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Letters, 10/18: Cartoonist owes apology

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Wednesday, Oct 18, 2006 - 12:17:06 am CDT

Neal Obermeyer’s cartoon on Oct. 12 was reprehensible.

City Councilwoman Robin Eschliman and County Commissioner Bob Workman do not want keno dollars used to support an organization that encourages unhealthy sexual behavior. Obermeyer somehow twists this into an accusation that they want teenagers to commit suicide?

Apparently, Obermeyer has no idea how to respond to their position, so he must use a disgusting, dishonest, ad hominem attack.

Obermeyer owes them an apology for lying about their character, and the rest of us an apology for lying about the facts.

Jeffrey J. Springer, Lincoln

Celebrating Fox’s 10th

Congratulations on the commentary (LJS, Oct. 8) regarding the 10th year anniversary of the Fox News channel. The heading stated, “strikes a chord with red state Americans.” That is true, as far as it goes. It should strike a chord with all Americans because it is the first major television news outlet that is truly “fair and balanced.”

There is a mountain of evidence that exposes the liberal bias of NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, etc., over the past 40 years. Then Fox came along and it appears they are conservative. In truth it is right of the major media, but that is so because the major media is to the left (liberal).

Fox is now ahead in viewer ratings over all other so-called cable news, including CNN. That is with no thanks to the local coverage. For example, there was an outstanding program on Fox News commemorating the 10-year anniversary. But was there notice of such in the Journal Star TV Week? Not a whimper!

And you can get CNN, etc., on the limited basic tier (channel 22) but you have to pay extra to get the Fox News channel (channel 71) when it comes to Time Warner cable in the Lincoln market. Hence, only a privileged few can get access to Fox in this market.

Wayne Simpson, Lincoln

Develop corner with care

I’ve been a citizen of Lincoln for seven years, and I’ve found it to be nice as I become connected with the community with my teaching and musicianship.

Having said that, I feel I can voice my opinion on the future developments on the northeast corner of 13th and P streets, where the old Douglas 3 Theatre has been recently demolished.

In my hometown of Hastings, I have noticed and been disappointed that in every developing area of town, a bank would be built. It seems as though there are more banks than businesses. To me it’s a bit rigid and cold to have a lot of banks around town. Why is so much banking going on?

I think that the businesses and restaurants that are already in the 13th/P streets area make the area an enjoyable area of town. I realize I have a consumer’s opinion that is separate from folks who have money and resources to build and perhaps need to supply a “more convenient” branch location.

But I sure hope to not see another bank on 13th and P, like out on 48th and O streets. That area is on its way to looking like 14th/Superior, 27th/Superior, etc. Monoculturish, perhaps.

Perhaps I’m a bit preoccupied with banks; I would extend the notion of “bank” to any building/business that is not in the flavor of downtown Lincoln.

Banks are big, sturdy buildings that last forever, so let’s check to be sure that we develop this area thoughtfully.

Sam Packard, Lincoln

Tiger beetle for mayor?

The recent letter from Tom Dufresne (Oct. 6) concerning the ridiculous amount of money spent on the research over the “almost extinct” beetles on North 27th Street was right on target.

I cannot improve on his comments. The only thing I might add is perhaps one of those “bugs” should run for mayor of the city of Lincoln.

Richard L. Egger Sr., Lincoln

Support for Maxine Moul

We support Maxine Moul for Congress for the following reasons:

1.  Maxine Moul is a native Nebraskan — capable, dedicated and conservative — who has an exemplary record of public service.

2. We are increasingly concerned about the Republican Party moving ultra-right young candidates into “safe” Republican states such as Nebraska, and selling them to the electorate like cornflakes, using saturation TV advertising.

3. One-party government is inherently unhealthy and leads to corruption.

4. The Republican administration, rubber-stamped by a do-nothing Republican Congress, had created military disasters in both Iraq and Afghanistan through their incompetence.

Berwyn Jones and Martha Davies, Lincoln

Won’t get fooled again

As U.S. troop fatalities climb ever closer to 3,000 and the permanently impaired and maimed return to fade into forgotten statistics, one’s outrage spikes hearing the president dismiss his Iraq war adventure as a mere comma on the page of history.

With elections looming, the president hopes to shift the focus away from the Iraq debacle that he himself called the central front on the war on terrorism. In making his case for the war, he put the focus on the dangers of Saddam Hussein and offered a rosy picture once this dictator was removed; therefore no post-invasion planning was deemed necessary.

Before the Shock and Awe blitz began, Paul Wolfowitz addressed a congressional hearing and dismissed a general’s assessment of boots needed on the ground and the projected costs of the campaign as wildly exaggerated. Costs would be modest and offset by Iraqi oil revenues, he assured everyone. And so Congress and the country bought this fantasy and opened this pre-emptive war of aggression.

Now the National Intelligence Estimate and a consensus of other intelligence agencies are calling the war in Iraq a breeding ground for a new generation of terrorist leaders and operatives that are fueling global jihadist movements. Seemingly unable or unwilling to “get it,” the president clings to his logic-lacking “stay the course” rhetoric. The empty slogans of Bush’s vanity war are wearing thin like the playbook itself that seems without a final chapter called “Exit.”

In November, voters will have the chance to reject the sorry record of this president and his partisan rubber-stampers. As the president is fond of trying to say, “Fool me once, shame on me.” If somehow the Republicans remain in control of Congress, shame on us.

Gerry Larson, Lincoln


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ET wrote on October 18, 2006 12:41 am:
" Encourages unhealthy sexual behavior? Eh? Ah, yes, I'm reading the OPINION column! Nevermind. And yes, if you deny funding to something that would otherwise provide support to a group of people that tries to stop suicide, then you simply become complacent in accepting it. But if there is one thing I've learned about Lincoln, (and Nebraska in general), is that it is most definately not a place to be gay, thanks to a segment of very unaccepting, hypocritical, and hateful group of people that simply cannot let this issue go and live and let live. "
Silversmith wrote on October 18, 2006 2:11 am:
" FAUX "News" is not, and has NEVER been "Fair and Balanced". Fascism - look it up - relies, in part, on a media arm willing to do the explicit bidding of the political leadership, parrot EVERYTHING they are told to by that "leadership", and attack, bury, and vilify anyone else who has contrary opinions, even if those opinions are based in FACT and reality. That kind of blind stupidity describes FAUX "News" to a "T". In the last ten years, this country, politically, has become increasingly divided, with the reich-wingers insisting that they, and ONLY they, have the corner market on truth, while anyone else who does not agree with THEIR version of the facts is wrong. Reality, does NOT matter in their books, and there is NO middle ground with these fanatics. The worst thing to happen to the media in the last ten years is FAUX "News" - and it's possibly the worst thing to happen to the country since it was created. I do not acknowledge FAUX as anything other than Nutjob "Entertainment" for Hypocrites, and in fact, think significantly LESS of anyone who has EVER spent any time watching that channel, much less believing ANYTHING to come from it. I, unfortunately, as a member of the media, have been forced to watch it at times. The only "chord" FAUX "news" strikes is one of dissonance, hatred, division, and lies. If God is good, in another ten years, FAUX "news" will only be a distant memory - like a memory of a horrible time, where America was run by lunatics. "
the truth wrote on October 18, 2006 3:04 am:
" fox sould not even be considered a new channel. the main tactic of show host is to lure an intelligent person onto the set of a show, ask them slanted questions, and then not even allow them to finish answering befor the host interrupts them and twists the answer of the guest to someing competley differnct that what was trying to be said. fox is not news, it is propaganda. "
Ramone wrote on October 18, 2006 5:18 am:
" Jeff, funds are being refused to help gay teenagers with suicidal tendencies, not an organization which "encourages unhealthy sexual behavior". This is not a recruitment office for the gay/lesbian community. They are trying to help confused people from making a tragic, life-ending choice. By refusing them these funds based on narrow-minded and bigoted principles, they have told me that they would rather see these children kill themselves than get the help they so desperately need. Obermeyer hit the issue right on the head with his cartoon ... I just don't think you like what it says about you and those like you. "
connie wrote on October 18, 2006 5:52 am:
" There's nothing at all reprehensible about obermeier's cartoon. What IS reprehensible is for those two council members to suggest that our traditional values include turning our backs on at-risk teens! The money was for suicide prevention! To deny the money simply because the overseeing party champions concerns of gay citizens may not mean they WANT gay teens to commit suicide, but it definitely means that they don't care all that much if they do. No apology is owed here, or deserved. Those two deserved the censure, shame on Mr. Springer for his support of their cruelty! "
Justice for all wrote on October 18, 2006 6:06 am:
" For City Councilwoman Robin Eschliman and County Commissioner Bob Workman. Like the saying goes "If you can's take the heat, get out of the Kitchen". "
D.S.B. wrote on October 18, 2006 6:08 am:
" Mr. Springer, you are wrong. Eschliman, and Workman had this one coming. To be fair, I'm certain they regret putting their objections in just those terms, but that doesn't change the fact that they tried to deny money for teen suicide prevention, based on their own skewed viewpoint. How are anyone's traditional family values undermined by helping these kids? If that's the 'traditional values' of anyone's family, well.... they need to re-evaluate! "
Late O'Day wrote on October 18, 2006 6:28 am:
" Wayne Simpson calls POX News "fair & balanced". That's like calling Pete Ricketts "poor & hairy". I could remind him of the PIPA study which showed that a whopping EIGHTY PERCENT of POX viewers believed that Saddam was behind 9/11 and Al Qaeda or that WMDs were found in Iraq (none of which were true). I might point out that POX was just busted for trying to create the impression that disgraced predator congressman Foley was a Democrate by repeatedly running (D-FL) in their chyron. I might even mention that Chris Wallace missed his 50th opportunity to ask Condi Rice about the USS Cole this past weekend -- even though he recently assured former President Clinton that did (this was a few weeks ago when POX was trying to blame Clinton for Bush's failures). But, in the end, he doesn't want to hear the truth. Otherwise he wouldn't be watching POX in the first place. "
Hank wrote on October 18, 2006 6:59 am:
" The cartoonist owes no apology. Eschliman's and Workman's despicable homophobic posturing in the City Council deserves all the ridicule in the world. Get over it, Mr. Springer, there are people who are different than you are. If you can't handle reality, you can always join Wayne Simpson in your little politically-slanted fantasy world of Fox news. But let's keep the bigotry out of our City Council. "
Stan wrote on October 18, 2006 7:02 am:
" My family and I are commemorating Fox’s tenth anniversary by declaring an “evidence free day,” and insisting that nobody in the house use credible evidence to back their arguments, but instead just forcefully assert that they’re right because that’s the way they think the world should be, darn it. ‘What’s that Honey? Oh, yeah, things really are going great in Iraq, and other countries really are lucky to have us always looking out for their interests.’ ‘Oh yes, great point Jenny, Those folks in New Orleans and Mississippi really didn’t want the government’s help because it would’ve been so embarrassing to show they couldn’t even take care of themselves when a little ol’ hurricane hit.’ ‘Gosh Jimmy, I never thought of that, but now that you mention it the President plucking anybody off the face of the earth and placing him/her in a prison cell with no formal charges, legal representation, or trial really is just like the time I caught you in the backyard using my golf clubs to pound your pup tent stakes into the ground and sent you to your room to think about it, and they are lucky to have a papa like George Bush who cares enough to teach them a lesson. Say gang, who’s up for going to Goodyear and telling those striking workers that it’s high time they get out of the way and give up those good paying jobs to desperate illegal immigrants for one-third the pay. Just who do they think they are to think they’re too good for corporate abuse and exploitation anyway? "
Pat wrote on October 18, 2006 7:04 am:
" Wayne Simpson apparently missed (or chose to ignore)one of the latest examples of "Faux" News's "fair and balanced coverage" in running a picture of ex-representative Foley with the caption "Democrat". Even more telling is the fact that they made no attempt to correct the record. "
Jody P. wrote on October 18, 2006 7:32 am:
" Regarding the Fox News Follies, first you must separate their "news" from their "analysis". Any news channel which presents, in order, news "analysis" by Neil Cavuto, John Gibson, Brit Hume, Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity, is more than a little right-leaning. Poor Alan Colmes is obviously meant to be nothing more than a weak token liberal to play the role of dramatic foil to the glory of Sean Hannity. And O'Reilly's claim that Greta is a liberal news analyst is ridiculous. And as for the Fox news side, if I ever see them do an investigative report with Bush as the target then I'll believe they're fair & balanced. The only such reporting you see on Fox targets only Bush opponents. "
JT wrote on October 18, 2006 7:45 am:
" Wow I was going to leap to the defense of Neal Obermeyer, but I was beaten to the punch by about ten people. Keep up the good work Neal, incredibly stupid statements like those made by Eschliman and Workman should be skewered. "
SA wrote on October 18, 2006 7:56 am:
" Wow. Everytime I read this forum I am in full astonishment at how many liberal people post here. All this bashing of FOX news, (and the REALLY cool name changes that have been used) meanwhile igoring the fact that they are the most watched news channel, by a large amount. Americans are not stupid. I find it really hard to believe that "vast amounts" of the country are following a news channel that makes things up or only reports one side of the story. I think the people who are so angry at FOX should take a moment to reflect on themselves and see if what they believe seems in keeping with most of America. Not that having an opposing view is wrong, but stop telling yourself that you have the opinion of the majority of the people when you don't. "
Robert wrote on October 18, 2006 8:09 am:
" Apparently some of these people don't actually "wastch" Fox News. Wipe the spittle from you chins, lose the hate and diatrade for anything that does not go along with your brainwashed liberal agenda and you will realize that Fox News presents a vast wealth of knowledge via their analysts, commentators, and reporters from both major parties, as well as, other perspectives and assesments outstide the Republican and Democrat mainstream. "
Scott wrote on October 18, 2006 8:25 am:
" Well, Wayne, I would say that Fox has been the perfect propaganda mouthpiece for the extreme right wing and for the current administration. They certainly do not reflect my values. I have programmed that channel off of all of my televisions at home not only because of their viewpoint, but also because I find their methodology (smears, fearmongering, lies, half-lies, half-truths...you get the idea) so far from the concept of news that it isn't worth even a second of my day. Give me NPR any day. "
Bison wrote on October 18, 2006 8:34 am:
" Were the funds just redirected to be managed through a UNL office instead of LPS? If so, what harm is done to the community or increases risks to gay teens? "
ed wrote on October 18, 2006 8:36 am:
" Fox news should be on the cartoon network tier of Time-Warner. Fox news is a joke. On Fox news F=facism not fair and balanced. "
Fortenberry for Congress wrote on October 18, 2006 8:39 am:
" I am voting for Fortenberry for a lot of reasons, but here are my top four. 1. Jeff Fortenberry is a thoughtful leader who actually supports families. 2. Jeff Fortenberry understands renewable energy and has voted to help spur Nebraska ethanol producation. 3. Jeff Fortenberry opposes abortion and will support life. 4. Jeff Fortenberry shows honesty and integrity. He doesn't depend on lies and deception in his campaign. The list could go on. "
Josh2 wrote on October 18, 2006 8:44 am:
" Who cares that Fox is 10 years old??? If they want to have a party, let them. But there is no reason for any other network to report it. And if all you can do is repeat Bill O'Reilly's talking points and generalizations about liberal bias (without providing any facts), then maybe you should stick with Bill. By the way, I've noticed that Keith Olberman continually beats Bill O'Reilly in the Nielson ratings...... "
Foul on Moul wrote on October 18, 2006 8:47 am:
" all she does is mudsling and attack attack attack. I am tired of this tired campaign and its cheap rhetoric. Please bring some logical ideas into the fray. East coast liberal scare tactics don't bode too well in Nebraska. "
beerorkid wrote on October 18, 2006 8:51 am:
" please tell me how it is an "unhealthy sexual behaivor". We report, you decide pretty much sums it up. You are being fed a load of crap. "
Josh wrote on October 18, 2006 8:58 am:
" I think Neal's cartoon was right on target. It is the hypocrisy of those that tout 'family values' that bothers me. "
Garry wrote on October 18, 2006 9:15 am:
" I truly enjoy the whinning of some people when their socialist views are challenged. These are the same people that scream for free speech, but only when it is their voice that are to be heard. Fox gives a different "spin" on the news verses the ABD,CBS,NBC and CNN's of the world and that somehow is wrong to many people on the left. It is amazing how easy the Fox News and Rush can bring down the glass house that the main stream media had built. For a second this morning I thought I was listening to Air America, then I realized my radio was not turned on. Easy mistake I guess. "
Marv wrote on October 18, 2006 9:22 am:
" While I strongly disagree with both Eschliman and Workmans statement. The question ive brought up but know one else seems concerned with is what where the 7 other grants for. I would like to see where else the grants where going to. Do they all promote Family Values "
Sarcasm?? wrote on October 18, 2006 9:24 am:
" Wayne, I pray (yes, those who don't consider themselves Republicans can pray!) that your letter is a sarcastic one. While I can appreciate both liberal and conservative views, you can't possibly believe what you just wrote. Even GW tried to distance himself from your letter today. When I first read your letter, I nearly had a seizure. P.S. Candy Land is a country in Western Europe. "
Sylvia wrote on October 18, 2006 9:25 am:
" How can you be from Oakland, Nebraska and be anti-gun? I don't know why everyone keeps toting Fortenberry's "Family Values" when it's clear we need to focus on actually getting a plan for Iraq, affordable Health Care, and reducing the national debit. In my opinion these three issues kill and tax more future Americans, and should be considered the new "American Family Values", because the United States is a family. Brothers, Sisters, we need to take care of eachother, our soldiers, our children, not just the wealthy and the powerful like Fortenberry does. "
Fun Fact wrote on October 18, 2006 9:35 am:
" Unhealthy sexual behavior: a recent study found that homosexual men live, on average, to age 43, while lesbian women live, on average, to age 44. Hetrosexual men and women live well into their 70's. I guess ET and beerorkid (among others) are right, homosexual behavior is totally healthy lifestyle choice! "
Moul for Congress-dtw wrote on October 18, 2006 9:37 am:
" I am voting for Maxine Moul for a lot of reasons, but here are my top five. 1. Jeff Fortenberry received money from Tom Delay 2. Jeff Fortenberry cost the state thousands of dollars by having Dick Cheney come all the way out here to endorse him. 3. Jeff Fortenberry is unwilling to condemn congressmen Foley (R-Florida) or House Speaker Dennis Hastert because he plays tennis with them. 4. Jeff Fortenberry is a yes man and a rubber stamp for this administration. 5. What the heck has Jeff Fortenberry done for my family? The list goes on "
peb wrote on October 18, 2006 9:46 am:
" Fortenberry doesn't support my family and all other families that don't share HIS brand of "family values." "
Ladd W wrote on October 18, 2006 9:58 am:
" Also celebrating 10 Years on the air...The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the St. George to Fox News' dragon, and bless 'em for it! "
A man of reason wrote on October 18, 2006 10:17 am:
" Josh2, where do you get your facts concerning Olberman beating O'reilly. I will admit I'm not an O'reilly fan, but I can respect that he beats everyone every night on the CNN, MSNBS, CNBC, HLN, and FOX side of things. I can see that some commentators on Fox News on the most part are on the conservative side. No doubt that O'reilly and Hannity are, but most of the reporters do not expose any bias. Other networks do the same, Glen Beck, Scarborough, and Tucker Carlson are conservative, but there are also liberals on all networks. Chris Wallace and Alan Colmes on Fox, Rita Cosby, Olberman, Donny Deutch (my favorite), Chris Matthews, Don Imus, Nancy Grace, Lou Dobbs, Paula Zahn, Larry King and Anderson are all liberals on the cable networks. Seems to be even to me. "
Eric wrote on October 18, 2006 10:47 am:
" Fox News provides 'Fair and Balanced' like Weird Al provides 'A different Version' of songs. Maybe they should have some new songs for themselves - "Like a Dungeon", or "Homophobe Paradise"? "
JP wrote on October 18, 2006 10:50 am:
" Many people confuse fox NEWS and their political SHOWS up. Their news is unbiased. The shows are not and should not be. They are paying someone to host a show and offer an opinion based on facts. If you listen to thier shows, you would know the hosts are bashing both parties at this time as neither can get their act together. I prefer Sean Hannity as he is just blasting the GOP on the budget, homeland security and other federal programs. Please listen to a show for than 5 minutes before labeling it as leaning right or left. I also bet many don't know that Bill O'Reilly is actually a registered Independent, not Republican. "
Right Wing Wayne wrote on October 18, 2006 10:52 am:
" Wayne, could it be that maybe someone that is right wing thinks that the "center" is Liberal. If you want to sit around and have your "news" channel preaching what you want to hear, by all means watch Fox News. If you want real news you might want to change your dial. And as far as the "priviledged" few, Out of all the people I know, not one of them has the limited basic tv service that excludes Fox News. I would say the vast majority of the middle and lower middle class have the full basic package that includes Fox News. "
Voltaire wrote on October 18, 2006 10:55 am:
" I found number two of the Jones and Davies reasons for supporting Moul particularly insightful and provocative. The notion that the Republican National Committee is encouraging out-of-state, far right, rubber stamping lackeys like Jeff Fortenberry to run for office in a state like Nebraska where they can rest assured that there's an adequate religious and fundamentalist "base" who will vote for them reflexively, never allowing themselves to be bothered by evidence that his positions are detrimental to most of the people in the state(as suggested elsewhere in this blog, stuff like evidence is just for those “East Coast” intellectual types, and doesn’t play here in Nebraska). The dangers of the close mixing of religion and politics that the GOP has turned to in order to seduce fundamentalists into its base, along with its Southern strategy of mixing race and politics to lure racists into its base, is fraught with many dangers to our republic, not least amongst them that religious faith too often becomes convoluted with political faith with the potential for disaster. Blind faith in anything poses a serious danger, as the growth of fascism leading up to World War II has so clearly taught, or the lessons of radical Islam suggest today. That Republicans can count on the blind faith of Nebraskans to vote for their extremists on faith alone, and ignore evidence to the contrary as suggested by Jones and Davies, builds upon Thomas Franks’s thesis in ‘What’s the Matter With Kansas,’in an interesting way. However, as interesting and illuminating as it is,it leaves one with even less hope that Nebraska and similar states will ever change which, oddly enough, is the same sense of dread I get when thinking about whether things in Iraq will ever change. As the Enlightenment once thought it had demonstrated to the Western world, blind faith is frightening when applied to politics, and reason and evidence (though not perfect) must guide us. Those are the principles that our Founders, so fond of the Enlightenment thinkers, built this country upon. By the way, Fortenberry’s “renewable energy” has nothing to do with care for the environment, and everything to do with throwing tax-payer funded subsidies to giant agribusiness companies. Don’t kid yourself. The utility of corn-based ethanol as a fuel source is minimal, at best. Crush the infamy! "
Patriot wrote on October 18, 2006 11:24 am:
" Silversmith got it right. FAUX NEWS = You repeat, we decide. "
Jerry C wrote on October 18, 2006 11:59 am:
" Wayne, there is a reason fox news "strikes a cord with red state Americans" on the one hand and that you think its "fair and balanced" on the other hand. You are like a fish in water who has never seen anything but its water in your "red" state. You need to be pulled out of your bowl and breath some fresh air. If you ever live in a coastal state you will soon see how faulty your view of "fair and balanced" is. "
Nikky wrote on October 18, 2006 12:07 pm:
" Perhaps instead of talking about who is committing suicide, perhaps you should focus on why they seem to think they need to commit suicide. I'm sure if society wasn't so hard on them they would never consider suicide solely because they have "unhealthy sexual behaviors." I find it very unconsiderate that Neal should draw a cartoon like that, is he TRYING to make people cry? Having personal experience of a family member committing suicide, even though it was for a different reason, seeing that cartoon was like seeing that family member dead again. I don't know about you, but that's not what I want to have on my mind when I start the day. So next time you want to draw a cartoon Neal, please consider others' feelings, especially when you are misinformed. Thanks. "
John Holmes wrote on October 18, 2006 12:09 pm:
" Neal owes no apology. Why does anybody really care if some candidate is Pro-Choice or Pro-Life? That should be left up to the woman in that situation. Fortenberry may not base his own campaign on deception & lies, but he supports the current government that does (see also: Hastert, George W. Christ, Rove, on and on). "
Dan wrote on October 18, 2006 12:25 pm:
" So as to some of these posters we should do away with anything and everything that they disagree with. Does that mean that there should be only one television news service, how about one national new paper (sorry LJS trying to make a point), we should have only one grocery store in town, one clothing store, just one of everything, that way its satisfies everybody. Or will it? People need to grow up and understand that people like a choice even if you don't agree, because what you like others might no and you would be in the minority. "
Chris wrote on October 18, 2006 12:26 pm:
" I don't believe Fox News is "fair and balanced". I'm pretty much fed up with all the news outlets. Yet I don't think Fox News' bias in favor of the GOP is ideologically motivated. I think it was merely Rupert Murdoch capitalizing on the lack of a more conservative cable news outlet. And this has proved to be shrewd business move. However I strongly believe the bias favoring Democrats seen on CNN, MSNBC, and the three major networks is very much ideologically driven. If you doubt this just look at how a few years ago CNN brought in two Democratic operatives, Paul Begalia and James Carville, to take over the show Crossfire while Democrats were meandering politically. Its also fascinating how overly defensive and vitriolic Democrats are about Fox News. In the old days in many cities and towns there were newspapers that made no bones about their biases. Yes Fox is over the top by claiming to be fair and balanced, but so are all the other outfits claiming to be impartial. Most news outfits are liberal and this is why most Americans don't really even know the actual positions of the Bush administration on a myriad of issues. There are plenty in the electorate who do believe every bad thing they hear about Republicans. And nothing bad at all about any Democrat. Both CNN and Fox News are complicit in perpetuating ignorance and hatred of your fellow citizens in the electorate. "
Zoomie wrote on October 18, 2006 12:29 pm:
" Yeah, Faux is such a great station! Especially their # 1 show, O'Liarly. Did you catch his show when he said American soldiers massacred over 100 German prisoners at Malmedy during WW2? Yelled at Gen Wesley Clark when Clark tried to correct him. Repeated his claim several times since and refuses to admit he reversed history to "blame America"! Or his show last week, where he claimed thanks to states like South Dakota abortion may soon be illegal, and said "South Dakota, as you know, has voted to outlaw abortions unless the mother's life is in danger, which is never the case, because you can always have a C-section and do those kinds of things." Uhh, I wonder if Dr O'Liarly has ever heard of ectopic pregnancies (#1 cause of pregnancy related deaths in the 1st trimester). Or preeclampsia, a high-blood-pressure syndrome that is extremely common and treatable but that in rare, severe circumstances can lead to life-threatening conditions. The Mayo Clinic reports that preeclampsia "and other high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death." None of these conditions "can always" be solved by a C-section. As to the cartoon...GREAT CARTOON!!! Nailed the anti-gay hatred of the Christian Right! Sorry, but if you're in politics, and if you're claiming "traditional family values", you damn sure better make sure those values actually match real American values! And just letting teens die because they are (or even just might think they are) gay, is NOT an American value! Its a value of hate and predjudice! They deserve the scorn they got! "
Don wrote on October 18, 2006 12:35 pm:
" I don't see Fox news making up the news like CNN. Fox news is one of the few credible sources we have for news. "
Rich wrote on October 18, 2006 12:37 pm:
" Jeffrey have you even considered the idea that they might of opposed it on the bases that the money was being spent on homosexual teenage suicide and not teenager suicide in general. If the money was for straight teenager suicide only then what would everybody be saying? "
Just Come Clean wrote on October 18, 2006 1:14 pm:
" Garry, I’m ecstatic you so strongly support free speech and the Obermeyer cartoon, But just because FOX declares they are fair and balanced doesn’t make it so. I have no problem with a conservative view; however they should have the stones to admit it. "
Scott wrote on October 18, 2006 1:18 pm:
" I'm just curious about this "mountain of evidence" of which Wayne Simpson speaks. Can anyone explain it to me, please? Who produced this evidence? FOX News? "
Mark L. wrote on October 18, 2006 1:18 pm:
" So the University Health Center is an organization that encourages unhealthy sexual behavior?! That's where the funding ultimately went to, and Eschliman and Workman still voted no. The cartoonist didn't lie about anyone's character or the facts. The facts speak for themselves, and for the character of the self-proclaimed family values crowd. "
Hey Simpson wrote on October 18, 2006 1:29 pm:
" Wasn't the Fox network built on the Simpsons and Married with children? You've got to love those family values. Money is the only concern of Fox and the like networks. Which makes them the same in my book, the only thing different about Fox is they market to the right wing nuts and not the left wing kooks... "
Tod wrote on October 18, 2006 1:38 pm:
" I don't have cable, so I don't watch Fox News. But, I do read their web page. Honestly, so many people have had their brains poisoned by the mass media for the past 30 years, they can't recognize 'fair and balanced'. The increasingly rabid hatred of the president and his administration are the only 'balanced' views they can comprehend. Sad. "
Marty Wolf wrote on October 18, 2006 1:43 pm:
" I support Jeff Fortenberry he is and will be our representation in congress. The last time I checked it was by popular vote. I feel sorry for the tandum of Berwyn Jones and Martha Davies they have fallen into the democratic party's unoffical motto of complain, blame and spread neagativity. "
REG wrote on October 18, 2006 2:13 pm:
" Silversmith, you've got it 100 Percent correct! "
Craig wrote on October 18, 2006 3:35 pm:
" Interesting irony here. Fox news is villified for supposedly slanting the news, while the cartoonist is declared a hero for doing the same thing. Fox News is a balance to what CNN, the networks and MSNBC do. Keith Olberman is an insane left-wing nutcase, and Bill O'Rielly is an insane right-wing nutcase. Fair and balanced. And the cartoonist was way out of line, if the city had planned to give the money to the Catholic Church to counsel against gay suicide, the reaction would have been just as bad from the PFLAG group about giving to a Church. It was who got the money, not the program that was at issue. "
JA wrote on October 18, 2006 4:03 pm:
" "The defect of equality is that we only desire it with our superiors." Henry Becque (French playwright, 1837-1899) "
Matt 4 Moul wrote on October 18, 2006 4:07 pm:
" Will you people who support Fortenberry please do a little investigation into what he really stands for instead of following blindly while he spouts off lame talking points and lies about Moul. He has NOT been a leader, he is a lap dog for his party. He has voted more than 90% of the time with his party revealing he cares more about what Tom Delay thinks rather than what Nebraskans think. He has people believing he cares about alternative energy when he votes for billions in tax cuts for oil companies. And he's not even from here! He's a carpetbagger politician from another state which is one of Republican Smith's main arguments against Kleeb in the 3rd District race. Its not too late. Take an actual look at what Fortenberry has done as opposed to just listening to his pathetic party-line rhetoric and make the right choice and send someone to Washington who actually cares about PEOPLE IN NEBRASKA. I guess, if you're happy with the way things are going in Iraq, with Congressional scandals, with out of control spending, and so on and so on, then I guess vote for rubber-stamp Fortenberry again. "
Less Banks, More Coffee wrote on October 18, 2006 4:16 pm:
" Sam Packard, you are so right. What we need is another coffee shop on P Street. Caffeinated consumers are more likely to walk an extra block to a the bank anyway. Problem solved. "
come on wrote on October 18, 2006 5:48 pm:
" Wayne, you need to stop drinking the red kool-aide. Fox News balanced? Not hardly! Everyone has his/her bias, but Fox takes biased reporting to new heights. "
What does it mean? wrote on October 18, 2006 5:51 pm:
" To say "supports families"? That has to be one of the worst political campaign slogans ever. Find me a candidate that thinks families should not exist, oh wait you can't. "
I disagree Mr. Springer wrote on October 18, 2006 7:23 pm:
" Once again, someone gets all hot under the collar over Gays and Lesbians, its way over time to stop bickering over this issue. If you don't agree with the organization or its group don't support it. But stop shoving your ideas of what is "Normal sexual behavior" down everyone else throat. For example I don't buy from groups that practice Discrimination. You don't have to play keno. "
The obvious wrote on October 18, 2006 8:40 pm:
" Democrats: propose an alternative plan. "
Think people. wrote on October 18, 2006 10:23 pm:
" FOX news is Fair and Balanced. If the general viewing public are smart enough to realize that there is "Opinion programming, (i.e, O'Reilly, Hannity and Colms) and Fair and Balanced "News Programing" (i.e. Studio B, The Big Story etc...) There is NEWS there not opinion or slant! "
Cory wrote on October 19, 2006 7:11 am:
" I use to live in Lincoln, thank the Lord I moved to Louisiana, you know, the South, where bigotry stands strong! But, even these rednecks wouldn't deny help to children, gay or otherwise. Eschlima and Workman need to get off their highhorse and come down to reality. Conservatives seem to preach, preach, preach about "family values" but what's really being preached is: We so few) perfect families will not tolerate anyone that is different. Why don't you work on something really important to boost family values, like closing all those college bars on O street, getting the prostitutes off the streets, stopping domestic abuse, or you could use some of the keno funds to offer a class on tolerance and start by being the first to join the class. I am NOT a homesexual but MY PARENTS raised me to be tolerate of others, be respectful to others, and don't run with scissors. I grew up with family members who are homosexual and it didn't make me one. Do you think it's going to make you one? "
Privileged few wrote on October 19, 2006 8:00 am:
" Here you go conservative nation. Im sure you can spin it with the Fox network spin masters. Funny how Bush has to invite the talking heads to the white house to tell everyone what to think. The Outstanding Public Debt as of 18 Oct 2006 at 02:04:55 AM GMT is: $8,539,943,648,975 The estimated population of the United States is 300,004,641 so each citizen's share of this debt is $28,464.04. The National Debt has continued to increase an average of $1.59 billion per day since September 30, 2005! "
Jim wrote on October 19, 2006 11:12 am:
" It is really funny that the liberals hate Fox News so much. I guess it is similar to the Columbia University idiots who interupted a speaker from the Minutemen. Free speech matters as long as you agree with a liberal. If you dont cow down to their level, they will interrupt, heckle, and lie. I guess the liberals really aren't the champions of free speech like they think they are. "
Josh wrote on October 19, 2006 1:43 pm:
" Look, even very right-wing people sort of snicker at Fox News' "fair and balanced" slogan. My family is very conservative, very right-wing and they like and watch Fox News, but admit that it is very slanted to the right. Some of the other outlets are slanted towards the left, some aren't (though they are accused of being so), and so it's fine if Fox News wants to be slanted the way they are, but they should stop claiming to be "fair and balanced". "
Cat wrote on October 19, 2006 2:41 pm:
" If you ever need to see the truth about what Fox is distorting, rather than reporting, you just need to go to www.newshounds.us. They watch Fox so we don't have to. Thankfully. There is also a documentary called Outfoxed that rips their tactics wide open. "
Jason wrote on October 19, 2006 9:03 pm:
" Enough with the tiger beetle bashing. Do you idiots realize that this grant will be used to plan and acquire habitat? Habitat that will benefit 11 other species and preserve a truly unique habitat. What is the price per acre immediately adjacent to Lincoln these days? $2k? $20k? $500,000 is chump change when your are talking about planning and purchasing property. "

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