Before you start reading this post, please keep in mind that all of these example were taken from an actual conversation I had with an actual conservative. Also, it may seem like I’m ranting endlessly without a point or direction; this is not true! I promise I have a reason for this post, and it will be clear by the end of the blog.
Now would be a good time to jump. Also, Happy New Years everyone!
I’m sitting on Facebook, conversing with some of the various people who have added me from the NextGenGOP page. I start talking to a female (who will remain anonymous) about Bill O’Reilly. We were discussing some of the various interviews and segments that he has done. Since I have a family member who watches him every night religiously, I happen to see most of his shows. Of course the Barney Frank interview was brought up (random YouTube link by the way, I do not endorse or support whoever uploaded that video). She said something to the point of, “Didn’t you love it when he yelled at Barney Frank!?” Of course, I did not. I went on to state that if O’Reilly had kept his cool and had actual debated Barney Frank inside of yelling at him, he would have made a much stronger case and point. Cornering Frank with his own words and actions and then pointing out any excuses he could have come up with would have made a much better interview, and would have also furthered the conservative cause a little.
Wasn’t that the reason why Barney Frank was invited on the show in the first place? He agreed to come onto a show that many Democrats refuse to even think about appearing on. He gave a highly watched and conservative based television show a clear shot at him, and all O’Reilly did was yell at him. Of course I don’t agree with Barney Frank at all. I’m still pretty sure that Frank is allowed to have his own thoughts and opinions though. This certain female went on to say that I was a ’secret democrat’, and that she could not believe that I was ‘defending’ Barney Franks. Really? Defending? Saying that he’s allowed his own opinion is defending? Apparently the First Amendment is very vague. Nonetheless, she deleted and blocked me on Facebook. I’m very thankful for that to be honest.
Now look, I don’t care if you personally love or hate either O’Reilly or Frank, that’s not the point. The point is that we need to be a little more open to other people’s opinions. Why? Besides the fact that every American is entitled to his or her own opinion, I would also like to point out that there are more registered Democrats than Republicans. If as conservatives we do not allow others to have their own opinions, and also have civil arguments and discussions with these people, how are we ever going to progress as a party? And is that not the best way to further our cause is to point out the shortcomings of ideas that go against our own? I think so. If one conservative is going to block communication with another conservative over a First Amendment issue, I don’t want to know what she would have done to a real liberal. Honestly; keep the discussions and arguments going! In a civil manner, of course.
Last 5 posts by James Clarkson
- A Few (New?) Thoughts - March 31st, 2009
- Republican Loss Myth #2 - November 13th, 2008
- Republican Loss Myth #1 - November 6th, 2008
- Young Voter Turnout in Colorado - November 4th, 2008
- Going Forward Post-Election In 2008 - November 3rd, 2008
I agree. The ability for us to have civil, thoughtful debates and discussions is a big part of what makes America great! The reason why I can still talk to my liberal friends about politics is because I can have calm and thoughtful political discussions with them without all of the yelling and generalities. In my opinion, if we as conservatives can embrace the art of thoughtful debate, we can easily grow our party.
like the girl u talked to on facebook i thought the barney frank fight was funny to watch, but that girl went a little crazy saying ur a secret democrat. i consider O’Reilly to be a entertainer, his job is not further the conservative message so i think if he wants to yell at people on his show it is his show. O’Reilly, Limbaugh, and Hannity are just entertainers and they will continue to do things to get good ratings. I agree with you about the first amendment rights and about not being closed minded. but after the 2008 election i think conservatives just need a good laugh and these guys give it to us.
Perhaps this is part of the problem today; the Right has too many entertainers and too few journalists or intellectuals.
Lol…I would agree that the right has too many entertainers, but the left has ONLY entertainers. Entertainment is very important. O’Reilly – regardless of what you think about him – plays an important role.
Can you name a liberal intellectual who hasn’t has their ideas rebutted already? We have ideas, the problem is that our entertainers are too angry and white. Angry and white sells decently if you are angry or white or an angry white sympathizer, but if you don’t fall into any of those groups, you can have a hard time understanding people like O’Reilly and Rush.
Lastly…I recently heard a Frank interview where he said:
“Yeah, I’m for welfare,” Frank replies. “You’re not? Are you for letting people starve?”
I hate that man. We are in the midst of an obesity epidemic of which he seems to be a victim and he is playing the starvation card. lol. You can quote me on that if you want.
It is nowhere near accurate to suggest that the Left only has entertainers. Sure, Al Franken the (unfortunately) likely junior senator from Minnesota, made his career as an entertainer, but even the unabashedly liberal in television media attempt a serious and generally courteous tone when interviewing guests. Granted, I’m not that frequent of a watcher, but Keith Olbermann’s show comes to mind. How does the Right expect to be taken seriously when all it offers in audio/visual media are shock jocks?
You must be joking. Keith Olbermann is Bill O’Reilly with a serious head injury and minus a soul.
To be fair to liberals, I would say that there are only a handful of conservative commentators who put information and thought over pure entertainment: Dennis Prager is the main one who comes to mind. He would wipe the floor with anyone any day on any issue. Fox should give that man his own show. I am not sure how much he would appeal to the lowest common denominator though.
Where is outrage over responsibility for the recession now that facts are clear in the rearview mirror?
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http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2009/01/democrat-responsibility-for-economic.html
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It was evident then, it is even more evident now. Yet no feet are being held to the fire. Can we assume Madoff arrived just in time to take the brunt of it, deflecting all attention from where it should be focussed?