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Rather: "Journalists Should Speak Truth to Power"
Dan Rather, long known as the "hardest-working man in news", has been retired from "CBS Evening News" for almost a year. During his career, he reported on the Kennedy assassination, the Vietnam war, and the 9/11 attack.
This week he toured the Pacific Northwest, stopping in Portland and Seattle, as part of the "American Voices" series that in the past included Gore Vidal and Ambassador Joseph Wilson. I am a fan since my teens, so I went to see him at jam-packed McCaw Hall and a Portland friend saw him the night before.
Rather emphasized the importance of the Pacific Rim, as discovered in his travels through Asia, most recently to North Korea. If there is another world war, it could ignite here rather than in Europe due to our proximity to North Korea, China and Russia, all of which have nuclear weapons or ambitions. There is also fierce competition for finite resources.
Of course I cheered when he said U.S. news organizations continue to be deficient in their coverage of foreign news. "They (North Koreans) speak about Portland, Seattle and Vancouver (BC) with a knowledge that surpasses anything most Americans know about North Korea," Rather said.
"I love the news," he said, and I believe he does. Rather discussed the need for the media to not feel timid in the face of government power. "When we begin to think that, to be a patriotic journalist, quote unquote, you have to go along and get along and pull your punches, not ask the tough question, not speak truth to power . . . I see that as a dereliction of our duty."
He feels that public perception of journalists has declined in recent years, due to collapse of international reporting, scandal, failure of the press to challenge authority and television's drive to cater to the audience as far as entertainment and sensationalism. He urged us to be smarter news consumers and to demand serious news reporting and said journalists should be more vigilant in their role as government watchdog, be more analytical in their coverage and "speak truth to power".
Discussing journalists, he said, "They need to ask more tough questions -- and keep asking them." "Every citizen ought to care", Rather said. "American journalism is, at its best, a public trust, one that is deeply bound up in how government works."
"What many of us need is a spine transplant," Rather said.
He perceives the internet as being an unknown, because no one has figured out exactly how it fits into TV news. It was, of course, bloggers who preceded the mainstream media in challenging the authenticity of documents used in "60 Minutes" report on Bush's military career (or absence thereof). Rather denies that he quit due to this incident.
He also discussed the 2008 presidential elections and the fact that the race would be unusually "open" since there will be no incumbent.
US joins nations with worst human rights records, to vote in favor of anti-gay and discriminatory policy at the UN (from American Progress Report, see Center for American Progress).
HUMAN RIGHTS -- IRAN AND THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION, UNITED IN ANTI-GAY BIGOTRY: "In a reversal of policy, the United States on Monday backed an Iranian initiative to deny United Nations consultative status to organizations working to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people," according to a Human Rights Watch release. In May 2005, two international gay rights groups applied for consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, "the only official means by which non-governmental organizations around the world can influence and participate in discussions among member states at the United Nations. Nearly 3,000 groups enjoy this status. States opposed to the two groups' applications moved to have them summarily dismissed, an almost unprecedented move at the UN, where organizations are ordinarily allowed to state their cases." On Monday, the Bush administration joined Cameroon, China, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Senegal, Sudan, and Zimbabwe -- nations with some of the worst human rights records in the world -- in voting to reject the groups' applications.
CNN BREAKING NEWS Sen. John Kerry calls for a filibuster of Samuel Alito's Supreme Court nomination.
Thank you Senator Kerry !!!!!
Senator John Kerry Calls For A Filibuster
Thu Jan 26, 2006 at 02:19:14 PM PDT
Senator Kerry has officially called for a filibuster of Samuel Alito the Supreme Court. CNN reports the Senator will be making a statement shortly.
Three Democrats (Nelson, Johnson and Byrd) will vote for Alito. Senators Landrieu and Salazar have stated their opposition to a filibuster, and Senator Feinstein, if you'll recall, was also hesitant.
41 votes are needed to sustain a filibuster. CNN's congressional correspondent reports Kerry is calling on party and internet activists to support the filibuster. "I can't do this alone," he's telling them.
Posted by: Ira at January 26, 2006 04:25 PM
This is where the rubber meets the road. Kerry certainly can not do this alone. Landrieu has her concerns with NOLA, and doesn't want to jeopordize any help she might receive. However she is deluding herself if she thinks the Republican Congress will support a fair opportunity for the rebuilding of NOLA. I really can't understand Byrd unless it would be too painful for him to watch the Senate grind to a halt. I had heard that Nelson was going to vote no on Alito. Did something change in the past 16 hours? If Feinstein can't get the courage to support the filibuster-get her butt out of there. Same goes for all the other Democrats who are unable to muster up the courage to protect the Constitution.
Is Kerry's announcement too little too late? Is it just a political gesture, or is he going to actively pursue this? Inquiring minds want to know.
There are 2 Nelsons... the other one in FL said he'd vote no. The one in NE has always been a yes unfortunately.
I totally agree with you about Feinstein. She is not even taking a stand that is consistant with her California constituents. I sent money to Landrieu last time, I wont make that mistake again. Byrd apparently didn't listen to the same Alito testimony I did. How he can believe that Alito will stand up for civil rights or the constitution is unimaginable.
If any of you want to make calls I would urge pressuring Chaffe, Snowe and Collins as they are up for re-election this Nov. and Chaffe is hanging on to his seat by a blue thread.
oncall,
He's damned if he does or doesn't, thanks to the *deal* the gang made back in June.
I think it's a good sign that he's taking the lead and acting. Does my heart good.
Posted by: karen at January 26, 2006 05:17 PM
I agree. At least someone is taking a stand. That's what's important to me.
Besides, what more could they do to him???!!!
Here's an opportunity to support the "i" truck:
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/7174
I agree Karen, but I wanted to throw that out there. It does my heart good to see somebody do the right thing. I predict the Buscho Propaganda machine *will* call this an empty political gesture as the outcome were a "foregone conclusion".
God, how I wish he was the President. Sigh.
Posted by: not my president at January 26, 2006 03:55 PM
I heard that on DU...
This regime is vile, and I must do everything to depose it, if only for my own survival.
From DU thread...
Just talked to Kerry's office in Boston....
I was told that Reid is on board for the filibuster - but calls need to be made to Landrieau, Salazar, Johnson, and Byrd BY EVERYONE no matter your location.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2394262
Byrd (WV):
(202) 224-3954
Johnson (SD):
(202) 224-5842
Landrieu (LA):
(202) 224-5824
Salazar (CO):
(202) 224-5852
Capitol switchboard numbers:
1-888 355 3588
1-888 818 6641
1-877 851 6437
Doesn't matter where you live. You're a U.S. citizen, right?
God, how I wish he was the President. Sigh.
Posted by: oncall at January 26, 2006 05:28 PM
Tell me about it, oncall!
Yes, Kerry did the right thing, and aside from Feinstein, my other Senator (Boxer) just sent me a long speech she wrote on why Alito is the wrong man for the job.
It's time to pressure as many Senators as possible for a NO vote, so that Kerry and Boxer can filibuster Alito.
For those who can not get through to Landrieu here are her LA numbers
Baton Rouge 225-389-0395
New Orleans 504-589-2427
Shreveport 318-676-3085
Lake Charles 337-436-6650
Here are all the DC and local office FAX numbers for Salazar, Landrieu, and Johnson:
Salazar:
202-228-5036
719-587-0098
970-241-8313
970-259-9789
719-542-7555
970-542-3088
970-224-2205
719-328-1129
303-455-8851
Landrieu:
202-224-9735
504-589-4023
318-676-3100
337-439-3762
225-389-0660
Johnson:
202-228-5765
605-226-2439
605-341-3990
605-332-8896
"Two liberal Democrats who have been among Judge Alito's harshest critics, Edward M. Kennedy and John Kerry, both of Massachusetts, were known to have tried to build support for a filibuster, a Senate delay-through-debate technique that requires 60 votes to defeat. Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Kerry delivered an impassioned plea to the Democratic caucus on Wednesday, but they failed to persuade enough of their colleagues. And as of this afternoon, the Senate Democratic leader, Harry Reid, was said to be firmly against a filibuster, in part because he thinks Democrats might incur too much ill will for opposing a candidate who is considered well-qualified, whatever his ideology."
"Since three of the 44 Democrats are already on record supporting Judge Alito, every other remaining Democrat would have to sign on to a filibuster."
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/26/politics/26cnd-alito.html
Senator Byrd's mail box is full. Hopefully he is getting the message that we are more than disappointed with him and that his support of Alito is causing a political firestorm.
When calling they will probably ask for your zip code.
Abramoff apparently was part of the Bush transition team in 2001.
"Since three of the 44 Democrats are already on record supporting Judge Alito, every other remaining Democrat would have to sign on to a filibuster."
presuming, Matthew, that pro-choice, and vulnerable Senators Chaffe, Snowe and Collins drink the cool aid. If they do I certainly hope that the DNC is busy preparing earlier tv commercials in their upcoming Senate races.
I used the congress.org link in the blue panel to your left to write my e-mail to Landrieu.
Well bless his heart!!!!
Way to go John.
Tried Feinstein's Office already. Line is BUSY!!!
If you're up to a little voting on CNN...
Created: Thursday, January 26, 2006, at 18:42:53 EDT
Why do you think John Kerry wants to filibuster Samuel Alito?
Conviction .... 39% ... 2113 votes
Politics ...... 61% ... 3253 votes
Total: 5366 votes
http://www.cnn.com
Posted by: dwahzon at January 26, 2006 06:25 PM
Done.
BTW, CNN stinks. I'm sick of everyone blaming whatever Dems do on politics. When does any republican do anything that's not political???
Though I often disagree with him, this time kos does a good job of putting the current situation of who is and is not willing to stand up and filibuster into good perspective.
read it here...
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/1/26/183015/942
This link to the CNN vote on Kerry may work better here:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/01/26/alito/index.html
Posted by: dwahzon at January 26, 2006 06:25 PM
The numbers are changing. THIS IS politics with conviction.
Conviction
41%
3527 votes
Politics
59%
5176 votes
It may be getting time for Byrd to step down and retire. He's always been the greatest scholar of the constitution among all of the Senators. For him to believe that Alito is going to support the constitution is proof to me that Byrd is beginning to show signs of senility.
Great ballplayers should retire while they're still great, ditto with great boxers.
I think Sen. Byrd has passed his time of greatness.
And it's very sad to see.
Time to rant:
I posted the "inquiring" question upthread. I predicted, and we all knew, that the Bushco Propaganda would turn it into something like this. WE CAN NOT LET THIS STAND.
My answer to these pinheads: THIS IS POLITICS WITH CONVICTION AND YOU DON'T EVEN RECOGNIZE IT WHEN IT IS POKING YOU IN THE EYE!
Hope this isn't redundant - I have no time to check & posting this on a break - it's from Backbone Campaign, from WA. I am proud of Kerry. He is not afraid to steer directly into enemy fire.
Kerry is filibustering Alito!
Call Senators Immediately!
Call the Senators listed below, as well as your own, and tell them:
* a "No" vote is meaningless without a filibuster
* it is cowardly to only fight a fight when assured victory
* the American people need to see the Senate standing up for separation of powers and against the "Unitary Executive"
Use these toll free numbers to call the Capitol: 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641.
If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt?command=congdir
First: Call the three Democrats (Mary Landrieu, Ken Salazar, and Dianne Feinstein) who oppose Alito but also said they oppose a filibuster. We must persuade them that a vote against Alito is meaningless if they don't support a filibuster.
Senator Salazar (D-CO) 202-224-5852
Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) 202-224-5824
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) 202-224-3841
Second: Call your own Democratic Senator: 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641.
If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt?command=congdir
Third: Unbelievably, three Democrats (Ben Nelson, Tim Johnson and Robert Byrd) support Alito! Tell them to either support filibuster or at least "don't get in the way."
Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) 202-224-6551
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) 202-224-3954
Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) 202-224-5842
888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641. If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt?command=congdir
Fourth: Call the "Red State" Democrats:
(Message same as above -- "No" is meaningless)
Tom Carper (DE)
Kent Conrad (ND)
Byron Dorgan (ND)
Blanche Lincoln (AR)
Mark Pryor (AR)
Fifth: Call these "Blue State" and pro-choice Republicans:
(Message: A "Unitary Executive" is dangerous to balance of powers--please do not get in the way of a filibuster.)
Lincoln Chafee (RI)
Susan Collins (ME)
Lisa Murkowsky (AK)
Bob Smith (OR)
Olympia Snowe (ME)
Ted Stevens (AK)
For extra credit, call all of the 2008 Presidential candidates who are sitting Senators--Evan Bayh, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Russ Feingold, and John Kerry--and tell them to either LEAD THE FILIBUSTER or KISS YOUR SUPPORT GOODBYE. 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641.
If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt?command=congdir
You can also send that message to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (202-224-2447) and the Democratic National Committee (202-863-8000).
Share what you learn with Democrats.com members here:
http://www.democrats.com/alito-8
_______________________________________________ Backbone mailing list Backbone@list.backbonecampaign.org http://list.backbonecampaign.org/mailman/listinfo/backbone
Posted by: Linda Enterkin at January 26, 2006 06:53 PM
Linda,
It truly is a sad thing to see. Byrd has fallen too deeply in love with the institution. He is willing to do whatever he believes that he has to do in order to "protect' the senate at the expense of the people. He has lost sight of why he is there. We the People and the people of West Virginia especially deserve better.
Posted by: Linda Enterkin at January 26, 2006 06:53 PM
Sadly I listened to Byrds speech I dont like the way he voted but I understood it, he feels he represents his state a novel concept in this day and age and his state and his concense(sp) told him this is what they wanted. I to think he is tired I think he is disheartened at what has become of this country he loves, if Alito is any kind of human being and he is confirmed he will live up to Bryds high opinion of him, I doubt it but anything is possible.
as an aside before today several of the Republicans the rabid kind in my groups have been beating Bryd up bet they are feeling pretty stupid about now.
And one more thing Kerry's move is not to little to late no true vote has been scheaduled as of yet the numbers you all are seeing on the side of C-Span are ways that Senators have said either during this debate or in public how they are going to vote.
And you know what else is sad -- to me at least...that we're so damn desparate that we're happy someone finally takes a stand... Isn't this what they're supposed to do for us all the time???
YES IT IS, MADAME.
Been sorely lacking for way too friggin' long.
Yes Madame but they have decided to be whiney instead of productive see a whiner whines about things but never does anything about it, someone who is productive does something about and never whines can anyone name ONE Senator or House Member from our side who has actually done one dang thing to help this situation we are in. Either they Consev. Dems and vote most of Bush;s issues or they are Republicans in Dem Clothing the rest are weak and ineffective and are more worried about the few small things that they can have heard than the big picture. I remember The Contract for America and laughing it off, I aint laughing now, we better come up fast with a way a framing the issues or Alito will be the least of our worries.
Just got in and heard the good news!
Where is the best place to go to hear more about it?
Snooze channels on t.v., or the IRC?