Bill O'Reilly and Fox Security threaten callers

[harlequin]

This is just completely unbelievable (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3iLWdJP6nU&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceblogs%2Ecom%2Fdispatches% 2F2006%2F06%2Foreilly%5Fthreatens%5Fcaller%2Ephp) (YouTube video)

I knew the guy could be a jerk, but I would have never believed that he would resort to this. That is the kind of behavior that get most ordinary people a trip to the police station.

[Launch window]

ha ha ! LOL
:)
very messed up, so much for free-speech !
He's soo far-right its disturbing.

[Moose]

Is it possible to mention O'Rly and not be way past the no-politics line?

[R.A.F.]

Is it possible to mention O'Rly and not be way past the no-politics line?

I don't see how.

[Jerry]

Is it possible to mention O'Rly and not be way past the no-politics line?
In general I would agree, but there is a disturbing trend in the US media that supercedes political boundries, and that is the abject ridicule of unpopular ideas by propogandists posing as reporters. Even as the hurricane season opens with another named storm bucking high shear winds, you can tune to many high powered AM stations and hear "global blah blah blah", and talk about the conspiracy of the scientific community to scare the the general public for selfish political/financial gain. The shoe fits.

For decades, the FCC instituted the fairness doctrine, which said those with a license to the public airways must sponser rational opposing views, but this was trashed by the Reagen administration. The results are becoming an alarming claxon: There is an entire generation who disparage not only any whisper of global warming, but the scientific principle in general, not to mention science education. Direct fallout has included expensive monkey trials in many states as schoolboards loaded with myoptic Limbaughites who gut science curriculum. It is no accident that the 'No child left behind' act left science lurching in the wings.

It is especially disheartening to those of us who challenge mainstream opinions, and find ourselves aligned with unwelcome allies, further eroding already suspect credibility.

There must always be room to discuss the politics of ignorance.

[antoniseb]

Is it possible to mention O'Rly and not be way past the no-politics line?
Possibly not. I'm keeping an eye on this thread. My personal thought is that the thread won't really go anywhere because we won't generally talk about politics. So far Jerry's gotten over the line, but I don't think anyone will follow him.

[Moose]

It is especially disheartening to those of us who challenge mainstream opinions, and find ourselves aligned with unwelcome allies, further eroding already suspect credibility.

There must always be room to discuss the politics of ignorance.

And there is. There's just no room for discussion of partisan politics here.

It's not a freedom of speech issue. You're perfectly free to host your own message board and write about whatever you like. However, our gracious hosts, Phil and Fraser, have asked us to refrain from discussion partisan issues (politics, religion, etc), and that if these topics must be broached at all, they should directly involve astronomy or at least science in general. It's a fair request considering they're paying for the place.

Frankly, that BAUT is a designated no-partisan zone is something I greatly value as an increasingly rare refuge of sanity.

[Moose]

Possibly not. I'm keeping an eye on this thread. My personal thought is that the thread won't really go anywhere because we won't generally talk about politics. So far Jerry's gotten over the line, but I don't think anyone will follow him.

Fair enough, 'Seb. :)

[Matherly]

Frankly, that BAUT is a designated no-partisan zone is something I greatly value as an increasingly rare refuge of sanity.

Hey Fraiser, Phil, and Co.

Does that mean we shouldn't disscuss the use of light troops in making raids against targets behind enemy lines ;)

[Gerrsun]

In general I would agree, but there is a disturbing trend in the US media that supercedes political boundries, and that is the abject ridicule of unpopular ideas by propogandists posing as reporters. Even as the hurricane season opens with another named storm bucking high shear winds, you can tune to many high powered AM stations and hear "global blah blah blah", and talk about the conspiracy of the scientific community to scare the the general public for selfish political/financial gain. The shoe fits.

For decades, the FCC instituted the fairness doctrine, which said those with a license to the public airways must sponser rational opposing views, but this was trashed by the Reagen administration. The results are becoming an alarming claxon: There is an entire generation who disparage not only any whisper of global warming, but the scientific principle in general, not to mention science education. Direct fallout has included expensive monkey trials in many states as schoolboards loaded with myoptic Limbaughites who gut science curriculum. It is no accident that the 'No child left behind' act left science lurching in the wings.

It is especially disheartening to those of us who challenge mainstream opinions, and find ourselves aligned with unwelcome allies, further eroding already suspect credibility.

There must always be room to discuss the politics of ignorance.


I've tried to write a reply to this thread four times and it just begins to ramble about the failings of scientists and researchers in interacting with the public. I am having a hard time putting it all to words so I'll just leave it at this...

There is a chasm between two people. One person, science, can see. The other, the public, is blind but can move. The burden of building a bridge falls to whom?

It's not exact but it roughly encompasses my thoughts.


Also, comments like 'myopic Limbaughites' are a bit rude and seem to underscore the point I'm trying to make. Are they really close-minded individuals or has someone not taken the time to teach, perhaps they are responsing to the wishes of the vocal public. If so, adjusting the public opinion will change this....More rambling......Im done....

[Tinaa]

Seems as if many posters are sliding off into the politically charged ditch. The mods are constantly playing catch-up. Please police your own posts before hitting submit. I'm going to go ahead and close this thread because I can see nothing but ugly politics in the future.