Tim Russert of NBC News died earlier today of a heart attack. (Click Here for Story from MSNBC)
As moderator of Meet the Press and Washington Bureau Chief, Russert was one the best interviewers of politicians in the nation. He had the ability to bring out the real answers in politicians that many often miss.
He is a legend in the journalism industry, and everybody who wants to be better at this craft should observe his work. The Presidential Election coverage will be worse without his presence.
Rabbit
Friday, June 13, 2008
Conservatives Flat Out Hate Other People
A 5-4 decision today from the Supreme Court allowed prisoners at Guantanamo Bay to be humans. As a result of this ruling, they may appeal their cases to U.S. civilian courts. Basically, if they want to prove their innocence, they can try.
Now what was that in the Constitution about innocence? Oh yeah, you are until proven guilty.
Now, I understand that government's role is to protect the country. But, if you do not uphold the basic standards of our country, what are you protecting? If you want to claim that you are protecting freedom, you have to allow freedom. The right to a fair trial is a basic freedom that is far less debatable than many others.
However, four Supreme Court Justices and our President disagree. They believe that it does not matter whether you are free, it matters that conservative policy rules. The conservative justices and the President rail against this decision in the name of national security but, they are really just trying to protect their policy. What they forget is what caused the United States to become the target of terrorists in the first place. That is, mistreatment of people.
There is no way to justify terrorism, but if you really want to stop it, stop the cause. They attack us because we attack them. They attack because we occupy their land and run military bases on their land. But, wouldn't we do the same thing? Would we not be upset if our people were mistreated by an enemy and not allowed their chance to give their story? Would we not be upset if our soldiers were subjected to torture? Would you not be upset if you were not allowed to prove your own innocence?
The truth is, our leaders and soldiers are viewed as terrorists by some people. Terrorism is really a subjective term. Personally, I do not believe that our President or our soldiers are terrorists. But, that is the perception of some and we should work to fix it.
Not working to silence people.
Bottom Line? If our only goal were to save lives, our foreign policy would be about diplomacy and understand. Force is the last option and only needed for defense. The Bush Administration has allowed 7,000 Americans to die as a result of terrorism and war. So, I have a hard time believing the administration of their judicial appointees when discussing ways to save lives.
Rabbit
Now what was that in the Constitution about innocence? Oh yeah, you are until proven guilty.
Now, I understand that government's role is to protect the country. But, if you do not uphold the basic standards of our country, what are you protecting? If you want to claim that you are protecting freedom, you have to allow freedom. The right to a fair trial is a basic freedom that is far less debatable than many others.
However, four Supreme Court Justices and our President disagree. They believe that it does not matter whether you are free, it matters that conservative policy rules. The conservative justices and the President rail against this decision in the name of national security but, they are really just trying to protect their policy. What they forget is what caused the United States to become the target of terrorists in the first place. That is, mistreatment of people.
There is no way to justify terrorism, but if you really want to stop it, stop the cause. They attack us because we attack them. They attack because we occupy their land and run military bases on their land. But, wouldn't we do the same thing? Would we not be upset if our people were mistreated by an enemy and not allowed their chance to give their story? Would we not be upset if our soldiers were subjected to torture? Would you not be upset if you were not allowed to prove your own innocence?
The truth is, our leaders and soldiers are viewed as terrorists by some people. Terrorism is really a subjective term. Personally, I do not believe that our President or our soldiers are terrorists. But, that is the perception of some and we should work to fix it.
Not working to silence people.
Bottom Line? If our only goal were to save lives, our foreign policy would be about diplomacy and understand. Force is the last option and only needed for defense. The Bush Administration has allowed 7,000 Americans to die as a result of terrorism and war. So, I have a hard time believing the administration of their judicial appointees when discussing ways to save lives.
Rabbit
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Speedway Lawsuits
Read this Article
Normally, I believe it is best to wait for all information to come out before rendering judgment regarding legal matters.
But, anybody who follows NASCAR knows good and damn well that there is plenty of racism and sexism. These two thought processes are rampant among the fans, and many NASCAR officials are fans themselves.
It is quite possible that knowing this, this woman is being opportunistic on a legal issue she knows she can win. But, if it focuses a light on this issue, eventually it will be a win for all.
Rabbit
Normally, I believe it is best to wait for all information to come out before rendering judgment regarding legal matters.
But, anybody who follows NASCAR knows good and damn well that there is plenty of racism and sexism. These two thought processes are rampant among the fans, and many NASCAR officials are fans themselves.
It is quite possible that knowing this, this woman is being opportunistic on a legal issue she knows she can win. But, if it focuses a light on this issue, eventually it will be a win for all.
Rabbit
Monday, June 9, 2008
ATTACK!
"I'm not a classy guy, I'm a reporter." --Bill Moyers
In this video Bill Moyers, of PBS, was ambushed by a producer of the O'Reilly Factor. Those not familiar with the O'Reilly Factor may not know that they often use producers to put a camera in the face of those who disagree with O'Reilly while they are walking to work, or walking to their car at home, or any other place they can find them.
Moyers, a former White House Press Secretary under LBJ and well respected journalist, has been the victim of several of these attacks and chose to turn the tables on O'Reilly.
This is what journalism has become.
Whether it is tabloid/paparazzi smear techniques or pushover laziness we often do not find the truth about what goes on. The few people in the media who ask the tough questions are labeled as "anti" or "bad" Americans. They have been labeled as left wing, Communist, and muckrakers.
As a media consumer, you must filter all information you consume. Find those reporters, commentators, and other journalists that fight for real truth. Find those who serve the profession, not themselves.
Rabbit
In this video Bill Moyers, of PBS, was ambushed by a producer of the O'Reilly Factor. Those not familiar with the O'Reilly Factor may not know that they often use producers to put a camera in the face of those who disagree with O'Reilly while they are walking to work, or walking to their car at home, or any other place they can find them.
Moyers, a former White House Press Secretary under LBJ and well respected journalist, has been the victim of several of these attacks and chose to turn the tables on O'Reilly.
This is what journalism has become.
Whether it is tabloid/paparazzi smear techniques or pushover laziness we often do not find the truth about what goes on. The few people in the media who ask the tough questions are labeled as "anti" or "bad" Americans. They have been labeled as left wing, Communist, and muckrakers.
As a media consumer, you must filter all information you consume. Find those reporters, commentators, and other journalists that fight for real truth. Find those who serve the profession, not themselves.
Rabbit
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