What is Going on at Fox News?

[Peikko 1,575]

I actually watched the whole Glenn Beck show regarding the 9/12 project. The title 9/12 he picked because he felt that the day after 9/11 the people in the USA seemed to know what "doing the right thing" was - REGARDLESS OF PERSONAL POLITICAL BELIEFS. He feels ALL politicians should be held accountable and discussed the "assessment" that those in the military have to go through, suggesting that most politicians could not reach the high standards that the serving men of women of this country have to live by. I may not agree with everything he says - but I can only be constructively critical if I actually listen to what he says - maybe go check it out if i dont beleive it - but an open mind is essential.

I sometimes wonder if people dont want to listen to something because they are afraid they will have to see/hear something they wont like? Then they will be in a quandry that they may have to make changes? After all - the comfort zone is great - stepping out of it might be challenging and uncomfortable.

I don't believe that is the problem, the 'comfort zone' argument. I didn't watch any more than the clip, so if the actual program changed racidcally from the opening section, then it is possible that there is more to it than I first assumed. However, my problem is, I very much doubt I could ever watch ANY program that started in such a way. Here are my reasons.

First of all, what has this program have to do with news? It appears to me to be a personal appeal. How does it become editorially satisfactory to promote a personal appeal by the PRESENTER on a so called news show?

Second, the presenter uses cheap shots to draw in this audience. Who openly cries on tv to create a sense of what? Importance? Love of country? It's an emotional self indulgance and I personally find it incredibly creepy. No one has died, the politicfal system hasn't been overturned, nothing about today is different to that which was going on 6 months ago.

Thirdly, the appeal had no direction beyond asking people to indulge in some fantasy. Asking people to drawi on some 'american' ideals that were last portrayed nationaly after the 9/11 strike. What for? To feel good? Then what? What happens next?

Fourth, if someone has a genuine gripe against the way politicians conduct themselves then it behoves that person to come up with a workable alterantive, not just appeal to a sense of 'americanness' which is somehow going to magically change the coutnry for the better. I posted a link regarding a UK idea to involve more people in the political process. It was real and workable and certainly didn't involve any showmanship or ridiculous appeal to bring back the 'stiff upper lip' 'or other such nonsense.

There is a lot more, but I will leave you to address these criticisms for now.

This is a non-political movement. The 9-12 Project is designed to bring us all back to the place we were on September 12, 2001. The day after America was attacked we were not obsessed with Red States, Blue States or political parties. We were united as Americans, standing together to protect the greatest nation ever created.

That same feeling – that commitment to country is what we are hoping to foster with this idea. We want to get everyone thinking like it is September 12th, 2001 again.

Here's the link, decide for yourself. At least you can say you looked. Check out the Mission Statement, if the server is not jammed up.

http://theglennbeck912project.com/missionstatement/

See, I thought it was only me, that thought he never attacked our current administration, was just concerned over our country. I do remember the unity we had on 9-12 (I haven't read the link yet, but I will) and it's a shame we aren't united like that all the time.

You believe wishful thinking solves problems? There are problems that we are all aware of, poverty, lack of education, lack of job opportunities, lack of health care. If you care about any of these problems, the problems that divide society then there are practical things that you can do, there always have been and not all of them involve being part of any political party or system. Seriously, are you really so easily brainwashed?

It's not wishful thinking. And on the opposite side, I could say you've given up. Would that not be a fair statement? I'm not saying that what he said is carved in stone, or will even make a difference. I do however believe that there is hope for a better future. Maybe not in my lifetime, but once you give up hope you have nothing else.

What isn't wishful thinking? What exactly have you latched onto, that you can explain in more than, well it's a feelilng, terms? I don't lack hope, as I have explained, I don't lack hope, but I will use reality to make changes, not rely on feeling like I did when things were um, better? What exacty did people do the day after 9/11 that's made a lasting difference to this society? If there was something, surely we woudn't be where you think we are now?

I apologize if you feel attacked, it is unintentional, but this stuff drives me crazy, it's all sound and fury and it signifies nothing.

[LoriLawless 0]

I actually watched the whole Glenn Beck show regarding the 9/12 project. The title 9/12 he picked because he felt that the day after 9/11 the people in the USA seemed to know what "doing the right thing" was - REGARDLESS OF PERSONAL POLITICAL BELIEFS. He feels ALL politicians should be held accountable and discussed the "assessment" that those in the military have to go through, suggesting that most politicians could not reach the high standards that the serving men of women of this country have to live by. I may not agree with everything he says - but I can only be constructively critical if I actually listen to what he says - maybe go check it out if i dont beleive it - but an open mind is essential.

I sometimes wonder if people dont want to listen to something because they are afraid they will have to see/hear something they wont like? Then they will be in a quandry that they may have to make changes? After all - the comfort zone is great - stepping out of it might be challenging and uncomfortable.

I don't believe that is the problem, the 'comfort zone' argument. I didn't watch any more than the clip, so if the actual program changed racidcally from the opening section, then it is possible that there is more to it than I first assumed. However, my problem is, I very much doubt I could ever watch ANY program that started in such a way. Here are my reasons.

First of all, what has this program have to do with news? It appears to me to be a personal appeal. How does it become editorially satisfactory to promote a personal appeal by the PRESENTER on a so called news show?

Second, the presenter uses cheap shots to draw in this audience. Who openly cries on tv to create a sense of what? Importance? Love of country? It's an emotional self indulgance and I personally find it incredibly creepy. No one has died, the politicfal system hasn't been overturned, nothing about today is different to that which was going on 6 months ago.

Thirdly, the appeal had no direction beyond asking people to indulge in some fantasy. Asking people to drawi on some 'american' ideals that were last portrayed nationaly after the 9/11 strike. What for? To feel good? Then what? What happens next?

Fourth, if someone has a genuine gripe against the way politicians conduct themselves then it behoves that person to come up with a workable alterantive, not just appeal to a sense of 'americanness' which is somehow going to magically change the coutnry for the better. I posted a link regarding a UK idea to involve more people in the political process. It was real and workable and certainly didn't involve any showmanship or ridiculous appeal to bring back the 'stiff upper lip' 'or other such nonsense.

There is a lot more, but I will leave you to address these criticisms for now.

This is a non-political movement. The 9-12 Project is designed to bring us all back to the place we were on September 12, 2001. The day after America was attacked we were not obsessed with Red States, Blue States or political parties. We were united as Americans, standing together to protect the greatest nation ever created.

That same feeling – that commitment to country is what we are hoping to foster with this idea. We want to get everyone thinking like it is September 12th, 2001 again.

Here's the link, decide for yourself. At least you can say you looked. Check out the Mission Statement, if the server is not jammed up.

http://theglennbeck912project.com/missionstatement/

See, I thought it was only me, that thought he never attacked our current administration, was just concerned over our country. I do remember the unity we had on 9-12 (I haven't read the link yet, but I will) and it's a shame we aren't united like that all the time.

You believe wishful thinking solves problems? There are problems that we are all aware of, poverty, lack of education, lack of job opportunities, lack of health care. If you care about any of these problems, the problems that divide society then there are practical things that you can do, there always have been and not all of them involve being part of any political party or system. Seriously, are you really so easily brainwashed?

It's not wishful thinking. And on the opposite side, I could say you've given up. Would that not be a fair statement? I'm not saying that what he said is carved in stone, or will even make a difference. I do however believe that there is hope for a better future. Maybe not in my lifetime, but once you give up hope you have nothing else.

What isn't wishful thinking? What exactly have you latched onto, that you can explain in more than, well it's a feelilng, terms? I don't lack hope, as I have explained, I don't lack hope, but I will use reality to make changes, not rely on feeling like I did when things were um, better? What exacty did people do the day after 9/11 that's made a lasting difference to this society? If there was something, surely we woudn't be where you think we are now?

I apologize if you feel attacked, it is unintentional, but this stuff drives me crazy, it's all sound and fury and it signifies nothing.

No I don't feel attacked at all, but thank you for saying so. It drives me crazy too. Maybe you're right, maybe it IS wishful thinking. I haven't latched onto anything, it's something that has eaten me up for ages (which is why I don't get into political debates anymore - until now lol)

I think the day after 911 did show this country how united we could be, and I thought it would make a difference. Maybe it has in the minds of many Americans and someday we can be there again. It happened once (and I've never seen anything like it) I do hope it will happen again.

There was something, but it got demolished with the acts of an administration that tore it apart. And that has nothing to do with being Republican or Democrat.

In the end, I was just stating how I felt, none of it may come to life, or maybe it will. I do hope so but I'm not blind to reality.

[Peikko 1,575]

People felt united during the 2nd world war too, for extremely good reasons. However, without a 'common enemy' there is no ability to sustain these kinds of feel good periods of unity. There could be a 'common enemy' but we choose, for a variety of reasons, most of it to do with free will and the ability to enact that free will because we live in a society that allows for free will to translate into reality, not to have the same common enemy.

I should provide an example. A common enemy could be 'poverty' but it could equally be Moslem's or Mexicans. A common enemy could be ill health or Drugs, or well, just about anything that creates feelings of passion.

Edited March 20, 2009 by Madame Cleo

[LoriLawless 0]

People felt united during the 2nd world war too, for extremely good reasons. However, without a 'common enemy' there is no ability to sustain these kinds of feel good periods of unity. There could be a 'common enemy' but we choose, for a variety of reasons, most of it to do with free will and the ability to enact that free will because we live in a society that allows for free will to translate into reality, not to have the same common enemy.

Yes I agree with that, but I also think that our own government has served to be an enemy. On one side or the other completely dividing us. After all, how many discussions in politics are about previous enemies compared to those about political parties?

[LoriLawless 0]

I should provide an example. A common enemy could be 'poverty' but it could equally be Moslem's or Mexicans. A common enemy could be ill health or Drugs, or well, just about anything that creates feelings of passion.

I missed the last part, I apologize for that. When it comes to poverty, the first thing someone would say is "it's the Democrat that works for the poor, and the Republican that works for the rich".

As I was saying, it's all been blamed on one party or another. Somewhere in translation was lost the true issues facing us.

[Peikko 1,575]

I don't think the government per se has, that's like saying the political system that the founding fathers created was a bunch of #######. What we are failed by is individual politicians that put themselves before the community. Political parties have used this divisive tactics to garner votes and this is the result. One should be very wary of any politician who's main platform is criticism of others as apposed to putting forward plans and ideas of their own. The place to start is with local politics. Forget about who owes allegiance to what party and vote on issues you, or whoever, considers important.

The real problem is, that most people simply are not interested in finding out what people really stand for because takes time and effort, and effort which for the most part people feel little reward for making. It could be a lot better if everyone, or at least a majority made that effort, and then afterwards ensure that the things that were promised were actually delivered, or at least the politician tried to do so, it is not always possible ofr course to get everything one wants.

Edited March 20, 2009 by Madame Cleo

[Peikko 1,575]

Although, I do think there are things that require reform in the political system.

[LoriLawless 0]

I don't think the government per se has, that's like saying the political system that the founding fathers created was a bunch of #######. What we are failed by is individual politicians that put themselves before the community. Political parties have used this divisive tactics to garner votes and this is the result. One should be very wary of any politician who's main platform is criticism of others as apposed to putting forward plans and ideas of ones own. The place to start is with local politics. Forget about who owes allegiance to what party and vote on issues you, or whoever, considers important.

I completely agree with that.

And with the additions you made too

Edited March 20, 2009 by LoriLawless

[Peikko 1,575]

Of course, the labels get bandied around alot too, especially on forums like this one Still, just because someone thinks you believe something, it doesn't make it true.

[LoriLawless 0]

Of course, the labels get bandied around alot too, especially on forums like this one Still, just because someone thinks you believe something, it doesn't make it true.

Absolutely. I really enjoyed that exchange, thanks.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I don't think the government per se has, that's like saying the political system that the founding fathers created was a bunch of #######. What we are failed by is individual politicians that put themselves before the community. Political parties have used this divisive tactics to garner votes and this is the result. One should be very wary of any politician who's main platform is criticism of others as apposed to putting forward plans and ideas of their own. The place to start is with local politics. Forget about who owes allegiance to what party and vote on issues you, or whoever, considers important.

The real problem is, that most people simply are not interested in finding out what people really stand for because takes time and effort, and effort which for the most part people feel little reward for making. It could be a lot better if everyone, or at least a majority made that effort, and then afterwards ensure that the things that were promised were actually delivered, or at least the politician tried to do so, it is not always possible ofr course to get everything one wants.

Wow! You are sounding just like Glen Beck! Or, he is sounding just like you!

Ask yourself these questions:

Do you watch the direction that America is being taken in and feel powerless to stop it?

Do you believe that your voice isn’t loud enough to be heard above the noise anymore?

Do you read the headlines everyday and feel an empty pit in your stomach…as if you’re completely alone?

If you’ve answered YES, then you’ve fallen for the Wizard of Oz lie. While the voices you hear in the distance may sound intimidating, as if they surround us from all sides—the reality is very different. Once you pull back the curtain, you realize that there are only a few people pressing the buttons, and their voices are weak. The truth is that they don’t surround us at all.

We surround them.

http://theglennbeck912project.com/missionstatement/?b68b9900

[Peikko 1,575]

But these answers have always existed, there is nothing new about it. It doesn't take some feel good factor to put it into practice.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

But these answers have always existed, there is nothing new about it. It doesn't take some feel good factor to put it into practice.

I know. They tried to talk me into selling Amway as well.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

What this video shows us is not only how divisive our political system has become, but how badly the 4th estate has failed the public and become the domain of propagandists and demogogues.

I do find it amazing that anyone would willingly buy into such rubbish, its entirely alien to my sensibilities, and it exposes a distasteful group think worthy of some pseudo religious cult.

[Heracles 417]

Sorry, but that's just horse manure. That guy is going to end up fooling a lot of people and hurting them too. It's not like people don't have values, and it's not as if some ridiculous cult can change a country just by tapping into some emotional drivel. Seriously, it's like a cult, it's as clueless as a cult and you would have to be a fool to really believe in any of that stuff as a serious alternative to our political reality.

We can either lay back and accept things the way they are, or we can change it. I'm sorry but I won't give up hope that this country can possibly be in a better place someday. Not to say that it will happen overnight. But I won't stop hoping.

Exactly the country is what we make it. Anyone who sits here and denies that the US has many issues to overcome is only fooling themselves. I know people are sick of hearing about AUS but you know what for a country of 21 mill they have done pretty well for themselves and every single Australian. They have learned a lot from the US and taken it further. As has Canada and the UK.

I think Canada, UK and Australia would like to see the US progress in the same manner and are more than willing to offer pointers. The US needs to get over it's pride issue and actually start looking at countries like these similar countries and learn from them. In those countries while the left and right wing have differing views ultimately they stick together for the good of the nation and its people. They have used the best of both worlds to advanced their nation forward rather than tear it apart. Which is clearly becoming the case here and only going to get worse.