What in the world has happened to all of the rational, articulate , intlligent people who used to call into CSPAN?
I think I found Bush's 32 percent who approve of him, they are ALL calling into CSPAN. I think I have found all the Conspiracy theorists on the Left, they too are ALL calling into CSPAN.
I may be lagging a bit behind the times in this regard.
But, first thing in the morning, I had a routine where I would turn on CSPAN and have my coffee while watching Washington Journal and drinking that first, welcomed, delicious cup of coffee as the sun rises in the East.
Many of the Callers on the Democrat Line or the Independent Line would put forth some rational, articulate, intelligent rebuttals to Wingnut callers. I then began to relish and love the discontented Republicans who would call in to bash the Bush policies. But something has happened in the past few months that has me turning off the Washington Journal in the morning. I think I will only watch CSPAN programming at other times.
CSPAN is an Excellent Opportunity for Progressives to call in and offer intelligent, articulate, rational arguments against the Wingnuts' Propaganda and Lies.
But instead, what I have been hearing since mid summer has been discourging and frustrating.
* For one thing, instead of having lines for Republicans, Democrats, Independents, they started this ridiculous..
Support Bush
Support Democrats
Support Others
For almost ANY Call In Segment. That is just plain stupid.
As it leaves no room for those Democrats who may NOT be supporting Democrats like Lieberman or Senator Clinton( and guests reflecting those views claming all Dems are agreeing with Hilly or Joey ) but it also does not leave room for Old time Eisenhower Republicans like a few elderly neighbors of mine who want to call in who detest Bush for what he has done to Republicans but feel they are too old to switch parties.
Yes, I work on them to switch but I am not about to Bully an 88 year old woman.
* The Religious Wingnuts comprise most of the calls as well as War mongers, that say ..Nuke them all..to any question posed for the Call in segments. The wackiest, the weirdest, the craziest of the Right call CSPAN. They love Bush and call us all Traitors. That is a given, doubt that will change any time soon...but we need voices of reason and rationality to counter these voices. Instead, I hear all this blather on all sides. NOt all the time, mind you, but quite a bit.
* Naturally because Republican Moderates are shrinking, they are nonexistent. And with this Support President Line or Support Others or Democrats, I think the moderates tend to fade away and do not call. But anyway, having said that, I am disappointed with Democrats calling in who only bash other callers and DO NOT ADDRESS the REAL issues!!! They will do so via the Internet but they get on that DAMN phone and just get into a Pissing Contest.
* Far too many callers on the Democrats' or Independents' Line have been those Shouting that 9-11 was an Inside Job.
It is to the point where the HOST not only expects this but it is routine and Yawn for him. I cannot say I blame the hosts except I wish they would ASK if there are Callers on the Democrats' Lines who Disagree with the Kooky Conspiracy Theorists and Believe that Terrorists did intend plan and carry out 9-11. I think these People calling in and Hollering that 9-11 was planned and carried out by Bush do damage to Progressive Causes. We need Rational Voices to Speak out.
* Bush harms the country in countless ways everyday. We have enough ammo to hurl at this administration without our side having to lie and fabricate. Just call CSPAN and be a Straight Shooter based on FACTS. NOW that would be Novel Approach.
* I am discovering that far too Republicans listening to CSPAN think all Democrats believe 9-11 was an Inside Job and that we are all way out there in left field. Granted, some will always think this and the Hell with them.
But DAMMIT, we need voices like DKOS subscriber voices Calling in..in larger numbers who make sense and REALLY do reflect the mainstream of this country. Folks, recent polls show WE are the Mainstream, more so everyday. !!!
* Far too Many Democrats are calling in and not being rebutted by other callers who say they HAVE NO Party because their Party and the Republicans are both Soft on Immigration. Where are these Democrats coming from Who are Calling on the Government to Jail and Deport ALL Hispanic Immigrants? All I know is Immigration gets Democrats and Republicans calling in and hollering and agreeing. I hate that. I know in my state of PA, 80 pct are for this Wall and for deportation and obsessed about immigration. That gives Man on Dog some support he does not deserve. We need people calling CSPAN with some Rational Points about Immigration Reform.
* Far too Many Independents and Democrats are Calling the Show and simply name calling without being more Specific. Sure we are ALL angry and we are all livid, furious and more..but I think we need to show we are Intelligent, and Rational at the same time. One thing that turns off many voters are Irrational, Screeching, crazy talk on both sides of the political spectrum.
*We NEED Sound, Articulate, Rational, Intelligent Voices like I see here Everyday, Every Hour on DKOS to be Calling in. As Where the Hell are those Voices? I think CSPAN is an Excellent Forum to be heard by the Public as all Sides, all points of View watch the show.
* I should start with myself as I only call in every great once in a while. Mainly because I want to say something concisely, intelligently, and also I have some health problems which sometimes prevent me from doing so. But I have been trying to email them. Occasionally, they read emails and not just do phone calls.
* I am just frustrated with all these irrational, inarticulate, voices sounding off on issues on CSPAN.
Maybe they are the ones getting through because they have the time to wait. I do not know what is going on. I would like to hear your viewpoints as to why more rational, intelligent callers ..not just Progressives but even Moderates are not calling.
I can get online and read all these thought provoking, amazing comments and diaries on MANY websites but it seems absent from CSPAN callers.
Now I am off to do something worthwhile instead of just Vent like GOTV and my volunteer work to get Man on Dog retired. Thanks for listening.