The roots of right-winger rage, a la radio talker Neal Boortz
Neal Boortz | Wikimedia Commons
Aka, ‘the virtues of colonialism’
Sunday, Michael Howdyshell sent me the following review of the movie “2016 – Obama’s America,” which is based on the book “The Roots of Obama’s Rage,” by Dinesh D’Souza. It has pretty much become a holy text among Obama haters. It was written by Neal Boortz, a right-wing talk show host. Unlike the last email Michael forwarded to me, the right-wing talker actually wrote this. You can find it on Boortz’s web site.
I thought it would be interesting to deconstruct the essay and expose its many prevarications. Those, and other distortions and lies that are currently being spread by the Romney/Ryan campaign, are the centerpiece of conservatives’ efforts to unseat the president. Once you realize it’s all made-up garbage, their campaign against Obama evaporates. What remains is nothing more than hollow and irrational hatred.
My comments are italicized in parentheses. So here we go!
By Neal Boortz
Yesterday afternoon I finally found the time to head to a theatre to see “2016 – Obama’s America”, a movie based on Dinesh D’Sousa’s book “The Roots of Obama’s Rage.”
In the book D’Sousa tried to determine just what was driving Dear Ruler’s rage (dare we say hatred?) against successful wealthy Nations and Americans? (With this eye-rolling stretch, Boortz compares an elected American president with the late North Korean totalitarian Kim Jong Il).
Why did he send the bust of Winston Churchill back to the British Embassy in Washington? (Because the loaned bust had been previously scheduled to be returned at the end of the Bush administration. If Obama had tried to keep it, RWers like Boortz would be howling at him for reneging on the agreement). Why did he break with many previous presidents and take the Argentinian side on the Falkans controversy? (Obama didn’t take Argentina’s side. He asserted our neutrality, which was the same thing Reagan initially tried to do back in the 1980s.) Why is the centerpiece of Obama’s reelection campaign his obsession on raising taxes on the rich, even when history clearly shows that raising taxes on the rich only serves to reduce revenues to the government? (Notwithstanding the subjective assessment implicit in the term “obsession,” increasing taxes on the rich will increase federal revenue, as the Treasury learned during the Clinton administration).
To answer these questions D’Sousa traveled to Hawaii, to Indonesia, to Africa and around the Continental U.S. to interview the people who knew Barack Obama and people who have studied those who were close to Obama as he was growing up.
Now I tried to watch this movie with somewhat a different eye than most of the people in that theater. As hard as it is to do … I tried to watch it as an Obama supporter. (Another eye-rolling stretch. Can anyone imagine Neal Boortz imagining himself to be an Obama supporter, really?) I was looking for something that was clearly untrue or for logical lapses relating to Obama’s positions. (Yeah, like a liberal would recognize a logical lapse.) Not once did I think to myself “Oh now come on, Dinesh. That’s a little much.” (Boortz can’t find a “stretched-the-truth” moment in the film? That should be no surprise, from a partisan so eager to spread falsehoods about the Churchhill bust, the Falklands position, and long-discredited RWer taxation myths).
There were a few things in the movie that I had not realized … a few surprises for me.
*** Obama’s mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, truly seemed to despise the United States, so much so that she gravitated solely to men from the “third world.” (Somehow, Boortz “knows” that Dunham never had a fling with a white guy; and he demands we take his word for that, then trots out this bedrock “fact” as a telling character flaw).
*** Obama’s father was married at the time he met and married Ann Dunham. No judgment here – that might have been perfectly acceptable in his culture. Just didn’t know that. (In other words, Boortz is telling us that this is an utterly meaningless “surprise.” Then why bother working it into the essay, except to portray her as a marriage-wrecking immoral slut?)
*** While living in Indonesia Obama’s mother sent him to Hawaii to live with his grandparents because she was concerned that Obama would be influenced by his step-father, Lolo Sotero’s, increasingly pro-American and pro-Western views and associations. (This graf undercuts the silly point he was trying to make in the first bullet point).
*** It was Obama’s grandfather, from whom his mother apparently got her strident anti-American views, who introduced Obama to Communist Party member Frank Marshall Davis, with the intent that Davis was to become Obama’s mentor. (The key word here is “apparently.” That means, “I’m making this up.”)
*** Obama’s private school in Hawaii, Punahou, was infused with an anti-colonialist fervor; an atmosphere of resentment toward the United States as having colonized Hawaii. (The school was founded by Christian missionaries in Hawaii, for the purpose of keeping their children on the islands for their education. What does Boortz have against anti-colonialism, really? Does he not realize that the most famous anti-colonialists in the world bore names like Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and Paine? Is he against them, too?)
D’Sousa puts all of the information he gathers together and comes up with the conclusion that Obama’s driving philosophy is one of anti-colonialism. (This is true. It was also the driving philosophy of revolutionaries Washington, James Madison, John Adams and the rest of the founding fathers.) His mother, father, grandfather and mentor were all strident anti-colonialists. They all harbored the feeling that America’s wealth came from the exploitation of other nations and people. Obama now sees the opportunity to honor the legacy of his parents by righting that wrong and by destroying much of America’s ill-gotten wealth. This he is intent on doing through the destruction of our economy. (Here, Boortz, reads the minds of people who are both dead and living. Do you honestly believe Boortz can do that? Seriously?)
At the end of the movie the audience – as it had in other venues – burst into applause. I heard yells of “Romney – Ryan” and “Take back America.” Me? I was shaken. The documentary rang true. It answered question for me – and left me even more afraid for the future of my country than I am now.
Much to the dismay of the left, the movie has been very successful in limited engagements across the country; so much so that the movie will open in an much-expanded list of theaters over the weekend.
Now .. here’s the problem. The only people who will go see this movie are people who are already predisposed to vote for Romney. (This is likely true. That’s because right-wingers eagerly swallow BS and lies about Obama like a starving man who’s been offered a sumptuous meal.) The vast majority of people who will vote for Obama are not voting for a particularly philosophy … they are voting for one simple reason: To get access to someone else’s wealth. (Wrong. They want to stem a 30-year tide of growing economic inequality that more likely than not will lead to another revolution, which could foster a worse system of government than we have now. It’s all about preserving democracy). They don’t care what Obama’s motives or reasons are. They care about one thing — their checks – their money – their ObamaMoney. (He’s reading others’ minds again.)
Here is the best way to use this movie. Get a friend who doesn’t vote; a friend who basically shares your political philosophy, but who doesn’t plan to vote because they feel their vote won’t count anyway. Take that friend to the movie. Offer them dinner before or after .. but somehow get them to that movie. This movie is so powerful it will take those “my vote won’t count” people and change them into “By God I’m going to MAKE my vote count” people. That may save our Republic.
(Only people who don’t want to think for themselves will buy this crap on a silver screen — but there are plenty of them.)
September 2, 2012 - 1:37 PM
Gee Dan did you criticize michael Moore?
…of course not, Michael, ol’ dano’s simply an “opinion journalist…” and despite the facts…, with ol’ dano, it’s his OPINION which counts.
Boortz looks like Rove’s clone.
Yawn. Don’t confuse me with facts. Don’t know, don’t care much about history, never did, don’t see any differnce.
rt = danny boy= doesnt care about facts, just liberal ideology and bammy
rt = danny boy= doesnt care about facts, just liberal ideology and bammy
Fact: Boortz equates an elected American president with a totalitarian dictator.
Fact: Boortz writes that Obama took Argentina’s side. He did not.
Fact: Boortz says only tax cuts increase revenue. That’s been proven wrong over and over.
Fact: Boortz suggests Obama returned the bust of Churchill as some kind of insult to the Brits, when actually it was scheduled to be returned long before Obama became president.
pammala, I realize the truth hurts sometimes, and I feel for you.
Good point Mr. Howdyshell. Dan highlighting RW’ers without pointing the finger at his LW’er self. Geeshh…these guys do not get it. They are Obama pom-pom wavers and I do doubt they really even understand why (look at our economy, inflation, et al). I agree, it’s time for a QB change (I used that analogy on this blog a month ago, prior to Mitt I may add).
Newsflash folks, alot of us are NOT rich and a little more educated to understand that a Romney/Ryan ticket will NOT slash medicare. Obama/Biden’s platform of working for the middle class? Do some research. All of the increased spending on these government programs (yes, you know one in particular that I am talking about)are the drivers for a massive budget (hence debt) and a burden on the middle class.
People, regular people are tired. That includes me. I do not see anything outside of the LW’er rhetoric that will improve things for a hard working middle class family man like myself. It has not happened so far. I do see see a re-enegizing of the country and the workforce with a new focus on our domestic energy resources (which includes more than just drilling for oil).
I could go on and on. I would love some good dialogue (although I admit that with my travel I have not even checked the response level to my last post). However, Dan…this blog is getting boring because you are so left-centered. I am wondering if you are doing this to spur blog entries which may be good for business? Maybe this is all business for you Dan…stir the pot abit while actually being politically ambivalent?
The funny thing about Dan and these liberal talking about hate….They absolutely hated George W. Bush. And EVERY SINGLE ONE of their objections to him, has been doubled down on by 0bama –waging a war on a sovereign nation of brown people where there aren’t any WMD, deficit spending, torture, keeping Gitmo open.
So the fact that they don’t object to 0bama proves they hated Bush just to hate.
Bottom line is the majority of the media today is owned and operated by the liberal democrats, to the tune of about 90%. Criticize the Wall Street Journal and FOX News all you want but without them, this country would look much like Goebbel’s Nazi Propaganda Machine of the 1930′s. For instance, when it was announced that Ryan was the VP nominee, I looked at the artices on CNN news concerning the announcement. There was about 20 related articles, every one of them was negative. So it goes with all of these liberal establishments (Roanoke Times included). So far we still live in a free America but the slant and twist of the liberal media machine goes on and very deceptively at that. We still have the ballot box and come November we have the luxury of opting for change. Thank goodness.
‘Left-centered’ is a funny word.
Dan,
I don’t know if anything about 2016 is true. I frankly don’t give many things like this much credence. I didn’t with Fahrenheit 911 nor did I with the “birthers”. I’m opposed to Obama for many previous stated reasons. I do find it interesting that you constantly ridicule the Right for their extreme behavior but say nothing of the bizarre behavior from the Left. I’m sure you know that Mr. Boortz is a well respected attorney and talk show host.
Dan,
What background do you have in economics? Do you have an undergraduate degree in business? A MBA perhaps? How can you say that the inequities exist in this country or they are caused by the “rich” screwing the poor. Everyone has a chance in this country. This country offers the greatest opportunity for economic advancement of any country in the world. I live in the same world you live in and I don’t see it. You make statements that the facts don’t support based on your opinions. I even sent you a book that you refused to read, “The Millionaire Next Door”. Read that small book then let’s talk about wealth and opportunity in this country.
“They absolutely hated George W. Bush. And EVERY SINGLE ONE of their objections to him, has been doubled down on by Obama.”
Of course, this blog wasn’t around at any point during Bush’s presidency. In other words, nobody who posts here wrote ANYTHING on this blog during those eight years, and despite that, Suzie feels free to speak on behalf of every liberal here? Come on.
Speaking for myself, I did not hate Bush. I didn’t even dislike him enough to spread lies about him. That remained true after the presidency. That does not mean I haven’t criticized him. But one of the big differences between Bush and Obama is that you don’t have to lie about Bush in order to level devastating criticism at him. The truth suffices nicely.
The majority of the media today is NOT owned by liberal Democrats. The majority of the media today is corporate owned.
What can I say? I said it yesterday and fits this disgusting piece of right wingnut propaganda perfectly:
“Just because we practice free speech is this country doesn’t mean everything printed or spoken is true. It’s really sad the number of Americans who can’t tell the difference between truth and just plain lies.”
Comment by Cold n P — September 1, 2012 @ 9:03 pm
No offense, MichaelH, but there’s absolutely nothing about an MBA that’s going to teach anyone anything about the distribution of wealth in this country or where the inequities lie. The great economic crash we enjoyed a few years back was authored by armies of MBAs too smart for their own good.
There was some good discussion on one of the “Sunday shows” this morning about Americans getting tired of all the lies on both sides (I think NBC).
I believe this is true. Thoughtful voters understand.
Funny story on the “bust” issue is that first the white house said they had “relocated” the bust then admitted that the bust was sent back and there was another bust in the white house.
I guess they didn’t know there were “two” busts.
If I were a newly elected president, I think I would ask for a continued “loan” (if that is what it was, I have not investigated) just to prove to one of our closest historical allies that I was “with them”.
But hey, what should one expect from an administration that is cutting 2/3rds the number of troops going to support exercises with another of our “historical” allies, Israel.
Dan,
I fear this “mind reading” mantra you are projecting on others may come back to haunt you.
“Dan,
What background do you have in economics? Do you have an undergraduate degree in business? A MBA perhaps? How can you say that the inequities exist in this country or they are caused by the “rich” screwing the poor. Everyone has a chance in this country.”
Michael, I don’t have a background in economics. It was my minor in college. I took probably 24 credits or so in college. It was my minor. But even that wouldn’t constitute “a background,” in my book.
I have read a lot about econ, though. It’s a major interest of mine. And I’ve read plenty by people who most definitely DO have backgrounds in economics. Economists are the ones who raise the problem of income inequities in this country, and how the gap is growing between the rich and poor, and how there are a record number of people in poverty (Mitt Romney is saying this, too, btw) and that middle class wages are falling, and the middle class is shrinking.
And that’s a bad thing. You don’t have to have a Phd in economics to realize that a strong middle class = a strong economy, and a weak/declining middle class = a weak/declining economy. Meanwhile, history provides plenty examples of the destabilizing effects of a country having large numbers of poor people and a small number of rich. (And the outcome is always bad for the rich). You surely know this because you have a background in history.
Let’s assume you are rich Michael, just for the sake of the argument. I’m on your side. I’m trying to help you protect that wealth, rather than have it stolen from you, violently, by revolutionaries who might harm you.
You could say I’m trying to save your life. But you don’t realize it.
If you think Barry’s comments are kooky on this blog you ought to see his missives on UVA and VT football on the sports blogs. The boy lives in fantasy land.
rt = danny boy= doesnt care about facts, just liberal ideology and bammy
Fact: Boortz equates an elected American president with a totalitarian dictator.
Fact: Boortz writes that Obama took Argentina’s side. He did not.
Fact: Boortz says only tax cuts increase revenue. That’s been proven wrong over and over.
Fact: Boortz suggests Obama returned the bust of Churchill as some kind of insult to the Brits, when actually it was scheduled to be returned long before Obama became president.
Dan…”mega dittos” for Boortz.. I have been saying Democrat President Barrack Hussein Obama is a FASCIST…(thanks for the plug on previous blog).
Democrat President Clinton lowered taxes and we had balance budget..Republican Congress.
Not sure about the Winston Churchill bust…
BUT
Democrat President Barrack Hussein Obama gave the QUEEN of England for her anniversary an IPOD..DVD’s that do not work on their systems.
BHO is one heck of a stand up guy as PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES..
BHO needs to get back to Chicago and Community Organize…2 more killed 2 blocks from his home..(Going to Mexico City for vacation)
pammala, I realize the truth hurts sometimes, and I feel for you.
Dan constantly confuses the United States banans republics where the rich use the government to steal all the money from poor. This has never happened in capitalistic countries like the United States where the rich provide wealth to the lower classes by simple tricke-down economics.
Leftwingers pretend wealth in capitalistic countries is the zero-sum game it is in leftwing dictatorships. It’s not. When the rich do well, everyone does well.
To drive home this point, I will ask this question for the fifth time (which has yet to be answered). Would the economic effect on the Roanoke Valley’s middle class and the be improved or harmed if Bill Gates moved to the valley? Dan would say Gates would say the poor and middle class would be hurt, I guess because Gates would somehow ‘steal’ from them. I say Gates’ presence would sprout the economy a small city just to service his spending and would thereby be a boost to all classes.
So what about it, liberals? Are you going to answer?
I seldom agree with Dan on any topic. But, we have to give him credit; he is letting people speak their piece. He is doing so, much to the chagrin of his smug liberal followers. He will also feel the ire of she who is a big mouth, know it all liberal, as well as tries to hijack blogs. Dan’s moderating skills will definitely be called into question. Thanks, Dan.
There’s a lot of money in hate these days. One wonders how many of these bozos believe what they spew or is it the same as selling used cars or bananas?
The majority of the media today is NOT owned by liberal Democrats. The majority of the media today is corporate owned.
Democrats control the most of the mainstream media. Nobody even tries to refute that anymore. Rush may have been the first to bring it up. Bernard Goldberg was the first liberal media figure to openly admit it. For that, he was fired by Dan Rather.
I know this has nothing to do with this discussion, however I am watching comedy central and I thought what I’m watching was a documentary on Romney and Ryan. But then I checked the guide and nope not a documentary just the movie DUMB AND DUMBER.
The media might be corporately owned but it is controlled by liberal democrats and anyone that can’t see that is totally blind. If I were Romney or Ryan, there is no way that I would agree to these debates unless the moderators are selected from FOX as well as PBS, NBC or CBS. These mainstream media sources are always out to get the conservatives, if you don’t believe it just pay attention for a change.
Good answers Dan, I simply disagree with the causes. I have said for many years we are moving towards a two class society. I have never not once mentioned whether I was/ am rich or poor. I’m not poor nor would I be included in the top 1%. My arguments are philosophical based, and I really believe Romney will be better for business and for the country. The goal should BD to create an environment where anyone who wants to can rise as far as their abilities will take them. How in the world does raising taxes help anyone? Grow the GDP increase revenue to the Government. I have N undergraduate degree in History and an MBA plus 27 years work experience in one industry. I can’t tell you how many people I have seen in our industry go from rags yo riches because they work.
Economists are the ones who raise the problem of income inequities in this country, and how the gap is growing between the rich and poor, and how there are a record number of people in poverty (Mitt Romney is saying this, too, btw) and that middle class wages are falling, and the middle class is shrinking.
Dan..no they don’t..
Economist RAISE the problems of income inequities in this country and how the gap is growing between rich and poor and how there is record of people in poverty.
No they don’t…good try though.
No one needs an MBA or any other degree to know and see that the laws, structure and very nature of our society caters to the rich. They buy politicians to see those protections like lesser tax percentages on their paper work than on actual labor and effort work. They buy politicians to insure the tax code is long and complicated and full of loopholes. They buy politicians to write legislation that favors large corporations over small business, wealth over the middle and working class and everyone over the poor and powerless. You have GOT to be kidding to think that rich people give the ridiculous amounts of money they do to politicians for nothing in return.
Ok, regardless of who “owns” the media (Comcast/NBC Universal), they certainly opine from the left, and in many cases the far left. Did anyone pay attention to what was going on at MSNBC last week? What are the roots of left-wing rage? A former bureau chief for CNN was on record as saying that their coverage of the RNC was not even remotely journalistic. The racialism that is coming from the left is absolutely out of control. Did you listen to Chris Matthews? He was like a crazed lunatic. They can find “racial code” in the most benign of statements. They tell us if the Romney campaign uses words like angry, experience or even Chicago, that is tantamount to racial hatred. If you don’t beleive me, check their website. But, of course, it was perfectly within the realm of good public discourse for the same talking heads to question Bush’s intelligence, school records, military service or even his sobriety. There was usually no hesitation in calling him insulting names. Can the same be said for Obama? Opposition to any of his policies has drawn charges of racism since the day he took office. Eric Holder? A professional race-hustler!
Let’s be real, MSNBC has been in the tank for Obama since he announced his candidacy in 2007, the Clintons were on record for saying so in 2008. Every night on MSNBC they trot out a collection of talking heads and go on for about 5 hours with non-stop leftist and racialist attacks. I.e. Sharpton, Toure, O’Donnell, Matthews, Shultz and Maddow.
“Democrat President Clinton lowered taxes and we had balance budget..Republican Congress.”
Steve Nelson, I challenge this so-called “fact” of yours. At the very least, it’s deceptive, at its worst it’s wrong.
Clinton raised taxes on the richest 1.2 percent of taxpayers as part of the 1993 Budget Reconcilation Act. He also cut taxes on the poorest 15 million Americans. The result was in increase in federal revenues.
Most of you other facts are wrong, too, btw. But I have better things to do than pick them apart 1 by 1.
SuzieQ @ #21,
He knows you live here Suzie Q. therefore he wouldn’t dare move here. As a result there’s no reason to respond further.
Not hard to see that not one right winger has been able to refute a single thing Dan said about Boortz’s lies in #6.
What I really want to know is “how about dem’ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets?” They are gonna put da wood to dem Hokey Chokies tomorrow night!!!!!!!!! I will be back here to celebrate with all yall!!!
Kristen
The recession was caused by many things one of which was the irresponsibility of a lot of people. Sure mortgage lenders were making loans that should not have been made and mortgage bankers were selling worthless paper, but what about the borrower, a guy making 50,000 a year with a 500,000 mortgage, come on talk about personal responsibility. Another factor which I don’t hear discussed often is the way a normal capitalist economy operates. There are good times and bad times neither last forever. As I have said many time I take the good with the bad. When times are good better make a lot of money and save it because bad times are coming. It is my opinion recessions will never be eliminated nor should they be. I certainly don’t blame President Obama for the recession any more than I blame President Bush (I do blame President Bush for two stupid very expensive wars) but I do blame Mr. Obama for the debt and the lack luster recovery. Tax and spend is not the way out of a recession. A business friendly administration with lower taxes will grow the economy. Dan, I can find as many economist that agree with me as you can find that don’t.
Great post in 21 Suzi.
“The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Sunday shows Mitt Romney attracting support from 48% of voters nationwide, while President Obama earns 44%” http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public…presidential_tracking_poll -
Hey does anyone know where the polls were in September of 1980? I was barley in High School and don’t remember. I have heard Mr. Carter was ahead which I find hard to believe, as I don’t remember anyone supporting him.
Man, that liberal controlled media sure does suck at their job of supporting President Obama. How could rush have missed this?
http://www.4thestate.net/liberal-media-bias/
Damn your lyin’ eyes!
@12 Mr. Howdyshell, I’ve no formal education in economics but I am self educated on the topic. After the housing meltdown that resulted in the second great depression I wanted to understand what had gone wrong. Thinking “we live in a capitalist economy”, I began studying capitalism. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned what money is and what it’s used for and it’s history. I’ve learned where profits come from and why that makes capitalism inherently unstable. I’ve learned why capitalism leads to wealth inequality (capitalism creates poor people). I’ve learned what markets are and how they result in the distribution of goods and services.
I’ve learned there are compelling counter-arguments to the questions you raise if one is willing to examine them with an open mind.
For example, you say this country offers the greatest opportunity for economic advancement of any country in the world. Depending on how you define economic advancement, this may not be true. For example, the US has a lower economic mobility rate than many western European countries. Check out the Economic Mobility Project and Wikipedia for examples:
http://www.pewstates.org/projects/economic-mobility-project-328061
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_mobility
It’s a fascinating topic if one is willing to spend the time reading criticisms of capitalism and economists. Some places to start and read regularly follow. Please note Richard Wolff is a Ph.D. economist as is David Ruccio and David Harvey.
http://rationalrevolution.net/articles/capitalism_economy.htm
http://www.rdwolff.com/
http://www.rdwolff.com/content/advanced-applied-marxian-economics-intensive-course
http://www.rdwolff.com/content/marxian-economics-intensive-introduction
http://anticap.wordpress.com/
http://barefootbum.blogspot.com/
http://davidharvey.org/
an interesting editorial from the NY Times. Michael H. & a few others on this blog might benefit from reading a little history.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/03/opinion/henry-ford-when-capitalists-cared.html?hpw
Boortz is a Libertarian, not a right-winger.
Barry,
Tell us who controls Fox News, the most watched cable news channel? (Rupert Murdoch) Tell us who controls the radio networks that air Limbaugh, Boortz, Hannity, Levin, Savage, Laura what’s-her-name, Glenn Beck, (seriously I could go on and on and on. There are scores of those people, both local and national, across the country). Premiere Radio Networks syndicates a lot of them. Who controls that? Clear Channel Communications? And who owns Clear Channel? One of the principal owners is Bain Capital. Ever heard of that company?
Who controls the Wall Street Journal? Rupert Murdoch. Who controls the Washington Times, (a conservative billionaire/messiah’s son); the New York Post, (Murdoch) the Daily News (Murdoch). Who controls Gannett, the largest US newspaper chain in terms of circulation? (Answer: its board. And who on the board controls the most shares? John Louis, an investment banker). Who controls NBC? (Comcast; that’s who). Who controls Comcast? About 20 or so Wall Street investment funds).
In fact, almost ALL the major media are public corporations. Some are privately held by capitalists who are in the business TO MAKE MONEY.
“Let’s be real, MSNBC has been in the tank for Obama since he announced his candidacy in 2007, the Clintons were on record for saying so in 2008. Every night on MSNBC they trot out a collection of talking heads and go on for about 5 hours with non-stop leftist and racialist attacks. I.e. Sharpton, Toure, O’Donnell, Matthews, Shultz and Maddow.”
MSNBC is definitely liberal. They are for Obama. They are not “THE MEDIA” however. And pro-Romney Fox News (don’t try to argue they’re “fair and balanced — even they believe that’s a joke) has five times the viewership, if not more.
Y’all can piss and moan about the “liberal-controlled” media all you want. So what? It doesn’t make it true. It just leaves you looking like a sandwich that’s short a couple of slices of bread.
So Barry, the media is “corporately owned but controlled by liberal democrats”? Your posts are idiotic no matter where you place them. And you tell people to “pay attention”? Jeeeeez
All of the people that go see the movie or listen to Boortz or any other so called conservative radio talk show or regularly watch Fox News will all vote for Romney if they go vote. Does nothing, absolutely nothing, to get Romney closer to 270 electoral votes on the map. His hill to climb to 270 is a long and steep one. All comes down now to GOTV and who shows-up to vote in any early voting in a few key swing states, and who votes on November 6th in those few key states. ‘Nuff said.
Yo, Van. What do you guys always say about O’Reilly, Hannity, Huckabee, Beck and Guttfeld? “It’s not news, it’s opinion.” Please show us the difference, thanks in advance.
“Not hard to see that not one right winger has been able to refute a single thing Dan said about Boortz’s lies in #6.”
gdad,
#1, they can’t and they know it.
#2, they won’t bother because they don’t care about the truth. They don’t care about fact. They want Obama out, damn it, and if that takes a lot of lies, then so be it. As one poster here told me in an email Friday: “Whatever it takes to elect Mr. Romney.”
“I certainly don’t blame President Obama for the recession any more than I blame President Bush.”
Michael Howdyshell, that is very nice to hear, especially since Bush led us into the recession and Obama led us out of it. It’s a weak recovery, for sure, but we are out of the Bush recession.
I used to have a lot of respect for Neal Boortz during the Bush administration, because he would call out Republicans on their crap.
All of that respect vanished after Obama took office and he became a partisan hack, with the same agenda to prop up Republicans and demonize everything Obama says and does. Suddenly, all the problems he had with Republicans went away, and I quit listening to his show.
I personally think the movie makes them look even more desperate and irrational than before…and I think the Eastwood chair incident typifies how unhinged many on the right have become.
@38. Dan, the american voter will see though the lies that citizens united as unleashed. Unlimited money spent by billionaire megalomaniacs in a desperate attempt to fool the people into voting against their own interests.
I’m confident enough voters will make the right decision and return President Obama to the White House so he can continue to rebuild america.
You know, Dan was unaware his income taxes would rise by $2000 by 2016 thanks to 0bamacare, and he’s an investigative journalist. So that means it’s unlikely any of the rest of the leftwingers knew about it either, and that’s evident from their shrill reactions.
So aren’t you people just a wee bit upset the Democrats didn’t make that rather major detail known to you before you went all in supporting the bill?
If you people are looking for lies, I would call that a lie of omission.
Great post in 21 Suzi.
Thank you, Michael. We know they’ll never answer the questino about Bill Gates, because it puts the lie to their silly whining. The”wealth gap” is never a problem in a free society. Only in a socialist dictatorship. Isn’t that ironic?
The fault for this ongoing deep recession lies exclusively with Democrats. They were the ones who blocked any reforms of Fannie Mae and the practice of making bad loans to unqualified applicants which was the root cause of the whole collapse.
Bush appealed to the Democrats who controlled banking over a dozen times to PLEASE reform. The GOP Senate even put forth a bill that died in committee along strict party lines. Democrats always screamed “racism” and did nothing.
Sorry for the repetition, people, but I will continue to set the record straight as long as there is a need.
Terrific commentary Dan. These blowhard military/industrial complex sycophants like Boortz have been suckling from the crotch of billionaires for so long that the only they can do is barf shite when they speak.
How could Obama be blamed for the recession? He walked into it when he took office.
He’s to be credited with holding off a depression.
I usually try to avoid getting into a war of words with a left-wing narcissist, but there isn’t anything good on TV tonight. I don’t have to piss and moan, you already do plenty of that. And, if I’m a sandwich missing the bread, you must be a can of outdated Spam, just like most of your columns. MSNBC is not liberal, liberalism is noble. MSNBC is leftist and racialist. I can’t defend anything from Boortz, haven’t seen the movie, probably never will. It’s all propoganda, just like anything that Michael Moore or Oliver Stone puts out, but that probably doesn’t concern you. The poster who said “Whatever it takes to elect Romney?” Reminds me of Tom Joyner who said “Who cares about the issues, vote for Obama beacuse he’s black!”
Why anyone would read anything that you write is a complete mystery to me. The rant you went on about Social Security Disability a few years ago had zero basis in fact, and I mean ZERO. It wasn’t even truthful accidentally, so there is no reason to beleive anything else that you post could possibly be.
Anyway, when politcians from either side go on about how they’ll create jobs, it just makes me laugh. Jobs are created in the private sector and we simply can’t be taxed to prosperity. Government works best when it is run like an efficient business, not an out of control bureaucracy. And all of the blaming and race-bating coming from the left will never change that.
If Bill Gate moved Micrsoft HQ to Roanoke it would have a huge economic impact on the valley. If Bill Gates moved himself and his family to Roanoke it would have a negligible economic impact.
Here’s my fine rant about Social Security Disability a few years back. It was a marvelous column. Thanks for the reminder, Van.
http://www.roanoke.com/columnists/casey/wb/262787
oh, and here’s ANOTHER fine rant I did about Social Security Disabilty — another first-class column.
http://www.roanoke.com/columnists/casey/wb/263386
Both of them are absolutely true, and very very sad.
Dan is exactly right…
I was stuck at work earlier and was chomping
to address this idiocy.
Number one ..what an imbecilic what if..
“If Bill Gates Moved here”
What if he bought a 2 bedroom 1/2 bath with a view
of Suzies back yard.
I think thats what she-s fantasizing about.
But again Dan is right…
I mean wth would he spend his money on that would
cause her taxes to go up.
I mean I know if he ate breakfast at Famous Anthonys
every day and Dove breasts from Thelmas for lunch
that might cause a stir…but come on.
Think out your proposition before you make a fool out of yourself.. again and again and again.
“Government works best when it is run like an efficient business”
Then you obviously missed this.
First, Presidents approve spending bills, and implement them, but the legislature creates and passes them…so analysis that excludes Congress from culpability is flawed from the start.
Second, the documentary talks only about the on-budget deficit of $15T, which is chump change compared to the hundreds of trillions of dollars we are ringing up for future entitlements…not even mentioning this is another flaw.
Third, the economy was already in the crapper, the deficit unsustainable, and the debt unpayable when the current regime took over. You can thank previous regimes’ promises, wars on non-existent threats, and other socialist tendencies for that (I include Congress when I use the term regime). Though the current regime can certainly be blamed for ignoring the lessons of history and basic economics.
Finally, any discussion that ignores the antics of the privately-owned Federal Reserve System is not serious. Artificially low interest rates and massive expansion of the money supply have destroyed the dollar (and Washington has been culpable on this as well, for the last century).
IF it were true (which it’s not) that I will pay $2000 more in taxes in a year under the ACA, I have absolutely no problem with that whatsoever.
Another diversion try….the ECONOMY is in the TANK and obama is to blame !
Remember folks…Dan Casey is the same person that said that the Black Panther Party was MADE UP by Karl Rove OR James O` Keefe..Dan doesn`t know which one and hasn`t produced an iota of proof as to the culprit, in the last month…Can you spell Delusional ?
Scott M
I agree with you at least about one thing. “Capitalism does lead to wealth inequity.” Not everyone is going to win, just like only one college football team is going to be National Champions. The point is in our society everyone has a chance. I keep telling people to read “The Millionaire Next Door”. Over 80% of millionaires are first generation millionaires. I’m not sure how wealth is defined. Is wealth defined as annual income? or net worth? or both probably. Not everyone ones to be “rich”. Not everyone is willing to take the risk or invest the time and energy to become wealthy, and that is fine. I believe anyone in the country can make a reasonable living and support a family. I have never been exposed to or seen “wealthy” people taking advantage of “poor” people. Quite the contrary in fact I have seen wealthy people go out of their way to help other people become wealthy. I’m in the construction business and I have personally witnessed people going from being a carpenter to a Superintendent with a net worth >$1,000,000. Of course this takes a lot of time and hard work. Regardless of what Dan says I know this is true because I have seen it happen. As I have said on this blog many times I have gladly take the risk of losing everything I have to become “successful”. Without the risk of complete failure there can be no opportunity for complete success. I’ll take that bet any d
The word of mouth for the movie wasn’t very good…it’s falling like a rock this week.
#63 Jeff Dolto, you do know that the Black Panther Party essentially doesn’t exist any more, don’t you?
ay of the week and twice on Sunday
Dan,
One question…have you read the book or seen the movie?
If not, then why should we care about your “review”? Go see the movie, or read the book and then get back to us. Somehow, reading a Neil Boortz rant about a someone elses book just doesn’t really cut it.
Oh, forgive me, another question/comment.
You say that we are short bread in a sandwich if we say that the LSM is leftist leaning, then compare MSNBC and FOX…..DUH!!! We are talking about the major networks, NBC,ABC,CBS, PBS,..THOSE networks, the ones ask Obama “fluff” questions, then ignore anything that looks bad for Obama….these are the places that most people get what they think is unbiased news. But, it’s not.
If you think we are talking about MSNBC/FOX..then, I guess you are a couple slices of bread short of a sandwich.
hey Van, ol’ dano is exempt from the truth. he doesn’t even pretend that a balanced viewpoint is important. the only standards he adheres to as an “opinion journalist”, are….well, hmmm, just his opinions. that’s it.
Boortz calls Democrat President Barrack Hussein Obama a totalitarian.
I call he a FASCIST
…Circumvents the US CONSTITUTION.
Told Commie RUSSIAN PM (off mic) AFTER ELECTION I BHO will have more flexibility…(TREASON AND A TRAITOR..should have been impeached that day!
42 Unauthorized CZARS (what do they do)
46 million on FOOD STAMPS
2008 7.8% unemployment 2012 8.3 (Labor board)
2008 $1.74 GAS 2012 $3.84 (AAA report
2008 $54,593.00 income 2012 $50,498
2008 $10T debt 2012 $16T debt (60% INCREASE under BHO
Youth Unemployment 17.1
Black Unemployment 14.4
College grad unemp 50% (working as bartenders, waiters
16% to 20% UNDEREMPLOYMENT
OBAMACARE signed under the COVER of darkness. (no-bipartisan participation)
“Democrat House Speaker PELOSI…”YOU need to Sign the bill before you will know what is in it…(we know now…Rep Allen West “crap sandwich”..was talking about Democrat PREZ BHO but goes with OBAMACARE
Democrat President Barrack Hussein Obama bows to MUSLIM Dictators.
Democrat Attorney General Eric Holder WILL not prosecute New Black Panther Party…(he will need them IF REELECTED)
Democrat President Barrack Hussein Obama gave the “Queen of England” and IPAD with BHO SPEECHES.
The White House did admit the screwed up the Churchill bust..but caught in a lie.
Ummm gates phanthropy would be felt far and wide. He’d save the taubman at least and everything would soon be named after him. Plus Roanoke would finally have jobs and a few industries. His coming to roanoke would be huge.
“I’m in the construction business and I have personally witnessed people going from being a carpenter to a Superintendent with a net worth >$1,000,000. Of course this takes a lot of time and hard work. Regardless of what Dan says I know this is true because I have seen it happen.”
And Michael, I have seen it too, quite close up. I can’t think of anything I’ve written here that is at odds with that.
On the other hand, there is anecdotal evidence, and there is statistical evidence. And you often use the former to undermine the latter, even though the latter is far, far more meaningful.
Sharon N,
With the exception of PBS, the major networks are corporate owned.
Gdud….Casey, whoever you are…..Shabazz would disagree, as would I…So, who was it that fabricated thier exsistence…..Karl Rove OR James O`keefe ? When you get your foot out of your mouth, it o.k. to tell us that you made it up.
How could Obama be blamed for the recession? He walked into it when he took office.
As a senator and biggest recipient of Fannie Mae loot, 0bama was an integral part of the problem. Leftwingers seem to forget that.
Suzie, You have said it, now back it up; tell us where Dan’s taxes will increase by $2,000 because of ACA by 2016.
Frank, those columns on disability were the truth. Keep in mind, you’ve got to read them together. The top of the second one contains a hefty dose of dramatic license, for sure. But that doesn’t make it at all untrue.
Here’s the fact: Social Security, against all reason whatsoever and with no medical exam, repeatedly denied Mike Gentry was disabled, for more than a year.
A day after I wrote the first column, they suddenly realized he was in fact, disabled. Which any person who made it beyond kindergarten could tell in 10 minutes. And less than a week later, they approved his claim, but denied him any benefit!
“Ummm gates phanthropy would be felt far and wide. He’d save the taubman at least and everything would soon be named after him. Plus Roanoke would finally have jobs and a few industries. His coming to roanoke would be huge.”
If Taubman can’t save the Taubman what makes you think Gates could or would?
Like I said before, if he moved Microsoft to the valley, it would have a huge impact. If he moved his family here, it would be a blip.
If Bill Gate moved Micrsoft HQ to Roanoke it would have a huge economic impact on the valley.
If Microsoft moved to Roanoke, Dan is saying the effect would be detrimental to the poor and middle class because the income inequity between the highest and lowest earners would SOAR. Presumably, that’s because these wealthy MS execs would be stealing money from those lower groups in this zero-sum society.
Thanks for taking the bait, Dan.
Suzie, You have said it, now back it up; tell us where Dan’s taxes will increase by $2,000 because of ACA by 2016.
I provided the link from liberal Fact Check, Richard. Are you doubting Fact Check now?
Ummm gates phanthropy would be felt far and wide. He’d save the taubman at least and everything would soon be named after him. Plus Roanoke would finally have jobs and a few industries. His coming to roanoke would be huge.
Exactly, Mattyr. Gates could buy Roanoke with the change that falls into the car seat.
#74 Oh, Dolto, you were talking about the NEW Black Panther Party. I was talking about the Black Panther Party, which pretty much disappeared decades ago. But that’s not what you say in #63, which is what I was addressing.
No wonder we call you Dolto and Dodo. Get back to me when you get your foot out of your mouth.
SuzieQ & her compatriots on this blog like to make fun of the “welfare queens” they support. I’d like to point out some other “welfare queens” we tax payers support every year when we pay our taxes. By the way, I’m only pointing out the top 10 tax breaks we give to our corporate welfare queens. There are many more. These 10 cost us $1.25 trillion over 10 years.
1. Graduated Corporate Income tax: 10 year cost=$32.8 billion;
2. Inventory Property Sales: 10 year cost=$33.4 billion;
3. Research & Experimentation Tax Credit: 10 year cost=$59.6 billion;
4. Deferred Tax for Financial Firms Overseas Income: 10 year cost=$59.8 billion;
5. Alcohol Fuel Credit: 10 year cost=$64 billion;
6. Credit for Low Income Housing Investments: 10 year cost=$69 billion;
7. Accelerated Depreciation of Machinery & Equipment: 10 year cost=$103.4 billion;
8. Deduction for Domestic Manufacturing: 10 year cost=$116 billion;
9. Exclusion of Interest on state & local bonds: 10 year cost=$119.6 billion;
10. Deferral of income from controlled foreign corporations: 10 year cost=$344.2 billion.
Let’s save $1.25 trillion dollars in spending by eliminating these “corporate welfare” expenditures.
dano, not for nothin’, man, but how are your readers to know when you are in “truth” mode, or “opinion” mode? i can’t tell the difference.
also, i need no convincing about the bureautic nightmare too many of us have to navigate through to just get what we’re entitled to in terms of federal benefits. i thought the Mike Gentry situation was appalling. Also, if you think you are due the credit for moving things along for Mr. Gentry…i don’t blame you for thinking so. however, in my wildest dreams i can’t imagine any federal benefits agency moving along as quickly as as this one appeared to regarding the timing of your piece. it could be that the case had all-to-slowly worked thru to that point on it’s own. and, it appalls me that we need to have law firms specializing in fighting the federal government (they heavily advertise in print, radio, and television ya know…) work on behalf of folks like Mike….which by implication means there are a gazillion folks like Mike. nevertheless, i thought your articles were good.
now, let’s go one step further…how do you like the idea of fighting the morass of federal bureauocracy concerning health care benefits? yes, i know, we already have health insurance company bureaucracies to deal with, so what’s the difference? there is and will be no difference, as the federal health care bureaucracy will treat folks just like Social Security treated Mike, and there will be nothing that the citizens can do about it, except have you, or a paid lawyer, plead their case. after all, man, even if you write a column like Mike’s for one person every day, that’s less than a drop in the bucket and more like p—ing in the wind, ya know?
if obama wins re-elction, the next high growth sector for lawyers will be in “heath care benefits” law, representing citizens in dealing with situations like Mike’s. and, since many, many people can’t afford a lawyer (and in my opinion shouldn’t have to in dealing with their own gov’mint, ya know?), i’ll bet that the federal gov’mint will establish a quasi-independent federal agency (kinda like the IRS has) which will manage such things…along with the large private sector legal beagles. we need to advise our children and grand children to become health care lawyers to fight against the federal gov’mint who keeps screwing it’s citizens. you KNOW that will happen, don’t you?
“Ummm gates phanthropy would be felt far and wide. ”
Do tell.
Frank, your mistake is in assuming that “fact” and “opinion” are opposites. They are not by necessity the opposite of each other.
Most of my columns are a mixture of fact and opinion. Readers are smart enough to discern the difference between the two.
The hard cases 1) disagree with me; and 2) seem upset that that I get paid to express my opinion, as if that is unAmerican or something. They want me to shut up.
Rather than debating the opinion, they attempt to criticize me by comparing me to some nonexistent standard they’ve invented in their minds.
Most often, these people are off-their-rocker conservatives (as opposed to conservatives who are not off their rockers).
@64 Mr. Howdyshell, thank you for agreeing that capitalism causes poverty (at least relative poverty). Unfortunately, too many people either don’t understand that or deny it outright.
I will also agree with you that it is possible to make a decent living and gain a relative amount of wealth under the many opportunities in our society. However, we may have to disagree about how achievable that goal is.
For example, most people have the majority of their wealth tied up in their homes and during the housing bubble and bursting, many of us lost a great deal of that wealth. So long as you kept your job, you’re likely to keep your home (me and mine were fortunate here) but many who lost their jobs also lost their homes.
We see other examples of this type of thing throughout society. Take a retiree who becomes ill. They may have to sell their home in order to afford medical care or long term care. Perhaps it makes more sense to fund health care through taxes which would allow sick people to stay in their homes instead of risking it during an illness.
Lastly, I applaud your willingness to losing everything but that’s not something I’m willing to do. I have a wife and children that need to be clothed, fed, etc. If I lose everything, I drag them down with me.
Plus, there’s no guarantee I could ever make it back from having lost everything. Our society makes it very difficult for those who have little to gain much. As an example, with my good credit rating, I pay a lower interest rate than a poor person. And yet, it’s the poor person who is most in need of borrowing money.
By the way, I’m only pointing out the top 10 tax breaks we give to our corporate welfare queens.
Doesn’t the term “tax breaks” imply the paying of taxes in a greater amount in the first place? Welfare queens don’t pay income tax.
Liberal Ron thinks those who don’t pay taxes at all should get “tax breaks” i.e. welfare.
Perhaps it makes more sense to fund health care through taxes which would allow sick people to stay in their homes instead of risking it during an illness.
Private insurance does the exact same thing, only more efficiently.
Boortz is a class act. He had this to say right after the Virginia Tech shooting: “How the hell do 25 students allow themselves to be lined up against the wall in a classroom and picked off one by one? How does that happen, when they could have rushed the gunman, the shooter, and most of them would have survived?” In his April 18 program notes, Boortz added: “It seems that standing in terror waiting for your turn to be executed was the right thing to do, and any questions as to why 25 students didn’t try to rush and overpower Cho Seung-Hui are just examples of right wing maniacal bias. Surrender — comply — adjust. The doctrine of the left. … Even the suggestion that young adults should actually engage in an act of self defense brings howls of protest.”
hey, dano, you still don’t get it. i never said, or implied, that opinion and fact are opposities, nor do i make that assumption. Neil Boortz and you are just alike. some things he, and you, say or write are true, and…., some things he, and you, say and write…are opinion. to argue over what’s true and what’s opinion is almost impossible… which is what guys like you, Boortz, and Rush want. it’s the lightning-rod effect that you “opinion journalists” thrive on.
at one time, i thought that writers like you had standards, as at least one of your supporters insisted you had. you’ve made your point quite clearly in a quote, “I’m biased as h—!. from then on, i’ve taken you at your word.
Suzie, sorry, you must have the cite on another thread. Please give it again if you do not mind.
As for tax breaks, no having breaks does not mean someone is paying more in the first place. It means that based on the base tax law, the breaks are given over and above that base amount.
wilbert quoting Boortz:
“How the hell do 25 students allow themselves to be lined up against the wall in a classroom and picked off one by one? How does that happen, when they could have rushed the gunman, the shooter, and most of them would have survived?”
So Boortz assumes there will be a rush to volunteer and sacrifice their lives in the name of possibly helping their fellow man. What garbage. I bet if faced with the same thing under the same circumstances, he’d be crawling to exit hoping there was enough prey to run block for him.
Wilbert, I’d love his take on the holocaust.
how come all the libbie com networks refused to televise the RNC speeches done by non whites/ THAT IS CLEARLY RACIST !!!!
ahhhhhh the truth is coming out
92. Suzie – I found you cite and as usual you are not only stretching the truth, you are just wrong. The tax (penalty) or what ever you wish to call it is only paid by those not having health insurance. That is the whole point, as I explained to Howdyshell, to get people to have health insurance so the rest of us don’t have to pay for them. You knowk a conservative idea. Unless you are foolish enough to not have health insurance, the tax will not affect the middle class at all. If you are that foolish, then this tax is the least of your worries.
92. Suzie, if you want to pick on ACA’s taxes, you should go after the surtax on the wealthy and the tax the gain from on home sells by the wealthy. You stand a better chance there.
“Suzie – I found you cite and as usual you are not only stretching the truth, you are just wrong.”
So, what else is new?
@89 Suzie says, “Private insurance does the exact same thing, only more efficiently.”
That’s simply not true Suzie.
i’ve read both obama books, which are based exclusively on what obama says happened in his life… we know his books are full of characters, like his composite girl friend…was she a blow-up doll, ya think?. and, many, many references to the infamous “Frank…”
i’ve seen the movie “2016: obama’s America”, which is based exclusively on what D’Souza, along with a bunch of credible first person accounts, say happened…
i’m currently LIVING in “obama’s America: 2012″ …according to my view of things, which is about as good a “first person” perspective as i can find, i have real trouble seeing DiSouza’s movie as anything other than a “smack in the head wake-up call to unelect obama in November”.
Dan…see #70 i defended my facts.
Also , let add some more to these comments.
Democrat President Barrack Hussein Obama (a fascist) was best buds WITH
1 BILL AYERS (KILLED NYC COPS, Tried to Blow up Pentagon
2 Bernadette Gorin..(sp) (accomplice with BILL AYERS. Began his political career with these two
3 Reverend Jermiah WRIGHT ( G.D America and chickens (is this a racist black comment) coming home to ROOST!
Several of Democrat President Barrack Hussein Obama’s AIDS…”MAO WAS A GREAT LEADER”.
6 DEMOCRAT Vice President joe biden..(the best cities in the world are in CHINA…we have NEWARK, DETROIT,PHILLY,DC and NYC…run by Democrats)
I stand by my remarks and comments with facts.