Right Wingnut Blog: Will Rage Undo The Democrats?

[ProSense]

May 09, 2006

Will Rage Undo The Democrats?

Two items from prominent opinion journalists point to a meltdown in the Democratic base even as they close in on a vulnerable GOP in midterm elections. Jonah Goldberg and Richard Cohen have one thing in common: irrational e-mail. However, while the conservative Goldberg received one ludicrous rant regarding the Jewish conspiracy to control oil, Cohen received thousands of hysterically angry e-mails denouncing him as an administration stooge -- for writing that Stephen Colbert bombed at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Cohen responds in amazement in today's column, "Digital Lynch Mob":

Snip...

Perhaps the Right got this insane during the Clinton presidency, but I doubt it. When we disagreed with columnists who overall remained sympathetic to conservatism, we didn't send hate e-mail (or regular mail) by the thousands accusing them of being Clinton stooges. There was certainly a segment of irrational people involved in the debate, but they didn't control it the way that the analogous segment on the Left appears to do now. We see it in the rise of MoveOn and International ANSWER as significant political forces on the Left. Now Cohen has felt its power, and he sees its danger.

http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/006948.php

Uhm!

Activists Dominate Content Complaints

By Todd Shields
Mediaweek

Monday 06 December 2004

According to a new FCC estimate obtained by Mediaweek, nearly all indecency complaints in 2003 - 99.8 percent - were filed by the Parents Television Council, an activist group.

In an appearance before Congress in February, when the controversy over Janet Jackson's Super Bowl moment was at its height, Federal Communications Commission chairman Michael Powell laid some startling statistics on U.S. senators.

The number of indecency complaints had soared dramatically to more than 240,000 in the previous year, Powell said. The figure was up from roughly 14,000 in 2002, and from fewer than 350 in each of the two previous years. There was, Powell said, "a dramatic rise in public concern and outrage about what is being broadcast into their homes."

What Powell did not reveal-apparently because he was unaware-was the source of the complaints. According to a new FCC estimate obtained by Mediaweek, nearly all indecency complaints in 2003-99.8 percent-were filed by the Parents Television Council, an activist group.

This year, the trend has continued, and perhaps intensified.

Through early October, 99.9 percent of indecency complaints-aside from those concerning the Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" during the Super Bowl halftime show broadcast on CBS- were brought by the PTC, according to the FCC analysis dated Oct. 1. (The agency last week estimated it had received 1,068,767 complaints about broadcast indecency so far this year; the Super Bowl broadcast accounted for over 540,000, according to commissioners' statements.)

Snip...

The PTC has worked hard to achieve its influence over broadcast content. Founded in 1995 by longtime conservative activist L. Brent Bozell III, it set out to make an impact in 2003, including what it called "a massive, coordinated and determined campaign" for more action by the FCC against broadcast indecency. "We delivered on that promise," Bozell said in the group's annual report.

more...

http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/120804J.shtml

When the winguts do it, it prompts policy changes and fines. When the left does it, it prompts media complaints from a bunch of whiney asses.


Tough shit!

[AX10]

1. The GOP relentlessly has attacked the media for 40+ years.

Who are they (Repubs) to talk about that being wrong?

[Ksec]

2. They got their talking points from their boss, KKKarl Rove

Look for it. The entire party spewing the exact same drivel. Make sure you tell them nobody believes their garbage anymore. They are liars , thieves and corrupted aholes that have ZERO credibility today.

[Richardo]

6. I heard 10 minutes of Limbaugh today and that was his tack...

..so you're right on. Today's memo.

[ProSense]

3. No! It will have a positive impact:

exposing the massively corrupt GOP!

Alaska
Senate President Ben Stevens (son of US Senate Pro Tem President Ted Stevens)
Probed for accepting consulting fees from oil services firm Veco. Subject to a recall petition.


California
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Ethics Probe for accepting salary from two men’s fitness magazines while governor, possible kickback from American Media publisher to Schwarzenegger charity and silence money to a woman who had an extramarital affair with Schwarzenegger. This Probe may go criminal.

Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham
Probed for bribery regarding financial ties with and favors for defense firm MZM. Pleaded guilty to tax evasion, conspiracy, Nov. 28, 2005.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher
Tied to Abramoff scandal on loan papers. Recipient of contributions from Abramoff


Connecticut
Gov. John Rowland
Convicted, imprisoned 2004


Delaware
Attorney General Jane Brady
Accused of helping MBNA Bank of Wilmington skirt campaign finance laws.
DC

Jack Abramoff, GOP lobbyist
Indicted, wire fraud, conspiracy

Adam Kidan, DC Dial-a-Mattress franchise owner in DC and Abramoff associate since College Republican days when Abramoff was chairman
Indicted, wire fraud, conspiracy. To plead guilty in return for his testimony against Abramoff

Michael Scanlon, former chief of staff to Tom DeLay
Being probed for involvement in Indian casino scandal with Abramoff, Kidan, and DeLay. Indicted Nov. 18, 2005 for conspiracy to defraud Indian tribes. Pleaded guilty Nov. 21.

Steve Rosen, American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)
Indicted for criminal conspiracy involving classified national security information

Keith Weismann, AIPAC
Indicted for criminal conspiracy involving classified national security informationI

Larry Franklin, Colonel, USAF Reserves, Dept. of Defense
Indicted for criminal conspiracy involving classified national security information

Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President’s Chief of Staff
Probed for illegal disclosure of CIA classified information. Indicted on 5 counts: Obstruction of justice, making false statements and perjury

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove
Probed for illegal disclosure of CIA classified information. New Grand Jury investigating Rove

David H. Safavian, Head of Procurement Policy, Office of Management and Budget, former Chief of Staff, General Service Administration
Arrested by FBI for making false statements about helping Jack Abramoff acquire two Federal properties in DC and Maryland.


Ex-Corporation for Public Broadcasting Chairman and current Broadcasting Board of Governors member Kenneth Tomlinson
Under investigation for violating the Public Broadcasting Act

Patricia Harrison, President Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Probed for violating Public Broadcasting Act

Vice President Dick Cheney
Investigated for criminal conspiracy in divulging the identity of covert CIA agent

President George W. Bush
Probed in Abramoff scandal for accepting bags of illegal campaign cash from Seminole casino interests in Florida

J. Steven Griles, former Interior Deputy Secretary
Probed for links to Abramoff

Florida
Rep. Katherine Harris, US Senate candidate
Probed for campaign donations from MZM, Inc. (related to Duke Cunningham )

Georgia
Ralph Reed, candidate for Lt. Gov.
Probed for involvement in Abramoff, Kidan, DeLay Indian casino money laundering.

Guam
Gov. Felix Camacho
Probed for ties to Abramoff and demoting Acting US Attorney for Guam Frederick Black
Hawaii

Dalton Tanonaka, former Lt. gubernatorial and congressional candidate
Under FEC investigation for disguising and failing to report campaign loans. Also Investigated for possible illegal foreign funding from Hong Kong and Japan.


State Rep. and House Minority Leader Galen Fox
Convicted on federal charges of fondling a woman on a Honolulu to Los Angeles commercial flight

Illinois
Dennis Hastert
Probed
Republican National Treasurer Bob Kjellander
Under Federal Probe for steering investment contracts to Illinois Teachers Retirement Fund.

Former House Leader State Rep. Lee Daniels (Elmhurst)
Under Federal investigation for misuse of state employees for political activity and state contract kickbacks


Indiana
Gov. Mitch Daniels
Under investigation for soliciting campaign donations in return for INDOT (Indiana Dept. of Transportation contracts)

Thomas Sharp, INDOT Commissioner
Under investigation for soliciting campaign donations in return for INDOT (Indiana Dept. of Transportation contracts)

Jim Kittle, GOP state chairman
Under investigation for soliciting campaign donations in return for INDOT (Indiana Dept. of Transportation contracts)


Kansas
Adam Taff
2004 congressional candidate (KS-3), indicted for campaign violations amnd wire fraud.


Kentucky
Gov. Ernie Fletcher
Criminal pobe in a state employees’ merit system scandal. Received contributions from. DeLay’s ARMPAC, linked to Abramoff.

Transportation Commissioner Dan Druen
Merit system scandal, witness tampering. Indicted.

Deputy Personnel Secretary Bob Wilson
Merit system scandal. Indicted

Darrell Brock, Chairman of Kentucky GOP
Merit system scandal. Indicted.

Gov. Personnel Adviser Basil Turbyfill
Merit system scandal. Indicted

Transportation Secretary ill Nighbert
Merit system scandal. Indicted

Dick Murgatroyd, Gov. Deputy Chief of Staff
Merit system scandal. Indicted

Jim Adams, Deputy Transportation Secretary
Merit system scandal. Indicted.

Cory Meadows, Executive Director, Transportation Dept.
Merit system scandal. Indicted.

Environmental Protection Commissioner Lloyd Cress
Probed in merit system scandal

Dave Disponett
Indicted for violation of Kentucky civil service law

Maryland
Joseph Steffen, aide to Gov. Bob Ehrlich
Resigned for starting a rumor campaign against Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley.

Massachusetts
Lawrence Novak, Vice Chair, state GOP
Arrested by FBI for drug money laundering


Michigan
Attorney General Mike Cox
Failed to pursue felony pollution charges against Graceland Fruit after a major Department of Environmental Quality investigation.

Rep. Candice Miller
Investigated by House Erthics Committee for accepting campaign contributions in return for her yes vote on the 2004 Medicare bill.

Minnesota
Rep. Roy Blunt, House Majority Leader
Investigated for trading illegal PAC money with DeLay through Blunt's Rely on Your Beliefs Fund. Received Indian casino money from tribes represented by Abramoff.

Montana
Sen. Conrad Burns
Probed for links to Abramoff

New Hampshire
Sen. John Sununu
Probed for receipt of money from DeLay tainted PAC

Rep. Jeb Bradley
Probed for receipt of money from DeLay tainted PAC

James Tobin, Northeast political director National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee
Indicted, conspiracy, GOTV phone line jamming, Sununu 2002 campaign. Convicted Dec. 15, on 2 telephone harassment charges.

Chuck McGee, former Exec. Dir. New Hampshire Republican Party
Pleaded guilty, conspiracy, GOTV phone line jamming, Sununu 2002 campaign

Allen Raymond, GOP Marketplace President
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy, GOTV phone line jamming, Sununu 2002 campaign

New Jersey
GOP State Chairman Tom Wilson
Probed for his firm receiving $2.7 million from the Burlington County Bridge Commission

New York
Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro and US Senate candidate
Probed for campaign donations from mobsters. Her husband served a year in prison for tax evasion.

North Carolina
Rep. Charles Taylor
Probed for ownership of shady Russian bank – whose other major investor is a former KGB general. Recipient of contributions from Abramoff

Hayes Martin, Taylor Campaign Treasurer
Indicted, fraud and money laundering


Ohio
Gov. Bob Taft, Misuse of state funds/ethics violations
Convicted, four first degree misdemeanors, pleaded no contest (admission of guilt). $4000 fine and public apology, two Federal Grand Juries, one state Grand Jury still investigating Taft.

Thomas Noe, Bush-Cheney 04 campaign chair, NW Ohio; Turnpike Commissioner; University Regent
Misuse of state funds for rare coin fund. Indicted by Federal grand jury, arrested in Florida.

Bernadette Noe, Thomas Noe’s wife; chair Lucas County GOP; chair Lucas Co. Board of Elections
Misuse of state funds


Brian Hicks, Taft chief of staff, member Ohio University Board of Trustees
convicted

Cherie Carroll, Taft Chief of Staff Executive Secretary
convicted

Rep. Bob Ney
Being Probed for involvement with Abramoff, Kidan, and DeLay, Indian casino money laundering. Recipient of contributions from Abramoff and Kidan. Indictment may be imminent.

Rep. Jean Schmidt
Probe of financial ties to Games, Inc., and proposal to put Ohio State Lottery on the Internet. Received contributions from. DeLay’s ARMPAC, linked to Abramoff

Douglas Moormann, Gov. Taft's Executive Assistant for Business and Industry
Under criminal investigation for accepting loan from Noe.

Walden O'Dell, Chairman & CEO of Diebold, Bush-Cheney major campaign contributor who promised to "deliver" Ohio to Bush in 2004
Resigned for "personal reasons" Dec. 13, 2005 after initiation of a class action lawsuit against Diebold for securities fraud.


State Rep. Dan Doyle
Misused campaign funds. Convicted.

Pennsylvania
Rep. Don Sherwood
Investigated by DC police for assaulting and choking a 29-year old Maryland woman


Rhode Island
Former House candidate (2002) Mike Battles
Firm, Custer Battles, disbarred from Iraq contracts after allegations of over charging and money laundering


Providence Mayor Vince Cianci
Imprisoned in 2002 for 5 years.

South Carolina
Rep. Bill Janklow
Guilty, second degree manslaughter, imprisoned. Recipient of contributions from Abramoff

Tennessee
Sen. Bill Frist
Under Securities and Exchange Commission investigation for insider trading on his Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) stock

Texas
Rep. Tom DeLay, House Majority Leader
Probed for campaign finance fraud, ties to Abramoff/Kidan, Saipan sweat shops. Grand Jury, Travis County prosecutor, and House Ethics Committee probing DeLay. Indicted by Travis County District Attorney for 1 count of criminal conspiracy and 2 counts of money laundering. arrested and booked at Harris County jail October 20, 2005. Recipient of contributions from Abramoff. Conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering charges still stand after Texas Judge dropped the one count of criminal conspiracy on December 5, 2005.


Jim Ellis, Director Americans for a Republican Majority (ARMPAC) PAC tied to DeLay and Abramoff
Indicted

John Colyandro, Texans for a Republican Majority (TRMPAC), DeLay associate
Indicted

Warren RoBold, Lobbyist and DeLay associate
Indicted

House Speaker Tom Craddick
Probed for campaign violations involving TRMPAC and DeLay

Sam Walls, candidate for Texas House
Photos of him wearing women’s clothes surfaced in the 2004 runoff campaign

State Rep. Todd Baxter
Investigated for receiving ARMPAC and TRMPAC money from Republican National Committee. To resign from office on Nov. 1, 2005

Rep. Kevin Brady
Recipient of $10,000 from ARMPAC in 2003. Arrested for DWI in South Dakota.

Rep. Pete Sessions
Probed for receiving money from casino Indian tribes represented by Abramoff



Vermont
Rep. Virgil Goode
Probed for contributions from MZM, Inc. (related to Duke Cunningham probe)


Washington
Spokane Mayor Jim West
Under Federal and state investigation for abusing his office to obtain sexual favors and soliciting sex over the Internet from underage males. Recalled Dec. 6, 2005 by a 2-1 margin.

http://www.waynemadsenreport.com/gopscorecard.htm

[jsamuel]

4. ...

:rofl:

they wish

:rofl:

[C_U_L8R]

5. Rage is uncontrolled irrational anger

We on the other hand .. though outraged and appalled
at the criminality and corruption of the Republicans
and the Bush regime... are coolly carving these crooks
and bad guys to pieces with the eagle-eyed precision
and determined resolve of an Elliot Ness.

One way or another... Justice will prevail.

[Ian David]

15. We are not enraged. We are filled with Rightous Anger!

Like Jesus with the money-changers.

[gatorboy]

7. Didn't the right movement invent this mass email/polling act in the 90's?

Isn't that what the term "Freeping" originally came from? These guys are too much. These guys yelled louder than anyone and accused liberals of being wusses if they didn't argue back. Now that there's a very large, opposing voice against them, they play the victim's card and whine that we're bullies.

[DearAbby]

8. They have screwed up the country...

and then expect a Eddie Haskell type response "Gee, Mrs. Cleaver, those fake pearls look delightful with that rag you are wearing."

Maybe a little anger is called for, they have royally fucked up the country. ya think Einstein? They are like spoiled little brats that have never been called onto the carpet for their misdeeds, time for some discipline here.

[CGrantt57]

9. I have one response for them (get the kids out of the room...)

FUCK YOU, YOU FUCKING FUCKS!!!

WE'LL SEE YOU IN THE VOTING BOOTHS IN NOVEMBER, ASSHOLES!!!

I ain't angry...I'm just good and pissed off.

[kevinbgoode]

10. It is a little hard to believe that they are committed to broadcast

"decency" when they never seem to complain about the Right's talking heads and their vile, vicious passionate tirades on the radio, including swearing when children can hear the words.

[Guaranteed]

11. LOL sorry, everyone ought to be outraged.

This is BULLSHIT.

[caledesi]

12. It's one of their many talking points. Dems are mad and have no

plans.

Yeah, we are angry because of the destruction of our country. And plans....well I guess we are going to have to clean up all the messes these thugs have created for a start.

Here's a list of our plans:

Equal rights for all Americans.
Health care for all Americans.
An end to corporate welfare.
An end to farm subsidies to corporate agriculture.
A living wage for all working Americans.
A foreign policy based on respect for all nations.
A withdrawal of American troops from Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the South Pacific, South America and Central America.
An end to American support for undemocratic nations.
An end to American support for Israel until Palestine is free of Israeli occupation.
Stronger protection for unions, including protection of unions from organized crime.
Stronger protection for consumers.
Stronger environmental regulations.
An end to the prohibition of recreational drugs.
Repeal of the Patriot Act.
A defense department that defends our borders and stays out of other nations.
Cuts in the number of officers in the US military.
Cuts in the pay of officers in the US military.
Including military retirement in the Pentagon budget.
An end to the revolving door between the military and defense industry.
End defense contractor lobbying of Congress.
Finance all Congressional and Presidential election campaigns solely with public funds.
Eliminate PACs
Eliminate the Electoral College.
Provide ALL candidates for Federal office the same amount of media.
Eliminate the “vote minimum” rules for political parties.
Strengthening the separation between Church and State.
A national energy policy that ensures a change from fossil fuels to renewable, clean energy.
A change in the rules governing broadcast media to ensure truth and accuracy in broadcast news and the breakup of media monopolies.
A return to the public service regulations for broadcasters.
Annual lease payments from broadcasters to the public treasury.
A rollback of the copyright laws to last 50 years or 25 years beyond the death of copyright originator (whichever is less.)
Repeal of the DMCA.

Satisfied now?

[Sapere aude]

13. Wishful thinking on their part. They sure need something to pick up thei

spirits.

Raging Dems will win out but the rage is against the administration and the repub congress not journalists. We will also be joined in our rage by independents and some repubs.

[TheCowsCameHome]

14. The GOP hasn't begun to know the fury they've stirred up.

But they will be a little wiser after November.

[Old and In the Way]

16. Which side of the fringe employs eliminationist rhetoric?

That's the side where you'll find hate. We want justice served...nothing hateful about that.

[Rocknrule]

17. If rage can't outdo the Republicans, it can't undo anything

Their entire existance is based on rage

[baby_mouse]

18. Time for daily anger pill.

>gulp<

>waits for effects to take place<

RARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH! I HATE GEORGE BUSH.

>sleeps<

>yawn, stretch<

Ah, tis good be alive and a leftie!

[BeFree]

19. Cohen, the article says...

"..has felt its power, and sees its danger."

Yep, yall knocked him upside the head and scared him silly(er).

He opened up a can'o'worms and he doesn't quite know what to do with it but he does realize he's on dangerous ground.

Way to go, yall, way to go!