Texsox

I want politicians to respect the rights that we have as Americans. I am concerned that the consistant attacks at the media weakens our ability to effectively monitor our politicians and government. The press is our watchdogs, they are our eyes and ears. Perfect? Of course not, but necessary. Imagine this scenario. The Dems and the Reps finally agree on something. The media is irresponsible in how they report the news. Let's start a government run news service that will just fairly and accuratly report what is happening. Since it is the government reporting on themselves, you will get the whole story, not just excerpts. We'll just get rid of the free press because no one trusts them anymore. I believe Brando would be familar with the concept, I think I'm describing TASS. I remember an NRA letter I received once which talked about how the first thing an occupying force does is control private weapons. I thought how wrong they are, the first thing they attack and control are the TV, Radio, and Newspapers. We are being attacked by a well orchestrated political campaign to mistrust and ignore our media. Do not let them win or we all lose.

I asked the question in anotehr thread and none of the conservative thinkers responded, so let me try again. The GOP has been complaining about "activist" Judges. Judges that rule laws they like as unconstiutional. That is our (Publics) safety net, our protection from Congress making laws that are unconstitutional. The Judges are working within the framework of our constitution. If not Judges, how would you protect the Public? What check and balance would you use?

Chaos, Why doesn't the GOP complain about bias in the media? They only complain about liberal bias. Pick up the Washington Times, it's nothing but Republican press releases. We need balance and objective reporting, clearly defined editorials, and opinion pieces. We also need a free press. Don't let the government erode one of our essential tools in keeping the government honest.

Southsider is back!

I've been noting the blatent racism in the smileys available here. For example paints Japanese-Americans as violent. A confused black man? Like white people are never confused. Again, a muslim reference? :fyou Why is it a native american who's pissed and flipping people off? I believe this is the uncaring white Republican (ok I agree with that one)

What would you rather have, a 26 second news clip that may be biased slightly away from you, or 24 hours of totally biased media telling your side of the story?

He issued a personal appology to every Japanese player in the NFL, problem was he couldn't find any

Well, I'm guessing Larry will be applying for early retirement. And I'm going to be annoyed if any of you white people reply to this. Send a brother to respond, you would be disrespecting my posts if a white guy responds.

Damn Mariotti, slamming Koch. What the Hell does Mariotti know? Has he ever stepped on a big league mound? He doesn't even show his face at the Cell

It is common practice with the change of administrations do do these pranks. They even happened when Reagan gave way to Bush.

I was a big fan back in the 1970's and continue to enjoy ELO. Jim LMAO

The Who and ELO never had #1 hits? I'm shocked.

I am not blaming that on the GOP, I am just pointing out that there are plenty of conservative outlets, yet no complaints.

Then why doesn't the GOP complain about bias in the media? Read the Washington Times, Wall Street Journal, etc. and there is a conservative bias to the news. Isn't that as wrong as a liberal slant? What happened to the time honored tradition of objectivity? It is still there but the GOP has mounted a campaign to avoid any criticism of their policies. The GOP doesn't want an unbiased media, they want you to reject any criticism of them as just liberal bias and accept the praise that their media heaps on. It's a nice campaign strategy, but undermines a key freedom we, the public have, which is our free speech and free press. I am all for a campaign for objectivity in the media, but have it on both sides. In my corner of the globe, the only English language talk station is 100% conservative. 24/7. Where is the balance in the media? 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, all Republican commentators.

I found them very enjoyable and easy to understand, I'm surprised you had a problem

For my fav GOPers, I've heard claims from Rush, Hannity, O'Reilly, Focus on the Family, and others that there is a liberal bias in the media. Why is that bad?

It would encourage spending, no way I want to see Reagan staring at me everytime I open my money clip That's just plain creepy. I saw him alive.

While they have, rightfully, some input, this is a taxpayer bought, government sponsored and run event. I agree with no Clinton, I disagree that the Reagan family should be the ultimate judge. If they wanted to have it their way, keep it private and in California, no media, etc. Like it or not, when you become President you lose some of your privacy and rights. I trust President Reagan understood, accepted, and embraced that reality. As a celebration of his life and reflecting his roll as unifier, I would have liked to see a leading Democrat speak at the funeral. There was a lot of people from across the isle that became Reagan Democrats.

Sad, but true.

I would like to mention my original thread title was edited, and not by me. I said Clinton was an Idiot on this one. I believe it. No way he should speak at Reagan's eulogy. Someone else added the "or not" Clinton's personal behavior disgraced the office of President as did a couple other Presidents from both parties. He's the last former US President that should be speaking. I also think it's b.s. that our current President is speaking, especially in a campaign year.

Thank you I do not think it is getting tired of one party, I think it reflects the reality of political thought by most Americans. In a Coke vs. Pepsi world, the soft drink guys see it as an all or nothing battle for supremacy, while most Americans have a "if you are out of one, give me the other approach". In politics we have shown over and over again what we want is both parties in balance. We're back to the old check and balances. If one has the White House (I typed Sox first ) the other gets Congress. Balance 'em out and it wil be OK. I am leaniong more Democrat today based on three campaigns the GOP has embarked on that I think erodes our rights and protections to further their aims. I don't like self serving politicians and parties. What is nice is everytime I listen to Rush, he explains how liberals think and believe and I realize I'm not even close to being a liberal, I don't think and believe anything close to those things. In fact, I don't know anyone I would have called liberal that does.

Great post SS2K4. I like looking at it that way. As far as why we raise the flag to the top, then lower it. First off it is the official Flag rules as outlined by congress. Second off it is a reminder of who we are and why we are flying at half staff. When it is time to retire the colors, raising it to the top is for optimism that this too shall pass and we will not be mourning forever.

it hurts, but so true. A walk off walk to beat us. Amazing.

Provide a better balance than what our constitution provided? Should Congress have free reign to pass any law, without any oversight? I think the balance has kept congress in check and our system of appeals have kept judges in check. I do not see a better system. As far as ladies night, I agree the outcome is silly. I am laughing at my conservative friends who are defending a woman's right to 1/2 price drinks, a behavior (drinking) that most of them condemn.

Just to comment on one small corner of this. For example, I think you (Nuke) are a great guy, decent, patriotic, principled, a lot of things I admire in a person. As you might have surmised, I do not agree with some of your political ideology. I appreciate that usually at least the facts are straight. If you were running for Senator from Texas, I would probably vote for you. If you were running for Congress or President, I wouldn't. I love to see a 50/50 split in the Senate. I think a free flow of ideas, from all corners of the political spectrum is what keeps this country great. The Senate is the best forum for that.