Friday News Roundup - Hour 1
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2011-10-28/friday-news-roundup-hour-1
The U.s economy grew by 2.5 percent in the third quarter, the fastest pace in a year. The congressional debt reduction supercommittee met in public Wednesday. But the real action continued behind closed doors. A Democratic proposal was leaked, and countered by a Republican offer, but taxes remain the stumbling block. President Obama announced economic measures that don’t require congressional approval, including one to ease student loan debt. And GOP presidential hopeful Rick Perry unveiled his flat-tax plan. The domestic hour of our Friday News Roundup David Corn of Mother Jones, Jeanne Cummings of Bloomberg News and Byron York of the Washington Examiner.
Guests
David Corn
Washington bureau chief, "Mother Jones" magazine; author of several books, most recently, "Hubris: The Inside Story of Spin, Scandal, and the Selling of the Iraq War."
Jeanne Cummings
deputy government editor, Bloomberg News.
Byron York
chief political correspondent, Washington Examiner.
Related Video
The panelists respond to a caller's view on the Occupy Wall Street movements and discuss the political and cultural forces that precipitated the movements. Bloomberg's Jeanne Cummings said that the question many frustrated Americans continue to ask, both inside and outside the movement, is "where are the jobs?"
Comments
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DOJ: Secret Record? What Secret Record?
—By Siddhartha Mahanta
| Mon Oct. 24, 2011 11:17 AM PDTAttorney General Eric Holder. Pete Marovich/ZumaHere's a thought experiment: If you've requested a national security-related document through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) but the Justice Department says it doesn't exist, could it exist anyway? Under a sweeping set of new rules proposed by the DOJ, the answer could soon be yes.
Current FOIA law allows the government to withhold information—lots of it. Typically, such withholdings come with a simple explanation called a "Glomar denial," which says that the government can neither confirm nor deny the existence of the records in question. But, as ProPublica reports, the new rules "would direct government agencies to 'respond to the request as if the excluded records did not exist'"—meaning that the government can just pretend away your request, along with the information in question.
The DOJ first published the revised rules in March. At the request of open-government organizations, it allowed them to file comments on the law until October 19. And comment they did: The American Civil Liberties Union, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, and OpenTheGovernment.org wrote a letter to the DOJ, writing that the rule would "dramatically undermine government integrity by allowing a law designed to provide public access to government to be twisted to permit federal law enforcement agencies to actively lie to the American people." They also argue that the new rule's restrictive wording is unnecessary:
In light of "fast and furious" and other DOJ activities is anyone surprised anymore how corrupt the Obama Justice Department is?
Etaoin Shrdlu wrote:
"Oh, and Marcus, I see you're following monte's trick: posting Comments hours before the show even airs (in fact, on the day before no less)! You do realize that tends to undercut any credibility in what you have to say, don't you."
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You think posting before the show airs is a trick? One day I will teach you how to make fire. You do realize that some of the callers and emailers have written their questions and comments out before the show is in progress, yes? What credibility could they possibly have?
"Freelancer heard on NPR stations fired for protest"
NPR journalists may not participate in marches and rallies.
"Lisa Simeone said she was fired Wednesday evening from "Soundprint," a documentary show that isn't produced by NPR but airs on about 35 affiliate stations across the country. The head of Soundprint Media Center Inc. cited NPR's code of ethics before she was fired."
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9QGMJ480.htm
When will NPR get around to firing Nina Totenberg for gross violations of NPR's code of ethics? Unlike Juan Williams and Simeone, Totenberg is actually an NPR journalist.
Most of the liberal posters here could be given a year to contemplate and produce a quality thoughtful post after the show airs and still would come up with the same old tired dead wrong democrat party talking point, so what's your point E.S.? Who cares, don't be so anal.
By the way that Herman Cain promo, excellent! and I personally hate second hand smoke. GO HERMAN.
Well, the conservative voices have been very busy....many hours before the shows even begun. Waiting to bait their opponents for a good heckling.
I've seen other posts on here where a number of you guys are taking the progressive side to task and moaning about how we all should just go out and get a job.
Which sounds an awful like "let them eat cake".
You guys better mind your necks. Pretty soon someone might be setting up one of those guillotine devices in the public square.
After Oakland who's side do you suspect the military is going to be on? I doubt the rich or the well to do.
Teece Bowman wrote:
"Well, the conservative voices have been very busy....many hours before the shows even begun. Waiting to bait their opponents for a good heckling.
I've seen other posts on here where a number of you guys are taking the progressive side to task and moaning about how we all should just go out and get a job.
Which sounds an awful like "let them eat cake".
----------------------------------------------------
Liberals who invoke that quote, as if it is somehow a condemnation of conservatives, expose their ignorance of history. Marie Antoinette never uttered that phrase. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the liberal equivalent of Michael Moore, is the originator of this myth and the phrase.
But even if your crop was damaged by a hailstorm, I'm sure you can still use your food stamps to get corn at the supermarket.
Supposedly, when asked what he thought about western civilization, Gandhi answered, "I think it would be a good idea." He probably never said that. Nevertheless, I think if Gandhi could have been asked what he thought about capitalism, he would have said, "I think it’s a good idea, you should try it someday."
Capitalism is the best system so far. But, most often it is state-controlled capitalism (the China model now, the Fascist model in the past), or corporate capitalism. If we're stuck with corporate capitalism and can't get real capitalism, then we have to regulate it vigorously. Remember the Bible tells us all people, even good people, are flawed, wicked, and sinful. And, legally corporations are people too apparently.
If this reaches the Friday panel, could they comment about the distinction between the capitalism we have versus true free market capitalism, which is the best but only an ideal.
Gandi said:
" First they ignore you.
Then they laugh at you.
Then they fight you.
Then you win."
Well it looks like the Oligarchs have gotten up to the " fight you" part against the Occupy Movement pretty quickly.
The Occupy Movement is waking people up and it's scaring the daylights out of the Oligarchs.
It seems like everyday more and more people are beginning to understand what is happening to us and who is really responsible.
This is not the first time that people have been brutalized in this country for just trying to exercise their rights as free Americans.
During the civil rights and the anti-war movement in the sixties it was standard operating procedure to beat up on peaceful demonstrators, so you might think that some things never change.
But there is one big difference. Back then you had to be an African American or an antiwar protester to have your rights violated, but now just being Middle Class is enough.
The Oligarchs have been working feverishly to curtail our voting rights by implementing draconian voter registration laws all over the country and they are destroying what's left of Unions. They are executing an all out attack on the 99 percenters through the American Legislative Exchange Council "A.L.E.C." and Americans for Prosperity.
But they are shaking in their handmade leather boots because it's not working.
The 99 percenters are not being bamboozled. The American people are not falling for the Faux News propaganda. The 99 percenters eyes have been opened and they are angry at what they see.
Remember my fellow Peons
SOYLENT GREEN IS PEOPLE
Marcus said:
'Liberals who invoke that quote, as if it is somehow a condemnation of conservatives, expose their ignorance of history. Marie Antoinette never uttered that phrase. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the liberal equivalent of Michael Moore, is the originator of this myth and the phrase".
Okay Marcus, let's get something straight....I'm not a liberal any more than you are a conservative. There are no conservatives at the present time, only a group of people who use it as another name for being selfish. And that is what people are reacting to.
Now, I didn't say anything about Marie Antoinette did I? What I was saying was WHAT the revolutionaries perceived at the time....and as we all know, perceptions are everything. Whether a person said something or not didn't change facts, and in the end the difference was still the same.....you lost your head.
Evidently that perception was good enough to bring people to a violent conclusion.
If the French Aristocracy was so out of touch with the lives of its citizenry, then they may just as well have said it for all the people cared.
Same difference now and that is neither a conservative or liberal matter....it simply is.
Isn't it amazing how some people (not just monte this time) are able to post an informed, intelligent, Comment about a show before it even airs!
Oh, wait, they can't?
Never mind.
MarcusTullius on October 26, 2011 @ 6:56 pm wrote: “You do realize that some of the callers and emailers have written their questions and comments out before the show is in progress, yes? What credibility could they possibly have?”
I know no such thing, especially since the e-mails (and obviously the calls) don’t “appear” until the show actually airs. Furthermore, it is clear from the content of those comments that they usually have begun to listen to the show before preparing their comments. Can the same be said of the stuff monte (for example) manages to post almost two days before this program aired? I don’t think so. (Let’s see if any of what he’s ranting about is raised by any of the guests to the show. Monte, of course, could always call or e-mail in to make his “Comment” a self-fulfilling prophecy.)
However, even if there is some truth to your assertion (and I’d love to see some proof), then I’d agree their credibility can be questioned.
P.S. - I really am beginning to doubt that English is your native language, since you obviously have no idea what the phrase “cute trick” means. I’m well aware of how he is able to do it. (I even know how to make fire, thank you.) But whether he should is what earns the adjective “cute”. The same can be said for the sophistry and smart-aleck remarks you think are a substitute for sound reasoning.
MarcusTullius on October 27, 2011 @ 10:59 am wrote: “Marie Antoinette never uttered that phrase. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the liberal equivalent of Michael Moore, is the originator of this myth and the phrase.”
Not quite, Cicero. According to Wikipedia (a source I advise using with caution, but it’s good enough for this) Rousseau may have originated the phrase, but he never attributed it to Marie Antoinette. Neither was it attributed to her during the French Revolution.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_them_eat_cake#cite_ref-7
In short, this may simply be an “urban legend”, and an example of why hearsay is not allowed as evidence in courts of law - there’s no way to determine the truthfulness of the person repeating what someone else has told them. They may believe what is actually false.
(Kind of like people who parrot the latest talking point memo from their favorite political party or organization before an episode of the Diane Rehm Show has actually aired. Something to consider before rushing to accuse any President of lying, or before swallowing wholesale the conspiracy theories of the “Truthers”, the “Birthers”, or the “Grassy Knollers”, etc.)
As the old saying goes: A lie can travel half-way round the world, before the truth even starts. And today, with the internet, the lies travel at light-speed!
By the way, I always thought that rather than being a callous remark, the Queen was trying to make what she thought was a helpful suggestion. After all, cake includes flour, and provides some nutrition. (Furthermore, the actual French word was “brioche”, which actually is a form of bread.) According to the Wikipedia article, Marie Antoinette was actually quite generous, so this explanation would seem more in character. (Except, it appears she never said it.)
MarcusTullius on October 26, 2011 @ 7:01 pm wrote: "Freelancer heard on NPR stations fired for protest"
You know, Cicero, you’d have more credibility if you bothered to fully read and consider the stories you’re using to post tirades against NPR. A few pertinent facts that apparently escaped your notice, or you didn’t realize the relevance of:
1) The person in question didn’t simply attend or participate in the protest, she organized it.
2) The program she was fired from isn’t produced by NPR, although it does air on some of their stations.
3) She was fired by the actual producer (Soundprint Media Center Inc.), and although they cited NPR’s policies, it was their judgment (not NPR’s) that she had violated them, and that dismissal was warranted.
4) NPR said it didn’t pressure Soundprint to fire the reporter. (I know, you automatically don’t believe that, but so far it’s the only evidence in the report you linked to.)
5) Another NPR affiliate is apparently supporting her.
I know you scurry around trying to find anything to support your “NPR is the root of all evil” attitude, but blaming them for something an independent producer did, involving an obvious liberal taking part in a “Progressive” demonstration, sounds more like the kind of accusation I’d expect from those left-wing extremists who insist public broadcasting is a right-wing tool!
monte on October 27, 2011 @ 12:00 am wrote: “Most of the liberal posters here could be given a year to contemplate and produce a quality thoughtful post after the show airs and still would come up with the same old tired dead wrong democrat party talking point, so what's your point E.S.? Who cares, don't be so anal.”
Actually, monte old chum, that describes most of the drivel you post. Looking in the mirror are we?
Now about your “anal” fixation . . . .
but those rules passed post 9=11 under the OPUS Bush jr debacle- er- presidency...
but agree scared pooh-less as OPUS O did not rescind as promised(what do they know BUT are NOT telling US)
US love this planet of yours... and the English dialect there upon.
Wisdom gained via hardknock university(no long term debt usually BUT initial payment high) is that our valued possessions we keep keep US... when built to last and pass on when we ... well pass on... now things break WITHIN warranty and wish you had time/ patience to enforce warranty for repair... guess for all things there is a season.
But giving away ALL mostly as time for house sales gone... people 'buying' gifts for the hildaze AND other 'steals'- add veteran discount and the return on invest low... house in 96 for 120k sold yesterday for 80k to the same 'bank' nlol and county lost taxes on 130k. Offer to house to homeless vets on voucher($525/ FT Bragg NC area) either illegal or unacceptable never could get answer... or WHAT costs and penalties added to 'mortgage', what the courts do, how land and property seized in US... why under new security post 911 a pre911 veteran hero now homegrown unemployable terrorist LOL because as whistleblower US fired(US also USed sick leave(PTSD/ broken bones/ compressed vert)) ANOTHER no-no)??? Rest easy Scott... your 'spot' is filled AND our calender cleared for the holidaze...
But the value of things- and all things crap- are valued higher than actual lifeforms who are worthless apparently keeps puzzling... and as life and memories of family and friends(RIP 'Dusty') are invaluable and priceless(without any 'real' value according to English) leaves US confused... but our father's staff and shield comforts US.
Luckily able to carry the memories with US and can not be robbed by thug or court or corp as those worthless(without value- yes BOTH) BUT will still miss the shelter and food US think... but with less and less US find more and more BUT that might be the fatigue and hunger and untreated pain talking... but the Soylent Green is good for that as well(so US promised- do not let your neighbor go to waste). Fasting AND fresh air... cool waters refresh... mountains amd plains majesties... fish of the sea(accidently contaminated) and fowl of land(intentionally contaminated) ALL waiting to be shared?
Odd that the poorest treat US like kings and offer repast and shelter(even if only with the 'other' animals) while a small percentage of mostester 'intelligent' life refuse to acknowledge US very presence and the glory of this planet honestly and FAIRly... but US love(most) of you still.
Now lay back and relax(this may not hurt a byte) as the binary bombs embedded throughout your nations have STILL not been reset and counter ticking... evolve or die.
Would you like to play again(if able)?
I would like to ask the panel: Would not any attempt to disrupt OWS protests through police action or reactive legislation be considered a violation of constitutional rights?
E.S. since you insist on ragging on this issue of early posting, I would say the first post about the DOJ is precisely why early posting is permitted and encouraged by the DR show, relevant input from the listening audience that can be included by the host at her discretion. One must assume Diane prepares for the show with a list of questions and comments made before the show airs. I say this forum by no accident allows for precisely the same. You seem to be the one who assumes way to much about how this forum is to be run.
I agree with Marcus, it is possible to formulate questions or comments long before a show airs based on the subject matter as outlined in the calender of upcoming shows. Although there is no hard proof this is being done, it does seem obvious at times when the show does air and the comments or questions are posed from the listening audience. So what?
How did you come up with your notion that early posting is bad in someway, based on what exactly? What harm does it do?
I think I've demonstrated how an early poster might contribute in a constructive manner. (see Thursday on European debt crisis) I have even posted a week ahead after doing some research in the subject area. I'm not perfect and no genius but if I do extensive work I feel a need to share it. Many times I listen while working at the food bank or driving, or doing gardening or farm work. At 180 lbs. I cannot afford to sit around the house and listen with the refrigerator's contents tempting me.
Most of Diane's guests are highly predictable from earlier writings, talks, panels and interviews. Take Pat Buchanan for instance. Diane knows the man personally, and she knew his cloaked prejudices and identity politics would draw a big audience. But it was not for any good purpose. He's overexposed anyway and was only shilling a buook (buck-book). Other guests are "doing the circuit" and never deviate from script. The thing that angers me most is how powerful forces use shows like this to construct their version of public opinion.
But it is true that some posters are idealogues who seem to pursue this forum as a vocation. Maybe DRShow needs to limit our community to three or four posts a week. The talented writers need to have motivation to publish formally, at least elsewhere, as well as here. I will say I do enjoy this forum like a vacation home and appreciate most of you commentators. It is more difficult than many assume and you can make a fool of yourself very easily.
Bingo! And the Rehm show pulls a disproportionate amount of their guest especially when it comes to US foreign policy from the American Enterprise Institute think tank. Few guest from New America Foundation think tank which would be a counter balance for AEI
And why they continue to recycle many of the Iraq warmongers who were wrong about Iraq (and I believe knew they were wrong) on her program. Reuel Marc Gerecht etc
Now since it is raining in Belmont today I will take time to address news events. I think infiltrated provocateurs are purposely instigating violence with police in some OWS affiliated occupations. These persons are informants and/or employees of our covert intelligence agencies, law enforcement and ultra-conservative organizations. If we follow arrest and arraignment patterns tracking individuals it can easily be seen how these Judas goats are recycled to disrupt peaceful Constitutionally protected redress of grievances. A bad outcome for all is the result, because the majority of the population is frustrated and angry, even the ones who never miss a day of work. Hell, especially the ones who are constantly working and still falling behind. The proposition of being alive is coming to resemble a payday loan. This spontaneous movement is a reaction to that truth.
At the Occupy Wall Streets website they have the video clip of the seriously injured and bleeding Iraqi war Vet Olsen up as well as showing an Oakland police officer lobbing another tear gas can into the group trying to help Olsen. It is a horrifying clip
Do I understand the top 1% are making 275% more than they did 30 years ago? lets see, 30 yrs, I think I'm up about 600% since 30 yrs ago and I'm very happy mid class at 60k a year, am I evil?
I resent the idea that the people who have more money than I are more talented. The truth is, if you have money, you can hire talent to work your will. Some of these people had good ideas, others just had money. Money does not equal smart or talented.
It is unlikely that the top 1% consists mostly of the "best and brightest" as one panelist suggests. In Wealth & Democracy, Kevin Phillips points out that the two most common indicators of a person becoming wealthy is 1) their parents are rich and 2) their parents have above average income and net worth.
The rags-to-riches stories are mostly myths.
Live and let live Pancake, how about we just leave the forum the way it is, open to all at anytime.
I do wish Pink/Anonymous would stop typing on his enigma machine and use a real key board though.
Byron York you were clearly not at the anti invasion marches in DC, New York or anywhere else across the nation. In Oct of 2002 twenty thousand marched in the streets of DC. In Feb of 2003 in New York City the crowd was estimated at over a hundred thousand. That march was led by WWII, Korean, Vietnam , Desert Storm Vets as well as 9/11 family members against the invasion. I had the honor of pushing a 93 year old WWII Vet. You were clearly not there. Those anti invasion crowds were made up of Vets, families pushing children in strollers and seniors in wheelchairs. Union workers, students etc. The MSM barely covered these hundreds of thousands people who marched against the invasion. Accumulatively millions nationwide, 30 million world wide.
The MSM coverage in the evenings if they showed anything they would show the same clip of the 20 people with hoods over their heads over and over again.
Did any of the people on that panel including Diane go out on those streets and see who was there. NOT
Byron York you are so full of yourself, and you are full of shit about the anti invasion of Iraq marches. You are a liar
Monte:
I may not agree with you often, but as it regards Pink/Floyd I agree wholeheartedly.
I think this guy was on before under a different moniker.
I am surprised and almost ashamed, Diane, that you and your guests have bought the radical left's shaping of the debate... that the budget ranglings are about whether or not the top 1% of income earners should be taxed! This is NOT the issue. The issue is our government has gotten too big; takes too much money from citizens (40% of GDP goes to government spending) and spends too much on foolish and counterproductive things. How can you say you are an impartial news source when you don't consider your own biases and failure to look at the premise that shapes your entire interview??