"You must have alternative points of view in the media. If you're not getting them, look for them or demand them. Because if you don't have them, the loss of freedom is pretty close behind." -- Roger Ailes, speaking at College Station, TX, after being introduced by former President George H. W. Bush.
That's Ailes: Always sticking up for freedom. Always sticking up for the country.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Ailes Puts Country Ahead of Fox
This caught my eye: From a cable news blog. Ailes gives advice to Obama that would hurt Fox, if Obama followed the advice:
And Ailes had a great story about Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill, about how they got things done, settling matters through compromise over drinks and Irish jokes. Obama should, as Ailes suggested, invite the Republican leadership over to the White House to watch the Super Bowl. That would be the way to get things done.
Yet it's interesting that Ailes would suggest it, since it would not, by definition, be on TV. Let's face it: TV thrives on conflict, the more public the better. So Ailes was suggesting a problem-solving mechanism that would, one could say, hurt TV ratings.
But it's country first with Ailes. And that's important to remember, as we watch Fox, because amidst all the free-for-all-ing, there's always a sense that Ailes is looking out for the country.
But it should be Ailes making these decisions, not giving advice on how to make decisions. America doesn't have time to see a politician climb up that learning curve.
And Ailes had a great story about Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill, about how they got things done, settling matters through compromise over drinks and Irish jokes. Obama should, as Ailes suggested, invite the Republican leadership over to the White House to watch the Super Bowl. That would be the way to get things done.
Yet it's interesting that Ailes would suggest it, since it would not, by definition, be on TV. Let's face it: TV thrives on conflict, the more public the better. So Ailes was suggesting a problem-solving mechanism that would, one could say, hurt TV ratings.
But it's country first with Ailes. And that's important to remember, as we watch Fox, because amidst all the free-for-all-ing, there's always a sense that Ailes is looking out for the country.
But it should be Ailes making these decisions, not giving advice on how to make decisions. America doesn't have time to see a politician climb up that learning curve.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Scouts for America: The Values We Need Right Now
Here's the Boy Scout oath:
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
Sounds pretty good to me! Updated for adults, and extended to all Americans interested in helping their country, that sounds like a pretty good campaign platform! And these words are also important:
Boy Scout Law
A Scout is:
Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean,and Reverent.
And this:
Boy Scout Motto
Be Prepared!
And this:
Boy Scout Slogan
Do a Good Turn Daily!
Years ago, Rush Limbaugh wrote a book, The Way Things Ought to Be. He was right, although we haven't gotten there yet.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
So who is Roger Ailes, anyway? The New York Times recently wrote that Ailes sits atop "the pinnacle of power in three corridors of American life: business, media and politics." He has been called the leader of the Republican Party, the leader of the conservative movement. And he has also been called every nasty name in the book--including the unabridged book.
And in fact, Ailes doesn't do a lot of speaking, or even interviews. And when he does, it's mostly Fox News/News Corporation-related. He does, after all, have a day job--a day-and-night job.
But all Americans got a peek at what Ailes really thinks during the announcement of a new website, Fox Nation, almost a year ago, in March 2009. On that site there's an introductory essay, which must have shown the influence of Ailes himself.
Barack Obama was president then, and the partisan and ideological fight was already on, over "stimulus," "Obamacare," and everything else. But the Ailes-ian Fox Nation credo didn't mention Obama, or Democrats, or liberals--or, for that matter, Republicans or conservatives. All the essay talked about was America, and American virtues. The kind that we need, especially in hard times.
Even in the context of the current hyper-politicized climate, it's hard to see the essay as anything other than centrist and patriotic. OK, to some on the extreme left, the essay might seem to be "conservative," but in reality, it is traditional. It is American, and a celebration of things American; citing, for example, such great Americans as John Winthrop, Abraham Lincoln, William Jennings Bryan, and Walt Whitman--that is to say, a Puritan visionary, a Mt.Rushmore-worthy president who happened to be a Republican, a Democratic presidential candidate and evangelist, and a distinctly American poet who served in the Civil War, and who might have been gay. Where's the obvious contemporary politics in those individuals?
And oh yes, two 20th century presidents, Democrat John F. Kennedy and Republican Ronald Reagan. If that's not fair & balanced, what is?
Here's the Fox Nation essay, in full:
Welcome to FOX Nation, a new community where all Americans are encouraged to share, discuss, and debate. Yes, FOX Nation is here for you, the American people: your views, your values, your voice.
To all of us, America is a special place. Back in 1630, John Winthrop, preparing to set foot in Massachusetts, told his fellow immigrants that the new land would be “city on a hill,” a shining example for the world. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy admiringly recalled Winthrop’s vision, and later, another president, Ronald Reagan, invoked that same grand image. A city on a hill: indeed, all our great leaders, across the centuries, have embraced such an idealistic vision of America, as a blessed land of abundance and opportunity.
But of course, it’s the people of America--ordinary folks doing the work, fighting the wars, raising the children, building the economy--who have made this country great. FOX Nation is dedicated to them, and to you, the latest generation on a rendezvous with destiny.
Today, we are confronting hard times, but we know we will overcome these difficulties the old-fashioned way--by rolling up our sleeves and getting back to basics. Here in America, we cherish the words of Abraham Lincoln, who believed in hard work and lived the America Dream, declaring, “The weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men . . . all should have an equal chance.” And of course, FOX Nation reveres the memory of American patriots and heroes--all gave some, some gave all--who made it possible for us to enjoy our freedoms.
But how, exactly, should we assure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? How do we perfect our union? How can we make certain that children of all races are fairly judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character? FOX Nation will be a forum for Americans to speak out on important and controversial issues, and to act on their beliefs and values--while always upholding the traditional American ideals of free speech, fair play, and tolerance.
FOX Nation asks that all who come here abide by these principles, set forth in the FOX Nation Statement of Purpose.
In keeping with that spirit of participatory debate, open to all, we invite you to join with us, following the words of William Jennings Bryan, “The Great Commoner,” who once declared, “I thank God for the democracy of the heart that makes it possible for every human being to make life worth living . . . and the world better for his existence in it.”
Here at FOX Nation, the American people will be the stars. FOX News Channel, and Foxnews.com, will continue, of course, to provide fair and balanced news coverage, but FOX Nation is different. It is about you, what you care about, what you care about enough to post and comment upon. nything you want--just keep it decent and legal!
And so we hope to hear from you. Like America itself, FOX Nation can be only as good as the people within it. And like our beloved country, FOX Nation is an ongoing story.
So please, tell us what you think. Tell us what we’re doing wrong, and maybe even tell us what we’re doing right! Please send your comments here. In doing so, you will help build FOX Nation, contributing to the vibrant spirit of openness and optimism that defines the best of America.
As the great American poet Walt Whitman once wrote:
"The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors, or colleges or churches or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors—but always most in the common people, south, north, west, east, in all its States, through all its mighty amplitude."
Yes, that’s FOX Nation. Your Nation.
And in fact, Ailes doesn't do a lot of speaking, or even interviews. And when he does, it's mostly Fox News/News Corporation-related. He does, after all, have a day job--a day-and-night job.
But all Americans got a peek at what Ailes really thinks during the announcement of a new website, Fox Nation, almost a year ago, in March 2009. On that site there's an introductory essay, which must have shown the influence of Ailes himself.
Barack Obama was president then, and the partisan and ideological fight was already on, over "stimulus," "Obamacare," and everything else. But the Ailes-ian Fox Nation credo didn't mention Obama, or Democrats, or liberals--or, for that matter, Republicans or conservatives. All the essay talked about was America, and American virtues. The kind that we need, especially in hard times.
Even in the context of the current hyper-politicized climate, it's hard to see the essay as anything other than centrist and patriotic. OK, to some on the extreme left, the essay might seem to be "conservative," but in reality, it is traditional. It is American, and a celebration of things American; citing, for example, such great Americans as John Winthrop, Abraham Lincoln, William Jennings Bryan, and Walt Whitman--that is to say, a Puritan visionary, a Mt.Rushmore-worthy president who happened to be a Republican, a Democratic presidential candidate and evangelist, and a distinctly American poet who served in the Civil War, and who might have been gay. Where's the obvious contemporary politics in those individuals?
And oh yes, two 20th century presidents, Democrat John F. Kennedy and Republican Ronald Reagan. If that's not fair & balanced, what is?
Here's the Fox Nation essay, in full:
Welcome to FOX Nation, a new community where all Americans are encouraged to share, discuss, and debate. Yes, FOX Nation is here for you, the American people: your views, your values, your voice.
To all of us, America is a special place. Back in 1630, John Winthrop, preparing to set foot in Massachusetts, told his fellow immigrants that the new land would be “city on a hill,” a shining example for the world. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy admiringly recalled Winthrop’s vision, and later, another president, Ronald Reagan, invoked that same grand image. A city on a hill: indeed, all our great leaders, across the centuries, have embraced such an idealistic vision of America, as a blessed land of abundance and opportunity.
But of course, it’s the people of America--ordinary folks doing the work, fighting the wars, raising the children, building the economy--who have made this country great. FOX Nation is dedicated to them, and to you, the latest generation on a rendezvous with destiny.
Today, we are confronting hard times, but we know we will overcome these difficulties the old-fashioned way--by rolling up our sleeves and getting back to basics. Here in America, we cherish the words of Abraham Lincoln, who believed in hard work and lived the America Dream, declaring, “The weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men . . . all should have an equal chance.” And of course, FOX Nation reveres the memory of American patriots and heroes--all gave some, some gave all--who made it possible for us to enjoy our freedoms.
But how, exactly, should we assure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? How do we perfect our union? How can we make certain that children of all races are fairly judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character? FOX Nation will be a forum for Americans to speak out on important and controversial issues, and to act on their beliefs and values--while always upholding the traditional American ideals of free speech, fair play, and tolerance.
FOX Nation asks that all who come here abide by these principles, set forth in the FOX Nation Statement of Purpose.
In keeping with that spirit of participatory debate, open to all, we invite you to join with us, following the words of William Jennings Bryan, “The Great Commoner,” who once declared, “I thank God for the democracy of the heart that makes it possible for every human being to make life worth living . . . and the world better for his existence in it.”
Here at FOX Nation, the American people will be the stars. FOX News Channel, and Foxnews.com, will continue, of course, to provide fair and balanced news coverage, but FOX Nation is different. It is about you, what you care about, what you care about enough to post and comment upon. nything you want--just keep it decent and legal!
And so we hope to hear from you. Like America itself, FOX Nation can be only as good as the people within it. And like our beloved country, FOX Nation is an ongoing story.
So please, tell us what you think. Tell us what we’re doing wrong, and maybe even tell us what we’re doing right! Please send your comments here. In doing so, you will help build FOX Nation, contributing to the vibrant spirit of openness and optimism that defines the best of America.
As the great American poet Walt Whitman once wrote:
"The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors, or colleges or churches or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors—but always most in the common people, south, north, west, east, in all its States, through all its mighty amplitude."
Yes, that’s FOX Nation. Your Nation.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Roger Ailes: Most Influential Conservative
That's the opinion of Don Surber, writing for the Charleston (WV) Daily Mail. Noting the Telegraph of London listed Dick Cheney as the most influential conservative in America, Surber writes in response:
I disagree. I would say it was the man that the British newspaper listed No. 7 — Roger Ailes.
No one has rallied conservatives more than Ailes through his Fox News Channel, which has a weekly cumulative audience of 27 million to 30 million registered voters.
That alone gives him more influence than any other conservative in the nation.
Said the Telegraph: “When Roger Ailes, a veteran media consultant for Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George Bush Snr, heard that his boss Rupert Murdoch was preparing to back Obama for President in a New York Post editorial, he threatened to resign. Murdoch responded by giving him a pay rise (he is said to have earned $23 million last year – more than Murdoch) and endorsing John McCain. As the traditional broadcast networks see their profits and influence decline, Ailes has turned Fox News into a cash cow for News Corporation, trading on the President’s growing unpopularity to make Fox the go-to place for everything anti-Obama. Assessing Fox’s influence, Obama reckoned the ‘Fox effect’ had cost him two or three points in the 2008 election – which means that next time it could well decide who becomes President. Democratic operative James Carville recently said that if Ailes were a Democrat ‘I think there would be 67 Democratic senators right now.’ There are currently 60.”
Who thinks that Cheney, for example, would add Republican seats in the Senate?
Surber concludes:
But by providing nightly forums for Neil Cavuto, Glenn Beck, Charles Krauthammer, Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity, Ailes has done the most to influence the nation on Washington politics.
Exactly.
But what most observers miss is that Roger Ailes is not a right-winger. He is an American.
I disagree. I would say it was the man that the British newspaper listed No. 7 — Roger Ailes.
No one has rallied conservatives more than Ailes through his Fox News Channel, which has a weekly cumulative audience of 27 million to 30 million registered voters.
That alone gives him more influence than any other conservative in the nation.
Said the Telegraph: “When Roger Ailes, a veteran media consultant for Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George Bush Snr, heard that his boss Rupert Murdoch was preparing to back Obama for President in a New York Post editorial, he threatened to resign. Murdoch responded by giving him a pay rise (he is said to have earned $23 million last year – more than Murdoch) and endorsing John McCain. As the traditional broadcast networks see their profits and influence decline, Ailes has turned Fox News into a cash cow for News Corporation, trading on the President’s growing unpopularity to make Fox the go-to place for everything anti-Obama. Assessing Fox’s influence, Obama reckoned the ‘Fox effect’ had cost him two or three points in the 2008 election – which means that next time it could well decide who becomes President. Democratic operative James Carville recently said that if Ailes were a Democrat ‘I think there would be 67 Democratic senators right now.’ There are currently 60.”
Who thinks that Cheney, for example, would add Republican seats in the Senate?
Surber concludes:
But by providing nightly forums for Neil Cavuto, Glenn Beck, Charles Krauthammer, Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity, Ailes has done the most to influence the nation on Washington politics.
Exactly.
But what most observers miss is that Roger Ailes is not a right-winger. He is an American.
Roger Ailes: Leader of the GOP
Howard Fineman, who describes himself as a "frenemy" of Roger Ailes, writes a piece for Newsweek entitled, "Life of the Party: Roger Ailes is the real head of the GOP."
Fineman is not entirely a fan, although he seems to be as admiring of Ailes as possible, considering that he works for both Newsweek and MSNBC. Here's Fineman:
I've been trying to answer this question: does the Republican Party have a "leader"? Surely it's not Michael Steele, the loose-lipped chairman of the RNC. Not Mitch McConnell, the funereal Kentuckian who heads the Senate's rejectionist GOP minority. Not Sen. John McCain; he's too busy watching his own right flank back home in Arizona. And certainly not the Bushes, elder and younger, hunkered down in Texas. As for the 2012 wannabes, none gets more than a fifth of the GOP vote in the early polls.
And the answer came to Fineman:
But I finally found my answer while I was watching Fox News Channel. Last Wednesday, the other news outlets were engaged in wall-to-wall, on-the-ground coverage of the horrific earthquake in Haiti. FNC, meanwhile, featured an hourlong Glenn Beck sit-down with Sarah Palin, Fox's newest "analyst," and wall-to-wall, on-the-ground coverage of the U.S. Senate race in Massachusetts, where a Republican, Scott Brown, seemed to be closing in fast on what was once Ted Kennedy's seat. "All eyes are on the Senate race in Massachusetts!" said Sean Hannity, who did his best to make it seem as though he believed it.
Politics, like nature, abhors a vacuum—which is why God created Roger Ailes. The president of Fox News is, by default, the closest thing there is to a kingmaker in Anti-Obama America. And that, in turn, makes him the de facto leader of the GOP. In a relentless (and spectacularly successful) hunt for cable ratings, Ailes has given invaluable publicity to the tea partiers, furnished tryout platforms to GOP candidates, and trained a fire hose of populist anger at the president and his allies in Congress. While Beltway Republicans wring their hands or write their tracts, Ailes has worked the countryside, using his feel for Main Street resentment to attract and give voice to this year's angriest—and most powerful—voter-viewers: those who hate the Feds, the Fed, and the Ivy League. It was Ailes who put the "party" in the tea parties by giving them a round-the-clock national stage. Next month Fox will have priority access to the National Tea Party Convention in Nashville.
So who is going to argue with that?
But of course, if this is a center-right country--and it certainly seems apparent that it is--then to lead the Republican Party and the conservative movement is, potentially, to lead America.
Fineman is not entirely a fan, although he seems to be as admiring of Ailes as possible, considering that he works for both Newsweek and MSNBC. Here's Fineman:
I've been trying to answer this question: does the Republican Party have a "leader"? Surely it's not Michael Steele, the loose-lipped chairman of the RNC. Not Mitch McConnell, the funereal Kentuckian who heads the Senate's rejectionist GOP minority. Not Sen. John McCain; he's too busy watching his own right flank back home in Arizona. And certainly not the Bushes, elder and younger, hunkered down in Texas. As for the 2012 wannabes, none gets more than a fifth of the GOP vote in the early polls.
And the answer came to Fineman:
But I finally found my answer while I was watching Fox News Channel. Last Wednesday, the other news outlets were engaged in wall-to-wall, on-the-ground coverage of the horrific earthquake in Haiti. FNC, meanwhile, featured an hourlong Glenn Beck sit-down with Sarah Palin, Fox's newest "analyst," and wall-to-wall, on-the-ground coverage of the U.S. Senate race in Massachusetts, where a Republican, Scott Brown, seemed to be closing in fast on what was once Ted Kennedy's seat. "All eyes are on the Senate race in Massachusetts!" said Sean Hannity, who did his best to make it seem as though he believed it.
Politics, like nature, abhors a vacuum—which is why God created Roger Ailes. The president of Fox News is, by default, the closest thing there is to a kingmaker in Anti-Obama America. And that, in turn, makes him the de facto leader of the GOP. In a relentless (and spectacularly successful) hunt for cable ratings, Ailes has given invaluable publicity to the tea partiers, furnished tryout platforms to GOP candidates, and trained a fire hose of populist anger at the president and his allies in Congress. While Beltway Republicans wring their hands or write their tracts, Ailes has worked the countryside, using his feel for Main Street resentment to attract and give voice to this year's angriest—and most powerful—voter-viewers: those who hate the Feds, the Fed, and the Ivy League. It was Ailes who put the "party" in the tea parties by giving them a round-the-clock national stage. Next month Fox will have priority access to the National Tea Party Convention in Nashville.
So who is going to argue with that?
But of course, if this is a center-right country--and it certainly seems apparent that it is--then to lead the Republican Party and the conservative movement is, potentially, to lead America.
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