John Cleese weighs in on Fox news...

[Archae]

He hits it right on the head.

[still_one]

1. It is absolutely true

[yeoman6987]

2. I always wonder why liberals don't start their own

Network and talk radio. We can't just complain about how unfair it is for the Republicans to have a network and radio station while we do nothing about it. How long have people complained about Fox News and talk radio? 20 years. And it has gotten us what exactly?

[kimbutgar]

4. Clear channel owns most of the radio stations

When they go bankrupt we might be able to pick up some stations. Mitt and Bain loaded clear channel up with debt. Rush is costing them a lot of ad revenue. It will only be a matter of time unless the Koch's bail them out and take over all our public airwaves. It the rethugs get in count on them weakening the regulatory control of the FCC and giving the Koch's unfettered access.

[maddiemom]

5. A quick demise for AirAmerica radio? At least most of their people are still around.

[AtheistCrusader]

23. I'm guessing there's a correlation between the politically left, and people who

don't listen to an actual radio AT ALL. Instead, relying on podcasts, streaming music, etc.

[zebonaut]

3. BullsEye

[rock]

6. And now for something completely different

The principle he quotes (established by David Dunning of Cornell) is clearly at work on American Idol (as well as other places). If you've ever watched the auditions you know what I mean. However, the really odd point is everyone can assess another person's singing ability regardless of their musical ability, but their ability to assess their own singing depends on their musical ability. This leads to the American Idol principle: (nearly) everybody thinks they can sing! I say 'nearly' for sadly some of us are tone deaf and can't carry a tune in a bucket and know it.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

9. Some have a good ear but can't sing.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

7. There are so many talented people

in the entertainment field who should run for office, including John Cleese.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

8. This should be on a "Greatest Page" so it doesn't drift off into obscurity.

[freebrew]

10. I always loved this guy...

"if we took the bones out, it wouldn't be crunchy now, would it?"

[AtheistCrusader]

11. I must disagree or offer a modification.

This explains the immense SUCCESS of Fox News. It does not explain Fox News itself. Fox is frighteningly good at crafting false narratives, creating deflection, spin, smoke and mirrors, and other social manipulation. Possibly the best in the business. Extreme talent.

But it does suggest something about the VIEWERS of Fox News.

[EEO]

12. And there was much rejoicing.

[edgineered]

14. expected to hear him continue

by adding 'and its viewers' at the closing. It was the loudest thing I heard even though it wasn't there. I guess I'm not good at listening.

[Skittles]

19. "frighteningly good" OR a lot of people are just very, very stupid

[AtheistCrusader]

20. I'll offer a second modification: frighteningly effective.

People oughta know better.

[The Wizard]

13. Pox News is the oracle

for a dangerous death cult.

[valerief]

15. K&R

[SmittynMo]

16. Bingo, Bango, Bongo

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[immoderate]

17. I'm sending this to my climate-denying, libertarian friend...

... who said connecting "warming" with "thermodynamics" was a red herring.

--imm

[mucifer]

18. Miss Piggy had a cute quote about fox news

Not as intellectual as Cleese. But, she had a good point.


But, regarding Cleese's quote, I feel that way about music. I like some music that people who know a lot about music say is crap. Because I don't know much about music I can't tell what is good or bad. I can only tell what is pleasing to me. That's ok when you are listening to music.

But then it does get ugly if you say only intelligent people should vote. Everyone should be allowed to vote. But, something should be done to regulate the lies on tv.

[AtheistCrusader]

21. Art is in the eye of the beholder and that's fine. But News is supposed to be FACTS.

Not pure, unmitigated, fabricated bullshit.

[Archae]

25. Cleese is rather good at observing art...

[longship]

27. ROFL!

Love it. And it's the Tom Baker Doctor.

[supercats]

22. Well Said Mr. Cleese!!!

An accurate explanation that was also a well deserved truth-ism that some might call a put down...Bravo!!!

[chknltl]

24. I really shouldn't be suggesting this but....

....this really needs to be posted over at Discussionist too!

[longship]

26. The Dunning Kruger effect!

Dunning Kruger effect

[Gothmog]

28. This is great

Cleese is very funny

[PeoViejo]

29. Let's not blame stupid people and compare them with Faux News

Some folks are burdened with a cognitive disability that is not of their making. FOX is WILLFULLY stupid, and takes advantage of those with low levels of Critical Thinking, by appearing to craft a message on their level, but in fact, is designed to cleverly manipulate their emotions and drive their behavior.