Press play to listen to Dan Rather read this essay. This Sunday Essay opens with a fair warning. You may find what I’ve written below to be a little different in tone and style from some of the previous fare on Steady. For starters, let’s consider the idea of “steady.” I remain committed to the concept and the community we are building here where we try to take a long view on the news of the moment with a sense of, well, steadiness. But being steady doesn’t mean you can’t also get more steamed than a locomotive. And that’s where I find myself today. So usher out the children. Cover sensitive ears. Because this old reporter is full of a little fire.
Instead of worrying about being full of fire for Biden, check out the many Biden family members who have made a lot of questionable money off his name. People like his son Hunter Biden, his brother Frank Biden and some of the other family members.
I remember when you and a producer of Sixty Minutes were let go from that news cast for falsifying records trying to convince people that President George Bush was lying about his military service . I am surprised you are still around, stay at Lake Travis and enjoy fishing
Dan, I used to respect you as one of the best reporters, but you lost it since you reported about Bush (I was and am not Bush's supporter). You keep falling down deeper because you keep lying. Yes The Big Lie IS Indeed A Big Deal. But, who lies??? Our country is in a very dark state because we are been having reporters like you and nowadays, CNN, MSNBC, CBS... I am deeply sad!
It certainly had a much better tone with you reading it. You have a smooth and steady voice of authority about news and always have. Thank you, I agree and it is nice that there is plenty of rational people like yourself calling out the nonsense of the snake oil salesman that are the Republican Party of today. The worst assembly of fools and bandits ever assembled.
The warning is real. Hitler and his supporters were the minority. If we do not oppose this dangerous attempt to derail government and all that we stand for it may open a door that we may not be able to close! Keep fighting for the people and the country Dan and we will surely win!
I enjoyed the audio form. I agree with staying steady, however, I’m concerned about the media. Since Joe Biden is not creating chaos every day as Trump did, is the media going to drop this “Big Lie” issue, and just move on with other more enticing articles ?
In the US, we’ve heard so much about “fake news,” that now this rhetoric seems to be gaining momentum in other countries.
What is happening, not only in the US, but around the world today, that people are afraid to trust the media? Are there too many publications, along with digital media, that want so badly to be heard, that they will write anything to get noticed?
I am so grateful that you continue to write and speak. You are the voice of many.
Thank you Dan. I couldn’t agree more, people who support The Big Lie must be held accountable for their words. Too many people have lost their ability to question what they are told and choose to follow blindly because they listen to people that should be trustworthy- especially our elected officials. Maybe it’s naive to believe elected officials should be trustworthy. It seems a rare commodity these days. Falling back on name calling and derogatory statements perpetuated by the previous administration and continued by certain members of Congress is too common among those who live in the fantasy land of The Big Lie. It can’t be allowed to live in the shadows; it is too dangerous to our democracy.
I love hearing you read your essays. Thank you for that gift.
Thank you for writing this powerful message! I am crying after reading your words that I agree with whole heartedly. I had given up thinking that anyone with a voice or power would articulate what I have been thinking for months. The Big Lie must be dealt with head on every single time someone utters it as fact. It must die and be buried. Not to ever forget; it is part of our history. Sadly.
Lastly, there are people in Congress who are also responsible for 1/6/21. They are not above the law.
Thank you, Mr. Rather, for for having the clear sight of what exactly the Big Lie has done, and will continue to do, to this nation.
As a budding journalist, I've admired your work for decades and you are a role model to me. I firmly believe in stating the facts and reporting truth, no matter how wonderful or grim that truth may be. You have shown the world that your word is to be trusted and your opinions are to be taken to heart. On the matter of the Big Lie, I believe your insights to be one of the most important pieces of your career. This is no joke, and it's not going away. Our Democracy, or the Democracy we've all taken for granted for so long, is on a precipice right now. If we falter, it will fall.
Thank you for speaking truth to the world, still.
*And, I love that you chose to read this article out loud, to be shared in audio format. Your voice has been and will always be a form of comfort and security to those of us that have had the honor of hearing you speak throughout our lifetimes. Thank you!
Awesome Audio. Truth about the "Big Lie" put into perspective in one nice "Package" which needed to be said, & who better to put it together, Thanks Dan Rather should be replayed across the nation. Just wish more would "Stand Up" like Liz Chaney, but, maybe more will now!
Amen. Also, the audio ... makes me feel more involved in the piece. Hearing it while reading and seeing the accompanying pictures is very close to the newscast experience I cherish remembering.
Thank you Mr Rather, Brilliantly done. It's a great comfort to me to hear your voice, as the voice of reason in this vitally important commentary that represents us, that solidifies our collective concerns, our beliefs and our faith in one another. You serve us well as you suceed in shining the light on our collective strengths, a light that invokes our very best attributes and hopes as it unites both Democrats and Republicans, true American of good faith, in the truth that " the big lie" will not continue to divide us or keep us from doing our duty of upholding our Constitution and ensuring equal voter rights for every American. As the former occupant of the White House meets with his fate, answers for his crimes, Americans will see Rupert Murdochs stranglehold on them as the aberration it truly is and will turn away from Fox Fixed Non- News" and the big lie" in disgust. The truth shall set them, set us free! Bravo Sir! ♡
Thank Mr. Rather. I totally agree with you!!! I have often thought for a few years now...what is the reason that nobody can see this happening right in front of them. Why was this vote allowed to be secret regarding MS Cheney? Did all of them forget who they work and serve? I don't understand what has happened to humanity!!! What can I do?
Hello Mr. Rather, I very much enjoyed your audio. What happened to Ms. Cheney this week echoes how dictatorships are formed. You are a voice of reason when it comes to things so crazy as this. Hold steady. Or has America already gone down the rabbit hole? How does America get back on track and onto the truth. 2+2=5. Hello 1984.
Mr. Rather
Instead of worrying about being full of fire for Biden, check out the many Biden family members who have made a lot of questionable money off his name. People like his son Hunter Biden, his brother Frank Biden and some of the other family members.
I remember when you and a producer of Sixty Minutes were let go from that news cast for falsifying records trying to convince people that President George Bush was lying about his military service . I am surprised you are still around, stay at Lake Travis and enjoy fishing
In retirement.
Don
well said
Dan, I used to respect you as one of the best reporters, but you lost it since you reported about Bush (I was and am not Bush's supporter). You keep falling down deeper because you keep lying. Yes The Big Lie IS Indeed A Big Deal. But, who lies??? Our country is in a very dark state because we are been having reporters like you and nowadays, CNN, MSNBC, CBS... I am deeply sad!
It certainly had a much better tone with you reading it. You have a smooth and steady voice of authority about news and always have. Thank you, I agree and it is nice that there is plenty of rational people like yourself calling out the nonsense of the snake oil salesman that are the Republican Party of today. The worst assembly of fools and bandits ever assembled.
The warning is real. Hitler and his supporters were the minority. If we do not oppose this dangerous attempt to derail government and all that we stand for it may open a door that we may not be able to close! Keep fighting for the people and the country Dan and we will surely win!
I enjoyed the audio form. I agree with staying steady, however, I’m concerned about the media. Since Joe Biden is not creating chaos every day as Trump did, is the media going to drop this “Big Lie” issue, and just move on with other more enticing articles ?
In the US, we’ve heard so much about “fake news,” that now this rhetoric seems to be gaining momentum in other countries.
What is happening, not only in the US, but around the world today, that people are afraid to trust the media? Are there too many publications, along with digital media, that want so badly to be heard, that they will write anything to get noticed?
I am so grateful that you continue to write and speak. You are the voice of many.
I agree wholeheartedly, and have been telling friends this exact same thing. Most agree with us, but it's the few who don't that worry me.
Thank you Dan. I couldn’t agree more, people who support The Big Lie must be held accountable for their words. Too many people have lost their ability to question what they are told and choose to follow blindly because they listen to people that should be trustworthy- especially our elected officials. Maybe it’s naive to believe elected officials should be trustworthy. It seems a rare commodity these days. Falling back on name calling and derogatory statements perpetuated by the previous administration and continued by certain members of Congress is too common among those who live in the fantasy land of The Big Lie. It can’t be allowed to live in the shadows; it is too dangerous to our democracy.
I love hearing you read your essays. Thank you for that gift.
Thank you for writing this powerful message! I am crying after reading your words that I agree with whole heartedly. I had given up thinking that anyone with a voice or power would articulate what I have been thinking for months. The Big Lie must be dealt with head on every single time someone utters it as fact. It must die and be buried. Not to ever forget; it is part of our history. Sadly.
Lastly, there are people in Congress who are also responsible for 1/6/21. They are not above the law.
Thank you, Mr. Rather, for for having the clear sight of what exactly the Big Lie has done, and will continue to do, to this nation.
As a budding journalist, I've admired your work for decades and you are a role model to me. I firmly believe in stating the facts and reporting truth, no matter how wonderful or grim that truth may be. You have shown the world that your word is to be trusted and your opinions are to be taken to heart. On the matter of the Big Lie, I believe your insights to be one of the most important pieces of your career. This is no joke, and it's not going away. Our Democracy, or the Democracy we've all taken for granted for so long, is on a precipice right now. If we falter, it will fall.
Thank you for speaking truth to the world, still.
*And, I love that you chose to read this article out loud, to be shared in audio format. Your voice has been and will always be a form of comfort and security to those of us that have had the honor of hearing you speak throughout our lifetimes. Thank you!
Awesome Audio. Truth about the "Big Lie" put into perspective in one nice "Package" which needed to be said, & who better to put it together, Thanks Dan Rather should be replayed across the nation. Just wish more would "Stand Up" like Liz Chaney, but, maybe more will now!
Amen. Also, the audio ... makes me feel more involved in the piece. Hearing it while reading and seeing the accompanying pictures is very close to the newscast experience I cherish remembering.
Do you believe these seditious lawmakers should, or could, be removed from office under the 14th Ammendment?
Thank you Mr Rather, Brilliantly done. It's a great comfort to me to hear your voice, as the voice of reason in this vitally important commentary that represents us, that solidifies our collective concerns, our beliefs and our faith in one another. You serve us well as you suceed in shining the light on our collective strengths, a light that invokes our very best attributes and hopes as it unites both Democrats and Republicans, true American of good faith, in the truth that " the big lie" will not continue to divide us or keep us from doing our duty of upholding our Constitution and ensuring equal voter rights for every American. As the former occupant of the White House meets with his fate, answers for his crimes, Americans will see Rupert Murdochs stranglehold on them as the aberration it truly is and will turn away from Fox Fixed Non- News" and the big lie" in disgust. The truth shall set them, set us free! Bravo Sir! ♡
Thank Mr. Rather. I totally agree with you!!! I have often thought for a few years now...what is the reason that nobody can see this happening right in front of them. Why was this vote allowed to be secret regarding MS Cheney? Did all of them forget who they work and serve? I don't understand what has happened to humanity!!! What can I do?
Thank you for telling (spoken or written) the Truth! I haven't listened yet, but I'm sure it's just as powerful as the written word.
Hello Mr. Rather, I very much enjoyed your audio. What happened to Ms. Cheney this week echoes how dictatorships are formed. You are a voice of reason when it comes to things so crazy as this. Hold steady. Or has America already gone down the rabbit hole? How does America get back on track and onto the truth. 2+2=5. Hello 1984.