So what are we doing about Breitbard and Fox News?

[FrenchieCat]

Is there a call for a boycott of advertisers?

Is there an action item here at DU (in the Activist forum) requesting
that we send an avalanche of letters and to make phone calls to Fox Management?

Is there a organized plan to send complaints about Fox News handling of the Videotape to the FCC?

Is there a movement that we contact en masse, our Senators and Congresspeople to make changes in busting up News Conglomerates?

Is there a website preparing to promote a protest march in front of Fox News Offices?

Is there anything happening at all to hold those repeatedly accountable for perpetuating frauds
after frauds on national television?

I know that there is a lot of talk of holding this Administration accountable for their mistake,
and yes, I think it was a mistake, and for that they should be made to understand that nothing similar should ever happen again....

and there is even discussion going on blaming the NAACP, and I can see that, although I believe
they did atone for their error, and since everyone makes mistakes, even the best of us,
I'm quite fine with this 100 year old organization that does more good than anything admitting
that they rushed to judgment and were in fact bamboozled (considering the fact that they've received death threats and are actually on the Fox agenda of organizations to demonize).

But....what I want to know, is what are we, since we have such strong opinions, organizing?
because I'd like to partake in whatever is being planned by the people who are most vocal
and critical of all that has happened to Ms. Sherrod.

I'd like to participate in holding those who perpetuated a fraud accountable for their deeds.
It's not like the first time they've done this kind of thing, and have done things much worse......and so, that's even more reason to take one of those bucks that we keep throwing at the President's desk and place it somewhere else, where it surely belongs. There are more than enough bucks still on the President's desk (cause I counted a few just last night on this one matter)
so that shouldn't be a problem.

So again, what are we....those who can't stop talking about this story and providing our opinion and judgments, and can tell everyone exactly what happened, and how it should all be resolved......what are we gonna do about the guilty parties that is apart from the Government, the administration, namely Vilsack and of course President Obama?

See, I feel badly for this woman who was intentionally mis-portrayed, libeled, slandered,
and then unfairly fired...and so beyond advising that she sue,
what is it that "WE" need to do to keep Fox and Friends from continuing on this road
of distorting the news and manipulating the populace? because thus far, we haven't done much.
I know that a group, Color for Change, did initiate a boycott of advertisers against Glenn Beck
back in October, after the White House had attacked Fox News, and all of the News organizations
defended Fox News. I'm sure everyone here participated in that, but that was just one thing done
by one group. Is there anymore that we can do? I'm specifically speaking to those who have a lot
of suggestions on what should be done in this case, and those who hold the opinion that this is a
tragedy that cannot be set aside. Is there a link to take me to that place where folks are doing
more than pontificating? Cause I'd like to make myself useful in attacking the RW assholes
who started this shit, cause not only do I demand Change, but I'm willing to help make it happen....
and Fox News is definitely something that needs to change.

Thanks!

[Cleita]

1. I believe Obama is furious about this in a way

that nothing they have done before this has touched him. Watch after the November elections of Congress taking up just exactly what does the First Amendment cover for debate. Does it sanction propaganda being spread over what should be serious news journalism? I think something will happen along these lines.

[Nay]

45. IIRC, a Supreme Court decision basically made it not illegal for news

outlets to lie. I don't know how that fits in with libel and slander anymore, but.....

[izquierdista]

2. Wringing our hands

and waiting to fall for the next heavily edited video.

[FrenchieCat]

10. Well, that's not change!

We've been doing that....usually with our blame finger at the ready.

[izquierdista]

15. Change requires being nasty

And if there is one thing that is not kumbaya bipartisan and all that, it is being nasty enough to dish it back double. Ms. Sherrod probably has a civil case for libel or slander (she was not a "public figure" when she made those remarks). A continuing pattern of airing heavily edited video that is provable false is probably grounds for the FCC to pull someone's license, not an occasional "oh, shit". Certainly, FOX should be suspended from the White House press corps until they prove that they can report news and not fictions.

Conservatives haven't changed their tune since Joe McCarthy and Theodore Bilbo, and liberals have wrongly interpreted the non-violence of Gandhi and King to mean non-action.

[FrenchieCat]

19. So is there a petition?

It's fine to discuss what everyone else should be doing,
but in the end, it is the people that can affect things
with our voices if we are relentless and consistent
and don't let go.

[Kahuna]

48. +1

:applause:

[wndycty]

3. K&R

:kick:

[JuniperLea]

4. Thanks for the redirection, Frenchie...

Too many here are carrying water for the RW by the continual lambasting of the president for this fiasco instead of focusing on what should be done about it!

You remind me of this Goddess Warrior!

[FrenchieCat]

7. Gee Thanks! I like her......

and when I wear two braids on each side (now that my hair has grown out),
there is a resemblance (I jest...although my daughters do say I look like Fergie
and of course, at my age, you know I love that too!) :rofl:

Anyways...we need some action from those who know so much! :)

[Cha]

5. Some are trying to be part of the solution

..thank you, Frenchie.

I hope this is the catalyst that implodes breitbart types because they've been Universally exposed as lying mediawhores.

[Beetwasher]

6. It's Much Easier And I Guess More Productive To Bash Obama And Demand He Fire Someone

Because, ummm, I dunno. Just because it is. I guess. Somehow.

[FrenchieCat]

8. Well for sure, it is easier to sit and judge......

but if we really want change, I figured we'd have to actually "do" stuff to get it...
besides voting and having strong opinions. :shrug:

[vaberella]

9. From what I can see many are laughing along with Beck at the stupidity of the WH.

Or that's along the lines they stated it. So fighting them is not up to us, but up to the WH. And we have no role to play in this outrage. It's disgusting really. Great post FC, I plan on doing my part.

[FrenchieCat]

But of course we have a role to play......

because anytime one's opinion is strong, action is surely close behind!
Action to change the root of the problem; namely Fox and Friends....I would think!

[Dr Fate]

42. I agree- elected DEMS need to defend their own honor too, n/t

n/t

[DevonRex]

11. Frenchie, you are wonderful. We had a great start today with this specific case, but you're right,

we must go further to prevent this from EVER happening again. They did it with Acorn and now they did it to this devoted civil servant who actually helped people, one by one, day by day.

We DO need to take action, as only DU can do. We've done it before and we must do it again. Thank you.

[FrenchieCat]

24. Watch us do fucking nothing!

[Doctor_J]

39. What do you mean "prevent it from happening again"?

What are you talking about? What action? There are a few around like T Wolf and tom_paine who are thinking along the right track, but not enough to actually do anything.

[msongs]

12. Fox didn't fire that woman and it's not DU that treats Fox like a legitimate news org. nt

[Doctor_J]

40. Yes and no

Fox didn't fire Sherrod, but there are a lot of DUers who listen to Fox and Hate Radio. Most of the daily talking points end up here.

[dave29]

13. First and foremost, I would advise any public official who gives a speech to start taping it

themselves, and announce to the audience that they are doing so. In today's media spin machine, it's crucial that one have the facts on hand, pretty much instantly, to refute BS attacks like this. This is not meant as a slight towards Sherrod, it is meant as a reality we must face in facing the right wing media machine. They want to use videotape? Don't let them have the "full" story for one half of one news cycle. Easy to do, cheap, and sucks the wind right out of their engines.

[FrenchieCat]

14. I agree, that is a good start.......

and if we sent letters to our congressfolks, and the media
stating that this is a "must" based on the media climate these days....
possibly, they will understand that anyone can be a victim...
and in this case, it was a twofer....as Ms. Sherrod got trashed,
and so did the administration...while Fox News, well they are excused
away as being simply Fox News, and I don't know if that's the answer.

[quiet.american]

16. Good questions, and great post. nt

[Politicalboi]

17. Start with the FCC

http://www.jabberwonk.com/flinker.cfm?cliid=1j9qel

[FrenchieCat]

20. I've written to the FCC before......

and I will again.
What always seems to be missing is a large number of folks
doing it at the same time. One voice is weak compared to many.

Thank you for the link.

[IndianaGreen]

18. Obama is opposed to restoring the Fairness Doctrine

Let's start there and work our way down to media concentration.

[FrenchieCat]

21. It's Obama's fault....

I know, cause you keep telling me.
What you haven't yet stated is what you
are willing to do....only what others should have done,
and that part I fully understand,
but the question in my op is left unanswered by you,
one who has been most vocal in pontificating your thoughts
on this matter yesterday and now today.

What will you do? What will you organize?
When will you make it available for others
to participate in making changes that we know
darn well need to be made?

[DevonRex]

26. That's Iggy's mantra, ya know.

:eyes:

[Kahuna]

49. ...of the day. nt

[Dr Fate]

62. Obama should have supported and fought for the Fairness Doctrine.

The irony here is that he was probably afraid that FOX news would attack him for it.

So Obama failed to support the FD-and DEMS will continue to tip-toe around FOX news like a scared child tip-toes around a bully- b/c DUers like IG did not do enough organizing?

I doubt it.

I came to back to DU over this issue with the idea that we all need to band together and take on Hannity-I assumed this was one issue were all DEMS, centrist or otherwise would be champing at the bit.

I had no idea that elected DEMs were not supposed to be part of that equation-all I see on DU is excuses for why they get to sit back while I do all the work. Seems like I just wasted my time.

[FrenchieCat]

22. Awe man! I was gonna celebrate my 60,000 post,

and then I forgot!

Anyways...so where's the action? Anyone? :shrug:

[FrenchieCat]

23. Anything yet......?

We are on a 24 hour turnaround.
Seems like something would have been started by now!

[ieoeja]

25. Congress should at least vote to condemn them for this hateful act.

And if they have not already done so, call for a review of their earlier punishment of ACORN in light of the fact that punishment was based on taped evidence from a man now shown to have doctored similar evidence in this case. Let Congress review all unedited tapes, or restore ACORN's funding and contracts.

[FrenchieCat]

27. So we should start writing this suggestion to our congresscritters.....

I would think. They afterall work for us.

[impik]

28. We blame Obama some more!

[POAS]

29. What? No call for

impeachment yet?

That would show Faux News a thing or three!

[FrenchieCat]

30. That would have been tomorrow if there was no apology today!

Timing is everything! 24 hour story not resolved....not good.
48 hour story not resolved; that's impeachable!

[POAS]

32. You know I'm really going to have to

study up on my DU etiquette. I had no idea there was a 48 hour waiting period prior to the impeach now meme party could start.

Thank you for cluing me in, I wouldn't want to break etiquette.

[Raine1967]

31. We need a HUGE protest.

We would need to find a good weekend to do it, enough time for people to get together, and then get permission from (I believe) the national parks service.

here:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2051467_organize-protest-washington-dc.html

As to the rest, it's damn time people started really being active about making sure that this shit never happens again. This place, as well as a lot of others formerly activist websites, have devolved into bitching and not doing.

In the mean time, the Right wing is winning.

K&R to Frenchie for talking about something very important. One of the reasons why we decided to move to the DC area was to make a difference closer to the source.

I ALWAYS believed that we made a difference not living here, We picked up the phones, we wrote letters, and we marched. We still do.

[FrenchieCat]

33. I agree! We need to get on the move!

Cause the sitting around and throwing bucks at the President,
ain't gonna get it!

[davidpdx]

34. I agree we should do something

But am not sure what. I think something in conjunction with Media Matters would be good.

My other suggestion is we get their addresses and start sending them bags of shit.

[treestar]

35. THEY are the ones whose credibility should be called into question.

[JNelson6563]

36. K&R!

:toast:

[Hekate]

37. COUNT ME IN. Rupert's empire needs to be trust-busted, big time. nt

[Booster]

38. Plain & simple. We need to bring back the Fairness Doctrine.

With that back in place, Fox wouldn't last another whole day.

[Dr Fate]

41. A better question is: What are ELECTED DEMS doing about Breitbard and Fox News?

You know, the guys who actually hold power, money and have instant access to media?

Shouldnt THEY being defending their own party as well?

I know what they need to do- the question is, do they have the guts? See the link...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x383983

[FrenchieCat]

43. So we're off the hook......

again?

I thought this was our democracy to protect.
The elected officials obviously need some
marching orders......I suspect.

[hulka38]

44. We didn't get ourselves on the hook.

"So we're off the hook again?" That's a question one asks to get someone else off the hook that he (Obama) got himself on again.

[FrenchieCat]

50. So we bitch and moan,

and crack the whip!

Great! Makes things real easy.

[Dr Fate]

60. Sounds like you just dont want lazy & cowardly centrists to get their finger nails dirty.

Easier to just say:

"You need to go out an organize another protest- if you dont have the time or money to do that for the 100th time in the past 6 months, then that is your fault- dont go expecting elected DEMS to take the lead on this- no sir."

Sorry- but elected DEMS have the time, money and instant media access to take down Sean Hannity-. More importantly- they have the MOTIVE to do it, or at least they should.

If they refuse to do their jobs, then it's not b/c good Liberlas did not have time to march for them for the umpteenth time- it's b/c they are either scared or LAZY.

[Dr Fate]

59. To me, it reads like she wants us to be responsible so elected DEMS cant be blammed for inaction.

I think the OP knows that elected DEMS as a whole would never get the courage to even attempt it.

Therefore, just put it all off on us- "the lazy liberal base." If it never happens, then the "centrists" can just blame "the lazy base" instead of holding cowardly and lazy "centrist" politicians accountable.

Sorry FC, but that's how this reads to me.

[hulka38]

65. Not only should we be the ones on "the hook"

for our leadership's repeated mistakes but we lazy liberals always want to "crack the whip" on President Obama. Now what thinly veiled imagery is FC conjuring here?

[Dr Fate]

58. So Elected Democrats are off the hook? Exactly what am I PAYING them for?

I'm PAYING them to represent me- and I want them to directly address this national issue of corporations being allowed to lie and destroy people's lives.

When did this culture start where I have to have a protest or a demonstration every single time that I want a Democrat to do the right thing?

The elected officials have had their marching orders since the base elected their asses- it's just that the centrists are too chicken shit or to CONSERVATIVE to follow them. Maybe this would not be a problem if so many people werent constaltyl strainging themselves making excuses for them.

Sorry-but this idea that I'm supposed to take off work and organie a protest 6 times a month is not going to work- I need elected DEMS to fight for me without me BEGGING them all the time.

Jesus- Imagine that. I suggest that elected DEMS have an organized attack Sean, and I get people who actually want to argue with me and try to put it all back on me and suggest that everything is "my job."

I think you are reluctant to back up my idea b/c you know that the DEMS calling the shots are too frighted or too conservative to do it.


If elected DEMS were all for it and you saw them moving forward, then you would say it was a good idea. Is this the way that we give them their "marching orders"- by waiting to see what they do, then defending whatever it is?

[donco6]

72. Really? Marching orders?

Golly, I wonder what I would like for them to do instead of the shit they're doing? Hmmm . . . thinking, thinking. . . .

[countryken]

46. White House Press Room - what WH should do

I'd suggest they swap some seats and move Lieutenant Garrett to the back of the room and simply ignore him.

[tiredtoo]

47. We are doing what we always do.

Getting on here and bitching and hollering and cussing. And then perhaps we feel better. I also participated in the color for change boycott, what did that accomplish ? Lately I have been sending all requests for donations from the Democratic party back with a comment such as "I will donate as soon as Elizabeth Warren is appointed head of Consumer Protection Agency".
The only campaign I donate to now is Jerry Campbell for congress. (I am his treasurer and we really need the money)
Check out my thread under Michigan. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=159x14444

http://jerrycampbell.org/index.html

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

[T Wolf]

51. IF, and its a big fucking IF, the administration and Dem office holders take the lead and

take steps to condemn Breitbart, Fuck Nuze, and the rest of the media for going along with this

AND

pass a god-damned law ala ACORN to actually impose a consequence on the bad actors in this farce...

then we fucking retards can get behind them and help out.

But far too often, we have started the effort only to be sold out and abandoned by the powers in DC.

So, at this point, THEY have to prove to us that they are doing something.

THEN we will have their back.

[unapatriciated]

54. Thanks

Frankly I'm getting weary of these sarcastic call out threads, thinly disguised as calls for action. This is precisely what Ms Sherod is talking about when she speaks of divisive actions. This post is meant to divide us yet again.
We are told over and over again that these threads are not meant for those of us who engage in constructive criticisms of policy, but their definition of constructive criticism is constantly changing.
There have been plenty of post over the last couple of days doing exactly what the op is asking for and conveniently ignores.

[Dr Fate]

63. I like the way you think. The elected DEMS whose salaries we pay need to work with us on this.

I realize that in the land of centrism, this is not the way things work, but some Americans still think that the people who are on the clock should be doing their jobs without being begged to to do it.

[lib_wit_it]

52. I was hoping that there would be loads of posts and vies on the Activist HQ forum here, but it seems

that relatively few of either exist.


For one thing, there does seem to be a whole lot of, "Well that'll never work because..."

Another problem, I think, is that people don't use the Activist HQ, but instead post in the general forums. However, there are so many posts here, that any one post can be be pushed off the front page and is easily not ever seen by most DUers. ANd most of us don't have time to read a lot more than the top stories. Wouldn't it help if all activism ideas were posted in the Activist HQ and more DUers made it a habit to regularly check there?

I have suggested this before and didn't get much response one way or another.

[HughMoran]

53. Good questions Frenchie

The internet has proved good for complaining and poor for organizing. I'm pissed off at these right-wing fools and want them to pay dearly for this lynching, but like most people here I'm stuck at work pecking away on a keyboard. I'd be more than willing to organize to take down Fox and criminals like Breitbart. Just doing something out in the open (i.e. here on DU) let's them see what's coming, so it reduces the effectiveness. I don't have answers right now.

[SunsetDreams]

55. .

[Tarheel_Dem]

56. "Is there a call for a boycott of advertisers?" Of course not, that's too hard.

It's easier to direct my anger & keyboard commando skills at the administration. All that other stuff might require that I leave the comfort & safety of my easy chair. It's just too hard. Fire that "unstrong" Obama, I hate him!:grr:




:sarcasm:

[Dr Fate]

61. Which elected Democrats are calling for and supporting this boycott?

Any of them going on TV and calling for the firing of Hannity, for instance?

Or is that too hard for them?

Maybe just easier for their excuse makers to get behind the keyboards and put it all off on bloggers and the Liberal base?

Oh- I get it- you want ME to do all the work, while elected Democrats still get to tip-toe aorund FOX news & Hannity like frightened children around a school yard bully.

[unapatriciated]

57. This op is meant to divide and is yet another call out.

There are plenty of threads over the last couple of days with calls to action.
You are doing the same with this op that Ms Sherrod spoke of in her speech.
Instead of calling out others for their non action, may I suggest you create an op that does what you ask of others.
I will be glad to help in being part of the solution instead of continuing the problem.

I have no problem backing my President speaking out against the right wing smear machine.
I do have a problem when his staff re-acts wrongly out of fear of them.

[bonnieS]

64. [e-mail]

has a petition to Obama to throw them out of the White House Press . I added in my comment that if they don't have Cher there is no need to have FOX.

[Sebastian Doyle]

66. Fuck FAUX. Fuck Breitbart. Fuck VilSuck.

All are vile. All are against the people. None are worthy of defense.

[Jakes Progress]

67. How about a beer on the lawn?

[Cha]

68. Kickety Do Dah Kickety Day!

My oh my ..what a wonderful day! Plenty of Sunshine..NOT!

Important to be active on breitbart and his special brand of propaganda..

Had to laugh at politico editor comparing breitbart on the right to huffpost on the left.. :)


"Politico editor stands by comparison of Huffington Post to Breitbart"

http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2010/07/22/vandehei_on_huffington_and_breitbart/index.html

And, yet politico says "Yes, palin degrades our discourse but she drives traffic"..
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2010/07/politico_yes_palin_degrades_di.html

[martymar64]

69. If I ever see Breitbart on the street, I'll get a bottle and chuck it at his head.

I have great aim when throwing things. It'll probably give his a nice bloody gash to the head.

And then I will laugh and laugh and laugh.

[superduperfarleft]

70. I for one am going to start posting profanity-laced, faux-"street", beat poetry on DU.

Can someone loan me some bongos?

[LatteLibertine]

71. Playing into the

game of promoting racial division is helping Fox news and the GoP. Some Democrats don't seem to get this. We are helping them snare independents. Wake the fuck up! Returning to Republican rule is not going to do a thing for minority folks in the US and that is what we are enabling.

When the poor and middle class align shoulder to shoulder the greedy nonsense of the most wealthy minority is over. Until that time we are screwed.