Posted by oldphil on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 7:13 AM:
Olephil wonders why when a large group of people (ACORN for example) are bussed in to support some area of Obamanomics they are "Grassroots Democracy in action", a good thing, while protesters are now labeled as subversive rabble who's sole purpose is to disrupt. Barbara Boxer has criticized these groups as desiring to change the ideas and makeup of Congress. She must have missed the definition of democracy in 6th grade civics, or maybe, just maybe, liberal "democracy" allows no dissent.
Replies (21)
It all depends on what the groups are protesting as to how they will be described in the media.
One phrase that I remember from Iran/Contra goes: "One mans freedom fighter is another one's guerilla warrior".
-- Posted by Airborne 95B on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 7:57 AM
Who cares what a member of Congress says? They are all pathological liars who are only interested in advancing the agenda of their handlers for personal financial and political gain.
Notice also that the state mouthpiece - the media - faithfully reported the statement.
These protests which are guaranteed by the First Amendment, strike the worst kind of fear into the black hearts of the political elite. They are facing the wrath of the fabled independent voters, whose fury is rightfully being unleashed on them as visions of their ill gained life's achievments go up in smoke.
These protests ain't no lawn chair sitting, flag waving, God Bless America singing tea parties in the park. These are the same folks that can swing a vote at the drop of a hat.
Is it any wonder that the political elite are scared out of their wits so much that they feel compelled to demonize regular Americans in the press?
Watch these videos, and ask yourself if the fine people who are exercising their First Amendment rights are disruptive mobs hellbent on wanton destruction.
-- Posted by Lumpy on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 8:54 AM
Well said Lumpy. Right on!
-- Posted by luv2argue on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 9:16 AM
mmmm I do recall some refering to the "pink shirt ladies" as radical/nut cases a few years back when they protested. Guess it would depend on whether or not you agree or disagree with what they are saying.
Rev. Phelps has the first amendment right to do what he does. Is his a grass roots movement? Does he get a bad rap by the "LIBERAL MEDIA"? Or does the media have it right when they report how disruptive his group is? Do you think he is unAmerican when he protests at military funerals or do you applaud his First Amendment rights??
-- Posted by Pups on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 9:53 AM
It doesn't matter if my view of an individual's opinion is favorable, or not. I would go to my grave defending that individual's right to express it.
-- Posted by Lumpy on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 10:22 AM
Aaah but Lumpy, are you not attacking Boxer's opinion and first amendment right to say what she said???
-- Posted by Pups on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 10:50 AM
Rev. Phelps, KKK, Black panthers, Act up, Rainbow coalition, Acron, PETA, Save the whales, etc. All have the right to protest/ freedom of speach.
They do not have the right to break the law while doing it. Property damage, trespassing, etc.
-- Posted by Airborne 95B on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 10:56 AM
Pups,
Absolutetly not! I am simply practicing my First Amendment rights as well. Just because I disagree with her doesn't mean that I want her muzzled. Hell, she is providing ammunition to the liberty movement everytime she flaps her stupid gums!
-- Posted by Lumpy on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 11:00 AM
Inciting to Riot such as calling for the over throw of the current Congress and or Admin. is not legal, but alot of these groups call for just that. So at what point is it freedom of speech and breaking the law?
I'm not busting anyone's chops, just discussional in purpose.
-- Posted by Pups on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 11:04 AM
Lumpy,
Just throwing out ideas. If you recall I tend to like to play devil's advocate. I may not do it well, but I try.
And I personally think everytime a politician speaks they help the other side. They just don't seem to have the ability to think before actually making a comment anymore. It's like they have lost the filter most people have when processing the thought in ones head and whether or not it should actually be said.
-- Posted by Pups on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 11:11 AM
Pups,
"When does freedom of speach become breaking the law?" When our elected officals finally have enough of it and start enforcing the law. But of course they will only go after those they dont like.
-- Posted by Airborne 95B on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 12:04 PM
Public officials like Boxer and Pelosi have the ability to speak to millions any time they want using their willing accomplices in the press.
If they really cared about what the people think, then they would welcome dissent and use their power of persuasion to change our minds. The people have few opportunities to mass together and that's what the officials want. Politicians want us to feel like we are alone or even crazy in our beliefs.
The officials want to put the whole country into one gigantic Orwellian "free speech zone". You know. The zone where no one can hear the dissent. I am beginning to have some glimmer of hope that the people are waking up to the fact that most federal politicians of both parties are corrupt and even worse evil.
-- Posted by Thought Criminal on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 12:16 PM
Gentlemen, gentlemen,
That would be Senator Boxer. Remember she worked hard for that title.
-- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 1:09 PM
Ainamolagem,
Didn't know I was speaking Democrat... thought I was speaking American. ;)
-- Posted by Pups on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 1:30 PM
I am beginning to have some glimmer of hope that the people are waking up to the fact that most federal politicians of both parties are corrupt and even worse evil.
-- Posted by InfoWarrior on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 12:16 PM
Seeing more and more on forums, blogs, newspaper comment sections that supports that 'glimmer of hope,' Info. At least a couple of decades ago, some of us talked about the fact that we Americans have become 'so busy' ... trying to get ahead, trying to keep our heads above water ... that we've lost what used to be our 'spare time,' and have become too tired as well as too discouraged to try to fight and make a difference ... feeling that our few voices won't change anything.
Thinking maybe the internet has been useful ... many don't feel so 'alone' now in their struggles and beliefs ... which may give them the feeling of (hate to say this word) 'hope' for being able to make a difference.
Oops! I see that humble_one has noticed that!
-- Posted by gurusmom on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 3:06 PM
"Barbara Boxer has criticized these groups as desiring to change the ideas and makeup of Congress."
Isn't this true?
Demonize? Gee..I wonder where they got that from? Did you see the sign? Don't get me wrong, I applaud their efforts. I just think you guys are making a mountain out of a mole hill & I haven't watched any "state mouthpiece" today. ☻
-- Posted by Turnip on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 3:41 PM
Turnips,
That would be Senator Box to you. She has worked hard for that title.
-- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 3:51 PM
Uh Oh. Make that Boxer, no pun intended.
-- Posted by Have_Wheels_Will_Travel on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 3:53 PM
I'm sure that the Senator was just letting off a little steam. Why don't we all go have a beer and cool down?
At least she didn't call the town hall folks swastika brandishing "Astroturf".
Actually, that is kinda funny. Take that you Nazi artifical playing surface!
-- Posted by Lumpy on Thu, Aug 6, 2009, at 4:01 PM
Since Lumpy mentioned it, does anyone besides Olephil question why the person who is third in line for the Presidency needs to revert to name calling when she refers to protestors as Nazis? Makes me pray for Mr. Obama's health.
-- Posted by oldphil on Fri, Aug 7, 2009, at 6:34 AM
I wonder how many of the wackos are sending this thread to the Whitehouse to report our distain. You know - the Whitehouse has requested that anyone who sends an email or blogs against their proposals, your suppose to email the link to the whitehouse or forward the email to them.
No, this isn't Big Brother- no not at all, deny deny deny. And I thought Nixon was paranoid.
-- Posted by Skeptic1 on Fri, Aug 7, 2009, at 8:19 AM
Olephil wonders why when a large group of people (ACORN for example) are bussed in to support some area of Obamanomics they are "Grassroots Democracy in action", a good thing, while protesters are now labeled as subversive rabble who's sole purpose is to disrupt. Barbara Boxer has criticized these groups as desiring to change the ideas and makeup of Congress. She must have missed the definition of democracy in 6th grade civics, or maybe, just maybe, liberal "democracy" allows no dissent.
Replies (21)