Randi Rhodes Suspended -

[otohara]

Good, and I'm an Obama supporter.


STATEMENT OF AIR AMERICA RADIO, FROM CHAIR CHARLIE KIREKER
By air america

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2008

New York - Air America has suspended on-air host Randi Rhodes for making inappropriate statements about prominent figures, including Senator Hillary Clinton, at a recent public appearance on behalf of Air America in San Francisco which was sponsored by an Air America affiliate station.

"Air America encourages strong opinions about public affairs but does not condone such abusive, ad hominem language by our Hosts," said chair Charlie Kireker.

[Coexist]

1. what did she say?

[Sanity Claws]

12. Called Feraro and Hillary whores

Someone posted a link to it here yesterday. Try political videos.

[Larkspur]

21. Hillary is a corporate whore

AAR has been axing hosts who have anti-Hillary leanings, like The Young Turks and now Randi. Not surprised. Mark Green claims to be neutral but he leans towards Hillary and his brother who owns AAR was a major fundraiser for Bill Clinton.

[Moochy]

40. Mark Green is an Orange Oompa Loompah

[flpoljunkie]

109. As well as a big Hillary Clinton supporter. That said, I do not listen to Randi Rhodes.

[PoliticalAmazon]

375. Out of curiosity, why not? n/t

[kenfrequed]

76. They have long been axing people...

Especially those that are left leaning Democrats or people from the "Democratic wing" of the Democrat party.

It is really, really irritating!!!!

[olkaz]

161. This is BS

None of the current hosts are conservative democrats. None of them.

What is it about Marc Maron and Sam Seder that people just won't let go of? Is anybody listening to "Seder on Sunday"? Other than that videocast thing he's doing with Seder, what is Maron doing?

The plain fact is that the current lineup is really, really good. The fact that neither Seder or Maron were able to go on to do something that became successful and that AA hasn't dwindled since then is proof positive that it wasn't a bad move. At the very worst, it was lateral, while saving the company money and keeping it afloat.

[kenfrequed]

288. So..

Giving the boot to the left leaning democrats on staff just happened to coincide with treading water? I don't see an actual denial fo Air America doing away with the liberal-progressive voice other than a rather tired and typical response of "Bullcrap!"

[olkaz]

312. wtf are you even talking about?

Name me the AAR host that isn't a lefty. Name one.

Lionel: Left and libertarianish.
Thom Hartmann: Very left.
Randi Rhodes: Left.
Rachel Maddow: Left.

Those are the top people, and they are **all** progressives.

Now tell me, why hasn't management fired these people?

You are making things up.

[Larkspur]

366. Lionel is horrible and Bill Press is pablum at best

I refuse to listen to that jerk Lionel He's a reall a@@hole. Bill Press is ok if you like pablum.

And I do listen to Sam Seder on Sundays via podcast. I don't listen to any AAR shows live except when I'm in the car and that's only for an hour. Course when Lionel comes on when I'm driving in the car I turn of my XM radio.

[tbyg52]

408. I completely agree

I urge them to get rid of Lionel from time to time, for all the good it will do.

And I usually listen to Washington Journal on the way in to work instead of Press, because whatever topic I'm least interested in, that seems to be the one he's riding....

[tbyg52]

409. I completely agree

I urge them to get rid of Lionel from time to time, for all the good it will do.

And I usually listen to Washington Journal on the way in to work instead of Press, because whatever topic I'm least interested in, that seems to be the one he's riding....

[TriggerGal]

457. EMAIL Air America

[email protected]

With EVERY email address you have!!

[gateley]

77. I don't know about that...

Several of the AAR hosts seem to be leaning toward Obama, and they're still there.

I saw the video and I'm not sure what kind of function Randi was at, but she, of all people should know that it would be on the internets FAST.

Plus, it really was uncalled for and ugly.

I usually stick up for people in situations like this, but I think this suspension is warranted. Which bums me out because I really like listening to Randi.

EDIT - just re-read release and she was at a function on behalf of AAR???? :eyes:

[dflprincess]

87. If she had described them as corporate whores she might have gotton by with it

Though to be fair, all the remaining candidates are corporate whores.

[closeupready]

132. When the word "whore" is appended like that, that's fine, IMO.

but she didn't say it like that, and such language has the effect of dividing the party, and is not acceptable from someone of her influence.

[snooper2]

89. She is a coporate whore...

like 90% of the rest of Congress...

Truth must hurt for some...

[OzarkDem]

217. Take a look at Obama's donations

and his lame issues platform, then think again about who is selling out to corporations.

Randi and the rest of the Obama cheerleaders are guilty of hypocrisy and have nothing to back up their claims.

[Capn Sunshine]

388. you mean record setting numbers of more individual donors than ever before?

Yeah he takes Corporate money, you HAVE to to win. Don't pretend otherwise. I know you're here to disrupt, but your characterization of Obama's support is just. plain. bullshit.

[OzarkDem]

214. No she isn't, enough Obama smears

As an example, her health care plan is likely going to upset quite a few corporations, but she chose to put the needs of all of us first.

Sadly, Obama didn't have the courage to make such a choice with his health care reform plan. No surprise, he's getting most of the corporate donations these days.

[PoliticalAmazon]

376. You support her sending American jobs to India? n/t

[jconner27]

220. Obama is a corporate flunkie bitch

This one is for the Obama and Randi followers

NA na na hey hey good bye

[shellinaya]

354. Yep

Totally agree.

[shellinaya]

346. Uh.... Obama is one too

Obama's as much a corporate whore as Hillary.

I'm glad this bitch is off the air at AAR. Now I don't have to cancel my account.

[Shae]

413. Let me see if I got this right.

It's sexist to call Hillary Clinton a bitch, but okay to call Randi Rhodes a bitch. Okay got it.
Can you explain to me how you figure out which women it's okay to call bitches?
Thanks in advance.

[debbierlus]

389. Well, if the shoe fits, wear it baby

Frankly, I am sick and tired of people getting outraged over TRUE comments (no matter how crass) then outraged over TRUE actions (Hillary's mass corporate funding, ties to Murdoch, and her grotesque interview and coziness with FAUX News Host Karl Rove).

[Debi]

22. Jesus - forget suspended - she should be fired for that. n/t

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

98. considering that Bill "might send lynch party" Oreilly didn't get fired

something as stupid as calling people "whores" might not rate firing.

[Debi]

101. Look who BillO's boss is - I expect a higher standard from AAR

Ed Rendell may think Faux is fair and balanced, I don't.

[BornBlue]

382. Not surprising, BillO's boss is. . .

Ready for it?



A HILLARY SUPPORTER, it all comes full circle! YAY!

[Mme. Defarge]

127. Obama supporter here ...

and I agree that she should be fired. Randi is very intelligent and knowledgeable, and I believe her heart is in the right place, but she has gotten too full of herself. And this behavior is counter-productive all around.

[CitizenRob]

339. Obama supporter here....

and I think Randi Rhodes is the only person worth listening to on that network. Fire/Suspend at your own peril.

[Bluenorthwest]

442. I used to love Rhandi

Devoted listener from day one. It has been well over a year since I could stand to listen to her. Nothing to do with politics, as I almost always agree with her. She stressed me out, skeeved me out, I became worried for her, annoyed by her, and eventually stopped listening for the same reasons I don't like Britney coverage or the Hannity show. This was long before any Primary candidate had even entered the race.

What bugs me about the 'progressive talkers' during this cycle is that they have misread the job discription. Think about it. We worry that our candidates are letting McCain set the tone. Well, our talkers should be doing the McCain hits for them right now instead of trying to impose an opinion about one of our candidates, either of them. They should be doing what the RW radio does, attack the opposition so that our candidates don't have to, and in ways they can not. McCain is the one they should be tearing to sherds. McCain is the enemy.
I would also like to be hearing actual discussion of our candidates, real information, and interviews. I don't like the double standards I see at all. This is honesty here: if I do not find some fair dealing discourse about the things I consider important, I may not vote the way this host might like, or another. I'm voting against McCain for sure, but the candidates seem similar to me, and in all honesty some of Obama's early tactics were in my opinion very divisive and dangerous tactics I don't want to see become part of our Party. So when I hear about how rotten Hillary's tactics are for hours on end, I say, yes I agree, but so's the other guy. Really. It seems like taking one to task and letting the other off the hook for the same sort of thing. Obama angered me first so to me it looks like HE started the nasty politics. So Hillary being vicious is just Hillary being like Obama to me.
I vote May 20. I am not getting what I need to make my decision, certainly not from any of the radio people. Yelling at me does not persuade me, if it did I'd be a Republican. Rhandi and Thom and Ed and all of them should be attacking McCain and the Republican Party while informing me and others about the Democratic options. It is an election. Many are still in process. Respecting that process while destructing the opposition is what these people should be doing. What they are now doing is all based in ego, and just in terms of simple business, AAR has pretty much an audience made of Democrats. They are financially weak. To offend half of your potential audience, even if you think they are wrong, is not the role an employee should take on. It is showbiz, they are entertainers. They do not investigate nor report fresh news. They are not thinkers like Chomsky or something. They are entertainers. Conduits of information in an amusing way at best.
Spitting on the half you disagree with instead of expanding the circle by spitting on the republican bastards that have ruined our country is just stupid for an entertainer. They are not even pundits. They should not try to tell free thinking people how to think. They should be spending the days going after Bush and McCain and Cheney for the sake of our General Election and the down ticket Democrats. The White House is not all we as a Party need to win. Spitting on the Hillary voters will not help the other Democrats who need votes. Spitting on any Democratic voters in the face of millions who actually like McCain is one twisted set of priorities to me.

[Stuart G]

113. More than that..She called the, 'F..K.ING WHORES'.....link is here:

...MAJOR MISTAKE HERE.......

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO HERE

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/03/air-america-host-randi-rh_n_94863.html

[snooper2]

386. That is so fucking GREAT!

Wow, she should go ahead and quit AA and do standup...

Randi Rhodes ROCKS!!!!!!!!

You have to watch the whole video..laughing my ass off :rofl: :rofl:

"Hillary is probably a line jumper" :rofl:

[indimuse]

286. video up here now.

..

[KoKo]

421. That's very sad...to think Randi would have done that.

I haven't listened to her in a long time...because I kind of "got out of Air America." I couldn't stand the rants and carrying on. But, I did like Randi...I just couldn't take the angst of her every day.

I'm sorry to hear that this happened to her, though. Every liberal site is for Obama so I don't know why Randi got suspended over her comments. Buzzflash, The Nation, TPM, Daily KOS, DU and other sites are mostly for Obama these days. I can't see why she would have a problem going after Hillary. Why Her? :shrug:

[Bluenorthwest]

445. Ad time

Rhandi is a highly paid entertainer on a network that sells adtime to make the money they pay her. She is probably paid more than the entire staff of the Nation, which sells no ads.
AAR sells advertizing time for a living. Rhandi's job, and that of the others there, is to draw and hold and audience that will then buy the products advertized. I have heard Thom Hartmann tell the audience that they OWE it to the advertizers to buy from them, this he said on a for profit show, and while I love Thom, I think listening to the as is what I owe them. Thom Hartmann makes sooo much more money than I do. So much. He's rich. I'm not. I don't buy imported organic wine, from that Thom commercial that is at the same time a commercial for commercials on Thom's show. Too much marketing even with Thom is my point, so obviously money and profit is a major element of what they do- they sell things. Thom's the best of them and he is a former adman, a specialist in psychological marketing techniques. That is also part of what he is doing on the air. Selling things to you and me.

The other businesses you mention do not rise and fall by adtime sold and by the results seen from those ads. Rhandi is in a business and she makes big bank for that. Her job is not to elect anyone, or to prevent the election of anyone. Her job is to sell adtime. Shall we have no AAR because Rhandi wants to spit at the candidate SHE does not like, but huge parts of her former audience does like? Do you think she is winning minds and votes for Obama that way? I don't. I think she is costing AAR and Obama.
I too could not deal with the stress of her show and her baggage begining over a year back. If one does it, figure thousands did. Ears, ads, dollars.

[CitizenRob]

338. The truth hurts [Randi]

IT's too bad that her speaking the truth is now causing her to hurt. What the fuck is the point of Air America without Randi Rhodes? None of their other talent holds a candle to her.

[fadedrose]

420. Mike Malloy is discussing the Randi Rhodes thingy right now...

Mike is on http://www.1480kphx.com/DynamoPages.php?PID=22 (Air America Phoenix) .

He was fired from Air America - never said why, but I SUSPECTED.....that it was because he was critical of Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton - and this was BEFORE Hillary started running for president. He called them republicans...

He's saying right wing thugs took over AAR....financially....because left wing liberals didn't support AAR.

Anyway, Stephanie Miller is on Air American Phoenix too, and she's been against Hillary, or maybe I should say, for Obama since the beginning of the the election cycle. Also Jeff Farias is on AARP, also for Obama. Randi Rhodes is on too, as are most of the Air America people.

Try it. I game up Air America long time ago, only listen to 1480.

[ChazII]

429. Does that make Randi's firing

a vast right wing conspiracy?;) 1480 is where my dial is set, too.

[soleft]

2. Wow! Is there a link?

[otohara]

11. Here

http://airamerica.com/

The YouTube of her calling Sen. Clinton, and Geraldine Ferrero fucking whores is on YouTube - I don't want to hear one second of it again, so you're on your own on finding it.

[stillrockin]

20. There's a link on HuffPost.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

3. Randi Rhodes is terrible.

I can't understand how anyone would enjoy listening to her show. So much nonsensical shouting.

[undeterred]

218. She has some good moments BUT

when Randi's show is followed by someone as substantive and professional as Rachel Maddow you really see the difference. Maddow puts a ton of work into the show to bring in a lot of factual information. She does excellent interviews and she isn't full of herself. She really is awed by important people. She has bias but she acknowledges it. When she came to Madison to do live shows- our local guy said he's never seen anyone work so hard to prep for a show and he was just totally impressed by her. She has a lot less radio experience than Randi- BUT she takes this opportunity very seriously and doesn't just show up and shoot her mouth off.

in my humble opinion Rachel Maddow is the MVP of AAR

Best thing about Randi: her military background helps a lot in explaining certain things

[K8-EEE]

293. I HATE IT when she talks down to the audience...hate the "homework" etc.

She talks to the audience like they're in kindergarten and VERY whiney.

[Kool Kitty]

383. I agree. She thinks she is the only

person that has ever watched C-SPAN, thinks Oberman won't have her on his show because all he does is steal her material, etc. I find her offensive and rude. But, while I do not agree in the slightest with what she said, if this wasn't said on the air, why has she been suspended?

On edit: Never mind. I re-read the OP and see that she was at an event on behalf of Air America. Duh.

If they keep Sam in her spot, I can go back to listening to AA between 3-6 PM. His show is much better.

[K8-EEE]

411. I LOVE SAM IN HER SPOT!!!! HE'S AWESOME!

More informative, less annoying! And for God's sake, lose the "bounce your boobies thing...." Joke records are not the type of thing you can listen to over and over!

[PoliticalAmazon]

377. Her statements in question weren't during the show (I agree with your comments, tho) n/t

[grantcart]

4. agreed

[easy_b94]

5. paging ACLU

this is not fair

[anigbrowl]

23. Get real, Air America is a private company

Randi Rhodes can still stand in the public square or on her web page and say whatever she likes. On the other hand, nobody is obliged to give her a broadcasting platform - if her employers are embarrassed by what she says, then they can suspend or terminate her contract.

You need to remember that the ACLU addresses legal violations of peoples' civil liberties, it doesn't get involved in commercial disputes.

[easy_b94]

44. Oh yeah the dude who runs Air head America is down with Hillary..I get it now

[anigbrowl]

327. I don't care if he's Hillary's secret lover, it's still not an ACLU issue

You want to influence them, write them a letter. The ACLU defends people whose legal rights have been abridged, and it trivializes their mission to suggest that they should get involved in a commercial dispute. Rhodes is an entertainer and a contracted employee; the fact that she's well known does NOT make this a free speech issue.

[shellinaya]

356. AAR is pro-Obama

Not even slightly. Every damn host on AAR is for Obama. They just aren't assholes about it like Randi is.

[PoliticalAmazon]

378. Doesn't matter if it is a private company. In one case...

...the ACLU represented a Christian hospital nurse (private hospital) who was told by her employer not to wear her tiny gold-cross pin on her uniform. The ACLU won the case.

[spooky3]

412. that case probably involved a law not involved in Randi's case

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other acts require employers not to discriminate on religious grounds, and to make reasonable accommodations. I can't imagine how it would be unreasonable to expect employers to accommodate those employees who want to wear tiny gold-cross pins. This is an entirely different issue from constitutional free speech rights. Private radio companies aren't obliged to give access to everyone to say anything they wish under the First Amendment.

[PoliticalAmazon]

414. She wasn't on the radio when she said it.....

...do you really think they have the right to control everything she says, where ever she is?

I can understand AAR's reaction if she was on the AAR radio when she said it. But she wasn't.

[spooky3]

419. A private employer does not have to allow free speech, even on your own time, unless

there is a specific law or another exception that gives you a particular right. If they don't want you to blog about whether maple trees are better than apple trees, they can forbid it. If you want more freedom, you can find another employer. It is the law, not a question of what my opinion is.

[Debi]

33. It's one thing to speak your mind if you are speaking for yourself

when you are representing the company you work for and say stupid crap, you should be fired.

AAR is letting her off easy with a suspension.

[LostinVA]

60. Exactly -- she was representing -- and thus speaking for -- her employer

Most people would be fired for breaking that rule. And, let's face it, she's been in radio long enough to know not to do that.

[Debi]

107. Hey sweetie!

Look at us all agreeing on stuff...just one big happy family! :hug:

[LostinVA]

131. It's scaring me

I'm afraid the Last Days are upon us!

:scared:

[Debi]

Do you want me to swear at you or call you a name just to make it

feel like GD-P in here? :hi:

[LostinVA]

156. Yes! Both, please!

I need to feel better. MThis is turning my world upside down in a very UnSpongebobian way.....

[Debi]

164. Oh Damn...I forgot...you LIKE that crap!

:spank: special just for you today, but don't think it will happen every Thursday.

[LostinVA]

190. HARDER, OBAMATRONKINS!!!!!!!

Read your PM.

[kenfrequed]

295. oh yeah..sure

Except that her job is to broadcast a friggin political opinion. So your PR "you are representing your company" answer is really all wet.

[LostinVA]

302. No, the poster is correct

And, Randi was not giving her "political opinion," nor was she in a venue were that's what she was supposed to be doing.

The poster is also NOT an HRC supporter.

[Debi]

307. Thanks hon.

I guess nobody understands the term 'at will employee' anymore.

and you are SO right about that last line....:*

[LostinVA]

316. Whatever

:eyes:

[Debi]

317. Awwww Don't make me cry

:cry:

[LostinVA]

320. NO MORE COUGAR SPANKIES!!!!

[Debi]

396. Yeah, right - you'll be back

They all come back.....

[Debi]

304. Obviously AAR didn't think so. n/t

[LostinVA]

306. We posted at the same time -- and I stuck up for you!

[Debi]

310. I saw it! THANKS!

Silly people. :eyes:

[leftynyc]

51. The government did not suspend her

The ACLU will be of no help. Her employer has every right to punish her.

[zulchzulu]

6. She has become unlistenable for a while now

I think she must have health issues and is always in a rage. It doesn't even matter that she's an Obama supporter...she just attacks her callers even when they agree with her.

I hope her time away will allow her to work out whatever is going on behind the scenes.

[Cant trust em]

15. I listen to Ed Schultz and then she comes on afterwards

That's usually when I change the channel.

[indimuse]

291. lol...

indimuse (1000+ posts) Thu Apr-03-08 10:07 AM
Original message
Obama Shill Ed Shultz Gets The Axe At WINZ 940 South FL
Edited on Thu Apr-03-08 10:18 AM by indimuse
Obama Shill Ed Shultz Gets The Axe At WINZ


"Big Head Ed" Schultz has been canceled from http://940winz.com Miami/Fort Lauderdale

radio. Miami, one of radio's largest media markets has seen the slipping ratings of the Ed Schultz show for months and replacing him with a Live show of Thom Hartmann.


I told you...Randi could (should) be next! Then...Steph M..you know..all the radio f's perpetuating lies about Hillary and promoting Obama as a saint, the ones who hate Hillary supporters enough to openly insult on national radio. Democracy haters who scream Hillary should quit...how dare she!


Toodle f'ing loo!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqHIPY7lRfE&eurl=http://... /

[Cant trust em]

305. Yeah. I responded to that one too.

Cant trust em (1000+ posts) Thu Apr-03-08 09:30 AM
Response to Original message
89. Get on board the Clinton train or you're going to be laying on the tracks.

Edited on Thu Apr-03-08 09:43 AM by Cant trust em

The Shillbots won't get their way until we're out of democratic pundits on the air. If you're not for Clinton then we don't need you. Just like they don't need me and Obama supporters and the anti-war left wing of the party.

[TheDebbieDee]

168. I agree with you, Zulchzulu. I THINK Rhandi

does have health issues. Please note, that I have no proof and only speculating, here.

I think her health issues are the same health issues that caused her to have that nasty fall in the park or off the barstool or whatever, a few months ago.

[Midlodemocrat]

195. I agree with you. She seems to be angry at the world.

I haven't listened to her in quite a while just for that reason. It's too shrill.

[LostinVA]

197. YOU SAID SHRILL!!!!

On to my Ignore list!

[Midlodemocrat]

198. That is a prime example of disrespect that I will not tolerate. Ignored.

[LostinVA]

208. Nice faux outrage

:eyes:

[AspenRose]

326. Yep

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to suspect there's perhaps something going on personally to make her lash out unprofessionally.

It's sad, really; I used to listen to her all the time. But she needs to get it together. Her faithful listeners aren't her enemy, and yet that's how she treats them sometimes.

PS: I can't wait to hear what Malloy has to say about this.

[PoliticalAmazon]

379. Didn't she used to be a Hillary Clinton supporter? That was when...

...RR would say Bill Clinton told her once that we fall in love in the primary and fall in line in the GE, which I believe is the biggest bunch of horseshit I've ever heard. Vote for the person who you think is the best candidate, not for any piece of trash with a (D) in front of its name. Letting the DNC decide who you are going to vote for is giving away your power as a voter.

[Greyskye]

7. If this is what I think it's about...

...then good. There is no excuse in sinking to the level of Reich Wing radio.

And I'm an Obama supporter as well.

[Irishonly]

8. WOW

Is it the whore statements that caused the susupension?

[otohara]

49. Yep, Mostly Because

it was a AAR sponsored event. But as a former radio gal, I suspect even if it weren't an AAR sponsored event, she still would have gotten in trouble. I figured when she wasn't on the air yesterday, something was up.

I worked at the Denver station that carried Howard Stern - Columbine shootings had just happened and Stern said "they should have had sex with the girls before shooting them" or something like that. The station stood by him for a while, but the uproar just continued So, AAR was smart to nip this in the bud right-away.

[tishaLA]

9. This can only mean one thing:

SAMMY CAM!

[ronnykmarshall]

28. I want more Jannene as Katherine Harris!!

[tishaLA]

34. She was GREAT last week with the "White Power" stuff

[ronnykmarshall]

57. Oh shit!!

I missed it!!

[TheDebbieDee]

175. I love Sammy!

[stillrockin]

224. Sound the shofar!

[bigtree]

10. I'm sorry this has happened

I genuinely like her. I've tuned out during the primary because of her leanings in the campaign, but I think she's an outstanding individual and I'm sad that this has happened.

[otohara]

17. She Should Have Known Better

for being in radio for as long as she has, to step out this far is just asking for a suspension or firing. Stupid, stupid, stupid thing to do.

[SeaLyons]

45. you are too kind....

I used to listen to her also, but I just can't find any excuse for the degree of Hillary bashing she has engaged in. I also heard her saying things that were not true.

[bigtree]

88. you know I don't excuse any of that

I'm just sorry she's apparently put herself here. I read partway through some comments and other things from her show yesterday and I really can't find any resemblance to anything which attracted me to her program so long ago.

[totodeinhere]

369. Don't worry. She'll be OK.

The publicity from her suspension will probably mean that when she comes back her ratings will be better than ever.

[bigtree]

430. I know she lost at least one listener.

I know there will be folks who say they don't care. Good for them.

[Cant trust em]

13. I'm for Obama, but this is the right move

We don't need democrats doing this to other democrats.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

14. Before Clinton supporters rejoice about this, just remember that HOWARD STERN supports her.

A man who had to go on satellite radio because the regular airwaves couldn't contain his viciousness and misogyny.

[Marrah_G]

39. What does stern have to do with Randy?

Also why does one have to be a Clinton supporter to be enraged at hearing strong women repeatedly called whores?

Plenty of Obama supporters here are agree she was WAY out of line.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

59. I agree too. But Stern is one of the most popular radio personalities in the US.

He's also a disgusting hateful pig. He recently switched from supporting Ron Paul (there's a shocker :eyes: ) to HRC. That's all I'm saying.

[JuniperLea]

100. If you want to run with that line...

Then you have to accept there is something heinously wrong with Obama because Farrakhan endorsed him.

Can't have it both ways.

[DangerousRhythm]

393. Wrong. He never endorsed Ron Paul.

He basically said he had interesting ideas about getting out of Iraq and that he'd never really heard about the guy before. He's always been in Hillary's corner though.

http://www.marksfriggin.com/news08/3-17.htm#mon

[ronnykmarshall]

43. Uh, I'm not rejoicing over this.

I love Randi. I haven't listend to her for a while because of her attacks on Hillary.

As for Howard. Anyone that takes Howard Stern serious, needs help.

[americanstranger]

68. 'Howard Stern serious'

Wouldn't that be 'Howard Stern Sirius?' Or is he on XM? :evilgrin:

I haven't listened to Randi or anyone else on AA for a long, long time. And Ihave a password someone gave me to listen to Stern on the web, never used it.

Talk radio kinda bores me lately.

Re Randi: I get the feeling that she's become dissatisfied with the AA gig, and is looking for a way out. Not an informed opinion, just a guess.

- as

[ronnykmarshall]

121. I thought the Sirius thing too!

[Mezzo]

280. lol. nt

[IndianaJones]

73. hey....that is an unnecessary attack. nt.

[Nedsdag]

241. You should like Howard Stern.

He's for Hillary.

[ronnykmarshall]

255. I've listen to Stern before, thank you very much.

When he was on FM. I think his show is funny at times. For a while we lost our AAR station in LA and I listened to him because he trashed Bush.

Farrakan supports Obama, maybe you'll like him.

[IndianaJones]

67. yeah...nothing to do with the hundreds of millions of dollars. nt.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

80. He was making plenty on terrestrial radio.

He could have easily negotiated for what Sirius was giving him. He left because the FCC was breathing down his neck for his disgusting misogynistic commentary and antics.

If you are a fan of his, you might want to think about how that reconciles with your support of Hillary. Since she's touting her candidacy as a great blow for feminism and all.

[IndianaJones]

94. I like O&A. Don't care one way or the other about Rhodes. nt.

[paulk]

what's your point?

do you have a point?

[rodeodance]

158. Irrelevant to this issue--what that slime Stern does

[PoliticalAmazon]

381. I support Howard Stern, too--I just don't listen to him....

...If we don't like what a radio host says or does on their show, we can use our power as a consumer to switch to another station. I support both RR and Howard Stern in their free speech rights...but I don't like listening to either one.

What makes this really bad is that RR wasn't on AAR when she said it.

[merh]

16. Her comments were extreme and not funny

She deserves to be suspended.

[MyNameGoesHere]

31. Te first amendmant has no litmus test as to humor being a

prerequisite for inclusion as free speech.

[joshcryer]

38. Yeah, private companies don't have to defend disgusting comments.

And they'd be stupid to do so.

[tritsofme]

52. The 1st Amendment doesn't guarantee you a job if you say stupid shit.

Something like this is long overdue.

[MyNameGoesHere]

126. last i checked listening to Air America is a choice. So you're wrong. n/t

[MyNameGoesHere]

134. No that is not a test for the frst eiher. Let me see...

No no line about stupid shit. Let's see did she incite or cause physical harm? Nope. well looks like you're wrong. Stupid shit is not excluded from the 1st.

[2rth2pwr]

155. Have you been drinking?

[MyNameGoesHere]

180. I'm afraid i have no idea what you are talking about.

The first amendment is pretty clear to me, especially in this case where the content is strictly voluntary to listen to or not. So please pray thee WTF are you talking about?

[2rth2pwr]

229. How does the 1st Amendment play a role in whether she is suspended or

fired?

[MyNameGoesHere]

284. Oh never mind, i don't have time for a free speech lecture.

perhaps you are just clouded because you support HRC? Hmmm you are not very observant either.

[tritsofme]

323. I think you have no idea what the 1st Amendment is.

If I own a radio station and I don't like what you're saying, I can fire you.

Its my radio station, you have no right to be heard.

It doesn't matter if its voluntary to listen or not.

This has nothing to do with government prohibition on speech, which is the ONLY thing the First Amendment is concerned with.

[MyNameGoesHere]

436. You cannot fire someone for not liking

what they say, well in Virginia maybe. When you have an employee that has shown similar behavior in the past and then feign surprise when they go over the line, you are a liar and a hypocrite. And YES sometimes it does matter if it is voluntary or not.

[tritsofme]

446. You might end up defending yourself in a wrongful termination suit, but it has nothing to do with

the 1st Amendment.

[spooky3]

452. Employment at will is the prevailing principle in the US for private employers

Unless she has a contract that gives her freedom to make such comments, or there is another specific exception to EAW that applies in her case (there are six big categories of exceptions, such as a violation of a statute like the Civil Rights Act of 1964), they can fire (or suspend, or penalize, etc.) her for any reason, a bad reason, or no reason at all. If they don't want her to blog about whether 70 degree weather is nicer than 80 degree weather, they can forbid it. If she doesn't like it, she can quit.

This issue comes up a lot on DU. DUers need to do some research and find out how few rights employees have. You're simply wrong about this.

[lumberjack_jeff]

110. Perhaps not. But a paycheck does have a litmus test on ineptitude

She was systematically alienating her listeners. She's familiar with the ejection seat procedures, I trust.

[rodeodance]

148. Hillary is a DEMOCRATIC Pres. Candidate. This moves show at least some have RESPECT

for the DEMOCRATS!!

[MyNameGoesHere]

287. That's right Democrats are against free speech. n/t

[Name removed]

407. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[PoliticalAmazon]

417. Support your claim with evidence. n/t

[MyNameGoesHere]

435. Hi you must be a supporter of that candidat that

sputs unity and all that jazz? or if somene does not agree with you the are an idiot? Ahh so sad try again and this time with a little gusto.

[merh]

259. Her employment contract does.

This hasn't much to do about the first amendment and a great deal to do with judgment and respect. If she wants to be a voice of change the only way that change can come about is if folks listen to her voice. If she uses it to offend and belittle, make sexist, hateful and stupid remarks, then she has used poor judgment and was very insensitive and not very progressive. If she made those remarks while working or representing her work, then she not only used poor judgment, she was stupid.

Like Imus, she deserves her suspension, imho.

[MyNameGoesHere]

290. nevermind free speech is dead until your candidate wins n/t

[merh]

309. nope, it has nothing to do with candidates

It has everything to do with the employment contract she signed and her failure to use sound judgment.

BTW, I support Obama over Clinton. If Clinton gets the nod, I support Clinton over McCain.

That doesn't alter the fact that stupid and insulting are just stupid and if they break your company rules, you get to pay the price.

[MyNameGoesHere]

437. It seems they ignored that until

she said something way over the line. So what is the difference? She has said MUCH worse about republicans. No one even uttered a dissenting peep here. You cannot have it both ways.

[The Night Owl]

18. Randi Rhodes is an embarrassment to lefty radio. Listen to Thom Hartmann instead. {EOM}

[mountainvue]

I would if Air America's

stream would work for me. Grrrr.

[Marrah_G]

19. Good- she went over the top lately.

I think like MANY of us....she needs a little vacation from it all.

(Now if only RW radio would do the same to the gasbag.)

[The Night Owl]

24. I don't mind over the top radio. The problem with the RR show is that it is just plain stupid.

[SeaLyons]

25. OMG....

That is great news. Actually, she needs to be fired!!


:kick:

[lefty from jersey]

26. What took so long

I stopped listening to her a few weeks ago. The pointless show was a non-stop Obama-fest and anyone that had a word to say in support of Hillary or even questioned Obama-the-great was vilified and marginalized. I am sure the the station cringed at the possibility of "Hangover Rhodes" arguing with the dwindling listeners for the next seven months. Even Obama supporters want to hear some other views. Good riddance.

[redqueen]

27. Good.

I'm glad to see that kind of behavior isn't ignored by LEFT-WING media outlets.

[Larkspur]

29. Wonder if Sam Seder will be hosting her show until her suspension is over

I like Sam better.

[beltanefauve]

118. I was happy to hear Sam too

Didn't know why he was on and not Randi, but I found myself feeling relieved.

[Texas Hill Country]

30. good!!!!

[joshcryer]

32. Ouch. Still waiting for CNNs Lou Dobbs suspension.

[dchill]

128. I trust that you are not...

holding your breath...

[KoKo]

422. What about Tweety Matthews Suspension....or Wolf Blitzer? n/t

[NJmaverick]

35. She has been on the air long enough to know better

While she may have had a good reason, she clearly stepped over the line with the remarks.

[BlueIdaho]

36. Obviously

Something os going on with Randi - the suspension makes sense and I hope she gets herself sorted out. I am an Obama supporter but I agree - we need to respect all democrats and remember who the real enemy is.

[Skidmore]

37. I think it is utterly amazing that Clinton supporters spend their time shutting down

media people who are sympathetic to the left and won't lift a finger to the likes of Limbaugh and Hannity.

Free speech, indeed.

[joshcryer]

47. People like Limbaugh and Hannity get trashed constantly, but they speak to a different audience.

So what if a bunch of liberals hate them, they won't get fired or suspended because it's not their target audience.

But if you piss off some of your target audience, then you're done for.

[FlaGranny]

257. Did they ever get fired for saying Clinton is a murderer?

[Leopolds Ghost]

426. So you have no problem with the underlying statements made by radio creeps?

You would have stood by Imus had he not been fired?

Because you are willing to stand by Glenn Beck.

saying CNN chose to stand by him so you would too?

If you want Imus and Randi fired, but it's OK for Republicans
to say disgustingly racist stuff because "that is their target audience"?

I thought racism was not OK in America.

[JuniperLea]

111. What's wrong with taking the high road?

There's no need to point the finger elsewhere if our own house is a mess.

[lumberjack_jeff]

117. A media person who only hates half of democrats is worse than one who hates us all.

[Leopolds Ghost]

427. Wow, that's some real... Orwellian logic

I'm always surprised at the magical thinking practiced by most Americans
when they stoop to defend a supposedly popular "principle" in this country.

[lumberjack_jeff]

428. Not at all. Democrats are united by Rush. We are divided by Randi. n/t

[rodeodance]

167. IT is NOT progressive to demean a Democratic Pres Candidate on a constant basis

as many of these radio hosts do.


You would not like it if it were BO who they were thrashing!

[2rth2pwr]

238. Clinton supporters didn't "shut her down"

Her bosses were offended and embarrassed that an employee of theirs, while representing said company,

spoke trash, so they suspended her.

[LisaM]

41. I have to think some of her tirades are substance related.....

It reminds me of when Michael Richards went out of control, and someone (can't remember who) said it sounded like the classic symptoms of somebody coming out of a drinking or drug binge.

This was described yesterday as "some standup routine" that she did, but apparently she was appearing on behalf of a station, so I think suspension is appropriate.

Of course, I'm sure that Obama supporters are going to relate it to the Shuster incident, and insist that the Clintons "had this done". Well, I think things have gone too far. I haven't listened to Randi Rhodes in seven or eight weeks, likewise Stephanie Miller, because I think they've lost all semblance of neutrality and see no good in Hillary and no bad in Obama. They are incapable of nuance right now.

I met Randi Rhodes at a station event once and she was charming - quiet, and cute, and really nice. She took tons of time with each individual. She was great! It was hard to rectify that with the person I've heard ranting on the radio the past couple of months.

The most aggravating thing is that some of these people are completely fragmenting their own audience, which could kill Air America. The lure of liberal talk was supposed to be that it listened to all viewpoints, not that it suddenly became lockstep, which it did.

[bullwinkle428]

82. "The lure of liberal talk was supposed to be that it listened to all viewpoints"

If you've never had the opportunity to listen to Thom Hartmann's show, you should do so - he absolutely practices this concept every day, with wingnut guests calling in regularly to debate him, as well as his willingness to engage RW-callers...

[LisaM]

95. I'm listening to it now!

And, despite the fact that he says he is "leaning" Obama, he still is very fair towards Hillary.

I listen to Rachel Maddow, too.

If truth be told, I think that Hartmann and Maddow are a little smarter than Randi Rhodes and Stephanie Miller - not that I think Randi and Steph are DUMB, they just aren't really especially intellectual.

[JuniperLea]

120. I agree with every word...

Well said.

[cascadiance]

144. Unfortunately Sirius only picks up Thom's first hour in the mornings...

They put on Lynn Samuels instead for his last two hours who I really don't care for at all. She's a pretty pro-Hillary schmuck, and gets into obsessive threads of discussions on her shopping habits, and throws out a ton of expletives (cuz she can as a satellite only broadcast I guess), etc. and not much that really looks at issues in depth like Hartman does. It would be one thing if Sirius didn't have an option to have Hartmann on at that time and had her on instead. But given they have a contract with him and at one time earlier had his full three hours before Air America even existed, I really don't understand why they continue to have her on at that time instead of Thom. I'd prefer someone like Randi Rhodes get pulled in to Sirius and revamp their lineup.

[PatGund]

177. At least Stephanie Miller doesn't claim to be intellectual

[gateley]

114. You might have a point --

Personally, I know I was the MOST irritating and offensive while under the influence of (you name it), even though I thought I was the MOST clever and entertaining at the time.

[cali]

42. Good. I abhor Rhodes

I've only listened to her a handful of times and I thought she was an idiot.

[LeFleur1]

54. Running At The Mouth

I turned Randi Rhodes off a long long time ago. She opens her mouth and just lets 'stuff' run out. She gives false information, and now she's calling names. It just proves she doesn't think one bit before she speaks. Air America is better off without her. We need intelligent fact givers not uncontrolled mouth floppers.

[Andrea]

154. Exactly

I quit listening to her back in early '05. I was working my tail off, along with loads of other people, trying to rectify the stolen election here in Ohio. She gave coverage to the effort, but constantly stated as "facts" items that were just rumors or had been debunked. No matter how many times the involved parties tried to correct her, she wouldn't clarify and would repeat the falsehoods. She came off like a nutjob and damaged the credibility of our efforts. Playing fast and loose like that does not help liberal causes. She just gives ammunition to the right-wingers.

[MadBadger]

46. boo

[joshcryer]

48. urns?

Boo urns?

:P

[jrtesq]

Standing up in the back of the auditorium....

I was saying, "boo-urns."

ROFL.

[myrna minx]

182. LOL. *I* said Boo-urns.

[Crunchy Frog]

50. I hope Sam Seder takes her place.

She's been really impossible to listen to for some time.

[bullwinkle428]

90. Sam is absolutely fantastic - it's utterly pathetic that he doesn't have

a daily show somewhere in liberal talk radio world...

[stillrockin]

233. Yeah, and bring back Maron too!

[SoFlaJet]

53. probably because of complaints by HRC supporters to

Clinton shill Mark Green, you people play the victim better than any democrats I have ever seen in my fucking life.

[Moochy]

56. Grief Swarm & Lock!

[Crunchy Frog]

102. Huh?

What is this, another paranoid Hillary supporter fantasy?

[otohara]

85. Not This Time

She crossed the line and for being in radio for as long as she has, she should have known better. She's lucky they didn't fire her. This is about business, ratings, ad dollars. I imagine that AAR stations in PA, MT, and other states where primaries are still to come, this has come as good news to them. If AAR had done nothing, every schedule from the Hillary campaign would have been yanked.

[SoFlaJet]

105. and you would be defending her just as vociferously

if she had said the same thing about Obama-go ahead and deny it you shameless hypocrites

[otohara]

151. Not Defending Her

she threw herself under the proverbial bus called suspension. She should have known better for someone who's worked in radio as long as she has.

I don't quite get your post?

[LostinVA]

169. I can translate, I believe:

You're being called an HRC supporter, and being told you have a victim mentality because you whine and complain whenever anyone says anything negative about Hillary. If Randi had called Obama and, say, Jesse Jackson, Jr., "thugs" or something like that, you wouldn't complain, you'd like it. Thus, you're a hypocrite, because you are a Hillbot and hate the Baby Jesus.

[LiberalAndProud]

242. Very nice translation.

Also, one can't help but notice that no time was spent reading the OP. Sheesh! You Clinton fans have it rough on this board! You have my sympathy (from an Obama-head).

:yourock:

[LostinVA]

311. I'm thinking of starting a business translating GDP posts

Thanks, btw!

[otohara]

370. I Forgot To Thank You

BTW - busy day!

[TK421]

455. And he is also a DARKSIDED GARGOYLE!~~@!#!@## A SLYKNICK!!@@!!!!!!

[bpeale]

108. Mark Green is a business man ...

and as such I think this was strictly a business decision for him. Randi was out of line ... and resorting to name calling like the right wing does is simply uncalled for. She has been unlistenable for some time now. For me, it's been so bad I haven't listened to AA since the end of January. She's got a bad potty mouth that I don't want to listen to ... and I suspect others may feel the same way. I hope Sam Seder takes her place. I really like him & it will make it possible for me to listen to AA again. Randi needs to straighten her act up.

[SoFlaJet]

119. Mark Green MAY BE a businessman

but he also is a scumbag and a total Hillshill who is letting his political preference get in the way OF business

[bpeale]

149. if i were a businessman, i would have done exactly the same thing

randi deserved it & should take her punishment like a man.

[SoFlaJet]

159. yea sure

just like you all demanded Ferraro be fired right? Hypocrites

[bpeale]

173. no, i would not have demanded that Ferraro be fired unless she was

speaking for the candidate instead of voicing her own opinion (which she is entitled to BTW). and for the record, i agree with ferraro's comments.

[SoFlaJet]

181. no big surprise there

hypocrite

[mountainvue]

55. Good. n/t

[susankh4]

58. I just hate to see this....

but she really had gone too far.

I am really disappointed in her. I had thought better of her.

[writes3000]

64. Her comments were WAY over the top.

Hopefully, she can use this time for some self-reflection and calming.

I don't listen to her show but I was shocked when I read them online.

[susankh4]

75. I stopped listening to her a while back.

When she really got into bashing Hillary.

I just don't get it. Why would any talker want to alienate a HUGE segment of their listenership?

Geesh, Randi. Step back and listen to yourself.

[MNDemNY]

61. Will msnbc follow?

[MadBadger]

65. Will they follow what?

[MNDemNY]

74. Suit, and dump her ass.

[MadBadger]

78. She's not on MSNBC.

[MNDemNY]

84. my bad wrong shill.

[MadBadger]

104. Another Rachel Maddow hater it sounds like.

[writes3000]

171. Rachel Maddow ROCKS. Our party is so lucky to have her advocacy. She's fierce. n/t

[quakerboy]

142. and the words Kiss off

come to mind again.

[susankh4]

I predict that all the left wing talkers

are being schooled about now. On every station.

It's all about ratings for them. And... ratings would have to plummet... when half their audience defects.

We are going to see less Hillary bashing now, I'd guess. From most (if not all) of them.

[elixir]

62. It's about time.

[bullwinkle428]

63. YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!! SO SWEET!!!! I honestly had a premonition

about this yesterday, when Sammy suddenly had to fill in into her slot yesterday unannounced, after she just returned from a week's vacation a couple of days before...

Before any hardcore Obama supporters reply to me with the "Hillbot" accusation, I want to let everyone know that I still watch/listen to & ENJOY Stephanie, Thom Hartmann, Rachel, Keith, even Ed Schultz on occasion...who have I forgotten?

[otohara]

372. Me Too

but I used to work in radio and know how they work. It's a shit fan everyday in the corporate radio land. I told hubby last night - she will be gone! How many Clear Channel stations is she on? They have too many national clients who would have pulled schedules over this one.

[spanone]

66. calling a politician a whore on radio does nothing to promote anything

especially a politician from 'our side'

good move AAR

[americanstranger]

71. It wasn't on the air, it was a promo appearance.

Otherwise, your point is valid.

- as

[otohara]

92. Yes But AAR Paid For

her airline ticket, her for hotel, food, etc. and this was advertised as an Air America event.

She should have known better, really stupid thing to do.

[americanstranger]

116. Not disagreeing.

The suspension is fully warranted. And yes, she should have known better.

Which leads me to speculate that she's trying to 'Lenny Bruce' her way out of the AA gig. (I'm reminded of the scene when he loses a club gig and flips off the club owner by saying 'Don't tell me - I'll never work in this town again, right?')

- as

[otohara]

165. I've Wondered That Myself

but on the other hand, since I used to work in that industry, I know how hard it is to get a gig these days. Ever since Telecommunications Act, and conglomeration - on-air gigs like hers don't come around very often. But it sounds like for now anyway, she's only been suspended, but I bet it's more than a week. Her comments were offensive even to us Obama supporters and a weak suspension probably won't go over very well with advertisers and listeners.

But she does seem to have some sort of death wish when it comes to her job. She misses more days than David Letterman.

[americanstranger]

179. Someone in the industry told me early on

that Randi could walk out of AAR's offices and there would be a rep from ABC Radio waiting to sign her. The guy who told me that is pretty tied into the industry (he was MD of the last non-talk lineup of WABC in NYC and was on-air talent as well - he also runs a really good blog. If you want to know what it is, I'll PM you, you'd enjoy it. But I digress. :)), and he's a real good judge of people's value in the market.

Having said that, this was back when AAR was pretty new - the scenario may have changed.

But doesn't she still have the clause in her contract that she can return to WJNO if the AAR gig goes south? I know she insisted upon that as a condition of even coming to AAR. She's talked about it a few times on the radio, IIRC.

- as

[otohara]

215. Interesting

Still, the only progressive type stations are mostly Air America. Unless they put her on a satellite link where she could say fuck as much she wants.

I see her as both viable and a liability - sort of a loose canon. She is not able to get very many guests to come on her show - certainly not the VIPs in the dem party. They avoid her like the plague - as do the cable networks. She claims to despise going on cable, but it sure raises your visibility and that turns into higher ratings.

She's gonna have to apologize in a big way and that's not her style, there's always the chance WJNO won't want her after this.

[americanstranger]

227. You're right - blessing/curse.

The very reason she was brought to AAR was her outspokenness - it worked to her advantage at WJNO, where she routinely kicked Limbaugh's ass in the ratings.

The tone of the show has definitely changed since her move to NYC. I listened to her and called into the 'JNO show for about a year and a half before the AAR gig happened, and she seemed more comfortable and less confrontational in the WPB market.

But, hey. All of this is just arm-chair analysis, after all. I hope she can tame whatever demons are bothering her and get back to doing the type of radio she's capable of. She is at bottom a very sweet person, and you gotta wish her well.

- as

[Clintonista2]

69. Excellent. K&R

[ORDagnabbit]

70. I am not a fan of queen lies all the time but I think Randi stepped over the line.

if it was sponsored by Air America then she should have had better sense.

[Perky]

72. She came off as boorish and drunk. If she was sober...it is even worse

[JuniperLea]

79. I don't blame them...

If she was one tenth as bad at this public appearance as she is on her show, good for them!

You don't have to slam one candidate to elevate the other, in fact, we all have a lot more credibility when we refrain from slamming any Democrat... with one caveat... those who break the law should have their feet held to the flame just like any other creepy criminal. Otherwise, a positive thought about a candidate is only worth the last 10 insults.

Will Randi learn a lesson here? I doubt it. She is far too self-absorbed.

I tuned in to the Steph Miller show for the first time in a while, and I noticed she has calmed down a bit. Good for her too. Steph and Randi are really nobodies... but they are in the limelight daily and people look up to them. They have the same social responsibility that athletes have, imho. When people look up to you and emulate you, you should do the right thing and be a good person.

Constant whining, sighing and slamming a fellow Democrat is NOT the right thing to do.

[bullwinkle428]

106. At least Stephanie repeatedly emphasizes that she will be

more than willing to vote for Hillary if she became the Democratic nominee, and they're now openly mocking the "hold my breath until I turn blue" voters who insist on not voting, or voting for McCain if THEIR choice doesn't get the nomination!

[JuniperLea]

143. Yep, I'll give her that...

She's doing the right thing in that regard.

[PoliticalAmazon]

415. Many view Steph's approach as robotic and doing what they are told to do. n/t

[mrreowwr_kittty]

122. "Constant whining, sighing and slamming a fellow Democrat is NOT the right thing to do."

Could you pass that message along to Sen. Clinton?

[JuniperLea]

138. Thanks for illustrating my point...

This is exactly what I'm talking about...

Johnny did it too... whine whine whine...

High road too much trouble?

[mrreowwr_kittty]

146. For Senator Clinton it apparently is.

BTW, I know by now that whatever Her Majesty does, it will always be okay to her loyal subjects.

[JuniperLea]

271. And still you can't see your way to the path... I'm a loyal subject to no one...

When the nomination comes in, I'll support the Democrat in the GE... I don't really see a great deal of difference between the remaining two candidates.

[PatGund]

166. Calmed down???

From the start Stephanie Miller has defended Sen. Clinton. Is she a Sen. Obama supporter? Yes. Has she taken the Clinton campaign to task for things she disagrees with? Yes. Has she taken the OBAMA campaign to task for things she disagrees with? Yes!

Has she gone on TV and defended Sen. Clinton? Yes.

Has she said that she would vote for whoever the nominee is? Yes.

Has she taken to task people that have said they wouldn't vote for the nominee if THEIR person didn't win? Damn straight she has.

As near as I can tell, the main reason why Stephanie Miller is seen as an "Obama shill" is that she doesn't give her unquestioning 110% support to Sen. Clinton. But then, she doesn't give her unquestioning 110% support to Sen. Obama either.

[FlaGranny]

231. Randi has said many times

that she will vote for Clinton if she gets the nomination. She has defended Clinton many times. She has taken Obama to task, she has taken Clinton to task. She has taken people to task who say they won't vote for Clinton if she gets the nomination. Near as I can tell, Stephanie and Randi are not much different except that Randi is 100% correct in everything she says on the air, she is completely informed, and she has a big mouth.

I love her. Every other host on Air America pales in comparison. No one has her passion AND her knowledge. No one.

[JuniperLea]

297. Rachel Maddow is far more intelligent and informed...

Without the drama too.

[JuniperLea]

292. Yes, calmed down... you read it right

Yet your comments really have nothing to do with my post.

Stephanie spent the past three or more months whining and sighing and generally depressing the hell out of me and several others here until we turned her off. Her stances aren't in question, her whining and negativity are the concern. And, does the phrase "Momma is for Obama" mean anything to you? She is without question a fully committed Obama supporter... without fail.

[PatGund]

345. Which she's never denied!

But she's also defended Sen. Clinton when she feels that she's been unfairly attacked, and taken BOTH campaigns to task if she feels that they're doing something wrong.

Yes, she's a "Momma for Obama", but not to the exclusion of blind loyalty to Sen. Obama or blind hatred for Sen. Clinton. She's said repeatedly that both would make a great president - which is more fair than some people HERE have been.

[JuniperLea]

374. It's the InterTubes... you can't pretend you didn't say something...

Why would you say this: "As near as I can tell, the main reason why Stephanie Miller is seen as an "Obama shill" is that she doesn't give her unquestioning 110% support to Sen. Clinton. But then, she doesn't give her unquestioning 110% support to Sen. Obama either."

And then try to say this: "Yes, she's a "Momma for Obama", but not to the exclusion of blind loyalty to Sen. Obama or blind hatred for Sen. Clinton."

Have you actually been listening to her? With the exception of this morning's brief visit to the airing of her show, she's been all about the Hillary bashing and Obama sucking. Please.

[PatGund]

394. Seems I've been listening far better than you have

Matter of fact, I'm listening to her podcast right now.

Has she taken Sen. Clinton's campaign to task? Yes. But I have heard her in the past take Sen. Clinton's campaign to task when she feels they're not being fair either.

And for THAT matter, I've seen her on TV defending Sen. Clinton. I guess that doesn't count for anything ?

But believe what you want. It seems to me that anyone who dares comment on something wrong with Sen. Clinton's campaign is automatically villified, even though they have also said good things as well.

[ampad]

81. Good

I love Randi I support Obama but she went over the line with that. I watched the video and am very disappointed in Randi.

[PA Democrat]

83. Yeah, I have to agree. Her remarks were grossly inappropriate.

[azmouse]

86. I'm sorry to hear that Randi made comments like that.

I think she needs a break from her show to get her head together.
I'll be happy to listen to her once again when she returns.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

130. I wonder how many who support this suspension disagreed with Don Imus's firing?

I seem to recall a lot of support for Imus on DU at that time.

For the record, I agree with both.

[2rth2pwr]

137. How many supported Imus's firing but disagree with this suspension?

[ShortnFiery]

449. You can't compare Geraldine Ferraro with innocent college basketball players - NO Comparison.

That's beyond disingenuous even though Geraldine was falsely touting the above comparison while feigning outrage. How inane and pathetic. :(

[azmouse]

147. I not only agreed with Imus being fired,

I wonder how he got hired to begin with. He was never entertaining or informative.

Randi could be both. But lately she was getting very edgy. Always talking over her callers, even shouting at them.
Something is wrong and I hope she can work it out.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

157. Oh I know. I've met Randi a few times and liked her immensely in person.

But I would NEVER call into her show. :scared:

[azmouse]

162. Very cool. How did you meet her?

[mrreowwr_kittty]

185. KPHX events in Phoenix where I got to go to the VIP party.

Both times we hung out and had a few drinks with Randi. She's very nice and approachable and down-to-earth in person. She's got this vulnerable quality about her. You can tell she's as anxious to get you to like her as you might be toward her. That's why I cut her a lot of slack for her behavior on her show, which admittedly does go over the line at times.

[LostinVA]

178. I was very vocal on DU defending Imus' firing

I just always wondered why it hadn't happened ages before the Rutger's incident.

[KoKo]

424. Maybe...just maybe...folks are getting sick of "Shock Jock"/Imus kind of crap ..although

I read that MSNBC's Ratings are UP...so "Cup of Joe" with Scarborough" and Tweety Matthews and CRIME STOPPERS DOCKET (or whatever their Crime Shows are called) is everyone's GREAT WATCH these days...:eyes:

Isn't it time for FAUX LITE to go by the wayside? I'm sort of tired of FUCK YOU and HATE in MY FACE wherever I go. What about Limbaugh...? Isn't it time to can that guy and the rest of the HATE MONGERS?

Our Country is in GRAVE TROUBLE...it's past time for Hate and Shock. Time to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT that's POSITIVE. No wonder folks are flocking to Obama for "Hope and Change!" They want to hear ANYTHING POSITIVE!

[Seabiscuit]

91. What's wrong with Rhandi Rhodes? I'm glad she got suspended. nt

:thumbsdown:

[jgraz]

93. Yikes -- can't say she didn't earn that one

I hope Randi takes it like an adult and apologizes for her remarks.

[Andrea]

186. Thanks for using the phrase

"takes it like an adult." I cringe when I hear "takes it like a man."

[2rth2pwr]

96. She needs to put the Ketel One down.

BuzzFlash: All the progressive talk show hosts whom we’re talking to have a different style. How do you describe your style?

Randi Rhodes: It’s fact-based scatological rants. The stuff is in my head because I read everything in the morning. And of course, all weekend long I’m watching C-span. So I have the facts. But it’s scatological. It just comes out. And one thing leads to another, and another, and another. Sometimes I don’t know how I got there, you know? I need to follow my own train of thought. And then, a caller can change the whole fricking show. Somebody calls in and they have something on their mind that is just like wild, or wildly wrong, or they fricking hate me. And it could change the whole direction of the show.

BuzzFlash: Let me ask a Barbara Walters question here. If we were at a bar, would it be the same Randi Rhodes that I hear on the air?

Randi Rhodes: Yeah, except drunk. Except drunk and really horny....
http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/interviews/063

...BuzzFlash: When you’re sitting there, doing the program, and light goes on. You have your cue to begin. Who are you talking to in your mind?

Randi Rhodes: Well, I’m actually talking to the control room, you know? So I get my reaction from them. I’m actually talking to a person. For all these years, I’ve been talking to whoever is sitting in that producer chair. I can actually see if they’re laughing. I can get real-time reaction from a real human being. It’s not like I have to sit there and rely on my sick fantasy, because I’d probably be talking to some ultimate dungeon master.

_____

... Air America has retracted its claim that she was mugged at all. "On Sunday evening, October 14, Air America host Randi Rhodes experienced an unfortunate incident hindering her from hosting her show. The reports of a presumed hate crime are unfounded." Poor Randi! But maybe, suggests a reader, it was an alcohol crime?
http://gawker.com/news/developing/was-talk-show-host-randi-rhodes-jumped-by-14-ketel-ones-311453.php
Our own commenter GBH writes:

Randi Rhodes was no more assaulted by a right-wing fanatic on Monday than Dick Cheney was. She, in fact, fell down and injured her teeth outside of a Midtown Irish bar at around 6 o'clock Sunday evening after downing about fourteen Ketel One Bloody Marys. She was abusive to the barstaff and generally gross, crass, loud, and pretentious. I genuinely hope she has a speedy recovery. I never would've disclosed this (I believe that anyone should feel free to hang out at Irish pubs at any time and not be concerned about someone publishing their behavior) if Air America hadn't grossly interpreted a drunken indiscretion and allowed it to be morphed into some bullish rhetoric on air. Whatever journalistic integrity the station may have ever had is now completely compromised. The manipulation of the public diminishes any cause, whether just or fabricated.

[susankh4]

97. OMG! Ed Schulz just complimented Hillary!!

I can't believe it!!

Yep, AAR has gotten the message!

[flpoljunkie]

103. Ed Schultz is not on Air America Radio. Wish Rachel Maddow would replace Rhodes time slot.

[susankh4]

112. He is on my XM!

I am listening to him right this minute.

And he just said that Hillary's new phone ad is on target.... against McCain.

[Mezzo]

313. that'd free her up for more MSNBO primetime. And Sedar would do well in Rachel's current spot. nt

[PA Democrat]

115. Ed Schultz isn't Air America. His show plays on some stations that also carry some AAR shows, but

he is not with AAR.

[susankh4]

123. He is on Air America XM.

Every day at noon.

[PA Democrat]

209. But Air America does not sign his paycheck. He has some kind of syndication deal with XM

The Ed Schultz Show is broadcast from Fargo via the Jones Radio Network to over 100 radio stations (as of October 2005), including nine of the 10 largest radio markets <1>. It can currently be heard nationwide on Sirius Satellite Radio's "Sirius Left" channel, and XM Radio's Air America Radio channel. The program can also be heard on Armed Forces Radio.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Schultz

[indimuse]

294. Jones Radio Network...

they just picked up a RW talk guy outta Tampa FL, Shcnitt?

[Connie_Corleone]

129. Ed Schultz isn't AAR.

[susankh4]

139. He still airs on their waves.

I listen to him every day. Well, I *DID* until the Hillary bashing started.

Anyways, he's on now. And he's staying on target. No Hill bashing today! (As of now.)

[Whisp]

99. what was she thinking? what a huge stupid move on her part.nt

[lefty from jersey]

136. BURP!!!

Were they serving cocktails at the event?

[Whisp]

153. think that could be it? I've heard about her 'drinking' but

dont' know if that's just baseless gossip or if she really does tip too much.
I guess her being drunk could explain her stupidity in saying that, but not excuse it.

[quakerboy]

124. hmm

With so many good ones out there(Hartman, Maddow, even Shultz), I don't think it will be a big deal. If they start silencing the voices of more, then thats a problem, but one person who arguably gets too passionate(and has a listening deficiency), that is probably justifiable.

Bye Randi.

[lefty from jersey]

308. It is entertainment

Stop with the "silencing" nonsense. Air America is not entertaining, it is a bunch of losers complaining to each other. Lighten up! This really is not life or death. Rhodes stopped being entertaining long ago and she keeps losing listeners. That is the reason the want to silence her, no one is listening and the ones that do listen live in their mother's basement and have no disposable cash except allowence.

Let's get this straight. No matter who gets elected not a single one of their far flung ideas is going to become law. Health care, foreclosures, impeachment and all the other ideas are victims of a budget that is in the toilet. No one is pulling out of Iraq in 60 days either.

You will all eventually be fed up with the candidate that you want because they have all promised things they can not deliver. Take a day off, go to the park, play with a child, read a good book and remember they all have feet made of clay.

[SammyWinstonJack]

352. ...

:thumbsup:

[quakerboy]

425. Your right.

Were just fucked. theres no hope. Might as well just stay home and let McCain win. Maybe take up binge drinking as well. Why bother with it all.

Fortunantly for me, I have a job that allows me to go to the park and read a book on the clock. I am running short on good books, though.

They are all just people. As am I. And I refuse to give up the hope that we can make things better than they are now. Despite the preponderance of history against me, I still hope.

[closeupready]

125. Good. I'm not a Hillary supporter, but her language was unacceptable.

n/t

[Connie_Corleone]

133. I'm an Obama supporter, but this was beyond the pale.

Rhodes must've been drunk or something to act like that while representing AAR.

The suspension is the right move.

[eleny]

135. I wonder how long the suspension will last

If they allow her to return, there will be a mea culpa expected from her.

I watched some of the video and noted that her audience was very receptive. But since she was representing AAR and Green supports Clinton, Randi pushed the envelope too far. I'm not surprised that she's been suspended.

[2rth2pwr]

145. Hopefully at least 28 days

Which is the standard in-house rehab time.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

163. It's not that Green supports Clinton. That's not the reason she was suspended.

She should be impartial about Hillary and Obama, and NOT trash one to the point of name calling.

Randi has been getting harder and harder to take, the way she is self absorbed.

Since the nominee has not been decided, she was out of line to call Hillary and Geraldine Ferraro "whores".


It wouldn't be fair for her to call Obama a "pimp" or a "whore" either.

Sam Seder should have his own show.

[eleny]

192. I agree with you about the name calling

In my book, she did cross over a line since she was representing AAR at the event. After all, she wasn't doing stand up comedy/ political satire as an independent agent. But I also believe that Green is particularly sensitive about Clinton. And that may be a factor in deciding if she's fired or the length of a suspension. If she does return, the leash will have fewer links.

And yes about Sam! Speaking flaws and all I would love to hear him back on the air, daily. This weekend I watched several of the Seder v Maron archives and thoroughly enjoyed them. I miss Maron, too.

[rodeodance]

140. GRAND!

[Tatiana]

141. She deserved it. Her remarks crossed the line.

Obama would not appreciate that type of advocacy on his behalf.

I hope she does take this time to reflect and come back with a more focused and positive show.

[rasputin1952]

150. I find it somewhat disparaging that a Progressive would get

suspended for saying what was on her mind.

I see some support for both sides in this thread...but where are all of you when other radio personalities bash D's every day? Are you out there posting up a storm against FOX, O'Reilly, Hannity, Limbaugh, Savage (Weiner), and a host of other people that go out of there way to bash every D they can, but when one of our own says something, the pile-up gets pretty heavy.

My point is this, not everyone need listen to, nor accept what any personality in the media has to say...but a misstep here and there is far less deserving of action than those who spew forth hatred and animosity day in and day out against D's...regardless of which candidate you support.

So I see glee and gloom in this thread...and in the mean time, another Progressive voice has been silenced for the time being, while the Conservative wing gets a free ride...just beats me...:shrug:

[Moochy]

183. That's because her boss is not a progressive

[rasputin1952]

194. Yeah, I understand that...but it is her boss that should be getting

e-mails, nothing posted here will have an impact in either direction as far as this situation goes.

The cheers and jeers go unheard when they actually could do some good, if directed at the right people. All this has done is give more ammo to the RW, something we appear to be obsessed with lately.

[truedelphi]

187. I'm thinking the same thing. In a sense. RR is a performer

And an entertainer - and she is who she is.

She goes on about things, over the top, but then what do we want - someone sitting around reading a grocery list?


There is supposedly a First Amendment somewhere.

[rasputin1952]

199. Everyone goes OTT from time to time...what's the big deal?

Just look around in DU, you'd think we were in a slasher movie the way some people are posting...:eyes:

DU can't do anything for or against Randi...but we can do a lot against our own, we do it every day.

[Seabiscuit]

228. How can a DU moderator say "what's the big deal" when someone calls Clinton and Ferraro "whores"???

I don't get it.

I would expect to have any post I put up calling those two prominent Dem women "whores" to be deleted, and I also would expect to receive a stern warning in my inbox from Skinner telling me that one more post like that will result in my being tombstoned.

It doesn't matter who it is who says that on the air, they don't belong on the air. Period.

It's not a free speech issue. There's no government censorship going on here. It's a contractual issue between her and her boss at Air America. Her freedom of speech hasn't been abridged - she's free to say whatever she wants wherever she wants; she just can't call prominent Dems "whores" on Air America any more. She can go down to the local bar and say it all she wants.

Randi is no longer "our own" and no longer "a Progressive". She drank too much kool-aid and slit her own throat on the air.

[truedelphi]

245. I'm not saying I am overjoyed with her remarks, okay?

But I hate censorship.

if I have to suffer with someone's foolish remarks rather than have censorship, I will take the foolish remarks.

90% of what she does is entertainment.

Do I wanna look at the Comedy channel with Big Brother watching over it?

Or when Colbert went to the WH roast and skewered Bush a new one, do I want that stopped?

Some of the slopes are very slippery.

[Seabiscuit]

So you'd prefer watching Don Imus talking about "nappy headed ho's" on the air?

[truedelphi]

260. I hated the remark. n/t

[rasputin1952]

248. Have you seen what has been posted all over DU?

every nook and cranny has something that is spiteful to whatever candidate the poster is "against".

What Randi did was considerably less than what many DU'ers are doing now.

Just becasue you don't agree w/sentiments, doesn't mean she didn't speak the sentiments of many others. For the most part, even the most astute and honest individual that gets DC on a ballot, eventually turns into a whore, be it male, female, animal or vegetable. It is the nature of the beast, and has been for a long time. Not much will change, unless we help to change it.

[Seabiscuit]

261. Of course I have, and have been complaining vociferously about it for months.

I'm the guy with over 800 posters on "ignore" because simply hitting the "alert" button doesn't really accomplish anything but getting a post here or there deleted. It's no way to take out the garbage when your house is overflowing with it.

When I pointed out in a thread what a nightmare this forum had become and that it appeared that no moderator system anywhere was designed to handle a problem of this magnitude, I had my thread locked for "calling out" the mods.

Two wrongs don't make a right. If Randy posted what she said on air here in DU I would fully expect (1) her post would be deleted, and (2) that she would be warned by Skinner that one more post like that will result in her being tombstoned.

Just because there's no possible way the mods can keep up with all the trash flying in this forum doesn't excuse bad behavior by anyone, including Randi Rhodes.

She didn't speak a "sentiment". She called Clinton and Ferraro "whores". What is it about that that you don't find offensive???

Did Don Imus merely "speak the sentiments of many others" when he called those young black female baketball players "nappy headed ho's"? Wasn't he "censored" according to your standards? Is that the kind of stuff you want to see on TV?

[rasputin1952]

273. The allegory here is...if you don't like the program, change the

channel of shut the thing off.

Apparently, by your own admission, you have censored some 800 people you don't agree with. That is the same as changing the channel or shutting the thing off.

I might not agree w/what she said, (but I might), once it's out there, it's out there. I see attacks on DU every day, generally speaking, we tend to let posters hash it out, hopefully under some decnt circumstances. The fights go on because no one is willing to compromise to even the slightest degree.

By all means, you have the right to complain about what she said, but no one is obligated to see your secific point of view.

[Seabiscuit]

431. "once it's out there, it's out there"???

"we tend to let posters hash it out"???

IOW, anything goes both on Air America or other radio or TV media, and right here on DU?

After all, once it's out there, it's out there, right? "What's the big deal", right?

So why do mods delete posts, lock threads, and tombstone posters? Wouldn't that be a form of unacceptable "censorship" according to your reasoning? Once it's out there, it's out there, so why take it down, eh?

And according to that standard putting obnoxious time-wasting posters on "ignore" is also a form of "censorship"??? Or is it "the same as changing the channel or shutting the thing off"?

I don't get it.

Is using the "ignore" button "censorship" (removal of a poster from one's screen) or is it "changing the channel"?

Is deleting posts, locking threads, and tombstoning posters "censorship" or "changing the channel"?

Is there no difference, then, between anything any more? No distinctions whatsoever to be drawn?

I need to sleep this one off - my head's spinning by now.

[Seabiscuit]

433. Three final questions:

1. If Randi Rhodes were posting on DU under a pseudonym and started a thread that said: "What a whore Geraldine Ferarro is! She's such a fucking whore. Hillary is a big fucking whore, too. She is a big fucking
whore, and do you know why she's a big fucking whore? Because her deal is always, 'read the fine print, asshole,'" would you lock or delete that thread (and if not, because "once it's out there, it's out there")?

2. If not, do you think it possible that another moderator would?

3. If the thread was locked or deleted for violation of posting rules, do you think Skinner might send a message to her inbox warning her not to post such sexist, inflammatory material if she doesn't want to be tombstoned?

[Seabiscuit]

434. Excuse me. One last question:

If it's "no big deal" to call a woman running for president a "big fucking whore" is it also "no big deal" to call a black man running for president a "big fucking n*gger" or, say, a "big fucking ghetto pimp"?

Is that what people who call themselves "progressives" have become here on DU?

[rasputin1952]

451. It is not right for either of those things to be said...

but, none the less people are not only going to say such things, far too many think such things.

RR did not come to DU and post her remarks, they were recorded and distributed by AA management. There was purpose behind this, and it has reached the desired level. It is all over DU and other places. This was a way for AA to reach an audience.

Who is the real "whore" here?

I think it's AA management.

And for the record, the RW will use what you've mentioned about Obama, or what AA used to roil the population against HRC, regardless of who the candidate is...they will merely be more succinct about it.

[rasputin1952]

450. Think about this for just a second...

AA management had exclusive rights to the taping of the show. They put the clip up, they distributed it, they "created" the outrage. Who's the real "whore" here?

As for this site. We go by rules, and the post you cited would most likely get locked or deleted. but those who saw it and got offended, would undoubtedly carry it over in another thread...that's why "once it's out there" is a staple. At the same time, we expect people to alert on such things...but most people here figure that once it's dealt with, that should be the end.

This isn't happening in this case, it is being driven forward by some entities, it is not being allowed to die off. AFAIC people can post about this till the cows come home, but the point is, there are, in all seriousness, far worse items written on the pages of DU that what RR said. Just take a walk through GD-P...some people treat the threads as if they were a sewer. The rarity of positive posts about candidates is incredible, and with each passing day, people find new and somewhat more interesting ways to soil the candidate that is not of their choice.

That is why I find all of this somewhat spurious.

[Seabiscuit]

223. As bad as Fox, etc. are, they never referred to Ferraro and Clinton as "whores".

THAT's what Randi got suspended for.

Kind of like referring to a black female basketball players as "nappy headed ho's". Remember?

"...another Progressive voice has been silenced...???"

WRONG! Randi shot herself in the foot and the responsibility is entirely hers. No one "silenced" her, she cut her own throat. And no one who calls prominent fellow female Dems "whores" is a "Progressive". I'm a Progressive, and I don't want anyone in the media calling themselves "Progressive" that talks like that on air.

Whatever Randi was, she is no longer someone who can be thought of as "Progressive".

She lost it.

All by herself.

[rasputin1952]

268. I don't agree, she called it like she saw it, as I've stated, just

like people on DU are doing.

Want to talk about shooting feet...look around you, the crippled are everywhere.

[Seabiscuit]

270. The "two wrongs make a right" defense again.

[rasputin1952]

275. Not at all...more like the ...

"living in a glass house".

[Seabiscuit]

432. ???

:shrug:

[OzarkDem]

Progressives shouldn't repeat the mistakes of right wing radio

How can we protest their tactics if we do the same thing. Even worse, attacking our own people. It only makes the progressive community look boorish, narrow minded, ignorant and disloyal to its own base.

Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. Using right wing hate tactics against fellow Dems is NEVER acceptable.

[rasputin1952]

269. They are far more adept at it...we tend to call it like we see it...

they use innuendo, I'd rather someone call it like they see it, as opposed to cheap bank shots.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

152. I loved Randi, but it had to happen

She was getting pretty ugly and personal in her attacks. It was counterproductive to her effectiveness as a talk show host, which is why I stopped listening to her show after 7 years.

[Political Heretic]

160. If this means more SAM SEDER THEN GOOD!!! :)

woot!

[tridim]

170. Fuck the first amendment, eh AAR?

This is sick and wrong.

Screw the suspension, rip up her contract and let her move to a network (Nova M) that will allow her to express her views without fear.

[rodeodance]

174. "abusive, ad hominem language"

[LulaMay]

207. It's called HATE speech, you sexist pig.

[tridim]

211. I didn't say I agree with what she said.

I just said she should be able to say whatever she wants.

Reactionary.

[CitizenRob]

349. And hate speech is protected under the first amendment. AND she happens to be right.

[spooky3]

453. a private sector employer can restrict your speech (see my other posts on

this subject in this thread for an explanation as to why). The first amendment applies to governmental actions, not to private employer actions. Look up Justice Stevens' comments about it.

[totodeinhere]

371. There is no need for you to start calling people names.

As has already been said in this thread, two wrongs don't make a right and just because RR did it doesn't mean that you should.

[Ordr]

439. You silly, silly goose.

[Tom Rinaldo]

210. When we were calling for boycotts of ABC

when they planned to air a mini series that had ficticious dialog that incriminated a Democratic President for allowing 9/11 to happen, the Right wing used the "First Amendment" argument against us. We didn't buy it.

This isn't about the First Amendment. It is about whether an employer has to keep paying someone who makes statements that they strongly disagree with. It is also within the rights of her supporters to now boycott Air America until they restore her to the air, if they want to.

[2rth2pwr]

246. dupe

[2rth2pwr]

258. First Amendment? Wtf!?

[tridim]

265. So do you believe her speech should be restricted?

How about your speech on DU?

[tammywammy]

277. Our speech is restricted on DU

There are certain topics we're not allowed to discuss here.

BTW, I'm perfectly fine with her suspension. It's not the government restricting her speech, it's a private company. No 1st Amendment issue.

[rasputin1952]

329. The whole point is that our speech is NOT restricted TO DU...

This is a message board that many people come to, and some of them for nefarious purposes.

The trolls and the RW love watching the dog fights that goon in here, just as we love watching those idiots trying to defend the defenseless. What has been going on at DU is the mind-set that no on can more an inch, no compromise, do or die.

You can see it in this thread and all over DU...many are not willing to move even the slightest degree. Condemnation for all that, "does not agree w/me", is group-think, and we have a lot of that here. The only reason this is an issue at all, is because someone got offended, and decided they would try to make sure everyone felt offended at the same time and at the same level.

I am not offended, what Randi said, she said, whether one agrees w/it or not.

But I can assure you, those that roll out of this thread and on to others, will take their indignation, (or lack thereof), w/them, making sure that they attack the opposite candidate with far more aggression than Randi showed. And they will do it to the delight of the RW that trolls around our halls, just looking for something to beat us with.

Earlier, someone mentioned Randi shooting herself in the foot...look at us, we're not only wounding ourselves, but dashing up the scaffold, putting our heads in nooses, and yelling at the executioner to hurry up.

It's pretty sad.

[2rth2pwr]

279. I take it you never paid attention during the "Schoolhouse Rock" PSA's.

[illumn8d]

324. The first amendment doesn't really apply here

She can say what she wants but AAR doesn't HAVE to pay her for it.

[PatGund]

172. You know.....

I'm far from being a supporter of Sen. Clinton.

But I've said for years that someone needs to shove a bowling ball down Randi Rhodes throat. She is one of the most ANNOYING people on progressive talk radio, almost as painful to listen to than that "Lionel" chap.

[olkaz]

176. Here we go again with the thought police....

Look, I loathe Randi. I think she's an over-the-top bonehead who makes up silly and unconvincing arguments just to be a contrarian. I haven't listened to her podcast in months.

With that said, you guys all know what she meant, and this gotcha crap has got to stop. She's not sexist, she's not evil, she's a well-meaning progressive that got a little out of hand.

Green had to do something, and this was probably the right thing to do to keep it from bubbling up further. I'm sure Randi will be better for it, and hopefully this will give AA some press.

[sfam]

188. Rhandi has the right to say Hillary's an "F'ing whore" but nobody has to fund her for it....

This is not a thought police issue. If Randi is working for a company that makes money based off of their commentators, they have every right to pull her off for ratings, offensive speech, not selling enough product, or whatever.

This is not about free speech, this is about Randi being so asinine that she needed to be removed from the air. If its her station, she can say whatever she likes. She can say it on the street corner as well. This is different from allowing her to say it on someone else's dime.

[tridim]

193. Depends on what her contract says.

I find it hard to believe she signed anything that restricts what she can say while off the air.

[LostinVA]

202. She wasn't "off the air", that's the thing -- she was still representing AAR

[olkaz]

206. you beat me to it

Also, it's not like Randi is an employee. She's a corporation that has an agreement with AA to do a show. As to whether the contract language has restrictions on this sort of thing built-in, we'll never know.

But I just hate to see everybody get all furious over this. She made a mistake. She's going to take the punishment, and go on. That's it.

[sfam]

216. This is irrelevant. I'm sure she can say anything she wants on the air, but again...

Her employer is under no obligation to keep her ON the air. They only do so because Randi is generating an audience and income for her employer. If her comments threaten those things, they certainly have the right to yank her - and this has NOTHING to do with free speech.

[tridim]

221. Then yank her. Screw the "suspension"

Rip up her contract and let her move to a real progressive network like NovaM

All these "concern" suspensions are so damn childish.

[sfam]

235. I'm curious - what would she have to have said for you to think she deserved to be yanked?

Just wondering. 'Cause if calling someone a fucking whore just to be outlandish isn't problematic, what exactly would she need to say in order to merit yanking in your opinion?

[tridim]

244. Actually I think she should quit. I certainly would.

But if she said something like, "If Hillary wins the nomination you should vote for McCain", then I'd be upset with her because that's an anti-dem position. Being anti-Hillary is not the same as anti-Dem, she is 100% pro-Democrat.

[sfam]

249. So calling Hillary an F'ing Whore is OK but "vote for McCain" is a firing offense?

Ok...if you say so. I was just wondering where you come down....

[tridim]

262. I think she should be able to say whatever she wants.

I just said it would UPSET me if she said that, for the same reasons it upsets me when I see it posted on DU.

[sfam]

315. Do you also think Air America is "obligated" to keep paying her to say whatever she wants, even if..

its hurting their business? Are they obligated to keep paying her and to give her a platform to say it regardless? So she can say ANYTHING she wants and Air America should have no say?

Surely you don't believe this.

[tridim]

325. Absolutely not.

Unless her contract says she can say whatever she wants.

[olkaz]

263. One thing

Randi is paid to be outlandish. I don't like it, personally, but if there's a Howard Stern of AA, it's Randi.

There is a big difference between ad hominem attacks and trying to help the Republican cause. Neither are acceptable, but I'll take the former any day of the week over the latter. She has always made ad hominem attacks, even on her listeners. This isn't new. And now, because of the stature of target, people are upset?

Seriously, nobody cares when she does this to her own listeners. Why should we care now?

[olkaz]

226. She's **not** an employee.

It's not an employee-employer relationship. Anything you base on that is faulty.

"If her comments threaten those things, they certainly have the right to yank her"

It depends on her contract. Depending on how it's worded, AA may be liable for a lot of her contract if they want to end it early. The fact is, we don't know, and all of this is speculation.

And maybe you're right about it not being free speech. I don't know. But I get very uncomfortable when we start telling our own people to shut up.

[sfam]

230. They can still yank her. Your question concerns whether they still have to pay her...

Whether she still gets paid is a contract issue, but they can still yank her whether or not she's an employee or independent corporation. Bottom line, Randi does NOT have apriori rights to the radio show, the owner of it does.

EDIT: Put in other terms, the New York Knicks may yank Stephan Marbury next year and kick him off the team, even though he still has a valid contract with them. The Knicks WILL have to pay Marbury, but they are not obligated to play him, or keep him on the roster.

[olkaz]

252. You're right, but the reality of the situation dictates that

A. Air America would be unwilling to buy out Randi's contract.

and

B. Randi is the #1 AA host (by listener volume), whose absence would cause AA considerable financial harm.

So it **could** happen, but these financial realities say that it is very unlikely.

I don't even know what I'm arguing at this point, I don't disagree with you. I guess I'm wasting time. I've never even taken a contracts class and have no inside information. Hell, I haven't even taken the LSAT yet. I really better quit now.

[spooky3]

454. I doubt that Air America would take the chance of violating her contract.

They surely had a lawyer advise them before suspending her, if the contract wasn't crystal clear. Many employer (or contractor) contracts include restrictions on what people can do away from the job, especially if the employer believes an action be seen as reflecting on the employer.

If she had used similarly racist language, people here would be appalled, and I doubt very much that her contract allows for using hate speech.

[susankh4]

400. Amen!

And, noone here is required to listen to her offensive remarks either. So, if her ratings fell over the last several weeks it is nobody's fault but her own.

Alienating half of one's listenership is just plain dumb!

Oh how the mighty have fallen.

[BenDavid]

184. I keep hearing anti-Hillary people like Randi Rhodes go

on and on about how "betrayed" they feel that Hillary did an interview with Scaife's newspaper. Randi (who can go on and on - her excuse is maybe somebody missed it the first 30 times she mentioned it) had a cow Monday because after all the years of love she's given to the Clintons, now she fells all stabbed in the back that Hillary wants to win Pennsylvania so she sat down with some rat bastards. Hearing Randi doing Monica jokes and blow job jokes makes me sick. So after about 100 days of the most horrible personalize verbal abuse I've ever heard, you'd think, after the beating Hillary has taken from her own party and AAR and the others, the least Hillary could do is consider Randi Rhodes's feelings when trying to win a tough election.(Yep, got to take into account po Randi's feelings as well as fat ass Ed Shultz's.)

[olkaz]

213. Wow. Throw some more progressive voices under the bus, would ya?

You guys blow my mind. Fox News + Scaife > Randi Rhodes + Ed Schultz.

I hope a year from now you realize how out of control this position was.

[otohara]

243. A Whole Lot of Us Obama Supporters

are glad about this suspension. Not wanting Sen. Clinton to be POTUS doesn't mean we want to hear anyone calling her a fucking whore. That being said, I think saying that people felt "betrayed" when hearing about Sen. Clinton's interview with Scaife is silly. Perplexed perhaps, but betrayed ??

As an Obama supporter, I'm so glad he has yet to go on Fox News. Don't you see, by her going on Fox and doing the Scaife thing, it appears that she is desperate. Do democrats watch Fox News, no they do not! What did she accomplish by doing Fox and Scaife? A whole lot of criticism, that's what she got. What good did it do for her campaign?

[workinclasszero]

189. Leader of the DLC = corporate whore

When ya gonna release your tax returns Hillary? I wonder how many wall street free traitors are on the Clinton library donor list??

Killing the messenger ain't gonna stop the truth.

Randi Rhodes is my HERO!:patriot::applause:

[LostinVA]

205. She didn't call her a corporate whore

[OzarkDem]

240. Obama is no different, perhaps worse

You don't need to have your name on DLC's web site to follow their agenda. Obama is a perfect example.

At least Hillary stands up to corporations on health care reform and doesn't sell out her constituents' safety to the nuclear power industry.

[Jersey Devil]

191. I'm for Obama but think it was right to suspend her

I've never understood her popularity. She is very crude and a poor example to hold up to people as a progressive Democrat, plus she really turns on the "New Yawk" accent, which I think is probably extremely exaggerated by her. Though born in Brooklyn she's lived all over the country so I kind of doubt her diction would be the way she presents herself on the air and in public appearances, like Marisa Tomei in "My Cousin Vinny".

I saw the video so I can understand why Air America was embarrassed by her being their spokesperson as well. I don't want people pointing at her and saying, "There's a typical Democrat".

[LostinVA]

196. The fact is: if you're representing a company, you toe THEIR line

Not yours. Whether you're a radio personality, a teacher, a cop, an attorney, a cashier, et al. That's it. Probably all of the former except for the radio host would have been fired for what she did. She's a professional, she KNOWS better.

This isn't a First Amendment issue. It's a legit employment issue.

Randi's contract probably specifically mentions incidents like this. She's very lucky she wasn't fired.

[sfam]

222. Exactly - this has nothing to do with free speech, its about idiocy on someone else's dime...

Randi can say anything she wants wherever she wants. But to think there isn't implications if she says them when someone is paying her to fit a certain paradigm, she's fairly stupid. Ditching about 49% of their market in such a trashy way probably didn't seem that brilliant to her employers.

[jefferson_dem]

200. I can't stomach Randi's irrational rants - like O'Reilly with ovaries.

Nonetheless, I won't condemn her for speaking truth to ClintonInc "power".

[OzarkDem]

201. About time

Her comments were waaaay out of bounds.

Dems should hold themselves to higher standards than right wing hate radio.

[Buzz Clik]

203. I get Air America on my satellite radio. I haven't listened for a moment in three years.

I see no reason to change that.

[stillrockin]

237. Here's one good reason: Rachel Maddow!

[Buzz Clik]

272. I get my Rachel Maddow fix on MSNBC.

I've never heard hear on the radio. It might be interesting to catch her opinions outside the context of the yak and jabber of MSNBC.

[LulaMay]

204. Good. Whoever thinks it's fine to abuse women, call us the W, C & B word, GET LOST

[aquarius dawning]

212. She's becoming our version of Anne Coulter. Reigning her in probably isn't a bad idea.

[tridim]

219. What if she called Ann Coulter a RW whore?

Would you have a problem with that?

[aquarius dawning]

278. probably. I generally don't condonne calling a women a whore.

It would be hypocritical for one thing...:P

[LTR]

225. Larry Johnson is claiming his people got her suspended

"We did it!"

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/04/03/air-americas-randy-rhodes-suspended-we-did-it/

He hates us for our freedom.

[americanstranger]

232. That kinda sucks, to be honest.

I agree that she should have gotten suspended, but the fact that it's another presumed liberal doing it kinda stinks.

- as

[stillrockin]

234. I concur.

[sfam]

250. Who else but a "presumed liberal" would have ever watch this?

Air America is after all sort of an echo chamber, not unlike the Rush crowd. Other than those righties looking to bash what they hear, pretty much nobody but liberals would ever be caught dead listening to Randi.

[americanstranger]

274. The comments on LJ's blog are pretty hateful.

And they're already planning their next take-down from the look of it. Nice.

Maybe I'll send Larry a nice shirt - something in a nice shade of brown.

- as

[ampad]

266. I think what she said was ugly

I don't condone it but she does have a right to say it. With that said didn't Larry Johnson call wright a nigga? He isn't one to talk. The fact that he organized to get her suspended really bothers me, reminds me of Bill O'Reilly and his ilk. I think this is something to think about and maybe something to write about to AAR. We are not the right wing in a sense that folks should be allowed to say what they want but hypocrites shouldn't be the ones throwing the stones. If AAR allowed their decision to be influenced by the likes of Larry Johnson then they have real issues. Kind of like Whoopi being kicked from Slim fast because of what she said about Bush. I don't want to go down that road on our side. I think Randi should of been asked to apologize on air and left it at that.

[indimuse]

236. As I stated in a thread earlier,

indimuse (1000+ posts) Thu Apr-03-08 10:07 AM
Original message
Obama Shill Ed Shultz Gets The Axe At WINZ 940 South FL
Edited on Thu Apr-03-08 10:18 AM by indimuse
Obama Shill Ed Shultz Gets The Axe At WINZ


"Big Head Ed" Schultz has been canceled from http://940winz.com Miami/Fort Lauderdale

radio. Miami, one of radio's largest media markets has seen the slipping ratings of the Ed Schultz show for months and replacing him with a Live show of Thom Hartmann.


I told you...Randi could (should) be next! Then...Steph M..you know..all the radio f's perpetuating lies about Hillary and promoting Obama as a saint, the ones who hate Hillary supporters enough to openly insult on national radio. Democracy haters who scream Hillary should quit...how dare she!


Toodle f'ing loo!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqHIPY7lRfE&eurl=http://... /

[Orsino]

239. There are a *lot* of whores in government...

...so I would want to know why she singled out Clinton or Ferraro. Perhaps "whore" wasn't germane to the point she was making, and therefore came across as sexist name-calling?

[Zachstar]

247. Oh well enough of listening to that idiotic network.

All the good hosts are moving on anyway.

There are a few left granted but it is a farcry of what it used to be.

[helderheid]

251. You mean I can listen to AAR again?

[AtomicKitten]

253. I was there and object to Randi being censored for her off-air standup.

Randi went off here in SF after Geraldine Ferraro's racist remarks, calling her the David Duke of the Democratic Party. Randi is spot-on in her analysis of the Clinton KKK campaign reminding voters at every turn that Obama is black.

The Clintons continuing to seek to silence Hillary's detractors with this kind of jack-booted censorship is bullshit.

Viva free speech.

[2rth2pwr]

289. Another 1st Amendment scholar.

[AtomicKitten]

328. The First Amendment prevails in spite of the Clinton jack-booted attempts at censorship.

[lefty from jersey]

440. 1st amendment?

Rhodes has no first amendment right to speak on the radio. She has an obligation to be entertaining if she wants to keep her job. AAR got a lucky break when they got the video of the Rhodes meltdown. She was working her way out. I could no longer listen to her starting back a few weeks ago when it was all Obama all the time.

Burp!

[FlaGranny]

254. Just sent

Air America my e-mail telling them I do not listen to them again, ever, unless Randi is back. If it weren't for her there would never have been an Air America. She's the only one I ever listen to. You just totally ruined my day, but at least I found out right away so I could raise hell.

God, I'll go insane if I have to get all my information on this na-na-na-na-na-na board.

[backscatter712]

256. I'm genuinely saddened actually.

Randi Rhodes has indeed jumped the shark lately, and she has made some outrageously inappropriate statements. I'm not sure what happened that led to this. Her show has been getting pretty obnoxious lately.

What's sad is that a year or two ago, her show was pretty damned good. She had her crap together and she earned for herself that prime drive-time slot. Am I right on this?

Maybe sooner or later, she'll get her life together, and re-earn that top spot. But right now, I'm not surprised her show got the plug pulled... :(

[FlaGranny]

276. I'm just angry.

Shows that are completely fair, no "shrillness", no controversy, and completely boring equal few listeners. Randi has always been obnoxious. I've been listening to her for years. She has not changed one iota from 8-9 years ago. She still has her crap together. She still has the documentation for everything she says. She has further information about the Clintons that she still has not released (unless I missed it). Every thing I ever heard her say on the air she has the documentation to back her up. All our progressive Democrats, politicians, radio personalities, TV personalities, all go on the hit list as soon as they tell any truth about Clinton and every single damn one of these people have reported every single Obama truth as well. I don't refuse to listen to them every again as soon as they say anything about Obama. They're still going on and on about the Wright stuff, but do I say they're "dead to me" because of it? In fact, all these personalities seemed to me to be for Clinton at first. They have all just followed the same thought path as I have and changed their minds. Yes, Randi was foolish to say such a thing. She should have known that people are thin skinned, especially about the truth - even when spoken as a bad joke. The trouble is, Clinton does seem to be meeting the third definition. It's why I and others have turned away from her. Fact is, Randi Rhodes will vote for Hillary Clinton if she gets the nomination and so will I.

[ampad]

303. I was just listening to Sam Seeder

and I got the impression from him that he was not happy with her suspension. He mentioned David Shuster and the fact that there was a pattern here. I think I agree to a point. Like I said before I wish she did not say it and maybe she should apologize. But if this was an orchestrated attack on her from the likes of Larry and the Clinton camp then something needs to be said to AAR. I would hate for the Dem party to go down the road of the Repigs with their censorship. I would also hate to see us go down that road with the name calling. I think Randi meant to call them Corporate whores. I only wish she didn't leave the corporate part out of her statement.

[FlaGranny]

397. Yes, of course that's what she meant.

Anyone who "knows" here knows exactly what she was saying and she couldn't be more right. I'm sorry she said it the way she did too. Very foolish of her. I wonder if more than a few people here know why Sam Seder and Rachael Maddow are even ON Air America Radio. I wonder if they know Randi's hand in the whole thing. She worked for months and months, talking to Congress people, business people, etc., etc., making them actually believe that liberal radio could work. Most of us would probably have never heard of Rachael Maddow if not for all the hard work of Randi Rhodes.

[backscatter712]

264. Think they'll give Rachel Maddow the drive-time slot?

I love Rachel's show.

[WilyWondr]

267. Definition of Whore

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/whore

whore (hôr, hr)
n.
1. A prostitute.
2. A person considered sexually promiscuous.
3. A person considered as having compromised principles for personal gain.


I love Randi and I still do not see what the problem with this is. Sellout is really the only word I can see using in place of whore, but it really is a much less powerful word.

What word would you use if you wanted to describe a person considered as having compromised principles for personal gain ?

[aquarius dawning]

283. definition of prick

Pronunciation: \ˈprik\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English prikke, from Old English prica; akin to Middle Dutch pric prick
Date: before 12th century
1: a mark or shallow hole made by a pointed instrument
2 a: a pointed instrument or weapon b: a sharp projecting organ or part
3: an instance of pricking or the sensation of being pricked: as a: a nagging or sharp feeling of remorse, regret, or sorrow b: a slight sharply localized discomfort <the prick of a needle>
4usually vulgar : penis
5usually vulgar : a spiteful or contemptible man often having some authority

[WilyWondr]

296. WTF does that have to do with the OP?

Are you saying I am a prick or that you are a prick?

Help me understand why posting the definition of whore made you so mad?
Did you not know what it meant and you are upset that someone gave you that knowledge?

[Catherine Vincent]

281. Good!

Sit her ass in the damn corner!

[izzybeans]

282. The worst host on Air America IMO.

not sure if this is unusual for her. Probably the last straw and the camel's back thing operating here.

[lefty from jersey]

314. I agree

Nasty, humorless, pugnacious, bitter, and worst of all not entertaining. The non-entertaining is the deal breaker as far as the network is concerned. It is capitalism even for left/progressive radio. No listeners... No show.

Bon Voyage... BURP!

[izzybeans]

319. The only show I hated more when I lived in Jersey were those

obnoxious Jersey Guys. Uggh. Humorless and bitter described that show as well. And bitter about nothing. They weren't even political.

[indimuse]

285. K&R!

thx for your post!!! :)

[rucky]

298. I still like her. I don't think she's a misogynist. And she deserves a timeout.

Same as anyone else who rants over the top from time to time.

[Rhiannon12866]

299. Sam Seder was just talking about on Air America, since he's in for her.

He says that he doesn't agree with it. Personally, I think that what she said was pretty irresponsible, but this, and the suspension of David Schuster of MSNBC, one of the best on cable news, sets a bad precedent, IMO...

[peaches2003]

300. For how long is the suspension?

[BlueGirlRedState]

301. I'm sticking with Randi

She used language I wouldn't use, but I listen to Randi every day and I think she's smart and tough and right almost all the time. I don't have to agree with everything she says, or the way she says it. I'll continue to listen to her, and if AAR is stupid enough to fire her, I'll be streaming or podcasting the new show.

Maybe Sirius Left could replace Lynn Samuels with Randi.

[madrchsod]

318. the people who don`t like randi

can on turn the radio back on with sam in this time slot. it was an aa officially sponsored show..opps! bad "youtube" press

[orleans]

321. over the top comments--however, from the youtube clip

she was getting laughs--sounded like she was trying to be funny--which would allow for such over the top remarks.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=DfdhWi5MILo

however, at an event representing radio it was a bad fucking idea to go so far with it.

you talk to your friends like that, not to the public--no matter how relaxed or at ease with the audience you may feel.


why isn't this posted in general discussion?

[theboss]

322. "Parliamnet of Whores" still stands up as a book

Even if it is a little dated now.

[jillan]

330. Good because I like Sam Seder a helluva alot better than her.

[anigbrowl]

331. To people going about the 1st Amendment - get a life, get a brain

This would not be a first amendment issue unless the FCC were involved. Rhodes is an entertainer who has a contract with Air America radio. They can terminate it at any time if they feel she's breaching her contract by bringing the station into disrepute or suchlike. Maybe her suspension is an example of bias by the head of the company that employs her, but that does not NOT make it a first amendment issue. If you are pissed off, write a letter to Air America or send an email or just call them up on the phone and express your support.

QUIT whining about the first amendment and so on because doing so just shows you don't understand word one about how the law works. If you support Randi Rhodes, then stop embarrassing her by being so ignorant.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Has congress or any other government body said that Randi Rhodes must be taken off the air? No. Does the first Amendment apply? absolutely not.

[AtomicKitten]

333. Get a brain? You first. She was not on the air. She was at a Green 960 private function.

The First Amendment prevails.

[tritsofme]

334. If you worked for me and embarrassed my company like that, you would be fired.

It doesn't matter whether or not she was on the air.

The First Amendment is only relevant to discussions in which government is attempting to limit speech.

[AtomicKitten]

336. and you would be up to your chin in a lawsuit under these circumstances

[tritsofme]

342. I certainly wouldn't. Not in an at-will employment state at least.

I employ about 50 people in my company and I have fired people for conduct outside of the office in the past.

I can terminate any employee for any reason, save for purposes of discrimination against protected classes.

As an employer, I surely don't have to protect your right to free speech.

[AtomicKitten]

350. California casts a more critical eye on these issues.

But, no worries; this message board dispute is moot since she wasn't fired. Here in California, attorneys LUV to get their hands on these kind of cases. Your state may (and as you allege) differ.

[anigbrowl]

359. I work in the entertainment industry

Have you ever seen a talent contract in this business? I doubt it. Because the entertainment industry involves famous people, the contracts are designed to take account of that. If she had been (or is later) fired, you can bet that the contract she signed provides for her employer to do that. There is a reason entertainment industry lawyers make such fat money - they are in the business of producing watertight contracts tailored to individual circumstances.

Every contract includes what is called a 'morals clause' that specifically lays out what circumstances allow an employer to suspend or terminate an employee, and signing means you waive any statutory rights. This is one of the most important parts of a talent contract and any book on entertainment law will have at least one chapter devoted entirely to this.

[AtomicKitten]

364. Your point is pure speculation because I also doubt you've seen her contract.

Since neither of us have seen her contract for specifics and since she wasn't fired, the legal point is moot. The broader point of free speech resonates and this is just another clog in the oppressive wheel the Clintons are rolling over anyone that has the audacity to not support/oppose the Clintons.

[anigbrowl]

385. Yes, but it's informed speculation on my part

because I have seen a lot of entertainment industry contracts, and they always have a wide-ranging morals clause and explicit statutory waivers. Rhodes' contract would be exceptional if it didn't have them. Yes, it's moot but even if she had been fired, your argument is fundamentally wrong.

It is not a free speech issue. No court in the country would let you bring up the fist amendment unless you showed FCC involvement or suchlike. While the constitution guarantees free speech, it does not guarantee you any kind of platform from which to make it. Unless a government agency is involved in getting you off the air it's a contractual dispute, not a constitutional one.

[AtomicKitten]

392. Well, my attorney friends here in SF disagree with you, and so do I.

But that's okay. Arguing about this on a message board is rather absurd, don't ya think? Probably not because you keep promoting the notion that you are all-knowing and I don't know shit from shinola. Regardless of your dismissive attitude, this issue would most definitely be arguable in a court of law.

[otohara]

443. Pretty Standard in Radio Contracts

they are personalities on and off the air. it was a station event, paid for by AAR & local station. As an Obama supporter how would you feel if Rhodes called Obama "a fucking ____"?

[AtomicKitten]

447. How would I feel? I support free speech. Period.

And ftr I was at the event in SF and it was a 960 Green event. She was introduced as "radio personality" Randi Rhodes. It was a private event, tickets limited and a cover charge for 960 Green. It was off-air standup.

The Clintons' attempt to crush dissent is fascism any way you slice it. I would be upset if someone DIDN'T strongly react to Ferraro's (and other ClintonCo people) disturbingly racist/race-baiting remarks, but damn if I don't support her right to say whatever the hell she wants.

Free speech is a basic tenet of democracy. It's what separates us from the animals. It's the rudder in the treacherous waters the U.S. is currently navigating. And I would never put my name to a petition to have someone fired simply because they said something I don't like. I hope that answers your question.

[Catherina]

444. That's just great. So when homosexual teachers embarrass their employers

by marching in a Gay Pride parade, you'll be all for firing them?

People like you scare me with your short-sightedness :scared:

[anigbrowl]

353. That is entirely irrelevant.

You seem unable to grasp the notion that the first amendment only restricts governments. It says absolutely nothing about private business contracts. If she were on NPR you might have some point. But she isn't, and you don't.

So you think her contract is unfair? Doesn't matter. Entertainment industry contracts always give employers very wide latitude in how they manage talent, because famous people can break a brand as easily as they can build it. Even if Rhandi Rhodes got dismissed and decided to sue Air America Radio, it would still be a contractual dispute heard in a civil court. The 1st amendment simply does not enter into it.

[AtomicKitten]

363. Really? Several SF attorney friends of mine would love to argue that legal point.

But she wasn't fired, so that legal point in dispute is moot.

MYTH: The First Amendment only applies to the Federal government.
http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/cs/blcsm_sep_federal.htm

The issue of free speech is much broader than you are addressing and comes into play when people attempt to shut down what other's say simply because they don't like it. And it is that overreaching by the Clinton Campaign that is unpalatable.

On a personal note, I was at that event and it was a fundraiser for Green 960. Two Hillary supporters were there and, in fact, shoved their chairs in front of people sitting on the floor in typical Clinton boorish fashion, and no doubt their tongues were wagging over what they heard. Their mantra? Must shut down all that is not pro-Clinton, something they wield against the media, demanding people be fired.

I'm calling bullshit on it regardless of your free pass.

[anigbrowl]

384. Well, I'm in SF. Maybe we should all get together for a drink and discuss it.

Look, I share your feeling that it's unpalatable, although:

a) I don't listen to talk radio anyway so I don't care as much about RR personally, and
b) as a famous person RR knows that *anything* she says, even off-air, is kind of news.

but basically it amounts to behind-the-scenes bullying on the part of the Clinton campaign.

Sure, it's moot because she wasn't fired, and in all likelihood she probably won't be. But it's just one of those occupational hazards of working in media. I don't approve her being taken off the air because of a remark she made elsewhere, but that doesn't alter the fact that it's not a first amendment issue. And the fact is that even if you invoked other statutory rather than constitutional arguments, they would almost certainly be trumped by the morals clause and statutory waivers in Rhodes' contract with AAR, unless it was a very poorly written contract.

There is a concept in California law of an 'unfair contract', but in the entertainment biz it has usually only been brought to bear over things like music royalties and suchlike. Trying to file suit against an unfair dismissal in a case like this would be most unlikely to succeed; your best hope would be to threaten such bad trial publicity that the employer would settle in exchange for a gag order.

[AtomicKitten]

395. Hey, I'm always up for cocktails in SF!

So we don't go too far off the reservation here, my point about attorneys being willing to argue this doesn't necessarily mean they have a case, and you are right that contractual specifics may make that avenue moot.

It's the broader issue of free speech that sticks in my craw.

[anigbrowl]

398. Well, PM me sometime after next week then

I've got a project I'm trying to push out by Monday ( post on DU when the computer is rendering) but I'm not too busy next week.

[rinsd]

391. Umm all your link says is that the 1st amendment also applies to state government (per the 14th)

And the other poster never claimed it only applied to the Fed.

[rinsd]

387. Here's the 1st amendment.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

None of that applies to private business.

In fact time and again, case law has supported restrictions of speech by private organizations, some of these we would agree with such as creating a hostile work environment via sexual comments, racial epithets etc.

How did you feel when Nike dropped Michael Vick?

How about when Don Imus was fired?

[gort]

459. You believe in Free Speech Zones, too?

We have met the enemy and he is us-Pogo

[durrrty libby]

332. That's wonderful news.

[longertelomeres]

340. Randi's Suspension

I love Randi's show, her opinions and nearly everything about her. I think she should be put back on the air. Given the humor she used in her recent San Francisco speech, albeit over the top, I am certain I can live with it - she's inspired me for years! I LIKE this aspect of her personality. Many times I have found her to be the sole source of encouragement during this administration. I have found her to be an extremely intelligent, thought provoking, humorous and hard working radio show host. HOORAY! She's got emotions - she's human, too! Is that a crime? Hey, just ask Hillary about that one? Jeez! And I am a Hillary supporter. But, can ya tell I LOVE Randi? C'mon! She should be back on the air. LONG LIVE THE RANDI RHODES SHOW!!!! And Randi, too - but, hey! I can't influence that!

[durrrty libby]

358. She's an ignorant rude drunk. Morons love her and that pig Shultz

Can't imagine wasting time on either one

[Overseas]

335. How stupid of AAR ! Such actions make Dems look like wimps.

Should I get fired because I didn't walk out of her show? No one who attended the informal evening event can ever run for office, I guess, because their opponents will taunt them with clips of Randi's angry comments. I mean golly gee, we actually listened to a dissenting opinion make an angry declaration and didn't leave the room ! Oh Lord we are all such sinners and must flagellate ourselves. For crying out loud, folks! How terribly dumb and disappointing of AAR! Their action really makes Democrats look like wimps-- can't bear one person speaking out doing stand up at a pub? And a supposedly "democratic" outlet seems far less so when party aristocracy can silence a popular radio host for crude talk about their preferred candidate. One dumb little comment, for heaven's sake. Suspending Randi for speaking out makes it so much bigger of a deal than it needed to be. How embarrassing for Democrats.

[longertelomeres]

341. Yes

Hear, hear!

[shellinaya]

351. She's not funny

She was there representing AAR, not as an independent commedian. Sure, it's too bad she has a mouth the size of the grand canyon but she should have recognized her problem. She's always telling other people they should recognize thier problems and she's a hypocrite for not fixing her own. She needs to hit a rehab center first of all.

[otohara]

357. If Station Clients Were There

and I would imagine there would be. It would only make sense to invite all of their clients for an evening out - trust me on this, I worked in radio for a long time.

How unbelievably "fucking stupid" can she be?

IF this thing has legs, and I imagine it will - don't be surprised if there's a permanent suspension for the incredibly stupid Ms. Rhodes.

Oh and PS - the station payed for that event, her airfare, her hotel, her food, etc. Not just a night out on the town.

[susankh4]

401. Even if such clients are Obama supporters....

I am sure they could see how something like this would have a negative impact on the numbers of listeners they'd reach....

[otohara]

403. Not Everything Is About

Obama vs Clinton.

[susankh4]

405. That's absolutely true.

[Vinca]

337. Sometimes you need to stop your mouth from saying

what your brain is thinking.

[tishaLA]

343. WOW! A caller just said Randi has a drinking problem

You know, he may be right, but does he NEED to say that on nationwide radio?

[longertelomeres]

344. STOP!

How the frack would that caller know? Puh-leez! Someone always wants to make up something stupid when thay have nothing intelligent to say.

[shellinaya]

348. Rhodes probably IS a drunk

I suspected this a long time ago. I think Randi has been drunk on the air probably every day for a long time.

She was totally smashed the night she did she said this stuff about Ferraro and Hillary.

[Bullet1987]

347. I like Randi Rhodes and stick by her but condemn her remarks.

[MediaBabe]

360. Hate the sin - Not the sinner

Kudos to you. I expect others feel the same but are having trouble expressing it so simply.

[CitizenRob]

355. I compeltely agree with Randi. FISA anybody? That seemed whorish to me.

[grateful581]

361. I stand by Randi Rhodes

I don't like the comment, but will still stand by Randi.
Shit. Rush, Beck, michael "weiner" Savage and other Right wing blow holes have said much worse ON THE AIR!
I hope the Randi Rhodes show comes back soon.
Grow a pair Air America!

[otohara]

404. You're An Obama Supporter, Think About This

every time something like this happens, who suffers the consequences? Barack Obama that's who! because women will think this is another case of the liberal media trying to push Hillary out of the race.

How many times has this already happened and Obama pays the price by losing votes in important states?

I hope she gets fired. We need Hillary supporters in the GE.

[Cali_Democrat]

362. Rhodes should not have been suspended

America has forgotten about free speech. It's just so sad.

[nolabels]

365. Not many can claim of being laid off from their job for an off time political speech

A sad day for America when someone would feel the need to speak up like this and then be kicked of the job for it.

John Hancock would be proud at her bravery at any rate

[RememberWellstone]

367. Good!!

It's about time someone slammed that puke bucket!

[WilyWondr]

368. I love Randi Rhodes and love her remarks

There are many people that have compromised their principles for personal gain
and they need to be called on it.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/whore
whore (hôr, hr)
n.
1. A prostitute.
2. A person considered sexually promiscuous.
3. A person considered as having compromised principles for personal gain.

Many seem to be pretending #3 does not exist, but it does.

Search google news for whore and see what comes up.
Most of them will not be referring to prostitutes.
http://www.pitch.com/2008-04-03/news/fox-4-s-shawn-edwards-isn-t-just-a-blurb-whore/

Why, just a couple of months before being named a "Best Critic," was he also named 2007's "Whore of the Year"? Edwards speaks in superlatives. Like most critics, his conversation reels through favorite movies, obscure titles and the names of who directed what. Unlike most, though, he's also big on industry dish: buzz, box-office numbers, the stuff he follows in Daily Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

I cannot wait to hear her first show back!

[AtomicKitten]

373. MYTH: The First Amendment only applies to the Federal Government.

Myth: The First Amendment only applies to the Federal Government.

Response:

This is a particularly sad misunderstanding, because it relies upon an ignorance - deliberate or accidental - of large portions of our legal and political history. It is true that, when it was originally ratified, the First Amendment only restricted the actions of the Federal Government. State governments were free to ignore it - and many did, continuing to have established state churches for many years.

However, that is because none of the Bill of Rights applied to the states at all. The Constitution's guarantees against unreasonable searches and seizures, against cruel and unusual punishments, and against self-incrimination did not apply to the actions taken by the states. This changed, however, with the passage of the 14th Amendment:

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

That is only the first section, but it is the most relevant one to this issue. First, it establishes just who qualifies as citizens of the United States. Second, it establishes that if someone is a citizen, then that person is protected by all of the privileges and immunities of the United States. This means that they are protected by the Constitution of the United States and that individual states are expressly prohibited from passing any laws which would abridge those constitutional protections.

This also means that every citizen of the United States is protected by the "rights and immunities" outlined in the First Amendment, and that no individual state is permitted to pass laws which would infringe upon those rights and immunities. Yes, the constitutional limitations on governmental powers apply to all levels of government: this is known as "incorporation."

It is worth noting that anyone who argues for this myth is also required to argue that state governments should be permitted to infringe upon free speech as well. But how many of them would really be willing to accept that position, and how many would reject it and try to find another way to rationalize their self-contradictions?

http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/cs/blcsm_sep_federal.htm

[LittleClarkie]

380. I used to think she was well informed

I'd hear her talk about proof and documents. I was impressed by that.

Then I heard her talk about Kerry and Skull and Bones. I was less impressed. I didn't expect her to cough up something for which she couldn't possibly have any proof, esp. after she'd lauded his 1971 testimony. Sometimes I wonder if she listens to herself. She bitches as callers even when they agree with her.

She should not be thrown under the bus by Clinton supporters for not supporting her candidate. But if she's going to criticize Hillary, she damn well better have something more substancial to talk about than whether or not she thinks they're whores.

[FlaGranny]

399. If you had listened to her recently,

she had a long list of substantial facts about the Clintons, especially who they do business with, and every single fact verifiable. And some Clinton supporters throw anyone under the bus if they even say they support Obama. They don't have to say a single bad word about Clinton. Skull and Bones? Well, Skull and Bones is just creepy with their weird rituals, and it bothered me that Kerry was a member. Lots of famous members, but creepy still.

I agree that Randi is rough on callers, especially on the ones who stay stupid things. I'd never call her in a million years. I could never keep up.

[Major Hogwash]

390. While Bush kills more people in Iraq than Saddam Hussein ever did, they suspend a radio DJ!

Wow, do they have their heads up their collective asses!

[Lost-in-FL]

402. I'm enjoying Sam Seder...

I stopped listening to her a loooong time ago, before the primaries. She's annoying.

[bow-tie]

406. How many times

has Limbaugh said same?? You Clinton supporters will be sooooooo sooooorrry when the R/W machine takes her apart limb by limb. Talk about baggage, you couldn't get her's and Bill's in a C17A. I don't have any problems with her personally, but she's unelectable and just what Rove wants. Why not just give McCain the election and save all the trouble?
Randi gets a little over the top, I've never heard anyone here hammer Mike Malloy. You don't get any more over the top than Mike.
I've told my wife if Hillary gets the nod you've not seen vicious attacks like you'll see on her. You'll have to turn the TV off or get good and stoned to take it w/o having a heart attack! Rove has been setting this up for 8 years.

[soulcore]

410. But Mcain's pastor can say Catholics worship a whore?

And that's just A-OK!

:sarcasm:

[anonymous171]

416. Wasn't she calling Hillary a "whore" yesterday or something?

[GoldieAZ49]

418. Her whoring career is over

hopefully she will not be back

[jhain]

423. If she can not express herself

intelligently and respectfully - then good riddance.

We have enough dumb ass shock jocks to go around. Maybe she can fill in for Limpballs once in awhile.

[Ordr]

438. Disgusting, agenda-driven censorship.

The left is no better than the right in this country.

[MethuenProgressive]

441. Glad to hear it! Hate, no matter by who, is not Progressive.

Kudos to ARR. Watch Randi acknowledge, and apologize, in the near future.
Then let's forgive her error and move on.

[ShortnFiery]

448. Oh yes, after all HOW DARE Randi besmirch that pure persona know as Geraldine Ferraro

:eyes:

Ask yourselves, HOW MANY MORE members of "the media" will be either SUSPENDED or outright FIRED for basically exercising *freedom of speech* IF HRC and her cronies rule OUR Executive Branch?

As brusque as Randi Rhodes is, I DO NOT endorse the act of suspending her for a "stand up" act.

Shame on Mark Green and Air America Radio for caving in on FALSE OUTRAGE orchestrated by The Clintons and their minions. :thumbsdown:

[Larkspur]

456. Randi should NOT be fired for this comment

Short term suspension to help her chill a bit is fine but there is no way she should be fired for her comments about Ferraro and Hillary as long as Rush Limbaugh and his kind are on the air.

The Clintonistas are thinned skinned and whiney bullies who are getting beat badly by an upstart from Illinois. Yeah the race is close, but Queen Hillary was suppose to be easily cornonated the Dem Prez nominee and her plans are just not working out as they drew them on the drawing board.

[TriggerGal]

458. GREEN 960 Video

The truth - the whole truth - and nothing but the truth!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8aCay5e6lU

[rodeodance]

460. she is gone!! see new post