As An Active Duty Military Member. My Take on Limbaugh In Afghanistan

[maxrandb]

Mods: Feel free to delete if you think I'm piling on.

I am so sorry to keep beating a "dead horse". I have posted so many times about the absolute outrage of having this drug addled hate- monger spewing his swill on Armed Forces Radio.

As you may know. I HAVE EXTREMELY STRONG FEELINGS ABOUT THIS.

It was bad enough when you simply had to hear his one sided 3 hour hate fest coming from someone's radio in the office.

Now, he has the sanction, and obviously, the official endorsement of the United States of America. How else can you describe it? He has now become officially licensed and sanctioned by the government.

And all I can do is complain until I am blue in the face, because our reps and Senators won't do a damn thing about it.

You want to talk about tax dollars?? You are aware that his show is broadcast everyday (at least 1 hour of it) on the Armed Forces Radio Service? You do know that yours and my tax money pay for Armed Forces Radio, right?

Let me ask you how you think I feel? I'm a 21 year Navy man. I am a proud "bleeding heart liberal". I am a proud Democrat! My money is being spent so that a man who would not serve when his country called, can tell my Shipmates, my family, my friends, my fellow American military members that...

- "I" support the terrorist!
- "I" hate the military!
- "I" hope more troops get killed!
- "I" am unAmerican!
- "I" have no morals!
- "I" blame America first!

etc........

I've gone so far as to write recently to my two Republican Senators Voinovich and Dewine (OH), stating that I obviously am not needed in the military anymore, or wanted, and that I plan to resign my commission. Sent copies of those e-mails to the Columbus Dispatch, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and the Cincinnati Enquirer.

The silence back from two people that are supposed to represent me has been deafening!

This is an outrage that should cause almost "revolutionary" action. I would hope that the Dems would shut down the Senate until action is taken to get this fat pig off AFRTS.

Playing nice has not worked.

[BOSSHOG]

1. Roger that Shipmate and thanks for the post

Retired CPO here, proud liberal democrat. My two dumbass Senators Lott and Cochran have never responded to anything I communicate. And when I do communicate to them it is always polite, tempered, short and factual. Obviously they don't need my vote. Keep up the good fight. I wish you fair winds and following seas in your constitution loving endeavors. Isn't it truly amazing the list of conservative "leaders" who never raised their hand and swore to support and defend the constitution.

[retnavyliberal]

56. I second that, Mate. Another retired CPO here.

I always said the loneliest man on a ship is a liberal in the mess. I will never forget sitting at breakfast, Dec, 2000, and hearing the other "goats" moaning cause the paper said gas prices went up. They could not understand why prices went up in December. Off Vacation season yano. I just looked at them and went, "Well ya just elected an Oil Baron ya morons. What did you expect!" You could have heard a mouse pee on a cotton ball.

Keep up the good work out there on the pond, my friend. I do not know your rate or rank, but you sound like a leader. Remember, your young sailors have little or no background or understanding in the world of politics. You can shape some minds there.

[rppper]

77. at least you were CPO's boss and retnavy...try being a PO2......

...or PO3 and being liberal on a ship. you are at the mercy of other "goats" or zero's who have an agenda, and write your evals...that means shitty evals and no advancement in the navy's advancement system, where anything less than "4 dot oh" evals are as worthless as the paper they are written on. or that despite the fact that you qualify for your in rate watches, out of rate watches and perform duties above and beyond your level, you are consistently overlooked for CAP advancements or even commendations.

I'm not bitter about these things anymore, but it was definitely part of the problem i faced while on active duty and a big reason that i took an early out when given the chance. i was no slouch...i served 10 years...all of it on at sea commands...and i served in the fairly liberal atmosphere of submarines, but on more than one occasion i saw political discrimination rear it's ugly head.

i am glad i got out when i did. i would have long since been written up for destroying govt. property....aka=smashing the radio and flinging it into the nearest bulkhead...it is a sad day when the government both promotes and legitimizes a drug addled gasbag like limbaugh...it would be sad even if it were a liberal commentator....politics has no place in our military........

[maxrandb]

80. Ive Been There Shipmate

I'm a "Mustang". Started as an E1, made Chief and then crossed over to the "dark-side" via the LDO/CWO Program.

Navy Mustang: He possesses that one thing that other Officer wish they had, but never will. The knowledge of what beats in the heart of an enlisted man.

Anyway. Thanks for serving Shipmate. Always had a lot of respect for "bubbleheads". Takes a special kind of person to get in a perfectly good ship and sink themselves on purpose.

[lebkuchen]

2. Man, do I appreciate your efforts

Interesting to hear of the lack of feedback.

FYI, letters of complaint have been written to Stars and Stripes about Limbaugh, as well as FOX "News." Phone calls to AFN made, too (and those answering the phone agree--Limbaugh should go). However, the Stripes letters editors appear to have been replaced w/ringers of late, because all of the recent letters are RW tripe. I sent a very reasonable one in awhile back, most of it quoting Stripes articles to prove my point, and my letter was never printed. Didn't used to be that way.

I think the Bushies have gone into serious defense mode.


Too much FOX news—Aug. 6, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=23371&archive=true

Can FOX News be trusted?—June 18, 2004
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=22420&archive=true

Take Limbaugh off AFN; Mission real national tragedy—Nov. 28, 2003
http://www.stripesonline.com/article.asp?section=125&article=18798&archive=true

Will Limbaugh change?; Remove Limbaugh show—Nov. 27, 2003
http://www.stripesonline.com/article.asp?section=125&article=18797&archive=true

[nashville_brook]

18. i had a friend in Afghanistan doing PR for the military

he's my age, but when i saw him at our 20-year high school reunion he looked like he could be 58 rather than 38. he was even the late-bloomer. the kid who didn't look old enough to buy beer when he was in his 20s.

we talked a lot about the war at our reunion. his take was that most of the guys out there are sick and tired and don't give a shit about politics. they are angry at the administration for abondoning their mission and they feel like they may never come home again.

he was on leave, and wasn't sure if he was going to be sent back. he didn't want to go at all. my guess is he's been replaced with someone possessing a "fresh approach."

[Jade Fox]

3. You are right to be outraged....

It is amazing that this situation with Limbaugh on AF radio is allowed to
continue. And who the hell is paying for him to go to Afghanistan?

[Roland99]

4. One thing in Limbaugh's defense (can't believe I'm doing this)

was that he was deemed ineligible due to a form of anal cyst.

Rather fitting since that's what he really is!

[lebkuchen]

7. Rush did get "honorable" mention in Stripes a few months ago

fourth one down

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=23876&archive=true

[TWiley]

8. Limbaugh IS an anal cyst

Which is why he has become the Amur-i-canz propaganda minster. Republicans only support their own kind.

[BOSSHOG]

11. As opposed to the

14 and 15 year old patriots who lied about their age so they could join the Army and fight in WWII. We don't really know the reason limbaugh didn't serve but such a medical condition is treatable and waivable for enlistment. The fact, he is a coward who hides behind his microphone. Prove me wrong limbaugh, hire on with halliburton and drive a truck in Fallujah.

[me b zola]

58. Exactly

People who want to serve have been known to hide medical conditions, I know several people in that catagory. There was a guy a Great Lakes who concealed that he was a diabetic, but a shipmate caught him injecting insulin and snitched on him.

Fucking chickenhawks want other people to fight the wars that they are so fond of.

[PsN2Wind]

64. My Brother-in-law

Chief serving in FASRON at NAS Alameda had the same damn thing many years ago. They didn't discharge him for it, so why should it exclude that fat fuck from duty?
Next draft I hope there are NO exclusions. Most everyone can do something.

[maxrandb]

13. One Of the Best Jokes I Ever Heard Went Like This

What's the difference between Rush Limbaugh and Jane Fonda?

Jane Fonda "went" to Vietnam.

[harlinchi]

27. What's the difference between Earrock and Veet-nohm...

...? George Bush had a plan for getting out of Vietnam!

[NYC]

43. That's very funny.

:hi:

[Tigress DEM]

60. ROFL

That was to keep his own ass from getting shot up.

Here it's only our asses :dem: on the line

[eridani]

74. What's the difference between the Hindenburg and Limbaugh?

One's a flaming Nazi gasbag, and the other's just a dirigible.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

62. I'd like to talk to the doctor who made that prognosis.

[RapidCreek]

70. In his defense?

The guy had a cyst on his butt hole and that somehow prevented him from firing a fucking rifle?

Give me a break.

[pnutchuck]

5. here's something interesting

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1622525

I too served and am a liberal now, although at the time, I didn't have any political leanings I was just one of those poor saps that fell for the MSM's spin on the rightness of the Persian Gulf War.

[nashville_brook]

6. big ole vote! thank you for this!

i come from a liberal military family. my husband's family is full of liberal career vets.

i had not understood this aspect of Limpbrow's trip. i did not know this was being broadcast on Armed Forces Radio. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!

moreover, it reminds me of how radio was used in Rwanda.

you say playing nice has not worked... just a thought... you must have engineers all around you. i might be time to get off your ass and jam, if you get my drift. nothing like blatant misuse of power to foment meaningful action. spread the word max -- do whatever it takes. and certainly, keep us posted on life out there!

[Toots]

9. I thought I was the only one that felt that way

This place is filled with "it ain't a big deal" type people or "the answer is just get a liberal on as well". Well I am of the opinion that the military should not be politicized by either political party. I want all politics off Armed Forces Radio. It serves no good purpose and lots of bad things come from it. Rush may call what he does humor and for some really sick people it is humor but it is politica;l humor at best and political hate at worst. I feel the latter is closest to the truth and why none of the Democrats has ever addressed this issue is beyond me. It is one more reason I will not donate to the Democrats again. They are soft on traitors (Novak, Limbaugh, North, Bush*, etc.) I don't care for those that are soft on traitors.

[retnavyliberal]

57. However, with the state of the MSM

I think I would rather see an hour of Rush followed by an hour from a liberal talk show host. At least that way our troops are getting both sides and can have a real opinion. I would think that is the only way to get any left views out there. I am sure MSM radio news isn't doing the job.

[all good names taken]

90. finally some common sense

as an active duty sailor, I don't really know anyone who listens to "AFARTS"(AFRTS) anyways, least on ships anyways, the signal is always cutting out which makes it hard to even watch CNN, much less the radio. Seems most people have CD Players/IPods to get the listening fixes in anyways, so this thread is partly irrelevent.

[Maestro]

10. You have every right to pile on

Limpballs is a disgrace as is this admin. My fater is a 21 year Navy vet as well. He was a pilot in Viet Nam. Served two tours. He now is sick and tired of smirk and the way is treating all the soldiers' deaths coming out of Iraq and Afghanistan.

[Longhorn]

12. Thank you for your service.

My son will be 21 in May and is a Marine serving in Iwakuni, Japan. He had a similar reaction to yours after he saw Fahrenheit 911. He was so incensed that he had already made up his mind he would refuse to go to Iraq if sent there. (He was still in MOS school at the time.)

I share your outrage that Limbaugh is allowed to broadcast on Armed Forces Radio. I can only hope that counterprogramming is also broadcast but I'm not too optimistic. My son did tell us about watching Frontline (PBS) on the Armed Forces television that he gets on base. The most recent program is about an Army company in Iraq and what they face on a daily basis and an upcoming program is about military personnel returning from battle with post traumatic stress syndrome.

I sincerely hope that listening to Limbaugh isn't going to change the minds of your shipmates -- that they see him for the ass that he is.

Again, I appreciate your service and the time you took to post your views. Good luck!

[IrateCitizen]

17. Longhorn -- check your PM box...

I sent you a note regarding your son's situation.

[realFedUp]

14. MSM should interview you max

this would make a good column

[maxrandb]

47. Our MSM? Are You Kidding?

Might sound good in theory, but I can imagine the headlines.

Faux: Disgruntled Liberal Military Officer Finaly Comes Out. Hated the Military for 21 Years.

CNN: Navy Officer's Medals May Have Been Unearned. Rush Limbaugh Supporters for Truth New Ad.

MSNBC Hardball: "How Long Have You Hated America?"

Hannity: Navy Guy May Never Have Served.

Thanks, but no thanks. Even if we have the truth on our side, the corporate media would crucify me...And could you imagine the Freepers holding candlelight vigils outside my house?

[Rose Siding]

15. God love your heart

One might ask, Why is the govt sending people to insult sailors? Or, Why does Limbaugh hate the troops.

We really need to find out if he was paid for that junket- with cash or with perks like *access* to the administration. That should be easy to establish!

If you're inclined, it might do good to contact Media Matters about this- identify your rank in the subject line. Brock gets some press for his letters and he's followed this situation.

[e-mail]

Atrios works with them too.
[e-mail]

[qanda]

16. Beautiful rant

What can we do? Is there a letter writing campaign that we can start or something. Please let us know.

[CRK7376]

19. 25 plus years as a Grunt

and all of last year while in Korea I had to listen to Rush rants for an hour every evening. AFN carried his proram from 7-8pm 4-5 days of the week. Fortunately most of the time I was of work by then and turned off AFN. After the hour long torture session of Rush I would get to hear 2 hours of NPR Morning Edition....There is no hour long liberal program played on AFN unless you consider NPR liberal....NPR kept me sane last year.....

[Patiod]

20. Not to be a contrarian, but

I'm not sure the military should be vetting the politics of National Figures who offer to come entertain the troops.

Al Franken was over there, so why not Rush?

I'm just afraid that any attempt to censor Rush would backfire.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

39. Well, for one thing, Franken doesn't get hours and hours of airtime

on Armed Forces Radio every week.

I noticed Limbaugh's presence on FEN when I was in Japan this past fall. I used to listen in the 1970s as a student in Tokyo (it was the only source for full-scale weather forecasts in those days), and it was completely non-political then, just music of different genres (top 40, country, soul) and news headlines.

I wonder when Limbaugh got his FEN slot. I can see how it would be extremely useful to the Bushies to have the troops steadily propagandized.

[tsuki]

53. The trouble with Limbaugh on AFRTS or whatever it is called is

that local populations listen to it also. And three hours a day listening to that nag henpeck, henpeck, henpeck his audience into an acceptable "yes, dear" response gives a bad impression of Americans.

Shrew was a word invented for him.

[UTUSN]

21. If This Is Piling on, Keep on Piling ON, Shipmate!

[NeoTraitors]

22. I am with you my friend.

Thank you for doing your part. We should all follow suit and contact our senators regarding this outrage.

Don't let a lack of response frustrate you. I can tell just by the fact that you are a Cleveland Browns fan that you are not one to give up easily. Just know that there are millions of us out here that will not let America go quietly into the night without a fight.

Doing the right thing while noone is watching is the definition of character. You have it, and Rush doesn't.

Truth is first ridiculed, then denied, and finally it is accepted as fact. We are in the denial stage right now which means that acceptance is right around the corner as long as we don't give up!

[Blue Wally]

23. In fairness

There are periodic polls done with the troops to determine what programming should be played on Armed Forces Radio. This is sort of like the newspapers periodically polling their readers as to which of the comic strips they like and dislike. There was enough demand that an hour of the Rush Limbaugh show was added to the programming list.

[Norquist Nemesis]

26. Must have been a Deibold machine that tallied that poll. n/t

[maxrandb]

29. OK! Heard That Argument Before

but you can't always get what you want. I bet a majority would like the Playboy Channel. What if a majority wanted to hear some racist shill. What if a majority wanted the 700 Club. There are some things that are just not acceptable. This should be one of them.

Oh, and I have no interest in balancing him with someone from the left telling me that republicans hate the military either.

Look at history. Once the military belongs to one political party or ideology, DEMOCRACY IS DEAD!!

Bottom line is that his type of "entertainment" has no business on Armed Forces Radio.

[Just Me]

24. I don't blame you. Rush promotes the worst kind of anti-Americanism!

He profits by advancing hatred and intolerance against fellow Americans.

His behavior is reprehensible.

[Sapphire Blue]

32. Unfortunately he has a strong following of like-minded automatons

getting their 'rush' from his vile, hate-filled venom.

[Ganja Ninja]

25. If I were serving in Afghanistan and someone had Limbaugh ...

on the radio I would complain to the person that was listening once or twice and if that failed to get their attention I would shoot the f**king radio. What are they going to do to you? If enough liberals showed that it was dividing the troops to the point of violence then something would get done.

[reichstag911]

28. Congratulations...

...on your plan to resign your commission. It is only when the military finally stands up to this dubiously elected administration that all their grand plans for empire will crumble down around their ankles (possibly even while they're holding onto them in anticipation of being "topped" by G/G :)).

[donsu]

30. next you know Limbaugh will be hanging out in the WH full time

the bloody bushgang does what it wants

Limbaugh is officially in AFGHANISTAN FOR CHRIST SAKE

may he fall down a mountain

catch a virus and give it to whoever debriefs him when he gets back

(he really doesn't want to go to prison, could he be a bagman of some kind, or a messenger?)

[bunny planet]

31. Thank you for your service and your post.

There was a petition circulating through Media Matters last year that addressed this issue, Rush being broadcast to the troops on AFRTS and tax payers dollars paying for it. When I signed it there were 50K names on it and it was growing. Everyone from every state should be writing to their representatives about this. AT the very least, a balanced programming should be broadcast. The Fairness Doctrine was shot down during Reagan's presidency and that is the real reason they can get away with broadcasting Rush without broadcasting an antidote to Rush as well. I've heard that there are rumblings in government about reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, let's turn those rumblings into roars. Enough is enough is enough.

[SpiralHawk]

33. Part of the overall BushCo Propaganda pus

Rush is just another "Gannon" only louder.

Propaganda is everywhere. This is a deliberate BushCo strategy. The media cannot -- or more likely will not -- put 2 and 2 together.

[Sapphire Blue]

34. The media is part of the equation

2 + 2 = predetermined result

[bunkerbuster1]

35. Mods: if you delete this I'm goin' NOOKYOULAR!

kidding. Great post, though, and thanks so much for all you've done for us.

[RedEarth]

36. Great post

I agree, it's an damn outrage this is going on......it needs to stop.

[ohtransplant]

37. Your service is valued

and deeply appreciated.

BTW, we know the truth, that you are truly a patriot and democracy needs you and any who dissent.

Sadly, I share your Senators. The don't respond to me and the Dispatch has never published one of my letters but I'll keep writing. They need to keep hearing from you, me, and many more.

Best of Luck on your future endeavors after the military

[G_j]

38. He is almost singularly responsible for the acceptance of telling lies

and smearing people and groups on the public airwaves.
I ignore him, NEVER listen to him, but I've seen enough of his statements over the years to hold him almost single handedly responsible for the disintegration of public discourse. He LIES through his teeth, he knows it, but is proud of it.
Limbaugh is a bottom feeding, two faced hypocritical liar!
That he is held in esteem by anyone is amazing and very depressing.

[Swamp Rat]

40. Whenever you come across friends or shipmates listening to Limpballs,

tell them that he is an alien lizard, and if they continue to listen they will lose their minds - listening to Rash Limpballs causes brain damage in humans. Warn them ASAP!

[libnnc]

41. As the daughter of a Navy man...

my dad served on the Hornet and the old Enterprise from '51-'55, and as the life-partner of a Navy woman (China Lake and Key West'81-'85), thank you for your service and your perspective. You oughta be pissed off! I am too. I don't know what to do about it.

[O.M.B.inOhio]

42. putting Piggie on AFRTS seems so.... Soviet. n/t

[Media_Lies_Daily]

63. Based on the crowd we're dealing with, I'd say that....

...the chief Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels might be a better comparison.

<>

[knitter4democracy]

44. Go Browns! Sorry, had to do it . . .

I don't know why Voinovich hasn't helped ya--oh, yeah, he's a jerk. I used to think better of him, but he's really slipped in my book.

It's a good question, though: why would they let a hatemonger rant and rave for three hours, even if the troops wanted it? Is anyone from Air America on? It only seems fair and right to have both voices. They didn't pull this crap during WWII, did they?

[maxrandb]

81. The Browns Are a Year of Two Away

God I love Ohio. And even though I haven't lived there for 20 years, I still call it home.

I am so sick or Ohio being a "one party" state. Any good news from the Ohio Dem Party??

Getting rid of these two wing-nut Senators would be a dream come true.

[K8-EEE]

45. Just Look At All The Dem Pols Who Served Vs..

the GOP who didn't....I don't know why they think it is acceptable to do this. This is a man who hates most of America, and EVERYTHING America stands for and yes it is an insult to those like yourself. Thanks for sharing your feelings with us.

[EFerrari]

46. Idea. Why not have DU write and ask your reps why they haven't

responded to you?

Since you're one of the troops all these @ssholes swear they support?

I want to start a whole new thread: "Salaries I won't pay"

Take care of yourself,
Beth

[MrScorpio]

48. This Air Force Radical Liberal Stands With You!

Off with that fat pig!

[Kimber Scott]

49. You should demand an hour of Air America. Go see your Equal Opportunity

Officer. Get a lawyer. And... hang in there!

[maxrandb]

82. I'm Not Sure I want

an hour of a liberal telling me how much the Repubs hate the military. The military is supposed to be "apolitical".

That is what is so scary and disgusting. I know that the American people believe that "it can't happen here", but if you read history it's pretty obvious that when one party or ideology controls the military.....DEMOCRACY IS DEAD!

[Kimber Scott]

83. Have you listened to Air America? Some shows are quite enlightening.

But, if you really don't like what's playing on the radio, the easiest course of action is to turn it off. Limbaugh is on our airwaves several hours a day, at least five times a week. I never hear a word he says.

[maxrandb]

85. Problem With AFRTS is that you can't just turn it off. n/t

[Mr_Spock]

50. Besides my personal outrage, I hadn't spent the time to think ...

of the personal outrage experienced by soldiers who are not Republican automatons. I truly feel for your situation - I wonder what an armed forces strugling to recruit new members would do if all the the Dems in the forces simply left as you are thinking of doing. They would have noone else to blame but themselves...

[Disturbed]

51. Thank you for your service and your post.

Shoot the radio. ;0) Write to Kieth O. Maybe he will cover this. Is Rush a paid operative?

[DearAbby]

54. Thank you for your service and I agree with your Rant. there is no place

for this kind of radio overseas. They are dividing there as well.

[cally]

52. Posts like yours help me separate politics from

those serving. I don't think I would 'support our troops" without posts like yours. What I see on television when I watch are the adoring troops supporting *. Then I see the polls, not supported by statistics, telling us that all the military support *. I know better. I know the media bias. I know the propaganda that the troops get. I also know that we have to support the troops because it's the right thing to do. Still, seeing your outrage really helps so I can continue fighting.

I'll send a few more letters this week. I've already sent several. We should provide our troops with real news and not bias from the right or the left. Limbaugh is just plain evil.

[CRK7376]

78. As a military guy, last year in Korea

I was required to attend two rallies...one with Rumsfeld and the other with Cheney....Not everybody in the audience is Pro Shrub. I was one of those that were not smiling, clapping and whooping it up for the brass...It was very disgusting being told you had to be there. Bosses wanted a full gym for the visitors, full of adoring troops.....vile days.....

[MADem]

55. Suggestion!!!! And some honest, disheartening background....

Send a brief note to the Democratic members (or ALL the members) of the HASC and the SASC* noting that your elected representatives didn't feel the need to respond to your letter (attach a copy as enclosure (1)) and I'll bet you will hear from someone soon.

Just so you know, the standard operating procedure for Congressional handling of a letter that is sent by someone who identifies themself as an active duty military person is as follows: Letter is received by the representative, letter is forwarded for comment/response/draft reply/additional info to OLA (Office of Legislative Affairs), the appropriate service rep at OLA takes charge of the letter, the letter is then forwarded to the appropriate agency within the Service (personnel, finance, whatever, depending on subject matter) for either response directly by a junior flag or general officer (written by a low grade schmuck), or for preparation of a draft to be forwarded back to the representative, via OLA, copy to CNO/SECNAV.

If I had to guess, I'd say your letter is in Millington TN, at BUPERS, in the inbox of some LCDR, who is probably up to his or her ass in appropriations mark-up busy...er, paperwork...if not there, it's at CHINFO, in the in-box of some schmuck (maybe the kid running the ME desk) awaiting a no-response draft....actually, since the keyword will probably be AFN as opposed to Quality of Life, or Infrastructure Support, I'd say CHINFO is far more likely. That means that CNO's lawyer will do the legal chop. Just a guess, but I bet I'm close to right--where it actually goes depends on where OLA routes it based on what they perceive is the subject. Oh, and since you are bitching about the legality of all this, it will have to go through a legal chop, too--add another two or three days to the trackback time.

I did that shit in a former life. They don't give a fuck, unless you push it in their faces and INVOLVE THE MEDIA. Then they run around like hell, trying to tamp down the flames. If you cannot personally visit your rep, you're better off calling the office, getting the name and email addy of a mid level staffer (a lot of them have a military aide, or military affairs puke--usually a retiree who got out right at 20 but still understands the game) and email them directly.

Oh, and you're 'on the list' as a whiner...if anyone wants to make an issue of it. They'll never admit it, but I've seen it happen, and it ain't all co-inky-dink!

If you want, I'll even take a guess at what the response says! Betcha they mention that he is popular with the troops, and how all viewpoints are welcome, and how AFN says that everyone listens to him (like they have a choice, really)...they might even stick it to ya good by telling you how Al Franken goes on USO tours (of course, he does not get political on them, but they won't mention that!). It will be smarmy, no-real-response language, three to five paragraphs, max, and it will thank you for your letter. You won't be pleased with the response, I can almost promise you. The only thing worse than getting one of those shitty letters is having to write or sign one.

(HASC/SASC=House Armed Services Committee, Senate Armed Services Committee).

[Tigress DEM]

59. You got a gun, start shooting the radio whenever Rush is on.

Course give whoever is in the vicinity enough time to jump out of the way first.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

61. As a former Navy officer, I thank you very much. Limbaugh is an....

...extreme embarrassment to me.

[AuntiBush]

65. When I heard about this the other day

The very first thing that came to my mind was "what about our troops that are Democrats, or Liberals?" It was the worse act thus far (if that's possible) on our military, and on the front lines at that!

How dare we let this happen to our troops! Limbaugh you are SLIME and whoever gave him his orders to do so (yup, we know who)... well, I'm too much a lady to say it out here.

I sincerely honor you maxrandb and hope someone stops this for you and you're fellow like-minded pals there. May God be with you and you hang-tight, though certainly it's hard.

Have you complained to your commanders????

[AuntiBush]

66. You know. There's something else behind this message.

Not maxrandb - what I mean is it's like "they're" stating (even to our troops) and to the us and the world that if you're in the military you are (take your pick): Republican, Neoconservative, Conservative, and/or you're only there fighting for "them" and "their cause," not as an act of civil duty defending what you thought was from an attack on your country.

Does anyone else out here get what I'm saying?!?

Brainwashing? Fear? Those repeated tactics and even on troops? Fear instilled even on them as they place their lives on the lines while troops are depleting more and more...

[Berserker]

67. maxrandb

As one sailor to another I Have rang more salt water out of my socks than you have sailed over! I past more light houses than you have telephone poles! Just kidding. Im sure you have heard them. I just have one thing to say about ru$h limpballs fuckum where he breathes.

[EFerrari]

68. Right on. Coercion. First on the troops.

Try disagreeing with the people who feed you.

A lot of things drive me really nuts about the Bu$h Cabal but nothing does it quicker than the disrespect and outright manipulation they impose upon our troops.

[AuntiBush]

69. Really. Somethings just not right about it... Very troubling.

It was the 1st thing that popped into my mind. And the real reason for it. Don't approve one bit. It's sinister.

[EFerrari]

72. tgif, AuntiBush

These people give their heart and soul, put their life on the line and get LIED TO, ARE UNDERFUNDED AND UNDERDEFENDED. And, when it comes time to vote, you know what happens.

Support the troops! Bring their @sses home alive!

[cynatnite]

71. I'm enraged!

The military is supposed to be apolitical! What the hell is asswhipped limpballs doing on there?

Not only does this piss me off, it scares the hell out of me, too. The RW nutjobs wants our military to do with as they see fit by way of this indoctrinating bullshit!

If they let this windbag on AF radio, who else are they letting on there?

It's one more example of the RW nutjobs in this country trying to take control of everything.

They've got the house, the senate, the WH, the media and now they're going after our military like they own them. What's next?

[moondust]

73. There is probably a solution.

The military is supposed to necessarily be apolitical. There must be some military and/or civilian regulations prohibiting political propagandizing in the ranks. It shouldn't be too hard to establish that Limpbag is an extremely biased political commentator/propagandist whose AFRTS programming violates the spirit of and/or the regulations protecting the military's necessarily apolitical status.

The military breaks its own regulations all the time. It is basically up to the individual to dig up the rules and hold their feet to the fire.

[Bouncy Ball]

75. yeah, whatever happened to the military being apolitical?

When my husband was in the Army, if he had heard that asshole on AFRTS, he would have gone fucking ballistic.

I asked him the other day what he would have done if he had to listen to him while he was in Saudi Arabia gearing up for Desert Storm and he said whoever had the radio would have discovered the next day that it was mysteriously broken beyond all repair.

[flygal]

76. Great post!

I was floored when I found out he was on AF radio. Unfortunately I knew too many in the military that were responsible for his large following. I don't get it ?!! They worship a man who never served.

I also hate the spew of anti-govt crap coming from these retired military people who then get cushy govt jobs. They have never ever had to rely on private corps for their livelihood. They are opposed to any regulation. They don't see the hypocrasy.

I have to add - all the rush listeners I know are white. The few women I know that listen to him are total sheep. There are so many minorities in the service - and women! Why are they not allowed to speak up against this? I'm writing my senators - Buacus and Burns - the second one won't do shit.

[MADem]

79. I have to say something in defense of those who serve

This is not a STATESIDE issue. You can tune in any station you want in your workcenter here at home. The issue is OVERSEAS--not a big deal in the UK or Australia, because they speak English there and there are loads of choices in music or listening entertainment.

The kids who are trapped are the ones in foreign lands where you don't hear much if any English outside the gates--Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain, Qatar, Bahrain....and of course, the sandbox. Unless you happen to haul your shortwave radio to work--then you can get the BBC World Service. But for the most part, it's AFN or listening to foreign radio, or bringing your CDs from the barracks. I never minded the foreign radio, but a lot of kids don't know the lingo, don't get too interested, and just want to hear AMERICA on the box.

It's like being imprisoned and having no choice in the matter.

[number6]

84. pile on !

:smoke:

overated bloated gas bag ...rush lintbag

[RiDuvessa]

86. I am currently overseas right now.

And I would have to say that the Republicans have the right to be able to listen to their choice of talk radio, just like the Democrats have the right to listen to their choice.

Currently, there are two versions of AFN radio. One is the music network, which plays various type of American music. Generally, there are several radio shows that specialize in certain types of music.

The other is the talk radio network. It does have one hour of Limbaugh twice a day, but it also carries things like the AP news broadcast and two hours twice a day of NPR "All Things Considered." Basically, AFN is trying to approximate, to the best of its ability, the same type of radio that is available back home.

Also of note, AFN television shows Bill Maher and The Daily Show.

I don't think that just because the AFN carries the show necessarily means that it endorses the show. One hour of broadcast does not constitute brainwashing IMO.

If you are interested in viewing exactly what AFN broadcasts, you can check it out at

[maxrandb]

87. From a Fellow Military Member

First-Thanks for serving!

Second-You can not possibly equate NPR All Things Considered with Rush Limbaugh! You simply cannot do that. Am I missing something, or does NPR All Things Considered tell you that the Republican Party and Conservatives are a bunch of facist chickenhawks who are getting rich on the blood of America? Cause if they don't, there is no comparison.

Anyway, I hope that you will see from me that you don't have to be a knuckle-dragging, conservative neanderthal to serve and love your country. I urge you to look at the politicians in both political parties and you will be amazed at the number of Dems that have proudly worn our nations uniform. You'll also be shocked at the number of Republicans that have not, and are reduced to playing dress-up.

[RiDuvessa]

88. I'm not comparing.

First, I appreciate your thanks, and thank you for serving as well.

Now, I am not exactly comparing Rush to "All Things Considered." For the record, I can't stand the show. What I was trying to show is that there is both conservative and liberal content on the AFN networks. I was trying to show that there are both Republicans and Democrats in the military, and they are each entitled to listen to what they want to listen to.

Also, I think that some of the above comments that equate Rush being on AFN to government endorsement of his message and brainwashing a little extreme.

Finally, I'm not sure where the last part of your comment came from. I know you don't have to be conservative to be in the military. I am in the military, and I am not conservative. I am also know which of the people currently in Congress have served, and which haven't, and the Dems far outnumber the Repubs.

Still, I appreciate the feedback. Thanks!

:yourock:

[maxrandb]

89. I Think You're Wrong On a Couple of Points

First of all saying that having Rush and NPR equates to there being "both conservative and liberal" content on AFN is like saying that having Tom Delay and John McCain in the legislature balance each other out.

Second is that I don't think NPR is liberal. Now, if you had Al Franken on, and Rush on, you might be able to argue that it balances out.

Third and most importantly is that the military is supposed to be apolitical. We are not supposed to be used as a propaganda arm for one ideology or the other. We are not supposed to be controlled, or beholden to one party or the other. We in the military are not a majority rule organization. It's why we don't always get what we want. If you surveyed the folks on my last ship about whether or not we wanted to make an eight month deployment, you probably would have found 95% of them against it. Guess what?? We still deployed for eight months.

Are you allowed to view porn on AFN?? No. Are you allowed to view the Aryan Nation News Channel on AFN? No. There are a lot of things that the armed forces want to see, but there is a vetting process to eliminate programming that has no place on AFN.

Why then is it OK for a drug addict anal cyst chicken-hawk, who has never spent a day of his life on active duty, allowed on a GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED NETWORK? Why is there a disgusting fat misogynist pig on GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED NETWORK calling me, and any of my political affiliation a communist terrorist sympathizer?

The only reason that I can find that he is on a GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED NETWORK is because the government has sanctioned his beliefs, has sanctioned his style, and has sanctioned his way of thinking.

And the reason I pointed out to you the fact that it is the Democratic Party members that are more likely to serve their country in the greatest military in the world, was to highlight the absolute hypocrisy of Rush on AFN.

As we say on the Navy "Keep your powder dry".

[B Calm]

91. As a former sailor, I thank you for your outrage and patriotism..

USS Yosemite AD 19
USS Albany CG 10

1969 to 1973