Arrested Development - Ex-Pats Mexico

I just watched a great discussion between Martha McCallum and D congressman Anthony Weiner regarding the House healthcare bill. They are both very smart and respectful of each other. Instead of arguing and trying to talk over each other, they actually listened to each others questions and answered them directly. I couldn't detect one bit of gottcha. This might be a small first step towards breaking the ice in the silly spat/boycott between the news organization and the White House. She concluded the interview by expressing hope he would return and he seemed happy about the way he was received. How refreshing!

Well - obviously with a name like " Tony Weiner", you have to be very careful anytime you step into to the local mud wrestling sleaze pit, I mean Fox news.

It takes a big person to admit that he or she is wrong. My optimism was unfounded. The Obama administration evidently wants to continue this pseudo-controversy with FoxNews, obviously for it's own political purpose. If it has an enemy to focus upon, it takes attention away from its own failings. What a disappointment, for me at least. YMMV.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld ... 0786.story

Now that's a statement that lacks maturity! That the network which brought you such gems such as "The Simpsons" and "South Park" is not your 'go to guy' for the news should hardly be surprising. On the other hand, if people really just wanted the hard, cold news, stations like public broadcasting and the BBC would be number one. What Fox barfs up is far from the news - its more like 'infotainment'. This doesn't need a Presidential decree - its as plain as the nose on your face.

For example, Glenn Beck. I saw Jon Stewart parody this buffoon, and it was hilarious!!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/0 ... 48129.html OR http://watch.thecomedynetwork.ca/#clip230565

While watching this, I was thinking why doesn't FOX set up an anti-Comedy Central station and put Glenn Beck in there, invest more money and recruit Michelle Bachmann, Rush Limbaugh, Sara Palin and the other buffoons to compete against comedians Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert et al.? That could be more appropriate.

Of which, what Garyngo speaks of: "Infotainment"

On Canadian news last night a correspondent was speaking to an ex marine who served in Iraq and is now in Texas covering the event at Ft.Hood. for Al Jazeera (English). A very bright and articulate guy. He was asked what the general mood of the populace was.

His answer: I have only been able to listen to those radio stations that my car radio could pick up; and that is NO national news, just local news. Local news and "talk shows" are showing a strong anti Muslim backlash. Not only by the people calling in but by the "talk show hosts" as well. You have to remember, he said, that I am in a very Republican area where air ways are saturated by the right wing Repubs.

Second point...Down with the Colbert Report. Yesterday he called us Canadians ... "Saskatchewhiners and Syrup Suckers..

""Those syrup-suckers won't let us practice at their Olympic venues," he said. "This is the most unsportsmanlike conduct by Canadians since it was discovered Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay is a moose." and also..

""I have a theory they are going to turn the freezer off and when the U.S. gets on, they are going to sink into the pool," he said.

And to think...those are the type of shows that most USAmericans get their national political information and world affairs news from.

wyknot, are you serious? I believe Colbert is a liberal who's schtick is acting like a wingnut....all tongue in cheek. Coming after Jon Stewart's show, it provides good comedic balance. That show was all about Colbert acting like he wanted a fight with Canada. Who ever wants a fight with Canada? All in good fun.

That was my point..."all in good fun"...so why take the rest of these "comic entertainers" like Beck, Limbaugh, Stewart, et al including pundit and radio talk show hosts so seriously?

"Stephen Colbert accuses Canada of cheating at 2010 Olympics.

Colbert then reaches into a box and pulls out a sign that says "Canadian Iceholes," placing it on his On Notice board between the likes of Jane Fonda and "limey squirrel eaters" while Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On plays in the background — a song Colbert refers to as the Canadian national anthem."

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blog ... mpics.aspx

The big difference, I think, is that Beck and Limbaugh really are wingnuts. They really believe what they say. They are extremists. People who are not extremists think they are so over the top as to be buffoons. And people who believe them take them seriously. They play to the extremists in the American body politic and thus should be exposed as provocateurs as they are.

I have always considered Colbert as a liberal comedian who pretends to be a right wingnut to get laughs. That is how I took his show when he "accused" Canada of cheating. I thought it was all in good fun. Now you point to this National Post article.

Do Canadians really think Colbert is serious in his accusation? Or is this all in good fun? Genuinely interested in your opinion.

There is no doubt that the Colbert Report has smart marketers.

Colbert is going to pull in lots of money to support the U.S. Olympic speed skating team which he is now sponsoring. Apparently the team has been left in the lurch after Dutch bank DSB went bankrupt and failed to pay the $300,000.00 they promised.

He used Canada as the butt of his jokes..and that's in fun, and that's ok and is about as funny as any ----- ist. joke can be. It makes one laugh but leaves a bad taste.