Can’t remember where I heard this, “Be afraid, be very afraid”, and I am. Afraid for my country and the security of its citizens. I am 75 and more vigilant now than I have ever been; no peaceful golden years for me.
Mr. Rather, to me, when CBS fired you during the Bush junior campaign, it was the moment when television news stopped caring about the truth. Fox News is disgusting and reprehensible, but CBS helped pave the way.
Voting people with no ethics or morality out of office is our only hope. That means each of us has to do our part. We need to be informed about candidates’ stance on issues. Volunteers have come to my door and the first question I ask is where the candidate stands on human rights for all people. We all have to do this. I wish I was more sure that this would happen.
Fox News is helping destroy this country, not that its “faces” (Carlson, Hannity, Ingraham, etc.) or its owners (the Murdochs) care in the least. They’re making lots of money and that’s all that matters to them.
But, I would add that there would be no Fox News without the late Rush Limbaugh. The corrosive effect he had on our body politic cannot be overstated, whether it was through his sneering contempt for feminism or his constant attacks on any environmental regulation. He “laid the tracks” for Fox News, and his legacy is this country’s political fracturing.
I've always heard that Fox filed to be an "entertainment" channel rather than a "news" channel and that's how they get away with the lies. I've written several congress people to say there should be a law that entertainment channels shouldn't be able to use the word NEWS in their name.
Mr. Rather, I appreciate you concise, intelligent reflection on our times. Many in our nation have turned their backs on intelligence and with a myopic fervor are allowing themselves to be led to the slaughter. Thank you for being a leader for many, and a voice of reason.
Oz is a huckster !! Who, with a brain, thinks he belongs in public office. He has a desperate need for attention and now power! Oprah promoted him - providing him with her seal of approval, a powerful platform. She should speak up - speak out - and declare that he was an error in judgement. Pennsylvania deserves better … our country does!
The hatred, fear, marginalizing of other, violence that Fox instills and incites is the second most dangerous aspect of modern life. The very most dangerous has been their pretend denial of science for women, their fellow Americans and the planet. I don't understand how a great and powerful nation has gone this far down the road of destruction. Where we're the checks and balances? Where's the law and order? I'm so tired of being frightened for my kids and grandkids.
The "Fox Hole" says "we report, you decide." What a crock. To use the term "report" implies that they are journalists. This couldn't be further from the truth. Their tag line should be "We propagandize, you suck it up without question."
Thank you, Dan Rather, for your excellent perspective on the frightening events happening in our country today. Journalists on the more mainstream networks need to powerfully let the public know about these dangerous assaults on our democracy by so-called "journalists."
Yes, but what can we do about Fox News? Individually as consumers, as constituents of elected officials? And what can other businesses do? How about elected officials?
Someone has to do something, and waiting for Murdoch to time it down is not what I have in mind. Please suggest actions.
Almost all my former circle of friends, who are now barely acquaintances these days, were radicalized by their daily diet of Fox. They believe literally everything that they watch on that network. It is for them the source of their truth. Many of these folks were also greatly influenced by the radio talk shows as well--especially the late Rush Limbaugh. There is no common ground any longer for our friendship that in many cases was several decades long. In addition, every major news network has been influenced by Fox's successful use of propaganda. I remind myself of this daily as I watch the CBS evening news and read the New York Times. I feel like I must be vigilant in assessing news no matter what source delivers it. Facts, data, and truth are important. We can't ever forget that no matter how pervasive the lies become.
Can’t remember where I heard this, “Be afraid, be very afraid”, and I am. Afraid for my country and the security of its citizens. I am 75 and more vigilant now than I have ever been; no peaceful golden years for me.
Mr. Rather, to me, when CBS fired you during the Bush junior campaign, it was the moment when television news stopped caring about the truth. Fox News is disgusting and reprehensible, but CBS helped pave the way.
Voting people with no ethics or morality out of office is our only hope. That means each of us has to do our part. We need to be informed about candidates’ stance on issues. Volunteers have come to my door and the first question I ask is where the candidate stands on human rights for all people. We all have to do this. I wish I was more sure that this would happen.
Fox News is helping destroy this country, not that its “faces” (Carlson, Hannity, Ingraham, etc.) or its owners (the Murdochs) care in the least. They’re making lots of money and that’s all that matters to them.
But, I would add that there would be no Fox News without the late Rush Limbaugh. The corrosive effect he had on our body politic cannot be overstated, whether it was through his sneering contempt for feminism or his constant attacks on any environmental regulation. He “laid the tracks” for Fox News, and his legacy is this country’s political fracturing.
I've always heard that Fox filed to be an "entertainment" channel rather than a "news" channel and that's how they get away with the lies. I've written several congress people to say there should be a law that entertainment channels shouldn't be able to use the word NEWS in their name.
Mr. Rather, I appreciate you concise, intelligent reflection on our times. Many in our nation have turned their backs on intelligence and with a myopic fervor are allowing themselves to be led to the slaughter. Thank you for being a leader for many, and a voice of reason.
I recall tsking my son to basic training. I was shocked to see the US military had FOX on every TV. Why propaganda,?
I am 92, I am not scared of dying, I am terrified of living through another Republican Administration, fueled by billionaires.
Oz is a huckster !! Who, with a brain, thinks he belongs in public office. He has a desperate need for attention and now power! Oprah promoted him - providing him with her seal of approval, a powerful platform. She should speak up - speak out - and declare that he was an error in judgement. Pennsylvania deserves better … our country does!
The hatred, fear, marginalizing of other, violence that Fox instills and incites is the second most dangerous aspect of modern life. The very most dangerous has been their pretend denial of science for women, their fellow Americans and the planet. I don't understand how a great and powerful nation has gone this far down the road of destruction. Where we're the checks and balances? Where's the law and order? I'm so tired of being frightened for my kids and grandkids.
The "Fox Hole" says "we report, you decide." What a crock. To use the term "report" implies that they are journalists. This couldn't be further from the truth. Their tag line should be "We propagandize, you suck it up without question."
Thank you, Dan Rather, for your excellent perspective on the frightening events happening in our country today. Journalists on the more mainstream networks need to powerfully let the public know about these dangerous assaults on our democracy by so-called "journalists."
Saw a bumper sticker years ago “Fox News bad for democracy “
Yes, but what can we do about Fox News? Individually as consumers, as constituents of elected officials? And what can other businesses do? How about elected officials?
Someone has to do something, and waiting for Murdoch to time it down is not what I have in mind. Please suggest actions.
You are so right on so many points. Thank you for your perspective is insightful and appreciated.
Almost all my former circle of friends, who are now barely acquaintances these days, were radicalized by their daily diet of Fox. They believe literally everything that they watch on that network. It is for them the source of their truth. Many of these folks were also greatly influenced by the radio talk shows as well--especially the late Rush Limbaugh. There is no common ground any longer for our friendship that in many cases was several decades long. In addition, every major news network has been influenced by Fox's successful use of propaganda. I remind myself of this daily as I watch the CBS evening news and read the New York Times. I feel like I must be vigilant in assessing news no matter what source delivers it. Facts, data, and truth are important. We can't ever forget that no matter how pervasive the lies become.