ignorance. Most of these idiots are about to have their taxes lowered and they're screaming about "taxation without representation." And they're being goaded on by rich newscasters. It's pathetic.
One major, glaring difference, is Obama has effectively taken over banks and other provate companies. He has put the Federal Government in control of these buisnesses and does not plan to give that control up.
Obama did all that? No help from the previous administration? And none of the signs are anti-Obama?
And in the last fifty years how many were under a Republican president? (Here's a hint. (That would be 1959 to 1961. 1969 to 1977, 1981 to 1993 and 2001 to 2009.)
The only banks and private companies that Obama is taking over are the BANKRUPT ones. This isn'ta power grab: there's no power to grab.
The CEOs don't have to do what Chairman Obama says. All they have to do is not crash their companies.
It's not an arrogation of power to make changes to a bankrupt company. The courts do it all the time.
Or do you believe that they deserve to have those billions without all that pesky interference?
Regulation is not the same as taking over and these businesses asked for government help. Now if you can provide the link where a Obama offical has said "...He has put the Federal Government in control of these buisnesses and does not plan to give that control up..."
I'll be waitinfg for the link to those statments that support your opinion.
Frank,
Fox is actively promoting and sponsoring these protests. O'Reilly and his ilk have claimed that anonymus comments on blogs are representations of the blogs. O'Reilly often reads comments from liberal blogs that are extreme and claims that they represent the editors of the blogs. Now, since that's Fox's standard, why not hold them to it when they sponsor a protest?
I asked Mark, and I'll ask you, why didn't you protest Bush's rampant spending at a time when he was lowering taxes? You had 8 years to protest him!
Friedberg, I think that expecting intellectual honesty from anybody that DEFENDS Fox News is too much to ask. Fox is openly sponsoring these protests; that's indisputable. The common theme of the Fox apologists seems to be "So you don't want anybody to disagree with you?" and they try to make it a free speech issue rather than addressing the fact that a news organization is sponsoring events and simultaneously claiming that the events are spontaneous protests against Obama. They have completely abandoned their status as reporters and are now openly against anything Obama and/or the Democrats propose because they want the Republicans back in power again.
I agree, historygeek, just trying to keep them on topic.
They are reporting on the events. They are responding to upsurgence of interest in the events.
To say they are sponsoring the event is ridiculous. Was CNN, MSNBC, and yes even Current sponsoring protest against Bush and the Iraq war when they had Code Pink organizers in their studios talking about planned events?
If they are truly sponsoring the events, where is the money trail? Where is the Fox News employees acting in an official capacity as employees of Fox News organizing the events?
Where is the Fox News employees acting in an official capacity as employees of Fox News organizing the events?
Neil Cavuto: 4-5 p.m.
Glenn Beck: 5-6 p.m.
Bill O'Reilly: 8-9 p.m.
Sean Hannity: 9-10 p.m.
Covering it is not organizing it.
Courtesy of friedbergboy from below:
they are calling the event "FNC Tax Day Tea Parties." Their hosts have encouraged people to come "celebrate" with Fox News.
Show me one promotion of a protest ever by any other "news" media outlet. They are doing far more than telling people about it coming up. They attached their name to the events.
Get it now? They're doing more than "covering" these faux protests.
Exactly. Covering is not organizing it--and they're organizing it.
Not only are they putting their name on the protest, but they're not even sending actual Fox reporters, are they? If they were merely "covering it" why would they send an anchor (Cavuto) and three non-reporters?
You haven't been paying attention. There are many Fox employees who are fundraising and hosting events in an official capacity. Beck is hosting a $500 a plate fundraiser, Michelle Malkin is listed as an official sponsor, Fox is hosting their own "virtual tea party" for those who can't make it to one in person, etc.
You can't just shut your eyes, stick your fingers in your ears and go, "Lalalala," and then pretend it's not happening.
Good for Fox news, they are catering to their audience. I guess this is why their ratings are so high. Smart folks over at Fox.
I guess that's what's considered "smart" in this day and age: wealth by any means necessary.
Ah, so you're endorsing them not being a news organization, and instead providing the Republicans with a place to rile up their base. I see.
Great idea that. "hey, let's create a "news" site that tells the audience what they want to hear and caters to fascists, racists and wealthy white people. We'll make a killing!"
Ah...the truth comes out...
But they are not doing it as Fox News employees. They both have empires seperate from Fox News.
Do you know how crazy that sounds? The Beck and the Malkin Empires. Located right between Bill O'Reilly's land of happy victims of sexual attacks and Joe the Plumber's Imaginary but Real Amurrika.
All hail Emperor Beck!
They're promoting the "protests" and their involvement while on Fox. You're proving my earlier point about intellectual dishonesty.
"If they are truly sponsoring the events, where is the money trail?"
Millions and millions of dollars in free network airtime.
Yes, let's follow the money trail. Look at the FNC Tea Party tee shirts. Look at how Beck and Malkin are raising money for the protests. Look at how people are protesting paying too much in taxes when 95% of the people in the US are getting a tax cut. They're not simply reporting, they are sponsoring events. Figure it out.
Yes, let's follow the money trail. Look at the FNC Tea Party tee shirts. Look at how Beck and Malkin are raising money for the protests. Look at how people are protesting paying too much in taxes when 95% of the people in the US are getting a tax cut. They're not simply reporting, they are sponsoring events. Figure it out.
I generally don't bother to argue with the right's hysterical paranoia but it might be worth mentioning that Hitler wasn't actually elected.
And obviously Obama was. But it's not as though any of those signs make a lick of sense anyway.
If you have cable tv, you may have noticed that Fox news is automatically included with almost every cable package - which in essence is a forced contribution to the Republican party. I've changed to basic cable (the only option from Comcast that doesn't include Fox) to avoid financially supporting Fox, and have also complained to the FCC, FEC, my senators and congressman, and to Comcast. We should not be forced to support political propaganda pretending to be news. That's what happens in Communist countries.
I have Comcast to and am on the Expanded basic plan. which includes Fox News as well as two CNN and MSNBC.
You are nto supporting the Republican party just becasue Fox News is part of your cable package. Your not forced to watch it. Fox News gets it's money from advertisers which pay more based on ratings. Simply do not watch it and you will not be supporting them.
Fox News gets it's money from advertisers
Not sure that's 100% correct. I know ESPN get's $1 per month per household from the cable companies. I bet Fox gets some payment as well.
i spent the weekend playing around with iMovie and put up a little thing on right wing media if anyone wants to have a look...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIOSH33hhYU
Thanks MMFA, you gave me so good ideas for signs on Tea Party Day.
Hey, mark, here's another one for you: "markbfoot199 is drunk on the right wing fox news kool aid express"
Imagine that, mark stealing someone elses idea for his own instead of doing his own hard work to prepare...
Snoopy reading a sign and coming up with my own idea is not stealing. So the name Snoopy has never been used before? Where did you get that idea? I think there was a dog named "Snoopy" in a very famous comic strip. Sure they got that idea from YOU?
Still looking for you to post another story of a network-sponsored protest. Can't find any?
Fried, was not looking for one, could care less if Fox is sponsering or not. So if you are waiting for an answer will not get one. Good for Fox, catering to their audience.
could care less if Fox is sponsering or not
Now we've finally arrived at the basis of your thinking. Explains alot.
Fog, and that would be?
You don't care. But you should care if you believe that the news media should possess integrity and impartiality.
But then again, it's Fox. They aren't really a "news" outlet in your mind then, just a progaganda arm for the right-wingers?
So, you think its ok for "news" organizations to sponsor protests?
So you're gonna change a letter or two to make it look original. Got ya.
No, sure I will just use one that says' "Snoopy the Liberal needs a job, please support Obama’s Administration Socialist agenda"
I do need a job. I lost my last one because republicans outsourced american jobs to the chinese and indians because they prefer cheap socialist labor to hard working american ingenuity. So what's your beef about a socialist agenda again, commie lover?
Ouch!!
"Republicans" outsourced American jobs?
Michael Dell is a republican, so was the head of Enron, and Halliburton. But aren't the right always claiming that liberals don't own corporations?
In the immortal words of Judge Smails...
"The world needs ditch diggers too"...
Nope, the Gov't gave tax incentives to outsource jobs.
For all we know, Snoopy the Liberal does dress up like a beagle and dances around.
You're a very strange person.
My name comes from a character too, that's not the same as using someone else's idea. If snoopy were to draw a comic strip with a dancing beagle, then you might have a point.
Did anyone see the so-called right-winged, wild-eye student of F&F this morning? He claimed conservative groups had to pay higher security fees for their speakers because people like Coulter are getting pies thrown in their face. his so-called student actually said the liberal protesters are like "mentally challenged:" people. FAUX NEWS owns these parties.
No, he said that "mentally challenged at MovedOn.org” Perfect example of you hearing and commenting about something, or staying something untrue because you did not seeing it personally. Once the student said that Ducey with Fox asked the student "your not calling the folks at Move On Mentally Challenged are you?" The student replied no that would be unfair to the Mentally Challenged.
I like that "Impeach everyone who..." sign. So Fox finally agrees that Dubya should've been impeached? Those were all on his agenda.
Today here in New York they announced that tax on cell phones will now be 20%. Our tolls are going up again and the price to ride the buses and subways are going up again with service cuts. We pay 25% tax on our phone bills, cabel and electric bills. Our school and property taxes are the highest in the country. The tax cut that Obama put in amounts to 13 dollars per week in our checks. We pay the largest amount per capita for social services, 1000 per citizen. When is enough enough? Our city and state taxes are also the highest in the country. We are being bled dry. The tea parties are against ALL of government, the people are fed up. We were also complaining when the Republicans were in office about there out of control spending which many beleved Obama would change. I don't think everyone thought we would spend such a massive amount of the PEOPLES money. How come the government is growing larger while the private sector is hemorrging jobs? There is no waste for the government to cut???
The President has no say about state and local taxes.
Actually when Bush and Reagan and other Repubs pushed for tax cut after tax cut for their wealthy base it made it inevidable that state and local taxes would have to go up.
Definitely...because gov expenditures should ride on the backs of the better-off.
NYC will become a wasteland when the wealthy leave.
Tons and tons of rich people have left NYC over the years. The city makes more, and attracts others.
Do you really think that pople who will sopend $25 million for an APARTMENT will leave because of an increase in the tax burden?
The rich who live in NYC live there because of the the cultural matrix: stores, restaurants, theaters art galleries, clubs, parties. Those who want to save their money have moved--and continue to move--out to the suburbs. This has been happening for nearly a century, and it hasn't turned the city--or any major city--into a wasteland yet.
LOL. Caught any of the news on how the financial situation of NYC is doing these days?
Oh, please.
There are fewer rich people in NYC these days, not because they've gotten disgusted and left--but because they're not rich any more.
The whole nation is in free fall, and NYC, being the big financial center, got hit harder than most. That has nothing to do with rich fleeing higher taxes.
Would they rather be out in the burbs with every other house vacant and poos clogged with algae?
All parts of NYC are suffering--but the overall profile hasn't changed.
Why didn't you have a tea party when Bush was president? Sorry to hear about your taxes in New York, but the tea parties are certainly anti-Obama.
And who again controlls all those miscelaneous "taxes" on your phone bill again? Hint: federal charges are only 3% and only apply to local service billed seperately from long distance. Most of the charges come from state, local, or most likely the phone company itself. Here is some facts to support that:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/understanding.html
So take your beef up where it really belongs, which is the corporations who bilk you and then spoonfeed you crap to make you believe Obama made them screw you.
Little is served by disparaging each other's intelligence or knowledge. The nature of existence is that it is so complex that no human can comprehend all elements of any subject. We are therefore, left with attempts to absorb enough information to make our reactions reasonable but, hopefully remembering that there is always the possiblility of the addition of some as yet unaccounted for factor that will change the whole equation.
I think FOX provides a valuable contribution to our social debate by acting as a place where Conservative views can be diseminated to a larger audience. I also think CNN and MSNBC provide a similar service for the Liberal view. I like FOX and MSNBC's approach more because they are perhaps, more honest in their presentations of a partisan perspective than CNN. Both of the former present a news format and a commentary format. Both are clearly partisan in favor of opposing sides in their commentary. News reporting often leans more toward one side or the other. CNN has the pretense of presenting news fairly while engaging in a wholey biased practice.
No real discussion of this subject can take place without it including both sides of the issue. If we are simply lambasting FOX for unfairness it would be hypocritical not to also lambast CNN and MSNBC. If we are seeking a higher standard of journalism, we'll not achieve it by taking a one-sided perspetive. But the very nature of this site is that it is a tool dedicated to providing one side with the intellectual tools to attack the ideas of the other. This is hardly a foundation for the quest for an unbiased truth.
Addressing the bias of media matters, (one they are perfectly honest in self-identifying), - An honest analysis of whether FOX News is promoting the Tea Parties erequires an analysis of their news reporting, not the comments of their self-identifying Conservative Commentators. There is nothing wrong with the news programs reporting that Tea Parties have or will take place, so long as they do not overtly advocate in favor of them. Nor does it mean anything if their undisguidedly biased Commentary shows do overtly promote them. The question is ... has Media Matters engaged in something dishonest in singling out FOX for criticism wwhile trying to found that criticism on objective criteria?
Who are the liberals on CNN with their own shows? When did the news departments of CNN and MSNBC cross over to be commentary?"
They are calling the tea parties, on their "news" shows, "FNC Tax Day Tea Parties." They are overtly advocating in favor of the tea parties by attaching their name to the event.
MSNBC has a morning show hosted by a conservative. CNN has Lou Dobbs. Show me a liberal with his/her own show on Fox.
How, in your mind, is CNN biased? Who on CNN is biased?
CALM DOWN EVEYBODY! This is nothing but free advertising for FNC ( I refuse to use the word "news" with the word "fox"). The overwhelming majority of these people are just sheep that can be lead by the right wing noise machine to protest anything. (just as there are sheep on the left, I might add). A very small minority of this bunch are the type that wood revert to violence. (again, same with the left.)
The good thing to keep in mind is that the overall effect is minimal at best. Let's say FNC has a viewership of 3-5 million (I'm being generous). Well, in a nation of 300 million, we're talking about less than 2% of the population. Of that 2%, maybe 2% are considering taking part in these "tea parties". Now we're down to .0003% of the population. RELAX, OK?
Please keep in mind that this schtick is all about FNC actually manufacturing news instead of reporting news. It's just like Limbaugh, the more outrageous they are, the more money they make.
The best thing we can do is to help the administration continue to make its argument for social progress, economic equality, etc. among our community, friends and neighbors. If the discussion comes up, we intelligently make the case for these policies.
Look at the polls, he's at 68% favorable. That's who counts. We need to keep that number high and the best way to do it is NOT to focus on the wack jobs, but to focus on the general population.
Just turn the situation around 180 degrees and ask yourself if you would think it fair for left leaning anti government protesters to be silenced by the right for (as yet) unfounded fear of violence? I think not. My plan is to find a "party" nearby and have some fun destroying their arguments by using my brain and my mouth. FNC just needs to be ignored.
The problem is the irrational nature of these protests.Some say its about "massive" tax increases ..where? who? when?..the 3 % increase on wealthy Americans 2 years from now which would just return to previous tax rates during a prosperous period(90's) and far lower than they were in the past for this high earning group!!!! The protesers are supposed to be working class"grass roots" Americans who have already gotten a tax cut!!!Some say its out of control spending ..but where was that concern when Bush turned a surplus in a 1trillion dollar deficit and pushed for the 1st Tarp bill and Auto bailout before Obama was even in office.Some say its the notion that" Obama is gonna take your guns" when no such plan has been stated..maybe maybe a renewal of the ban on assault weapons...big difference.....
The spending concern is legitimate but when you have bankrupt states and municpalities closing schools(can u say Detroit),laying off basic service providers like teachers, firemen and police ,a federal helping hand is necessary as it is during natural disasters.Don't we need to address crumbling infrastruture issues before we have more bridges collapse??I bet the same people would say why didn't Obama do something to prevent it?!!Why didn't these same people criticize Bush for not investing in America while spending so much to destoy a country and wastefully attempt to rebuild it with American tax dollars using crony businesses on no bid contracts.At least Obama is spending in America for Americans!!
Of course there should be free speech and appropriate protest..its just hard to understand what drives these protests except hate and Obstructionism...
You posted a relatively thoughtful, nuanced counterpoint to the points made to the protests...well done!
But then, you decided to wrap up your long post by "hard to understand what drives these protests except hate and obstructionism.." What is hateful about having a different opinion about government and society? Is it "obstructionist" to protest?
I don't think he's saying it's hateful to have a different opinion, but only finds it difficult to understand the hate and obstructionism that is driving them. You know, like Fox news. It is tough to get one's head around how they can be so driven.
Guess I don't understand protesting for a "cause" that's against your best interests. Protesting for civil rights,moral disagreement with abortion or the death penalty,even gun rights are certainly not obstructionist.Protesting based on innuendo,rumors,smears and selective amnesia is!!Its like people still unemployed protesting the stimulus bill which would extend their benefits so they can feed their family today!!I never said having a diffrent opinion with government is hateful but just look at the degree of disrespect/vitriol in the signs and comments even by News media and elected officials...communist/marxist/socialist/fascist/terrorist/dictator.Calls for impeahment,etc..Can't the disagreement be more fact based and respectful?Of course Bush got his share of citizen disrespect but never so much from the media and politicians even after years of controversy/incompetence/opaque governance and power grabs.He even mused wistfully for a dictatorship ...as long as he was the dictator..maybe not seriously but if Obama said that..all hell would break loose..excuse me.. it already has hasn't it!!!
Hope that was relativelty thoughtful!!
If these aren't 'hate Obama' protests, why are they carrying the nasty signs?
Sorry, but a sign with Gore's head being drilled into is hateful. Gore has nothing to do with this administration or these so-called "tax day tea protests". If it's not hate-filled, why such signs?
Why the other signs, calling Obama every name in the book? Seriously, if this were truly a 'tax protest' instead of an 'anti-Obama protest', I believe the signs and the attitude would be different. We'll see tomorrow how the protests pan out. My guess is that they will turn out ugly or no one will attend. I don't see 'peaceful' being an adjective used to describe these protests.
FoxNews just continues to give angry conservatives what they want to hear. Let them take ownership of this worthless protest by a mob of misguided, desperate people with a crumbling a foundation of hate to stand on.
I don't understand, though, how they tricked themselves into believing the current economy is Obama's fault. Where were your protests the last 8 years, you crazy conservatives? What about Bush's bloated budgets? Where was Bush EVER a conservative? And you think McCain would be doing anything differently... other than lumping more tax relief to the top 3% and making it easier for WalMart to offshore its profits? Ha!
Where'd the first bailout come from? And yet it's Obama's fault, right?
So when we saw images of people protesting Bush and Cheney used signs that called for their assination, or even burned effigies of them in the streets that was just social outrage.
But you have a relatively few people at these events calling Obama a Socialist (which is accurate if you objectivley look at his policies) is extremist rhetoric? These people are expressing their political opinion. Something this website has defended the past 8 years when they percieved people using the same sort of rhetoric criticizing bush were being silenced.
The tea parties are not about Obama bashing. If you actuallky listen to the organizers they are about social injustice and this country moving further anbd further away from the Constitution. They are about regular people standing up for what they believe in letting their voices be heard. Obama just happens to be the face of the Federal Government at the moment. But all this has been happening for the past 50 years.
Ignoring all of your policy comments, which are not the topic of this post by MMFA, is it ok for Fox News to sponsor these tea parties as a "news" organization?
Where is the money trail? They are doing no different than media organizations did during the Bush administration when upcoming protest were coming.
They were all doing their jobs in letting the public know about it coming up in case they wanted to attend.
The money trail? This is far different, insane, they are calling the event "FNC Tax Day Tea Parties." Their hosts have encouraged people to come "celebrate" with Fox News.
Show me one promotion of a protest ever by any other "news" media outlet. They are doing far more than telling people about it coming up. They attached their name to the events.
Oh come on. So all the signs about Obama are just because he happens to be the face of government? That's unbelievable.
What "social injustice" are we talking about, exactly? And how is Obama moving us further away from the Constitution than Bush did?
I did not Obama was doing it more than any other President. I am just saying that he is currently the face of the government and therefore the one that will bear the brunt of ridicule as every President is.
The social injustices have been happening for over 50 years. In the socialization of America.
In the socialization of America.
You probably don't even know what socialism means, taking your posts into account.
So people just put up with it and put up with it and as soon as a Democrat is in office, then it's time to speak out.
Utter nonsense. That's the point of asking about the Constitution. Bush scrapped Habeus Corpus, but people wait for Obama to take office to protest our straying from our core principles, for some reason. That's just not believable.
What is the "injustice" you're talking about, again? I want something specific, not some vague accusation of socialism.
These guys just dont know what Socialism is. They use it to mean ugh bad. Cough up the means of production that Obama is nationalizing or give up the silly rhetoric
Is that really you? Good to see you back!
It is ME my friend. Good to be back. Still seem to be under some kind of probation here.
Welcome back. Missed you.
It's objectively accurate to call Obama a socialist? Do you even know what socialism is? (HINT: It does not simply mean government spending on things you would prefer the government not spend money on)
More broadly, do any of these people shrieking hysterically about socialism/communism/Marxism know the meaning of these terms? I doubt it.
Gee, maybe it is the fact that the Government has taken over banks and companies in the name of social good.
Or maybe it is selctively taxing people making more money to pay for programs that are only meant to help another selct segment of the population? Or the government demonization of the aforementioned people being selectively taxed higher.
Are you saying this is a socialist country then, insane? Every president has "selectively taxed" segments of the population. Under Reagan, the tax rate was much higher on the highest earners.
Are you planning a tax day protest against Palin's oil policies too?
The government bail-out of the banks is socialism? Seriously, that's what you think socialism is? Socialism would be if we nationalized ALL the banks.
And if Obama is a socialist, where is his support for single-payer health coverage? Where are his plans for free university education for all citizens? Where are his plans for a true publicly-supported national pension plan? When is he nationalizing the energy, airline, and telecommunications industries?
As for selectively taxing people, do you mean like the 92% tax rate on the highest incomes, as we had during the presidency of that well-known bolshevik, Dwight D. Eisenhower?
Personally, I think this country would benefit from some of the socialism I'm describing. I don't see it coming from Obama. And that's a shame.
Maybe we can call it "Faux Socialism".
I could not agree more Phredicles. In case, dare I think it, that these right-wingers are reading this, maybe they'll read this little nugget and, god forbid, learned something.
http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/feature/2009/02/18/fox_socialism/print.html
Heaven forbid that people assemble to protest the Govermnment spending what it has not a right to spend.
The People's rights are being abridged.
Some of you claim it is a "minor" tax increase, ("wow dudes only 3% dont get all freaked out and be haters man..')but that is BS.. The ultimate effect of spending money it does not have cheapens that money. It also cheapens the money you have in your wallet. (basic economics) It is sometimes called a hidden tax.
The power our government has over us is its ability to tax and spend. We are simply saying it is NOT acceptable to extract that which is not rightfully the domain of government. The government which now picks "winners & Losers" with rewards going to the highest bidders.
G W Bush screwed up. There NEVER should have been a "1st" bailout, and there should be no others as well.
And since the subject here is FOX news.. Why do you think THEY are covering a NEWS story.. oh my.. NEWS..
Should you not ask why NBC which is owned by GE which ALSO has an interest in the "smart grid" that our president and congress supports and promotes, does NOT cover the ongoing growing boondoggles that government is giving us? Hmmm?
Its called NEWS folks.. big news..When a million people take to the streets and merely ask for an accountable government. Not hating. Just NEWS..
The typical Facsist wants power for the government. Control for the elite. Would any of you prefer more power in the hands of people who cannot even manage their own taxes, or probably couldnt hold a real job without the paybacks they get from lobbyists after they are removed from office.
I dont care if you are a Republican or Democrat. If you cannot see that the government serves no purpose but its own, then you are either purposefully ignorant of the history of our founding, or are a looter who intends to profit from and expanded government in some way.
To get a better idea of why some Tea Partiers are going check this out:
http://michigantaxes.com/wordpress/?p=1799
Worth a look for a little insight
For the millionth time, they are not merely "covering" these protests. They have called them "FNC Tax Day Tea Parties." They have taken ownership of the tea parties, Jason.
How have the people's rights been abridged? Who is saying there should be no protests?
The focus of this story is on Fox's promotion of the tea parties as their own.
They are PROFITING on the events as a worthy news story.
it is as simple as that.
But.. the fact that IT IS NEWS should be of concern to those who prefer to look at the other networks and see NO coverage. Providing No coverage because A. it doesnt seem profitable to them, or B. They see coverage as being partisan and providing free advertising for a political action.
Now..
If you say A.. ok.. is a business decision. but how many stories have even the big three held that left you wondering why they wasted their time?
If B. is the answer.. Then certainly THAT is appropriate.. uh.. well until you look at the blind fear mongering promoting of climate change science that I have witnessed on NBC.. where they didnt just report, but turned their Peacock green.
FOX will reap $$$ by reporting on this truly historic event, and the following events.. and the following leadership rallying.. etc..
Good for them.
It isn't news. It's manufactured news. Fox is not doing any reporting here. They aren't even making a feigned attempt to separate fact from fiction. They are duping people into protesting against their best interests. You don't see coverage on other networks because it's all nonsense and gibberish. And nothing has happened yet that would qualify as newsworthy! Fox is hyping an upcoming event. Previous teaparties have been attended by a smattering of unfocused, incoherent Obama-haters. That's not news.
...this truly historic event...
Now that's funny!!
Holy cow! Are you saying its legitimate for Fox to attach its name to these protests?
I would guarantee you see coverage on the other cable networks, just not promotion.
What other news channels have put their name onto an event and advocated to their viewers to come "celebrate" the protest?
"... truly historic event ..."
Yup, ranks right up there with the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the end of the Civil War ... LOL.
Fox News and its hosts are attacking a DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED PRESIDENT. It is not tyranny or oppression -- it's LOSING.
If you cannot see that the government serves no purpose but its own...
In case you missed it, the government IS the people.
EXACTLY the reason to have a tea party. To show that we claim the power over our elected representation. Simple as that.
How else might you claim your will over the elected, except to stand as we will do on the 15th and say "enough is enough!"?
So yes you are right. Somewhat.
More gibberish. Enough what is enough? Where were you four months ago?
Enough of making the currency of our product worth less.
Where was I? Screaming Bloody murder over the mortgaging of our future by a presumably conservative president. In fact one of the FEW times I was reminded by some who know me that I was agreeing with Kucinich..
Just Prior to THAT, I broke the news (which apparently wasnt profitable enough for FOX to carry, but ultimately was for Tom Brokaw) that Pelosi bought into T. Boone Pickens CLNE when it went public. And THEN held the country hostage with high gas prices to forward the Prop 10 in California.. to make a profit?
I have been here. I have been paying attention.
You broke the news? And then Brokaw picked it up? Delusions of grandeur much? I'll file this under "H" for hyperbole, right alongside your claim that an event that hasn't yet happened is a "truly historic event."
Ha! And I write the songs. That make the whole world sing!
I have no problem with the Right's right to protest, however, ill-informed they are.
Second, MARKB -- I have read the "GOP Budget" the one with numbers you are really going to push that piece of fiction as a counter to the actual budget -- trust me you don't want to unless you truly wish to see the collapse of the US.
Last, Dan Rather's very distinguished career was exploded by a story many feel is true although I would not have let it out without have more proof. Here we have an entire "news" channel sponsering protests in affect not reporting the news but creating it (even a mistake of fact is forgivable -- unless your Rather) this is totally beyond the pale. This is like those media events whipped up in the Middle East to protest America where all the signs are in English. Fox should be removed from the White House press room. Let them buy their access like other lobbyists.
This whole Fox News promotion reminds me of one of the James Bond films:
Tomorrow Never Dies.
FNC makes the "news" the world will see - just like that creepy owner of a huge media empire in Tomorrow Never Dies.
Sorry, but Danny boy ran with a lie, wanted to believe the lie, and then lied to the american people, all to affect an election. He and Mapes got what they deserved.
I like the "many feel is true", that's classic. I've challenged many on this forum before. Find the FEB and you'll get the keys to the pearly gates!
BTW...no one has found it yet! ;)
Mark:
The tired right-wing line of "We know spending was bad under Bush" does not reasonate for one reason: If you knew it was happening under Bush, and large-spending budgets are such a disaster under Bush, why were there no "tea parties" from 2002-08? Where was Glenn Beck and the other tools at FNC calling for Americans to "stand up?"
No, under a GOP administration, protests are not a reflection of the wisdom of our founders. They are a sign of whiny treasonists.
Exactly...if this type of protesting had been going on under Bush for his spending and just escalated recently there would be more credibility.It just comes off as totally partisan driven and exploitive of people angry about the economy.Why are Repubicans and Fox news fanning these dangerous fires so aggressively!?
Lets spread the blame then not put most or all of it on Obama whose policies haven't even had impact yet
I'm sure the same people will be in the street celebrating if his policies actually work!!!
I'm sure the same people will be in the street celebrating if his policies actually work!!! - SMTDL
Unfortunately, SMTDL, I don't see the 'tax day protesters' celebrating anything successful Obama does. These 'tax day protests' are anti-Obama rallies disguised as patriotic - but to me are just insane.
If these rallies are as big as Fox News claims they are, then why do they need T-Shirts to raise $$ and News Corp out shilling for it and hosting them??
Wow. Unbeliveibly stupid americans writing unbeliveibly stupid and offensive signs and having Unbelivibly Stuipd Fox News repeat it on-air. How is it that The Fox Propganda Network hasn't been shut down yet? If I was Obama, I'd write a new law stating that your news newtork cannot be blatantly partisan. I don't know how you'd write such a law and still keep it constitutioinal, but Barry's a smart guy. I'm sure he could come up with something good.
I can't stand FOX but it's Murdoch's station and he can do what he wants. It has already been determined that news organizations do not have to tell the truth.
Typical lets give more power to the Gov't to try and fix the problems that too much power created.
My own feelings about the ridiculous roots and premise of these "protests" aside, whenever the LGBT's, the peaceniks and the immigrants hold such events, they don't have an entire news network giving them millions of dollars in free airtime. They actually have to work to get their message out. They may get a brief mention in the media here and there beforehand, and the event itself will get reported when it happens, but it's nothing compared to what we're seeing from Fox News. What Fox is doing is pure unadulterated promotion and further proof of their lack of objectivity, professionalism and journalistic integrity.
We may be ideologically opposed, however you have struck a partial truth.
They are "promoting." But the question is why? Ideological or from a profit motive?
Objectivity is apparently in the eye of the beholder however. When GE does the same, (I refer again to "Green Peacocks") I do not see the same type of eye from the same persons.
Proof? ..hardly, unless you indict the entire media establishment
When GE does the same
What GE did really wasn't the same when their paid shills/retired generals promoted the Iraq war and I didn't like that either.
Or when NBC did the same with retired Generals on the opposite side ideologically? Gotcha.
The proof comes in many forms. This particular item is about Fox News. If you'd like to cite evidence of GE doing the same, then by all means, link me to it, and I'll be glad to call it as I see it. All major media networks have turned news into a for-profit venture, when it used to be a public service. As a result, journalism and the service it provides to a free democracy has suffered greatly.
I love this one: "Capitalism is not the problem. Retarded elitist Ivy League Poliicians are!"
Do they know what schools George W. Bush went to?
It's not exactly the anger that gets to me--it's that it's so free floating.
Hey, guys: Taxation is NOT Marxist. Marxist states don't tax income. Why? Because they pay all the salaries and wages. They run all the stores. When all of it comes and goes from the state, 'taxes' is a meaningless concept.
These people, now that there's a Democrat in office, apparently believe that taxation is socialism. If so, then every single government in the history of the world has been a socialist one. (Except, oddly enough, for the Marxist ones.)
They're screaming about the loss of their freedoms. Which ones? Speech, assembly, the right to bear arms? I give up,what?
the closest I can figure is that they're lamenting their loss of the right not to be taxed.
Remind me again when they had that right? Under Bush? Under Reagan? Under President Galt?
The scary part to me is that these people are not protesting a condition that can be fixed--because it doesn't exist. The protests on the Left were rooted in real behaviors: withdraw from Iraq, Close Gitmo, legalize marijuana, confiscate Ann Coulrter's cocktail dress--these are protesters with goals that, if you meet them, they calm down.
But these folks? They want to put a drill through Al Gore's head.
Why do you believe people attending the protest love Bush? Most can't stand him.
Yes they are protesting taxes. Do you know where all the income tax collected goes to?
Pays the interest on the Federal Debt goes straight to the Un-Federal Reserve.
The Fed is the real problem, get rid of them and things will get better.
I think people are missing the point here. When the conservatives lose an election, it's tyranny and oppression. But when they win and everything is in their favor, there are none of these "tea parties." Do these people understand that the tax hikes are for only the 1% of the super-rich? And that it is less than 10% of what their demigod, Reagan instituted.
Fox is really scarey. There is no reason that a "news" outlet should promote protests. How about living up to their credo of "Fair and Balanced" instead of making the hypocracy so side-splittingly funny as well as mind-numbingly dumb?
Conservatives are babies. We all know this. We all have them in our families. When they don't get their way politically, they scream and whine that it's socialism or that their rights are being trampled. It's partisanship. It's nonsense.
So, let's start treating these conservatives like babies - since they want to act like babies.
Conservatives: get over it. You lost the election this time. You may have another chance, but you've got to be more reasonable.
I had a list of questions I wanted to camcorder interview the teabag party crowd with in San Antonio, TX this Wednesday to post to YouTube but have a work trip that day so I can't make it out. I did, however, send this along to The Daily Show as I have no doubt they'll have a correspondent at one of these so-called ‘spontaneous’ uprisings. I hope whoever gets this enjoys it and finds the time to forward this along to any of the crack writing staff at The Daily Show if you know anyone there! It would make my year, that’s for sure.
The interviewer would be dressed head to toe in American flag print hat, shirt, jeans, and shoes all of which are labeled very blatantly: Freedom Hat, Freedom Pants, Freedom Shirt, Freedom Shoes.
On the back of the freedom shirt {labeled as such on the front} it have an arrow pointing down with ‘freedom boxers’ above it.
1. ‘do you make less than $250K? Great, what do you think about the tax cut you just got from Obama?’
2. ‘Who would you rank as the best President: Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, or Jimmy Carter?’
3. ‘Timothy Mcveigh: American psycho, regular guy pushed too far, or misunderstood hero?’
4. ‘If you had to choose one, which word best describes Obama: socialist, fascist, Marxist, communist, realist, linguist, or sofamarcommunist – which is the first four all combined into one word.’
5. ‘I have an uncle who makes $1 million a year… Obama wants to tax him an extra 4% on his earnings. What’s a guy like that to do? I mean, how is he supposed to make ends meet now? Fire his driver? There goes some more unemployment for you’
6. ‘Aren’t you fed up with the government telling border town gun shop owners they can’t sell assault weapons to Mexican drug cartels? It’s a free country, right?’
7. ‘What do you think about the $60 billion expansion of government run healthcare?’ typical answer: ‘socialism’ ‘I know, the Bush Medicare bill was really expensive’
8. ‘What do you think about the government increasing taxes on cigarettes upwards of 30% this past month?’ typical answer: ‘socialism’ ‘Yeah, all it does is pay for children’s healthcare. Hey child, get a job and get your own healthcare. I’m trying to smoke over here, right!’
9. ‘What do you think about the government trying to close gun show loopholes where private citizens can sell guns to one another without going through the Brady Bill mandated background check?’
10. ‘What did you think about our President holding hands with the King of Saudi Arabia, receiving a medal from him, and kissing his cheek?’ typical answer: Obama is a Muslim and is surrendering our country to them ‘Oh no, I was talking about George W. Bush. He did all that stuff’
11. ‘Barack Obama. Great President, or the greatest President?’
12. ‘Should Creationism or Intelligent design be taught in the Sunday School classroom instead of evolution?’ typical answer: yes ‘I agree 100%. And then evolution in the school classroom, right?’
13. ‘Do you have any gay children? What would you do if you did? Are gay people born gay or do they choose to be gay? Does gay people getting married directly affect you, outside of maxing you noxious?’
14. ‘Have you ever hired someone to mow your yard or had your roof redone or any type of construction done to your home? Were the laborers Hispanic? Were they all legal? Ok, would you mind signing this petition supporting amnesty for illegal immigrants since you support their rights to work in the US?’
15. ‘Why have 99% of climate scientists come together to invent the theory of man-made global warming? How have they kept the ulterior motives of this conspiracy so hush-hush with so many people having to be in on the secret? Is their agenda related to the gay agenda?’
16. ‘Have you heard about the out of control spending under Obama?’ typical answer: ‘of course. Our kids will be fitting the bill ‘yeah it’s crazy, the defense budget has gone from $487 billion last year under Bush to $527 billion under Obama. What is he thinking spending another $40 billion carelessly like that?’
17. ‘I used to work for a major health insurance company. Are you currently covered?’ if no is the answer ‘I would guess you might have a pre-existing condition like post traumatic stress disorder or hypochondria since the election that would shoot your premiums through the roof. Is this accurate?’
18. ‘What do you think about the government wanting to allow any kid who wants to go to college the ability to go to college? Isn’t this a massive liberal brainwash of our children by educating them further?’
The problem with #8 is right-wingers don't wan't free healthcare for children. They're too scared an illegal (repub for Hispanic) might get healthcare accidentally
It sure is funny to hear the right talking about teabagging, but it's also interesting in a way - I was just listening to an episode of The Joan Kenley Show (progressive Bay Area podcast) called The Media: What’s True, What’s Not that addressed how the right-wing corporate media will use catch phrases (like "socialism") and single-line branding to manipulate the information we hear. After getting in touch with all the ways that's worked for them, it's kinda nice to see this entry about a way it clearly is working against them, in that we are all now aware of Fox News' role in the teabagging.
This is just dangerous. Fox Fake News Network had better be careful. Fake News anchors are fanning the flames of hatred. They'd better hope they don't get burned by those flames of hate in the process.
Fox news had great teachers if what avchavis said is accurate! CNN MSNBC NBC CBS ABC . And oh ya this websight !Media Matters !
THE NEW SONS OF LIBERTY AND FREEDOM! (TEA,S ON)
frostbyte
Evidence abounds that these are not "Tea Parties" but "Anti-Obama rallies. Unless, of course, the pictures above are of people making over $250K ... but I highly doubt it. I can guarantee they will mirror the McCain/Palin rallies during the campaign. The scary part? Expect calls of traitor, nazi, communist, socialist, blah, blah, blah. I also fully expect to hear cries for the assassination of our President.
The comical part? The GOP rallies up its base to be outraged over a (whopping) 3% tax increase on the wealthy. Further comedy? Most, if not all, of the numbnuts shown in the above pictures are reaping the benefits of the largest middle-class tax cut in recent history ... further proof that neither the GOP nor its sheep has a CLUE. LMAO
Why is when a conservitve says something its hate speech but when the left says something it freedom of speech you people never stop amazing me. Like when moveon takes out a full page ad on our general David Petraeus or your code pink buddies keep disturbing speeches. Fox News is actually fair and balanced maybe thats why there ratings are higher that anyone elses. Oh and please stop taking everything out of context thats getting old already.
(1) What's getting old is your conservative apologies for bad conservative behavior.
(2) The members of Code Pink do not speak for Democrats or Liberals. They speak for Code Pink. Moveon.org does not speak for Democrats or Liberals. They speak for Moveon.org - a political action organization.
(3) Nobody ever said that conservatives speaking out is hate speech. It's what you say that matters. Liberals have also said some pretty nasty things - and they should be held accountable just as conservatives should be held accountable for the nasty things they say. As said here many times before, no one is stifling anyone's free speech rights. If you think so, then either (a) you don't really know what free speech means and that such speech comes with responsibility; or (b) you're too irretrievably stupid to come up with your own thoughts that you need Boss Limbaugh or any one of the Fox Fascists to tell you what free speech is.
(4) If you believe that FNC is fair and balanced because of their slogan, you're one of those people who will believe anything they read. If you believe that FNC is fair and balanced or a better network because their ratings are higher, then you really don't care about the quality of the programming. High ratings do not equal quality programming - case in point: American Idol.
Nick I agree, The 9 page document from Home Land Security says it all.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/14/federal-agency-warns-of-radicals-on-right/
You must have a very short memory, Mark, remember all the anti-war protests that were warned about? Even the Quakers were targeted.
Back to the point of the post, do you have problems with news organizations sponsoring protests?
NO, how many times have I had to say that in these post. I could care less, what is your problem with it? CNN have their Agendas, MSNBC has their so on and so forth.
So, you are admitting that Fox is not news and is a propaganda arm of the Republican party.
CNN and MSNBC have never organized rallies of citizens, Mark. That's my problem with it. If CNN and MSNBC sponsored anti-Bush parties I would have had a HUGE problem with it.
Summary: By aggressively promoting upcoming tea party protests despite the numerous instances of extremist rhetoric at previous tea party events, Media Matters is associating itself in advance with whatever rhetoric emanates at the upcoming events.
Frosty
Wow, not even close. Is MMFA sponsoring the protests?
WOW, Thats pretty scary how many people have no idea that they'll actually be protesting Bushes taxes without even knowing it. Those people are either really racist, some dr.no republicans, insane or allof the above.
More proof that these protesters have absolutely no clue what they're protesting.
Whats up Clams
Glad to see you back, solon!
Thank you
Checkout this :http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/04/the-rotting-racist-underbelly-of-the-tea-party-protests/
Leftists need to arm themselves, and heavily. As we learned at Munich, you can't really talk to fascists.
of course fixed noise and the neo con cabal will try to say they are not claiming the extremist rhetoric......but unfortuantly what they don't seem to grasp. is that they are not mutually exclusive.
I have yet to see a protest where there was not at least one stupid sign. You guys seem pretty upset that Obama is depicted as a liberal socialist. Why? He does want the government to be more involved in our lives. Why act like that is a bad thing? What about all of the signs depicting George Bush as a fascist? Heck, that's not even historically acurate. Fascists were socialist who took private business and made it state run, they tried to eradicate religion, and they were proponents of euthanasia. George Bush was more like a European Socialist than a fascist Nazi.
What I noticed was that the majority of the signs held by these VERY STUPID PEOPLE were all of the same themes. And, those themes have been screeched-out on the various fox shows over the last few months. Most signs, although crude, all were regurgitant from fox's so called news bloviators.
However, I noticed some very professional looking signs that reminded me of the "Astro-Turf counter-demonstrations of Cindy Sheehan afew year ago. The very same people showed up in Texas to make that woman's life a living hell. And, they were funded by the very same repug "consulting" firms as well.
Looks like the hard right want to party like it's November 3rd, 2008.
Too bad nobody told them that the election has already been decided and their conservative agenda was SOUNDLY defeated. I guess some folks just didn't get the memo.
I think I hear the black helicopters coming....
"We're teetering on the brink. If so many are willing to take to the streets to argue about something they don't understand, with all of the answers provided by the right wing media, what chance do we have of succeeding and pulling the economy out of free fall?"
AND THAT'S the tactic behind the FNC's promoting the Teabag Parties. Keeping the divisiveness going will do nothing but harm fixing anything.
Not to mention that it redirects anger away from Washington and toward each other (left and right). Divide and Conquer. Plus it helps demonize a movemment that was gaining real traction until these Republicorps decided to try and take it over. You do know that you can register domains and use privacy settings so you can't see the real owner, not that most people use real names anyway. Someone wanted a connection made between the rigth wing extremist and the Tea Party movement so that it could be discredited as a bunch of crazies.
As for me and mine- Tea Party here I come! Enough is enough, and I will not sit here and pretend that the country isn't being robbed of it's freedoms. You can act like its Fox news that's behind this- it's just propoganda- it's people like me who recognize what's going on. I am not progressive- I'm just plain old American. If you want to make me out to be a "right wing radical" yu go right ahead!
This is nothing more than a way for The Powers That Be to direct public emotions. They are using the Tea Parties to Divide and Conquer. Let the left and right slug it out direct their anger on each other instead of Washington where it belongs.
A great explanation follows in the article below,
Lots of Tea Parties- and then?
Tommy Cryer's organization, Truth Attack.org has been highly effective nationwide in getting concise information to "taxpayers" on April 15th at post offices around the country. However, with this new tea party craze, thousands, if not tens of thousands will be herded in a different direction: Venting their anger at a tea party and then what? Write your congressman? Write the usurper president? America crossed the Rubicon last summer and the worst is yet to come. Instead of tens of thousands being encouraged to stand with the thousands from Truth Attack.org to get Americans the truth about the income tax (domestic Americans are NOT subject to the federal income tax), let's herd the peasants into more feel good exercises. Let them vent, wave signs and flags, go home and write letters proclaiming, "We'll remember in November!!!" Yeah, that worked real well last November when all but about 27 seats out of 435 changed. More socialists were "elected," while constitutionalists were shunned by the media and voters who shouted they wanted "change!" What they did was reelect the same crooks who have brought destruction and misery to our country.