RadioBanter

RadioBanter (https://www.radiobanter.com/)
-   Shortwave (https://www.radiobanter.com/shortwave/)
-   -   Al Franken on shortwave (https://www.radiobanter.com/shortwave/41692-al-franken-shortwave.html)

MnMikew April 7th 04 10:52 PM


"-=jd=-" wrote in message
...
On Wed 07 Apr 2004 01:23:07p, Larry Ozarow wrote in
message :

We disagree about whether these networks really
display a "liberal" bias. I listen to both Morning
Edition and All Things Considered on a regular basis
and I don't think they are biased. True I might be
brainwashed, or biased myself, but that could be true
of anyone, even you.
And even if NPR and PRI and PBS were liberal mouthpieces,
and supported heavily by foundations, (which is not strictly
true - the news programs which I assume is what you are
talking about are overwhelmingly supported by subscriptions
from member stations) this would not negate the fact that
it's done on both sides, which is all I was saying.


I think the bias is there, but subtle. I like FOX on the television and I
readily admit I can see the slant to the right. When on the road, I like
NPR and I can see the slant to the left.

Neither bias bothers me because I believe they are not there to alter
facts. There is enough "peer-pressure" (for lack of a better term) for
both to keep the basic facts accurate. They both know that if they slip-
up, someone is going to catch it. They will earn a black-eye and the one
catching them will get to count coup.

As far as the bias, I do not see outright Rep or Dem bashing. What I see
is subtle biases like differences in descriptive terminology. Like, NPR
may refer to a terrorist as a suicide-bomber, while FOX calls them
homicide-bombers. Also, you may notice that NPR pretty-much tows the
"politically-correct" line, while FOX is not that observant. FOX always
refers to Bush as "President Bush" while I have heard NPR refer to him as
"Mr. Bush".

I know all of that sounds minor, if not out-right petty, but like I said,
it's subtle differences that I see indicating bias. But I really don't
mind it either way and I don't really focus on it. Other folks may really
take offense at some of that stuff and blow it out of proportion. If the
truth was known, I would bet the folks who vigorously complain about the
media being (Left/Right) are either hyper-sensitive to it, or scrutinizing
every bit looking for it...

-=jd=-

Well said!




Telamon April 8th 04 04:23 AM

In article ,
(RHF) wrote:

Telamon wrote in message
.
..

http://frontpagemag.com/Articles/Rea...e.asp?ID=12815


"The reason: Air America Radio was designed and built to advance the
Democratic Party, not necessarily liberalism."

"And if it proves unprofitable, preparations are already in place for
this network's lucrative dismemberment shortly after the November
election.?"

http://www.airamericaradio.com/www/p...balDefault.htm


Another voter wakes up.

--
Telamon
Ventura, California

Larry Ozarow April 8th 04 11:23 AM



Telamon wrote:


I said they could be. It's obvious that this is an election
destabilizing tacit.


An attempt to defeat the incumbent is not a "destabilizing
tactic." It is what the rules call for every four years.
More often in the House and less in the Senate.


My parents are Democrats and I like them. I don't know if I would like
the Democrats you know.


Oooh. that was nasty.


Communists or Democratic party dirty tricks, take your pick.


First of all, I don't really think the two are equivalent, do you?
Are you saying that Democrats are as bad as Communists? Your parents
for God's sake? Or is
this some sort of kettle logic all-purpose denunciation of the network
because it disagrees with what you believe? I'll stand by my contention
that Liberal Democrats have a right to air our opinions. And that's the
next turn in your position, by the way; now it's the Democratic
party, and not just shadowy forces? Oh goody, if Ashcroft can get the
goods on them we can shut the whole evil enterprise down and get down
to some serious one-party democracy.


I fear that talk radio will go back to what is was when I was teenager.
Just this morning I awoke to the soothing tones of a voice from NPR
telling me that we all know the world is two complicated a place to be
looked at as black and white but shades of gray. Not a good way start to
the day.

Because the liberals might take over, and drive the right-wingers off
the air? It was during the Clinton Soviet that it prospered. Have no
fear, comrade. You're the one who's opposed to vigorous debate over the
air. None of the Democrats I know, whether you would like them or not,
are interested in silencing Conservative talk radio. It's too easy an
enemy.

Leonard Martin April 8th 04 04:59 PM

In article ,
"-=jd=-" wrote:

On Wed 07 Apr 2004 11:21:38p, Telamon
wrote in message
:

{snippage}


The backers are not revealed. The mouth pieces personified as the
leading talent Franken and CEO Walsh are quoted as stating the main
purpose of the startup network is to influence the election for the
Democrats. Walsh is already changing that tune by the way.


I Like Rush, but I also recognize that Rush would, and probably will, do
everything within his abilities as a broadcast personality to sway voters.

In that regard, I don't see Air America any different than Rush. Being
honest about it, I have to agree that turn-about is fair-play.

Even if Franken and his cohorts openly admit to starting up Air America
primarily to reach out to voters while endeavoring to boot Bush out of
office, what standing does anyone have to complain when there's Rush,
Hannity, et.al. reaching out to voters endeavoring to prevent a Democrat
from taking office?

It's a two-way street whether we like it or not.

Also, I honestly don't believe a registered Democrat is going to switch
their vote based on a Conservative talk-show host's opinions anymore than
a registered Republican voter will switch based on a Liberal talk-show
host's opinions. As for those voters sitting on the fence, I think despite
the efforts of either talk-show format, the practical result will be a
wash when it's all said and done. That presumes that Air America takes off
and starts garnering listeners. If they don't, the advantage remains with
the Conservative formats.

At least, that's the way I see it.

-=jd=-


And, of course, you're correct.

Leonard

--
"Everything that rises must converge"
--Flannery O'Connor

Mark Zenier April 8th 04 07:30 PM

Leonard Martin wrote in message ...


Of course, I'll have to do that on the web. AM stations nown here in the
Benighted South broadcast "All Right Wing--All The Time". Does anyone
here want to take the time to tell me what happened to the old "fairness
doctrine", which used to keep this kind of junk silent?


The Supreme Court threw it out, around 1987. Not because it was
against the Constitution, but because it was done by the FCC and
exceeded the bounds of their enabling legislation. A fair minded
Congresscould reinstate it. (Sigh, fat chance ...)

Mark Zenier Washington State resident

Frank Dresser April 8th 04 11:26 PM


"Mark Zenier" wrote in message
om...

The Supreme Court threw it out, around 1987. Not because it was
against the Constitution, but because it was done by the FCC and
exceeded the bounds of their enabling legislation. A fair minded
Congresscould reinstate it. (Sigh, fat chance ...)

I hope the fairness doctrine won't be reinstated, and I think it's less
likely now that there's a Democratic biased talk network.

I can see why alot of politicans might prefer using a group of bureaucrats
and judges to keep radio stations in line, rather than leaving it to popular
choice. After all, they have a better chance of cutting deals that way.

And this isn't a liberal vs. conservative issue. The Nixon administration
was talking about using the fairness doctrine to go after licenses of
stations owned by CBS and the Washington Post.

Frank Dresser



Telamon April 9th 04 04:28 AM

In article ,
Larry Ozarow wrote:

Telamon wrote:


I said they could be. It's obvious that this is an election
destabilizing tacit.


An attempt to defeat the incumbent is not a "destabilizing tactic."
It is what the rules call for every four years. More often in the
House and less in the Senate.


It's a destabilizing tactic to not play by the election rules through
deceit and subterfuge.

My parents are Democrats and I like them. I don't know if I would
like the Democrats you know.


Oooh. that was nasty.


What do you mean nasty? I don't know who you are talking about so how
am I supposed to know if I would like the people you know. I have
Democrats for friends and family big deal. You would not be trying to
portray me as an isolated narrow minded thinker that does not tolerate
other points of view would you. No you wouldn't try that. A nice touchy
feely Liberal / Democrat like yourself would respect my point of view
and not try to demonize me right? That would be a dirty tactic to
marginalize what I had so say.

I don't like nasty such as a "mean streak a smile wide." The thought of
being that way actually makes me sick.

Communists or Democratic party dirty tricks, take your pick.


First of all, I don't really think the two are equivalent, do you?
Are you saying that Democrats are as bad as Communists? Your parents
for God's sake? Or is this some sort of kettle logic all-purpose
denunciation of the network because it disagrees with what you
believe? I'll stand by my contention that Liberal Democrats have a
right to air our opinions. And that's the next turn in your position,
by the way; now it's the Democratic party, and not just shadowy
forces? Oh goody, if Ashcroft can get the goods on them we can shut
the whole evil enterprise down and get down to some serious one-party
democracy.


Ashcroft is not the all purpose bad guy you and others on the left try
without success to make him out to be.

The Federal elections commission should go after Air America.

The most left of the Democrats are Communists but not all of them are.
Some are moderate and some are more to the right than some of the
Republicans. Either party is comprised of a range of people.

So which ones are backing Air America; the most left Democrats or the
Communists?


I fear that talk radio will go back to what is was when I was
teenager. Just this morning I awoke to the soothing tones of a
voice from NPR telling me that we all know the world is two
complicated a place to be looked at as black and white but shades
of gray. Not a good way start to the day.

Because the liberals might take over, and drive the right-wingers off
the air?


Yeah, I'm for choice remember.

It was during the Clinton Soviet that it prospered. Have no fear,
comrade. You're the one who's opposed to vigorous debate over the
air. None of the Democrats I know, whether you would like them or
not, are interested in silencing Conservative talk radio. It's too
easy an enemy.


No I'm for debate. I'm for having the backers of Air America to come out
of the closet and declare their intentions. I'm for Walsh when he was
telling the truth and Franken if he still is.

You on the other hand are stuck looking for a fight with someone that
does not share your view of the world and forgiving the transgressions
of the people who do.

I posit that you are of narrower mind than I am. Nice try though.

--
Telamon
Ventura, California

Larry Ozarow April 9th 04 02:43 PM

Telamon wrote:


It's a destabilizing tactic to not play by the election rules through
deceit and subterfuge.



Both sides violate the rules. Fox news and various right-wing talk
radio personalities electioneer just as blatantly as AA does. The
term "destabilizing" connotes more than just bending the rules, more
like a basic attack on the system itself.



What do you mean nasty? I don't know who you are talking about so how
am I supposed to know if I would like the people you know. I have
Democrats for friends and family big deal. You would not be trying to
portray me as an isolated narrow minded thinker that does not tolerate
other points of view would you. No you wouldn't try that. A nice touchy
feely Liberal / Democrat like yourself would respect my point of view
and not try to demonize me right? That would be a dirty tactic to
marginalize what I had so say.


Your statement that you don't know if you would like any of the
Democrats I know was gratuitous in its context, and therefore I
inferred that it was intended as a nasty remark. My apologies if
this was not the case.



Communists or Democratic party dirty tricks, take your pick.


First of all, I don't really think the two are equivalent, do you?
Are you saying that Democrats are as bad as Communists? Your parents
for God's sake? Or is this some sort of kettle logic all-purpose
denunciation of the network because it disagrees with what you
believe? I'll stand by my contention that Liberal Democrats have a
right to air our opinions. And that's the next turn in your position,
by the way; now it's the Democratic party, and not just shadowy
forces? Oh goody, if Ashcroft can get the goods on them we can shut
the whole evil enterprise down and get down to some serious one-party
democracy.



Ashcroft is not the all purpose bad guy you and others on the left try
without success to make him out to be.


I only mentioned Ashcroft because he is the Attorney General and it
would be his job to prosecute them if they were in violation of the
election laws.


The Federal elections commission should go after Air America.

The most left of the Democrats are Communists but not all of them are.
Some are moderate and some are more to the right than some of the
Republicans. Either party is comprised of a range of people.

So which ones are backing Air America; the most left Democrats or the
Communists?


You earlier provided a list of Socialists in the Democratic party. Could
you do the same for Communists? Could you provide at least some basis
for your belief that Communists are behind AA? If you are calling for
an investigation, the least you should do is provide at least some
reason for your suspicions (i.e. probable cause) other than than that
they are clearly anti-Bush.


No I'm for debate. I'm for having the backers of Air America to come out
of the closet and declare their intentions. I'm for Walsh when he was
telling the truth and Franken if he still is.

You on the other hand are stuck looking for a fight with someone that
does not share your view of the world and forgiving the transgressions
of the people who do.

I posit that you are of narrower mind than I am. Nice try though.


Telamon, you forgot that you were the one who started this exchange
by accusing the backers of AA of being Communists. I've never called
for investigating the backers of Sean Hannity or the Murdoch family
or the Weekly Standard or any other right-wing outlet, to uncover their
"real" motives. Why can't you just accept that the real motives of the
poeple behind AA are to provide an outlet for liberal talk radio, and
implicit in this would be support of Democratic candidates, and that
that is the way our system works? Calling liberals "Communists" or
crypto-communists, or accusing them of having their heads in the sand
if they aren't is hardly a sign of open-mindedness, or the trademark
of someone who's not spoiling for a fight.

Larry

Telamon April 10th 04 04:31 AM

In article ,
Larry Ozarow wrote:

Telamon wrote:


It's a destabilizing tactic to not play by the election rules through
deceit and subterfuge.



Both sides violate the rules. Fox news and various right-wing talk
radio personalities electioneer just as blatantly as AA does. The
term "destabilizing" connotes more than just bending the rules, more
like a basic attack on the system itself.


No they are not. They are viable media enterprises. They are out in the
open. Fox was not started up to throw the election but Air America was
according to Walsh and Franken.


What do you mean nasty? I don't know who you are talking about so how
am I supposed to know if I would like the people you know. I have
Democrats for friends and family big deal. You would not be trying to
portray me as an isolated narrow minded thinker that does not tolerate
other points of view would you. No you wouldn't try that. A nice touchy
feely Liberal / Democrat like yourself would respect my point of view
and not try to demonize me right? That would be a dirty tactic to
marginalize what I had so say.


Your statement that you don't know if you would like any of the
Democrats I know was gratuitous in its context, and therefore I
inferred that it was intended as a nasty remark. My apologies if
this was not the case.



Communists or Democratic party dirty tricks, take your pick.

First of all, I don't really think the two are equivalent, do you?
Are you saying that Democrats are as bad as Communists? Your parents
for God's sake? Or is this some sort of kettle logic all-purpose
denunciation of the network because it disagrees with what you
believe? I'll stand by my contention that Liberal Democrats have a
right to air our opinions. And that's the next turn in your position,
by the way; now it's the Democratic party, and not just shadowy
forces? Oh goody, if Ashcroft can get the goods on them we can shut
the whole evil enterprise down and get down to some serious one-party
democracy.



Ashcroft is not the all purpose bad guy you and others on the left try
without success to make him out to be.


I only mentioned Ashcroft because he is the Attorney General and it
would be his job to prosecute them if they were in violation of the
election laws.


The Federal elections commission should go after Air America.

The most left of the Democrats are Communists but not all of them are.
Some are moderate and some are more to the right than some of the
Republicans. Either party is comprised of a range of people.

So which ones are backing Air America; the most left Democrats or the
Communists?


You earlier provided a list of Socialists in the Democratic party. Could
you do the same for Communists? Could you provide at least some basis
for your belief that Communists are behind AA? If you are calling for
an investigation, the least you should do is provide at least some
reason for your suspicions (i.e. probable cause) other than than that
they are clearly anti-Bush.


No I'm for debate. I'm for having the backers of Air America to come out
of the closet and declare their intentions. I'm for Walsh when he was
telling the truth and Franken if he still is.

You on the other hand are stuck looking for a fight with someone that
does not share your view of the world and forgiving the transgressions
of the people who do.

I posit that you are of narrower mind than I am. Nice try though.


Telamon, you forgot that you were the one who started this exchange
by accusing the backers of AA of being Communists. I've never called
for investigating the backers of Sean Hannity or the Murdoch family
or the Weekly Standard or any other right-wing outlet, to uncover their
"real" motives. Why can't you just accept that the real motives of the
poeple behind AA are to provide an outlet for liberal talk radio, and
implicit in this would be support of Democratic candidates, and that
that is the way our system works? Calling liberals "Communists" or
crypto-communists, or accusing them of having their heads in the sand
if they aren't is hardly a sign of open-mindedness, or the trademark
of someone who's not spoiling for a fight.


Sean Hannity is a conservative who criticizes the Republicans and
Democrats alike when they exhibit liberal policies. That will not happen
with Air America. The backer of Hannity is free enterprise not some
wealthy conservatives with deep pockets.

I've don't read the Weekly Standard so I can't comment on it.

I know who Hannity is and his bias. My problem with Air America is they
won't do the same. I'll accept the motives of Air America if they don't
fold up shortly after the election and not before.

Why can't you just accept that some group of wealthy liberal, communist
or extreme left Democrats who can't legally spend their money on
negative campaign TV and radio commercials this year start up a network
instead in an attempt to utilize large quantities of soft money in an
anti Bush campaign.

--
Telamon
Ventura, California

Leonard Martin April 12th 04 02:43 AM

In article
,
Telamon wrote:

In article ,
Larry Ozarow wrote:

Telamon wrote:


It's a destabilizing tactic to not play by the election rules through
deceit and subterfuge.



Both sides violate the rules. Fox news and various right-wing talk
radio personalities electioneer just as blatantly as AA does. The
term "destabilizing" connotes more than just bending the rules, more
like a basic attack on the system itself.


No they are not. They are viable media enterprises. They are out in the
open. Fox was not started up to throw the election but Air America was
according to Walsh and Franken.


What do you mean nasty? I don't know who you are talking about so how
am I supposed to know if I would like the people you know. I have
Democrats for friends and family big deal. You would not be trying to
portray me as an isolated narrow minded thinker that does not tolerate
other points of view would you. No you wouldn't try that. A nice touchy
feely Liberal / Democrat like yourself would respect my point of view
and not try to demonize me right? That would be a dirty tactic to
marginalize what I had so say.


Your statement that you don't know if you would like any of the
Democrats I know was gratuitous in its context, and therefore I
inferred that it was intended as a nasty remark. My apologies if
this was not the case.



Communists or Democratic party dirty tricks, take your pick.

First of all, I don't really think the two are equivalent, do you?
Are you saying that Democrats are as bad as Communists? Your parents
for God's sake? Or is this some sort of kettle logic all-purpose
denunciation of the network because it disagrees with what you
believe? I'll stand by my contention that Liberal Democrats have a
right to air our opinions. And that's the next turn in your position,
by the way; now it's the Democratic party, and not just shadowy
forces? Oh goody, if Ashcroft can get the goods on them we can shut
the whole evil enterprise down and get down to some serious one-party
democracy.


Ashcroft is not the all purpose bad guy you and others on the left try
without success to make him out to be.


I only mentioned Ashcroft because he is the Attorney General and it
would be his job to prosecute them if they were in violation of the
election laws.


The Federal elections commission should go after Air America.

The most left of the Democrats are Communists but not all of them are.
Some are moderate and some are more to the right than some of the
Republicans. Either party is comprised of a range of people.

So which ones are backing Air America; the most left Democrats or the
Communists?


You earlier provided a list of Socialists in the Democratic party. Could
you do the same for Communists? Could you provide at least some basis
for your belief that Communists are behind AA? If you are calling for
an investigation, the least you should do is provide at least some
reason for your suspicions (i.e. probable cause) other than than that
they are clearly anti-Bush.


No I'm for debate. I'm for having the backers of Air America to come out
of the closet and declare their intentions. I'm for Walsh when he was
telling the truth and Franken if he still is.

You on the other hand are stuck looking for a fight with someone that
does not share your view of the world and forgiving the transgressions
of the people who do.

I posit that you are of narrower mind than I am. Nice try though.


Telamon, you forgot that you were the one who started this exchange
by accusing the backers of AA of being Communists. I've never called
for investigating the backers of Sean Hannity or the Murdoch family
or the Weekly Standard or any other right-wing outlet, to uncover their
"real" motives. Why can't you just accept that the real motives of the
poeple behind AA are to provide an outlet for liberal talk radio, and
implicit in this would be support of Democratic candidates, and that
that is the way our system works? Calling liberals "Communists" or
crypto-communists, or accusing them of having their heads in the sand
if they aren't is hardly a sign of open-mindedness, or the trademark
of someone who's not spoiling for a fight.


Sean Hannity is a conservative who criticizes the Republicans and
Democrats alike when they exhibit liberal policies. That will not happen
with Air America. The backer of Hannity is free enterprise not some
wealthy conservatives with deep pockets.

I've don't read the Weekly Standard so I can't comment on it.

I know who Hannity is and his bias. My problem with Air America is they
won't do the same. I'll accept the motives of Air America if they don't
fold up shortly after the election and not before.

Why can't you just accept that some group of wealthy liberal, communist
or extreme left Democrats who can't legally spend their money on
negative campaign TV and radio commercials this year start up a network
instead in an attempt to utilize large quantities of soft money in an
anti Bush campaign.


My thanks to them, if that's the case!

Leonard

--
"Everything that rises must converge"
--Flannery O'Connor


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:41 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
RadioBanter.com