How left-wing is taxpayer-supported radio? WBAI-FM, the New York City home of the radical Pacifica Radio network that gets roughly $1 million each year in federal funds, is asking for contributions and offering a premium for $100 donors: a President Bush trash can that says "White Trash" on it.
For a short time only, WBAI offers a signed and numbered limited edition replica of New York artist, Robert Cenedella's "Basket Sculpture." This round metal construction is functional as a waste basket. Each measures 12" x 10".
For $100, which includes both shipping and a donation to WBAI, you can have the pleasure of trashing the President every day just as he has trashed the United States Constitution.
The WBAI website carries other little signs of radicalism here and there. How about their Sunday program "Equal Time for Freethought"? This Sunday, the topic is "Women’s Reproduction, Christian Fascism, and Women’s Emancipation: The Morality of Abortion and the Immorality of Those Who Want to Take it Away." They elaborate about an interview celebrating the abortionist Susan Wicklund:
As the 35th anniversary of Roe V. Wade approaches, it is appropriate to at the degree to which the rise of Christian fundamentalism in American politics and culture has brought with it an unprecedented assault on the most fundamental rights of women...
How deeply is patriarchy embedded within the Christian religion? Why is Christian fascism gaining so much momentum in American politics today? What is the future for women’s most basic reproductive rights? And what is the profound morality in providing women with safe, unstigmatized access to full reproductive freedom?
But this Pacifica station is "free-form" enough for both God-spurning "humanists" and a "Gospel Idol Tour with a Civil Rights Twist."
—Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center
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Comments Policy
Well, isn't that special.
January 12, 2008 - 09:01 ET by motherbeltWell, isn't that special. And our tax dollars are funding THIS trash.
If people complain and ask them to stop it, I suppose they will cry "Censorship!!!
These people have no shame.
assault on the most fundamental rights of women...(emphasis mine)
So I guess that's one of those rights to which we are "endowed by our Creator...."??????
The ripping sound you hear is me yanking on my roll of duct tape......
Honestly, I have to stop coming here in the AM....it gets my day off the WORST start when I read tripe like this....
(not that it's your fault, Tim....)
It ain't Debbie Reynolds
January 12, 2008 - 09:06 ET by Tim GrahamIt ain't Debbie Reynolds singing "Good Morning," is it? Perhaps we should come with a disclaimer:
Or: Duct tape alert!!! May
January 12, 2008 - 09:48 ET by motherbeltOr: Duct tape alert!!! May cause your head to explode!
}}---> And if you act now
January 12, 2008 - 09:43 ET by Cool ArrowWe'll throw in this lovely Robert Maplethorpe sculpted stool.
I ♣ My Seal
Does most of America have a
January 12, 2008 - 10:13 ET by GregEDoes most of America have a concern about the taxes they pay? No, they don't. Gone are the days where principle was king. People say oh it's just a little bit.
Little bit schmittle bit, the government has NO right to take my money to fund a radio station period. And then one that leans in EITHER ideological direction, even WORSE!
And aside from that, let someone advertise a "Black Trash" can and you'll see the desire for his head on a platter, from the usual suspects of course.
I'm proud to say that I've
January 12, 2008 - 10:33 ET by rimskyI'm proud to say that I've never heard of this Robert Cenedella. Seems quite fitting that he likes to sculpt trash cans..
Pacifica insanity
January 12, 2008 - 10:54 ET by DougSI listen to a jazz station that used to carry Pacifica. It was on for several years, not sure why they dropped it. But I'll tell you they are so full of hatred for anything remotely conservative or any kind of American pride. I vividly remember some 'commentator' reporting with glee an incident Dick Cheney was having with his heart problems. She was hoping he would die. Now, how mature is that?
Another time was when the US soccer team was defeated in the Olympics. Amy Goodman had some guy on that was claiming that US TV markets were suppressing soccer matches because the US was beaten by Ghana. Total fabrication; FOX Soccer Channel and ESPN were showing it nearly around the clock. And Amy G. was just celebrating the defeat openly. She certainly has the right to do that but it just shows how they'll celebrate any US defeat no matter how insignificant.
-Doug
Taxes run amok
January 12, 2008 - 12:09 ET by StephCIs this something the federal government ought to be doing and if so, at what level... Fred Thompson.
If we cut out all the stupid spending like this, we wouldn't have a deficit. In addition, we'd have a stronger national defense and the funds to take care of real needs instead of this tripe.
They can yell censorship all they want but it ain't censorship. They call talk about whatever they want, anytime they want, but I shouldn't have to pay for them to do so. If it was something people really wanted to hear, we wouldn't have to, the free market would handle the financing.
Ironic
January 12, 2008 - 12:28 ET by shawn228Bush trash can is supported with public funding money and the clinton condom is for profit?
That's how far afield the
January 12, 2008 - 12:48 ET by DaMavThat's how far afield the Republican Party is of conservative values. It was that long ago -- 13 years or so -- that Republicans promised us they would defund the taxpayer subsidies to these parasites. Now it is rarely mentioned and seem to expand every year.
The experiment with liberal big government Republicanism has failed.
DM... I too remember that
January 12, 2008 - 15:12 ET by bigtimerDM...
I too remember that well, it never came to fruition with Congress I can't remember if they figured they didn't have enough votes or it was PC pressure that it was backed off on, I do remember it being brought up on the floor a lot...Gingrich seemed to me just backed off..could be wrong with memory.
Nevertheless this is absolutely outrageous and we are in so much trouble in the House and Senate to regain power in it this election, I just hope we keep close.
I wished the majority of people in this country new about this all, this issue should be brought up with us paying the bills for these leftists enemies within as far as I am concerned...
...and the leftists scream about the Fairness Doctrine....give me a break.
That's how far afield the
January 12, 2008 - 12:48 ET by DaMavThat's how far afield the Republican Party is of conservative values. It was that long ago -- 13 years or so -- that Republicans promised us they would defund the taxpayer subsidies to these parasites. Now it is rarely mentioned and seem to expand every year.
The experiment with liberal big government Republicanism has failed.
Clinton Trailer Trash Gift
January 12, 2008 - 15:36 ET by WoodyMMy family has always said that Bill Clinton was nothing but common trailer trash. Even his presidential lie-brary looks like a trailer. That trash can seems more appropriate for him.
-
January 12, 2008 - 22:18 ET by dahliatraversFar more appropriate.
If that is true, then I
January 13, 2008 - 03:50 ET by shawn228If that is true, then I would have to say Bush is at least in tie with Clinton at the very least.
Romney time machine
Shawn
January 13, 2008 - 04:01 ET by RESTLESS 1On the morality scale, Bush would have to rank much higher than Clinton. I would think you would agree on this. Think what you will about Bush's policies, but please. You are being disingenous if you are saying that Bush is somehow "trailer park trash". I don't like Clinton one bit, but I would not say that about a sitting or former President. I will say however that I believe that he lowered the perception of the Presidency with his actions.
Restless
January 13, 2008 - 04:14 ET by shawn228The man lied about a blowj*b. Yes it was wrong. It was pretty darned embarrassing for US as well.
I've never been one these people that said Bush Lied, people died, accussed him of stealing the election but I feel he has done a bad job as commander in chief.
Yes he has kept us safe from a terrorist attack, I will give him credit for that, but attorney firings, looking weak and not pardening scooter libby right away, the whole immigration debacle. Also is there anything ambigious here. am I misinterpreting the President?
Shawn
January 13, 2008 - 04:21 ET by RESTLESS 1I won't say I like everything about President Bush. He is way too liberal on many issues, immigration and govt. spending among them, but I will not equate the tossing out of the integrity of the Presidency over a fat intern to a misguided support of an amnesty bill. The constant low brow attacks on Bush is why many so doggedly defend him. Can't liberals see that?
restless
January 13, 2008 - 04:28 ET by shawn228I feel Bush was arrogant before last yrs elections, the GOP controlled both Chambers and the Presidency. It took him losing both chambers to be humbled. Clinton worked very well with the GOP congress, much better than Bush is doing with the Democratic congress.
Also you did not answer my question in my last post. Was I misinterpreting what Bush said about wiretaps. Did he sound a little umm untruthful?
Romney time machine
Shawn
January 13, 2008 - 04:36 ET by RESTLESS 1Sorry, I answered your post before going to the link. I don't think he sounded untruthful as much as he sounded like he couldn't get his thoughts together. Sadly, a common malady for him. As far as wiretapping goes, I have not heard of any American citizens having their rights to privacy trampled on.
As for Bush not working well with the democrat congress, I think that cuts both ways. Don't you?
I feel he knew exactly what
January 13, 2008 - 04:54 ET by shawn228I feel he knew exactly what he was saying restless, and yes the dems have to get their act together as well, their approval rating is 11 percent for a reason.
Romney time machine
The first problem is "wiretap"
January 13, 2008 - 04:38 ET by OldSailor88Shawn, Wiretap is completely the wrong term. The media has made this program sound like the Government is listening to every phone call that is made. Simply rediculous. The word wiretap shouldn't even be used unless you're talking about reruns of Mission Impossible. This is a monitoring program that watches incoming and outgoing calls to the States. These calles are watched by number until they become suspect, and only then are they listened to. They don't care if you are calling your relatives in the states 50 times a month. They would, however, be very interested if you had an uncle that was calling you by satphone from the Hindu Kush on a weekly basis. Only out of the ordinary calls from suspect nations are even paid attention to. Get rid of the term wiretap.
Faciem durum cacantis habes
OldSailer
January 13, 2008 - 04:45 ET by shawn228I was not the one that said Wiretap, it was the President. I was quoting him. I do not believe in coddling terrorist and we need to do what is necessary to extract information or listen to whatever calls they need to. I have a problem with the President lying about it.
Romney time machine
Ok
January 13, 2008 - 04:48 ET by OldSailor88What did he lie about?
Faciem durum cacantis habes
He said in order to use a
January 13, 2008 - 04:51 ET by shawn228He said in order to use a roving wiretap, it requires court order.He said when you think of patriot act constitutional guarantees are in place.
Romney time machine
The Patriot Act
January 13, 2008 - 05:05 ET by OldSailor88The Patriot act says this:
The PATRIOT Act, and a subsequent expansion passed in 2002, allows the government to get “John Doe” roving wiretaps under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) which do not have the same protections for innocent non-targets as criminal surveillance orders.
So, this allows federal agents to obtain wiretap orders without telling the secret FISA court who the target is or what phones will be tapped, increasing the likelihood of unlawful “fishing expeditions” and the capture of innocent conversations.
There's no constitutional violation. I just looked again, and other than some insane stretch by the ACLU on search and seizure, there's no violation. I couldn't give two hoots if they hear one of my private conversations by accident. The people who do have things to hide. Besides, the chances are so slim as to be almost immeasurable. It's not like this is an hourly occurance.
Faciem durum cacantis habes
OldSailer
January 13, 2008 - 05:10 ET by shawn228Again, I have no problem with the Wireta .......... ummm terror survelience program, The President clearly stated that you need a court order to do so. That was blatant lie.
Romney time machine
I repeat
January 13, 2008 - 05:14 ET by OldSailor88So, this allows federal agents to obtain wiretap orders without telling the secret FISA court who the target is or what phones will be tapped, increasing the likelihood of unlawful “fishing expeditions” and the capture of innocent conversations.
He did not lie. They have to get a court order, they just don't have to tell who it is for.
Faciem durum cacantis habes
Sigh, ok OldSailor, it is
January 13, 2008 - 05:19 ET by shawn228Sigh, ok OldSailor, it is 1:30 in the morning in Cali, so I am going to bed. Obtaining warrants without telling whomever its for is kind of out there for me, but I am too tired right now. Thank you for sticking to the facts and not flaming. Have a good night.
Romney time machine
Sleep Sound
January 13, 2008 - 05:22 ET by OldSailor88The Old Sailor is on watch making sure your Country is safe.
Faciem durum cacantis habes
If you ask me, WBAI-FM is
January 13, 2008 - 10:23 ET by BobAnthonyIf you ask me, WBAI-FM is the single biggest waste of 50,000 watts of power. As a formerly indoctrinated student at the University of the People's Republic of CT-Stan, I had a socialist professor, Paul Jalbert, make me and my media studies class listen to WBAI and report on what we had heard. I chose something a bit tame--a program about the golden age of radio.
The station, according to some reports I've read about but can't confirm, is worth millions of dollars, if only the non-commercial licesne can be removed and be given a commercial one. If I had the kind of jack a Citadel had, most if not all of the WBAI's programming--GONE!
In its place would be talk radio hosts--REAL ONES like Boortz, Clark Howard, Rusty Humphries, Jerry Doyle, etc. That golden age radio program, hosted by Max Schnied (sp?) would stay in my mind, only to be bolstered by the syndicated When Radio Was on Sundays. And if there were to be a protest outside the studio, I would, and though I am no fan of a police state, have the riot squad and the Armed Forces out en masse to arrest the protestors for protesting the sovreignty of the United States, its troops and what the country stands for.
And in case you are wondering, the WBAI-FM call letters would disappear too. The new station would be called WUSA-FM if said calls were available.
If Goodman and company want to do the news, I know the perfect place for them to do it from--GITMO!