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Kind of a D*ck
Author: Raine
Date: 06/30/2011 12:22:12
While gathering my stuff for this morning blog, something interesting came across my twittah feed. Here is the video: Here is the link, from Politico. I wasn't able to post that video, but as expected, I found it on You Tube:
They laughed and made smug jokes like it was some exclusive clique. The reaction was met with snark and self-aggrandizement. Then - they blamed the producer. After the incident, from all accounts, Halpern went on to pontificate about the President. In other words, he remained on the show.
While I do think there is place to lay responsibility on the producer I have to wonder...
Imagine for a moment what these people say and do when not on guard and in front of a camera. Halpern literally asked permission to say something he knew would not be acceptable. It wasn't a gaffe, it was quite intentional. For me, this is a bridge too far. With so many pundits playing fast and furious with spin and facts, we have lost basic common decency when discussing politics. This incident occurred because Mr. Halpern was offended at the President of the United States for not being nice to the press corps. Here is another view of the incident:
This shows the lead up to it:
Halpern sort of proved the presidents point, huh? Our media, be it punditry or plain news has utterly failed us. When a person can go on a national show and feel comfortable enough to use such a derogatory term to describe a President of the United States, something is wrong. As I said before: I can just imagine the things that are said off-air.
This used to be a noble profession, one filled with integrity. Now it has crumbled into an environment where one is comfortable calling women sluts and men dicks on the airwaves.
Apology is not enough; it is time for the media to return to a set of standards. This was not a person's living room, nor was it a radio show that is meant to provide a humorous view of news and politics. This isn't a few fairly unknown podcasters who don't get paid handsomely for what they do. Nor is it the Daily Show or the Colbert Report. This is a political show on a news network. It IS different. It wasn't funny. Words matter.
It was intentional and the ONLY reason why Halpern apologized is because he got caught. This is simply not acceptable, regardless of who is sitting in the Oval office. It time for a few standards to be put in place. This is not a joke, as we have serious problems in this country and we deserve to have serious people present us with the issues.
Contacts:
Time – [email protected]
Time Inc.
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
212.522.1212
MSNBC
NBC News
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, N.Y. 10112
212.664.4444
Contacting MSNBC FAQ
and 
Raine
Update (as of 11 am-ish this morning) : Mark Halpern has been suspended indefinitely. From MSNBC: Still no word from the Staff and Host of Morning Joe -- a staff that includes hosts Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski and Willie Geist.
It is my hope that the staff at Morning Joe (as well as the management at MSNBC) will address the smug, smirky, self aggrandizing atmosphere on the set that created the opening for this to happen. Enough is enough.
They laughed and made smug jokes like it was some exclusive clique. The reaction was met with snark and self-aggrandizement. Then - they blamed the producer. After the incident, from all accounts, Halpern went on to pontificate about the President. In other words, he remained on the show.
While I do think there is place to lay responsibility on the producer I have to wonder...
Imagine for a moment what these people say and do when not on guard and in front of a camera. Halpern literally asked permission to say something he knew would not be acceptable. It wasn't a gaffe, it was quite intentional. For me, this is a bridge too far. With so many pundits playing fast and furious with spin and facts, we have lost basic common decency when discussing politics. This incident occurred because Mr. Halpern was offended at the President of the United States for not being nice to the press corps. Here is another view of the incident:
This shows the lead up to it:
Halpern sort of proved the presidents point, huh? Our media, be it punditry or plain news has utterly failed us. When a person can go on a national show and feel comfortable enough to use such a derogatory term to describe a President of the United States, something is wrong. As I said before: I can just imagine the things that are said off-air.
This used to be a noble profession, one filled with integrity. Now it has crumbled into an environment where one is comfortable calling women sluts and men dicks on the airwaves.
Apology is not enough; it is time for the media to return to a set of standards. This was not a person's living room, nor was it a radio show that is meant to provide a humorous view of news and politics. This isn't a few fairly unknown podcasters who don't get paid handsomely for what they do. Nor is it the Daily Show or the Colbert Report. This is a political show on a news network. It IS different. It wasn't funny. Words matter.
It was intentional and the ONLY reason why Halpern apologized is because he got caught. This is simply not acceptable, regardless of who is sitting in the Oval office. It time for a few standards to be put in place. This is not a joke, as we have serious problems in this country and we deserve to have serious people present us with the issues.
Contacts:
Time – [email protected]
Time Inc.
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
212.522.1212
MSNBC
NBC News
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, N.Y. 10112
212.664.4444
Contacting MSNBC FAQ
and Raine
Update (as of 11 am-ish this morning) : Mark Halpern has been suspended indefinitely. From MSNBC:
Mark Halperin's comments this morning were completely inappropriate and unacceptable.We apologize to the President, The White House and all of our viewers. We strive for a high level of discourse and comments like these have no place on our air. Therefore, Mark will be suspended indefinitely from his role as an analyst.
It is my hope that the staff at Morning Joe (as well as the management at MSNBC) will address the smug, smirky, self aggrandizing atmosphere on the set that created the opening for this to happen. Enough is enough.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 06/30/2011 13:08:41
wickedpam on 06/30/2011 13:08:41
Morning 
How can we have decency in our news when we can't even have fairness.
As for Sexy Liberal Show adding 2nd shows to places - how about there be 1st shows in places before they go back for seconds
How can we have decency in our news when we can't even have fairness.
As for Sexy Liberal Show adding 2nd shows to places - how about there be 1st shows in places before they go back for seconds
Comment by 
Raine on 06/30/2011 13:12:23
What the hell.
Outrageous.
Raine on 06/30/2011 13:12:23
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
How can we have decency in our news when we can't even have fairness.
As for Sexy Liberal Show adding 2nd shows to places - how about there be 1st shows in places before they go back for seconds
Outrageous.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/30/2011 13:13:46
I'm just unsure how fairness is outdated
wickedpam on 06/30/2011 13:13:46
Quote by Raine:What the hell.Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
How can we have decency in our news when we can't even have fairness.
As for Sexy Liberal Show adding 2nd shows to places - how about there be 1st shows in places before they go back for seconds
Outrageous.
I'm just unsure how fairness is outdated
Comment by 
TriSec on 06/30/2011 13:26:20
TriSec on 06/30/2011 13:26:20
Morning, comrades!
The US media ceased being my "go-to" source back about 1991 or so. I've been almost completely relying on the BBC since then.
Their funding is completely different, and while you can argue that this ties them to the British government...there's no commercials, either.
I believe that makes all the difference in the world.
The US media ceased being my "go-to" source back about 1991 or so. I've been almost completely relying on the BBC since then.
Their funding is completely different, and while you can argue that this ties them to the British government...there's no commercials, either.
I believe that makes all the difference in the world.
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 13:29:08
Raine on 06/30/2011 13:29:08
While I understand there are people on both sides of the political spectrum that do not want the fairness Doctrine returned, (altho I personally disagree) Just dropping all pretense is amazing to me.
As I stated in the blog, I would simply like to see some standards and practices applied. Stephanie Miller is not a news show. Rush Limbaugh is not either.
When Shows like Morning Joe --- who are supposed to be about politics -- do what they did, there should be consequences. For too long there has been a terrible lack of responsibility.
As I stated in the blog, I would simply like to see some standards and practices applied. Stephanie Miller is not a news show. Rush Limbaugh is not either.
When Shows like Morning Joe --- who are supposed to be about politics -- do what they did, there should be consequences. For too long there has been a terrible lack of responsibility.
Comment by nikflorida on 06/30/2011 13:33:38
Wow. And I thought that calling him "Obama" and not "President Obama" was disrespectful. John Dean had it right in his book _Conservatives without Conscience_ when he said that for the most part, civility disappeared from conservative politics about 1994 with Newt Gingrich. It's only gotten worse since then, and it has definitely exploded since a scary black man was elected to the White House.
We *need* Michele Bachmann, because we're obviously all going to hell. LOL
We *need* Michele Bachmann, because we're obviously all going to hell. LOL
Comment by TriSec on 06/30/2011 13:34:33
TriSec on 06/30/2011 13:34:33
Well, that's probably why there should be regulations, and indeed a return to the fairness doctrine.
Mankind is inherently unfair, and when mob rule takes over, this is what we get. (and you can extend that to anything and everything, from food safety to civil rights.) Given the choice, man will always choose the path of least resistance to a debased society.
Only through legislation and the force of law can we steer things the right way.
Mankind is inherently unfair, and when mob rule takes over, this is what we get. (and you can extend that to anything and everything, from food safety to civil rights.) Given the choice, man will always choose the path of least resistance to a debased society.
Only through legislation and the force of law can we steer things the right way.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 06/30/2011 13:36:41
Scoopster on 06/30/2011 13:36:41
Mornin' all! 
I'm a little bit more energetic than usual this morning.. All that extra sleep plus three cups of coffee already this morning has got me wired & fired!
I'm a little bit more energetic than usual this morning.. All that extra sleep plus three cups of coffee already this morning has got me wired & fired!
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 13:37:05
Hi Nik.
You and John Dean are correct. What happened this morning makes me very angry. I wasn't happy when Ed Shultz called Laura Ingraham a slut on his radio show, and I find it amazing that he was actually suspended from his TV show for that incident.
Raine on 06/30/2011 13:37:05
Quote by nikflorida:
Wow. And I thought that calling him "Obama" and not "President Obama" was disrespectful. John Dean had it right in his book _Conservatives without Conscience_ when he said that for the most part, civility disappeared from conservative politics about 1994 with Newt Gingrich. It's only gotten worse since then, and it has definitely exploded since a scary black man was elected to the White House.
We *need* Michele Bachmann, because we're obviously all going to hell. LOL
You and John Dean are correct. What happened this morning makes me very angry. I wasn't happy when Ed Shultz called Laura Ingraham a slut on his radio show, and I find it amazing that he was actually suspended from his TV show for that incident.
Comment by Scoopster on 06/30/2011 13:37:31
Scoopster on 06/30/2011 13:37:31
Not to mention the weather here in SoNE today is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!
Comment by Scoopster on 06/30/2011 13:38:00
Scoopster on 06/30/2011 13:38:00
Welcome to the bloggie nikflorida!! 
Comment by wickedpam on 06/30/2011 13:40:34
wickedpam on 06/30/2011 13:40:34
Hello Nik *waves* Welcome 
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 13:46:06
Are we on a 7 second delay?
Wait, what? I am already tired. I woke up with Bobber this morning at way too early, and the coffee sucked this morning...
Raine on 06/30/2011 13:46:06
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all!
I'm a little bit more energetic than usual this morning.. All that extra sleep plus three cups of coffee already this morning has got me wired & fired!
Wait, what? I am already tired. I woke up with Bobber this morning at way too early, and the coffee sucked this morning...
Comment by wickedpam on 06/30/2011 13:48:28
wickedpam on 06/30/2011 13:48:28
I'm just tired of it all. I'm tired of the unprofessionalism. I'm tired of having their anger thrown in my face. I'm tired of that attitude seeping out into real world.
Comment by TriSec on 06/30/2011 13:48:29
TriSec on 06/30/2011 13:48:29
As much as I hated Mr. Bush (he's no longer president; no title.), I don't think I ever referred to him as anything but "President" Bush. Sure I used quotes to express my displeasure, but the title was always there.
My conservative friends (East Coast Conservative Podcast) go out of their way to distance themselves from the Rushes and Becks of the world; one of the hosts even went so far as to speak up for the President recently. As he said, "I think everything he's doing is wrong on policy, but I have no disagreement with him personally."
I have a great deal of respect for them and their show because of that; it is why I listen.
My conservative friends (East Coast Conservative Podcast) go out of their way to distance themselves from the Rushes and Becks of the world; one of the hosts even went so far as to speak up for the President recently. As he said, "I think everything he's doing is wrong on policy, but I have no disagreement with him personally."
I have a great deal of respect for them and their show because of that; it is why I listen.
Comment by TriSec on 06/30/2011 13:51:09
Which again goes to show you that we seem to have a different attitude about the whole thing out here in the streets; the folks pulling down the big paychecks have their own agenda that has very little to do with ordinary Americans.
TriSec on 06/30/2011 13:51:09
Which again goes to show you that we seem to have a different attitude about the whole thing out here in the streets; the folks pulling down the big paychecks have their own agenda that has very little to do with ordinary Americans.
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 13:52:40
Raine on 06/30/2011 13:52:40
I admit, I do refer to presidents with just a last name. I think I could do a better job of that.
I will also admit that I do not think that the former occupant of the office was elected as President, and I refused to give him that legitimacy for those years. Tri, you are a better person than I.
I will also admit that I do not think that the former occupant of the office was elected as President, and I refused to give him that legitimacy for those years. Tri, you are a better person than I.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 06/30/2011 13:53:19
Mondobubba on 06/30/2011 13:53:19
Morning. about the Fairiness Doctrine. If it were brought back we would have no Momma, no Olbermann, no Rachel, no Randi. Just sayin...
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 13:54:24
Yes, see yesterdays Blog from Bobber: Mercenary Ideologists What happened today also enforces that theory.
Raine on 06/30/2011 13:54:24
Quote by TriSec:
Which again goes to show you that we seem to have a different attitude about the whole thing out here in the streets; the folks pulling down the big paychecks have their own agenda that has very little to do with ordinary Americans.
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 13:55:44
My earlier comment somewhat concurs:
Raine on 06/30/2011 13:55:44
Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning. about the Fairiness Doctrine. If it were brought back we would have no Momma, no Olbermann, no Rachel, no Randi. Just sayin...
While I understand there are people on both sides of the political spectrum that do not want the fairness Doctrine returned, (altho I personally disagree) Just dropping all pretense is amazing to me.
As I stated in the blog, I would simply like to see some standards and practices applied. Stephanie Miller is not a news show. Rush Limbaugh is not either.
When Shows like Morning Joe --- who are supposed to be about politics -- do what they did, there should be consequences. For too long there has been a terrible lack of responsibility.
Comment by 
BobR on 06/30/2011 13:56:29
BobR on 06/30/2011 13:56:29
Is it just me, or does Bachmann's husband sound ... umm.... 
Comment by Scoopster on 06/30/2011 13:57:42
Same here.. I have had old friends and acquaintances from school who have turned into total assholes over the years because of politics.. and I know I've turned off a few people myself, including my uncle who's gone from centrist-left to centrist-right over the years.
Scoopster on 06/30/2011 13:57:42
Quote by wickedpam:
I'm just tired of it all. I'm tired of the unprofessionalism. I'm tired of having their anger thrown in my face. I'm tired of that attitude seeping out into real world.
Same here.. I have had old friends and acquaintances from school who have turned into total assholes over the years because of politics.. and I know I've turned off a few people myself, including my uncle who's gone from centrist-left to centrist-right over the years.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/30/2011 13:57:57
no O'Reilly, no Hannity, no Beck
At some point I just want the news. Murrow and Cronkite were able to do it and they worked under the doctrine
wickedpam on 06/30/2011 13:57:57
Quote by Mondobubba:
Morning. about the Fairiness Doctrine. If it were brought back we would have no Momma, no Olbermann, no Rachel, no Randi. Just sayin...
no O'Reilly, no Hannity, no Beck
At some point I just want the news. Murrow and Cronkite were able to do it and they worked under the doctrine
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 13:58:00
Raine on 06/30/2011 13:58:00
I want to make it clearer, as I ponder on this -- I think we need better FCC regulations. We need a clearer line between news and entertainment, and we need news organizations to have a little more integrity.
I all goes down to the very issues we have long spoken of here on this blog. As I said, this was just too much. He friggin ASKED permission to say something he KNEW he should not be saying.
I all goes down to the very issues we have long spoken of here on this blog. As I said, this was just too much. He friggin ASKED permission to say something he KNEW he should not be saying.
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 13:58:47
he sounds just Fabulous!
Raine on 06/30/2011 13:58:47
Quote by BobR:
Is it just me, or does Bachmann's husband sound ... umm....
he sounds just Fabulous!
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 06/30/2011 14:00:08
Will in Chicago on 06/30/2011 14:00:08
Good morning, bloggers!! I hope that everyone is well today.
I believe that Halperin's comments were unacceptable for someone who is claiming to be a reporter, not a pundit. Mind you, I doubt that he will be off the air for a few weeks.
As for the Fairness Doctrine, I seem to recall that we had Alan Berg and other pundits on the air before the doctrine ended. There was a matter of giving sometime for opposing views, which us a feature today of some programs on the liberal side of the aisle. (The Thom Hartmann Program comes to mind.)
I believe that Halperin's comments were unacceptable for someone who is claiming to be a reporter, not a pundit. Mind you, I doubt that he will be off the air for a few weeks.
As for the Fairness Doctrine, I seem to recall that we had Alan Berg and other pundits on the air before the doctrine ended. There was a matter of giving sometime for opposing views, which us a feature today of some programs on the liberal side of the aisle. (The Thom Hartmann Program comes to mind.)
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 14:02:15
Raine on 06/30/2011 14:02:15
Steve Benen says it perfectly:
There are a couple of angles to keep in mind here. The first is that Halperin’s credibility as an objective observer of political events has long been dubious, at best, but this morning’s little stunt should remove all doubt. In candor, I don’t much care that Halperin sides with the right over the left, and takes cheap shots at Democrats. I care that Halperin is presented to the public as a neutral, even-handed expert, when that’s plainly not the case.
To this extent, the “dick†comment only helps bring an end to a thin pretense.
The other point that’s worth remembering is the larger dynamic. Forget Halperin’s choice of words, and instead consider the argument he and his “Morning Joe†colleagues were pressing. They were annoyed, apparently, because President Obama wasn’t docile and conciliatory during his press conference. He showed some backbone, and this seems to have troubled the political establishment to no end.
If the president stays cool, he’s an emotionless Mr. Spock. If the president shows some fire in the belly, he’s “a dick.â€
What passes for mainstream political punditry in 2011 is too often a national embarrassment
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 14:06:05
That is a very good point, Will. As much as it irritates me, it does seem that Hartmann does hold himself to some of the standards of what we once knew as the Fairness Doctrine.
I think it would be nice to find some kind of balance, because as Mala and scoop said -- it gets tiring. I should be able to have my opinion and others thiers without everything always being a fight.
As Nik stated earlier, much of this started to fall apart in the 90's. One could blame Gingrich, or even Bill Clinton, but this is just getting off the hook.
Raine on 06/30/2011 14:06:05
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Good morning, bloggers!! I hope that everyone is well today.
I believe that Halperin's comments were unacceptable for someone who is claiming to be a reporter, not a pundit. Mind you, I doubt that he will be off the air for a few weeks.
As for the Fairness Doctrine, I seem to recall that we had Alan Berg and other pundits on the air before the doctrine ended. There was a matter of giving sometime for opposing views, which us a feature today of some programs on the liberal side of the aisle. (The Thom Hartmann Program comes to mind.)
I think it would be nice to find some kind of balance, because as Mala and scoop said -- it gets tiring. I should be able to have my opinion and others thiers without everything always being a fight.
As Nik stated earlier, much of this started to fall apart in the 90's. One could blame Gingrich, or even Bill Clinton, but this is just getting off the hook.
Comment by TriSec on 06/30/2011 14:07:57
Something I read about John Wayne (the actor ) long ago. He was a noted con back in the day, and reacted thusly to the election of President Kennedy:
"He's not my president, but he's THE President....and I hope he does a good job." Naive longing for a non-existent "good old days", but I wish some of our current folks could be as mature.
TriSec on 06/30/2011 14:07:57
Quote by Raine:
I admit, I do refer to presidents with just a last name. I think I could do a better job of that.
I will also admit that I do not think that the former occupant of the office was elected as President, and I refused to give him that legitimacy for those years. Tri, you are a better person than I.
Something I read about John Wayne (the actor
) long ago. He was a noted con back in the day, and reacted thusly to the election of President Kennedy:"He's not my president, but he's THE President....and I hope he does a good job." Naive longing for a non-existent "good old days", but I wish some of our current folks could be as mature.
Comment by 
clintster on 06/30/2011 14:14:05
clintster on 06/30/2011 14:14:05
Barbarians need discipline?
Ohhhh myyyyyyyyyy>
/Takei
Ohhhh myyyyyyyyyy>
/Takei
Comment by Pillar_Strength on 06/30/2011 14:28:05
I think that being liberal, in the true sense, is being nondoctrinaire, nondogmatic, noncomitted to a cause —- but examining each case on its merits. Being left of center is another thing; it's a political position. I think most newspapermen by definition have to be liberal; if they're not liberal, by my definition of it, then they can hardly be good newspapermen. (1973 ~Walter Cronkite~
They don't make them like Cronkite anymore!! .....being impartial and reporting on just the FACTS which many lack. Reporters like Halpern make me sick because it's just another example how today's reporters retaliate because they're not getting everything they want from this President. Republican or a Firebagger. Makes no difference to me...they're both the same in my book!!
They don't make them like Cronkite anymore!! .....being impartial and reporting on just the FACTS which many lack. Reporters like Halpern make me sick because it's just another example how today's reporters retaliate because they're not getting everything they want from this President. Republican or a Firebagger. Makes no difference to me...they're both the same in my book!!
Comment by BobR on 06/30/2011 14:28:06
BobR on 06/30/2011 14:28:06
Quote by Raine:
Steve Benen says it perfectly:There are a couple of angles to keep in mind here. The first is that Halperin’s credibility as an objective observer of political events has long been dubious, at best, but this morning’s little stunt should remove all doubt. In candor, I don’t much care that Halperin sides with the right over the left, and takes cheap shots at Democrats. I care that Halperin is presented to the public as a neutral, even-handed expert, when that’s plainly not the case.
To this extent, the “dick†comment only helps bring an end to a thin pretense.
The other point that’s worth remembering is the larger dynamic. Forget Halperin’s choice of words, and instead consider the argument he and his “Morning Joe†colleagues were pressing. They were annoyed, apparently, because President Obama wasn’t docile and conciliatory during his press conference. He showed some backbone, and this seems to have troubled the political establishment to no end.
If the president stays cool, he’s an emotionless Mr. Spock. If the president shows some fire in the belly, he’s “a dick.â€
What passes for mainstream political punditry in 2011 is too often a national embarrassment
Comment by wickedpam on 06/30/2011 14:28:13
wickedpam on 06/30/2011 14:28:13
The top 2% is made up of people making 250K? Yeah, you keep believing that 
Comment by wickedpam on 06/30/2011 14:29:59
wickedpam on 06/30/2011 14:29:59
Hello Piller, Welcome
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 14:33:37
Raine on 06/30/2011 14:33:37
Has anyone taken a look at this lately? It used to be a Scribed document, but evidently the office of Eric Cantor decided to make it a PDF.
From the Majority leaders website: So can someone please explain to me why in June, Congress worked in session for 11 days?
11 days.
Senator Reid just announced that there will be no vacation for the Senate over the July 4 holiday, What is the house of representatives going to do? Seriously, they are on a consituent *work* week right now, and they are not expected to return until at least 6:30 pm on July 6. At that point, they will have what is called a DC work week that consists of less than 48 hours. They don;t return to work until July 12.
I am sick of this shit.
From the Majority leaders website:
This year's calendar is the result of substantial input gained by the Republican Transition Team from members of both the House Republican Conference and the House Democratic Caucus, and from many outside reformers. In total, it contains 123 days and 32 weeks of session. Please note that days in session are shaded dark
11 days.
Senator Reid just announced that there will be no vacation for the Senate over the July 4 holiday, What is the house of representatives going to do? Seriously, they are on a consituent *work* week right now, and they are not expected to return until at least 6:30 pm on July 6. At that point, they will have what is called a DC work week that consists of less than 48 hours. They don;t return to work until July 12.
I am sick of this shit.
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 14:35:45
AMEN, Sistah!
If you ever want to pontificate here, PLEASE do.
Raine on 06/30/2011 14:35:45
Quote by Pillar_Strength:
I think that being liberal, in the true sense, is being nondoctrinaire, nondogmatic, noncomitted to a cause —- but examining each case on its merits. Being left of center is another thing; it's a political position. I think most newspapermen by definition have to be liberal; if they're not liberal, by my definition of it, then they can hardly be good newspapermen. (1973 ~Walter Cronkite~
They don't make them like Cronkite anymore!! .....being impartial and reporting on just the FACTS which many lack. Reporters like Halpern make me sick because it's just another example how today's reporters retaliate because they're not getting everything they want from this President. Republican or a Firebagger. Makes no difference to me...they're both the same in my book!!
If you ever want to pontificate here, PLEASE do.
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 14:43:27
If I were a politifactor, I would rate that comment
Raine on 06/30/2011 14:43:27
Quote by wickedpam:
The top 2% is made up of people making 250K? Yeah, you keep believing that
If I were a politifactor, I would rate that comment
Comment by Pillar_Strength on 06/30/2011 14:49:26
Thanks Raine, but I have a lot going on right now, but I'll be around to post my rants. 
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 14:50:17
Raine on 06/30/2011 14:50:17
Halpern has been suspended indefinitely. Now let's hope the staff at Morning Joe (as well as the management at MSNBC) will address the smug, smirky, self aggrandizing atmosphere on the set that created the opening for this to happen.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/30/2011 14:53:05
wickedpam on 06/30/2011 14:53:05
Looks like its only "Barely True" because they didn't break down the top 2-10%. They may make it into the top 10% but I doubt its the top 2. There's a difference of 973,037 between the top 1 and the top 2-10 (don't know why they have it as 1-10).
by that chart (to me) the 10th% would equal 164,647 and go up from there
by that chart (to me) the 10th% would equal 164,647 and go up from there
Comment by clintster on 06/30/2011 14:53:20
clintster on 06/30/2011 14:53:20
Billy... it's a regressive tax.
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 14:53:38
Raine on 06/30/2011 14:53:38
Billy is back? Keerist. Dude the flat tax is economically bad.
Comment by wickedpam on 06/30/2011 14:54:07
wickedpam on 06/30/2011 14:54:07
hey Billy - YOU are NOT everyone.
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 14:55:41
Exactly. I wish they were more detailed about that 10% .
I will try to find a better chart. I believe this one was trying to show the severe income disparities of the top 1%.
Raine on 06/30/2011 14:55:41
Quote by wickedpam:
Looks like its only "Barely True" because they didn't break down the top 2-10%. They may make it into the top 10% but I doubt its the top 2. There's a difference of 973,037 between the top 1 and the top 2-10 (don't know why they have it as 1-10).
by that chart (to me) the 10th% would equal 164,647 and go up from there
I will try to find a better chart. I believe this one was trying to show the severe income disparities of the top 1%.
Comment by Raine on 06/30/2011 14:56:11
Raine on 06/30/2011 14:56:11
Quote by clintster:
Billy... it's a regressive tax.
Comment by Scoopster on 06/30/2011 14:56:38
Scoopster on 06/30/2011 14:56:38
Aaaaaaaand welcome to el bloggerino, Pillar! 
By that chart, even I would technically be toeing the line inside the top 10%.
By that chart, even I would technically be toeing the line inside the top 10%.
Comment by Scoopster on 06/30/2011 14:58:44
Scoopster on 06/30/2011 14:58:44
Comment by wickedpam on 06/30/2011 15:00:43
The charts a good one - very visual on the big picture
wickedpam on 06/30/2011 15:00:43
Quote by Raine:Exactly. I wish they were more detailed about that 10% .Quote by wickedpam:
Looks like its only "Barely True" because they didn't break down the top 2-10%. They may make it into the top 10% but I doubt its the top 2. There's a difference of 973,037 between the top 1 and the top 2-10 (don't know why they have it as 1-10).
by that chart (to me) the 10th% would equal 164,647 and go up from there
I will try to find a better chart. I believe this one was trying to show the severe income disparities of the top 1%.
The charts a good one - very visual on the big picture