DTs war against the Press is really his war against reality. It is his way of controlling the press and the information you have access to. What should be reported? When? How? Who should be given access? Restricting Freedom of the Press is a violation of the FIRST AMENDMENT of the Constitution. Freedom of the press is the backbone of Democracy.
“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”
—U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)
The freedom of the press, protected by the First Amendment, is critical to a democracy in which the government is accountable to the people. A free media functions as a watchdog that can investigate and report on government wrongdoing. It is also a vibrant marketplace of ideas, a vehicle for ordinary citizens to express themselves and gain exposure to a wide range of information and opinions.
Today, just this afternoon, the White House banned NYTimes, CNN, and Politico from attending Spicey Spicers Press Conference. The Times and the Associated Press choose not to attend in protest. Bat$*** crazy Brietbart was allowed entrance…nothing wrong with that (insert large eye roll)
The time is NOW, RISE UP, my friends or it will be too late.
DT rescinded federal protection laws protecting transgendered students from using the bathroom of their choice—WHY? because he is a gigantic D-Bag!
I can’t mince words over this one. Fear—-Fueling HATE!
What role did his administration play–they are all intertwined. Sessions forcing DeVos who had to approve the move as head of the Department of Education–they must all be held accountable. Many news sources reported her original hesitancy, until she was instructed to fall into line–and she did.
“The New York Times reported Wednesday that DeVos was concerned about the level of harm that transgender students could face without the instructions in place. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and President Trump reportedly pushed DeVos to get on board. White House spokesman Sean Spicer pushed back on that story, saying there is “no daylight” between the President and his Cabinet.” (1,2)
This lead to a bus stop chat with my youngest this morning about civil rights, humanity and doing the right thing. Even my 14 year old could easily conclude that—-Standing up for others is not always an easy thing to do but it is ALWAYS the right thing to do.
I wrote the following poem after the election when hate crimes started to rise, a direct reflection of DT’s direction and leadership. As a result of the desecration of over 100 Jewish cemetery headstones in St. Louis and the bomb threats called into Jewish Community Centers, I wanted to revisit the issue of fear mongering and its outcomes.
FOX news panders to a fan base that runs on fear and generates hate. As a result the news it churns out, the propaganda it spews, intolerance grows. Who is FOX’s fanbase? White supremacists, bigots, anti-muslims, anti-blacks, antisemitics–some would argue this includes older, white, typically men, typically less educated as its majority and I don’t think I could argue against that point. Now, I am not saying ALL FOX viewers are older, white and uneducated or that all DT supporters are “Deplorables” but those supporters who are xenophobic, homophobic, white supremacists, bigots, misogynists, etc–well, they are DEPLORABLE without exception.
When a leader leads with a fear mongering tactic or uses a media source, in this case FOX, whose entire spiel is fear mongering, the end goals is always HATE. Fox has created a fan base that HATES and this is not acceptable and a leader who believes their rhetoric is a dangerous, ignorant leader.
Written after the election in response to rise in hate crimes:
Racism here, racism there, racism everywhere–on a plane, in a store, you can see it more and more. Leaders, will you not lead, protect the people must we plead, but you are busy, that we know, ranting on twitter putting on a show.
Everyday we cannot believe the way you behave, we cannot conceive. However, day by day, it becomes more clear that you will deliver on the hate you heave. Spreading lies, cronies in tow, to those concerned, it is such a blow.
Achieving greatness was your goal…but alas it seems, this, we must forego.
Mother of 3
Nurse
Colts Neck, NJ
Resources:
Vandals damage 100 headstones at Jewish cemetery, police say, http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/21/us/jewish-cemetery-vandalized/
Another Wave Of Bomb Threats Targets Jewish Community Centers, http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/02/21/516422832/another-wave-of-bomb-threats-targets-jewish-community-centers
It has been 31 days since DT’s inauguration. I really feel as if I have remained in a state of shock since election night. I was so naive. I thought everyone saw his character flaws for what they were. I thought my friends and family could see through his facade of being a business man and instead see his inability to be a good business man. I thought he wore his failed business practices, lack of moral character and unintelligence as a suit that everyone could see. I kept waiting, waiting for them to see the light–to see that The Emperor was Naked and that suit was invisible.
During the election, everyday I thought–this would be the day. The day when the world, the people saw him for what he was. Would it be when (not listed in chronological order, just as I remember them):
1) He claimed he saw thousands of Muslims celebrating in the streets after 9/11–and it was a LIE (1)
2) When he mocked a NYTimes reporter’s disability (1)
3) Called Mexicans rapists
4) Stated that he would build a wall and have Mexico pay for it (silly me, I thought this was ridiculous and never imagined 1) people would chant “Build a Wall” or 2) that anyone including DT planned on following through with this)
5) Hillary started the birther movement–Jeez Louise–I am convinced DT ran only because of Obama’s roast at the White House’s Correspondence Dinner (watch Trump’s face–can you see it; he is seething)
6) Saying he liked people who were not captured in war when talking about war hero, John McCain (this from a man who not only never served by repeatedly deferred his enrollment)
7) Said there was blood coming out of her wherever, when talking derogatorily about Megyn Kelly
8) Attacked celebrities and other females (Carly Fiona) physical appearance
9) Said, “I do not believe in climate change”
9) Declared he knows more about ISIS than a US General (no General in particular–all generals)
10) Declared Putin a better leader than Obama
11) A fan favorite: “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose voters.” (Rally in Iowa, January 23, 2016) [2]
12) Encouraged his supports to “knock the crap” out of people recalling the better days when you could just punch people–and he went on to claim he would cover their legal fees (that did not incite any violence….uhmm, yes, yes it did)
13) Endorsed Tump Tower but claiming Mexicans make the best taco bowel (a pitiful attempt to make amends for the “Mexicans are rapists” comment–to now suggest they all work in kitchens and make a mean taco bowel)
14) Called Warren, Pocahontas (a jeer he has since returned to post election)
15) I don’t think anyone cares about my tax returns (by the way, I DO and so do MILLIONS of others and I imagine so does the FBI at this point–hiding any Russian payments?)
16) Calling Hillary a NASTY WOMAN (which has since become a battle cry)
17)–I wil end at his Pussycat incident because I am running out of time; there are just too many offensive things to list.
You can find a list of all the other outrageous, ridiculous and downright absurd comments here, Politico or New York Magazine or Washington Post or just google away.
I thought everyone would choose the most qualified experienced candidate and put their personal feelings aside. I had one friend tell me that she could never vote for Hillary because of how she reacted with Bill’s infidelity when in office. The fact that DT has been married 3 times and had affairs on his wives and divorced them–not a problem but Hillary standing by Bill’s side when he was President enraged her. Many Americans judged Hillary through Bill and as I woman, as a married woman, I was baffled. Don’t my actions, my intelligence, my behavior matter. Will I, am I judged as an extension of my husband in business in life. My god! I love my husband but how he behaves, how he performs in his job, how he fathers–those are his actions. Ok–going off on a tangent here. I certainly want to return to this topic on another day but I will end here tonight.
Today was #NotMyPresident Day and I did not celebrate. I will continue to #Resist and I hope you will too.
There was a wonderful story in the NY Times magazine this morning, The Age of Rudeness. For me it really hit home. I have been thinking a lot about peoples’ perception of rudeness ever since the election. Although my parents never specifically told me that “talking politics” was rude and I consider myself to be a “Free to Be You and Me” kind of girl (raised in the 70s), the fact is–politics were not spoken in my little world. I was under the impression that talking politics was inappropriate and should be avoided in any social situation. You may offend someone and that would be rude.
It is this offense that prevented me against speaking out during the elections. Prevented me from declaring LOUD & PROUD that #IAmWithHer. The same feeling that prevented me from speaking out against DT and his many character flaws and bad behavior. What if I offended a friend? I don’t want to make anyone feel bad. I have always been driven by my empathy for others and respecting their feelings.
The irony is, the same thing that prevented me from speaking out during the election is the very reason I am speaking out now. I am concerned about others. I am concerned about the culture of hate DT and his administration promote. I want to protect all religions (not just Christianity-and I recognize that Melanie speaking the Lord’s prayer before DT’s ego rally yesterday excluded all the other American’s that do not hold the same faith or have no religion), all people regardless of ethnicity, sexual identity, and socio-economic backgrounds. I want to protect the climate and environment and all species on the planet. I do not want to put my needs and wants ahead of anyone else’s.
My willingness to stand for everyone is American and I refuse to apologize or remain silent for the sake of maybe offending someone. My silence, my politeness is one of the reasons we are where we are today. I will stand up. I am not afraid. I will not sit silently by as civil liberties, basic human decency and Democracy are threatened.
This is a defining time in history. Where do you stand?
Enough of the 1984 Doublespeak—I for one need reliable news and guess what folks, that does NOT include FOX. I agree that every media organization may have a “lean” to the right or to the left but a reputable source will do its best to eliminate that lean, maintain neutrality and stick to the facts. FOX for years has pandered to its base and leans so far to the right that it fell off the map of reputable news media sources long ago. When we look back to identify the divide in America, we will need to identify the role that FOX played. How it set the stage for Doublespeak and defining of “fake news”. FOX for years has played around with a role in propaganda and seems to be embracing its influence over redefining reality.
FOX news IS the fanbase that elected DT and it is the main news source of DT supporters. So denying it played a role in election outcomes or it’s role in creating the culture of the DT fan base would be denying reality.
(source from NYT, 1)
Since his campaign DT has focused on the media and what he calls failing or “fake” news and he willingly throws this term out, labeling any media outlet that does not buy into his crazy, that does not paint him the way he wants, that focuses on facts and not his administrations’ “alternative facts” –as failing or “FAKE NEWS” . In the case of CNN at the press conference this week he went a step further with a combative and vindictive approach, “Very Fake News.” Here is a transcript of the exchange:
QUESTION: Just because of the attack of fake news and attacking our network, I just want to ask you, sir…
TRUMP: I’m changing it from fake news, though.
QUESTION: Doesn’t that under…
TRUMP: Very fake news. (3)
This is not funny. His war with the media highlights a big issue. Bigger than where does he get his news (because I am pretty sure FOX & Friends is his main news source) but when he casts doubt on all other sources, his base is only exposed to what media he determines as “real”. There is no accountability and we truly become the 1984 society, Orwellian society.
His tweet yesterday—ignoring its implications is dangerous. By discrediting all sources he does not agree with or sources who do not promote his propaganda—as fake sources and now ENEMIES is fascism at its finest. It does help us normal folks, identify the news sources we should be watching NYT, CNN, NBC (he actually deleted this tweet–only to add more news sources to his enemy list). Thanks, DT.
(Source 2)
Our reporters are now our FREEDOM FIGHTERS and soldiers against the administration’s movement away from reality and the blind acceptance of the bull$*** DT, Spicer, Miller and Conway (although, she may be gone–have not seen much of her this week) are shoveling.
This week in San Antonio, Tx, at a PBS station we can see a clear example of how the administration tried to silence free press and almost succeeded (4).
“The story began with a Jan. 24 speech that Representative Lamar Smith, Republican of Texas, gave on the House floor regarding what he described as the unfair way the national media was covering President Trump. He said for instance that the media ignored highs in consumer confidence, which of course it did not. And he ended with an admonition for his constituents: “Better to get your news directly from the president. In fact, it might be the only way to get the unvarnished truth.” (4)’
Two scary things are happening here: 1) discrediting the news media, following DT’s lead and 2) suggesting his constituents get their news directly from the 1984 Big Brother aka DT. WOW! Do I smell fascism here? What other governments suggests getting news only from “the leader”? North Korea, Nazi Germany, Italy under Mussolini…..my god, did an elected public official actually suggest this? The terrifying thing is that many of DT’s followers believe it, believe that mainstream media is “fake”.
So a broadcaster, Rick Casey, picked up on the absurdity of the comment and the far reaching implications and created a commentary piece that included a reference to North Korea (which was an easy association by anyone who heard Rep. Lamar Smith’s original comment) [5]. Good ole’ Lamar got wind of the segment via Facebook and called the station manager and chief operator, Arthur Rojas Emerson and next thing you know the piece was pulled [5]. Pulled most likely for a few reasons 1) DT’s admin is pushing for defunding of PBS (more on this later) and 2) Emerson and Smith had an old working relationship (5). Thankfully when people caught wind of the cancellation Emerson ended up doing the right thing and letting it air at a later date but you can see how making decisions about what news to air based on government funding or government retribution means the news is no longer neutral and freedom of the press is revoked.
NPR released an interesting post today about a potential lawsuit by The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel in Colorado (5).
“The dispute began with an opinion column in the newspaper supporting a bill that would give journalists and others greater access to public records. Scott, who represents Grand Junction and serves as assistant majority leader in the state Senate, postponed a hearing and vote on the bill (5)”
Senator Ray Scott then posted this to his Facebook page:
“The very liberal GJ Sentinel is attempting to apply pressure for me to move a bill. They have no facts, as usual, and tried to call me out on SB 40 know as the CORA bill. They haven’t contacted me to get any information on why the bill has been delayed but choose to run a fake news story demanding I run the bill (5).”
I for one, hope they do file the lawsuit or better yet, I hope CNN files a defamation lawsuit against DT and his administration–maybe go after Spicey Spicer first, the weak link. This would set a precedent and put an end to the slander… or at least try.
For now, folks, Fake News = REAL NEWS and DT’s enemies aka reporters should be recognized as the freedom information fighters that they are. Stand tall reporters, focus on the facts and do not fall prey to the propaganda that DT and his administration push. We, the public, are relying on you. #RESIST
What ties did the DT admin have before, during and after the election?
Did Flynn act without DT’s direction. I doubt it but I want to know.
What role did Comey play in the election and its outcomes. He specifically called attention to Hillary Clinton’s emails days before the election but at the same time had knowledge of Flynn’s contact with Russia and possible violation of the Logan Act. His actions and inactions make no sense.
Why did Russia deploy a cruise missile on Feb 15th which was an apparent violation of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty (2)?
What is a Russian spy ship doing off the coast of CT–what it it’s purpose?
Why are people and Congress not more concerned about the relations the admin has with Russia and the Russian attempts to test boundaries?
DT does not see anything wrong with Flynn’s violation on the Logan act (he stated so in his press conference on 2/16/17– this concerns me. This was an act of treason and if DT was aware, he needs to be removed from office. So I guess the most important question is WILL CONGRESS OPEN A FORMAL INVESTIGATION into DT’s and his administrations’ Russian relations?
If you have not heard what a disaster DT’s Press Conference was yesterday, Feb. 16, 2017, you must be living under a rock. Even those who consider themselves DT supporters could not ignore the lunacy. We knew he was a bad speaker who could barely string two sentences together but MY GOD he clings to the electoral vote lie like a dog to a bone and he is unable to FOCUS on anything. The 75 minutes he took from us will be forever known as the CRAZIEST Presidential Press Conference ever–it was BIGLY cray cray (1).
What he did not do:
1) He did not stick to the task of announcing Alexander Acosta as labor secretary pick because we quickly realized that this press conference was a RANT despite DT’s claim it was not:
“I’m not ranting and raving. I’m just telling you. You know, you’re dishonest people. But — but I’m not ranting and raving. I love this. I’m having a good time doing it.” (1)
The “dishonest people” just don’t know what they are watching. Good thing, he told us it was not a rant. I would have been so confused if my President did not tell me how to think or what I was seeing…insert 1984 DOUBLETHINK here. Needless to say, he did not stay on task.
2) He also did not provide clarity on any issue (Russia included) except for the fact that he is unstable.
3) He did not denounce Mike Flynn, instead he praised him??? What is wrong with this man? At a time when many American’s are calling for a formal investigation into his and his administrations’ ties to Russia, he doubles down on what he sees as the problem, the dishonest media. Make no mistake, my friends, dishonest is anyone that does not support him whether it is the news media or american citizens (remember his New Year’s Day Jeer where he calls all who voted against him “enemies”).
He had this to say about his pal Mikey:
He didn’t have to do that [resign], because what he did wasn’t wrong — what he did in terms of the information he saw. What was wrong was the way that other people, including yourselves in this room, were given that information, because that was classified information that was given illegally. That’s the real problem.
Then later when further questioned, he had this to say:
TRUMP: Because when I looked at the information, I said, “I don’t think he did anything wrong; if anything, he did something right.” He was coming into office. He looked at the information. He said, “Huh, that’s fine.” That’s what they’re supposed to do. They’re supposed to — he didn’t just call Russia. He called and spoke to both ways, I think there were 30-some-odd countries. He’s doing the job.
You know, he was doing his job. The thing is, he didn’t tell our vice president properly, and then he said he didn’t remember. So either way, it wasn’t very satisfactory to me. And I have somebody that I think will be outstanding for the position [Robert Harward did go on to turn DT down. I can’t blame him. Who wants to be part of this $*** show]. And that also helps, I think, in the making of my decision.
Focus, Donald, your war against the media (the only thing trying to hold you in check since the Republicans in Congress (aside from McCain–god, who ever thought I would be in support of McCain) are not and refuse to DO THEIR JOBS–here is looking at you Ryan and don’t even get me started MITCH–let’s just say, “she persisted”. When will they realize this is a sinking ship and their loyalties and inability to take action will be remembered.
Things he RANTED about:
1) Continued media discrediting. Is he delusional? Even a FOX reporter called out the crazy, and you know I am no fan of FOX
DT had this to say:
“The leaks are real. The leaks are absolutely real. The news is fake because so much of the news is fake,” (1)
Independent news sources are the ONLY ones doing their job right now. Sources you can rely on for REAL NEWS: NYT, CNN, WASHINGTON POST, NBC, MSN, MBC, Reuters, PBS, NPR, WALL STREET JOURNAL and many more. Sources you cannot rely on—-FOX, my friends, (despite Shep’s attempt to keep this news venue in the running of reputable, the rest of the crew panders to it’s base. Who is it’s base? Take a few minutes and visit the FOX Facebook page and read the comments on any political post–brace yourself, you will feel extremely saddened and lose hope in basic human decency) and bat $*** crazy Breitbart (which, my friends, is NOT a news site).
2) How he inherited a “mess” (thankfully history disputes this–BIGLY). He claimed our country was divided before he took office- then added a “seriously” to the end of the sentence—to which I respond louder and with thick sarcasm, “SERIOUSLY?”
3) His BIGLY win. Still with the electoral votes. He cannot and will not acknowledge his narrow win and the fact that the majority of Americans did not support him. I will let his words speak for themselves—but 4 weeks later he is still fixated on THIS. #THISISNOTNORMAL
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE) said today that you have big intellectual margins (inaudible) 300 or more (ph), or 350 (ph) electoral (ph) votes. President Obama about 365 (OFF-MIKE).
(CROSSTALK)
TRUMP: Yeah.
QUESTION: Obama (OFF-MIKE) 426 on (OFF-MIKE). So why should Americans…
(CROSSTALK)
TRUMP: …I’m skipping that information, I don’t know, I was just given (ph) we had a very, very big margin.
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE) why should Americans trust you (OFF-MIKE) the information (OFF-MIKE)?
TRUMP: Well, I don’t know, I was given that information. I was given — I actually, I’ve seen that information around. But it was a very substantial victory, do you agree with that? OK thank you, that’s… (1)
4) Muslin travel ban. “We had a very smooth roll out of the travel ban. But we had a bad court,” Trump said. “We had a bad decision, that is the only thing that is wrong with the travel ban.” (1) Really, smooth roll out? What planet is this man on. He also referred to his admin as a “Fine Tuned Machine”–yup, he does not see chaos. His existence is chaos; he thrives on it.
—this man is crazy. You don’t think so?–watch the press conference and read the transcript. I can’t possible categorize each offensive, crazy, inappropriate, untrue point–there are not enough hours in the day.
An new scientific report shows high levels of pollution in some of the deepest parts of the ocean — far from the industries that created the pollution. Somehow I doubt DT and his cronies will read or care about this new, disturbing finding.
“Just because pollution is out of sight doesn’t mean it’s harmless. One scientist says, ‘We’ve got to remember, planet Earth is mostly deep sea…and to think that it’s OK just to ignore it is a little bit irresponsible.'”
It’s A LOT irresponsible! And DT wants to put an oil and gas and industry buddy (Scott Pruitt) in charge of EPA? Oh, I get it…So he can destroy EPA and our air, water, and land.
