By the 1980s, the press dropped the mantle of objectivity and openly aided the Democratic Party. Up until this point, they tended to side with East Coast Elites such as the Roosevelts, Rockefellers, and Kennedys. The Right got tired of being attacked and being muffled, so they fought back using alternative media.
The press began to be challenged by right wing talk radio during the 1990s. They did not like it. The alternative press began to set the agenda. For example, 60 Minutes investigated the Vince Foster suicide in part because of Rush Limbaugh. Right Wing talk also helped elect a Republican Congress in 1994. (This is not to be taken to mean they elected the congress; Clinton blunders and GOP strategy had more to do with it).
While right wing radio concentrated on Clinton and his scandals, the mainstream press downplayed and ignored many Clinton scandals. They’d mention them and then excuse them. Dan Rather actually apologized to Clinton when asking a question on Whitewater. The press love affair with the Clintons would end however after Bill was safely re-elected.
After safely re-elected, the press began to take on Clinton. They were embarrassed and felt they did not need to be in the tank any longer. The Lewinsky Scandal put them over the edge. When pushed about a certain intern, he shook his finger at the press. They did not like that and they went into a feeding frenzy.
Once the press realized Clinton was heading toward impeachment for obstruction of justice, they began to rally to him. Democrats on the hill were very close to marching to the White House and demanding Clinton fall on his sword, and the president was impeached for obstruction of justice, but the press and the Dems managed to frame the debate and deflect the real issue of obstruction of justice. They claimed it was “just sex.” It was not. The cover up led to obstruction. Obstruction of justice was same thing that forced Nixon’s resignation. However, Clinton did not have Nixon’s decency and stayed on. (Had Clinton resigned, Gore would have become president and would have been unbeatable in 2000. In the end, supporting Clinton in 1999 essentially meant supporting Bush in 2000).
Instead, George W. Bush became president. During the 2000 campaign, the press parroted Democratic talking points and openly backed Gore’s demand for multiple recounts. (Gore lost several recounts and still managed to claim he won, but that is another story). Bush became the center of resentment in the press and in the leftbot blogosphere. The press spent eight years misrepresenting much of Bush’s War on Terror and some even openly supported the Arab terrorists. Meanwhile the left discovered blogs. This became a counter to right wing radio and became influential.
By 2008, the press was completely in the tank for the Democrats. First, they supported Hillary, but turned on her when they felt it was safe. They turned to Barack Obama. Obama is a dynamic speaker, but lacked the resume needed for the presidency. That did not matter. They went after their favorite Republican, John McCain, with impunity. The New York Times even published a false story about McCain (and Giuliani as well). The press became a wing of the Democratic Party themselves. Obama was perfect. He was liberal, biracial, and has Eastern credentials. It will be difficult for the GOP to beat Obama in 2012 as he is the incumbent and the media is will campaign for him regardless of his record. (Interestingly, Pew Research reported that Fox News was the only outlet with balanced coverage during the 2008 campaign).
So there we are. The media went from elitists to liberal elites. They originally supported those they felt worthy (i.e. East Coast credentials). During the Vietnam Era, they began going after the GOP and threw objectivity out the window in 1980. By 2008, they dropped the appearance of objectivity altogether and now are as reliable as Pravda was during the Cold War.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Rock n Roll Recap: #71-100
71. Steely Dan
72. CCR
73. Blondie
74. Ozzy Osbourne
75. Rush
76. Bill Haley and The Comets
77. The Animals
78. Fats Domino
79. Dion
80. Genesis
81. Bon Jovi
82. Carlos Santana
83. ZZ Top
84. The Mamas and the Papas
85. Lynyrd Skynrd
86. Allman Brothers Band
87. Dire Straits
88. Judas Priest
89. Coldplay
90. Green Day
91. KISS
92. Smashing Pumpkins
93. Rage Against The Machine
94. Soundgarden
95. Motley Crue
96. Def Leppard
97. Weezer
98. Tool
99. Foo Fighters
100. Ringo
72. CCR
73. Blondie
74. Ozzy Osbourne
75. Rush
76. Bill Haley and The Comets
77. The Animals
78. Fats Domino
79. Dion
80. Genesis
81. Bon Jovi
82. Carlos Santana
83. ZZ Top
84. The Mamas and the Papas
85. Lynyrd Skynrd
86. Allman Brothers Band
87. Dire Straits
88. Judas Priest
89. Coldplay
90. Green Day
91. KISS
92. Smashing Pumpkins
93. Rage Against The Machine
94. Soundgarden
95. Motley Crue
96. Def Leppard
97. Weezer
98. Tool
99. Foo Fighters
100. Ringo
#71 Steely Dan
Steely Dan has a cult following. No one sounds like them. They are a rock jazz fusion. The band is led by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. Their music is cerebral and eclectic. Steely Dan’s subject matter ranges from rape and incest to prostitution and drug use, but their sound masks their material. They are best known for their unusual sound and the large number of musicians that have worked with the band through the years (GnR has been compared to Steely Dan in this regard).
Rock n Roll Moment: Steely Dan is a very sarcastic band. Becker and Fagen spit on hippies and on disco. They have been called rock’s “anti-heroes” (http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/steely-dan).
Essential Steely Dan:
Can’t Buy A Thrill (1971)
Countdown To Ecstasy (1973)
Pretzel Logic (1974)
Aja (1977)
Steely Dan’s Top 10:
Do It Again
Reelin’ In The Years
Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
Kid Charlemagne
Pretzel Logic
Hey Nineteen
Bad Sneakers
Peg
Deacon Blues
Cousin Dupree
Rock n Roll Moment: Steely Dan is a very sarcastic band. Becker and Fagen spit on hippies and on disco. They have been called rock’s “anti-heroes” (http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/steely-dan).
Essential Steely Dan:
Can’t Buy A Thrill (1971)
Countdown To Ecstasy (1973)
Pretzel Logic (1974)
Aja (1977)
Steely Dan’s Top 10:
Do It Again
Reelin’ In The Years
Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
Kid Charlemagne
Pretzel Logic
Hey Nineteen
Bad Sneakers
Peg
Deacon Blues
Cousin Dupree
Thursday, February 19, 2009
2009 Detroit Tigers
Prediction: 84-78
Catchers: Matt Treanor and Gerald Laird: Underwhelming. They are holding the spot for Dusty Ryan.
1b: Miguel Cabrera: MVP Candidate
2b: Placido Polanco: One of the best in the league
SS: Adam Everett: Massive defensive upgrade over last year
3b: Brandon Inge: Upgrade over last year at this time; won his job back
INF: Ramon Santiago: Can he have another year like last? He was great last year in a reserve role.
LF: Carlos Guillen: Solid offense, but a defensive liability. Skills may be deteriorating.
CF: Curtis Granderson: Might be the team's MVP.
RF: Maggs: Solid. However, he is showing signs of age. Let's hope it does not hit all at once.
OF: Marcus Thames: Solid power off the bench
DH: Gary Sheffield: Horrible year last year. Is he done?
SP: Justin Verlander: Was last year a fluke?
SP: Jeremy Bonderman: Needs to produce this year.
SP: Dontrelle Willis: Last year was a train wreck. Can he rebound?
SP: Armando Galaraga: Please no sophomore slump
SP: Edwin Jackson: Could be a surprise. If he continues to improve.
P: Nate Robertson: Needs to improve like almost the entire staff.
RP: Bobby Seay: The bullpen's MVP last year
RP: Joel Zumaya: Will he return to 2006 form or was he a Mark Fidrych?
RP: Fernando Rodney: Headcase
RP: Brandon Lyon: Which Lyon will show up?
If the pitching returns to form, then the Tigers will contend. However, another year of injuries and implosions and Detroit could lose 90 games. The defense will be vastly improved with Everett and Inge playing the left side for a whole year. However, the outfield might be an adventure. 2010 will be the Year of the Tiger if everything goes well in 2009.
Catchers: Matt Treanor and Gerald Laird: Underwhelming. They are holding the spot for Dusty Ryan.
1b: Miguel Cabrera: MVP Candidate
2b: Placido Polanco: One of the best in the league
SS: Adam Everett: Massive defensive upgrade over last year
3b: Brandon Inge: Upgrade over last year at this time; won his job back
INF: Ramon Santiago: Can he have another year like last? He was great last year in a reserve role.
LF: Carlos Guillen: Solid offense, but a defensive liability. Skills may be deteriorating.
CF: Curtis Granderson: Might be the team's MVP.
RF: Maggs: Solid. However, he is showing signs of age. Let's hope it does not hit all at once.
OF: Marcus Thames: Solid power off the bench
DH: Gary Sheffield: Horrible year last year. Is he done?
SP: Justin Verlander: Was last year a fluke?
SP: Jeremy Bonderman: Needs to produce this year.
SP: Dontrelle Willis: Last year was a train wreck. Can he rebound?
SP: Armando Galaraga: Please no sophomore slump
SP: Edwin Jackson: Could be a surprise. If he continues to improve.
P: Nate Robertson: Needs to improve like almost the entire staff.
RP: Bobby Seay: The bullpen's MVP last year
RP: Joel Zumaya: Will he return to 2006 form or was he a Mark Fidrych?
RP: Fernando Rodney: Headcase
RP: Brandon Lyon: Which Lyon will show up?
If the pitching returns to form, then the Tigers will contend. However, another year of injuries and implosions and Detroit could lose 90 games. The defense will be vastly improved with Everett and Inge playing the left side for a whole year. However, the outfield might be an adventure. 2010 will be the Year of the Tiger if everything goes well in 2009.
2009 Baseball Predictions
My fearless and usually incorrect baseball predictions...
NL East:
1. Mets
2. Marlins
3. Phillies
4. Braves
5. Nats
NL Central:
1. Brewers
2. Cubs
3. Cards (much higher with a healthy Carpenter)
4. Reds
5. Astros
6. Pirates (will tie a record for most consecutive losing seasons at 17)
NL West:
1. Dodgers (with Manny)
2. Dbacks
3. Rockies
4. Giants
5. Padres
AL East:
1. Red Sox
2. Rays
3. Yankees
4. Blue Jays
5. O's
AL Central:
1. Twins
2. White Sox
3. Tigers
4. Royals
5. Cleveland
AL West:
1. Angels
2. A's
3. Rangers
4. Mariners
Wild Cards: White Sox and Marlins
World Series: Dodgers over Angels
NL East:
1. Mets
2. Marlins
3. Phillies
4. Braves
5. Nats
NL Central:
1. Brewers
2. Cubs
3. Cards (much higher with a healthy Carpenter)
4. Reds
5. Astros
6. Pirates (will tie a record for most consecutive losing seasons at 17)
NL West:
1. Dodgers (with Manny)
2. Dbacks
3. Rockies
4. Giants
5. Padres
AL East:
1. Red Sox
2. Rays
3. Yankees
4. Blue Jays
5. O's
AL Central:
1. Twins
2. White Sox
3. Tigers
4. Royals
5. Cleveland
AL West:
1. Angels
2. A's
3. Rangers
4. Mariners
Wild Cards: White Sox and Marlins
World Series: Dodgers over Angels
Monday, February 16, 2009
Media Bias: 1980-1992
The Media declared open season on Ronald Reagan from the time he won the GOP nomination. They were excited at the chance of bringing down another president, but were also frantic about destroying and discrediting Reaganism. Almost immediately, they were blunted by John Hinkley Jr. Hinkley attempted to assassinate President Reagan. Reagan survived and was able to push through his economic stimulus package. After what they deemed an appropriate waiting period, they pounced.
Throughout Reagan's eight years, the press alternated their portrayal of the president. Sometimes he was a kindly dolt. Other times, Reagan was a criminal mastermind. At the same time, they attempted to demonstrate the failure of Reagan's policies by finding people that fell through the cracks. They'd portray the worst case scenario as the reality for the masses. Their efforts failed and Reagan remained popular. Desperate, in 1987, the press and some Democrats attempted to criminalize policy differences.
When the Iran-Contra Scandal broke, the press did its best to drive Reagan from office. When Oliver North testified before Congress in his marine uniform and Reagan fessed up, the scandal dissipated and Reagan's popularity began to rise. Congress later repealed the Boland Amendment which made almost everything moot. (The amendment was probably unconstitutional to begin with).
After failing to destroy Reagan, they went after Reaganism. The press attacked the Republican nominee, George H.W. Bush and campaigned for Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts. Dukakis was everything the press wanted. He was an eastern elite and an unrepentant liberal. George H.W. Bush was a moderate and an eastern elite himself (more so than Dukakis), but he was Reagan's veep. 1988 would be one of the dirtiest campaigns of all time and the press was partially responsible.
The media accused Bush of wimpiness. Bush responded by engaging in a shouting match with Dan Rather. Then, the Republicans used the media to their advantage. This always drives the press nuts. Negative ads flew every couple of minutes in key states. Dukakis did face a tough question during the debates, but his answer came across as disingenuous. Bush won in 1988 and the press seethed.
The press could not take on George H.W. Bush for much of his first term. Bush was extremely popular until early 1992. The economy slowed and the press intentionally exaggerated the downturn. They took their cue from the Democratic nominee, Bill Clinton. Clinton was not their first choice. Originally, Clinton was seen as a hillbilly good old boy. The press preferred Mario Cuomo of New York. Cuomo should have run, but didn't. The other candidates in the Democratic field included Jerry Brown and Paul Tsongas. The press made fun of Brown. He was from California and they dubbed him "Governor Moonbeam." The press loved Paul Tsongas. He was from Massachusetts and was a cancer survivor. They openly attacked Clinton until he won the nomination. Then, it was all quiet on the western front.
Media images could not be more stark. Bush was old, tired, and out of touch. Clinton was young, vigorous, and hip. When Bush made the mistake of looking at his watch during a debate, the press ran the clip over and over (Michael Dukakis thought it was unfair). When the Iran Contra prosecutor indicted key figures in the scandal days before the election, the press had an orgy. When news that the recession had ended came out days before the election, the press sat on the story until the day after the election.
Prior to 1980, media bias was based on class and status. After Reagan's rise to power and the shift from the Great Society to Reagan's Society, the press shifted. Republicans followed Reagan's lead, and the press ran to the Democrats. Strains in that alliance would appear during Bill Clinton's term as president.
Throughout Reagan's eight years, the press alternated their portrayal of the president. Sometimes he was a kindly dolt. Other times, Reagan was a criminal mastermind. At the same time, they attempted to demonstrate the failure of Reagan's policies by finding people that fell through the cracks. They'd portray the worst case scenario as the reality for the masses. Their efforts failed and Reagan remained popular. Desperate, in 1987, the press and some Democrats attempted to criminalize policy differences.
When the Iran-Contra Scandal broke, the press did its best to drive Reagan from office. When Oliver North testified before Congress in his marine uniform and Reagan fessed up, the scandal dissipated and Reagan's popularity began to rise. Congress later repealed the Boland Amendment which made almost everything moot. (The amendment was probably unconstitutional to begin with).
After failing to destroy Reagan, they went after Reaganism. The press attacked the Republican nominee, George H.W. Bush and campaigned for Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts. Dukakis was everything the press wanted. He was an eastern elite and an unrepentant liberal. George H.W. Bush was a moderate and an eastern elite himself (more so than Dukakis), but he was Reagan's veep. 1988 would be one of the dirtiest campaigns of all time and the press was partially responsible.
The media accused Bush of wimpiness. Bush responded by engaging in a shouting match with Dan Rather. Then, the Republicans used the media to their advantage. This always drives the press nuts. Negative ads flew every couple of minutes in key states. Dukakis did face a tough question during the debates, but his answer came across as disingenuous. Bush won in 1988 and the press seethed.
The press could not take on George H.W. Bush for much of his first term. Bush was extremely popular until early 1992. The economy slowed and the press intentionally exaggerated the downturn. They took their cue from the Democratic nominee, Bill Clinton. Clinton was not their first choice. Originally, Clinton was seen as a hillbilly good old boy. The press preferred Mario Cuomo of New York. Cuomo should have run, but didn't. The other candidates in the Democratic field included Jerry Brown and Paul Tsongas. The press made fun of Brown. He was from California and they dubbed him "Governor Moonbeam." The press loved Paul Tsongas. He was from Massachusetts and was a cancer survivor. They openly attacked Clinton until he won the nomination. Then, it was all quiet on the western front.
Media images could not be more stark. Bush was old, tired, and out of touch. Clinton was young, vigorous, and hip. When Bush made the mistake of looking at his watch during a debate, the press ran the clip over and over (Michael Dukakis thought it was unfair). When the Iran Contra prosecutor indicted key figures in the scandal days before the election, the press had an orgy. When news that the recession had ended came out days before the election, the press sat on the story until the day after the election.
Prior to 1980, media bias was based on class and status. After Reagan's rise to power and the shift from the Great Society to Reagan's Society, the press shifted. Republicans followed Reagan's lead, and the press ran to the Democrats. Strains in that alliance would appear during Bill Clinton's term as president.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Dealing with the Roiders...
Well, we are smack in the middle of the story that won't go away. It's baseball's version of herpes. Just when you think the steroid story is over, it comes back inflamed worse than before. So, how do we deal with this era? Here are some suggestions...
1. Bud Selig should resign.
2. The records should revert back. So, Hank Aaron is still the all-time homer champ and Roger Maris is the single season homer champ.
3. Barry Bonds, Rafael "It was just a vitamin" Palmero, Miguel Tejada, Mark McGwire, and other known roid users will be banned from Hall of Fame consideration.
4. All the names from the 2003 test should be released.
5. Alex Rodriguez will have his career statistics reset to take into account the 2001-2003 seasons. A-Rod and others with positive tests will be tested regularly.
6. The current steroid policy will remain in place and reviewed annually. If it does not seem to be working, then a first positive will result in a year suspension and a second positive will result in a life time ban.
This won't happen, but it should. The union would throw a hissy fit. A vocal minority of idiots, er fans, that support some of these players would complain. But, it would teach people that cheaters do not prosper.
1. Bud Selig should resign.
2. The records should revert back. So, Hank Aaron is still the all-time homer champ and Roger Maris is the single season homer champ.
3. Barry Bonds, Rafael "It was just a vitamin" Palmero, Miguel Tejada, Mark McGwire, and other known roid users will be banned from Hall of Fame consideration.
4. All the names from the 2003 test should be released.
5. Alex Rodriguez will have his career statistics reset to take into account the 2001-2003 seasons. A-Rod and others with positive tests will be tested regularly.
6. The current steroid policy will remain in place and reviewed annually. If it does not seem to be working, then a first positive will result in a year suspension and a second positive will result in a life time ban.
This won't happen, but it should. The union would throw a hissy fit. A vocal minority of idiots, er fans, that support some of these players would complain. But, it would teach people that cheaters do not prosper.
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