Friday News Roundup - Hour 1
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-08-12/friday-news-roundup-hour-1
Republican candidates came out swinging against each other and President Obama in their third debate last night. Aides to Texas Governor Rick Perry confirmed he will enter the race, while the other eight GOP candidates will be tested in Iowa’s straw poll. House minority leader Pelosi filled in the final three slots on the deficit supercommittee. The Fed promised to keep interest rates near zero for the next two years. And, for the first time in its 115-year history, the Dow Jones Industrial Average moved by more than 400 points for four consecutive days. A panel of journalists join Diane for analysis of the week's top national news stories.
Guests
Naftali Bendavid
national correspondent, The Wall Street Journal.
Sheryl Gay Stolberg
Washington correspondent, The New York Times.
Susan Page
Washington bureau chief for USA Today.
Friday News Roundup Video
The panelists talk about whether the newly formed deficit supercommittee is likely to reach a consensus in the coming months:
Comments
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JL: we are already there.
Let the president vacation guilt-free in Martha's Vineyard. Folks who associate it with large estate luxe may not be remembering that for African Americans historically the Vineyard was a summer haven for the black community who were part of a rising middle class.
I think it is because Ron is too intellectual as well as having ideas too threatening to the status quo (feeding at the trough). I wouldn't vote for Ron, but I respect him and firmly believe that his ideas should be discussed. I find some of them very intriquing.
Ms. Rehm -- please bring up the fact that 1 in every 5 Congresspeople is spending 8 days on a lobbyist-paid junket in Israel this August recess instead of attending to constituent needs in their districts. This is shameful and outrageous.
You brought up that President Obama might be vacationing in Martha's Vineyard this recess, but what about our policy makers? Their trip to Israel, funded by the American Israel Education Foundation, an affiliate of AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) means:
1. they are ignoring their districts at a time of brash austerity measures;
2. they aren't being presented a fair view of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict (they are meeting with some Palestinians, but I doubt they will see what is actually happening on the ground since AIPAC has shaped the agenda);
3. they are complete sell-outs to the Israeli lobby, otherwise they would be home servicing the people they are paid to represent.
Please mention this next time your show airs. It is outrageous and the public deserves to know where their Reps are during this economic crisis.
Our country in not in the middle....the far left is unheard now. Ted Kennedy used to have the guts to speak up, now the far left is too afraid to speak up. The right is afraid of nothing...who has the guts to talk about environment, raising taxes, health care for all, and social responsibility? We have become a country with individuals do not put the needs of others high enough. Our happiness should not just come from what how much we can buy at the big box store. Other countries have the socialist parties that represent the far left.
sane wrote:
"We were set politically as an Oligarchy. Because of Senate and Electoral College we are not true democracy.
The Founding Fathers thought that common people were not to be trusted to make right decisions."
Factually untrue. The Electoral College did not spring full blown from the heads of the Founding Fathers, but rather developed through a process of iteration as a way to protect the interests of smaller states. Without it, today, we would be "ruled" by the coasts. (That would probably be ok with you).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_College_(United_States)
cmlady1 wrote:
"We have become a country with individuals do not put the needs of others high enough. Our happiness should not just come from what how much we can buy at the big box store. "
cmlady, why do study after study show that Republicans (conservatives) are far more generous donators to causes that support the poor? Some individuals DO put the needs of others high enough. They just do it with their own money, not with OPM.
It seems odd there was so much time devoted to the Wisconsin recall election and it was never mentioned they are not over. Two democrats that fled the state and were the cause of the turmoil in Madison for weeks that cost the state millions are up for recall elections next week. I emailed this information early in the show but I suspect my libertarian/conservative views are not appreciated by the left leaning D.R.
Diane,
Not sure if you and the panel of guests forgot a page of notes on today’s Friday News Roundup...
You failed to mention a word on the winner of last night’s event - RON PAUL! Dr. Paul works for limited, constitutional government, low taxes, free markets, and a return to sound monetary policies.
Congressman Paul served on the House Banking committee, where he was a strong advocate for sound monetary policy and an outspoken critic of the Federal Reserve’s inflationary measures. He was an unwavering advocate of pro-life and pro-family values. Dr. Paul consistently voted to lower or abolish federal taxes, spending and regulation, and used his House seat to actively promote the return of government to its proper constitutional levels.
Ron Paul is a CHAMPION of the CONSTITUTION!!
Truly disappointed in your show!
Respectfully,
A Supporter of the Constitution
Very often, compromise takes us in the wrong direction. Our representatives have been compromising for years and the current state of affairs is the logical conclusion. Thus, following basic wholesome principles--honesty, integrity, true justice, non-coercion, tolerance, and consistency—becomes critical. Limited government promotes these principles. In contrast, ever-expanding government creates endless opportunities for corruption, encouraging individuals to "compromise" integrity in favor of more immediate rewards. Media, please look more closely at the Tea Party. You will find many, many individuals like myself who are trying to live according to these principles that define everything that is best about humanity. Our goal is electing representatives who follow these same principles as they go about the work that profoundly affects every individual comprising our nation. Ron Paul has lived and worked according to these principles, often at great personal cost. He leads quietly, by example, helping others to see and follow the best path, despite considerable obstacles. It deeply pains me to hear Mitt Romney's debate performance described as "presidential,” when the most presidential person on the stage, by far, was Dr. Paul. It is also stunning to hear so little said about Herman Cain--are you pretending he does not exist? I am also appalled at Newsweek's description of Michele Bachmann as the “Queen of Rage.” This is terribly inappropriate and dishonest, to say the least. With all the talk I have heard on this program of the value of civility and changing the tone of the political debate, I have to ask why there was so little criticism of editor Tina Brown. Do some so viscerally dislike the Tea Party that they are blinded to the truth? There is abundant evidence of the overall goodness of Tea Party members, in terms of behavior, intentions, philosophy, etc. How can this evidence be so consistently denied, dismissed, and ignored by much of the media?
The Seals were killed by our own Government because they were not in favor of covering up the lie that we went in and killed Osama Bin Laden...
Amazing no one has figured this out...
urbanrage wrote:
"The Seals were killed by our own Government because they were not in favor of covering up the lie that we went in and killed Osama Bin Laden..."
Maybe if you keep posting that SOME wingnut will believe you!
Categorically and demonstrably FALSE.
The seals were from a DIFFERENT TEAM, NOT SEAL Team 6.
Hello,
Please let me comment on the riots in London. Poverty can be a humiliating circumstance, especially for a young person who has yet to established a greater sense of self. It can be humiliating to watch your parents struggle, to watch others with inherited opportunities and inherited wealth make way their through life easily. Poverty and lack of opportunity can lead to shame and anger, powerful paradigms for a youth to deal with.
As a teacher, I take responsibility that if students don't do well, I have not engaged them with passion and commitment or taught in a way that reaches them as individuals. The upper classes of the UK are not truly interested in confronting racism (which does not suddenly evaporate in generation or even two...), confronting socio-economic disparities Comments that they are all "thugs" just break my heart.
The reason I wrote in is because of the comments by a caller who spoke about youth who just listen to "rap" and want more "sneakers" (these are just code words to disparage Black or African Diaspora culture). Being a teenager, overcoming racism and the glass ceiling of class, is an incredible feat that needs passion and commitment from the prime minister on down.... Except with police force, I don't see the UK confronting this head on.
Thank you,
Annie Jones
Add me to the list of people frustrated by the lack of coverage by today's show of Ron Paul's debate performance. Despite being ignored by the media, Dr. Paul is showing up 3rd in the CNN poll. I can only imagine where he would be if the coverage were fair.
He has ideas that are significantly different than the others on the stage. His view on the economy in the 2008 cycle show he was way ahead of the gang. He saw the economic crisis coming in 2007. He is a Republican who wants to bring the troops home. How is that not newsworthy?
I'm tired of all the talk about Perry who hasn't even entered. The same was done for John Huntsman earlier in this cycle and Fred Thomspon in the 2008 cycle.
You fell into the trap of getting excited over the verbal battle between Bachmann and Pawlenty. Can anyone tell me what policies differences they were discussing? You can't because there wasn't a difference. It was just reality television.
Your panel was even talking about Sarah Palin today. Why are we paying any attention to her anyway?
Why do these people get coverage while Dr. Paul and Gov. Gary Johnson are ignored. They have significant ideas.
Today, in covering the GOP debate, you were not reporting the news. What you were doing was closer to gossip.
Why is more government control the answer? Government projects and policies have done more to harm and oppress individuals and the environment than any other source; yes, even in this country. But one only need take a look at the current state of North Korea to understand the worst possible outcome of the principles you are urging. If the market were truly free and unfettered (which, surprise!, it is not, not by a long shot) everyone would benefit--lots of good jobs; low-cost, high quality health care; many individuals with extra money to voluntarily give to those truly in need--these would be among the welcome results, not to mention it would become more natural to live with integrity and dignity and respect for others and for private property. Children who grow up watching the government constantly violate private property rights will naturally be inclined to do the same. As the rioters in Great Britain illustrate, pervasive government interference such as they have in Britain (long-term unemployment benefits, national health care, high taxes, intrusive regulation) have the effect of decreasing opportunity, creating a sense of entitlement, and promoting class warfare, and ultimately oppressing the very individuals the programs were designed to help. Liberty lifts everyone up. Corruption and collusion and bailouts and complicated, indecipherable regulations (the IRS code and the Affordable Care act are only two examples) are what is really hurting everyone, rich and poor alike.
gmkemman ,
Just so you know, there are those of us out here who really appreciate your thoughtful and well written posts. You are one of the few that shows up here where I find myself nodding my head while reading what you've written. Now, realize, that probably makes you a "racist" and a "Bush boot licker" like me, but you can't please everyone!
Keep it up!
The link to listen to the show does not seem to be working.
The streaming file / url is missing and thus, the Listen link is not working.
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"ecgberht wrote:
It's fascinating to hear the left ripping on Republican candidates whom they will never vote for - particularly the caller who ripped on Rick Perry.
There can be only one reason for this - that they sense that Obama is extremely vulnerable.
If the left were smart? they would SUPPORT the WEAKEST Republican candidates. That will give Obama the best chance. On the other hand, when your chances are slim and none, and slim is climbing on his horse to leave town, does it really make a difference?
August 12, 2011 - 10:49 am"
Great idea Professor Einstein.
But 2 examples of the other side of that coin.
When the GOPs have made a complete mess of everything and the Nation lays in ruins and they want to dump the mess onto the Democrats, the GOPs themselves will pick a guaranteed loser for their Party. That has happened several times during my life including recently, Bob Dole and McCain/Palen.
Ex 2. After the GOPs have been told who to nominate by the Bushes, they then cross over to make a mess of the Dem Primaries. Examples- Jesse Jackson in Iowa and the even worse racist trick of the SC GOP capture of the Democrat Primary to nominate a totally unqualified and unfunded Black Veteran.
I can't download or stream today's Audio. Am I the only one?
Monte Haun mchaun@hotmail.com
I can't get today's podcasts to play. It says the file isn't found.
Dear gmkemman,
Your diatribe against government is peculiar. First, North Korea is run by a despot and is not comparable to the form of government in Great Britain or the United States. Also, although Great Britain certainly has problems, National Health Care and other policies you mention are popular and have not led to the problems you imagine. see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_infant_mortality_rate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_life_expectancy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_unemployment_rate
Even the Economist gives UK a reasonable rating (and the US is not at the top). And most of the countries ranked on the top have national health care programs.
Also, despite your antagonism against laws (regulations are part of the law), generally they are well designed to save lives, increase quality and create wealth. For example, copyright, patent and trademarks are government regulations that corporations use directly to create wealth.
Of course, the Internet and GPS among thousands of major advances that are gifts from government--major wealth centers for the private sector.
Daniel
WDC
The Bachmann photo followed a widely circulated series of very unflattering photos of Secretary Clinton.
Monte Haun mchaun@hotmail.com
"jlynwood wrote:
I think Susan Page has been sipping the Rick Perry coolaid. Under Perry the schools in Texas are worse off than they were under George Bush. The job creation that Perry boasts about are not the kind of jobs that most people will call good jobs. Yes, we have opened quite a few Wal-Marts in Texas in the past few years, but I don't see those jobs as great. Although, I guess a little money coming in is better than none.
I know far too many people in Texas who are working temporary contract jobs to declare that Texas has created permanent "Good" jobs."
jlynwood:
Don't know where you have been looking if you have been looking at all but I travel the state from South Texas to Central Texas and guess what? I have seen thousands of job due to natural gas exploration. Cities like Carrizo Springs overnight have changed due to carbons. Proud men were there orange and red jumper suits representing companies like Hallaburton, Schlenberger, Baker Hughes. A laboror makes $40,000 a year.
Maybe you ought to tell some of your friends to join the oil patch.
"Insane wrote:
The compromise is not politically possible. We are divided into prosperous, liberal states, net contributors to federal budget and states (South), net recipients of federal money.
Example: Mississippi gets sover 2$ for each tax dollar.
CAlifornia by itself supports 45% of the federal budget.
At the same time these poor states have undemocratic power in the senate. 41 senators representing 17% of population were able to block all legislature. The new group to decide about taxes represent only 15% of population.
Wisconsin was not a disappointment. There is a moderate Republican that voted against Walker's agenda. This ads to 2 democrats that won."
California has a 28 Billion dollar deficit today. They are broke. Get it, broke.
Kudos sanantoniotrg
Lack of nimbleness? I'm not sure I'd call Romney's "I'm unemployed too" comment nimble. Unguarded comments by any candidate show a lot about the person.
"Of course, the Internet and GPS among thousands of major advances that are gifts from government--major wealth centers for the private sector. "
Daniel
WDC
Daniel:
The government does not have the ability or know how to bring products invented in government labs to the masses at low costs.
Free Enterprise, corporations, and Entrepreneurs have been able to do this.
Government does not think ahead. Post Office is perfect example. They could of done what Fed-Ex did or Microsoft. Instead this government entity is bleeding red.
How can you ignore the winner of the debate? According to Fox's own poll Ron Paul got almost twice as many votes as the next highest candidate but you only talked about how much money Romney has and Michele Bachmann's photo. Come on what kind of reporting is this? Congressman Paul really stood out and received the loudest applause of the evening. I used to respect your show but you are out of touch and in real need of a reality check. I don't think I would vote for Paul over a progressive but this is too glaring a mistake for me to ignore. I don't think I can take your show seriously any more. I will go somewhere else for my info from now on.
James
Lynchburg VA
Mr. Meangrean,
I am not sure what your point is. I was pointing out that lots of major advancements came from government entities that created great opportunities and wealth. Sure, government is not in the business of marketing generally and competing in most markets. But in the case of GPS, this is a product that is free to the world, so I guess you could say that the government is losing money on it. But GPS is one of the most beneficial services that the private sector is using to sell billions in products and services. I would say that the government expenditure is worth it. And I doubt the private sector could compete here nor is it worth it for this particular service.
As to your one example of the post office vs. private sector, you may not realize that the postal service is providing services to the public and are bound by law to not compete on their basic service. We decided as a nation (thanks Benjamin Franklin) and written into our constitution to have a national postal system. We have to decide as a nation if we want to continue this at a loss, hike prices or transition away from first class mail with universal delivery to Internet (thanks govt.) But that is a policy choice, not a market decision. And, oh by the way, delivering a letter across the nation to any person for less than a buck... priceless...ok 44 cents.
Daniel
WDC
Revenue crushing tax cuts for the rich and program crushing (job eliminating) government cuts for everyone else is right out of the Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover playbooks that brought on the Great Depression.
As in the 20's, our government is being run by a minority of wealthy interests. They pay big money for propaganda machines called 'think tanks' to deliver talking points to their corporate owned media as well as to their corporate owned candidates (Republican and Tea Party especially, and unfortunately the Democrats are not completely innocent either).
Mussolini was asked in the '30's what is fascism: he declared it was when you could fit barely a piece of cigarette paper between government and the corporation. Interestingly, the Tea Party itself is a creation of a PR firm hired by the insurance industry to shout down national health care. (see the book Deadly Spin by Wendell Potter who was the head of communications of the insurance giant Cigna).
And the big money has found its way into the Supreme Court which in a 5-4 decision in Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission basically opened the door to unlimited corporate spending in elections.
As for Obama, he is no chest thumping visionary like either of the Roosevelts. Obama (as with Clinton) is about as liberal as Dwight Eisenhower (who would be considered too liberal for the current Republican Party). Still it should be clear to even a centrist like this current president to stop coddling this corporate machine and reverse this anti-government (and anti-people) trend that accelerated during the George W. Bush terms and and has continued with this corporate wing congress.
If you pick up one book this week, read 'The Great Depression: America: 1929-1941' by acclaimed historian Robert McElvaine (touted by both New York Times and Business Week).