YES! But here's the cuckoo thing . . . he had no real reason to do this. It wasn't a campaign promise. He was in no danger of losing the anti-gay vote to John Kerry and the chances of this actually becoming an admendment is astronomical, so why? Perhaps just because he wanted the satisfaction of slapping us in the face and putting us in our place!CDKathy wrote:Just the fact that Pres. Bush introduced the gay marriage ammendment to the Constitution is proof enough of his bigotry. That alone should be enough reason to have him removed from office.
Interesting Article
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Alexandra
- Miss Ruby Goddess
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Alexandra
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Jamie Ann
- Miss Platinum Goddess
- Posts: 334
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Alexandra wrote:we haven't forgotten John Ashcroft have we?Jamie Ann wrote: . . . accompanied by Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney . . .
F.B.I. agents and Denver police officers visited Sarah Bardwell, right, and a housemate, Sarah Graves, and two
neighbors, Christopher Riederer, second from right, and Blake, who would not give his last name, at their
homes to ask them about political and antiwar protest activities.
Leaving John Ashcroft out definitely was an oversight. John Ashcroft seems to have little regard for the rights guaranteed to Americans under our Constitution. In today’s New York Times, there is an article reporting that the F.B.I. has been visiting thousands of persons they think might be planning to demonstrate at the Republican National Convention in New York. Obviously, we do not want violent international al-Qaeda terrorists doing their thing in New York, but I imagine that an ordinary citizen such as Sarah Bardwell (see the photo above) was quite intimidated when the F.B.I. showed up at her home in Denver, asking questions about whether she planned to exercise her Constitutional freedoms of speech and assembly. At some point, we have to ask, “What makes our democracy different from a totalitarian system? Are John Ashcroft and his boss blurring the distinction?”
Take care,
Jamie Ann
Jamie Ann
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Jassmine(SO)
- Miss Golden Goddess
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- Joined: Wed Jun 30, 2004 10:13 am
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Hi Jamie Ann,
Now that is just plain creepy
*Hugs & Love*
Now that is just plain creepy
I would have to answer YEPPERS!“What makes our democracy different from a totalitarian system? Are John Ashcroft and his boss blurring the distinction?”
*Hugs & Love*
Blessings Eternal, Jassmine
"Love is unconditional acceptance. That quality is also our essential nature, who we really are."
--Peter Shepherd
"Love is unconditional acceptance. That quality is also our essential nature, who we really are."
--Peter Shepherd
-
Jassmine(SO)
- Miss Golden Goddess
- Posts: 626
- Joined: Wed Jun 30, 2004 10:13 am
- Location: Irving
Hello Y'all,
Here's a very intriguing article. To see the personal commentary preceding this article go to: http://www.aladdin.com/
THE IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS OF FASCISM
By Dr. Lawrence Britt
Free Inquiry Magazine / Spring 2003
Dr. Lawrence Britt, a political scientist, studied the fascist regimes of Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Franco (Spain), Suharto (Indonesia), and Pinochet (Chile). He found the regimes all had 14 things in common, and he calls these the identifying characteristics of fascism. The article is titled 'Fascism Anyone?', and appears in Free Inquiry's Spring 2003 issue on page 20.
The 14 characteristics are:
1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism -- Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.
2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights -- Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need". The people tend to 'look the other way' or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.
3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause -- The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.
4. Supremacy of the Military -- Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.
5. Rampant Sexism -- The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy.
6. Controlled Mass Media -- Sometimes the media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or through sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in wartime, is very common.
7. Obsession with National Security -- Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.
8. Religion and Government are Intertwined -- Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.
9. Corporate Power is Protected -- The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.
10. Labor Power is Suppressed -- Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely or are severely suppressed.
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts -- Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.
12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment -- Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses, and even forego civil liberties, in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.
13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption -- Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions, and who use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.
14. Fraudulent Elections -- Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against (or even the assassination of) opposition candidates, the use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and the manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.
This page last updated June 18, 2003.
*Hugs & Love*
Here's a very intriguing article. To see the personal commentary preceding this article go to: http://www.aladdin.com/
THE IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS OF FASCISM
By Dr. Lawrence Britt
Free Inquiry Magazine / Spring 2003
Dr. Lawrence Britt, a political scientist, studied the fascist regimes of Hitler (Germany), Mussolini (Italy), Franco (Spain), Suharto (Indonesia), and Pinochet (Chile). He found the regimes all had 14 things in common, and he calls these the identifying characteristics of fascism. The article is titled 'Fascism Anyone?', and appears in Free Inquiry's Spring 2003 issue on page 20.
The 14 characteristics are:
1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism -- Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.
2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights -- Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need". The people tend to 'look the other way' or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.
3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause -- The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.
4. Supremacy of the Military -- Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.
5. Rampant Sexism -- The governments of fascist nations tend to be almost exclusively male-dominated. Under fascist regimes, traditional gender roles are made more rigid. Opposition to abortion is high, as is homophobia and anti-gay legislation and national policy.
6. Controlled Mass Media -- Sometimes the media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or through sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in wartime, is very common.
7. Obsession with National Security -- Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.
8. Religion and Government are Intertwined -- Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.
9. Corporate Power is Protected -- The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.
10. Labor Power is Suppressed -- Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely or are severely suppressed.
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts -- Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.
12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment -- Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses, and even forego civil liberties, in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.
13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption -- Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions, and who use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.
14. Fraudulent Elections -- Sometimes elections in fascist nations are a complete sham. Other times elections are manipulated by smear campaigns against (or even the assassination of) opposition candidates, the use of legislation to control voting numbers or political district boundaries, and the manipulation of the media. Fascist nations also typically use their judiciaries to manipulate or control elections.
This page last updated June 18, 2003.
*Hugs & Love*
Blessings Eternal, Jassmine
"Love is unconditional acceptance. That quality is also our essential nature, who we really are."
--Peter Shepherd
"Love is unconditional acceptance. That quality is also our essential nature, who we really are."
--Peter Shepherd
-
Jamie Ann
- Miss Platinum Goddess
- Posts: 334
- Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2004 7:10 pm
- Location: Athens, Georgia
Fascism
Dear Jassmine (SO),Jassmine (SO) wrote: The 14 characteristics [of fascism] are:
1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism -- Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.
2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights -- Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need". The people tend to 'look the other way' or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.
3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause -- The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.
4. Supremacy of the Military -- Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.
7. Obsession with National Security -- Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.
8. Religion and Government are Intertwined -- Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.
9. Corporate Power is Protected -- The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.
10. Labor Power is Suppressed -- Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely or are severely suppressed.
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts -- Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.
12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment -- Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses, and even forego civil liberties, in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.
13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption -- Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions, and who use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.
This is a very sobering study. In the quote above, I have omitted the characteristics that I think are less applicable to the United States under George W. Bush, but notice that 11 of the 14 remain. I think the 9/11 terrorism shook us up, blinding many well-meaning people about the need to protect our freedoms, but I think the policy-makers at the highest level of the Bush administration know exactly what they are doing, and know that they are using 9/11 as an excuse to erode our democratic freedoms.
Thank you for providing this information from the study of Dr. Lawrence Britt. I hope that my sisters will recognize that a regime with many fascist characteristics is NOT a regime that is friendly to crossdressers or anyone else who departs from the statistical norms of a society.
Take care,
Jamie Ann
Jamie Ann
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Marda
- Miss Golden Goddess
- Posts: 553
- Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2004 8:09 pm
- Location: Vancouver Canada
* RingSideSeat *
Hey TGirls
Lovely Stuff Politics Eh ???
Uhhh ... Rebecca ... Uhhh ... did you say you was an "Honourary" ... or was that an "Ornery" Republican for this year's election ???
Ain't that what Toni & Dubbya was workin' out with the Queen over Tea 'n Crumpets ???
Hs / Marda
Lovely Stuff Politics Eh ???
Uhhh ... Rebecca ... Uhhh ... did you say you was an "Honourary" ... or was that an "Ornery" Republican for this year's election ???
Ain't that what Toni & Dubbya was workin' out with the Queen over Tea 'n Crumpets ???
Hs / Marda
~ Some drink at the fountain of knowledge - Others just gargle ~
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Jassmine(SO)
- Miss Golden Goddess
- Posts: 626
- Joined: Wed Jun 30, 2004 10:13 am
- Location: Irving
Re: Fascism
Howdy Jamie Ann,
*Hugs & Love*
We stand total agreement. But I have to ask why you left out:Jamie Ann wrote:Dear Jassmine (SO),Jassmine (SO) wrote: The 14 characteristics [of fascism] are:
1. Powerful and Continuing Nationalism -- Fascist regimes tend to make constant use of patriotic mottos, slogans, symbols, songs, and other paraphernalia. Flags are seen everywhere, as are flag symbols on clothing and in public displays.
2. Disdain for the Recognition of Human Rights -- Because of fear of enemies and the need for security, the people in fascist regimes are persuaded that human rights can be ignored in certain cases because of "need". The people tend to 'look the other way' or even approve of torture, summary executions, assassinations, long incarcerations of prisoners, etc.
3. Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause -- The people are rallied into a unifying patriotic frenzy over the need to eliminate a perceived common threat or foe: racial, ethnic or religious minorities; liberals; communists; socialists, terrorists, etc.
4. Supremacy of the Military -- Even when there are widespread domestic problems, the military is given a disproportionate amount of government funding, and the domestic agenda is neglected. Soldiers and military service are glamorized.
7. Obsession with National Security -- Fear is used as a motivational tool by the government over the masses.
8. Religion and Government are Intertwined -- Governments in fascist nations tend to use the most common religion in
the nation as a tool to manipulate public opinion. Religious rhetoric and terminology is common from government leaders, even when the major tenets of the religion are diametrically opposed to the government's policies or actions.
9. Corporate Power is Protected -- The industrial and business aristocracy of a fascist nation often are the ones who put the government leaders into power, creating a mutually beneficial business/government relationship and power elite.
10. Labor Power is Suppressed -- Because the organizing power of labor is the only real threat to a fascist government, labor unions are either eliminated entirely or are severely suppressed.
11. Disdain for Intellectuals and the Arts -- Fascist nations tend to promote and tolerate open hostility to higher education, and academia. It is not uncommon for professors and other academics to be censored or even arrested. Free expression in the arts is openly attacked, and governments often refuse to fund the arts.
12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment -- Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses, and even forego civil liberties, in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.
13. Rampant Cronyism and Corruption -- Fascist regimes almost always are governed by groups of friends and associates who appoint each other to government positions, and who use governmental power and authority to protect their friends from accountability. It is not uncommon in fascist regimes for national resources and even treasures to be appropriated or even outright stolen by government leaders.
This is a very sobering study. In the quote above, I have omitted the characteristics that I think are less applicable to the United States under George W. Bush, but notice that 11 of the 14 remain. I think the 9/11 terrorism shook us up, blinding many well-meaning people about the need to protect our freedoms, but I think the policy-makers at the highest level of the Bush administration know exactly what they are doing, and know that they are using 9/11 as an excuse to erode our democratic freedoms.
Thank you for providing this information from the study of Dr. Lawrence Britt. I hope that my sisters will recognize that a regime with many fascist characteristics is NOT a regime that is friendly to crossdressers or anyone else who departs from the statistical norms of a society.
The Fox News Channel is highly biased towards Bush and his ideals. If you haven't watched "Outfoxed" yet, I highly recommend it. But be prepared, it ain't pretty6. Controlled Mass Media -- Sometimes the media is directly controlled by the government, but in other cases, the media is indirectly controlled by government regulation, or through sympathetic media spokespeople and executives. Censorship, especially in wartime, is very common.
*Hugs & Love*
Blessings Eternal, Jassmine
"Love is unconditional acceptance. That quality is also our essential nature, who we really are."
--Peter Shepherd
"Love is unconditional acceptance. That quality is also our essential nature, who we really are."
--Peter Shepherd
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Kathy
- Miss Platinum Goddess
- Posts: 433
- Joined: Sun May 30, 2004 2:38 pm
- Contact:
Hi Jassmine,
One could say that MSNBC is almost as bad as FOX except in the opposite direction. There is enough bias in the media on both sides to dull the arguement that the media is being controlled by any one group.
I tend to take the documentaries of Michael Moore, et al, with a grain of salt. Much as I do with Rush Limbaugh. While they do show factual events they tend to only show one side and are therefore somewhat distorted. I try to get my information from many different sources so that I can sift through the bias and find the real truth behind the event.
While I certainly have no love for the Bush administration, I have no love for the Democrats either. At the moment, I just happen to believe that John Kerry will be somewhat less damaging to the USA than four more years of Bush. But that isn't saying much.
One could say that MSNBC is almost as bad as FOX except in the opposite direction. There is enough bias in the media on both sides to dull the arguement that the media is being controlled by any one group.
I tend to take the documentaries of Michael Moore, et al, with a grain of salt. Much as I do with Rush Limbaugh. While they do show factual events they tend to only show one side and are therefore somewhat distorted. I try to get my information from many different sources so that I can sift through the bias and find the real truth behind the event.
While I certainly have no love for the Bush administration, I have no love for the Democrats either. At the moment, I just happen to believe that John Kerry will be somewhat less damaging to the USA than four more years of Bush. But that isn't saying much.
Whatever you accomplish in life is a manifestation not so much of what you do, as of what you believe deeply within yourself that you deserve. - Les Brown
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Ahzz
- Miss Platinum Goddess
- Posts: 256
- Joined: Sun Jun 27, 2004 5:53 am
Well, I have an idea that you may or may not agree with here...so here goes.
Originally, the news outlets were either truly neutral, or very slightly biased. This would be ~ 20 years or more ago. Over the years, some reporters got biased, most didn't. When fox entered the scene the range suddenly went from being close to neutral, to close to neutral or far right. Now this has an interesting effect on perception IMHO.
When a person looks at a range of "things" their perception of the middle is nearly always skewed towards the middle point of the evident ends, whether they are extreme representations or not. Now if we step back and look at the positions taken by the current crop of news media we will notice that most are now right leaning, still near the middle. Some remain at dead center or slightly left leaning. Then we have the Fox news at the far right (how far right is still debateable based on personal opinion of the views expressed, eg bush lovers vs haters vs ambivalent).
This has the effect of skewing the perceived "middle" ground in the observers eyes as being moved towards the right. Thus, making what were once middle and lightly left leaning media to now seem to be far left or slightly left.
As far as personal opinon, let me relate a bit about my past habits. I've always tried to read sources representing both sides of an argument or position. Most people read a single source as their primary, and only occasionally go to read important stuff from alternates. Some people have two majors, but rarely (even according to statistical sampling over the last few years) do people ever go read a range of news sites. So you can see, i'm in a very small minority of those that actively glean news from as many places as possible.
I believe that these past habits have allowed me to see that Fox's extreme bias has had the effect of making those sites that are neutral, or very lightly left leaning to seem to others as if they were extreme leftists.
Now the question that I have for you is this. Are you certain that what you see as being a heavy leftists media outlet truly that far left? Or is it just perception being unconsciously distorted by the extreme rightists?
Just curious.
I may be wrong. But this IS about personal perception. You may be seeing somethign that I haven't.
Originally, the news outlets were either truly neutral, or very slightly biased. This would be ~ 20 years or more ago. Over the years, some reporters got biased, most didn't. When fox entered the scene the range suddenly went from being close to neutral, to close to neutral or far right. Now this has an interesting effect on perception IMHO.
When a person looks at a range of "things" their perception of the middle is nearly always skewed towards the middle point of the evident ends, whether they are extreme representations or not. Now if we step back and look at the positions taken by the current crop of news media we will notice that most are now right leaning, still near the middle. Some remain at dead center or slightly left leaning. Then we have the Fox news at the far right (how far right is still debateable based on personal opinion of the views expressed, eg bush lovers vs haters vs ambivalent).
This has the effect of skewing the perceived "middle" ground in the observers eyes as being moved towards the right. Thus, making what were once middle and lightly left leaning media to now seem to be far left or slightly left.
As far as personal opinon, let me relate a bit about my past habits. I've always tried to read sources representing both sides of an argument or position. Most people read a single source as their primary, and only occasionally go to read important stuff from alternates. Some people have two majors, but rarely (even according to statistical sampling over the last few years) do people ever go read a range of news sites. So you can see, i'm in a very small minority of those that actively glean news from as many places as possible.
I believe that these past habits have allowed me to see that Fox's extreme bias has had the effect of making those sites that are neutral, or very lightly left leaning to seem to others as if they were extreme leftists.
Now the question that I have for you is this. Are you certain that what you see as being a heavy leftists media outlet truly that far left? Or is it just perception being unconsciously distorted by the extreme rightists?
Just curious.
I may be wrong. But this IS about personal perception. You may be seeing somethign that I haven't.Sig? What sig?
OH! THIS Sig!
OH! THIS Sig!
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Jassmine(SO)
- Miss Golden Goddess
- Posts: 626
- Joined: Wed Jun 30, 2004 10:13 am
- Location: Irving
Hi Kathy,
Sorry it took me a while to get back with you. I had some chores to tend to and some research to do.
Here is the link to Outfoxed's homepage:
http://www.outfoxed.org/
Now for some of the juicier tidbits
As for MSNBC, here is a link I found on their site:
http://www.msnbc.com/p/frame.asp?u=www.opensecrets.org
Link to full story:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,126955,00.html
Link to full story:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/06/ ... ommission/
The above link is to the (Full story) referenced above.
Just some more food for thought
*Hugs & Love*
Sorry it took me a while to get back with you. I had some chores to tend to and some research to do.
Here is the link to Outfoxed's homepage:
http://www.outfoxed.org/
Now for some of the juicier tidbits
About Outfoxed
"Outfoxed" examines how media empires, led by Rupert Murdoch's Fox News, have been running a "race to the bottom" in television news. This film provides an in-depth look at Fox News and the dangers of ever-enlarging corporations taking control of the public's right to know.
The film explores Murdoch's burgeoning kingdom and the impact on society when a broad swath of media is controlled by one person.
Media experts, including Jeff Cohen (FAIR) Bob McChesney (Free Press), Chellie Pingree (Common Cause), Jeff Chester (Center for Digital Democracy) and David Brock (Media Matters) provide context and guidance for the story of Fox News and its effect on society.
This documentary also reveals the secrets of Former Fox news producers, reporters, bookers and writers who expose what it's like to work for Fox News. These former Fox employees talk about how they were forced to push a "right-wing" point of view or risk their jobs. Some have even chosen to remain anonymous in order to protect their current livelihoods. As one employee said "There's no sense of integrity as far as having a line that can't be crossed."
Director/Producer Robert Greenwald has produced and/or directed 53 television movies, miniseries and features. He is the director of Uncovered and the Executive Producer of the UN series - Unprecedented, Uncovered and the soon to be released Unconstitutional.
Much more interesting information to be found there"It's unfair, it's slanted and it's a hit job. And I haven't even seen it yet."
-Eric Shawn, FOX News Reporter
"scathing" ... "eye-opening"
-Hollywood Reporter
"an obsessively researched expose" -NYT
"Fox is not objective. Fox is a Republican propaganda machine." -Roger Ebert
"Move over Michael Moore. It's Robert Greenwald's time to shine." -CNN
"A must-see movie, no matter what your politics are."
-Christian Science Monitor
As for MSNBC, here is a link I found on their site:
http://www.msnbc.com/p/frame.asp?u=www.opensecrets.org
I looked around their site a bit and I just am not seeing the same kind of bias I have see from Fox News:The Center for Responsive Politics
1101 14th St., NW • Suite 1030
Washington, DC 20005-5635
(202) 857-0044 • fax (202) 857-7809
info@crp.org • webmaster@crp.org
General Inquiries:
info@crp.org
Media Contact: Steven Weiss
editor@capitaleye.org
The Center for Responsive Politics is a non-partisan, non-profit research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics, and its effect on elections and public policy. The Center conducts computer-based research on campaign finance issues for the news media, academics, activists, and the public at large. The Center’s work is aimed at creating a more educated voter, an involved citizenry, and a more responsive government.
Support for the Center comes from a combination of foundation grants and individual contributions. The Center accepts no contributions from businesses or labor unions. You can support the work of the Center directly by contributing through opensecrets.org.
Link to full story:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,126955,00.html
Now , if I recall correctly, there were no ties found between Al Qaeda and Iraq. Last I heard was that Saddam wanted absolutely nothing to do with Al Quaeda. Why then, if I am correct, is this myth still being put forth to the public??? Ok quick fact check:NEW YORK — While the Sept. 11 commission found that contacts between Al Qaeda and Iraq existed in the past,
Link to full story:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/06/ ... ommission/
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/06/ ... index.htmlNo al Qaeda, Iraq cooperation
The panel said it found "no credible evidence that Iraq and al Qaeda cooperated on attacks against the United States."
The Bush administration has said the terrorist network and Iraq were linked.
In response, a senior administration official traveling with President Bush in Tampa, Florida, said, "We stand by what Powell and Tenet have said," referring to previous statements by Secretary of State Colin Powell and CIA Director George Tenet that described such links.
In February 2003, Secretary of State Colin Powell told the United Nations that Iraq was harboring Abu Musab Zarqawi, a "collaborator of Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda lieutenants," and he said Iraq's denials of ties to al Qaeda "are simply not credible."
In September, Cheney said Iraq had been "the geographic base of the terrorists who have had us under assault now for many years, but most especially on 9/11."
Bush, responding to criticism of Cheney's comment, said there was no evidence Saddam's government was linked to the September 11 attacks.
Just this week Bush and Cheney have made comments alleging ties between al Qaeda and Iraq. (Full story)
The above link is to the (Full story) referenced above.
Just some more food for thought
*Hugs & Love*
Blessings Eternal, Jassmine
"Love is unconditional acceptance. That quality is also our essential nature, who we really are."
--Peter Shepherd
"Love is unconditional acceptance. That quality is also our essential nature, who we really are."
--Peter Shepherd
-
Kathy
- Miss Platinum Goddess
- Posts: 433
- Joined: Sun May 30, 2004 2:38 pm
- Contact:
Hi All,
Ahzz, I do believe you may be on to something in regards to perception of bias. I tend to agree with much of what you said. I do look to several places for information but Fox isn't one of them. I don't need to watch Outfoxed because I have watched enough of Fox to have come to my own conclusion that they have no credibility. I gave up on them a long time ago so they have very little influence on me. Michael Moore is as far to the left as Fox is to the right so we get a bit of balance back to the middle.
When I watch MSNBC, I rarely hear them say anything good about Republicans in general and as rarely hear them say anything bad about Democrats in general thus my perception of bias there. Admitedly not as bad as Fox. CNN on the other hand simply depends which talking head is on at the time.
Then there are the newspapers; New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Herald, Chicago Sun Times, etc., etc., etc. Pick your level of bias and in which direction and you'll find it out there somewhere.
I was reading an article in "World" magazine at the doctor's office this afternoon. In a survey it was reported the 34% of all journalists consider themselves "liberal" up from 22% four years ago. Of the 34%, 88% say they are moderates. So, if 34% are liberal, does that mean that 66% are conservative?
I just try to sift through the information as best I can, ignore the editorials and form my own opinions for better or worse.
I am not a Republican. I am not a Democrat. I am simply a citizen of the United States of America. And I vote.
Ahzz, I do believe you may be on to something in regards to perception of bias. I tend to agree with much of what you said. I do look to several places for information but Fox isn't one of them. I don't need to watch Outfoxed because I have watched enough of Fox to have come to my own conclusion that they have no credibility. I gave up on them a long time ago so they have very little influence on me. Michael Moore is as far to the left as Fox is to the right so we get a bit of balance back to the middle.
When I watch MSNBC, I rarely hear them say anything good about Republicans in general and as rarely hear them say anything bad about Democrats in general thus my perception of bias there. Admitedly not as bad as Fox. CNN on the other hand simply depends which talking head is on at the time.
Then there are the newspapers; New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Herald, Chicago Sun Times, etc., etc., etc. Pick your level of bias and in which direction and you'll find it out there somewhere.
I was reading an article in "World" magazine at the doctor's office this afternoon. In a survey it was reported the 34% of all journalists consider themselves "liberal" up from 22% four years ago. Of the 34%, 88% say they are moderates. So, if 34% are liberal, does that mean that 66% are conservative?
I just try to sift through the information as best I can, ignore the editorials and form my own opinions for better or worse.
I am not a Republican. I am not a Democrat. I am simply a citizen of the United States of America. And I vote.
Whatever you accomplish in life is a manifestation not so much of what you do, as of what you believe deeply within yourself that you deserve. - Les Brown
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Marda
- Miss Golden Goddess
- Posts: 553
- Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2004 8:09 pm
- Location: Vancouver Canada
Right Wing Propaganda Machines
Hi TGirls,
Just a point or two on Exclusively Right Wing Media in the Great White North ...
Conrad Black, the Ex-patriot and now falling Canadian Newspaper Baron in the British House of Lords started the *heavily right wing* National Post newspaper a few years ago when Canada didn't really need one because he had a "beef" with Prime Minister Cretien, The Globe & Mail wasn't taking his side, none of the major urban papers were interested, and his NeoConservative buddy Premier Mike Harris of Ontario needed some "help" to destroy the middle class ...
"Lord" Black sold off a major part of his Media Empire to the Aspir family who now controls a major part of Canadian newspapers and private sector TV ... ie. they control both major daily newspapers in Vancouver and will only represent "right wing" positions ... Canada.Com is their internet face ...
To get an "open" view of the damage being done to British Columbia under the "hard right" Campbell government (blessed by Bush Family friend Pattison) you have to read the weekly "radical free Ad paper" the *Legendary* "Georgia Strait" ... the CBC has only a small organization on the West Coast and the other TV stations are controlled by Easterners (friends of the "righties") ...
Former Neo-Conservative Canadian Prime Minister Mulroney is (I believe) Chairman of Quebecor, a major Canadian based multi-national media conglomerate ... his young son is now working his way up the ladder hosting TV shows ...
Conservative Ralph Klein in Alberta the Canadian "Oil Patch" ... "Texas North" will only speak with right wing newspaper reporters and is antagonistic toward CBC reporters ... the RCMP are paid "overtime" to provide special police services in the "Oil Patch" ...
Alberta is the home of the Neo-Conservative "New Conservative Party" (ex-"Reform", ex-"Alliance") leader Steven Harper, the protege of former leader and fellow Albertan Preston Manning who sits on the Board of the Right Wing "Fraser Institute" Conservative Economic & Political "ThinkTank" along with Mike Harris and a hoard of other anti-democracy types ... the New Conservative party was recently assembled under direction of Mulroney, ex-Ontario Conservative Premiers Mike Harris and Bill Davis, all of whom sit on the Board of Magna International, the Multi-national auto parts empire owned by the Stronach family ... Ms.Belinda Stronach (Magna CEO, daughter of founder father Frank) was promoted earlier this year by Mulroney & Company to run for the leadership of the New Conservative but she lost out to Steven Harper ...
***
All these people are close pals of Bush & Reagan administrations ...
In Canada, the gross majority of Money & Power "votes" are controlled by a small gang of "thugs" ... it's only by the Grace of God the Canadian Parliamentary system, the relative diversity of the Canadian population, and the sheer size of the country that we still have any semblence of "democracy" remaining ...
***
Good Luck American Friends !!!
American voters have a substantial voice in the future course of humanity come November ... either it will be a "slight turn", or a "full speed ahead for tyranny and globalization" !
Love / Marda
Just a point or two on Exclusively Right Wing Media in the Great White North ...
Conrad Black, the Ex-patriot and now falling Canadian Newspaper Baron in the British House of Lords started the *heavily right wing* National Post newspaper a few years ago when Canada didn't really need one because he had a "beef" with Prime Minister Cretien, The Globe & Mail wasn't taking his side, none of the major urban papers were interested, and his NeoConservative buddy Premier Mike Harris of Ontario needed some "help" to destroy the middle class ...
"Lord" Black sold off a major part of his Media Empire to the Aspir family who now controls a major part of Canadian newspapers and private sector TV ... ie. they control both major daily newspapers in Vancouver and will only represent "right wing" positions ... Canada.Com is their internet face ...
To get an "open" view of the damage being done to British Columbia under the "hard right" Campbell government (blessed by Bush Family friend Pattison) you have to read the weekly "radical free Ad paper" the *Legendary* "Georgia Strait" ... the CBC has only a small organization on the West Coast and the other TV stations are controlled by Easterners (friends of the "righties") ...
Former Neo-Conservative Canadian Prime Minister Mulroney is (I believe) Chairman of Quebecor, a major Canadian based multi-national media conglomerate ... his young son is now working his way up the ladder hosting TV shows ...
Conservative Ralph Klein in Alberta the Canadian "Oil Patch" ... "Texas North" will only speak with right wing newspaper reporters and is antagonistic toward CBC reporters ... the RCMP are paid "overtime" to provide special police services in the "Oil Patch" ...
Alberta is the home of the Neo-Conservative "New Conservative Party" (ex-"Reform", ex-"Alliance") leader Steven Harper, the protege of former leader and fellow Albertan Preston Manning who sits on the Board of the Right Wing "Fraser Institute" Conservative Economic & Political "ThinkTank" along with Mike Harris and a hoard of other anti-democracy types ... the New Conservative party was recently assembled under direction of Mulroney, ex-Ontario Conservative Premiers Mike Harris and Bill Davis, all of whom sit on the Board of Magna International, the Multi-national auto parts empire owned by the Stronach family ... Ms.Belinda Stronach (Magna CEO, daughter of founder father Frank) was promoted earlier this year by Mulroney & Company to run for the leadership of the New Conservative but she lost out to Steven Harper ...
***
All these people are close pals of Bush & Reagan administrations ...
In Canada, the gross majority of Money & Power "votes" are controlled by a small gang of "thugs" ... it's only by the Grace of God the Canadian Parliamentary system, the relative diversity of the Canadian population, and the sheer size of the country that we still have any semblence of "democracy" remaining ...
***
Good Luck American Friends !!!
American voters have a substantial voice in the future course of humanity come November ... either it will be a "slight turn", or a "full speed ahead for tyranny and globalization" !
Love / Marda
~ Some drink at the fountain of knowledge - Others just gargle ~
-
Marda
- Miss Golden Goddess
- Posts: 553
- Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2004 8:09 pm
- Location: Vancouver Canada
* Political Music Machines *
~
Copy From AOL Online Music News (AP)
Music Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004
Conservative Crooners Push Vote Campaign
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A group of politically conservative country music stars launched a get-out-the-vote project Tuesday, saying everyone has a responsibility to vote in November regardless of political affiliation.
``Your vote does count,'' country and bluegrass musician Ricky Skaggs said. ``It's a God-given right and a freedom that we have in this country. And freedom is not free.''
The ``Your Country Your Vote'' initiative involves artists who appeared on ``America Will Always Stand,'' a recent album of original music inspired by the Civil War.
The project will include public service announcements by Skaggs, Randy Travis, Darryl Worley, Josh Turner, Marty Raybon, Billy Dean and others.
Despite the nonpartisan tone of their plea, Skaggs clear his personal support for Bush. He was set to leave Tuesday to participate in a Bush campaign rally in Minneapolis.
``It's time to speak for America and not just one party,'' he said. ``To me, this is the most important election in our nation's history.''
Dean said voting gives citizens leverage against special interest groups in Washington.
``We've got what we've got today because of Democrats and Republicans - not just because of Republicans, not just because of Democrats,'' said Dean, whose 1991 platinum-selling album featured the hits ``Billy the Kid'' and ``If There Hadn't Been You.''
Skaggs, who has 11 No. 1 hits including ``Uncle Pen'' and ``Country Boy,'' said celebrity endorsements and get-out-the-vote projects probably have a marginal effect, but that he'd feel as though he accomplished something ``if I can encourage just 10 people in America to get out and vote.''
Referring to musicians such as Bruce Springsteen and the Dixie Chicks who are actively working to oust Bush, Skaggs said, ``I don't think that's going to make a big difference in the election .... The American people, they're not going to let Bruce Springsteen or anybody else or Ricky Skaggs or Marty Raybon or Billy Dean choose who they vote for.
``And we're certainly not going to let Hollywood choose who we vote for because I don't think they really have a pulse on America,'' Skaggs said. ``I think the heartland of America is Nashville, Tennessee, or Kansas City or St. Louis or Denver, Colorado - that's the heartland of America.''
~
/Marda
Copy From AOL Online Music News (AP)
Music Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004
Conservative Crooners Push Vote Campaign
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A group of politically conservative country music stars launched a get-out-the-vote project Tuesday, saying everyone has a responsibility to vote in November regardless of political affiliation.
``Your vote does count,'' country and bluegrass musician Ricky Skaggs said. ``It's a God-given right and a freedom that we have in this country. And freedom is not free.''
The ``Your Country Your Vote'' initiative involves artists who appeared on ``America Will Always Stand,'' a recent album of original music inspired by the Civil War.
The project will include public service announcements by Skaggs, Randy Travis, Darryl Worley, Josh Turner, Marty Raybon, Billy Dean and others.
Despite the nonpartisan tone of their plea, Skaggs clear his personal support for Bush. He was set to leave Tuesday to participate in a Bush campaign rally in Minneapolis.
``It's time to speak for America and not just one party,'' he said. ``To me, this is the most important election in our nation's history.''
Dean said voting gives citizens leverage against special interest groups in Washington.
``We've got what we've got today because of Democrats and Republicans - not just because of Republicans, not just because of Democrats,'' said Dean, whose 1991 platinum-selling album featured the hits ``Billy the Kid'' and ``If There Hadn't Been You.''
Skaggs, who has 11 No. 1 hits including ``Uncle Pen'' and ``Country Boy,'' said celebrity endorsements and get-out-the-vote projects probably have a marginal effect, but that he'd feel as though he accomplished something ``if I can encourage just 10 people in America to get out and vote.''
Referring to musicians such as Bruce Springsteen and the Dixie Chicks who are actively working to oust Bush, Skaggs said, ``I don't think that's going to make a big difference in the election .... The American people, they're not going to let Bruce Springsteen or anybody else or Ricky Skaggs or Marty Raybon or Billy Dean choose who they vote for.
``And we're certainly not going to let Hollywood choose who we vote for because I don't think they really have a pulse on America,'' Skaggs said. ``I think the heartland of America is Nashville, Tennessee, or Kansas City or St. Louis or Denver, Colorado - that's the heartland of America.''
~
/Marda
~ Some drink at the fountain of knowledge - Others just gargle ~
-
Virginia
- Goddess of the Universe
- Posts: 5543
- Joined: Tue Feb 24, 2004 4:06 pm
- Location: Strange Magic Hill
Well, I have to say a couple of things about all this: First, look at the two guys we have running for President, no matter what you believe politically you gotta believe we have do better! Why can' we, well the press, left or right wing give anyone even remotely interested in running for virtually any office such an anal examination and their family and relatives and friends and enemies that virtually no one with even a small amount of "creditability" and leadership ability wants to 'toss their hat in the ring." And I am given to the opinion that "the press" in general really doesn't care! All they want is to make a name for themselves by "getting the big story," by destroying some "politician."
The second thing we have a serious problem with is what some are calling "activist judges." Again, your political leanings aside, Judges are suppose to simply interpret the law and pass judgement based on legislative guidlelines. Several high profile courts and judges are making up laws as they go along and attempting to enforce them from the bench. Regardless of our feelings about gay marriage, look at the San Francisco situation where the mayor allowed and supported the issuance of gay marriage licenses to what some 4000 couples and now the state has come back and said that it is expressly in the California law the definition of marriage does not include same sex couples and "You can't do that!" That is just an example, so don't try and take me to the wood shed about gay marriage. The point is we have some VERY serious porblems in this country and not being a pessimist, I don't see it getting any better!
I will however continue to put on my mini skirt, make-up, heels and go skipping down the garden path, but I can assure you NOT oblivious to what is going on and when pushed - one best be prepared for my retribution, it won't be pretty!
Love ya,
Virginia
The second thing we have a serious problem with is what some are calling "activist judges." Again, your political leanings aside, Judges are suppose to simply interpret the law and pass judgement based on legislative guidlelines. Several high profile courts and judges are making up laws as they go along and attempting to enforce them from the bench. Regardless of our feelings about gay marriage, look at the San Francisco situation where the mayor allowed and supported the issuance of gay marriage licenses to what some 4000 couples and now the state has come back and said that it is expressly in the California law the definition of marriage does not include same sex couples and "You can't do that!" That is just an example, so don't try and take me to the wood shed about gay marriage. The point is we have some VERY serious porblems in this country and not being a pessimist, I don't see it getting any better!
I will however continue to put on my mini skirt, make-up, heels and go skipping down the garden path, but I can assure you NOT oblivious to what is going on and when pushed - one best be prepared for my retribution, it won't be pretty!
Love ya,
Virginia
First star to the right, then straight on 'till mornin!