BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos

Subject: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Wesley S
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:56 AM

I love to listen to the radio talk show host that I find on my AM radio. If you want bizarre theories – this is the place to find them. One of the strangest is Michael Savage. I started listening to him after he made some comments about autism – he said these kids just need to be told forcefully to shape up and snap out of it.

Savage Nation Radio


Just last night on my way home I heard the following in the space of about 15 minutes:

There is a Marxist conspiracy afoot in America. About thirty or forty years ago they infiltrated the Catholic Church with radical gay people. Not regular gay people – radicals. And their job was to destroy from within using the lawsuits that would result from their molestations. That would bankrupt the church both financially and morally.

Obama was chosen almost at birth to complete this Marxist plan. He's not an FDR type of liberal. He plans to take control as a dictator after he's in office. After he assumes control of the media he will start the executions. He'll start with the moderate Democrats and then move onto the conservatives. We can expect about 25 million to be killed. And the go-between is William Ayers. He travels to Havana and Venezuela on a regular basis to carry messages from the Marxists back to Obama.

These folks are serious. As delusional as all of this sounds there are a lot of folks out there that buy into all of this. I listen to these shows with my mouth hanging open. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. But I feel I need to keep in tough with these people to see what the other side is thinking and saying. If Obama gets elected – and I'm pretty sure he will – these folks aren't going to go away. That's the type of thing he'll have to put up with now.

Does anyone else listen to these shows? Do you have any similar theories or stories to share about what these folks are thinking and talking about?

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:59 AM

So Obama the Muslim was chosen at birth by the Catholic Church to...sorry I lost track.
I can't abide these programs especially when I am driving. Makes me nuts!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Wesley S
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:12 PM

Ya gotta keep up. It's the Marxists doing all of this. And remember - this isn't the folks who call in that are handing out these theories - it's the host of the program.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Bee
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:13 PM

Go read some of the RaptureReady forum threads. I never knew so many delusional people existed until I started clicking around that site when bored. When they are in chat mode, just talkin' daily stuff, they sound pretty normal, but then there's the rest...

Obama: not the antiChrist, though they had been excited earlier about the possibility, but he's preparing the way!

Middle East total war: Bring it ON! The Rapture will occur right away!

Pets: Who's going to feed my poor Muffin and Angel when I'm Raptured?

Night Clothes: Wear somethin' nice, Jesus is coming.

Guns: Own lots! And lots of food and ammo - if you get Raptured before you use it, the unsaved who are going to suffer horribly during the Tribulations and who are my daughter/son/mother/aunt martha will get to use it. make sure you leave them lots of TRACTS!

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Amos
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:26 PM

It raises the question: given that we have such a huge national reserve of stupidity and delusion, is their some way we can convert it into energy? We could declare independence from foreign oil in no time.

And if you don't like that idea (which smacks of enforced labor), how about this one: what are the roots of this kind of blindness, and what can be doen to lift the standards for acceptable human intelligence? IS there a remedy to this sort of vulgar madness?


A

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Riginslinger
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:31 PM

All you need to do is to bring back the "Fairness Doctrine" and they all go away.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: jeffp
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:32 PM

As somebody once said, it's a real shame that stupidity doesn't itch.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Amos
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:33 PM

Idiot wind, blowin' thru the buttons of your coats
Blowin' thru the letters that you wrote
Idiot wind, blowin' thru the dust upon your shelves
We're idiots, babe
It's a wonder we can even feed ourselves.


(B. Dylan)

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Sawzaw
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:37 PM

I nominate Al Franken for this group.

Franken: "Norm Coleman voted against funding for the Violence Against Women Act," she said. "He ought to be ashamed."

Franken: "I give the pills to Lesley Stahl. Then when Lesley's passed out, I take her to the closet and rape her. That's why you never see Lesley until February. When she passes out I put her in various positions and take pictures of her."

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Bee
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:40 PM

In many cases, education and better jobs might help. As an example, a lot of the RR people who listen to this weird radio stuff and read the online equivalents are poorly educated, often did not finish HS or went to very bizarre religiously inclined schools. Some are middle class through commendably having started their own businesses, but they are facing hard times now and frightened. Most seem to be very poor and perennially anxious, and often have some illness in the family.

They see themselves as a special class of people, the saved - everybody else has got it wrong - and everything they see, hear, read is interpreted as a sign of the nearness of the Rapture. Yet they are frequently depressed, sad, not getting along with spouses, children, family.

I started, a couple years ago, amused by their delusions, and ended by feeling profoundly sorry about the continued hardship and fear they seem to bring on themselves.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Amos
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 12:44 PM

You would be better advised to provide context to your silly excerpts, Sawz.

You are talking about something Franken is alleged to have said in describing a proposed SNL skit in 1995. But you are trying to make it sound like it reflects his actual character in the present, or that it was somehow connected to reality instead of far-out comedy proposals.

This is disingenuous and unfair of you.


A

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 01:08 PM

Sorry, but I have to agree with Sawz about Franken. He was 55 years old when he came up with the skit. While he may have gone through some sort of change, you do have to wonder why. Did he become "poltically corrrect" because he had polticial motivations.    Sure, comedy is subjective and I have nothing against dark humor and satire, but it is NOT unfair to consider everything about an individual before we form an opinion.

Also, it is not a question about his qualifications for public office - that is for voters to decide. This discussion was about "radio talk show whackos" and Al Franken WAS a whacko. All of these so-called political talk show hosts are nothing but amateur comedians and entertainers.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 01:17 PM

If Franken is weird and a whacko, what do we think about Minnesota voters who may elect him, and who already elected a pro wrestler as governor?

Franken is not your average candidate, to be sure...but *IF* he is elected, I'll bet he walks a much gentler path.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Riginslinger
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 01:19 PM

Well, a lot of folks think the wrestler did a pretty good job.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 02:05 PM

And a lot did NOT think so. I kinda wish the wrestler had been re-elected...I wanted to promote a grudge match between him & Schwartzenegger.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Riginslinger
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 02:07 PM

Getting back to the subject, though, wasn't it Reagan's refusal to re-authorize the Fairness Doctrine that launched Rush Limbaugh? And if it were to be put back into play, wouldn't it go a long ways toward shutting down right-wing radio?

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Alice
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 02:22 PM

I know about the shows, Wesley, but can't stand to listen to them.
They are on the Clear channel network that has pretty much taken over the AM radio dial across the USA. Wikipedia has an interesting page on Clear channel communications.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Wesley S
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 02:32 PM

I have no interest in shutting down the shows at all. This is a land of free speech after all. But I think it's wise to be informed on what other people are thinking. Even if it's people you disagree with.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: jeffp
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 02:37 PM

Especially if it's people you disagree with.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 02:57 PM

" what do we think about Minnesota voters who may elect him, and who already elected a pro wrestler as governor? "

So how did that wrestler work out?


Seriously, I am not saying that people should not vote for Al Franken because of his previous job, but you cannot use an argument that his past does not matter.   Even more importantly, this was not a discussion of political candidates - it was a discusison of "radio talk show whackos". Franken was most assuredly part of that class - his voice just happened to come from the left side of the speaker.

You can be a whacko on the left or the right.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: pdq
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 02:59 PM

Pelosi Supports 'Fairness Doctrine'
by  John Gizzi

06/25/2008

"The speaker of the House made it clear to me and more than forty of my colleagues yesterday that a bill by Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) to outlaw the 'Fairness Doctrine' (which a liberal administration could use to silence Rush Limbaugh, other radio talk show hosts and much of the new alternative media) would not see the light of day in Congress during '08.  In ruling out a vote on Pence's proposed Broadcaster's Freedom Act, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA.) also signaled her strong support for revival of the 'Fairness Doctrine'-- which would require radio station owners to provide equal time to radio commentary when it is requested.

Experts say that the 'Fairness Doctrine', which was ended under the Reagan Administration, would put a major burden on small radio stations in providing equal time to Rush Limbaugh and other conservative broadcasters, who are a potent political force.  Rather than engage in the costly practice of providing that time, the experts conclude, many stations would simply not carry Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and other talk show hosts who are likely to generate demands for equal time.

At a breakfast hosted by the Christian Science Monitor yesterday, I asked Pelosi if Pence failed to get the required signatures on a discharge petition to get his anti-Fairness Doctrine bill out of committee, would she permit the Pence measure to get a floor vote this year.

'No', the Speaker replied, without hesitation.  She added that
'the interest in my caucus is the reverse' and that New York Democratic Rep. "Louise Slaughter has been active behind this [revival of the Fairness Doctrine] for a while now.'

Pelosi pointed out that, after it returns from its Fourth of July recess, the House will only meet for another three weeks in July and three weeks in the fall.  There are a lot of bills it has to deal with before adjournment, she said, such as FISA and an energy bill.

 'So I don't see it [the Pence bill] coming to the floor', Pelosi said.

'Do you personally support revival of the 'Fairness Doctrine?' I asked.

'Yes', the speaker replied, without hesitation..."

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 03:09 PM

"Reagan's refusal to re-authorize the Fairness Doctrine that launched Rush Limbaugh? "

It is a bit more complicated than that. As much as I would love to blame it soley on Reagan, the Fairness Doctrine was attacked almost since the day it was enacted in 1948. Journalists felt it restricted freedom of speech. However, you are 100% correct that the conservatives and libertarians offered the most vehement opposition to the Fairness Doctrine.

Yes, it is very true that the repeal of the doctrine led to people like Limbaugh rising to power, but I have always felt that if there were a similar voice from the left with the same talents they would found a home. Money talks, no matter what they voices are saying. A Rush Limbaugh from the left would have balanced things out, but there is no one that matches his skills.   I do not like Limbaugh, but his power to manipulate the media and the public is extraordinary.

There is some movement to bring back the Fairness Doctrine, and perhaps it will with a new administration.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Alice
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 03:14 PM

Yes, I agree that we have to listen to all sides of issues. I can only bear the hatefulness on Limbaugh for a few minutes and have to turn it off. I do read and listen to people's views from all sides of issues.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Riginslinger
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 04:15 PM

When "Air America" tried to launch a left wing talk source, it didn't work out. I think there are reasons for this that has nothing to do with the talent of Limbaugh.
             Limbaugh came along at the same time as the "car phone," and as I remember it, most of his callers were from people stuck in traffic with car phones. It grew from there, but it's mainly a commuter thing. People in houses probably have a television on, so they aren't listening to the radio.
             I suspect if there was a way to analyze it, it would boil down to demographic differences. People who commute to work in cars being more conservative that people on sub-ways or at home, or folks who simply listen to music.
             The other sucessful talk show people are mostly right wing as well - Hannity, O'Reilly, Savage, and etc.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 04:50 PM

Don't underestimate Limbaugh! Radio call-in shows were not unique and they existed LONG before Limbaugh started doing it. Cell phones may have changed it a bit, but I would be shocked if that could be proven as the reason.

Limbaugh came along as the country was shifting to the right. He was/is a master of manipulating the audience and making a person feel foolish for not agreeing with him. Limbaugh and the others you mentioned all learned this very early on, but the left had no one to counter-balance. For one thing, it is "anti-liberal" to attack with such hatred and lies.

Limbaugh and his cronies turned "liberal" into a 4 letter word and the left was afraid to combat them.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Riginslinger
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 05:16 PM

I was working in the Sacramento area where Limbaugh was when he got started. He was working as a disk jockey, but he began to make political comments on the air, and received a great number of fan calls and mail to the station for doing this.
                The reason he gave for being able to make comments like that on the air was because Reagan had refused to re-authorize the fairness doctrine. Otherwise, if he said something political, he would have had to have had someone else in the studio to offer a differing point of view.
                  Within a couple of weeks, the station had turned him loose with a talk show, and he never played music again.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 07:51 PM

Rigin - Limbaugh replaced Morton Downey on that station in 1984, and it was a talk show - not just a DJ show where he spun records. There were plenty of talk shows of the type at the time, but when the Fairness Doctrine was in effect, if you had a show that presented one point of view, you needed to offset it with another show that offered an alternate.

The Fairness Doctrine was torn down by the FCC starting in the 1985 - after years of complaints about the doctrine. It is true that it was a Reagan appointed FCC chairman - Mark Fowler, and in 1987 Reagan vetoed congressional legislation that would have forced the FCC to apply the doctrine again.

It is very true that the Fairness Doctrine went away it opened the floodgates and Limbaugh took full advantage of it.   His skill at manipulating audiences created an industry.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Riginslinger
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 09:13 PM

Well, I suspect you know more about it than I do, Ron. I wouldn't have known about it at all except there were a couple of right-wing-loonies working for the company that I went to work for at about that time, and if you went any where with either one of them, they'd always turn the radio to Limbaugh. I'm working with what I remember of what they told me.
                  They would come back to the office and just howl about what Limbaugh said or did, and none of it ever seemed very funny to me. When the Iran-Contra thing got started, they really got worked up.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 09:20 PM

Rigin - you are 100% correct that Limbaugh was really the first person to take advantage of what happened to the Fairness Doctrine, and it probably enabled the leash to be removed and he was able to spew his venom without fear of reprisal. What also happened was that in the late 90's, Limbaugh moved to New York and became syndicated, something that would not have happened if the Fairness Doctrine was still in effect.

Limbaugh is very skilled on radio, and he failed miserably on television. He mastered the skills that are required to convince an audience that he is speaking the truth - when he really talks out of his ass. Without the fairness doctrine, and more importantly - without a matching voice from the left, Limbaugh reigns.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Sawzaw
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 09:33 PM

I tried to listen to Franken on Air America one time and all he did was talk about farts.

I guess Amos prefers that sort if intellect over talking about issues.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Nov 08 - 11:17 PM

Yep. Let the clowns have their stage! America has just shown that there is hope and people can see through the pure bullshit that spills from their mouths.   Their numbers will dwindle, it might not happen overnight, but it will happen.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Riginslinger
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 08:25 AM

I remember when Bill Clinton first got elected, Rush Limbaugh was gleeful about all the material Clinton would generate--and he certainly did. Frankly, I think the detractors do better when the opposition is in power. They have something to squawk about every minute of every hour.
                   If the Fairness Doctrine comes back into play, it might have a dampening effect, but otherwise I think they'll just go on, unimpeded.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 09:21 AM

I think you are right about the detractors doing better when the opposition is in power. While a good journalist should always be asking tough questions and keeping the elected officials on their toes, it seems that the 24/7 world we now live in demands everything fast and first. It is the loudest voices that command attention and accuracy and accountability go out the window.

To be honest, I'm not sure where I stand on the Fairness Doctrine. On one hand the airwaves are public and all voices should be heard, but I'm not sure that a doctrine demanding an alternate view be presented is the right way to go. It is not an issue of free speech, but rather an issue of opportunity to enable speech. Worse than the loss of the Fairness Doctrine was the elimination of ownership rules which enabled a handful of owners to buy up all the stations. It used to be that you could not own more than one station in a market. Tough calls.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Wesley S
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 10:44 AM

The headline at Micheal Savages website today says:

McCain throws the presidency,
stealth Marxist ushered in

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Donuel
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 11:20 AM

A glib angry idiot finds job security by whiping up a crowd with strong emotions and fabricated facts.

Screaming a warning cry among any particular speicies will cause alarm. When the threats prove to be consistantly false those warning cries are gradually ignored.

The glib idiot waits for circumstances when any anger can be subverted to the advantage of his fear mongering techniques for his emplyer.

The best defense is to characterize the "Savage Rush to Inhanity" as a very sad example of people who live only for fear while thier personal lives are nearly always pathetic examples of a cycle of abuse and selfishness.

Subject: RE: BS: A.M. Radio talk show whackos
From: Riginslinger
Date: 05 Nov 08 - 09:19 PM

Personally, I don't know anything about any of the talk show hosts personal lives. Most of them seem to be very deeply steeped in religion. If we want to call religion abuse, I certainly wouldn't argue with that.