Often, I turn on FOX News and Rush Limbaugh to hear their points of view on hot topics. Whenever I repeat Rush Limbaugh’s name or mention FOX News to some of my Hispanic and Black friends, I get two responses; bewilderment or disgust. Then, I am peppered with questions as to why would I listen to “those racist people.” This usually leads to long discussions about the latest comments from Limbaugh about the President or how FOX News is trying to destroy our communities.
This happened last week with me and a longtime friend as we discussed the knee-jerk reaction to the Sherrod debacle by the Obama administration that led to more criticisms by FOX News and Rush Limbaugh. As I was railed against for even mentioning FOX News, I told my friend that many Black folks listen to Rush Limbaugh and watch FOX News for various reasons. She stared at me as if I fallen off a turnip truck and could not believe that anyone would listen to “those racists.”
I informed her that Rush Limbaugh’s producer, James Sheldon, is a Black man who Limbaugh depends on to keep the show going. In disbelief she said, “No Black man would work for someone who spits that venom?” I agreed that Rush Limbaugh “spits venom” but I do not listen to him for news or information. He gives commentary from his point of view. I want to hear what he has to say whether I agree with him or not. My grandfather often said, “Even a broke clock is right twice a day!” Rush has built an empire that generates millions and gives his opinion on everything from a kitchen blender to the President. He makes money by being controversial not because of his fact finding revelations. As a business owner, I am not mad at him.
My friend continued to share her views about programs that she did not watch or listen to until I interrupted her to ask has she turned on MSNBC to hear their resident bigot, Pat Buchanan. I stated that Pat Buchanan gets a pass for his ever-ready racial statements by the press and is far more damaging to Blacks than Rush Limbaugh or anyone FOX News has on their airwaves.
MSNBC is the cable news arm of NBC news. Both NBC and MSNBC are part of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi, which are publically held companies.
In the world of stockholder satisfaction first, news second, MSNBC Cable News puts on several programs in a 24-hour cycle. The actual journalism arm of NBC Universal is NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. It is on at one time of day — 5:30 in the evening. The narrative of MSNBC may appear to lean more towards the NBC news side, but on further examination of its programming, like Morning Joe, hosted by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, one will find that it showcases its racial extremist, Pat Buchanan, front and center. Pat Buchanan is one of Morning Joe’s political commentators. Buchanan is not limited to Joe in the Morning; his colorful commentary is sought after for input time and again on MSNBC’s midday programs and Chris Matthew’s Hardball.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Victor Lana
This is one of the most brave, intelligent, and honest discussions about television news that I have ever read.
2 - jeannie danna
Gemma,
Great article, I need to give FOX another chance.
It's good to see someone else has this view of Mr. Pat! I count the minutes until he mentions the Nixon Admin...
Do you ever watch, Democracy Now with Amy Goodman?
3 - Genma Holmes
Victor,
Thank you. Hopefully we can have discussions about news with substance. Right now, I am being entertained most of the time.
4 - Genma Holmes
Jennie,
No I have never watched it..but I am going to look into it.
He mentions the Nixon Administration every opportunity he can!
5 - jeannie danna
Gemma,
Smart idea to submit this to culture.
I have watched Pat's game for years. He probably isn't even fully aware that he relates every word uttered back to the Nixon and Ford admins.
But how can you stand Rush?
"If not for the American labor movement Rush wouldn't have a mic in front of him, he'd have a serving tray!"
:)nice to talk with you, Gemma, I'll be back later today.
6 - Genma Holmes
Jeannie,
I don't listen to Rush daily..but I do tune in. I think it is entertainment, honestly. As for submitting it to culture...the message would have been lost over in Politics.
Have a great day.
7 - handyguy
I'm not sure I understand why you can't get the same entertainment value out of Buchanan as you do from Limbaugh. Both are rhetorical bomb-throwers who say provocative things purely for effect.
On MSNBC, the other [mostly liberal] hosts and commentators depict Buchanan affectionately as eccentric old Uncle Pat, smiling or giggling at his latest outrage. Rachel Maddow has often noted how strongly she disagrees with him, but how much fun it is to argue with him.
I may be wrong, but it's hard to imagine Limbaugh agreeing to debate Maddow [or, more volcanically, Keith Olbermannn]. Would make a great show though.
8 - Jon Sobel
I wish I had your attitude, G. I like to hear and understand the points of view of people I generally disagree with. But I can't listen to these guys (Rush etc.) without getting angry and stressed at how wrongheaded and so often pointlessly vindictive and disturbingly idiotic they are. I can positively feel the destructive chemicals bathing my body and shortening my life, tick tick tick. So I just have to avoid them. I salute you!
9 - Genma Holmes
Jon,
I blog often about the media take on various subjects. I can hear about a story and want to get everyone version of events. Eventually, I get the truth. I recommend small doses to you build up your immunity.
10 - Jordan Richardson
It's a good idea to get varying perspectives on news stories, I agree. But sometimes the perspective of your ranting and raving racist uncle is just flat-out useless. That's generally the way I feel about Rush. I can do without any "insight" he may bring, frankly.
Good article, by the way. Really nice, thorough job.
11 - jeannie danna
Gemma,
non corporate sponsored news
Democracy Now!__the War and Peace Report
:)check it out
12 - Victor Lana
I think was has been missing in the television news is what Genma has noted: NEWS. There is such a concern about the entertainment factor, that hard reporting is forgotten about.
What would Edward R. Murrow say about what's happening today? I'd love to hear it!
13 - Jordan Richardson
The various news outlets will claim that they're giving the people what they want to see/hear. The extent to which that's actually true is debatable, obviously, but when news becomes about making money and getting ratings, you're going to lose something in the translation.
14 - www.genmaspeaks.com
Victor and Jordan,
The NEWS should be the focal point which is often missing. A snipet of what is going on in the world, then we asked to hear from commentators. Most are peddling book, auditioning for speaking engagements, or selling gold. By tuning in knowing in advance that I am listening to an entertainer, I have not expectations.
15 - Whitey
Pat Buchanan is one of the only true conservatives left in our country. His views on modern political issues are almost always spot on. In fact, he is one of the most historically accurate political commentators of our day, and is really the only reason why I would ever even tune into MSNBC. If you were to look at him objectively, instead of through a racially hypocritical lens, you would understand what he is trying to say. His points in the aforementioned articles are precisely right. America is the BEST country on earth for black people. In less than 200 years we have gone from the days of slavery to having a black president. Yet, you call him a racist for stating that. How can you dispute that? Honestly, the real racism that is most prevalent today is against white people. White Christian hetero-sexual males are probably the most discriminated against people in America. We are at a disadvantage every time we apply for a job because of "diversity standards." Dr. King stated that we should be judged by the content of our characters and not by the color of our skin, and yet modern day liberal political thought seems to think the exact opposite. I am sure that most of the people that read this blog post will probably disagree with me. But, I would like to thank people like Pat Buchanan for giving me the courage to tell the truth about issues like these, no matter how unpopular it may be to mainstream liberals.
16 - www.genmaspeaks.com
Whitey,
Thanks for commenting. The USA is the Best country on earth for ALL people. I did look at Mr. Buchanan through lens of objectivity in the same way I looked at my neighbor's ugly baby and said, "He is a healthy baby boy".
17 - Jordan Richardson
The USA is the Best country on earth for ALL people.
Must you Americans ALWAYS play this tune?
18 - www.genmaspeaks.com
Jordan,
Then why not mention your country...I just so happen to be proud of my country.
19 - Cindy
Perhaps he isn't interested in playing my country's better than your country. Grow up.
Patriotism is for the blind.
20 - www.genmaspeaks.com
Cindy,
Grow up? Yikes, that's personal. We are having a discussion and you throw rocks...at least say hello.
21 - Paul
Genma, please provide some evidence as to how Pat Buchanan is a racist.
22 - jeannie danna
Anyone questioning, Gemma, ought to read this.
She has written a great article and shouldn't have to prove every single word. After all the articles I read here that are missing any links to back them up...you all have a lot of nerve.
:)aren't i right?
23 - jeannie danna
Gemma,
Please place your url in the bottom line so we can see your website. if that's what you want.
24 - jeannie danna
Cindy,
Patriotism is for anyone who wants it. Aren't you a professor of total freedom?
25 - jeannie danna
Finally, a writer that is proud of their country!