Two Stories from NPR

[speaks]

It saddens me greatly that NPR is under attack again. They are really such a wonderful resource. The breadth and depth of their stories are far greater than any other american news outlet that I am aware of. In addition they have personal interest stories that go well beyond "Missing White Girl" or "The Drug Antics of Charlie Sheen." I listen to "

Comments

[logiphage]

Expecting people to pay for the media they consume has come to mean "under attack"?

Even Ira has a piece saying it's only fair for people that listen to NPR to pay for it. Ira is of course correct.

"To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical."
- Thomas Jefferson

[speaks]

I like that quote. I would have liked to do it when the administration was out there propagating lies about Iraq, or about torture, or any number of things.

Why do you have to come shit on my happy little thread?

[logiphage]

Unfortunately we're getting the same lies about Afghanistan, and now possibly soon about Libya. Wikileaks is happy times hopefully the trend will continue.

If you're in the mood to make provocative assertions but in no mood to defend them just state so and I'll of course respect your wishes. Or we can defriend if you prefer. If I say something provocative in a post to which you are privy I expect, even look forward, to a response. That's why I reciprocated when you friended me. I enjoy the discussions with you, or anyone who can articulate well.. I thought you did too?

[speaks]

The problem is really the frequency.

Sure we could get into the idea that the airwaves are there "for the public good" and that it is worth taxpayer money to get valuable reporting that isn't partisan screeching on either side.

We could discuss whether or not you bothered to speak up when Bush was running roughshod all over the middle east and instead just held your criticisms until a Democrat was in office.

But really. I heard some cute stories and wanted to share them. Do we have to have a political argument over that?

For everything there is a season. Give it about 6 more months and the political arguments will come fast and furious, I assure you!

Will it help that I am in agreement that we need to get the hell out of Afghanistan? And possibly Libya but we are in wait and see mode about it. I was quite pissed when Clinton invaded Yugoslavia but it ended up good. I gave Bush the benefit of the doubt for a good 6-8 months over Iraq.

And I definitely agree with you about Wikileaks. The american press is not doing their job.

[logiphage]

Sure we could get into the idea that the airwaves are there "for the public good" and that it is worth taxpayer money to get valuable reporting that isn't partisan screeching on either side.

There's nothing that is not 'for the public good' then. Someone is a member of the public and benefits from other people funding whatever it is they enjoy.

1) Tax people.
2) Offer some service.
3) Claim it's for the public good.
4) ...
5) Profit!

I'm pretty sure if Clearchannel took your money then offered free Rush Limbaugh to everyone! for the public good! you might feel differently.

People should pay for the services they consume.

We could discuss whether or not you bothered to speak up when Bush was running roughshod all over the middle east and instead just held your criticisms until a Democrat was in office.

I was critical of Bush increasingly over time. I don't mind at all when people criticize Bush. I do think it's funny when they think that's somehow an excuse for Obama.

Will it help that I am in agreement that we need to get the