Infotainment

To: Hardball
CC: MSNBC Comments; Viewer Services

I'm sure the reaction to Chris Matthew's comments made about Osama bin Laden sounding like Michael Moore will be chalked up to some sort of liberal overreaction by a cabal of extreme "Lefties" (or what have you) who have nothing better to do with their time because, I imagine it will be assumed, those are the only people who would defend Michael Moore.

But when public figures are compared to Nazis or an individual to Hitler (or even said to "sound" like them), there is often outrage - even when the reference is tangential. Osama bin Laden may not have carried his murderous and fanatical ideology to the extent Hitler had, but why should such a comparison be so glossed over? Is there a minimum requirement for evil acts where comparisons become forbidden?

Additionally, speaking about the incident with people like Rita Cosby, Joe Scarborough and Tucker Carlson - especially Scarborough who is known for inflammatory remarks and loudly voiced opinions like the one Matthews has been called out for. I never considered Chris Matthews on the same low level as the Joe Scarboroughs, the John Gibsons and the Bill O'Reillys of cable television. Chris Matthews, like them, could not be considered a "journalist" hosting a program that showcases opinion in a similar fashion to the others', but at least Mr. Matthews held people's feet to the fire for making outrageous or factually questionable statements.

Claiming to be misunderstood is a disingenuous effort, but his comments stand alone for themselves. When had Chris Matthews decided not to be critical of everyone anymore? You'll likely disagree with my take and the take of many others on this issue, but it stood out as another example of the softening of "Hardball".

The decision to apologize should be that of MSNBC and Chris Matthews. But criticism should not be reserved just to those critical of (seemingly) popular positions and the positions personally taken by members of the press and hosts of televised pundit bloviation. If Mr. Matthews wants to be shrill and play hardball, then encourage it - but remember to those in power as well.

D. Robert
Brooklyn, NY

Cable News is fucking ridiculous.

Seasonal affect you say?

Strangely, I was feeling rather depressed for no discernible reason today. Interesting that I should happen upon the idea that today is the most depressing day of the year. Hmm. Having been diagnosed with depression (though not seasonal affect disorder, which I've never looked into), I'm curious about things like this. I do feel that the seasons have affects on us, and I don't think I'd do well living the winter months in Alaska.

I had chalked it up to how dreary and rainy it was outside.

(via apostropher)

On "clear links"

Via Atrios,

And Bush claims:

Bush said in his address that it is used only to intercept the international communications of people inside the United States who have been determined to have "a clear link" to al- Qaida or related terrorist organizations.

Hmmm. Didn't Iraq have a "clear link" to al-Qaida? How'd that pan out?

The Bush Administration: No lessons learned, no one held accountable.

at least there was a flag

This is a part of the war in Iraq that we rarely see, partly because of the blackout on fallen soldiers' remains returning to the US.

They deserve more than this (image via Mia Culpa):

AFP/Getty Images/Scott Olson

That is disgusting.

They deserve more. This war is bullshit, sold with bullshit and piled on top of bullshit. But that doesn't mean those who are doing their jobs should be treated like shit. Every soldier who dies in Iraq - or dies off the battlefield - should be given the full attention of the public.* These are people who risked their lives based on the notion of protecting the rest of the citizens of the United States.



*This should go without saying for those in Afghanistan

kinda like a train wreck

Salon posted an article (rather in-depth) about Real Doll owners today. If you haven't seen/read it, I should warn you that there is something inherently creepy about the article. But I couldn't help continue to skim it. There are some troubling things in it to be sure - like requests for much younger-style dolls, etc. - but it's a fascinating look into what seems to amount to a sub-culture of people who make the dolls more than dolls.

I checked out the manufacturer's site (which smacks of porn-ish web design), but I couldn't bring myself to to delve too deeply.

Additionally, some of the pictures in the photo gallery attached to the article contain nudity - albeit doll nudity. So I don't know if that fits into the NSFW realm. Same goes for Real Doll website. Both of the Links are below this heads-up just in case.

That said, it's an interesting piece that begs discussion; about Real Dolls and about the acceptance of this "lifestyle" (it's debatable as far as I'm concerned whether this does in fact imply a lifestyle) in some - and alternately the concern (extending to disgust) it provokes in others.

I found it via Pandagon.