PILOT SPIN

Spin Zone => Spin Zone => Topic started by: Jaybird180 on July 26, 2016, 12:34:53 PM

Title: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Jaybird180 on July 26, 2016, 12:34:53 PM
 ;D
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/COg9tVvUsAA47_B.png)
Might not be Facebook but the principle stands.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Mase on July 26, 2016, 12:53:23 PM
I've changed my mind.

I used to think people could be convinced by logic and a calm, rational presentation of facts.

I no longer do.  But I'm not pissed about it, just disappointed.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: President in Exile YOLT on July 26, 2016, 02:11:10 PM
The Spin Zone was closed. What did you expect? We are the wretched refuse. We're the underdog. We're mutts!
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Jaybird180 on July 26, 2016, 06:57:46 PM
I've changed my mind.

I used to think people could be convinced by logic and a calm, rational presentation of facts.

I no longer do.  But I'm not pissed about it, just disappointed.
I'm still there.  But I accept the fact that there is music going on between the ears that beats a louder drum than those "facts".  Rarely, are people willing to disclose the music they're listening to.  Also, our presentation of said "facts" betray our biases and thusly adds fuel to the Wankel engine.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Mase on July 26, 2016, 07:01:42 PM
Are you saying you can't present facts without bias?
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Jaybird180 on July 26, 2016, 07:10:14 PM
Are you saying you can't present facts without bias?
It is haughty to think that we don't have any?
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: acrogimp on July 26, 2016, 08:18:40 PM
I think we've that learned that people of good will but varied beliefs can largely discuss and agree and disagree mostly in a fun-loving and respectful way.

And we can tell anyone who doesn't agree with us to go fuck themselves, ignore them, or simply choose not to bother with those who are not worth our time.

In short, near perfection.

'Gimp
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: President-Elect Bob Noel on July 27, 2016, 03:55:54 AM

And we can tell anyone who doesn't agree with us to go fuck themselves, ignore them, or simply choose not to bother with those who are not worth our time.

on top of that, we can also tell anyone who willfully ignores facts to do, as you say," go fuck themselves, ignore them, or simply choose not to bother with those who are not worth our time."
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: pilot_dude on July 27, 2016, 06:40:07 AM
The Spin Zone was closed. What did you expect? We are the wretched refuse. We're the underdog. We're mutts!
Well played, private  ;D
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: asechrest on July 27, 2016, 06:42:27 AM
I think we've that learned that people of good will but varied beliefs can largely discuss and agree and disagree mostly in a fun-loving and respectful way.

And we can tell anyone who doesn't agree with us to go fuck themselves, ignore them, or simply choose not to bother with those who are not worth our time.

In short, near perfection.

'Gimp

In large measure that experiment has not been proved here at this site. We are mostly full of right-wingers. Granted, the rise of Trump has caused some dissention in that group. But we have very few of the "other side" here. Steingar toughs it out but has nearly been driven off at times. MarkZ comes around every now and then. Jaybird is active. And I enjoy participating, though I'm frankly fairly varied and even-handed in my views for a liberal.

More so than even the POA SZ, this site can tend to be a conservative circle-jerk.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: MarkZ on July 27, 2016, 07:05:32 AM
Most accurate synopsis of this site. 
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: President in Exile YOLT on July 27, 2016, 07:55:15 AM
I think the vast majority of pilots lean right, a lot of that based on average age. Young punks haven't figured it out yet.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: President-Elect Bob Noel on July 27, 2016, 08:19:14 AM

More so than even the POA SZ, this site can tend to be a conservative circle-jerk.

what do you expect to happen when liberals won't engage in discussion?

Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: acrogimp on July 27, 2016, 08:35:45 AM
In large measure that experiment has not been proved here at this site. We are mostly full of right-wingers. Granted, the rise of Trump has caused some dissention in that group. But we have very few of the "other side" here. Steingar toughs it out but has nearly been driven off at times. MarkZ comes around every now and then. Jaybird is active. And I enjoy participating, though I'm frankly fairly varied and even-handed in my views for a liberal.

More so than even the POA SZ, this site can tend to be a conservative circle-jerk.
I think you are selling the Left, Middle of the Road and Libertarians here quite short.  Sure I may personally think that some of them are bat-shit-crazy and not worth a response but I don't have to attack them or call them names, and best of all, no nanny running around telling us what we can or cannot say or think.

Unapproved thoughts and beliefs are accepted here and we are allowed to espouse them to the level and volume we feel compelled to, or not.

'Gimp
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Jaybird180 on July 27, 2016, 09:19:27 AM
I think you are selling the Left, Middle of the Road and Libertarians here quite short.  Sure I may personally think that some of them are bat-shit-crazy and not worth a response but I don't have to attack them or call them names, and best of all, no nanny running around telling us what we can or cannot say or think.

Unapproved thoughts and beliefs are accepted here and we are allowed to espouse them to the level and volume we feel compelled to, or not.

'Gimp

Only with 3-5mm thick cowhide.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: pilot_dude on July 27, 2016, 10:35:35 AM
I learned that there is one person who use to provide well thought out opinions at POA which I valued reading and now I glance over said person's comments as they are as predictable as the sunrise.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: pilot_dude on July 27, 2016, 10:37:54 AM
I've learned that Jaybird has skin as tough as nails and appreciate his opinion even if we don't agree.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Jaybird180 on July 27, 2016, 10:51:42 AM
I learned that there is one person who use to provide well thought out opinions at POA which I valued reading and now I glance over said person's comments as they are as predictable as the sunrise.
Henning isn't here
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: President-Elect Bob Noel on July 27, 2016, 11:13:56 AM
Henning isn't here
 ;D ;D ;D

He said well thought out opinions
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Becky (My pronouns are Assigned/By/God) on July 27, 2016, 02:27:02 PM
Only with 3-5mm thick cowhide.
Exactly!  We have learned that Steingar, Jaybird, asechrest and MarkZ are not snowflakes.


   8)
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: asechrest on July 27, 2016, 02:48:46 PM

I think you are selling the Left, Middle of the Road and Libertarians here quite short.  Sure I may personally think that some of them are bat-shit-crazy and not worth a response but I don't have to attack them or call them names, and best of all, no nanny running around telling us what we can or cannot say or think.
 
Unapproved thoughts and beliefs are accepted here and we are allowed to espouse them to the level and volume we feel compelled to, or not.

 

'Gimp


I agree with you about the no-nanny part. And even though you may not attack or call names, others here do. But anyway, what I was trying to express is that this site is many leagues away from being representative of the "varied beliefs" of the public at large. What we've got here are a bunch of right-wingers with a smattering of lefties with thick skin. I guess we've got some middle of the road folks, but if we're honest, most of them are heavily right-leaning. Dav8or is the best middle of the road representative I've seen on this forum, and he's regularly labeled a liberal and even socialist.

I participate because I like most of you, you're pilots, it's good to hear other viewpoints, and it keeps my debate skills up. I am occasionally embarrassed, usually by a Canadian who knows the Constitution better than I do.  ;D But still, it's fun.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Little Joe on July 27, 2016, 03:01:29 PM
In large measure that experiment has not been proved here at this site. We are mostly full of right-wingers. Granted, the rise of Trump has caused some dissention in that group. But we have very few of the "other side" here. Steingar toughs it out but has nearly been driven off at times. MarkZ comes around every now and then. Jaybird is active. And I enjoy participating, though I'm frankly fairly varied and even-handed in my views for a liberal.

More so than even the POA SZ, this site can tend to be a conservative circle-jerk.
It is for the same reason that liberal talk shows never survive. They can't backup their beliefs in a two way discussion.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: bflynn on July 27, 2016, 05:29:55 PM
It is for the same reason that liberal talk shows never survive. They can't backup their beliefs in a two way discussion.

I don't believe that is true. The Left's positions can usually be supported, it is a matter of what principle values are used. To make a blanket statement that only one side's arguments make sense is exactly why you don't understand. You aren't trying or you don't respect some else's right to be different.

Now - I do not consider myself on the left, but let's try an exercise - give me a topic and I will explain the Left's position as best I can.

Start a new thread.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Jaybird180 on July 27, 2016, 05:57:10 PM
I agree with you about the no-nanny part. And even though you may not attack or call names, others here do. But anyway, what I was trying to express is that this site is many leagues away from being representative of the "varied beliefs" of the public at large. What we've got here are a bunch of right-wingers with a smattering of lefties with thick skin. I guess we've got some middle of the road folks, but if we're honest, most of them are heavily right-leaning. Dav8or is the best middle of the road representative I've seen on this forum, and he's regularly labeled a liberal and even socialist.

I participate because I like most of you, you're pilots, it's good to hear other viewpoints, and it keeps my debate skills up. I am occasionally embarrassed, usually by a Canadian who knows the Constitution better than I do.  ;D But still, it's fun.

(http://static.wixstatic.com/media/9867e6_bb1d13e54a2f469fb3a88eb36b9715c8.jpg)
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Mase on July 27, 2016, 06:39:27 PM
LOL.   :)
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: asechrest on July 27, 2016, 09:42:03 PM
It is for the same reason that liberal talk shows never survive. They can't backup their beliefs in a two way discussion.

bflynn answered better than I could have. You ought to give some serious thought to what he said.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Dav8or on July 27, 2016, 10:33:52 PM
what do you expect to happen when liberals won't engage in discussion?

What in the hell do you mean- "discussion"??! I have witnessed the brave liberals that have ventured here get nothing but abusive behavior including name calling and standard right wing shout downs provided by the right wing media. Very few here actually want to discuss anything with a liberal, they just want a whipping boy to vent their frustration on. I don't blame liberals one bit for looking in, checking out a few threads and saying- "Screw this bullshit!"

Face it, this site is pretty much a conservative circle jerk. Pretty much only Jaybird, Kristin and Asechrest make it interesting and I do miss FastEddie too. I do give credit also to Jeff and Stan for exposing the Trump BS where possible.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Dav8or on July 27, 2016, 10:55:40 PM
It is for the same reason that liberal talk shows never survive. They can't backup their beliefs in a two way discussion.

What!!?? Are you kidding me??! Name one conservative talk show that actually participates in a two way discussion. They use the same "debate" tactics seen here. Insult, name call, shout down with pre-perpared stock answers and when all else fails, hang up on the caller. I listen to Rush, Michael Savage, Mark Levin and Sean Hannity on a pretty regular basis when I'm driving. I flip flop between them and NPR. I only have respect for Mark Levin but even he is prone to ridiculous theatrics and abusive treatment of anybody that doesn't brown nose him on the phone.

There was a guy they used to have on named John Bachelor who was conservative and had fascinating shows, but they dropped him here because I believe he made people think and people don't want to do that. They just want to hear the words and then repeat them. His show was like a conservative version of NPR with guests on to discuss things instead of just the idiots of America calling in.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Anthony on July 28, 2016, 04:47:27 AM
What!!?? Are you kidding me??! Name one conservative talk show that actually participates in a two way discussion. They use the same "debate" tactics seen here. Insult, name call, shout down with pre-perpared stock answers and when all else fails, hang up on the caller. I listen to Rush, Michael Savage, Mark Levin and Sean Hannity on a pretty regular basis when I'm driving. I flip flop between them and NPR. I only have respect for Mark Levin but even he is prone to ridiculous theatrics and abusive treatment of anybody that doesn't brown nose him on the phone.

There was a guy they used to have on named John Bachelor who was conservative and had fascinating shows, but they dropped him here because I believe he made people think and people don't want to do that. They just want to hear the words and then repeat them. His show was like a conservative version of NPR with guests on to discuss things instead of just the idiots of America calling in.

Fox News (not conservative) always presents both sides even on their conservative opinion shows like Hannity.  Conservative talk radio TELLS YOU THEY ARE CONSERVATIVE OPINION, not news.  Air America was funded by Soros and still couldn't survive. 
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: nddons on July 28, 2016, 05:04:57 AM
I don't believe that is true. The Left's positions can usually be supported, it is a matter of what principle values are used. To make a blanket statement that only one side's arguments make sense is exactly why you don't understand. You aren't trying or you don't respect some else's right to be different.

Now - I do not consider myself on the left, but let's try an exercise - give me a topic and I will explain the Left's position as best I can.

Start a new thread.
Then why have liberal talk shows all failed miserably, as Joe stated?

I listened to Air America when it was on the air, and it was nothing but negativity and anger. Sure, you have some of that with conservative talk radio, but you also get optimism and love of country. That was completely absent from Air America. Completely.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Number7 on July 28, 2016, 05:58:28 AM
Air America sounded more like a circle jerk among academic crazies than a talk show.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Dav8or on July 28, 2016, 07:10:42 AM
Then why have liberal talk shows all failed miserably, as Joe stated?

I listened to Air America when it was on the air, and it was nothing but negativity and anger. Sure, you have some of that with conservative talk radio, but you also get optimism and love of country. That was completely absent from Air America. Completely.

The Left has NPR and that's really all they need. It's been around forever and will continue on I'm sure.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: asechrest on July 28, 2016, 07:22:51 AM
Then why have liberal talk shows all failed miserably, as Joe stated?

I listened to Air America when it was on the air, and it was nothing but negativity and anger. Sure, you have some of that with conservative talk radio, but you also get optimism and love of country. That was completely absent from Air America. Completely.

I think it's a few things: Demographic differences that make radio listening less likely on the left; the fact that radio outrage media is done best by the right, and is self-reinforcing ("don't listen to the liberal media, listen to us!"); many liberals listen to NPR for a broader selection of topics; etc.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Lucifer on July 28, 2016, 07:32:35 AM
I think it's a few things: Demographic differences that make radio listening less likely on the left; the fact that radio outrage media is done best by the right, and is self-reinforcing ("don't listen to the liberal media, listen to us!"); many liberals listen to NPR for a broader selection of topics; etc.

Sarcasm, right?
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: President in Exile YOLT on July 28, 2016, 07:36:25 AM
The Left has NPR and that's really all they need. It's been around forever and will continue on I'm sure.

And we help pay for it..
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: asechrest on July 28, 2016, 07:44:00 AM
Sarcasm, right?

No.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Lucifer on July 28, 2016, 07:54:55 AM
And we help pay for it..

 That's because they don't have anyone to steal it from.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2005/jul/28/20050728-081354-1414r/
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: asechrest on July 28, 2016, 08:19:59 AM
And we help pay for it..

And you can listen to it, too! I'm fond of This American Life and America's Test Kitchen.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Dav8or on July 28, 2016, 08:27:59 AM
And we help pay for it..

This is true and it really bothers me. I don't mind paying for it, I think it's worthwhile, but what bothers me is it has become solely a left wing biased organization. I believe that because it is in part publicly funded, equal air time should be granted to those with a right wing bias. Originally it was supposed to be unbiased and just fact based, but as we all know, unbiased reporting and opinions are impossible.

Since unbiased programing is impossible, I would suggest programming from both biases. It would be a challenge to organize and many of the supporters now would leave, but many new supporters would arrive. I have always thought how nice it would be to have a right wing informative radio program styled like NPR, but all we get is angry loud mouths and ridiculous call in shows.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Becky (My pronouns are Assigned/By/God) on July 28, 2016, 08:35:44 AM
I think it's a few things: Demographic differences that make radio listening less likely on the left; the fact that radio outrage media is done best by the right, and is self-reinforcing ("don't listen to the liberal media, listen to us!"); many liberals listen to NPR for a broader selection of topics; etc.

I disagree; the left does outrage media far better than the right, because they obfuscate the truth, act as if the truth is already known and it is their version, and convolute or entirely ignore the truly controversial.

This is not a knee-jerk reaction from me; I am a moderate, and believe (as history has shown) that center-right governments fare better than either far left or far right.

My observations have been that NPR skews quite far to the left, in a matter-of-fact, faux-intelligent way that lulls listeners into just agreeing with them.  About three years ago I finally grew so frustrated with the slant that I stopped listening and stopped donating.  When I got calls and e-mails about why I was no longer donating, I offered examples of programs/hosts/guests that were slanted left, and stated that I preferred a balanced discussion.  I said that NPR used to at least try to be fair, but they had stopped even doing that.  AND EACH PERSON AT NPR WITH WHOM I SPOKE OR E-MAILED AGREED WITH ME.  It was bizarre.  They understood completely.

Similarly, when the RNC calls me and I say that I will support them when they do something worth supporting, THEY AGREE WITH ME.

Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Becky (My pronouns are Assigned/By/God) on July 28, 2016, 08:40:55 AM
This is true and it really bothers me. I don't mind paying for it, I think it's worthwhile, but what bothers me is it has become solely a left wing biased organization. I believe that because it is in part publicly funded, equal air time should be granted to those with a right wing bias. Originally it was supposed to be unbiased and just fact based, but as we all know, unbiased reporting and opinions are impossible.

Since unbiased programing is impossible, I would suggest programming from both biases. It would be a challenge to organize and many of the supporters now would leave, but many new supporters would arrive. I have always thought how nice it would be to have a right wing informative radio program styled like NPR, but all we get is angry loud mouths and ridiculous call in shows.

People are angry because the sources of unbiased information have been slowly and insidiously removed from our access.  Everything is spun.  We know this, and it makes us feel helpless and thus angry.

How would you feel if you knew that all your cockpit instruments were slightly if not very inaccurate?  You would be forced to fly differently, but all your decisions and actions would be guesses, and the only truth you'd have would be what you could actually see.  Same with our media and politics.  People look around, see what they see, and it doesn't square with what the media is feeding us.

Recipe for anger.

Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: asechrest on July 28, 2016, 09:04:12 AM
I disagree; the left does outrage media far better than the right, because they obfuscate the truth, act as if the truth is already known and it is their version, and convolute or entirely ignore the truly controversial.

The ratings speak for themselves. Look at Rush (with radio contracts exceeding multiple hundreds of millions dollars), Savage, and others on the radio side. Look at O'Reilly and Hannity on the TV side. There is no opposing liberal force on the radio side, so the right clearly dominates radio outrage media (which is what I said in the post you quoted). But you can also look at the Fox talking heads and see it clearly as well. Viewership and success are drastically better than anything on MSNBC or others. The right does outrage media best.

I admit NPR slants left, though not drastically so. But it also has great and varied non-political content and shouldn't be discussed as similar to Rush et al.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: JeffDG on July 28, 2016, 09:20:32 AM
And we help pay for it..
Not to defend NPR, but if you want lefty government funded BS, CBC is in a league all their own.  Last election they went all-in for Justin and got a huge budget increase for their trouble.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Mase on July 28, 2016, 09:28:31 AM
Public TV used to have William F. Buckley's Firing Line.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Dav8or on July 28, 2016, 10:02:25 AM
Public TV used to have William F. Buckley's Firing Line.

And now there is nothing like that on PBS, or NPR. I believe there should be.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Dav8or on July 28, 2016, 10:34:37 AM
People are angry because the sources of unbiased information have been slowly and insidiously removed from our access.  Everything is spun.  We know this, and it makes us feel helpless and thus angry.

How would you feel if you knew that all your cockpit instruments were slightly if not very inaccurate?  You would be forced to fly differently, but all your decisions and actions would be guesses, and the only truth you'd have would be what you could actually see.  Same with our media and politics.  People look around, see what they see, and it doesn't square with what the media is feeding us.

Recipe for anger.

The thing is, often the stuff these guys are all angry about are abstract to me and I only know of such things as Hillary's emails, or Benghazi, or uranium production, or whatever, is because some media outlet told me of them. I am entirely dependent on some outside source to tell me these things because I don't have any first hand knowledge. How true any of this information entirely depends on how much I trust that source of information. I can't just look around and see these things, somebody has to tell me.

The anger is largely manufactured. They tell you a thing, they tell you they are very angry, they tell you perpetrators of this thing are villainous scum, they tell you that you should be angry too and so people get angry. It's great for ratings and the purveyors of anger get paid handsomely. It is a lot of theatrics and drama and these people make a nice living off of acting angry to make you angry.

I wish I could get right leaning news and opinions without the ranting theatrics, without the name calling and from people that weren't such obvious sell outs to the almighty dollar.   
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Gary on July 28, 2016, 10:42:52 AM
People are angry because the sources of unbiased information have been slowly and insidiously removed from our access.  Everything is spun.  We know this, and it makes us feel helpless and thus angry.

When has there ever been unbiased sources of information?  Spin has existed since the first word was written.  If anything, the explosion of information sources gives all of us so many, varied and different viewpoints.  I'm not clear how this has been removed from our access. No doubt it does take more effort to sort though all those views and try to rationally glean out what might be facts verses opinion.

How would you feel if you knew that all your cockpit instruments were slightly if not very inaccurate?  You would be forced to fly differently, but all your decisions and actions would be guesses, and the only truth you'd have would be what you could actually see.  Same with our media and politics.  People look around, see what they see, and it doesn't square with what the media is feeding us.

Recipe for anger.

There is some truth to that.  Spin is a well practiced art all across the political spectrum.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: asechrest on July 28, 2016, 10:52:52 AM
When has there ever been unbiased sources of information?  Spin has existed since the first word was written.  If anything, the explosion of information sources gives all of us so many, varied and different viewpoints.  I'm not clear how this has been removed from our access. No doubt it does take more effort to sort though all those views and try to rationally glean out what might be facts verses opinion.

There is some truth to that.  Spin is a well practiced art all across the political spectrum.

I think the key is getting your information from a variety of sources. That allows at least some measure of bias to be cancelled out, or allows you to remain neutral if the bias is so thick you are unable to glean the truth from the chaff.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Gary on July 28, 2016, 11:00:23 AM
I think the key is getting your information from a variety of sources. That allows at least some measure of bias to be cancelled out, or allows you to remain neutral if the bias is so thick you are unable to glean the truth from the chaff.

True!  But then, we all have our own internal bias of what is "fact" after we've done that "gleaning".  ;) 
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: asechrest on July 28, 2016, 11:03:51 AM
True!  But then, we all have our own internal bias of what is "fact" after we've done that "gleaning".  ;)

True too! Facts have a well-know liberal or conservative bias, depending on who you ask.  ;D
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: nddons on July 28, 2016, 01:11:34 PM
I think it's a few things: Demographic differences that make radio listening less likely on the left; the fact that radio outrage media is done best by the right, and is self-reinforcing ("don't listen to the liberal media, listen to us!"); many liberals listen to NPR for a broader selection of topics; etc.
You have GOT to be kidding. Just because you listen to people on NPR who speak softly and in monotone like the Saturday Night Live skit doesn't mean that there is a diversity of thought on NPR. It just makes them sound smart - it doesn't mean they are so.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: nddons on July 28, 2016, 01:18:01 PM
The thing is, often the stuff these guys are all angry about are abstract to me and I only know of such things as Hillary's emails, or Benghazi, or uranium production, or whatever, is because some media outlet told me of them. I am entirely dependent on some outside source to tell me these things because I don't have any first hand knowledge. How true any of this information entirely depends on how much I trust that source of information. I can't just look around and see these things, somebody has to tell me.

The anger is largely manufactured. They tell you a thing, they tell you they are very angry, they tell you perpetrators of this thing are villainous scum, they tell you that you should be angry too and so people get angry. It's great for ratings and the purveyors of anger get paid handsomely. It is a lot of theatrics and drama and these people make a nice living off of acting angry to make you angry.

I wish I could get right leaning news and opinions without the ranting theatrics, without the name calling and from people that weren't such obvious sell outs to the almighty dollar.
Are you implying that listeners to "right wing radio" are incapable of forming opinions on their own?  Because that is the typical response of leftists and NPR devotees.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: asechrest on July 28, 2016, 02:13:19 PM
You have GOT to be kidding. Just because you listen to people on NPR who speak softly and in monotone like the Saturday Night Live skit doesn't mean that there is a diversity of thought on NPR. It just makes them sound smart - it doesn't mean they are so.

You don't appear to be arguing with the points I made. I didn't say "diversity of thought" or "smart", though there may be a valid point if I had. We are discussing the dearth of liberal talk radio.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Dav8or on July 28, 2016, 02:41:49 PM
Are you implying that listeners to "right wing radio" are incapable of forming opinions on their own?  Because that is the typical response of leftists and NPR devotees.

No, not at all. Certainly some can and do form their own opinions. As I said before, I listen to right wing radio too and I don't agree with a lot of it. However, there are a significant number of "ditto heads" out there that can't or don't want to come to their own conclusions. This also true on the left, they just do it without all the yelling and name calling.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: nddons on July 28, 2016, 02:58:00 PM
No, not at all. Certainly some can and do form their own opinions. As I said before, I listen to right wing radio too and I don't agree with a lot of it. However, there are a significant number of "ditto heads" out there that can't or don't want to come to their own conclusions. This also true on the left, they just do it without all the yelling and name calling.
So it's not conceivable that such listeners, based upon lifetimes of observation and participation in the exercise of self-governance, have actually already formed their opinions, and said opinions are simply confirmed and nicely framed by such talk show hosts as Rush? 

How can you tell which "ditto heads" "can't or don't want to come to their own conclusions"? 

Isn't it the height of arrogance for you to believe that you are capable of making this determination? 
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: EppyGA - White Christian Domestic Terrorist on July 28, 2016, 06:36:15 PM
The Left has NPR and that's really all they need. It's been around forever and will continue on I'm sure.

You left out ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC & CNN
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Dav8or on July 28, 2016, 06:47:49 PM
You left out ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC & CNN

Seriously, those outlets may be controlled by the left, but they are mainly for the consumption of those that don't really understand the difference between left and right, or care. Every now and then want to know what's going on in the world outside their little world.
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Dav8or on July 28, 2016, 06:56:37 PM
So it's not conceivable that such listeners, based upon lifetimes of observation and participation in the exercise of self-governance, have actually already formed their opinions, and said opinions are simply confirmed and nicely framed by such talk show hosts as Rush? 

How can you tell which "ditto heads" "can't or don't want to come to their own conclusions"? 

Isn't it the height of arrogance for you to believe that you are capable of making this determination?

Seriously?? Have you listened to many of the callers that call in? Not a lot of original thought there. They parrot and repeat the exact same phrases, school yard names and ideas they just heard. They rarely if ever add anything new to the conversation. It's usually a butt kissing, "me too" and "what you said" kind of a thing.

Oh yeah and I am super arrogant and super capable of determination- so there!  ;)
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: nddons on July 28, 2016, 08:07:06 PM
Seriously?? Have you listened to many of the callers that call in? Not a lot of original thought there. They parrot and repeat the exact same phrases, school yard names and ideas they just heard. They rarely if ever add anything new to the conversation. It's usually a butt kissing, "me too" and "what you said" kind of a thing.

Oh yeah and I am super arrogant and super capable of determination- so there!  ;)
Yes, I do listen. And I'm sure there is some of it. But would you say that I don't have original thoughts on a topic of, say, the Constitution, because I may have repeated a phrase that Mark Levin said more eloquently than I could have?
Title: Re: So, What Have we Learned here on PS?
Post by: Steingar on August 03, 2016, 10:56:58 AM
It is very difficult to filter out eh bias in news media.  They are there to sell products first and foremost.  It is telling that the best investigative journalism in the country is on John Oliver's show.  I really miss Al Jazeera.  Say what you want, they had no dog on our fight and reported a much clearer picture.  The BBC isn't quite a good, but isn't as bad as domestic outlets.