New low: Beck and right-wing media minions fearmongering about kids to attack progressives
Glenn Beck and other right-wing media figures have recently fearmongered about how President Obama and progressive policies will harm children; among other things, Beck and these other media figures have repeatedly accused Obama of "indoctrinating" school children, aired unauthorized videos of children singing Obama's praises, and attacked Obama's "school saftey czar." On his September 25 television show, Beck plans to continue the trend by hosting 9-12 Project mothers, along with their children, who are "concerned" about "their kids' futures."
Beck invites 9-12 Project "moms" who are "worried about their kids' futures" to his show
Beck plans to "bring in moms and their kids to see what they're worried are about." On his Fox News show, Beck has repeatedly teased plans to "bring in moms and their kids to see what they're worried about" for his September 25 broadcast, claiming he has "noticed that more and more women are calling into my radio program," and that "[i]t's moms that are concerned into their kids' futures." Beck detailed: "Moms -- they're joining the 9/12 Project. So this Friday, I thought we'll have a studio audience. We'll bring in moms and their kids to see what they're worried are about."
Beck started 9-12 Project, whose members helped to organize 9-12 protests. On March 13, Beck announced the launch of his 9-12 Project, whose members helped organize and turn out participants to the 9-12 "March on Washington," which was heavily promoted by Fox News.
Conservative media fearmonger about unauthorized YouTube video of school kids "praising" Obama
The Drudge Report: "SHOCK VIDEO: School kids taught to praise Obama ..." On September 23, Internet gossip Matt Drudge linked to a YouTube video purportedly showing "[s]chool kids taught to praise Obama." The video, showing young schoolchildren in New Jersey singing a song about Obama, provides no evidence that the children or their parents consented to having the video posted on YouTube.
America's Newsroom: "Many parents ... just don't want this sort of political cheerleading, if you will, in the classroom." On Fox News' America's Newsroom, hosts Bill Hemmer and Megyn Kelly aired the video and asserted that "many parents" don't want kids "singing praises" to Obama. Before showing the video, Hemmer said: "It is one thing to have kids say the Pledge of Allegiance, but we're not sure what's going on with the videotape now online when students are singing praises to the president and why some parents are saying, not with my kid." Later, Kelly teased the video by saying, it's "getting attention on The Drudge Report website this morning. It shows young children singing the praises, quite literally, of the president." She continued:
KELLY: Well, information posted with the clip says that it is from the Bernice Young School in Burlington Township, New Jersey, but the school won't exactly confirm that for us. In fact, they won't confirm anything for us. We have made multiple attempts to ask them about these students, about this tape and how this came about. We are hoping that they can get back to us shortly, so that we can clear this up.
Already we're getting a lot of emails from our viewers. It went on from there -- you saw a clip of the children singing. Then came a bit of a chant by the children where they praised President Obama for all his great accomplishments, saying, quote, "You're number one. Hooray, Mr. President, we're really proud of you." And on and on it goes.
You know, many would have no problem with this. Many parents would, and just don't want this sort of political cheerleading, if you will, in the classroom. We just don't know the details behind the tape, but it certainly caught our attention and we're trying to find out from, again, from this school, which we have multiple calls into. The B. Bernice Young Elementary School, Bernice Young Elementary School in Burlington, New Jersey. And as soon as we have it, you'll have it. [America's Newsroom, 9/24/09]
The Fox Nation: "School Children Sing Songs of Obama's Glory." On September 25, the allegedly fair and balanced TheFoxNation.com posted the video with the headline "School Children Sing Songs of Obama's Glory."
Beck: Song sounds like "a hymnal for a dictator." On the September 24 edition of his radio show, Beck said: "I want to show you, and tonight I'm going to play the tape for you, of indoctrination that is going on. We've been going through all of this indoctrination for the last few days. Tomorrow, I do a full hour live with moms, and their children, and we're going to talk a little bit about things they're concerned with -- and indoctrination I know will come up. Play this, this is -- do we know where this is from? Elementary School in Burlington, New Jersey. The B. Bernice Young Elementary School. The woman who did this is, I believe, an activist, she's the principal, or the teacher. I don't have her name here. But listen to -- this is -- these are elementary school children, and they are singing a song for Barack Obama." After Beck played audio of the video and read the words out loud, he said it sounded like "a hymnal for a dictator. ... Does anybody see what's going on? Does anybody see what's going on?" Later, Beck said: "This is indoctrination. This should horrify the American people." [Premiere Radio Networks' The Glenn Beck Show, 9/25/09]
Beck also promoted the video September 24 on his Twitter feed: RT @keepthemhonest: How young does Obama target (more indoctrination video) http://is.gd/3C1Qc @glennbeck #tcot
Burlington Township School District superintendent: Song is from Black History Month activity, and the "recording and distribution of the classroom activity was unauthorized." The school board's superintendent wrote in a letter to parents that "[t]he video is of a class of students singing a song about President Obama. The activity took place during Black History Month in 2009, which is recognized each February to honor the contributions of African Americans to our country. Our curriculum studies, honors and recognizes those who serve our country. The recording and distribution of the class activity were unauthorized."
Fox & Friends continues Beck-engineered "czar" witch hunt with new attack on "school safety czar"
Fox & Friends on "school safety czar": "Given his past, is he the guy for the job?" On Fox News' Fox & Friends, hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade, and guest host Alisyn Camerota targeted Kevin Jennings, Obama's purported "school safety czar," following weeks of Fox News' witch hunt against Obama administration "czars." After Doocy stated that "there are some who are questioning whether or not this is a guy who should have a job given his history," Camerota noted that he "wrote a memoir in which he talked about his own past drug use," but "doesn't really disavow it." Kilmeade also said that Jennings is a "[f]ormer schoolteacher who has promoted homosexuality in schools. Also, he has a -- he details a report on how he did not report an incident with an underage student who had sex with an older man, and also has expressed contempt for religion. So, as you expand the resume, it might not be the perfect candidate."
From the September 24 edition of Fox & Friends:
DOOCY: We've been talking here at Fox because nobody else is talking about -- who exactly are these czars who have been appointed by the president to various high jobs. Let's take a look at a fellow named Kevin Jenkins, he is the president's --
KILMEADE: Jennings.
DOOCY: Jennings, that is to say. The president's director of the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. And there are some who are questioning whether or not this is a guy who should have the job given his history.
CAMEROTA: Right. He wrote a memoir in which he talked about his own past drug use. Now, I think there are two sides to this point -- if somebody has had experience with drugs, I think that perhaps they are very qualified to then talk about the perils of it. The downside, of course, is if they somehow glorify it or romanticize it, and in his memoir he doesn't really disavow it. He talks about how, you know, you can go to the airport when you are really stoned and watch the planes take off, and it's really quite fascinating when you are drunk and stoned. So, he is not telling -- he is not talking about the potholes associated with this.
DOOCY: Right. But -- and you point out his memoir. I think the memoir came out in 2007, so it's a relatively recent recounting of his life growing up as a young man in Hawaii doing a lot of drugs. Suddenly that sounds like another memoir. But nonetheless, he expressed no regret. And so people are going, "Well, he had the chance two years ago to regret -- to put that down on paper." But he did not.
KILMEADE: And the safe school czar position was actually from George Bush's administration in 2002. President Bush said we need something like this. But maybe this wasn't the job -- this wasn't the resume he thought he'd get: Former schoolteacher who has promoted homosexuality in schools. Also, he has a -- he details a report on how he did not report an incident with an underage student who had sex with an older man, and also has expressed contempt for religion. So, as you expand the resume, it might not be the perfect candidate.
CAMEROTA: Yeah, the reason he was chosen was because he has a longtime record of working to end bullying and discrimination against gay students. He had that credential.
KILMEADE: So he's against bullying? That's good.
DOOCY: And apparently he's been very successful at that, but only half the job revolves around that; the other half is about usage of drugs in school. And given his past, is he the guy for the job? Of course, there was no Senate vetting. He didn't go through the Senate meat grinder. So we haven't heard him actually testify about his past.
Beck led the way on Fox News' witch hunt for Obama's "czars." Fox News personalities have led the charge against the Obama administration's advisers, including Van Jones, John Holdren, Cass Sunstein, and other officials and nominees it has described as "czars" -- often by unearthing and criticizing statements the officials had made in the past rather than critiquing their job performance or credentials for those positions. Sean Hannity, for example, declared that "my job starting tomorrow night is to get rid of every other ['czar']." Beck has been widely credited for the resignation of Jones as "green jobs czar," and on September 3, Beck urged "watchdogs" through his Twitter feed to "find everything you can on Cass Sunstein, Mark Lloyd, and Carol Browner. Do not link before burning to disc." Beck has also attacked FCC "diversity czar" Mark Lloyd.
Conservative media freaked out over Obama back-to-school speech, accused him of "indoctrinating" kids
Conservative media: Obama "indoctrinating" kids. Numerous conservative media figures -- including Hannity, Beck, and CNN host Lou Dobbs -- baselessly accused Obama of trying to "indoctrinate" America's children with his September 8 back-to-school speech encouraging students to succeed and persist in their studies. Hannity claimed that "it seems very close to indoctrination," while Fox News commentator Monica Crowley said "just when you think this administration can't get any more surreal and Orwellian, here they come to indoctrinate our kids"; similarly, Michelle Malkin claimed that "the left has always used kids in public schools as guinea pigs and as junior lobbyists for their social liberal agenda." Discussing a bas-relief supposedly representing Benito Mussolini, Beck said: "Gee, who is having indoctrination next week? Oh, yeah, that's right, the president, completely unrelated." Dobbs also said on his radio show that Obama was "trying to indoctrinate our kids."
Conservatives also claim "brainwashing," invoke communist China, Hitler Youth. Numerous conservatives -- including Fox News commentator Michelle Malkin and WorldNetDaily.com -- claimed that Obama's speech about "persisting and succeeding in school," along with classroom activities about the "importance of education," will "indoctrinate" and "brainwash" schoolchildren. Conservatives have compared Obama's address to Chinese communism and the Hitler Youth, while also calling for parents to "keep your kids home" from the "fascist in chief." On his September 2 radio show, Beck said that he planned to air "a special one-hour broadcast next Tuesday on television on the indoctrination of your children," explaining that he decided to air "it on that Tuesday because of Barack Obama speaking [to students] on that Tuesday."
Transcripts:
From the September 21 edition of Fox News' Glenn Beck:
BECK: On Friday, we're planning another special show. I have been saying it for a while now that I have noticed that more and more women are calling into my radio program. It's moms that are concerned about their kids' futures. They sense it in their gut.
Moms -- they're joining the 9-12 Project. So this Friday, I thought we'll have a studio audience. We'll bring in moms and their kids to see what they're worried about. Don't miss it.
From the September 22 edition of Glenn Beck:
BECK: You know, the media is trying to paint people who go to the tea parties and 9-12 events as terrorists or angry white men or whatever. I have noticed on my radio show for a very, very long time that it's more and more it is women, women calling the radio program, moms concerned about their kids' futures. Well, moms are going to join the 9-12 project this Friday with a studio audience. All moms and their kids. What are they worried about? Why are they going out of their house to stand with a sign?
From the September 23 edition of Glenn Beck:
BECK: This Friday, we're also planning a very special show, 9-12ers, except these ones are all moms. What are moms worried about? Why would moms get so angry that they would join together and stand in crowds?
As I think back to my 3rd teacher back in 19ohnevermind I think she was ACORN!!! Yep she made us plant a little community garden and taught us about recycling before it was popular. And she also brainwashed us into respecting President Jimmy Carter and to respect fellow students.
Yep she was an ACORN alright
This is a very familiar story, which I've heard many times from residents of: New Jersey.
Mr. Beck never came close to insinuating that the kids were Nazis - but of course you know that his point was to make a correlation with what Hitler or other adults did to the children of Germany when they systematically divided Germany and turned a portion of the German people against another segment of the population. Deny it or not, but that is exactly what Hitler did during the Holocaust. In addition, it is not the right of our govt run schools to indoctrinate children towards any particular president or his/her politics. Too instill a love for and allegiance to their country is a different story. Parents should be able to send their children off to school without worrying about whether or not their teachers or other school officials are pushing their own agenda on impressionable minds. This includes, in my opinion, sending adult children off to govt run institutions of higher learning. The school official responsible for this should be reprimanded & reminded to keep her politics to herself.
It's clear to me what's happening.
Most people don't know this but ACORN has heavily infiltrated New Jersey schools and, in fact, ACORN has prepared a textbook for this year's curriculum in which prostitutes are praised and encouraged to apply for free housing.
Conservatives in Jersey are absolutely outraged.
Just last week I was lead to believe that my neighbors here in New Jersey believed that Obama could be the anti-Christ and now you're telling me that ACORN has infiltrated our schools.
Could both be true? I'm so confused. I think I need another month in the FEMA Camp
Sing a song about Bush during Black History month?
WHAT in the world would they say?
Glory, glory Mr. Reagan.
Glory, glory Mr. Reagan.
Glory, Glory Mr. Reagan.
Your truth still marches on!
I happened to be in school when Reagan was president. And we commonly had activities and discussions in class showing respect for our president. We even all even made him cards and wrote him letters a few times (once after the Challenger tragedy I remember vividly). Yet, somehow I was still able to grow up and understand that Reagan was a disaster as a president while still respecting the office of the presidency.
If your kids are unable to do the same, then the fault lies with YOU. Do not blame your school. Schools are always going to have respect for the system built into them, that is how nationalized education works. Always has, always will. Teach your children skepticism at home, where it belongs. If you are unable to do that, the fault is YOURS.
Like it or not, the election of a black man is a big deal, regardless of party. If it was Colin Powell I would expect to see the same sort of thing, and I would also expect that conservatives would understand the relevance of Black History Month to that quite easily.
I agree; and I thank you for your thoughtful response. Correct me if I am wrong, but there was a big deal made over the first black (half white) person becoming the POTUS. All across the country and the world. I watched the historical inauguration live and shed tears of joy at how far we have come as a country. But that does not mean I agree with President Obamas political actions or goals. Nor would I want my child being instructed in a public school using the melodies of Christian hymns to sing praises to him or any president. My little ditty was sarcasm, my friend. Also, I do not agree with esteeming a particular race or culture to the exclusion of others: Black History Month, Hispanic History Month, Asian History Month, Affirmative Action, Black/Hispanic Beauty Pageants, La'Raza, New Black Panthers, the magazine Black Women Today, and McDonalds 365black.com to name a few. Are the above-mentioned willing to accept the same exclusion from white organizations, magazines and so-forth? That is not the case. I, like MLK, dream of the day where a person is judged not on the color of their skin, but on their substance as a person. And that is how I look at the current POTUS - his substance not his color. My grandson is half black and half white (on the white side he is descended from two Civil War soldiers – one was a Union soldier who was severely injured outside of Richmond and the other a Confederate surgeon who contracted malaria while a POW at Vicksburg). We teach the young man to love, appreciate, and admire all of his heritage. He will not grow up hating his enslaved ancestors, nor does he hang his head in shame when he sees the Confederate flag hanging next to Old Glory on my front porch! Well, I threw it out there for you - I pretty much expect the claims of racist to be forthcoming from some of the posters here.
You can dream of true equality all you like, but in the meantime it's just a dream. We have to deal with the reality of the situation in the here and now, not pretend that it doesn't exist because we "dream" of a better situation in the future. MLK would surely agree, and if you do some research about his views on affirmative action you'll see that.I wouldn't expect him to hang his head in shame, because a child's mind adjusts to the reality that the adults in their life present to them. If you were to teach him that beating dogs is fun for the whole family, he'd probably buy that until he could be convinced otherwise by outsiders. That doesn't make the use of that symbol any less racist. If you're not a racist, then you might want to consider what the South was fighting for and how people would treat your grandson if slavery still existed.
-That doesn't make the use of that symbol any less racist.-
And I would argue that the flag is not a racist symbol. To some it is a symbol of heritage, of ancestral connection. The fact is, slavery existed under the American flag far longer than it did under the Confederate flag (with New York being one of the colonies with the largest concentration of slaves). Yet, it is only the South and the Confederate flag that is degraded for slavery. And really, is it fair that we who live in the 21st Century judge those who lived 100 or 200 years ago as barbarians. The people alive then (our ancestors) lived according to the knowledge & the culture they born into. Thank God we have evolved over time.
You wrote
-If you're not a racist, then you might want to consider what the South was fighting for and how people would treat your grandson if slavery still existed.-
Believe me, as a historian who specializes in Civil War era history, I know that the Confederacy fought for much more than the institution of slavery. There were many Confederates, including General Lee himself, who were against slavery, but they fought for their homeland, the South. They didn’t necessarily want a Federal govt running their lives. They felt that they were defending their turf, so to speak. I know full well that my grandson would have been treated as property & I would likely (knowing me) have struggled with the decision to fight for my state in spite of hating the horrible institution of slavery. Maybe I would have ended up like one woman I read about who was a Confederate nurse who was loyal to the cause except for one thing: she worked with the Underground Railroad!
And if you want to know why I am saddened to the core about modern-day claims of racism & the continual bashing of our ancestors, it is because it seems that 21st Century has forgotten the horrific deaths of over 700,000 Americans during the Civil War (Union, Confederate, and black). Their blood, which soaked the soil where slaves once toiled, settled it. And if not, what did they all die for?
I think if you raise a black child to respect what it almost universally considered to be a symbol of racism, that's going to be a confusing issue. Without some solid justification for why everyone should forget about the racist roots of the war, that seems wrong.
I have done an extensive genealogy on my family, & my heritage spans the continents, as does many who call themselves Americans. In fact, I am working on the French side of the family as we speak. As you say, the Confederacy was short lived, but it existed nonetheless & it is a part of the heritage of many Americans. If others choose to denigrate their own heritage, that is their choice.
-the death of German soldiers did not make Hitler's march through Europe respectable. Either it was a good idea or it wasn't.-
That is a good point and hard to argue with.
You also wrote:
-If you really feel that your personal connection to your heritage is worth keeping these old wounds open, then those are your priorities in action.-
For the most part, I choose my battles. I cannot shake my personal connection to my Confederate heritage no more than black Americans who feel a connection to their African heritage can ditch theirs, which you must admit had its own mix of barbarism, slavery & other not-so-honorable practices.
Also:
-My respect for black people would inspire me to ditch the flag for their sake.-
My respect for black people is in no way lessened by my Confederate flag. I would say that a black person who honors his African heritage (regardless of the mix of that history) should respect my right to honor my heritage - the good, the bad & the ugly. Thanks for the dialog. You have made some very good points for me to ponder. :)
Man, he's really missing the good ol' days.
Besides, your argument is as beaten-down as anything ever posted here. Recognizing institutional racism does not assert that black people are incapable or stupid. On the contrary, since there is such racism, then it is the government's duty to try to level the playing field, since all citizens are equal and should be treated that way.
Perhaps you simply don't understand Libertarian views.
The "Libertarian view" on religion is that there should be a clear separation of church and state. Beck claims that "The words contained in our Constitution, while written by our founding fathers, came directly from God". He does not support separation of church and state, he endorses Christian dominance in the US government.
The "Libertarian view" on prohibition (including alcohol and drugs) is that there should be none. Beck frequently speaks out against marijuana users and ridicules those that want to legalize it.
The "Libertarian view" on same sex relationships is that the rights of the individual in relation to marriage, child custody, adoption, military service, etc should in way be infringed ever. Not even for same sex couples. Beck views same sex couples as an "abomination" and criticizes any policy which grants same sex couples (or homosexuals in general) any "equal" rights.
The "Libertarian view" on abortion is that it should be strictly a woman's choice, and between her and her doctor. There should be no federal laws supporting, nor forbidding it. Beck calls abortion "murder" and is totally opposed to it.
Glenn Beck most certainly does not espouse Libertarian views. And if you think he does, then you clearly do not understand what Libertarian views actually are. There's much, much, much more to Libertarian views than just a rejection of paying taxes.
Really? Really?? And no one ever taught you how to use paragraphs? What high school was this?
Sounds like the beginning of a bad Dear Penthouse letter.
Those who do b/c of their bad decisions/choices or laziness are pathetic.
Followed by:
I teach my children that everyday. They are responsible for themselves and no one else, but that they should be kind and helpful to other because it is the right thing to do.
So you're teaching your kids to be nice to the pathetic lazy people?
And, apparently, your valedictorian education skipped over the part about including paragraphs for clarity/readability.
You're talking about Social Darwinism here. If this construct existed where people all start off in the same place and can be expected to compete on the same level, and where everyone could even be employed if they really wanted to, then you would have a point. But that's not quite the case. Even the standard of what constitutes a "good decision" is meaningless. Let's take people living in Michigan as an example. The unemployment rate there is 18%. Are 18% of people there just lazy and/or stupid? Doubtful, because it's not like the percentage of such people would skyrocket within the last few years. Did these people suddenly become lazy? No, it's just economics. And it's not like people who were born and raised in that state and studied for careers that at the time were in a "needed sector" are guilty of making bad decisions.
Let's examine your belief system here. Let's say someone did everything they were supposed to, then they get fired from their engineering job because of circumstances completely beyond their control, then they get diagnosed with heart disease. Does that person die because they lost their insurance along with their job? If private charity can't cough up money for that person, what do you think should happen? How about someone like my father who had a Master's degree and a stellar work record but got fired because he had a heart attack and the company didn't want to pay for his health care any longer?
There is no established system of justice for these things. Simply put, $#!+ happens. The world is not a idealistic meritocracy where those who try succeed and those who do not fail. What's more, the system doesn't accommodate everyone no matter what. If there's X percentage of low-paying jobs, then X percentage of people will fill them regardless of personal aptitude or behavior. Likewise, if unemployment is at Y percent, then Y percentage of people will have no job regardless of personal history or ability. This is true even if everyone is a hardworking genius. The person who has an IQ of 143 instead of 145 or is slightly less attractive or funny or who doesn't have quite the same connections, etc. is going to be sweeping floors or in need of government assistance.
On that note, the idea that the most successful people are the ones who work hard and study is pretty naive. It's true for some people, but then there are many people who simply kiss up or have connections, or who have a "killer business instinct" which basically means a lack of conscience. For instance, my father wasn't the boss, even though he was incredibly intelligent and a fantastic worker. No, that job went to the person who didn't have a problem firing great employees in the eternal quest to gain short-term profits. As another example, I worked at a small company where I was known for being thorough and precise in the great number of orders that I set up for delivery, yet when a job was established to be in charge of that very task, it went to someone who had pulled exactly one order and who had not been there nearly as long as I had. The reason? That guy was a friend of the owner's favorite employee. I was not. This sort of thing is not uncommon by any stretch of the imagination. Ask any number of people if they've had a boss that wasn't as smart/knowledgeable/hardworking as they were, and you'll get an affirmative response with alarming frequency.
Also, it's short-sighted and dangerous to dismiss the societal worth of a large number of people. Think about the phrase "let them eat cake" and see if that leads you on a line of thought in the direction of this point. And yes, I know that phrase was attributed to Marie Antoinette, but the sentiment is relevant to historical events. Even if talking about people who have actually made poor decisions, it's incredibly unwise to put them in a situation where they have nothing to lose, and that's exactly what you do when you condemn "redistribution of wealth" or people putting their hands out for help from the government. You can advocate charity all you like, but that's basically an honor system with people's lives hanging in the balance.
The concept of reasonable consequences is also something to consider here. If you establish a bottom level of poverty, that's not exactly a dream life. It's not something to aspire to, while it's a situation where the person has a chance to better themselves. But without a social safety net, you increase the risk of homelessness exponentially, and that's much more difficult to reverse. Even if you could establish who deserves success and who doesn't, the consequences should be limited.
So your "I did it so everyone can do it" speech is simplistic in the extreme. It ignores many factors involved and unfairly lumps the unfortunate with the "pathetic" people who make bad decisions.
But what really destroys your post more than anything is one simple and obvious self-contradiction.The idea that any intelligent person could recognize their own "gifted" nature and then say that "If I was able to...there is no excuse for anyone else" is completely absurd. The very concept of "gifted" is that you're naturally at an advantage over others, so you can't possibly set yourself up as some low bar that you know everyone else can clear.
Have you seen the video, and how is it NOT indoctrinatino? Let's change to singing praises to Regan, would that have bothered you. It would have bothered me. It's called critical thinking which the left is lacking.
The Glenn Beck Blackboard Challenge
Show off your own drawing skills and impress your friends.
I really only see one side presented here. You can toe the party line, which is 'Drugs are bad, mm-kay?', OR, if you actually have first hand experience with them, you are free to add your own personal horror stories to the tiny pile of anecdotal evidence which supports the party line. Either way, drugs are bad, mm-kay?
But, what happens if someone has a positive drug story? Just one time, someone took drugs, and maybe the world didn't end. Their dog didn't run away, their car didn't get re-possessed, their spouse didn't leave them, nobody died, nobody got hurt? I mean, if all drug stories were universally bad all the time, and there were no positive experiences, there would be no demand, would there? Even the dimmest bulb, after trying it four or five times, would give up.
Except, not all drugs are bad, are they? Alcohol and tobacco are okay, even recreationally. And of course there is the vast catalog of commercially produced pharmaceuticals. But those drugs are okay. In fact, they're such a good idea that most drug companies will send you a free sample just so you can try it. Why? Because they're just legalized pushers, that's why.
I haven't read Jennings' memoir, and what he says about his experiences really don't concern me at all. But this kind of completely ignorant hypocrisy is disgusting and sad, but not surprising from Fox and Friends. This is exactly the kind of worthless propaganda that leads to locking up 600,000 Americans, and ruining the lives of countless people for nonviolent and victimless crime. Meanwhile, since mandatory minimums exist for drug related arrests in many cases, actual violent criminals are released from jail early to make room for otherwise law abiding citizens who would rather smoke a joint than drink a martini in the evening to relax. I know who I would rather keep locked up, but that makes far too much logical sense.
Not to mention the billions of dollars in tax revenue passed up at the state and federal level, along with the billions saved in law enforcement costs. Again, too logical I guess.
when you watch Beck
Summary: drugs are OK if they make money for mega-corporations.
Radical is another keyword for n!gger. Like ACORN has become another way for the hateful nutjobs to call black people n!ggers.
Glad to see you're in with the racists. How 1860 of you.
Because they're ill-informed?
And, teachers are NOT imposing their political views on young children. They're too busy teaching them how to pass those stupid tests mandated by Dubya that is ruining the public education system.
And, it's this irrational hatred of anything regarding Obama with no basis in reality or fact that it becomes a chorus of racists shouting n!gger.
Also, what political views are there in this song that are so sickening to you? Equality? Reverence for the president? I have yet to hear anyone tell me which view is expressed in this song that everyone opposes.
As I indicated, the issue is the teacher imposing his or her political preferences on young children. The children should not be taught to blindly sing obeisant songs of praise about a president whom they no nothing about, other than the fact that he's half black. They don't know whether he's a tyrant, a crook or whatever. They don't know whether his policies are good for them, their families, or the nation at large. They're simply too young and immature to form opinions on healthcare, afghanistan, no child left behind, bank bailouts . ..
Nonetheless, the message given by this little sing-along is that the children should praise Obama, the man, because he's the president and black. That's wrong, and is the antithesis of the critical thought and dissent that are so valued and necessary in a democracy. This activity simply has no basis in a classroom for such young children. It's wrong in the Obama video, and it's wrong in the Bush video.
Political advocacy should wait till the kids are older, when they're mature enough to join debate teams and are more capable of coming to a reasoned opinion about how great Obama is, and how laudable his policies are . ..
There is a reason we have Black History Month.
For years, history books and teachers ignored the contribution of African Americans, Hispanic, Asian and Jewish people in building this country.
Black History Month is the remembrance if IMPORTANT people and EVENTS in the history of African Americans .
It was started in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson as "Negro History Week". Woodson choose the second week in February because it marked the birthdays of two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social conditions of African Americans: President Lincoln and former slave Frederick Douglas.
That song was to acknowledge the importance of this country electing the first African American President it was not a teacher imposing her views.
There is also Jewish American Heritage Month, which is the remembrance of Jewish American contributions and the history (past, present, future) of Jewish Americans in the US. It's celebrated in the the month of May.
And Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the US and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week was approved by President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15th and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1981 on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) is celebrated in May to commemorate the contributions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. Congress passed a joint Congressional Resolution in 1978 to commemorate Asian American Heritage Week during the first week of May. This date was chosen because two important anniversaries occurred during this time: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in America on May 7, 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad (by many Chinese laborers) on May 10, 1869. In 1990 Congress voted to expand it from a week to a month long celebration and in May 1992, the month of May was permanently designated as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.”
And when this country elects it's first Hispanic, Asian or Jewish president, you can bet there will be children singing and celebrating the event!
YOU should take your own advise!
Do you really wonder what motivated her?
It is a teacher's function to teach kids about influential blacks during Black History Month. Do you really not know this? One of the ways that schools explore historical events is through song.
You didn't really think that criticism through, did you?
This event took place during Black History month.
So it would make sense that in celebrating Black History, you would celebrate the FIRST Black President in the history of this country.
Once again, Republicans want to make much more of this than there really is.
Children have been singing to Presidents for years, just like Presidents have been speaking to children for years.
Republicans, only have a problem with the CURRENT President, who just happens to be African American. Of course, Republicans also say Obama's race has nothing to do with it. </sarcasm>
Which of these brain addled Fox charlatans hasn't expressed contempt for religion?
Just not contempt for the Jesus'y kind of religion.
Doesn't put a good image out to the kids but geez the tobacco guys have so much money...Damn! What's a good Repug to do with that one?
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While sore losing Republicans criticize every move Obama makes and act like lost children, Obama continue his superior persona, appeal and leadership.
By the way have you seen Obama smoke tobacco? Do you know why people don't see Obama smoke? Obama talks about smoking but we don't see him smoking, right? This is how Obama stays one step ahead of bonehead Republicans and conservatives and all those who want to say he is a muslim.
To keep idiots from constantly claiming he is a muslim Obama make you believe he smokes.
Can YOU spell CLUELESS?
The video was filmed in FEBRUARY and a copy released in September.
The Smoking Gun published the
Glen Beck beats the drums of hate. A poor musician, he is welcome to play, in the theater of our nation's cancer.
G.Beck is a hurdy gurdy monkey, dancing to our white racist culture's melody. Hand-in-hand, it is a win-win. Using an antecedent-consequence of hate, the fear is meant to blame others. Our country's efforts, to grow beyond our troubled past is impeded, by his static. Denying his supportive beat, G.Beck is within the sound of intolerance. That is not me, throwing stones on air, he will claim. Silence, or just avoiding to answer a question, he continues his botheration.
It be it,
Ronin Kannushi.
Glen Beck beats the drums of hate. A poor musician, he is welcome to play, in the theater of our nation's cancer.
G.Beck is a hurdy gurdy monkey, dancing to our white racist culture's melody. Hand-in-hand, it is a win-win. Using an antecedent-consequence of hate, the fear is meant to blame others. Our country's efforts, to grow beyond our troubled past is impeded, by his static. Denying his supportive beat, G.Beck is within the sound of intolerance. That is not me, throwing stones on air, he will claim. Silence, or just avoiding to answer a question, he continues his botheration.
It be it,
Ronin Kannushi.
That is scary! Oh, and Jimmy Carter loves anyone who hates America doesn't that scare anyone here?
You think this teacher is a racist because she had children sing a song for the FIRST African American President DURING Black History month?
And by the way, the song is an ADAPTATION. YOU do know the meaning of ADAPTATION, right?
This habit of jumping on ANYTHING that involves President Obama is becoming pathetic.
Seriously, do yourself and the rest of us a favor and admit you cannot stand the fact that this African American man is President.
And before I hear the whine of "she's playing the race card"?
Look back and find ONE freaking thing that President Obama has done in his 9 months in office that you folks HAVE NOT, protested against, complained about or flat out lied about!
OK. Here we go. This is clear race-baiting. And it is only fair that wesley and rightOn and the rest of the right-wing defenders call this out like they do when it comes from the left. Now, this woman is racist because she has the children singing a song about Obama and equality? Yet another example of how the right is doing their very best to ensure that only minorities can be called racist and that they are called it anytime they do anything.
Looks like fear based on religion is still alive and well on Fox... I always wondered, how can a news station be taken so seriously, especially one who's regular networks air shows like "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy"?
Here is a link to Islam On Capitol Hill.
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The Midnight Review
Mum Is The Word
As for the Mormons, they are indeed an interesting faith. I am not Mormon, but have found their religion to be of interest...
Both groups share similar beliefs, and would seemingly want to work towards the same goal, but I believe it to be similar to the distrust some Christian groups had about Catholics, as well as their apprehension regarding John F. Kennedy years back...
The same would also go towards Muslims... there are many groups that share similar conservative ideologies as the Republican base, but I think the Republicans do a poor job at courting these other segments of the electorate (just look how they failed in the previous election with Hispanic votes).
As for Glen Beck's religion, I have rarely seen it play a prominent role in his commenting, so I would assume it is one of those facts conservative viewers gloss over...
I'm more surprised that nobody has raised questions about Greta Van Susteren being a Scientologist...
Long before L. Ron Hubbard created Scientology, it was "Dianetics", an alternative to actual Psychology/Psychiatry. I read the book and found it as inane and idiotic as most 'woo' (homeopathy, etc.). There are a few books promoting Scientology (which, BTW, was turned into a 'religion' to get the tax breaks) available at my local Socialist Bookstore, er., Public Library, but I tend to ignore them because I've already seen the basics in Dianetics.
She has purchased all the supplementary materials and can be seen at work studying hard to become a good Scientologist. I had asked her if she was familiar with the organization after I noticed her carrying around Dianetics and some test results, and she had felt that maybe they can aid her in her life at this moment. I am not one to judge, and she had already determined her mind, but I am a bit concerned, only because I am a little bit familiar with their history.
Any organization that was once considered a cult, but claimed to be a religion and a philosophy, and then used the litigation to bankrupt the Cult Awareness Network and then subsequently purchase the bankrupt group, only to remove themselves as a cult, and then offer guidance to others in cults, seems a bit wrong, and self serving... I wonder what Greta has to say about that?
I am unclear who said "Black History" but the whole passage was surreal.
The RNC obviously pushes the idea that there's no racial component to criticisms of the new administration. But their Media arm, Foxnews, seemed more than happy to indulge their passions last night.
"Fair and Balanced".
I agree with much of Beck's uncovering of corruption, no matter if it fits my ideology or his. There are troubling parallels to the Kult of Obama and that of Hitlerian history.
ACORN is corrupt. Many of Obama's appointees are worrisome, are tax cheats, and Charlie Rangle is a travesty. Barny Frank DID take a ton of money from Fannie and Freddie, and he did try hard to keep the auditors at bay. We need to be MORE critical of those we align with, than those we oppose. THINK, every answer on here is a reflex.
Probably proud Dixicrats!
And you're full of sh*t!
Since you're up to date on Democrats who've committed crimes, you and you're buddy Beck should spend time making a list of the many, many Republicans who've committed crimes over the last 8 years and exactly what there crimes were.
Republican Offenders
You lost all credibility when you started comparing Obama to Hitler. You conservatives will never be able to mimic or facsimile a normal person's writing. You are better off creating the usual unintentional parody. At least the laughs will be a little more substantial and worthwhile.
BTW, this is not unique to Obama. Check out this youtube clip from a Nixon documentary (2:44 minutes into the video).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TP_oOJiuvW4&feature=PlayList&p=6AE90595B49D8C31&index=16
Personally I do not think we should not hero worship ANY president. But the wingnuts are laying on the outrage a bit thick here, no?
The problem I see here is not exposing these rotten apples but the way it is done and the fact that it seems to be directed to an organization that can be tied in somehow to the President in some way shape or form. I am just betting if there was some point in Obama's legal career that he might have handled a case for Make A Wish, Red Cross or any other large organization, then they too would be a target in the witch hunt. If you really want to see fairness in media then expose them all. Same with the teacher that taught the kids a song about Obama. There is a teacher that in Hawaii that was put on leave for sexual misconduct. Did that make national news? No. You can only find the story in the Honolulu newspapers on line. That is much more disgusting than a teacher hawking her political views. If the story of a teacher placing her views on young children is so disgusting then how about parents that have their children at these tea party rally's holding a sign that shows a picture of Hitler = A picture of Obama? Talk about inappropriate. My children have no clue about my political beliefs and rest assured that even when they get older I would never subject them to what these kids at the rally's were seeing.
The point I am making is that these attacks are one sided. If these media outlets are really disgusted, then go highlight all of these injustices, not just the ones that are meant to spotlight how evil our president is. Fair and balanced. Otherwise it is an obvious hate agenda.
Well, there was this company called Blackwater once upon a time, and they didn't kid around. They actually set up child prostitution. They also murdered innocent civilians. Do you want their funding cut? Do you want an investigation? Because, they weren't pretending. They really did pimp out young girls. They really did murder people.