Corporate News Fails US once again....

A ThinkProgress analysis of press coverage by the three major U.S. cable news networks — CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News — from March 14 to March 18 finds that Bahrain received only slightly more than ten percent as many mentions as Libya and that Yemen received only six percent as many mentions as Libya:

Libya: Libya was mentioned 9,524 times by the major cable news networks.
Bahrain: Bahrain was mentioned 1,587 times by the major cable news networks.
Yemen: Yemen was only mentioned 599 times by the major cable news networks.
The lack of coverage of the situation in Bahrain and Yemen isn’t disturbing just because the atrocities being committed there merit coverage. It’s especially alarming because, unlike Libya, both are close U.S. allies and recipients of major U.S. military and economic assistance — meaning that the U.S. actually bears a responsibility to make sure its assistance is not being used in ways that are contrary to American values.

CNBC will NEVER hire this man

So much for Corporate Media....cut off the boob tube's corporate media elites and start listening to the voices that the Corporate Media blacks out!!

Eight Questions Reporters Should Ask Clinton

And not a single one about race!

According to Todd Gitlin at the Columbia Journalism Review:

Questions for Hillary Clinton

1. Richard Holbrooke, one of your chief foreign policy supporters, wrote in 2005 that the “Global War on Terror” “is not an accurate description of America’s enemy or of what we are engaged in.” But you use the term “war on terror.” Why?

2. Do you propose to preserve American bases in Iraq?

3. Are you prepared to renounce the Bush Doctrine, which permits preventive war? If the answer is “yes,” how do you square that with your vote to brand Iran’s Revolutionary Guards a “terrorist organization,” and your refusal to take military action against Iran “off the table”?

4. In 1999, your husband withdrew the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty from Senate consideration in the belief that the Senate would not vote to ratify it by the necessary two-thirds vote. Do you anticipate being able to work with the Senate to pass such a treaty, or indeed any arms control treaty? How would you persuade dissenters?

5. Which of the Bush administration’s privacy-invading and government secrecy measures do you reject?

6. To what extent should the money saved by phasing out American combat operations in Iraq be used to reduce the deficit, and to what extent should it be used for creating jobs, environmentally sensible investments, and social programs?

7. One of your chief economic advisers, Gene Sperling, has written that “there are goals—banning child labor in our factories; preventing racial, religious, and gender discrimination in the workforce—that require direct intervention in the market regardless of their efficiency or economic impact.” Is government support for the organizing of unions among the “direct interventions” you favor?

8. Do you believe that the protection of drug company patents is a responsibility of the federal government?

Research assistance by Michael Meyer

Economist's Opinions about Immigration

In America, it seems the citizens usually hold a negative opinion about immigration throughout our history. The current debate, fueled by the corporate media, appears to be magnifying the negative opinion with few scientific facts illuminating the debate.

It's a sad statement on our current corporate media that they are not infusing the current dialogue with FACTS.

Since the economy is a major argument in the case against immigration (Illegal or Legal) then polls soliciting the opinions of economists are a factor that should not be overlooked in the debate about closing our borders and lowering the numbers of immigrants we will allow in.

Survey of Top Economists

   These are the full poll results:

On balance, what effect has 20th-century immigration had on the
nation's economic growth?


Economists     (percent)

Very favorable       80

Slightly favorable   20

Slightly unfavorable --

Very unfavorable     --

Don't know           --


What level of immigration would have the most favorable impact on
the U.S. standard of living?


Economists     (percent)

More           63

Same number    30

Fewer           0

Don't know      7


Do you feel that recent immigrants are qualitatively different in
economic terms than immigrants in past years?


Economists               (percent)

More negative impact     11

About the same impact    76

More positive impact     4

Don't know               9


What impact does illegal immigration in its current magnitude
have on the U.S. economy?


Economists                        (percent)

Illegals have a positive impact    74

Illegals have a neutral impact     11

Illegals have a negative impact    11

Don't know                                    4

(Source)

MEDIA ALERT: STOP THE CORPORATE MEDIA TAKEOVER

Our FCC, paid for with our tax dollars is NOT doing it's job--regulation and oversight of the monopolized power of the corporate media. Instead it is using our tax dollars to act like corporate lobbyists. The FCC has proposed new rules that grants the corporate media more power and less accountability. In spite of Americans speaking out in an incredibly united voice on this issue...where else will you see organizations such as the Christian Coalition, MoveOn.org, National Rifle Association, and NOW stand side by side and demand that media ownership rules be strengthened not weakened?

Here's an issue that we can unite us all....unfortunately, a rare occurrence these days. It would do all of us some good to join together whenever possible....here's a golden opportunity for us.

The Media is fundamentally a crucial issue. No matter what your political issues are (civil liberties, gun control, immigration reform, anti-war) it is incredibly difficult to get folks activated if the media distorts your message or refuses to cover it. The media is fundamental for a democracy to function...that's why our constitution has an amendment for the "fourth estate." They wanted to protect the press from government censorship. However, our founding forefathers (who had a healthy fear of corporations) did not anticipate that the corporations would end up controlling the media and censoring us.

It's not to late!! Something can be done.....Congress has the power to throw out the FCC's new rules. Here's the FreePress info:

Throw Out the Rules

The FCC approved new rules that will unleash a flood of media consolidation across America. The new rules will further consolidate local media markets -- taking away independent voices in cities already woefully short on local news and investigative journalism.

Congress has the power to throw out these rules -- and if hundreds of thousands of people demand it, they'll have to listen. Sign the open letter to Congress urging them to stop the FCC and stand with the public interest. In addition, you may want to contact your Senator and Representative.

Congressional Contact Numbers

800-828-0498 is the toll free phone number of the Congressional switchboard

TAKE ACTION FOLKS....WE CAN STOP THIS ANTI-DEMOCRATIC FCC IF WE ACT RIGHT NOW...IT'S IMPORTANT FOR ALL AMERICANS....

The 60's Phenomenon

It's amazing to look back at the phenomenal sixties and to see how far trendsetting the youth were. The Beatles started music video before it even had a name....and the passionate youth gathered together, united in such large groups to hear the "visionary" music of our generation and IMAGINED how to make a better world.

No wonder the powers that be decided that our music had to be controlled...in this day and time, with the way the majority of people feel about Iraq and George Bush don't you find it "mind blowing" that the peace songs have been banned from our radio stations? First, Clearwater banned the Dixie Chicks (and then promised Congress they would not abuse their use of OUR airwaves again.) Of course, Clearwater lied. Despite high sales, Clearwater has refused to play Springsteen's latest album....Pink's Dear Mr. President, as you already know, is getting no airplay.

And our FCC, funded by our tax dollars, instead of regulating the corporations, INCREASED their monopolies and the corporations propaganda power last month. The FCC acted against the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the American people AND our Congress.

You know we need a revolution...

The MYTH of the Liberal Media with corrected links

IF you believe the corporate controlled media (and government) in this country is "liberal" then you should reassess this belief. Check out this Pink interview.

WHY won't U.S. media (radio and tv) play Pink's best work--Dear Mr. President? If some "so called" patriotic white boy country singer writes a song saying the USA is "red white and blue" wonderful for invading Iraq and killing a million people he gets to sing his "lousy" song everywhere...tv and radio....and the songs of artists are hidden from us.

Jimmy Kimmel has earned my respect for inviting Pink to be on his show, sing this powerful song, andthen interviewing her to expose how the corporate media has shut her greatest song and her message out of the public arena. So much for freedom and the public airways that are supposed to be "owned" by us. The FCC white boys are paid by the US taxpayer but they work for the corporate media.

In crucial times such as this we need more artists and fewer "entertainers." I don't want to be "entertained." In these times, Americans need to recognize the atrocities and war crimes that George Bush is using our tax dollars to pay for.....

Thanks Mac for bringing back one of my fave tunes. Thanks Star for sharing this ...I did not know that the Indigo Girls played and sang with Pink on the recording of Dear Mr. President.

And just b/c the corporate media won't play this stuff it's up to "US" the people to support the artists (start ignoring the entertainers) and promote them every chance we get.

BTW, does anyone remember how Clear Channel corporate executives had to testify before Congressional hearings for blacklisting the Dixie Chicks? The Clear Channel executives apologized and then promised they wouldn't do this again....Well, Bruce Springsteens latest album is not getting any airplay on Clear Channel in spite of high volume sales.

So much for the Myth of the Liberal Media....BTW, why don't you take a moment and "think" about who promotes that Liberal Media myth so much....that's right....this "myth" was manufactured by the corporate media....

Thanks to Bluebear2 of Bluebear’s Magic Vault for the heads up on the messed up links….Buzz...Buzz...

Did the CIA Impede the investigation of 911?

Our corporate media norm seems to be "YEARS" behind reporting the Big News...then when they report it we are told it's old news, it's irrelevant, etc.etc....Imagine how angry the country would have been if this had been reported in a timely manner. Makes me wonder who "sat' on this story at at who's request.....

Prevent a Major Disaster!! ACT NOW

There they go again….It’s an instant replay of the same plan of action that got us all stuck in the Iraq quagmire.

Bush, Cheney and their “pundits” in the corporate media and in the ultra conservative think tanks have taken to dominating the airwaves with their “cherry picked” intelligence to pave the way for invading Iran.

Once again it’s nothing but LIES heaped upon LIES.

Fact—the MAJORITY of middle east foreign experts state that it would be a huge mistake for the United States to launch an illegal invasion on Iraq. You can find some of these experts here.

Up till now it’s been the neocons and their supporters are the ones with blood soaked hands. They have been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi’s and thousands of American troops on their hands. If this Iran attack is launched there will be many more deaths piled on top of this and the terrorist attacks against the U.S. will increase not decrease.

However, IF the American public allows an illegal Iran invasion to take place the rest of the world will not make a distinction between the Bush Cabal and the American public. We no longer have the excuse that we did not know. Bush, Cheney, and the corporate media pundits fooled us to support an illegal invasion of Iraq….but if we are fooled “twice” by the exact same tactics then the rest of the world will see Americans as responsible for the actions of our government.

If you think America has problems now....an illegal invasion of Iran will make the Iraq invasion pale by comparison. (It would be like say, invading Rhode Island.) America will face more serious consequences if the madmen in the White House are allowed to continue this disastrous course to invade Iran. The Bush Cheney plan to invade Iran is a disaster. Fury will be unleashed on our poor troops in Iraq AND terrorist attacks against the U.S. will increase. There is no way that invading Iran will make a single American safer. (Though it will make the war profiteers and oil companies richer...once again at the expense of the American taxpayer.)

You have the power to prevent a major disaster like this country has never known before. Don’t be complicit in the war crimes of Bush and Cheney…. Do it for your family, your friends, your community....Take a stand and speak out loudly, firmly, and clearly.

It will take only a few minutes of your time to contact your senator and representative and DEMAND that Congress insure that Bush and Cheney cannot invade Iran without Congressional approval. Ask them to support Senator Jim Webb’s legislation forcing the White House to get Congressional approval before they launch another illegal attack on another nation. (Note: Webb's legislation does not prevent Bush from acting in “self-defense.” But a war or an illegal invasion should not occur unless Congress is willing to support it.)

Why you need to act to prevent an Iran invasion...

Read this

Contact your Senator and Representative and DEMAND that Congress stand up and state that Iran CAN NOT be invaded without Congressional approval.

FACT IS that Iran will not have a nuclear bomb in the foreseeable future. There is no immediate threat. There may not even be a threat in the next few decades. IF we leave Iran alone it will give the secular citizens more time to change their government....If we attack we will guarantee an Islamic dominated Iran for a very long time to come.

It's another corporate media scandal...spreading the Bush propaganda so that Bush and Cheney can invade Iran.... An invasion that holds no benefits for America or her citizens. It is madness and will only result in weakening American democracy, enrichening the corporations at the expense of American citizens. It's OUR pockets that are being robbed. Stand up and contact your elected officials and demand that they support the WEBB Amendment which only authorizes an invasion with Congressional approval. (Note: The ability of the President to act in Self Defense with Iran is not affected by this legislation)

The Corporate Media is NOT going to show you this....

Here's the REALITY about a presidential candidate the media loves to present as a lightweight.
Looks like he's someone who really will stand up for his constituents best interests...even if his life is on the line.

Did Sunday's Corporate Media....

For those of you still watching the Sunday morning "pundits." The same folks who have gotten it so wrong for so long and continue to get it wrong....They actually promoted going to war in Iraq without fact checking the Republican propaganda and asking the hard questions. Folks like Robert Novak, Wolf Blitzer, Chris Mathews, et al.....They are quick to jump on anyone who offers an alternative to the Bush and/or corporate plan. Most recently this could be evidenced by Wolf Blitzer and the CNN attack on Michael Moore.....the Michael Moore who fact checks his documentaries meticulously and offers us alternatives to explore and discuss.

If you are still watching the same pundits " who get it wrong but keep mouthing the corporate propaganda"....answer me this....Did anyone come as close to speaking the truth today as this stand up comic?

It's a sad day for journalism and the "free press" when the comediennes do a better job of reporting than the "corporate pundits....." Maybe if folks stop watching the propaganda pundits the corporate media (anxious to keep advertisers might actually hire some genuine, competent journalists to start giving us some accurate news reports for a change.

In the meantime, I suggest you watch independent journalists such as Amy Goodman on Democracy Now. You might also subscribe to DISH network ( NOT Rupert Murdoch's satellite company) where you will get access to two channels on the basic program...FSTV and LINKTV which has a number of sound news programs and good commentaries and documentaries. Democracy Now is available on the web as are some of the programs at FSTV and LINKTV.

Wake Up Hampton Roads

Alma Kesling of Shadow Norfolk has started a local news program entitled Wake Up Hampton Roads. Here's the first episode. This program looks like it bears watching on a continuous basis. Interesting to see a dedicated citizen doing a better job of reporting the news than the Virginian Pilot or our local T.V. news...

It's eye opening to see the difference between corporate media and a citizens media. The truth is more appealing than the propaganda that vested interests bring us via the corporate media.


Online Videos by Veoh.com

TOP 25 CENSORED STORIES OF 2007

TOP 25 CENSORED STORIES OF 2007

#1 Future of Internet Debate Ignored by Media

#2 Halliburton Charged with Selling Nuclear Technologies to Iran

#3 Oceans of the World in Extreme Danger

#4 Hunger and Homelessness Increasing in the US

#5 High-Tech Genocide in Congo

#6 Federal Whistleblower Protection in Jeopardy

# 7 US Operatives Torture Detainees to Death in Afghanistan and Iraq

#8 Pentagon Exempt from Freedom of Information Act

#9 The World Bank Funds Israel-Palestine Wall

#10 Expanded Air War in Iraq Kills More Civilians

#11 Dangers of Genetically Modified Food Confirmed

#12 Pentagon Plans to Build New Landmines

#13 New Evidence Establishes Dangers of Roundup

#14 Homeland Security Contracts KBR to Build Detention Centers in the US

#15 Chemical Industry is EPA’s Primary Research Partner

#16 Ecuador and Mexico Defy US on International Criminal Court

#17 Iraq Invasion Promotes OPEC Agenda

#18 Physicist Challenges Official 9-11 Story

#19 Destruction of Rainforests Worst Ever

#20 Bottled Water: A Global Environmental Problem

#21 Gold Mining Threatens Ancient Andean Glaciers

#22 $Billions in Homeland Security Spending Undisclosed

#23 US Oil Targets Kyoto in Europe

#24 Cheney’s Halliburton Stock Rose Over 3000 Percent Last Year

#25 US Military in Paraguay Threatens Region

Source is Project Censored

MEDIA WATCH--Top 25 Censored News Stories of 2007

Top 25 Censored
news stories of 2007

#1 Future of Internet Debate Ignored by Media

#2 Halliburton Charged with Selling Nuclear Technologies to Iran

#3 Oceans of the World in Extreme Danger

#4 Hunger and Homelessness Increasing in the US

#5 High-Tech Genocide in Congo

#6 Federal Whistleblower Protection in Jeopardy

# 7 US Operatives Torture Detainees to Death in Afghanistan and Iraq

#8 Pentagon Exempt from Freedom of Information Act

#9 The World Bank Funds Israel-Palestine Wall

#10 Expanded Air War in Iraq Kills More Civilians

#11 Dangers of Genetically Modified Food Confirmed

#12 Pentagon Plans to Build New Landmines

#13 New Evidence Establishes Dangers of Roundup

#14 Homeland Security Contracts KBR to Build Detention Centers in the US

#15 Chemical Industry is EPA’s Primary Research Partner

#16 Ecuador and Mexico Defy US on International Criminal Court

#17 Iraq Invasion Promotes OPEC Agenda

#18 Physicist Challenges Official 9-11 Story

#19 Destruction of Rainforests Worst Ever

#20 Bottled Water: A Global Environmental Problem

#21 Gold Mining Threatens Ancient Andean Glaciers

#22 $Billions in Homeland Security Spending Undisclosed

#23 US Oil Targets Kyoto in Europe

#24 Cheney’s Halliburton Stock Rose Over 3000 Percent Last Year

#25 US Military in Paraguay Threatens Region

Media Watch--WAVY TV 10 ignores the "Static"

Amy and David Goodman appeared on the Washington Journal (Cspan) today discussing their new bestseller, “Static,” and answering questions called in from viewers. Amy Goodman is the award winning journalist working with Democracy Now. Amy Goodman said, “We need media that covers the movements that create static in our society.” I agree with her; the discussions important to a democracy can occur when media covers the “static.”

Media should not be silent on the important issues and important questions of the day. Media should go where the silence is. Independent media is crucial for any democracy. How can citizens "rule" if they don't have the information they need to make informed decisions?

In this spirit of media I must express my “disdain” for Wavy TV 10 news who has repeatedly failed to cover recent demonstrations and street theatre occurring in Hampton Roads (even when they are “there.”) I watched Wavy TV 10 parked their satellite truck in a parking lot across the street from a local demonstration outside the gates of the Norfolk Naval Base but did not attempt to talk or “cover” the demonstration.

On Wednesday night I watched Wavy TV 10 drive by the Naro Theatre as local residents honored the Iraqi children killed a memorial of candles and children’s shoes bearing the names of children killed. There were readings of the names and singing to honor these victims of America’s current occupation of Iraq.

The Corporate Media ignores the voices of local citizens speaking out against the Bush agenda.

We will not be silenced.

George W. Bush--Pre and Post Presidential Statements

It's valuable to remember George Bush's pre-election statements and promises and then his post election statements and actions.

It's a shame the Corporate Media has not accurately reported the lying that has become so commonplace in the election process....But then they would have to do something other than just repeating what the latest Republican Propaganda is....and that would entail a little work.

The Republicans have really raised the bar on saying anything to get elected...IMO

Media Watch--Virginian Pilot Fails it's Readers

On Wed, November 15 The Virginian Pilot ran a story entitled "Pills and Bills" comparing generic drug costs and advising its readers on pharmacies they could choose from.

Amazingly enough they left out a major cost cutting pharmacy in the region. Consumer Reports has identified Costco as providing the best deal on medications in the country. There are three Costco stores in our region AND the medications are also available via the internet.

Costco also allows non-members to use their pharmacy so the annual membership price is not a factor.

I contacted Michelle E. Shaw, one of the reporters of this story, During our conversation Ms. Shaw affirmed she was familiar with Costco and the Consumer Reports information. When asked why Costco was excluded from the story Ms. Shaw stated that it was because they only had three stores in the Hampton Roads region and the criteria for selecting the pharmacies was clearly stated in the story.

I read the story and I "missed the criteria that Ms. Shaw was referring too.

It's too bad that the Virginian Pilot readers were not given the information that would have directed them to what is most likely "the best deal in town."

One has to wonder if advertising revenues have anything to do with "leaving out 'Costco'." Costco is often called the biggest retailer that you haven't heard of. Costco relies on word of mouth, internal advertising, and rarely spends money advertising with corporate media.

The Virginian Pilot did a disservice to it's readers by not mentioning Costco as a valuable resource to check out when comparing prescription drug costs.

So much for the Corporate Media

I know lots of folks believe the corporate propaganda that the media is liberal.

So why has NBC refused to air paid advertisements of the Dixie Chicks new film "Shut Up and Sing?" According to Variety, "NBC’s commercial clearance department said in writing that it ‘cannot accept these spots as they are disparaging to President Bush.’”

A video of the commercial and more info is available here

I hope NBC gets LOTS of complaints. They are using our PUBLIC AIRWAVES to SUPPRESS FREE SPEECH.

America's record is worse than Russia's.....

When it comes to ousting an incumbent it is more difficult to do so in America's current rigged political system than in Russia's. Imagine that...Russia has state run television and a horrible record of umsolved murders of reporters that do "investigative" journalism. America has a corporate media (that spreads it's own propaganda that it is liberal) and journalists are not rewarded financially or in their careers for doing "investigative" journalism. Plus it takes LOTS of money from the big corporations who favor the incumbents they know they can buy off.

Here are the statistics.

America--- Incumbants remain in office 98% of the time
Russia--Incumbants remain in office 92% of the time.

This election I'm afraid Americans may be stunned at election day if the Republicans retain power with the current rate of dissatisfaction. But without VERIFIABLE elections we will never know if our vote is counted fairly.....

Some groups are suggesting that folks wear a sticker that is blue or red to allow others to know how they are voting so the general public can "guess" for themselves...Hopefully the media will once again resume exit polling which is often a good evidence on election rigging....

Hopefully Americans have had enough and will do what it takes to restore a balance of power and accountability in our government. Otherwise, our tax dollars will be continued to be used against the best interests of the majority of Americans...i.e. the most often neglected group--the middle class.

Buzz...Buzz...