I began today’s show proclaiming that “Something’s Got to Give!” – noting that the media has been sold to the highest bidder and is now doing what George W. Bush always wanted, catapulting the propaganda, 24/7.
At showtime this morning, I was lamenting the fact that the handful of “progressive talk” shows and stations still on the air are hanging on by a thin hair…. that neither the Democratic Party (DNC, DCCC, DSCC) nor any of the so-called progressive organizations (from DFA to PCCC to CAF to CAP and beyond) – NONE of them- spend a dime to advertise on or to support progressive media.
Over the air radio is dominated by right wing voices. Although the various advertiser boycotts spurred by racist, sexist, homophobic and other hate speak has hurt them, it also had the unintended consequence of hurting the few remaining progressive shows. The lost income was replaced on the hate talk shows by the Republican Party and right wing organizations and think tanks.
Unfortunately, here on the left, the candidates and causes we support hasn’t returned the favor. They’re leaving us out on a limb, clawing and scratching our way to survival. And I’m not only talking about radio shows – I’m talking about progressive media of all stripes: from terrestrial and online radio and TV shows to blogs and all in between. We need those with money on the left to stand up and support those of us who carry their water.
But today, we were handed an even larger cross to bear. The news came down during the show that the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, struck down the aggregate limits on federal campaign contributions, siding with the plaintiff in McCutcheon v. FEC. As if that didn’t go far enough, Clarence Thomas wriote his own opinion taking it a step further, arguing for the gutting of all limits on all political contributions.
The NY Times explains the ruling here, and Represent.us explains it all in a cute little video:
Today, Susie Madrak of Crooks & Liars joined in, just moments after the news of the Supreme Court decision hit my inbox. Needless to say, we spent most of our time ruminating on the meaning of it – still taking a little time to talk about how big a weasel Andrew Cuomo is, along with the “Obamacare truthers“.
And Cliff Schecter joined me in the second hour – of course it was about the death of our Democracy, and what we must do to get it back. For example, get off your ass and take to the streets! Watch this space for actions you can participate in, starting with Occupy Wall Street’s Wave of Action, planned for this Friday. Or find an event today, quickly organized by the Money Out/Voters In coaltion...
Tomorrow on the show, more info. We’ll begin with David Cobb of Move to Amend to discuss where we go from here… Don’t get mad, get active!