I took as much of CNN as I can. A promo with an interview with Ben Stein.

[terrya]

Promoting his book, which apparently says that liberals "hate America"

What the fuck is the matter with these right wing sons of bitches? I am a liberal. I do NOT hate America. No liberal...none..."hates America"

I do get sick living in the same country as these mouth breathing pinheads, though.

[sandnsea]

1. Well, I hate THEIR America

If they turn this country into their vision of America, I have to say I would hate it.

[indigobusiness]

6. What the RW has done to America is an abomination.

The stuff of revolution.

Norman Mailer is right when he says our only hope is a transformation.

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/news/rnc/9574/

NM: To win this war will take at least 50 years and a profound revolution in American values. We’d have to get away from manipulation. What we’ve got now is a species of economic, political, and spiritual brainwashing, vastly superior to the old Soviets, who were endlessly crude in their attempts. Our governmental and corporate leaders are much more subtle. Remember years ago, when you were around 15, you were wearing a shirt that said stüssy on it? And I said, “Not only do you spend money to buy the shirt, but you also advertise the company that sold it to you.” And you said, “Dad, you just don’t get it.” All right, you were right, I didn’t get it. But now, I notice, you don’t wear logos on your shirts.

[tom_paine]

2. Well, Nazis will be Nazis, even Kinder and Genlter ones

The Jews hated Germany you know.

That is why THEY and the GERMAN LIBERALS wouldn;t fall in line behind Der Fuhrer.

Der Fuhrer LOVES Germany.

Liberals (and Jews) HATE Germany.

Some things never change, do they?

[seabeyond]

3. cause we arent happy with ourselves

he went further to say

[Richardo]

4. I saw that book and I must say I was VERY disappointed in Ben Stein

I always gave him more credit than that. Maybe because Al Franken actually spoke rather highly of him on a personal level in a previous book (Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat etc etc).

But that was a long time ago. Too bad. I miss Bueller's teacher.

[Mz Pip]

5. It's typical

lump everyone who disagrees with the Repugs into one pot.

HEre's a news flash Mr. Stein, I did not march in several anti-war marches carrying my American flag because I hate America.

I really thought he was smarter than that. Guess I was wrong.

MzPip
:dem:

[graywarrior]

7. Ben Stein's always been an asshole.

[Cha]

8. ben stein is a pompous ass who wouldn't know what Liberals "hate".

It's all about getting a catchy title for your new book that promotes division. his book should bomb.


It is my contention that Liberals are the only ones who have done any Good for America. Who has brought about the programs that have made America great? And does not that translate into Love?

"Consider a short and incomplete list of 20th-century liberal triumphs, all vehemently opposed by conservatives at the time: the Federal Reserve System; the federal income tax; women's suffrage; federal deposit insurance; Social Security; the investor protections of the Securities Acts of 1933 and `34; public power; unemployment compensation; the minimum wage; child labor laws; the 40-hour work week; the Wagner Act, which gave private-sector workers collective bargaining rights; the Civil Rights Act; the Voting Rights Act; federal fair housing laws; Medicare; federally sponsored guaranteed student loan programs; Head Start; food stamps."

More at..
http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0222-05.htm

Get a grip ben stein..and quit whoring for money.

[terrya]

9. Of course, And that's why I'm proud to be a liberal.

You just diffused my anger about non-entitites like Ben Stein, zidzi. You're absoultely right...the great programs you've listed...all have eome about...due to liberalism.

Thank you for giving some much needed perspective. :-)

Terry

[Flubadubya]

10. Woodruff is about to interview him now...

just after the commercial break. This oughta be "choice". Hah!

[CaTeacher]

12. funny--he is the only RWer that

doesn't get me angry--but I guess that is because I see him as joking or doing satire--not as being serious.

I mean--he has done so much comedy--that I just bust out laughing at him when he does that patented deadpan expression. I guess I am not bothered by him because I don't take him seriously, I will always see him as the teacher from Ferris Bueller's Day Out. So he doesn't get me mad like some other wingers.

[Selwynn]

11. Actually, Steins comments - while wrong - were not nearly as bad...

Stein basically said he has no problem with most liberals speaking their mind or republicans speaking their mind. He even said twice that he thought most democratcs were fine people, and it was only a few that bothered him.

He then said that what bothers him are a few powerful, elitist liberals who attack "America" - saying America as a system or society is to blame, America is wrong, etc. I think what he would be referring to is people who attack the long history of American hegemony and imperialism, our state supported terrorism and installation and support of regimes who use terrorism, our blatant ignoring of human rights standards and our near exclusive concern for profit and power control at any cost - I think he doesn't like people who say that stuff. :)

My response would be this: I think very few people are saying "American is wrong" which is an empty and meaningless rhetorical statement. I think many people are saying that our longstanding government ideology and political institutions are rotten to the core and in need to thorough and revolutionary change. The two are not the same.

Second, getting angry at people who talk honestly about the problems with America, because America is such a great society and has afforded us so many privileges is like saying that since a man is a good husband who has always been faithful and nurturing, a devoted father who has always been there for his family, a person active in the community and on great terms with his neighbors means that we should not speak out or take action against him when he murders to black teens because he is a fanatical racist.

Just because someone does something right doesn't mean we stay silent about what they do wrong. Why shouldn't the same principle apply to our political system, our societal structure or in short, America? When did we decide that our wealth and prosperity meant that it was inappropriate or hypocritical to boldly speak out against and resist the unjust actions of our country in the world or here at home? Why?