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Showing posts from February 1, 2009

Modern Fascism

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Fascism did not die with Adolph Hitler.  The philosophy is alive and well, but it no longer calls itself Fascist. It prefers the words "liberal" and "progressive."  I am currently reading an interesting book with the somewhat shocking title: "Liberal Fascism" by Jonah Goldberg.    I would venture to suggest that what various Fascist movements hold in common is a faith, almost religious in character, in the power of the state to solve all problems in the world.  For modern fascist types, Politics replaces Religion as the Ultimate Ideology.  There also seems to be a faith in the ability of the Intelligentsia to solve problems and a distrust of democracy and ordinary people who are regarded as rather dumb, uneducated and not fit for making important decisions.   Hence all the warnings printed all over every product you buy, such as warnings not to use a hair dryer in the shower.   The exact plan for World Salvation is not clear, but it is the power of the sta...

Fairness Doctrine

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Hmm.  Interesting that you waste your time listening to those hate filled idiots.   Be careful for God's sake, you might accidentally find that your brains were washed.  If you happen to be trapped in your car in a traffic jam while listening, you might be afflicted by the Stockholm Syndrome and come over to the Dark Side.    And I hope you are right about the Fairness doctrine. Here (link)  is one cause for worry.  Courtesy of Senator Debbie Stabenow. I think her husband is an executive with Air America. 

What Censorship

Driving 8-12 hours a week I get my fill of Rush, Levin, Weiner, Hannity, etc. What serious effort is being made to censor these talk show hosts? The boogey man, "the Fairness Doctrine" is carted out by these blow hards every day since the elecdtion. The fact that the President or others on the left might critize the accuracy of statements or tactics of these radio hosts is not censorship. In the case of Rush, he invites such commentary by making comments that he hopes the President's economic plan fails. Since I don't have time to research the boogey man, is there a serious House or Senate Bill, FCC proposed regulation, exectutive order, or even a committe or commission whose objecti is to reimpose the so called Fairness Doctrine, let alone censorship of right wing talk show hosts.

Free Speech

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Politics is usually barred from polite talk at social get togethers because people become so emotional in discussing it that tempers flare and the party is spoiled. Many people regard those of an opposing political opinion as  right wing/left wing nuts (choose your preference).  Those with opposing views are ridiculed as idiots. This is a phenomenon of human psychology that applies to both sides of the political spectrum.  But politicians are not superhuman gods immune from passion and prejudice. They will bring their beliefs to their job, if given the task of refereeing free speech.  I still believe that the best choice is to allow free debate to continue and trust the populace to choose wisely.   The reality is that there are reasoned arguments for both the left and the right.   Human beings are not always reasonable, but hopefully enlightened self interest will keep people curious about what is really true, despite their prejudices.  By the way, I did not pick Joe McCarthy as my spo...

Fairness Doctrine

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I expected it to be coming.  When you are trying to set up a totalitarian state, the first thing you need to do is seize control of the media, especially the airwaves.  Look what has happened to the press under Putin in the New Russia.  Hence the so called Fairness doctrine that designates the government to supervise any discussion on the airwaves.  All such discussions must be "balanced" whatever that might possibly mean.  The result, talk shows do not exist with a point of view; only allegedly objective shows. Such shows, like our major media news outlets, choose what events are newsworthy, and which are not. They also choose how every story will be "spun."  Are Israelis victims or criminals. Who is to say.  Apparently the government will tell you.  But allegedly "objective" news programs will not be criticized. Only frankly and honestly partisan points of view like Rush Limbaugh on talk Radio or Sean Hannity on Fox News will be targeted.  Amazing how so...

Two Week Report Card Obama

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Perhaps two weeks is a little too soon. But some people are already predicting an Obama "meltdown."  The Republicans are having too much fun in their new role as the loyal opposition.  It is starting to look like it could prove to be a long four years for the Democrats.   It may dawn on some people soon that it takes more than a pretty black face and soaring rhetoric to run a country. 

California Broke

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How is it possible that California is broke, given that it has one of the highest sales taxes and income taxes in the country?   My local paper advises  me that it is the fault of Republicans for failing to raise taxes even higher.  What about spending? Don't be ridiculous, these government programs are all sacred. 

Increasing Tax Revenue

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    Brilliant Barack Obama has discovered already, in only the first two weeks of his administration, a way to increase government tax revenue by getting high income tax cheats who are not paying their fair share to pay more.  His clever idea: he nominates them to high cabinet posts.