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Yes Blame Both....
Author: Raine Date: 05/24/2012 12:53:04

http://blogs.ajc.com/mike-luckovich/files/2012/05/lucko-523blog.jpg

I do believe this fairly sums up much of the current state of affairs. Last month Washington Post ran an article in the opinion section titled: Let’s just say it: The Republicans are the problem.

We have been studying Washington politics and Congress for more than 40 years, and never have we seen them this dysfunctional. In our past writings, we have criticized both parties when we believed it was warranted. Today, however, we have no choice but to acknowledge that the core of the problem lies with the Republican Party.

“Both sides do it” or “There is plenty of blame to go around” are the traditional refuges for an American news media intent on proving its lack of bias, while political scientists prefer generality and neutrality when discussing partisan polarization. Many self-styled bipartisan groups, in their search for common ground, propose solutions that move both sides to the center, a strategy that is simply untenable when one side is so far out of reach.

It is a very interesting read and is the thesis of a book written by the same authors of the Op-Ed article.

Last week, Greg Sargent made an astute observation with regard to media and the fallout from the article. He writes:

It turns out neither man has been invited on to the Sunday shows even once to discuss this thesis. As Bob Somerby and Kevin Drum note, these are among the most quoted people in Washington — yet suddenly this latest topic is too hot for the talkers, or not deemed relevant at all.

“Not a single one of the Sunday shows has indicated an interest, and I do find it curious,” Ornstein told me, adding that the Op ed had well over 200,000 Facebook recommends and has been viral for weeks. “This is a level of attention for a book that we haven’t received before. You would think it would attract some attention from the Sunday shows.’

“The piece focused on press culpability — it would be hard to find a more sensitive issue for the media than the question of whether they’re doing their job,” Ornstein said. “We got tons of emails from some of the biggest reporters in the business, saying, `We’ve raised this in the newsroom, and editors just brush it aside.’”

Ornstein, while stressing that he wasn’t casting any blame, noted that the topic hasn’t come up on Howard Kurtz’s weekend media show

An amazing piece that hundreds of thousand of people read, and not a peep of it being discussed on television. Not even Howard Kurtz, host of CNN's Reliable Sources, which describes the show as "Now more than ever, the press is a part of every story it covers. And CNN's "Reliable Sources" is one of television's only regular programs to examine how journalists do their jobs and how the media affect the stories they cover. Host Howard Kurtz, Washington Bureau Chief of The Daily Beast, is the nation's premier media critic, and each week he questions print reporters, television correspondents and Internet bloggers about how the press is covering the major stories of the week."

This is proof to me that yes, we can blame them both, the Republicans in office for obstructing the work for the people of this nation and our fourth estate, the media, for failing to honestly report the news -- especially when the news is about their tendency to say both sides are to blame. The media loves a circus, and the GOP is more than happy to provide it. Republicans are not the same as Democrats, in spite of what some people will tell you. For all the railing against the mainstream media, it appears that the most radical among us (left and right <<< see what I did there?) have fallen for this meme that they are the same. I would say it's more than fair to declare that nothing is getting done in Washington-- at least not as much as could be done, but the reasons why have far more complicit participants. It's really a sad joke on those (myself included many times) that claim to be part of voice representing either side of the aisle. The media - which we need to have to inform us all - is failing us at the very root level: It refuses to take reflection on itself.

As I wrote on Monday, it appears that if it bleeds, it leads. In this case, a clarion call was made to those that are creating the problem. The people who are supposed to further discuss this have gone completely silent. Is this a purposeful bloodletting by omission? What happens when there is no more blood left?

As thus, I believe that Mike Lukovich nailed the problem today.

and

Raine

50 comments (Latest Comment: 05/25/2012 02:02:54 by wickedpam)
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Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 12:55:01

Say what you will about the NY Post, they do come up with pithy headlines:Chips ahoy vey!

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 13:09:59

Morning

Comment by

Raine on 05/24/2012 13:50:23

Please do refresh, a proper blog has been posted.

We will be hitting the road in a little while, so play nice. Mala is in charge.

Comment by

clintster on 05/24/2012 13:52:25

Omigod, she read it. Yay, Momma!!!

Comment by

Raine on 05/24/2012 13:52:55

Clint in Atlanta? Not OUR Clint?

Comment by

Raine on 05/24/2012 13:53:23

Quote by clintster:
Omigod, she read it. Yay, Momma!!!

Oh my dear friend, I am so sorry to hear this news....

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 13:53:39

Quote by Raine:
Please do refresh, a proper blog has been posted.

We will be hitting the road in a little while, so play nice. Mala is in charge.

Yes, Mom! :pout: :mutters: Ms Mala is the strictest babysitter ever!

Comment by

Raine on 05/24/2012 13:54:20

Quote by Raine:
Quote by clintster:
Omigod, she read it. Yay, Momma!!!
Oh my dear friend, I am so sorry to hear this news....

and happy... I had no idea, I am so sorry that you and Mrs. Clinster have been going thru this.

Comment by

clintster on 05/24/2012 13:55:40

Quote by Raine:
Quote by clintster:
Omigod, she read it. Yay, Momma!!!
Oh my dear friend, I am so sorry to hear this news....

Like I said, it's something we're working on right now. It wasn't easy being away from the boy, but I am glad to be back. Mrs. C and I are working our issues a day at a time, and looking to love's recovery.

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 14:07:28

Quote by clintster:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by clintster:
Omigod, she read it. Yay, Momma!!!
Oh my dear friend, I am so sorry to hear this news....

Like I said, it's something we're working on right now. It wasn't easy being away from the boy, but I am glad to be back. Mrs. C and I are working our issues a day at a time, and looking to love's recovery.

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 14:08:25

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Please do refresh, a proper blog has been posted.

We will be hitting the road in a little while, so play nice. Mala is in charge.

Yes, Mom! :pout: :mutters: Ms Mala is the strictest babysitter ever!

since when?

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 14:12:54

Quote by Raine:
Clint in Atlanta? Not OUR Clint?

What??? Don't leave the non-listener hanging!

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 14:13:47

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Clint in Atlanta? Not OUR Clint?

What??? Don't leave the non-listener hanging!

Never mind.

Comment by

Raine on 05/24/2012 14:19:39

Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Please do refresh, a proper blog has been posted.

We will be hitting the road in a little while, so play nice. Mala is in charge.

Yes, Mom! :pout: :mutters: Ms Mala is the strictest babysitter ever!

since when?

I would have put Mondo in charge, but he's been ona C**k Punching binge...

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 14:24:36

Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Please do refresh, a proper blog has been posted.

We will be hitting the road in a little while, so play nice. Mala is in charge.

Yes, Mom! :pout: :mutters: Ms Mala is the strictest babysitter ever!

since when?
I would have put Mondo in charge, but he's been ona C**k Punching binge...

Comment by

Scoopster on 05/24/2012 14:25:04

Mornin' all..

Help I'm being held captive by a pair of highly aggressive video games!

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 14:30:31

Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..

Help I'm being held captive by a pair of highly aggressive video games!

and they are?

Comment by

Scoopster on 05/24/2012 14:39:18

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..

Help I'm being held captive by a pair of highly aggressive video games!

and they are?

Diablo 3 and Final Fantasy XIII-2 (yes, that's a thirteen)

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 14:43:05

Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..

Help I'm being held captive by a pair of highly aggressive video games!

and they are?

Diablo 3 and Final Fantasy XIII-2 (yes, that's a thirteen)

I feel so out of the loop, got a 360 for Christmas and have only been able to play it a couple of times - did get started on Dragon Age though. Have to get a copy of FF.

Comment by

Raine on 05/24/2012 14:51:56

We are outta here! See ya tonite!

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 14:53:26

Quote by Raine:
We are outta here! See ya tonite!

safe travels you two

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 14:56:26

Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Please do refresh, a proper blog has been posted.

We will be hitting the road in a little while, so play nice. Mala is in charge.

Yes, Mom! :pout: :mutters: Ms Mala is the strictest babysitter ever!

since when?
I would have put Mondo in charge, but he's been ona C**k Punching binge...

The C**k punching urge seems to be going away. it has been replaced by the general malaise brought on by the cold that has taken up residence in my body. It is a most unwelcome guest in that it might prevent me from going to see acts at the Jazz Festival.

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 14:57:27

Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..

Help I'm being held captive by a pair of highly aggressive video games!

and they are?

Diablo 3 and Final Fantasy XIII-2 (yes, that's a thirteen)

How is D3??? I

ed D1 & D2.

Comment by

Scoopster on 05/24/2012 15:03:02

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..

Help I'm being held captive by a pair of highly aggressive video games!

and they are?

Diablo 3 and Final Fantasy XIII-2 (yes, that's a thirteen)

How is D3??? I ed D1 & D2.

Oh it's good.. it's really fast-paced and it plays really similar to a MMO. I guess the real thrill of the game is being able to beat it on every difficulty level, which means playing through the entire thing four times

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 15:10:24

Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..

Help I'm being held captive by a pair of highly aggressive video games!

and they are?

Diablo 3 and Final Fantasy XIII-2 (yes, that's a thirteen)

How is D3??? I ed D1 & D2.

Oh it's good.. it's really fast-paced and it plays really similar to a MMO. I guess the real thrill of the game is being able to beat it on every difficulty level, which means playing through the entire thing four times

With each character class!

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 15:17:01

Let you anger flow. Propublica and Frontline have done it again! This is made of win.

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 15:55:59

I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 15:56:54

Quote by wickedpam:
I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

That is why they call it acting!, Mala.

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 15:58:31

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

That is why they call it acting!, Mala.

He is great at eating the scenery (see Sheriff of Nottingham "cancel Christmas!") but this one I don't know

Comment by

livingonli on 05/24/2012 16:23:58

Hi everyone. Good thing no one puts me in charge because I would just take a nap while everyone raids the fridge.

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 16:27:40

Quote by wickedpam:
I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

BTW, it what? A St. Ronnie of Santa Barbara bio pic?

In defense of actors from the UK playing presidents, Sir Anthony Hopkins doesn't look a lick like Dick Nixon, but he was epic playing him in Stone's "Nixon." He caught Nixon's stiff akward sweatiness perfectly

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 16:28:30

Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

That is why they call it acting!, Mala.

He is great at eating the scenery (see Sheriff of Nottingham "cancel Christmas!") but this one I don't know

"Use a spoon? Because it would hurt MORE!" Alan Rickman is the best thing about that movie.

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 16:37:12

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

BTW, it what? A St. Ronnie of Santa Barbara bio pic?

In defense of actors from the UK playing presidents, Sir Anthony Hopkins doesn't look a lick like Dick Nixon, but he was epic playing him in Stone's "Nixon." He caught Nixon's stiff akward sweatiness perfectly

Only half heard it - even had Cusack playing Nixon and Matt M. playing Kennedy - just seemed like weird casting of presidents

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 16:37:39

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

That is why they call it acting!, Mala.

He is great at eating the scenery (see Sheriff of Nottingham "cancel Christmas!") but this one I don't know

"Use a spoon? Because it would hurt MORE!" Alan Rickman is the best thing about that movie.

agreed, although Morgan Freeman was his usual cool self

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 17:28:48

Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

BTW, it what? A St. Ronnie of Santa Barbara bio pic?

In defense of actors from the UK playing presidents, Sir Anthony Hopkins doesn't look a lick like Dick Nixon, but he was epic playing him in Stone's "Nixon." He caught Nixon's stiff akward sweatiness perfectly

Only half heard it - even had Cusack playing Nixon and Matt M. playing Kennedy - just seemed like weird casting of presidents

Matthew McConaughey as Kennedy???? Isn't sort of the male version of your least favorite actress?

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 17:33:36

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

BTW, it what? A St. Ronnie of Santa Barbara bio pic?

In defense of actors from the UK playing presidents, Sir Anthony Hopkins doesn't look a lick like Dick Nixon, but he was epic playing him in Stone's "Nixon." He caught Nixon's stiff akward sweatiness perfectly

Only half heard it - even had Cusack playing Nixon and Matt M. playing Kennedy - just seemed like weird casting of presidents

Matthew McConaughey as Kennedy???? Isn't sort of the male version of your least favorite actress?

Julia "can't act" Roberts? hmmm, I put him in the same category as Keanu Reeves - can't really act but sometimes there are glimpses of something better.

She is a category unto herself in my dislike

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 17:59:29

Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

BTW, it what? A St. Ronnie of Santa Barbara bio pic?

In defense of actors from the UK playing presidents, Sir Anthony Hopkins doesn't look a lick like Dick Nixon, but he was epic playing him in Stone's "Nixon." He caught Nixon's stiff akward sweatiness perfectly

Only half heard it - even had Cusack playing Nixon and Matt M. playing Kennedy - just seemed like weird casting of presidents

Matthew McConaughey as Kennedy???? Isn't sort of the male version of your least favorite actress?

Julia "can't act" Roberts? hmmm, I put him in the same category as Keanu Reeves - can't really act but sometimes there are glimpses of something better.

She is a category unto herself in my dislike

Not the other one, from Friends.

Comment by

Scoopster on 05/24/2012 18:16:41

It truly AMAZES me how many fucking people are miseducated, uneducated or simply fucking ignorant as to how goverment works in this country... and then they have the nerve to stand up and whine about how government doesn't work?

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 18:20:32

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

BTW, it what? A St. Ronnie of Santa Barbara bio pic?

In defense of actors from the UK playing presidents, Sir Anthony Hopkins doesn't look a lick like Dick Nixon, but he was epic playing him in Stone's "Nixon." He caught Nixon's stiff akward sweatiness perfectly

Only half heard it - even had Cusack playing Nixon and Matt M. playing Kennedy - just seemed like weird casting of presidents

Matthew McConaughey as Kennedy???? Isn't sort of the male version of your least favorite actress?

Julia "can't act" Roberts? hmmm, I put him in the same category as Keanu Reeves - can't really act but sometimes there are glimpses of something better.

She is a category unto herself in my dislike

Not the other one, from Friends.

oohhh Ainston - she can't act either, just below Roberts in talent - Matt M & Keanu still better then either of them

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 18:22:06

Quote by livingonli:
Hi everyone. Good thing no one puts me in charge because I would just take a nap while everyone raids the fridge.

you'd have to put the kitty in charge

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 18:40:15

Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

BTW, it what? A St. Ronnie of Santa Barbara bio pic?

In defense of actors from the UK playing presidents, Sir Anthony Hopkins doesn't look a lick like Dick Nixon, but he was epic playing him in Stone's "Nixon." He caught Nixon's stiff akward sweatiness perfectly

Only half heard it - even had Cusack playing Nixon and Matt M. playing Kennedy - just seemed like weird casting of presidents

Matthew McConaughey as Kennedy???? Isn't sort of the male version of your least favorite actress?

Julia "can't act" Roberts? hmmm, I put him in the same category as Keanu Reeves - can't really act but sometimes there are glimpses of something better.

She is a category unto herself in my dislike

Not the other one, from Friends.

oohhh Ainston - she can't act either, just below Roberts in talent - Matt M & Keanu still better then either of them

Given the right director and the right co-stars matt m and Keanu can do a pretty good job. Anniston actually gave a good performace in "Horrible Bosses" as the sexual harrassing dentist. She gets to spout lines that you would never think of her saying.

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 18:42:31

Quote by Scoopster:
It truly AMAZES me how many fucking people are miseducated, uneducated or simply fucking ignorant as to how goverment works in this country... and then they have the nerve to stand up and whine about how government doesn't work?

Whatta mook. Good job in schooling him, Scoop.

Comment by

Scoopster on 05/24/2012 18:56:46

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Scoopster:
It truly AMAZES me how many fucking people are miseducated, uneducated or simply fucking ignorant as to how goverment works in this country... and then they have the nerve to stand up and whine about how government doesn't work?

Whatta mook. Good job in schooling him, Scoop.

Heh he wasn't done.. guy trucked out the "SSI is going bankrupt" myth.. I had fun taking the beatstick to him on that one.

Oh and wtf?? "It's called insurance because that's how FDR originally tried to sell the Supreme Court on it."

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/24/2012 19:06:25

Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
I can't see Hans Gruber or Snape playing Reagan

BTW, it what? A St. Ronnie of Santa Barbara bio pic?

In defense of actors from the UK playing presidents, Sir Anthony Hopkins doesn't look a lick like Dick Nixon, but he was epic playing him in Stone's "Nixon." He caught Nixon's stiff akward sweatiness perfectly

Only half heard it - even had Cusack playing Nixon and Matt M. playing Kennedy - just seemed like weird casting of presidents

Matthew McConaughey as Kennedy???? Isn't sort of the male version of your least favorite actress?

Julia "can't act" Roberts? hmmm, I put him in the same category as Keanu Reeves - can't really act but sometimes there are glimpses of something better.

She is a category unto herself in my dislike

Not the other one, from Friends.

oohhh Ainston - she can't act either, just below Roberts in talent - Matt M & Keanu still better then either of them

Given the right director and the right co-stars matt m and Keanu can do a pretty good job. Anniston actually gave a good performace in "Horrible Bosses" as the sexual harrassing dentist. She gets to spout lines that you would never think of her saying.

Only reason to see that movie would be for Kevin Spacey - he plays a jackass boss to perfection - ie Swimming with Sharks

Comment by

Scoopster on 05/24/2012 19:11:10

Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Given the right director and the right co-stars matt m and Keanu can do a pretty good job. Anniston actually gave a good performace in "Horrible Bosses" as the sexual harrassing dentist. She gets to spout lines that you would never think of her saying.

Only reason to see that movie would be for Kevin Spacey - he plays a jackass boss to perfection - ie Swimming with Sharks

Oh man Horrible Bosses is pants-pissing hilarious!

Comment by

Mondobubba on 05/24/2012 19:15:08

Quote by Scoopster:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Given the right director and the right co-stars matt m and Keanu can do a pretty good job. Anniston actually gave a good performace in "Horrible Bosses" as the sexual harrassing dentist. She gets to spout lines that you would never think of her saying.

Only reason to see that movie would be for Kevin Spacey - he plays a jackass boss to perfection - ie Swimming with Sharks

Oh man Horrible Bosses is pants-pissing hilarious!

Whoever thought Jennifer Anniston would say the line, "I want you fuck my slutty mouth!"

Comment by

livingonli on 05/24/2012 19:26:36

Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by livingonli:
Hi everyone. Good thing no one puts me in charge because I would just take a nap while everyone raids the fridge.

you'd have to put the kitty in charge

She just hid under the bed when she heard the lawn mower outside.

Comment by

BobR on 05/25/2012 01:31:24

The Eagle has landed in Charlotte, NC. Dinner and a swim have been done, and laziness is setting in quickly...

Comment by

BobR on 05/25/2012 01:32:04

Mala - I guess you are on Deck for tomorrow morning.

Comment by

wickedpam on 05/25/2012 02:02:54

Quote by BobR:
Mala - I guess you are on Deck for tomorrow morning.

yep - got it covered

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Yes Blame Both....
Author: Raine Date: 05/24/2012 12:53:04

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Yes Blame Both.... Author: Raine Date: 05/24/2012 12:53:04

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Yes Blame Both....
Author: Raine Date: 05/24/2012 12:53:04