On Obama’s speech: two years in office and still naive

[BenHoffman]

The atmosphere in the University of Arizona stadium seemed more like that of a pep rally than one of a memorial, which was very strange. I have no explanation or even conjecture of why they acted that way.

Obama delivered a powerful speech, including the following plea for civility:

“If, as has been discussed in recent days, their deaths help usher in more civility in our public discourse, let us remember that it is not because a simple lack of civility caused this tragedy — it did not — but rather because only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face up to our challenges as a nation, in a way that would make them proud.”

There is one reason why civility will not return to public discourse any time soon: money.

There is far too much money involved in politics today, which is why politicians and pundits will lie and incite fear and hatred without regard for consequences.

Glenn Beck, the leading right-wing conspiracy theorist and monger of fear and hatred, earned a hefty $32 million last year.

Sean Hannity, who just angrily repeats right-wing talking points, earns an estimated $20 million a year from his radio and TV show.

Bill O’Reilly also earned $20 million last year.

Rush Limbaugh earns $28 million a year.

It’s apparent that there is a LOT of money to be made spreading fear and hatred in American. Right-wing pundits provide the “facts” that right-wings want to hear. They create an alternate reality that makes their viewers feel good about themselves. Studies have shown that conservatives are more emotional than liberals, which explains their affinity towards Fox “news.”

Keith Olbermann, the top left-wing pundit earned $7.5 million last year. While still a lot of money, it pales in comparison to his right-wing competition.

Republican politicians receive a lot of campaign contributions from large corporations who benefit from conservative policies, which are promoted by the right-wing pundits.

So nothing is going to change. Obama can plea until he’s blue in the face, but until the big money is removed from politics, we’ll continue to see the flood of lies coming from conservative politicians. And as long as the right-wing sheep demand an alternate reality, right-wing pundits will continue to provide it. And why shouldn’t they? There’s good money in it.

[wtmusic]

1. Nice piece. Welcome to DU Ben.

:bounce: :toast: :bounce:

[BenHoffman]

9. Thanks wt :)

[pnwmom]

2. He's naive because he didn't talk about money at a memorial service?

Yeah, right.

:sarcasm:

[Jefferson23]

3. I'm not aware that Obama's staff had any control over the stadium setting

nor the responses/atmosphere so to speak. I wondered if he too thought it was odd, his speech
did not seem to be written with pauses for applause etc.

The right will continue their verbal assualt until they are called out on it repeatedly and stop
with the false equivalent that both sides are guilty of the same offense.

[Myrina]

10. Are you kidding? He's POTUS ... of course the Sec Svc controlled the setting.

Wow.

[Jefferson23]

11. Wow what? He's the POTUS yes, you know the University had

nothing to do with setting that up; the venue? The Secret Service securing the arena does not translate
to them having chosen it.

[HeroTwins]

4. I'm sure Obama will have plenty of time in his next term to get "un-naive"

[handmade34]

5. the money would not be paid

if people didn't listen to them... he is not naive; the task is to educate people and he is working on it

that being said, campaign finance reform should be priority

[Ineeda]

6. Just to your first point:

apparently Gabby Giffords' doctors entered the venue just as the event was to start, and heroes that they are, got a loud standing ovation. Additionally, the many young college kids in attendance thankfully haven't been exposed much to solemn events, and frankly, don't adhere to what adults deem proper decorum.

[grasswire]

12. there should have been some instruction given

Prior to cameras going live, someone should have gone to the microphone and asked the audience to hold applause during the event.

The whole setting was disrespectful. The college president inserting himself into the events was creepy. The Native American professor seemed like he was high. It was an ugly physical space, with those bright lights offering family members no mercy.

And why, why did the orchestra play Copeland's "Common Man" piece with its noises that sound like gunshots???!!! That was very disturbing. Something simple and soothing would have comforted people more.

It was very strange.

[madmom]

16. Sorry it disturbed YOUR sensibilities! The university billed this as a

CELEBRATION, not a memorial service. The media was the one who named it that. I am sure if people were disturbed by it they could have not gone or left. How is it some people can presume to inflect their ideas of the right way to morn or celebrate as THE right way. I find this very loathsome. Maybe it wasn't YOUR way of doing things but guess what??? It wasn't about YOU!

[grasswire]

17. it seemed to be about everyone except the victims

that's how I see it. No need to get your knickers in a knot.

[madmom]

18. My snickers are not in a knot, but it seems yours are. If you thought it

wasn't about the victims, you must have seen something different than I. It was billed by the university as a CELEBRATION of life and solidarity. I found that most appropriate, the funerals (and I guess some people idea of proper morning) starts today. Everyone has their own belief and their own coping mechanism, why not let them have them without judgment?

[Poll_Blind]

7. Straight up. K&R.

:thumbsup:

PB

[JustFiveMoreMinutes]

8. He's naive because he didn't ACT like the RW?

He's the PRESIDENT of a NATION.

NOT a party.

NOT an ideology.

His words were clear and simple and soothing and comforting and provided a measure of HOPE for one and all.

Yes that HOPE my be as silly as saying you want World Peace for Christmas.

But there is a time and place for everything.

[obxhead]

13. Really makes me want to become a radical right pundit.

Seriously, it might be fun. Sure you would have to sell your sole for a bit of money, but it could be fun. Build a huge following take their money, then when they are stirred up tell them the truth. They are all complete idiots, you don't believe any of the hate you spewed, and thank them for the yacht.

Of course you would have to buy your sole back by giving the money back to the needy.

[stray cat]

14. Americans need to choose their heroes wisely, it alienates the baser elements

a little girl interested in public service, a man who sacrificed himself for this wife, common people who fought back, a young volunteer with EMT training, Superb medical personnel who strive for perfection. What are most right wing politicians or pundits next to them?

[emulatorloo]

15. Well said.

[Doctor_J]

19. Rich, and in control of the country