BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops

Subject: BS: Limbaugh aired at gov't expense to soldiers
From: Deda
Date: 03 Jun 04 - 11:44 PM

Rush Limbaugh's radio rant is played for the troops at taxpayer expense, spewing his fact-free garbage to service men and women around the world. I just got an email about this, and I sent an email to Rummy saying that I found it deeply offensive. (It's a mass emailing, but I added my own PS.) Here's the story. Below is a clip.
Nearly a million American soldiers and Department of Defense staff are able to hear Rush Limbaugh due to the generosity of the American taxpayer and partisan decision making by the Pentagon. A recently published story on Salon.com gives new meaning to the phrase "fair and balanced." Salon reports that Rush Limbaugh spews his blatantly partisan views (he's repeatedly called John Kerry a "gigolo" and has said that Democrats "hate this country," among other tidbits) daily on American Forces Radio. This airing of such extreme and hateful partisan content must stop immediately.

The first hour of Limbaugh's daily radio show is aired at taxpayer expense to provide "a touch of home" to our soldiers. Limbaugh's show, on which he recently compared the torture of Iraqi prisoners to fraternity pranks, called the abuse a "brilliant maneuver" and compared the photos of said abuse to "good old American pornography," is the only hour-long partisan political talk show to be broadcast daily to U.S. troops.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Amos
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 12:29 AM

Well, I signed it. He's really disgusticatin, isn't he?

A

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: TIA
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 01:14 AM

Signed it too.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Ebbie
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 01:26 AM

This is what I added to the message:

This country is already seriously polarized. The Rush Limbaugh show is partisan, at its best, and viciously divisive at its worst. Surely the men and women of the USA Armed Forces need and deserve inspiring and hopeful messages. The Rush Limbaugh show is inappropriate in this context.

Please rethink your position as to this matter.

Sincerely,

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: GUEST,Allan S.
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 09:30 AM

Who are we who sit here in comfort to decide what a man who may die tomorrow what to listen to. That one may like or dislike Rush is not the question. What bothers me is the fact that one may right or left and then insist that all must agree with their view.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 10:26 AM

Rush isn't right... He isn't partisan... His view isn't compasionate... and, He lies. He smears good people, and touts "good old American porn", which is insidious in it's disgusting availability... What a creep!

Anyone who tries to justify the prevailance of porn in America is seriously disturbed emotionally, and should be banned from the airwaves, if not criminally tried.

This is a nationwide scandal, that affects the world... and is being maintained with a shrug of the shoulders by Bush's 'christianity'.

Seeing him sit with the Pope was really odd...
ttr

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 11:56 AM

As quoted in this thread, Limbaugh said speaking about America, "Democrats hate this country."

In reality, generally from my experience as a Democrat, we hate what this country has become under this administration.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Amos
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 12:43 PM

Who are we who sit here in comfort to decide what a man who may die tomorrow what to listen to

We were talking about what the government should provide as options, not what the listeners should choose. I think it untroward of the government to provide divisive, hate-filled jingoism as a routine fare.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 12:56 PM

"...a man who may die tomorrow"

Is there anyone whom that doesn't describe?

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Amos
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 01:00 PM

As with state and church, the best government will strive to firmly separate state and hatred.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Deda
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 01:16 PM

If soldiers want to listen to Rush, that's their perogative -- but not on MY nickel, thanks. They can probably get him on-line, or however they can. I just don't want public tax money to pay for that garbage. If the government wants to provide the folks in uniform with "a taste of home" then let them broadcast golden oldies, or the CNN coverage of the house and senate.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: DougR
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 01:26 PM

HORRORS!

I suppose you all would find it acceptable for the troops to hear Al Franken's raving, though, right?

It's a given that any of the troops who do not care to listen don't have to.

Uh, could the stand you are taking (urging that the troops be deprived from hearing Limbaugh)be catergorized as censorship? Methinks so.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: emjay
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 01:43 PM

I write this as I am listening to Al Franken's Air America, but I don't propose the US Government provide it or Rush Limbaugh to those in Iraq. For a taste of home how about Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion? Or how about music without commentary?
Yes, I suppose taking Rush away might be censorship, but god knows there has got to be some way of countering his lies. His name calling, his harsh and cruel ranting, his meanness are all so far from mainstream, but he is not the only one. I have heard that Dr. Laura, James Dobson, others are also on Armed Forces Radio, while a daily two minutes of Jim Hightower's commentary is the only voice for the other side. I would suggest the problem is a lot bigger than possibly censoring Limbaugh.
Does anyone remember Axis Sally or Tokyo Rose? Or Joseph McCarthy?

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: TIA
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 02:00 PM

DougR-

I agree with you. Would you approve of putting Al Franken on in order to provide the troops with a balanced set of choices?

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: JedMarum
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 02:07 PM

Who decides for me what balance is? That's my choice, right? It is not up to a person or committee in a position of leadership to formulate for me what balance is. I will always make that choice for myself - and I certain the soldiers in harms way will do the same.

As for Rush - he is greatly loved and respected by a the military, on the whole. Of course they should have the choice of listening to him, if they wish - even if you and I might not choose to. Likewise with Al Franken - or any other popular radio show host; if enough servicemen want it, they have it - and I'd be happy to pay for it out my taxes.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 02:14 PM

Doesn't this count as "cruel and unusual punishment"?

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: JedMarum
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 02:39 PM

LOL, McGrath!

Only, I suppose if it's forced on you!

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 03:11 PM

I have to agree with DougR on this one. It is rather hypocritical to deny Limbaugh(who I think is an incredible liar and hypocrit) the opportunity to broadcast to troops or anyone. Armed Forces Radio also carries NPR. Would they get the ax as well?

Sure, I think Limbaugh is a hate monger of sorts and he spews his lies to his drones each day. His craft has been honed by help from Roger Ailes who has turned Fox News into a huge success story. I would love to Limbaugh off the air - but only by having his ratings drop to the point where nobody is listening anymore.

Instead of fighting to have Limbaugh denied the opportunity to be on Armed Forces Radio, fight for the opportunity for Air America to get on it.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 03:30 PM

I'm in. I signed it.

I concur. Rush is okay PROVIDED they also offer Al Franken.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: beardedbruce
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 03:54 PM

And what to balence NPR? Al-Jazera?

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: artbrooks
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 04:20 PM

To balance NPR? But NPR is the most balanced news program in existence today! I have yet to hear them say a rude or clearly untrue thing about either Mr. Bush or Mr. Kerry, and they seem to cover stories in an articulate and intelligent manner.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: beardedbruce
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 04:29 PM

And Al-jazera has nothing but rude things to say... See my point?

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 04:30 PM

But Art, that's the problem with NPR. These days, giving the actual news "in an articulate and intellegent manner" is what can get you branded as a fire-breathing member of the "liberal media."

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: TIA
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 04:31 PM

If your point is that total unbalance balances balance, yes I do see your point.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: beardedbruce
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 04:32 PM

Have to give people a choice, to be fair...

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: DougR
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 05:57 PM

TIA: yes I would. Let them hear both Limbaugh and Franken if they want to.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Once Famous
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 05:57 PM

If you look at in in terms of morale, Al Franken would be detrimental.

True, Rush is a big fat liar, but he will never hurt the morale of the troops there. Just like any where else, smart people will decide for themselves and sort out the bullshit.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 05:59 PM

I note that Limbaugh has gone on public record as saying that what went on in Abu Ghraib is a trivial matter. To balance that kind of extreme you'd perhaps need Osama Bin Laden.

The notion that you achieve balance by pitting extreme nutcases against each other is a bit questionable.

My impression is that what anywhere else would be seen as moderate or centrist views have got successfully branded, by some influential people in America, as constituting a kind of extremism.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: DougR
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 06:03 PM

I guess what "is" liberal, and what "is" conservative is largely in the eye of the beholder. It is my opinion that NPR leans way to the left in it's programming and it's news. Art/Don: if you think NPR is unbiased, I've got some ocean-front property here in Arizona etc. etc.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 06:35 PM

I wouldn't know about NPR. But the impression I get is that what we would call centrist, or even moderate conservative views, seem to be seen as leftwing in the USA, and that what you would call moderate or centrist views would be counted here as markedly rightwing.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 06:46 PM

To use a musical analogy, it's as if a country adopted a convention in which the only acceptable singing were Bass and Baritone. Singing low would mean singing Bass, singing high would mean singing Baritone. Tenors and above would be regarded as just screeching, not singing.

I think that would not be a country with a musical culture that was wholly above criticism. (And I'm not suggesting that people who were happiest singing Bass should feel obliged to sing Tenor, or anything like that - just that the range of singing voices is a bit wider than just Bass and Baritone.)

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 06:58 PM

Saying it is one thing. believing it is another, but doing it is totaly wrong BECAUSE that is how fascism of varying kinds began.

If you think one narco fascist pig preaching to an army of occupation is not wrong you need you head testing! even if both pig and army is American.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: beardedbruce
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 06:58 PM

True- but the problem is to know which country is which...

From where I stand, I see an endless array of extremists off to the left, and an equally endless array of extemists off to the right. I consider myself a memeber of the radical middle.

The left says I am right, and the right says I am wrong...

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: GUEST,TIA
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 10:30 PM

DougR-

You dah man... we see eye to eye on this one...except that if you think Fox News is unbiased I'll trade you my oceanfront in PA for your oceanfront in AZ.

TIA

P.S.

You anywhere near Flag' ?    I'm visiting NAU in August.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 10:43 PM

Just an aside prompted by something said in this thread:

Tokyo Rose was a very nice person from my experiences with her. She had a Japanese import shop on Belmont Avenue in Chicago when I was in high school -- 1956-1959 -- and I'd go in and we'd talk. Her real name was IDA TAGURI. She was an American of Japanese ancestry who went back to Japan to take care of an ailing mother---then all hell broke loose as the war transpired. She was given the choice of doing the broadcasts or death. There was prison time earlier if I'm remembering right.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 11:08 PM

If you look at in in terms of morale, Al Franken would be detrimental.

Al Franken has gone to Iraq and performed live for the troops. I'm sure that if the brass thought his message was detrimental to morale he would have never been allowed on stage.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Two_bears
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 11:28 PM

Rush Limbaugh's radio rant is played for the troops at taxpayer expense, spewing his fact-free garbage to service men and women around the world. I just got an email about this, and I sent an email

Deda: If the troups had not asked for the show to be aired; it would NOT be aired.

which he recently compared the torture of Iraqi prisoners to fraternity pranks, called the abuse a "brilliant maneuver" and

Deda: I will confirm that Rush compared the abuse of Iraqi enemy combatants with a fraternity prank.

Two Bears

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Two_bears
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 11:30 PM

This country is already seriously polarized. The Rush Limbaugh show is partisan, at its best, and viciously divisive at its worst. Surely the men and women of the USA Armed Forces need and deserve inspiring and hopeful messages. The Rush Limbaugh show is inappropriate in this context.

It's appropriate material for the troups if the troups request that the show be aired.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Two_bears
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 11:33 PM

Anyone who tries to justify the prevailance of porn in America is seriously disturbed emotionally, and should be banned from the airwaves, if not criminally tried.

Excuse me Thomas; but there IS such a thing as freedom of speech called the first ammendment

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Two_bears
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 11:45 PM

I guess what "is" liberal, and what "is" conservative is largely in the eye of the beholder. It is my opinion that NPR leans way to the left in it's programming and it's news. Art/Don: if you think NPR is unbiased, I've got some ocean-front property here in Arizona etc. etc.

I agree completely.

NPR constantly tries to evoke their listeners EMOTIONS instead of using logic and reason.

NPR is further left than CNN, and MSNBC.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 05 Jun 04 - 12:18 AM

Twa bears... "Good old American porn" is an expression of 'free speach' like rape is good lovemaking. And while we're at it, "Freedom of the press" in America is currently a perrogative for one sided reporting, propaganda, and a heafty slant to the Bush.

America is far to the right, right or wrong...
ttr

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 05 Jun 04 - 12:29 AM

Yes, it is just a matter of perspective. Any news organization that refers to George W. Bush as "President" instead of "former Texas Governor" or "usurper of the Presidency" or "chickenhawk warmonger" isn't liberal enough to suit me.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Donuel
Date: 05 Jun 04 - 12:36 AM

To fire up volunteer troops with someone other than Rush is a tall order. Face it, a steady diet of Billy Graham wouldn't cut it.

To some people, I suppose that a well reasoned factual NPR report will effectively move the heart and mind.
But that does not mean it is leftist... Unless one accepts that only a biblical quote coupled with hateful rhetoric and vengence against the traitors who do not support a corporate military government is the only kind of report that feels good to them.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Deda
Date: 05 Jun 04 - 12:59 AM

Is anyone seriously suggesting that in order to "balance" a statement that "The sky is blue", you'd have to give equal time to someone who insists that it's actually maroon? Rush Limbaugh's constant distortion of the facts, his assertive dissemination of total fabrications, are matters of record. Why does a blue-faced liar need to be "balanced" by anyone or anything? As for his popularity -- well, I understand that "Mein Kampf" sold pretty well in its day.

And if the soldiers in Iraq put in a request to live on a steady diet of MacDonald's french fries and chocolate bars, would they get it? And would I have an option of not letting my tax money go to pay for it?

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: LadyJean
Date: 05 Jun 04 - 01:31 AM

Franken regularly brings raunchy humor and attractive women to Americans overseas, while Rush Limbaugh is lolling around the south of France, smoking expensive cigars. Our troops would probably enjoy hearing Franken on Armed Forces Radio. He's the one who brings them the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Limbaugh is more interested in Oxycontin than cheerleaders, more fool he.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Greg F.
Date: 05 Jun 04 - 09:01 AM

NPR constantly tries to evoke their listeners EMOTIONS instead of using logic and reason

As opposed to the the erudite Mr. Limbaugh.

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Don Firth
Date: 06 Jun 04 - 02:56 AM

Thanks, Doug, but I'll pass on the Arizona ocean front property. By the way, how do you happen to have it to sell? Buy it from Bill O'Reilly?

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: kendall
Date: 06 Jun 04 - 09:04 AM

Hitler's Minister of Propaganda must be smiling.(Not sure how to spell Goebbles)

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: DougR
Date: 06 Jun 04 - 02:45 PM

Don: as you wekk know, it's just a figure of speech.

TIA: If you are coming to Arizona in August, you picked the right place to go to. I live in Phoenix which is about 140 miles south of Flagstaff. The big difference is elevation though. Phoenix is around 2400 ft. above sea level. Flagstaff is around 6500.

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Rush Limbaugh is aired to US troops
From: Ebbie
Date: 06 Jun 04 - 03:06 PM

The statement that Limbaugh is 'greatly loved and respected' by military men reminds me unpleasantly of the testosterone-driven, oxygen-deprived military people who assaulted the Mudcat some time back. I hope neither is representative of the military as a whole.