I don't know how to feel about Randi Rhodes

[Symarip]

I debate even posting this because certain topics are simply taboo but sometimes you feel the need to say something even if you're all alone. I know that with what I'm about to write, I may very well be typing this to myself.

I don't expect anyone to agree, or disagree for that matter, with this post but my head seems to be at odds with itself in a bad way. I feel the need to express what's going on inside of me so I might understand or maybe other people may help me understand why I'm so confused. I hope I am speaking to those that have the where with all to know that I'm not attempting to shill for a cause or decry a particular candidate. If you believe that I have other motives, I should hope you ignore the rest of these words after this sentence. I'm trying to be as human as possible - to a point where I don't know where to even begin. Tonight, I've felt a lot of energy from this heated debate about words; y'know, those strange sounds we communicate with. And I find myself torn. Torn to a point where all I can do is document in words, with words, what's going on inside this little noggin of mine.

I realize there are hurtful words in the world. Words that are used to demean and anger and hurt people. Words so vile, they cut through the core of your soul and make you feel less of the person for knowing what those words meant. And there are words that express affection and love, peace and understanding, reconciliation and healing, and everything in between. We communicate using these sounds that come out of our mouths to express the inner workings of our brain, body, and soul. But herein lies my affliction: words are just sound we mimic. I can say every word ever uttered from another man's mouth and without meaning, they are meaningless. And because of this, they are open to interpretation; not just the person who lets noise pass through their lips, for they are attempting to convey thoughts and feelings, but also to the person who receives the signal with their ears and decipher this noise into language they understand using their brains.

My problem is that what I say and what you hear may be two different things. The problem is words can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on the speaker, the intent, the situation, society, etc. Some of us may say something sarcastic while the others may hear it as a literal statement. Someone could say something in ignorance while the next person may read it as malicious. Someone could say something they feel is right but the next guy or girl thinks its wrong, solely based on their knowledge of vocabulary. And then there's society with it's rules and regulations which are constantly changing and where no one in particular is an expert. All this coupled with regionalism and race and class and religion, it's a wonder we can even get anything done. Gheez, it could make your head spin, right?

So what's this all leading to? Here's my dilemma: I don't know how to feel about Randi Rhodes.

Let me first say that I haven't heard Randi on the air in at least a year. And when I did hear her, she wasn't necessarily my favorite. But, I've also had the fortune of meeting her and she's an absolute sweetheart. I gave her a big hug after a publicity stunt in San Diego and she signed an autograph to me that read, 'You're my last guy tonight'. I'll never forget that. She's also said some things on the air that pissed me off - not necessarily because of the language she was using, afterall it was on the radio, but the ideas she was trying to convey. I honestly try to judge people not on the words they use but the images, feelings and emotion they try to attach to those words. In a perfect world, I'd like to think we could communicate on pure intent, emotion and thought. Then we could bypass all this silliness. Alas, we are not so fortunate. Of course, certain words are societies no-no: nigger, spic, faggot, cunt, etc. They truly are despicable and horrific. But to strip away the angry intention and inflection of these words would only leave them to either their true definition, if one even exists. Beyond that, they're just noise that comes out of your mouth. No different than a tree falling in the woods.

Part of me feels that Randi was doing shtick; a comedy bit. To hold her in contempt would be to hold Chris Rock or Howard Stern or Bill Maher to the same fire. Without a doubt they are just as rash, just as vulgar, just as vile in language as Randi was but they are accepted far more. When they talk taboo, it doesn't seem to bother me. Sadly, and maybe a reflection of my own bias, I was slightly bothered by some of what Randi did have to say. But then I also think, this was her point. Comedians, writers, musicians and artists use a medium to stretch our limits and push our imaginations. And sometimes only for that moment in time because in any other context, it would be meaningless.

Part of me wonders, is it the actual words Randi used that were so harmful? Was it the fact she called someone, another woman, a 'whore' on stage? I find that I really want to say 'yes' to my own questions, but to say so would be to make myself a liar. I might be less sensitive than my neighbor because in truth, I've called plenty of women and men whores with my mouth and, more importantly, in my head. I interpret that word to mean more of a sellout, especially when put into context of politics and society. Maybe the same way a black person refers to another black person as a 'nigga'. I know it may be uncomfortable to think about, but to say it doesn't happen would be ignoring the simplest of truths: it happens. And trust me, I'm not saying it's right. Nor am I saying it's wrong. Fuck, I don't know what I'm trying to say.

Part of me wonders, did she get in trouble for what she said, or who she said it about? The answer, sadly, is pretty apparent. And that bothers me immensely. Even if I disagree with every single word Randi said on that stage, if she wasn't on the air for the FCC to judge and fine her parent company then she has every right in the world to say it, whether you agree or disagree. That, regardless of how you feel, is the essence of free speech and why it's so important. Free speech does none of us any good when we agree on everything being said. It's the idea of disagreement and dissent and opposing points of view which makes free speech so appealing. A bigot has every right to speak his mind and it's none of our place to stop him. It's our right to tell him to shut the hell up but just as he can say his piece, so can I. At the end of the day, in my heart of hearts, I don't think she should have been suspended for saying whats on her mind.

And so, I'm confused. Again, I'm not trying to defend or burn anyone at the stake. I really am confused on how to feel about what Randi said and what's been done to her. I find speech and the way we communicate fascinating and a major headache, all at once. But I also feel better for being able to get this out in the open and allowing other people maybe to comment on something that I might be missing or their own experiences and interpretation. Thanks to all those that read this far.

[DarienComp]

1. this is a really honest and heartfelt post

and I sincerely hope that you don't get stomped on over it.

[rasputin1952]

2. She was doing a comedy show, she said nothing worse

that Lewis Black woould have said, or any of a host of others in comedy.

She is being pilloried because there are some who do not like her, and some of those think no one else should either.

there have been many a pompous post about this situation, and the bottom line is that either you like her or you don't. Some people want to prefer their opinions upon others.

[rusty quoin]

3. It was comedy and I wish she hadn't said it.

She doesn't do stuff like that on her show. I can't figure out how she could seperate the two.

[DarienComp]

5. I'll bet she would if she were on satellite radio

exclusively satellite radio, that is.

[rasputin1952]

8. But she did say it, and now it is all over the place as some sort

crusade. It shouldn't be, it should be forgotten.

Like I said in another thread about this, she said something on a stage that got laughs from the audience, big deal. Other talk show hosts get laughs as well for equally, or more "damning" stuff.
Absolutely no one had to click on the link to watch her, but a lot of people did. Then they rise up in righteous indignation about something that pales compared to other things that have been said recently by a dozen or more comedians.

I find it fascinating to watch, tells me a lot about people...:)

[niceypoo]

156. The last time I listened to her...

Was right after the stupid statement made by Geraldine Ferraro and Randi sounded exactly like Ann Coulter or savage. She was saying things like, "Women shouldn't be allowed to run for office because their hormones arent made for it" and all kinds of other vile, biggoted crap. It was as if she was letting us look at what really lies within her heart, and it was quite crude, distasteful and extremely hateful. A Hillary supporter called her and Randi attacked her and called her names for supporting Hillary, it went on and on and on. It made me sad because, up to that point, I had adored always adored her. Hate has no place in the democratic party. I really don't wish to ever hear her again if this is what she is really like. I have never heard her talk about republicans in that crude a manor before, apparently that sort of venom is reserved for fellow Democrats. If I want to hear negative cheap shots, all I have to do is dial up savage, Limbaugh, or some other hateful right wing tool.

I haven't listened to her since and ever since then it has felt like there are three republicans in this race. Hillary, and her supporters, making stupid statements, Obama inspiring hatred in his followers (how or why I will never understand) and McCain the Bush clone. Pick your poison, baby.

[Clintonista2]

11. Haha yea, it was just hilarious

Almost as hilarious as coulter, savage, and imus.

[rasputin1952]

27. But you don't have to listen to them either...

and that's the point.

Why the outrage?

You can post about your outrage or dislike for RR, but why?

The whole point of the matter is that no one was forced to listen to her, unless one of us was in the theater at the time, we all went to the link and watched it on our own volition...how can one be angry at something they've done to themselves?

The realistic thing to do, is back out of it once you're offended...it was a show...just like South Park, Lil' Bush or anything else w/political undertones. Jon Stewart seems to mouth the word "fuck" a lot when talking about bush, I'm willing to bet even R's can find humor in that.

[Clintonista2]

104. Except that she wasn't doing comedy when she made the remarks

She was representing AAR.

[rasputin1952]

115. So what...that means nothing in the scheme of this situation...

except to those that hold the purse strings.

They are HRC supporters, nothing wrong w/that, but when they procure and distribute the video to get some "outrage" going, what does that tell you?

Seems to me, AA management is the real "whore" in all of this.

[Cleita]

12. Randi Rhode's bosses at AAR are Hillary supporters.

She hasn't been a Hillary supporter for several weeks now and has been very methodical in debunking what Hillary stands for on her show, word for word. I can imagine that the bosses are cringing but couldn't censor her because of the free speech thing that liberals espouse. It seems they caught her crossing the line so to speak in her routine, not on their air, but for an affiliate, in public, but not on any air. It smacks of classic witch hunt accompli to me.

[rasputin1952]

33. That is exactly what it is...

:)

[proud2BlibKansan]

127. BINGO!!

[saracat]

15. Randi was NOT doing a comedy show.She was representing AAR at a

fundraiser/ promotional event. She also appeared like she might have had a couple of drinks. She is not "in comedy" and it is outrageous to compare her to those who are. She is NOT lewis Black or Chris rock.She is a political talk show host and she was voicing her opinion. She used inflammatory and insulting language to describe a presidential candidate. She continued on to defame other women within her soliloquy. Imus had far more claim to using "comedy"' than rani does. And No one would defend Imus.This is NOT about disliking Randi. This is about protesting "casual sexism".

I have met randi and seen her perform at several of these events.This was no act, and this certainly wqasn't a "joke" .This is not excusable.

[rasputin1952]

31. So AA can make money off RR, but she can't speak out

when she wants to...kind of a one-way street there.

It all comes down to a couple of things, but one of the biggest is that 98% of the people who are posting agaisnt her, rarely, if ever, listen to her, but suddenly, there is this movement of outrage...I just don't get it.

Then again, it comes down to the targets of the expeltives...and we see more of why there is outrage.

[GoldieAZ49]

65. the money they make is from advertisers

it also pays RR paycheck, that kind of talk turns off advertisers and loses money

corporations are the big advertisers, so, who is the 'corporate whore'?

[rasputin1952]

67. Precisely...but to take it a step further, since we all work for

something or other, and most of us do it grudgingly, doesn't that make us all some kind of "whore"?

[GoldieAZ49]

68. yes it does

we all sell are time and talent to the highest bidder or best employer, some of us enjoy what we do and some don't

so RR doesn't have any room to talk when she is costing the company that pays her

[rasputin1952]

70. And neither do we, but we do...

We consider it our "right" to complain about business, politicians, our employers, and it is.

So why can't someone speak out against a public figure? We do it all the time, not just about bush, cheney and the people who are in control, but against those trying to gain control. Things written on DU about Obama and HRC are often incredibly vile. DU is open to the public to read, how does it make us look when we feign outrage at this one story, but fail to reconcile on our own site?

It is not so much as what she said, it is the way it is being portrayed by some people here and in other places. It is the notion that while some people are "outraged" by this, within 5 minutes, they are attacking another candidate with twice the force and 3x the language.

It comes down to a a few people using this "outrage" to inflame a situation that should have just drifted away, unseen, unheard...the same way people post vile things here, but fail to see them as such simply because they fall in line with what they want to see.

[Qanisqineq]

51. "She was representing AAR at a fundraiser/ promotional event."

and that is exactly why AAR had every right to suspend her. She wasn't on her own doing a comedy routine. She was representing AAR. I don't like what she said no matter where/when she said it.

[LittleClarkie]

82. But the OP brings up an interesting question. If she would have something on that same level about..

anyone else, would the reaction have been the same.

I do hope that her boss's choice of candidate did not enter into their decision, because that would be bogus.

But doesn't she represent AAR every day on her show? Has she said something comparable about Hillary, used that particular word, on the show? I'm asking because I too haven't listened to her in a while.

The standards they hold her up to should be even and apply no matter who she talks about, that's all I'm saying.

Not sure how we could test that, though.

[bagimin]

157. No offense but that WAS stand-up

did you have the audio off? How many times does she have to say that she'll happily vote for Hillary should she secure the nomination.
Clearly she was doing shtick albeit over the top.

[MonkeyFunk]

22. oh, I don't know

I think "fucking whore" is objectionable, regardless of one's preference of candidate.

[rasputin1952]

28. Once again, it was out there already...

no one had to watch it.

[MonkeyFunk]

46. No, no one HAD to watch it

but that's entirely beside the point.

It was an outrageous, offensive thing to say, and no one should be surprised that people were outraged and offended.

[rasputin1952]

55. The "outrage" is overblown, it is manufactured...

Where is the "outrage" when women are treated like trash every day?

Selective outrage is little more than a witch hunt.

[MonkeyFunk]

61. That a moderator

excuses calling one our candidates a "fucking whore" is saddening, and explains a lot.

[rasputin1952]

66. It is called perspective, and I can post as a member as well...

look all over GD-P...far more vile things are posted every day, by members of this community...where is the "outrage"?

Sadly, people just keep feeding the fires of hatred and mistrust, right here in our own community, but if someone says something outside of this community, that barely raises a hair on anyone's head, suddenly there is "outrage".

How many vile comments on a candidate do you read every day here? There are plenty of alerts, but a lot of the most vile are passed over. The outrage is manufactured...and now, even FOX news is using this as a battering ram to beat down the doors into the camp. We handed them this on a platter w/garnish, and a bold wine.

[MonkeyFunk]

108. My outrage isn't manufactured

it's real, it's sincere.

"fucking whore" is something worthy of real outrage.

[rasputin1952]

113. Then show that outrage when it is posted by member of DU...

that has a far deeper impact than this.

All over DU there are vicious posts by members, and people just walk on by...but if RR says something...the whole place goes ablaze.

If RR had said the exact same thing about Babs bush and Laura bush...the silence here would be deafening. This is "manufactured" to the extent of the targets, or else every time a spiteful nasty post were made, the same "outrage" should show.

That is why I find the whole thing somewhat spurious.

edited: spelling

[MonkeyFunk]

116. Umm.... do you READ my alerts?

I do show it regularly.

Unfortunately, calling Clinton a bitch, a whore and a cunt doesn't even get someone tombstoned unless they keep it up for two days. A thread called "I fucking HATE her" isn't locked for 8 hours. Now I understand why.


This is a Democratic board - I think it should be expected that we'd be outraged when someone calls a Democrat a "fucking whore".

[rasputin1952]

118. Speaking in general terms, do you alert when Coulter is called

a "whore"? Do you alert when other women are disparaged on the site?

I think all women deserve the same measure of respect, that their male counterparts receive. Why is it easy to call a male a "dickhead", and no outrage flows forth, but say something about HRC, and all hell breaks loose. Call Coulter a "bitch", and everyone chuckles away, but say something about HRC and the place goes ablaze.

To be honest, I don't like any of this ranting and raging...as long as ranting goes on, nothing gets accomplished, nothing gets set "right". Discussion works, but people can't see past the "rage" to have a discussion.

We're having a discussion, a pretty good one at that. We won't see eye to eye, but at least we're not beating each other over the head with maniacal diatribes. This is called progress...:)


Edit: lousy spelling...:blush:

[MonkeyFunk]

121. I have alerted repeatedly

on the constant "tranny" jokes about Coulter, and I call out the use of sexist epithets against anyone.

It's surreal that I'm having an argument with a mod over whether "fucking whore" is objectionable.

[rasputin1952]

129. Nothing surreal about it at all...

You've been here long enough to know what is posted on the Boards. Some of it is some pretty harsh stuff, some of it is pretty mild, and a lot has to do with how something is read and the context.

I wish people were more civil, but that is not the way it is sometimes.

Just wait until the circus starts for the GE, almost all of us will look back to this as, "The Good Old Days".

[MonkeyFunk]

131. Yes, I wish people were more civil, too

I thought we had mods to enforce the published civility rules, but now a mod is telling me that any objection I have to calling a woman a "fucking whore" is manufactured.

Sorry, but that IS surreal.

[rasputin1952]

133. Have it your way, you are not going to let go of the anger...

that is your wish.

There are an amazing amount of threads, articles, news, humor and discussion on DU. If you want to stay angry over this, that is your right. As I've said before, and will maintain, this is spurious...this is nothing compared to what's comeing down the pike, and that will be far more interesting than RR in a stand-up for 2-3 mins.

If this got you that angry, I have to warn you, when the RW starts digging into the nominee, be prepared for some real fireworks, it's not going to be pretty.

[MonkeyFunk]

135. I haven't expressed anger here

I've expressed sadness and no small degree of surprise that a mod thinks calling a woman a "fucking whore" isn't objectionable.

You've made your position very clear, and you won't be bothered by any more alerts from me pointing out sexism.

[rasputin1952]

137. That is an accusation that I don't care about sexism...

or an other type of ___ism, when in fact I do, in fact I care very much.

I expect that all members on DU will point out and alert on offensive material of a sexist or other nature. That is the responsible thing to do.

[MonkeyFunk]

138. well

we obviously have very different concepts of what constitutes offensive, sexist statements. If my objection to calling a woman a fucking whore is entirely manufactured, as you've said repeatedly, we're just not going to find common ground on the issue.

You have the obvious advantage in this debate, so I'll stop now.

[Maddy McCall]

144. I do. I alert any time I see her referred to as a whore or "Man Coulter."

There are so many legitimate reasons to criticize Coulter...resorting to homophobic or gender-based smears only shows immaturity and limited vocabulary.

I know y'all probably get sick of my alerts. If that's the case, then PM me and tell me. I'd rather be told upfront that I'm alerting too frequently than to see my alerts characterized in a thread as "false manufactured outrage."

[rasputin1952]

151. And that is the way is should go...and I agree wholeheartedly...

even w/Coulter, there are many levels she can be dealt with, gender should not be one of them.

But on the other hand, she has used her gender as "protection" as well, she is deft at wielding the double-edged sword.

[Maddy McCall]

145. I alert on any vicious attack...

regardless if it's against a Hillary or Obama supporter.

I thought that was what we were supposed to do.

:shrug:

[rasputin1952]

150. It is...

:)

And the vast majority of DU'ers don't post attacks, the ratio is pretty small.

[ronnykmarshall]

123. You mean like ignorant white fucks?

I called that out last night you locked my thread. Yet that thread stayed up.

What a load of shit.

[MonkeyFunk]

124. We just don't have the right "perspective"

Evidently, the right perspective is looking out from inside Obama's rectum.

[ronnykmarshall]

128. Oh that's it!

I guess the "I fucking hate her" thread was a sort of back up from within the O-Rectum that Hillary (the fucking whore) is some how standing in the path of the Hope wagon.

See? I can speak Obama.

[LostinVA]

78. Agreed -- I didn't like it yesterday or today

[Maddy McCall]

141. Some of us DO complain every time we see it.

I alert when I see any woman referred to as a whore, bitch, or cunt on DU.

I'm consistent.

[MonkeyFunk]

143. well now you know

your objection is just manufactured.

[Maddy McCall]

147. I've had regular members say that to me....

but now that a mod is saying it...a mod of this forum...I'm speechless.

That's probably a good thing...since the person who's made me speechless controls the ban button, and my sadness is "manufactured."

This thread leaves me with a dismal feeling.

:(

[Maddy McCall]

140. No one HAD to watch other bigots say deplorable things....

but I can show plenty of cases in which word spread about bigots saying stuff and DUers being offended about it.

One does not have to be in a room with a bigot to be angered at what he or she says.

[Kurovski]

112. John McCain is a fucking whore for war.

Seems rather to the point.

Oh, and thanks for your service to our country, Mr. McCain, but your bewildering behavior now is what makes you the greater bloody whore as you sell-out our troops to slaughter for cash and power.

[Maddy McCall]

139. Nor do I. It's inexcusable.

I don't really care one way about Rhodes. I've called her a blowhard since my first time to listen to her.

What's disappointing to me is that people at DU find nothing wrong with it, and go to illogical lengths to excuse what she said.

[maddiejoan]

52. She was at an AAR event

representing AAR.

They have every right to suspend Randi for her comments.

She was on their stage.

:shrug:

[proud2BlibKansan]

126. No she wasn't

It was an affiliate event. It was an invitation only fundraiser. She was not representing AAR and it wasn't their event. And her speech was the same one she had given many times in the past 6 months. She gave it on the AAR cruise and her boss was in the audience and laughed.

You really need to get the facts straight before you post.

[maddiejoan]

130. Oh My mistake!

It was a fundraising event for Obama.

That's actually WORSE.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4r2cc

[Symarip]

132. Maddie, I've always read your posts and respect you quite a bit

I guess we'll agree to disagree but I don't see the relevance of where she said it and who she said it to, nor am I defending her remarks. I get the feeling people are fighting over details and not over the bigger issues this type of action/reaction created.

[maddiejoan]

154. here's my take

Randi was paid to make an appearance as an AAR representative.

If this were the Government censoring her --I'd agree it was horrendous and inappropriate.

But it isn't --it's the company she works for sanctioning her for what they deem to be inappropriate comments made while on their dime.

[proud2BlibKansan]

134. Imagine! A political fund raiser where the opposing candidate is trashed!!

Wow!! How awful. And certainly has NEVER happened before.

:sarcasm:

You guys continually act like you have never worked on a political campaign before. Your naive posts are almost comical.

[maddiejoan]

155. so you think it's appropriate

to call Hillary a 'fucking whore'?

I can't even imagine it appropriate to do that in ANY circumstance.

[Tunkamerica]

4. maybe only men can use words like whore?

i really don't get this whole thing

[Symarip]

6. That's not what I'm saying at all

And maybe you see things differently. A girl I work with has referred to Ryan Seacrest as a whore many many times. One of my questions is, are we hearing the words they say, or are we hearing the owners intent? Or is it a mix of both or neither?

By the way, I don't have any answers. I actually wish I did.

[Catherina]

7. Read. Rec'd but too angry to respond

I can't stand Randi because I think she's abrasive and vulgar. But that's a pretty NYC trait, she's honest and her audience loves her. In this particular instance she's only being pilloried because she offended a certain wing of the Democratic Party and that chills me to the bone.

[rasputin1952]

9. Precisely...

:)

[Catherina]

17. Thanks Rasputin

Under the anger, I feel so much sadness about this. Your previous post, and this one too, did alot for me.. Thanks :hi:

[rasputin1952]

21. Don't be angry...that's what some people want you to feel...

anger rolls out a lot easier than happiness, but only if you let it...:D

[Catherina]

26. I know. That's why I'm going to bed now

There's a very nasty game going on right now and I'm afraid we're playing too short-sighted to win.

After 8 years of Bush, I never thought we'd be at each others' throats like this. I'll take your advice and let it go. By morning it will be gone and I'll be firing off letters to AAR requesting a refund for last week's donation if they can't stand by Randi.

[rasputin1952]

This is more about HRC than it is about RR...

:)

[paulk]

49. really?

so if she had called Obama a "big fucking whore", it when then be about Obama more than Randi Rhodes?

[rasputin1952]

57. For Obama supporters, yes...

Look at who's posting about this...the vast majority are HRC supporters.

This isn't necessarily "bad", but it's selective.

Where is the outrage in other areas? Women have been mistreated throughout the world, and "this" becomes a rallying point? Day in and day out, people are on the airwaves demeaning women...but there is silence.

[Maddy McCall]

149. The ONLY reason it's mostly HRC supporters is because....

most Obama supporters don't condemn ANY insult of Clinton, no matter how ugly, no matter who made it.

I'm learning so much in this thread. So much...

:(

[MonkeyFunk]

153. Yes, it's surprising

that Clinton supporters would object to her being called a fucking whore. :eyes:

Yeah, I've learned a lot too.

[Maddy McCall]

148. Please explain your comment.

I'm utterly confused about it.

:shrug:

[Catherina]

164. Thank you. Between your posts and Skinner's thread tonight about Rev Wright

AND the constant devotion to justice of most people here, I feel a lot better about things and very good today.

Randi's going to come out of this smelling like a rose and the people behind this, not so good.

[Ronnie]

98. So, I'm guessing

you think that if she'd said something equally offensive about Sen. Obama, AAR wouldn't have reacted this way. That's illuminating. Sleep well in your Obama bubble.

[Cleita]

16. Yeah, I guess being "vulgar and abrasive" should get you

fired from your job. :sarcasm: If this were so, most of America wouldn't have been built by the "vulgar and abrasive" people who did it. I know you are pushing it off as a NYC trait...not attractive...but they keep the place running... *yawn*.

Honestly, I could fault Randi for other things, but they have nothing to do with her doing her job.

[Catherina]

25. The reason I said that is because I've basically disliked her

since 2004 when AAR first came on. Her biggest defenders (in my circle) were my NYC friends who told me that's just how they talk and how direct to the point of abrasiveness they are.

Vulgarity and abrasiveness are in the eye of the beholder so I don't accept the fuss over it. She's been that way for years and people love her. Is it so hard to leave her alone :shrug: :hi:

[Cleita]

30. She's an entertainer who is also trying to get out a message.

It's how she does it. I spent a week on board a ship with her and her entourage in August going to Alaska. She's an okay and nice person and doesn't deserve the beating she's getting while she's down.

[Catherina]

34. I agree. Atomic Kitty was at that show and said it was great.

Oh well, this is where we pick ourselves up and fight the censorship all that much harder!

Pleased to meet you Cleita

[saracat]

18. So if she had called Obama an fing N word you would have been okay with it?

Get real . You would have been screaming your head off and you would be justified. This is not a joke and using this language is NOT a NYC trait unless you are just revolting scum.

[rasputin1952]

36. No I wouldn't, but that didn't happen...

this is about HRC, people should be upfront about that.

[saracat]

40. So? She is still a woman isn't she? And Randi had things to say about other women as well

including dripping contempt for 22 year old aspiring singers! And as for the N word example "not happening" what DID happen , is for a woman, every bit as bad. But I guess some just don't get that. It is doubly bad that is was said about a presidential candidate but it would have been wrong for any public spokesperson such as Randi to say such a thing about any woman in public! Just as it was wrong for Imus to say what he said! And just as it would be disgraceful for anyone to use the N word about Obama or anyone else.

[rasputin1952]

60. Look throug GD-P...what do you see?

There are things said about the candidates that is far more inflammatory than anything RR said. This is a public space, it is so public, those on the RW have used us time and again for their talking points.

Seems to me, thee is a double standard at work here.

[saracat]

90. Nothing as inflammatory is allowed to be said about Obama. Anything remotely racist is

nipped in the bud and rightly so. I have seen deplorably sexist remarks, as evidenced by yesterday's horrendous C word poster , left for days.Sorry , this just doesn't scan.There is a double standard and it is that racism is considered deplorable and sexism is tolerated. Hey"its only words" right? At least that is the feeling I get when the words are applied to women.

[rasputin1952]

100. I don't see it that way, I think racism and sexism are both

deplorable, and so do most members here, (there will always be a few that remain the dark confines of ignorance and hatred).

Neither of these subjects should ever be confused w/anything that may be "correct", both enhance loathing brought on by ignorance, and people use that to push their personal agenda, whether in the public domain, or in closer social contact.

What is disturbing is that there are "some" things that people find "obscene", and there are other of precisely the same nature that will be overlooked because of the personal view of the individual. I find it difficult to find calling Coulter something, and not have the same thing said about a D. Both are pretty vile, but we accept it over Coulter, but not one of our own, this is selective "outrage". Despise Coulter because of her views, not because of her gender, that has little to do w/the situation, (except that she uses her gender to advance her banal repertoire).

I have long been on the front lines fighting for equality for everyone. As long as I see posts on DU that are far more vile than anything RR has said, I find the argument hard to accept that she has done something outrageous, in fact, it is more the "norm".

FWIW...I don't like what she said, it was disparaging to two women, and to women in general...but what I find far more onerous is the "outrage" I see here...usually by the same ones who post vile comments on a regular basis on a host of subjects.

[saracat]

105. Well, using the argument of "selective outrage " in regard to this

situation I think one has to remember that is is always a "singular experience " that shines a spotlight on the problem. Howard Stern for example probably says far more outrageous things than Imus on a regular basis. I know that Howard has been "suspended" in the past but Imus still was singled out more for his remarks because he was On TV. Randi is being singled out because of who she directed her remarks toward.But it doesn't matter. It is calling attention to the problem.And that is a good thing.Randi deserves to be punished in the same manner as the others.

And as for "most" members of DU finding both sexism and racism equally deplorable , I respectfully disagree.Sexism has been an ongoing problem on this site and has been battled with varying degrees of success.Racism of any kind has never been tolerated. Sexism, as you point out in the Coulter example is tolerated whenever it is directed at a subject the majority of the site dislike. Racism wouldn't be tolerated no matter who the comments were directed to.

[rasputin1952]

109. I have to agree it is targeted...Rarely does anyone raise an

eye toward a Coulter remark, but it is more for what she says, as opposed to a gender issue. Gender is there to be sure...but it is not nearly as widely used as one might suspect...(it is used to a pretty high degree though). The problem w/Coulter, is that she used her gender as both a spear and a shield...gender to her, is what she can gain from it...and then use it as a defense when she finds it necessary. That opens a whole new issue.

i don't think either gender should be slapped around in forums, but happens all of time, we have not come far enough up the social ladder to realize we feed such things. Through discussion, we can alleviate some of the problem, but we can do little when argument the norm...:(

[nadinbrzezinski]

43. Yes but then again I will defend the RIGHT OF PEOPLE to use language

that I might not approve off, and this includes the language she used in San Fran

Amazing...

[julialnyc]

69. Not the same thing at all.

The words have different connotations. Randi wasn't insinuating that Hillary had sex with people for money. Whore is a word that that comedians throw around (Anna Nicole Smith was a publicity whore, CNN is a corporate whore). I'm not saying I agree with the use of the language, but it's not the same thing as calling a black guy the N word.

[Catherina]

159. Sorry. I think it's time you started getting real n/t

[lumberjack_jeff]

75. "certain wing"="half" n/t

[undeterred]

10. I hate having free speech curtailed

but when I find out that its just about insulting someone and its not exactly rarified speech, I hate to be fighting for that.

Randi is rude and abrasive. She could learn to get her point across without being so hurtful. Being a woman, she would hate having those same insults hurled at her and would be extremely angry if they were. So, maybe she got what she deserved this time. She gets a little full of herself. I'm not thrilled about Hillary or Geraldine Ferraro, but attacking them by calling them "whores" is totally unacceptable and unprofessional and should be beneath anyone with the verbal skills to belong on Air America.

[rasputin1952]

19. She has had those insults hurled at her...

she's hurled them back.

This is little more than some people, many who never listen to her, deciding what they think others should believe.

Anyone who has ever been to live standup comedy can easily understand that what she said about HRC and Ferarro being "whores" was actually pretty tame. this has become the point of the day, only because there is "outrage", not so much as the words she used, but because some people find it particualrly offensive because of targets.

These people have every right to feel offended...but to make this a crusade is a bit OTT.

[saracat]

41. Why do you continue to insult comediennes with comparing Randi to them?

Comedy is a profession and Randi placing herself behind a mic at a promotional event for an AAR affiliate doesn't make her a comedienne. It isn't as though anyone can do comedy. It takes training and timing and skill. Randi certainly can't.

It is insulting that you attempt to abuse the art of comedy to excuse the crass and vulgar viciousness of Randi Rhodes.

[rasputin1952]

54. Do you listen to her regularly?...she's pretty funny...

those people paid to be entertained, from the response of the live audience, they got their money's worth.

But people who don't "have" to watch or pay to do so...there is "outrage", there is a paradox there. She was funny, (or to some, trying to be funny), but she says something some find offensive and all hell breaks loose. Where is the outrage over what comes over the public airwaves every day to millions in the form or misogynist "poetry" that calls women "bitches and whores" every day, and makes people millionaires? I've been fighting against that for years, and no one seems to care.

Double standard?

[Symarip]

39. But the problem is, it wasn't on the air

Aside from that, I agree with your premise. Like I said in my OP, I'm not the biggest Randi Rhodes Show fan in the world. But to think someone could get fired for saying something off the air really irks me, especially at a comedy routine. If that were the case, Bob Sagat would have no business EVER being on that shitfest, Full House.

At the same time, I did find some of what Randi was saying less than stellar. Maybe because I wasn't laughing. When Chris Rock does racial humor or Lisa Lampanelli touches on sex I find myself on the floor laughing. So I don't know. I'm still confused.

[undeterred]

71. These things are never fair.

I lost a job a year ago because of a bumper sticker. They didn't tell me it was because of my bumper sticker (Impeach Bush) - they made up lies about my job performance. And my job performance was just fine (for over a year) until we got a new CEO. Then one day it wasn't fine and suddenly I had a new manager and everything I did was wrong. I was out of there in 2 months.

So, Randi is still an employee and no matter how much the audience loves her, she still has an employer. And if that person isn't happy with what she says, it really doesn't matter how much we love her. We can make all the noise we want about free speech, but ultimately, if her boss supports Hillary Clinton, he isn't going to let Randi get away with calling her a whore in public, even if its only in front of 100 people.

[rasputin1952]

136. You lost your job because of your political leaning...

that is really an abomination.

I have worked around RW types my entire life, most are good and decent people...but there are some who will do ANYTHING to censor you, take you down, destroy your life...and because they find themselves somehow "superior", when the reality is, they scurry about like roaches, trying desperately to make sure people are miserable, unless they "think like they do".

Karma...sometimes it just doesn't seem to be quick enough...:(

[undeterred]

152. And when that same guy screws the company

with financial mistakes a year later, he still leaves with his dignity and a golden parachute. They denied me unemployment compensation and a reference and did everything they could to hurt me personally- not that I could ever prove the real reason why.

[jobycom]

13. She was punished for creating an image with her words that AAR didn't want associated with their

product. It has less to do with the words she used and who she said them about than it does with why she is employed. She's employed to provide a certain product. The product is hard to define, but fits within certain parameters--those being a basic goal of electing a liberal (or at least Democratic) president, not splitting the party, and not creating stereotypes that are destructive towards party ideals.

It's a business matter, that's all.

And none of us are really against what happened to her, in general terms. Ann Coulter writes a nasty article on a web site, and we want her banned from airwaves she never said those things on. Chris Matthews says something at a luncheon, and we want MSNBC to censure him for it. If you've been around here, you've seen Cece Connally punished by the Washington Post for insulting Gore on a guest appearance on television a while back, and DU was ecstatic. (I know that one's obscure, but it's the first thing I thought of, since I really don't like Cece C.) We do that all the time about other public figures.

Randi crossed a line. I love her to death, even if she's an idiot about Clinton, but she knows her industry. She knows her job description, and the goals (and audience) of AAR. She crossed that line, and she got suspended. It's not about free speech, or words, or Clinton, or even Randi. It's about the product she represents. She gave herself an image at odds with the product.

If Billy Mays suddenly started shouting that his products really didn't clean stains, he'd be out of a job, too.

[Cleita]

24. The reason Randi wasn't on the air today

is because she is refusing to back down from her stand. She will get air time in the future and AAR may become an elevator music station in the future. It's time to smash the corporate temple idols and let them know that business doesn't rule everything.

[Catherina]

29. ! Cleita !

:applause:

[jobycom]

35. Hehe. It doesn't?

Randi can say anything she wants anywhere she wants any time she wants. But if she wants to get paid for saying it, that becomes business.

She's the one who wants to make her words her business, so she's the one who give business that power over her. Once she makes that choice, she has to do what those who are paying her pay her to do. Or go independent, and become her own business. She has options--there are no free-speech violations anywhere to be had in this story. It's only a matter of whether Randi gets paid to speak, and by whom.

[Cleita]

38. I think she's exercising her options by refusing to do

whatever her AAR bosses want her to do, which is what I think is, to put her tail between her legs and apologize. If she does, I will be disappointed but understand. We all need our jobs. However, if she doesn't, I'm sure someone else will give her a forum. Maybe she should run for some political office. Randi in Washington could be formidable. They might wish she had stayed in radio.

[jobycom]

110. I've got mixed feelings

I love Randi (even if I don't agree with her on Clinton). I'd hate to see her back down from any fight, but I hate to see this. She and Maddow are the only two AAR folk I like. Then again, my local former AAR affiliate now plays Norteno, so I don't listen anymore, anyway. I'd just hate to see the whole thing fold. AAR was a light of hope and intelligence when we most needed it.

I hate primaries. Makes too many friends fight the wrong battles.

[2rth2pwr]

14. If you replace Hillary with Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Amy Whitehouse

Elizabeth Edwards, Carly Fiorina, Angela Merkel, or Jane Fonda, I think the results would have been the same.

[kevinmc]

20. It's a stand up routine- and it offended none of the people who paid to see it..

No one else had to watch that tape - it wasn't presented on the airwaves, etc etc...



Paid for by

[rasputin1952]

23. Precisely...

:)

[Catherina]

32. Just had a bright realization before going to bed. This is already back-firing

Everyone's talking about Randi now :evilgrin:

Fox news can't shut up about it and all these people who never heard of her before are being introduced to her.

When Jeremiah Wright walked into St Sabine's for Maya's birthday, he got a standing ovation in a predominantly White Catholic church. Randi's going to get the same type of support.

:applause:

[rasputin1952]

37. Isn't it strange how that works out...now more people will

listen to her and make up their own minds...:)

[quakerboy]

42. Thank you

thoughtfull and well spoken.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

44. I know how you feel.

I've met Randi in person twice, and found her to be delightful. On air, she says things and treats her callers in a way that makes me cringe. Ultimately, I agree with the suspension (though I hope she doesn't get fired) because what she said was awful. However, like you I wonder what, or who, is behind it. It reminds me of the McClurkin controversy. I realize that Obama campaign made a serious misstep by including a homophobe in a gospel concert for him. But I'm also aware that Clinton operatives flooded the Intenets with faux outrage on progressive sites about it. The same thing appears to be happening with Randi. I think she was wrong for saying what she did, but at the same time I hope she doesn't have her career ended by McCarthy-esque tactics.

[loyalsister]

45. I know it's hard

For me absolutism is something to be careful of when we consider defending my party and my politics. There are some principles that should matter at least as much.
Talking about "media whores" in informal environments is one thing. And actually, I have to question whether there might not be a range of derogatory terms that are gender neutral.
Anyway, to publicly attach a derogatory term to a specific individual, any individual is bad enough form that I have a difficult time having too much sympathy for a person who commits the offense if they are reprimanded by an employer.

[shaniqua6392]

47. AAR was right to suspend her.

This was an event for an AAR affiliate. It was NOT a stand up comedy routine as some are suggesting. Since she has never been a stand up comedienne, I would have to disagree with those who claim that is what she was doing. She is a radio talk show host who works for Air America. She was representing Air America at an event paid for by AAR and/or it's affiliate. She totally deserved this suspension. She will get a short suspension and then be back on the air. She should not have said this. Period. It was disgusting and unnecessary. It was no more a "free speech" issue than the comments by Imus were a "free speech" issue. Maybe when she comes back, she will get a little more balanced in her presentations. She has become so biased towards Obama, that her hatred of all things Clinton has finally burned her. Lesson learned. I hope.

[Qanisqineq]

53. BINGO!

It irritates me that people are not getting that: "This was an event for an AAR affiliate. It was NOT a stand up comedy routine as some are suggesting."

She was representing AAR. She said those words while representing AAR. She did not walk into a club and get on stage and do a comedy routine.

[Breeze54]

59. Wrong, you lose! Stop spreading untruths.

She was doing a stand up gig, a comedy routine by invitation and it was NOT an AAR event!

[saracat]

92. It wasn't a "comedy " event by invitation. It was a promotional event for an AAR affiliate.Randi wa

representing and promoting AAR. Randi is a talk show host.She is not a professional comedian.She was just delivering remarks on behalf of her network.Why would anyone think of randi as a comedian? She can sometimes be funny but she was just giving her promotional speech and got out of line. I really dislike it when you demean comdiennes , who spend lifetimes training by including Randi into their ranks to use their profession as cover for her ill timed remarks.

[Breeze54]

95. Wrong again, saracat! Just because you repeat it, doesn't make it true. n/t

[saracat]

101. As I said, please prove this as it is NOT was AAR is saying.

[Symarip]

63. I'm not disagreeing completely

But I have to take into account she was not on the air. I know, she was there for an affiliate stations promotion and I certainly have a hard time defending what she actually said. At the same time, Randi was only doing what she gets paid to do during the day: speak her mind. I think collectively this conversation wouldn't be such an issue if she, say, called Condi Rice a whore or told GW to shut the fuck up.

Personally, I still lean towards thinking she should not have been suspended but man, it's hard for me to defend (mostly to myself) what she said. I remember in grade school a quote that goes something like, 'I may disagree with what you say, but I'll die for your right to say it'.

[Breeze54]

58. It was her first stand up gig and was NOT an AAR event at all.

What will you do when you say something outside of work and you get suspended?

This is nothing but an attempt to silence liberal voices off the radio. Wake up!

[saracat]

96. It was NOT a stand up event.And she was paid by AAR to appear.Stop with the

manufactered stories.Randi has done many of these events.i have attended 3 of them.

[Breeze54]

107. Nope. AAR had nothing to do with this event.

It was a private event sponsored by Green 960

PHOTOS: An Evening with Randi Rhodes

Thank you to everybody who made it out to the Broadway Studios for our SOLD OUT Randi Rhodes appearance!




http://www.green960.com/cc-common/mainheadlines2.html?feed=213008&article=3459759

[saracat]

99. Then you prove this because that is NOT what AAR is saying.

or its affiliate.

[Breeze54]

106. SOLD OUT: An Evening with Randi Rhodes - THIS IS GREEN 960'S EVENT.

SOLD OUT: An Evening with Randi Rhodes (Obama supporter) (Meeting)
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4r2cc

NOTE: GREEN 960'S WEBSITE SAYS THE EVENT IS SOLD OUT. PERHAPS THERE WILL BE NO-SHOWs AT THE DOOR,
BUT FYI SO NO ONE IS DISAPPOINTED. I DO NOT CONTROL TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT.

THIS IS GREEN 960'S EVENT.

Come join other Bay Area Obama supporters for an evening with Air America host Randi Rhodes!

This event is $5 at the door, and you sign-up in advance via Green 960 radio station's website.
http://www.green960.com/pages/events.html?feed=211592&article=3368653

[Catherina]

161. Thanks for posting that and for your other information. n/t

[saracat]

162. Where does it say comedy routine? BTW, Obama folks should be offended that a supporter

referred to his opponent as a "whore" publicly and associated herself with him! And it does say "AAR HOST so it uses AAr's name and 960 is an affiliate.

[Catherina]

165. You're very disingenious. How deliberate is your misinformation?

UPDATE: Air America Suspends Randi Rhodes
Full Event Footage, The Facts & Updates

UPDATE: We are now featuring the video of Green960's Randi Rhodes event in it's entirety.

Since many have already seen a shortened version on YouTube & since FOX is spinning it, we feel it is important for the event to be seen in it's entirety with the facts nearby.

Click Here to Watch the Video

Comments made by Randi Rhodes were made during a Green 960 Event on March 22nd. Those in attendance were required to sign up through Green960.com and paid $5 to attend. Money raised went to Green960.


This event took place at Broadway Studios in San Francisco on a Saturday, March 22nd.

Green960's event was posted on My.BarackObama.com's event listings by a listener of the station as a social meetup & is no way affiliated with Barack Obama's presidential campaign. The $5 collected was for Green960 AM, KKGN.


The entire video of the event was made available through Green960 to our listeners and Randi Rhodes fans on March 26th.

Air America, not Green960, has suspended Randi Rhodes indefinitely.



http://www.green960.net/cc-common/mainheadlines2.html?feed=213008&article=3493425

HERE IS THE DAMN AUDIO LINK WHERE THEY DESCRIBE THE EVENT AS "CLEARLY A STAND-UP COMEDY ROUTINE", STATE THAT SHE WASN'T APPEARING ON BEHALF OF AIR AMERICA BUT OF GREEN 960 and discuss other disturbing aspects of this witch hunt. As far as Green960 is concerned, she was on her own time, doing her own thing. The said Clinton "big money types" are behind this.

You can repeat it as often as you like, that still won't make it so.

[saracat]

166. "Audio link? It doesn't seems to have been advertised as such in print

And as for "Clinton big money types" being behind this, that places way to much importance on Randi. She wasn't important enough for them to be concerned with. it isn't as though the average voter listens to her or even knows who she is. She deserved to be suspended for representing AAR, which she clearly is , as all print I see advertise her as an AAR host, with vulgarity and inappropriate sexist remarks.
If anything , the association with the Obama Campaign indicated in some advertisements ought to impel the Obama Campaign to dissociate themselves with anyone who would make those kind of remarks about women and his opponent.

[BuyingThyme]

146. It WAS a stand-up comedy routine.

And it's her job to be biased.

I find your post ridiculous.

[MethuenProgressive]

48. Thanks for the SUPER post! Hate is never "comedy" to a Progressive mind.

Some Progressives still seem to need to make Progress in their personal lives.

[npincus]

50. AAR is a business; they need advertising dollars and listeners

in theat view, her comments may have alienated some of their audience (her supporters) and advertisers may have responded in kind. Her suspension may be more symbolic than anything; to appease any hurt feelings and hold onto advertising dollars.

I think that's what it's all about.

[Breeze54]

56. Randi was doing shtick; a comedy bit...

and was on her own time and not on the air. This is fascism and the thought police
hard at work and and attempting to silence progressive liberal voices off the air.

[Arkansas Granny]

62. Randi made her remarks at an event hosted by her employer (AAR).

In that context her remarks reflect on her employer as she was acting as their spokesperson. This is a disciplinary action taken by the employer against an employee who was acting in the capacity of a representative of her employer, not suppression of free speech.

[Symarip]

72. But isn't she paid to be opinionated?

What's the point of being critical if your criticism is suppressed?

[Arkansas Granny]

77. I don't know what kind of policy, if there is any, that AAR has with their employees

as far as acceptable conduct when they are representing AAR at an event they are hosting. That's why I feel it's more of an employer/employee matter that it is a free speech matter. There are a lot of things that I can say or do when I'm on my own time that would get me suspended or fired if I were to do them on my employer's time.

[lefty from jersey]

84. Au contraire

She is paid to be entertaining. She stopped being entertaining when she started taking herself seriously. Obama, all day, non-stop and the abuse and rancor to anyone that disagreed.

Not funny, self-important, loser. Good riddance.

[Symarip]

94. Look, I'm not saying she is or isn't entertaining.

But if everyone felt she wasn't entertaining, she'd have no audience, right? Everyone would just turn off the radio, or buy a Sirius like me, and then she'd rightfully get fired. So if someone is hired to be edgy, and then their edginess is suppressed, isn't that a disservice to Randi, her right to expression, her right to do her job, and the audience that does appreciate her?

If it was Rush Limbaugh, I'd feel the same way. If it's the guy sitting next to me at the bar, I'd feel the same way. If it was you, I'd feel the same way. It's not a matter of in what context she meant whore, which is deplorable regardless, it's a matter of freedom.

Again, maybe I'm too idealistic.

[Breeze54]

83. No it was not hosted by AAR. Get you facts straight!

:eyes:

She was doing an, independent of AAR, private gig!

[Arkansas Granny]

89. Pardon me. I had heard several reports that it was an event hosted by AAR.

[Breeze54]

119. It was a Green 960 AM event... see link below.

"Thank you to everybody who made it out to the Broadway Studios for our SOLD OUT Randi Rhodes appearance!
"
http://www.green960.com/cc-common/mainheadlines2.html?feed=213008&article=3459759

[Arkansas Granny]

120. I checked out the link you referenced and this is what I found:

STATEMENT OF AIR AMERICA RADIO, FROM CHAIR CHARLIE KIREKER

New York - Air America has suspended on-air host Randi Rhodes for making inappropriate statements about prominent figures, including Senator Hillary Clinton, at a recent public appearance on behalf of Air America in San Francisco which was sponsored by an Air America affiliate station.

http://www.green960.com/cc-common/mainheadlines2.html?feed=213008&article=3493425

This seems to indicate that it was an Air America event.

Edit for spelling.

[Breeze54]

122. No, they posted AAR's statement but it was Green 960's event, their show!

You should have read further, like what it says over the picture of the event!

Thank you to everybody who made it out to the Broadway Studios for our SOLD OUT Randi Rhodes appearance!

http://www.green960.com/cc-common/mainheadlines2.html?feed=213008&article=3459759

Note the Absence of any AAR banner... it's a Green 960 AM banner!


------------------------

The Details

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4r2cc

iCal file for this event
RSS feed for this event

SOLD OUT: An Evening with Randi Rhodes (Obama supporter) (Meeting)
NOTE: GREEN 960'S WEBSITE SAYS THE EVENT IS SOLD OUT. PERHAPS THERE WILL BE NO-SHOWs AT THE DOOR,
BUT FYI SO NO ONE IS DISAPPOINTED. I DO NOT CONTROL TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT.

THIS IS GREEN 960'S EVENT.


Come join other Bay Area Obama supporters for an evening with Air America host Randi Rhodes!

She was quieter in her support earlier in the primary season, but this week Randi Rhodes has been on fire with her passion for Obama (and disappointment/anger with his opponent). Today (3/7), she spent nearly her whole show urging people to get to Pennsylvania or to call Pennsylvania on behalf of Senator Obama.

Let's show her some Bay Area love and have a chance to get together socially as well. Spend your afternoon phonebanking and then join us (in Obamawear of course) for a great evening. Doors open at 5:30 pm, event is at 6:00 pm.

This event is $5 at the door, and you sign-up in advance via Green 960 radio station's website.
http://www.green960.com/pages/events.html?feed=211592&article=3368653

After the event, we can all head to a place in the neighborhood for drinks and organizing for winning Pennsylvania, the nomination and the White House.

More....

[saracat]

158. It advertises Randi as an AAR host and this is an AAR affiliate.

It is even more disgusting that she appears to also be representing Obama support and calling his opponent a "whore". Nice. What a class act the Obama folks have!And where does it say anything about "comedy"?

[GoldieAZ49]

64. never listened to her before - seems I didn't miss much

her troubles are of her own making

[Life Long Dem]

73. What did she say that is not true? And I thought they get fined for four letter words?

[lumberjack_jeff]

76. She said that one of the two Democratic nominees for the presidency of the US is a prostitute.

I know that Obama has brought a lot of new faces to the party. Perhaps they haven't yet made the paradigm shift that they are now democrats and things like that are considered counterproductive.

I hope this was helpful.

[rasputin1952]

79. No she didn't, there is a difference between a prostitute and a

whore.

Perhaps most people might see the "outrage" more justified if things far worse weren't posted here about candidates by members of DU.

[Symarip]

80. I read in Left Wing (and Right Wing) media people being called

Whores and shills and media sluts and Judas and all kinds of horrible things. Maybe I'm idealistic to a fault, but never did it cross my mind that these people should lose their jobs over the lame noise that comes out of their mouth. Take for instance Imus: I don't think Imus should be fired for saying something loosely racist, I think Imus should be fired because he only had a 1.5 market share. Is he a jackass? Completely. But his job is being that jackass. If none of us listened, he'd have no job.

So I say with Randi, after a night's sleep and lots of thought, that if you don't like her, don't listen. Send her an email. Protest with actions. Don't applaud her keepers for raising her up with one hand one moment, only to be knocked down by the same hand the next minute.

[rasputin1952]

85. I agree...If I saw nothing but praise for our candidates on the

pages of DU, I might see things differently; but I see far more vile posted here everyday, (by both side), and yet there is "outrage" at what someone else said.

RR has long been a voice crying out in the night for progressive ideals, far longer than most of the posters here. She says one thing that causes a stir, and people are ready to crucify her...but they read, and post, far more vile things about candidates here...I find that a little hard to accept.

[lumberjack_jeff]

81. Good point. One uses "whore" when ordinary hate is insufficient. n/t

[rasputin1952]

88. How much "hate" is out there for both D candidates?...

People post all kinds of spiteful things here every day, and read more spiteful things than they post...but there is "outrage" when one person says something that is pretty mild in comparison to what is written here...I find this difficult to accept.

[lumberjack_jeff]

91. First off, because none of us recieve a paycheck to do it.

Second, from a job performance standpoint, when you alienate fully half of AAR's listeners, you're failing.
Third, even by the poor standards established by DU dialog, "fucking whore" isn't mild.

If I were to craft an analogous rant against Obama and Wright, I would be justifiably tombstoned.

It's the goddamn hubris of some Obama supporters that galls me. Because their world view has such a narrow focus, they believe that they can chase off everyone who doesn't share 100% of their paradigm and profit from it. Newsflash: the general election is going to be close - if we win, it will not be a landslide, and this exclusionary viewpoint is a major reason why.

[rasputin1952]

102. Precisely the same thing can be said of the "narrow focus"...

of the HRC camp. No one is immune from this.

Between the two candidates, I have no dog in the fight, neither of them stir in me the passion I need
to campaign for either of them. to be honest, i think we could have done far better on many levels in choosing a candidate, but this is what we have at this point. I have read time and again posts that have been incredibly inflammatory on both sides, rarely have I read posts that brought up either candidates "good points" or positions.

This is politics, it is a nasty game played by people who aspire to move ahead in the political spectrum. it has been this way since long before we came along, and unfortunately, we don't have a citizenry that will take a stand to stop it. it is the nature of the beast, and as long as i see posts that pillory another candidate, I cannot take the flap over RR seriously.

If you think this is bad...just wait until the RW starts w/the innuendo about Obama's race or HRC's gender. We are feeding them as long as we buy into this, and there is the real problem.

[Breeze54]

86. She wasn't on the air. She wasn't at an AAR event.

It was a private gig, for her to do a stand up, comedy routine.

[lumberjack_jeff]

74. I feel all the things I feel when I hear Michelle Malkin say the same things.

With the additional emotion of disappointment.

[Breeze54]

87. All politician's are whores....

one way or another.

[knixphan]

93. Mike Malloy hit the nail on the head

follow the trail to the top of Air America... He went into it yesterday

[redqueen]

97. Thank you for this thread.

And thanks to rasputin, too.

I was also wrestling with this issue yesterday, and reading this thread has helped immensely.

Thanks.

[Symarip]

103. I just read that the suspension is now indefinite on the NYT

Fuck. That's horrible. I've already read people e-high fiving each other on DU. I don't think people realize this isn't a victory over Randi Rhodes but a victory of rich suits over self-expression.

Congratulations.

[FlaGranny]

111. Doesn't matter to them

because she said it about Clinton. What do they care that the woman who was the most influential in getting a national progressive station started, the one who always pushed the stories/truths that very few others would talk about, the one who always could back it up, may be sacked. They believe she deserves it because she started speaking the truth about Clinton.

Such ninnies and crybabies who can't stand her abrasiveness - they should stay away from the big city and any ethic neighborhoods lest their ears be insulted by the crudeness of it all.

The more I think about it, the more I think Clinton's campaign has been trying to get her fired since she first started tattling on the Clintons. Damn, I'm getting more and more angry at this. I don't think I'll ever be able to say a good thing about either Clinton ever again. To think up until a couple of months ago I was torn about who to vote for. I'd really REALLY be mad now if I'd voted for her (not that my vote counts anyway).

[Kurovski]

114. I like Randi Rhodes.

Good post, FlaGranny.

[Symarip]

117. Well to be honest, there are other talk show hosts I prefer

when I turn on the radio. And I don't always agree with Randi though I've met her and I honestly like her for who she is. But the content of her rant isn't nearly as important to me as her ability to say it. I find it highly hypocritical that the same suits that wanted her to be an outspoken critic have now damned her for... Being an outspoken critic. It's the same if it was Imus or Rush or any outspoken critic, or anyone on this board, for that matter. No one deserves to be damned to hell for expressing their opinion especially, get this, if that's what you get paid to do for a living. What the fuck has this world come to? Next thing you know, news reporters will be fired for reporting the news. Police men will be fired for enforcing the law.

I'm not asking anyone to excuse what Randi said. Some of you will agree, some of you won't. But what pushed me to post my (drunken) rant last night was this inability I have, as well as others, to overcome the idea of allowing expression regardless of content. These are just words, people.

[FlaGranny]

125. I don't always agree with her either.

I don't always agree with anyone. At times, she has made me cringe. I wish she had not called Ferraro and Clinton whores, although I know without a doubt, she meant "corporate" whores.

[Catherina]

163. Air America’s Randi Rhodes Suspended: We Did It! [Updated x2]

You're right on the mark

Air America’s Randi Rhodes Suspended: We Did It! Updated x2

UPDATE: Let’s contact Air America Radio and tell its top brass that we want Taylor Marsh to replace Randi Rhodes. Taylor tells it like it is, but she has class and dignity. She also has a wicked sense of humor and the lively style needed for AM radio. Taylor would be perfect! Let them know!
_________________

Do you remember the video we posted on April 1 — in which Randi Rhodes called both Geraldine Ferraro and Hillary Clinton “whores”? The YouTube that our video whiz C.S. created from an ordinarily non-transferrable source, and posted at YouTube? (It’s below the fold for those who missed it.)

C.S.’s YouTube video went “viral” (writers posted it all over the blogosphere!) — and now Randi Rhodes has been suspended from Air America Radio. Here’s Air America’s official statement:

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/04/03/air-americas-randy-rhodes-suspended-we-did-it/#comments

As an added bonus, you might recognize a DU name or more there. They're celebrating that the suspension is indefinite now and working on getting her fired. :scared:

They're a pretty sick bunch. Read their homepage and the latest update

I'll wager it's sock-puppet heaven over there.

[ZombieHorde]

142. It is OK to not have an opinion on everything. nt

[bridgit]

160. somewhat verbose indeed, still...I do

:thumbsup: