Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Pluvious

(4,305 posts)
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 06:08 PM Mar 2022

PLEASE join our effort to get Fox News out of USA's military bases - Easy Contact Form

Thank you for reading my post, fellow DUer !

IMHO it's absolutely INSANE the Fox Network content is STILL piped into our military bases !

As this traitorous tool of the billionaire Murdock is now broadcasting pro-Putin talking points,
it's even more important to get their shitshow turned OFF !!

It's ONLY gonna happen if we push our representatives into taking action.

Below is a great contact tool I have used in the past, and received replies from all three of my reps.
So I know this WORKS.

And it's super easy...

Background: Lawyer John E Deaton has provided this free service mainly to support a non related project he's pursuing, but
he has made it very clear we may use this for our own issues we want to communicate to our reps.

I have written some text you are welcomed to use to compose your own message, should you like.
(I added my full name, city, state at my message's end)

Finally, in my 18 years here on DU, I have NEVER asked for a K&R - please, help get this message out !!

Thank you all

https://www.crypto-law.us/connect-to-congress/


Subjects:
1) Why is the Russian Propaganda mouthpiece - Fox News - STILL radicalizing our military?!!
2) PLEASE look into why the pro-Putin Fox Network is STILL being piped into our military bases?!!
3) I am OUTRAGED that anti-American FOX propaganda is STILL blaring into our military bases!!
4) Are you doing ANYTHING to STOP the Russian Propaganda Fox Network from radicalizing our military?

( my own text sent out this morning - if you have the time put your own feelings and requests here instead )
---
Recently, Russian government sent out to their pro-Putin media outlets memos which were obtained by MotherJones. These memos tell the outlets "it is essential" they feature Tucker Carlson in their coverage of the Ukraine war "as much as possible." Nightly, this anti-American Putin mouthpiece recites - nearly verbatim - the Kremlin's propaganda. Other Putin supporting "talking heads" at Fox spew out similar pro-Russian talking points. OVER AND OVER, propelling the propaganda to their listeners.

AND THIS ALL IS PIPED INTO OUR MILITARY BASES!!

PLEASE do something.
If not for us - your voters - then do it FOR OUR COUNTRY and its interests.

Thank you for your time!




92 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
PLEASE join our effort to get Fox News out of USA's military bases - Easy Contact Form (Original Post) Pluvious Mar 2022 OP
Great idea! Funtatlaguy Mar 2022 #1
This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Mar 2022 #2
Let's get them kicked out! SheltieLover Mar 2022 #3
Rt 💕🐱‍🏍 TY! It's so GD Cruel.. brainwashing our Troops Against America! Cha Mar 2022 #4
Done - Thank you for the great idea FakeNoose Mar 2022 #5
DONE AmBlue Mar 2022 #6
They should just show it on Russian military bases IronLionZion Mar 2022 #7
Done! Excellent project! Thank you! n/t KatK Mar 2022 #8
go one further & stop these jacked up - monkeyman1 Mar 2022 #9
KnR! Hekate Mar 2022 #10
Done, I used the link to sent an email to my Senators and Congressman MLAA Mar 2022 #11
Done and will share. nt tiredtoo Mar 2022 #12
K&R and I pray you succeed. soldierant Mar 2022 #13
You got it.. Kay AND are! trof Mar 2022 #14
Despise FOX, don't even watch to laugh at them. But ain't requesting Hoyt Mar 2022 #15
I agree with your concern about violating free speech ... Pluvious Mar 2022 #19
I'd just prefer we counter/ridicule their BS than trying to remove them. Sorry. Hoyt Mar 2022 #21
"I'm in total support of free speech, but..." Jedi Guy Mar 2022 #82
This message was self-deleted by its author Sherman A1 Mar 2022 #23
It's all or nothing. You can't ban one news network channel and leave all the others in place. mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2022 #24
This message was self-deleted by its author Sherman A1 Mar 2022 #26
This message was self-deleted by its author mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2022 #35
Government banning FOX on military bases sure doesn't sound democratic to me. Hoyt Mar 2022 #25
It isn't. NT mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2022 #27
This message was self-deleted by its author Sherman A1 Mar 2022 #32
Thanks for the input. I still like your posts, and I still look forward to reading them. mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2022 #34
This message was self-deleted by its author Sherman A1 Mar 2022 #30
I use a GFE (government-furnished equipment) computer at work. mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2022 #36
There is no military domestic news service hack89 Mar 2022 #72
This message was self-deleted by its author Sherman A1 Mar 2022 #74
Or we can pick a more reasonable fight hack89 Mar 2022 #75
This message was self-deleted by its author Sherman A1 Mar 2022 #81
Do nothing. Treat the military like adults. Allow them the same rights you enjoy. hack89 Mar 2022 #85
This message was self-deleted by its author Sherman A1 Mar 2022 #87
I agree with hack89 MarineCombatEngineer Mar 2022 #88
This message was self-deleted by its author Sherman A1 Mar 2022 #89
Really no need to, MarineCombatEngineer Mar 2022 #90
This message was self-deleted by its author Sherman A1 Mar 2022 #91
Ok. MarineCombatEngineer Mar 2022 #92
I agree also DashOneBravo Mar 2022 #38
This. BlackSkimmer Mar 2022 #43
Nailed it. MarineCombatEngineer Mar 2022 #45
Exactly! nt Raine Mar 2022 #51
As long as Fox is not the only choice treestar Mar 2022 #57
+1, this should be minimum. Take FAUX NewZ out of the news business and put it were it belongs uponit7771 Mar 2022 #66
There's enough evidence to show FAUX NewZ is tied closely to a US political agenda uponit7771 Mar 2022 #62
To say nothing of the FACT DENVERPOPS Mar 2022 #77
+1, the right NO DOUBT wants to keep that ingrained mindset under raps. At minimum those things uponit7771 Mar 2022 #79
THANK YOU ALL !!! Pluvious Mar 2022 #16
And Limbaugh on Armed Forces radio for decades. Who are they broadcasting now?? Tucks? Evolve Dammit Mar 2022 #17
K&R!!! calimary Mar 2022 #18
Why should our troops be watching The Wizard Mar 2022 #20
No. mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2022 #22
+1. Hope everyone reads. Hoyt Mar 2022 #28
Don't thank me; thank the guy after whom my elementary school was named. mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2022 #31
+100. 1000! And... reACTIONary Mar 2022 #40
I think it's been taken down. I used to work near the Newseum. On mornings when I took the bus mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2022 #41
I was downtown about a year or a little more ago... reACTIONary Mar 2022 #42
I really, really wish we could individually rec. posts, MarineCombatEngineer Mar 2022 #47
TOTALLY agree ... great post! 👍 nt Raine Mar 2022 #50
This is such bullshit! maxrandb Mar 2022 #58
+1, when I see strawman arguments I know a nerve has been hit. FAUX NewZ is AT LEAST tied to uponit7771 Mar 2022 #65
Amen. Wednesdays Mar 2022 #76
You were thinking that this thread is about someone being upset? Permanut Mar 2022 #61
Strawman, the central argument is not about people 'watching something' come on. We know ... uponit7771 Mar 2022 #63
These threads are always so instructive, aren't they? Jedi Guy Mar 2022 #80
Seriously. Disturbing, too. You find out who you can't count on. mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2022 #84
Done. Great post, Pluvious. Permanut Mar 2022 #29
Both my senators and my rep are wholly owned by the Koch Bros. Sogo Mar 2022 #33
22 years of service and retired, some thoughts qazplm135 Mar 2022 #37
Well said. BlackSkimmer Mar 2022 #44
is there a version of this letter to use as a petition we can all sign? SleeplessinSoCal Mar 2022 #39
The link Meowmee Mar 2022 #46
K&R... hwmnbn Mar 2022 #48
What i'd like to know is why the FCC still allows FOX to operate onetexan Mar 2022 #49
Which part of FOX are you talking about? There are several. NT mahatmakanejeeves Mar 2022 #52
I assume you're asking about Faux Nooze? MarineCombatEngineer Mar 2022 #56
+1, FAUX NewZ is *NO DOUBT* tied to the political agenda of a major party in the US. That alone uponit7771 Mar 2022 #64
Precisely, Faux News is what i'm referring to. onetexan Mar 2022 #78
And again, MarineCombatEngineer Mar 2022 #86
Kick and rec!..n/t bluecollar2 Mar 2022 #53
✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ n/t msfiddlestix Mar 2022 #54
K&R Wednesdays Mar 2022 #55
Whole heartedly!! tavernier Mar 2022 #59
Come on New York'ers, there should be daily protests outside their offices KS Toronado Mar 2022 #60
K&R, FAUX NewZ is TIGHTLY associated with the agenda of a political party in the US and not an ... uponit7771 Mar 2022 #67
Agreed and will send out pandr32 Mar 2022 #68
Done. NT birdographer Mar 2022 #69
K&R. Thank you for this. c-rational Mar 2022 #70
A VERY worthy ambition!!! BobTheSubgenius Mar 2022 #71
k&r n/t Alice Kramden Mar 2022 #73
Kickin' Faux pas Mar 2022 #83

Response to Pluvious (Original post)

 

monkeyman1

(5,109 posts)
9. go one further & stop these jacked up -
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 06:50 PM
Mar 2022

Cable company's from forcing in down our throat to pay for it on tv channels ?

soldierant

(6,785 posts)
13. K&R and I pray you succeed.
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 07:04 PM
Mar 2022

And, if you do succeed, would you consider taking on some other institutions? Like prisons?

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
15. Despise FOX, don't even watch to laugh at them. But ain't requesting
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 07:11 PM
Mar 2022

Congress to do something a bit close to violating free speech.



Pluvious

(4,305 posts)
19. I agree with your concern about violating free speech ...
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 07:44 PM
Mar 2022

My hope is our public servants can find a workable solution which protects both our Constitutional rights and shield our service people from extremist radicalization.

I think stipulating that this stream of toxic content shouldn’t be displayed on government owned devices in public areas should addresses concerns of unfettered access to view via their own devices and such; ie. service personnel are free to go stream it in their private spaces, etc.

I've read that a number of field commanders had banned Fox in the past, as it was viewed as interfering with their mission.

It is the obligation of the military to create cohesion among the troops. Fox divides them.

I'm in total support of free speech, but I would not want some death-cult leader encouraging everyone to kill others in cold blood and then kill themselves to be allowed to be shown on government TV monitors in public spaces on our bases.

Where does a free society draw the line ?

If it’s radicalizing members of our military with our tax dollars - I say that is wrong, and should be restricted.

Other democratic countries have managed to put restrictions on hate and dangerous speech and still remain democratic. Maybe we can find a wise solution too ?

Jedi Guy

(3,175 posts)
82. "I'm in total support of free speech, but..."
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 05:16 PM
Mar 2022

The word "but" is used to negate the statement that goes before it. The word "total" in this usage means "complete or absolute." You are very clearly not in total support of free speech, despite your assurances to the contrary.

Would you support the government banning MSNBC on military bases? Would you support the government criminalizing the utterance of racial slurs? Would you support the government taking down sites like Breitbart or the Daily Wire?

In suggesting this, you're behaving in the exact same way the right frequently does. "I don't like or agree with this, therefore it should be banned."

Response to Hoyt (Reply #15)

mahatmakanejeeves

(57,283 posts)
24. It's all or nothing. You can't ban one news network channel and leave all the others in place.
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 08:14 PM
Mar 2022

Last edited Mon Mar 21, 2022, 05:57 AM - Edit history (3)

Congress or its agents can't pick and choose points of view that it or they find acceptable.

Banning everything isn't practical. The base commander could decide that there wouldn't be any TV sets running in any place of work on the base. ... So what happens if there's a big news event, like one country invades another? Wouldn't it be important to watch a few snippets of that? I can't see how you could say that FOX News would not be an option.

Bowling alley? The PX? Barracks? I don't see how he could ban one channel.

Could he ban the delivery of one newspaper that he didn't like? Say the base commander takes offense at something said in the New York Times or The Wall Street Journal. Should he be able to ban it from the base library? Home delivery on the base?

Is that what you want?

Response to mahatmakanejeeves (Reply #24)

Response to Sherman A1 (Reply #26)

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
25. Government banning FOX on military bases sure doesn't sound democratic to me.
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 08:14 PM
Mar 2022

How about the next guy wants to ban MSNBC, ABC, newspapers provided to military, DU on government purchased devices? Doesn’t sound right, no matter how much we hate FOX.

Doesn’t sound like right message.

Response to mahatmakanejeeves (Reply #27)

mahatmakanejeeves

(57,283 posts)
34. Thanks for the input. I still like your posts, and I still look forward to reading them.
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 08:24 PM
Mar 2022

I think you're one of the better posters here, and this isn't going to change that.

Response to Hoyt (Reply #25)

mahatmakanejeeves

(57,283 posts)
36. I use a GFE (government-furnished equipment) computer at work.
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 08:31 PM
Mar 2022

There are pages that I can't get to on that computer. Wordle, crossword puzzles, and so forth. Anything they deem frivolous. No expectation of privacy. Their computer; their choice. If I don't like it, I can use my own computer.

They don't mind if I keep up with the news, a lot of which is job-related. I mean, I can't watch the news for eight hours straight. I have to keep it in line.

hack89

(39,171 posts)
72. There is no military domestic news service
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 01:48 PM
Mar 2022

Armed Forces Network is legally only able to broadcast to military troops overseas.

Response to hack89 (Reply #72)

hack89

(39,171 posts)
75. Or we can pick a more reasonable fight
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 03:04 PM
Mar 2022

Congress will not allow the creation of a domestic military run news service and there is no way the military would want to do it - they have no desire to get dragged into a screaming political cultural war fight.

And exactly how do you explain the disappearance of all those TVs to the troops? "You can't be trusted to make adult decisions so we have to remove the TVs to ensure you believe the right things."? Don't you think that would also set of a massive firestorm?

Response to hack89 (Reply #75)

hack89

(39,171 posts)
85. Do nothing. Treat the military like adults. Allow them the same rights you enjoy.
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 06:20 PM
Mar 2022

That is from someone who spent 20 in the Navy.

Response to hack89 (Reply #85)

Response to MarineCombatEngineer (Reply #88)

MarineCombatEngineer

(12,249 posts)
90. Really no need to,
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 06:52 PM
Mar 2022

your opinion is just as valuable as anyone else's here, while I may disagree with someone's opinion, I respect their right to express it.

Response to MarineCombatEngineer (Reply #90)

 

BlackSkimmer

(51,308 posts)
43. This.
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 10:19 PM
Mar 2022

I can’t believe people think this is justified.

I’ve never watched them, but people do have the right.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
57. As long as Fox is not the only choice
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 10:41 AM
Mar 2022

And as long as it is labeled entertainment, not news, which they admit.

uponit7771

(90,301 posts)
66. +1, this should be minimum. Take FAUX NewZ out of the news business and put it were it belongs
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 12:47 PM
Mar 2022

... vs them be able to portray themselves as not associated with the agenda of a political party in the US.

DENVERPOPS

(8,787 posts)
77. To say nothing of the FACT
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 03:48 PM
Mar 2022

That they are NOW tied to a Foreign Political Agenda.........
And are basically operating as a branch of the Russia Owned News Network................

They should take Fox News off the Military airwaves, and give each member of the military a vote of agreement or disapproval.
Then count the votes, and easily determine JUST HOW DEEPLY INGRAINED the Trumphumpers are in our military..........
I would think that the results would be a real wake up call.............Just the same as our Police Departments across the entire nation....

uponit7771

(90,301 posts)
79. +1, the right NO DOUBT wants to keep that ingrained mindset under raps. At minimum those things
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 04:26 PM
Mar 2022

... should be exposed for the connections to the GZP agenda

Pluvious

(4,305 posts)
16. THANK YOU ALL !!!
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 07:12 PM
Mar 2022

I am humbled and gratified at your support

After this morning's info-dump of the never-ending Russian Horror Show, I was just overwhelmed.

This is so awful, so evil - as Jon Stewart said: the “Impotent rage is wearing,” I needed to do SOMETHING.

May Zeus bless you all !

The Wizard

(12,532 posts)
20. Why should our troops be watching
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 07:48 PM
Mar 2022

Russian propaganda? This is akin to our troops being force fed Axis Sally and Tokyo Rose in 1943.

mahatmakanejeeves

(57,283 posts)
22. No.
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 08:06 PM
Mar 2022

The DOD cannot ban programming just because you're upset by the knowledge that someone else is watching it.

You are free to choose for yourself what to watch or not watch, but you are not free to dictate to others what they can't watch. I call this concept "pro-choice." The opposite of letting people choose for themselves is exemplified by book burning and removing books from the library shelves.

The only way you could ban FOX News is to ban all the cable news networks. You can't ban one and leave the others alone. It's all or nothing.

I'm in total support of free speech, but ...

They all say that.

PLEASE do something.

Here you go. For the benefit of you and all the other First Amendment haters at DU, here's why you can't do what you want to do.



Source: https://blog.library.gsu.edu/2012/03/23/secularists-descend-upon-d-c-for-reason-rally/

{edited to add}

Fri Jan 25, 2019: Johns Hopkins to buy Newseum building in D.C. as journalism museum plans to relocate

As that swell Molly Ivins said, "I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag."

Hey, that would make a great signature line.

You'll get over it.

mahatmakanejeeves

(57,283 posts)
31. Don't thank me; thank the guy after whom my elementary school was named.
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 08:20 PM
Mar 2022

Last edited Mon Mar 21, 2022, 05:53 AM - Edit history (1)

Sat Dec 11, 2021: On this date, December 11, 1725, George Mason was born. He conceived the Bill of Rights.

I've posted this on this day for the last few years.

Fri Dec 11, 2020: On this date, December 11, 1725, George Mason was born. He conceived the Bill of Rights.

Wed Dec 11, 2019: Happy 294th Birthday, George Mason. Founding Founder, He Conceived the Bill of Rights.

Tue Dec 11, 2018: Happy 293rd Birthday, George Mason. Founding Founder, He Conceived the Bill of Rights.

Mon Dec 11, 2017: Happy 292nd Birthday, George Mason. Founding Founder, He Conceived the Bill of Rights.

Sun Dec 11, 2016: Happy 291st Birthday, George Mason. Founding Founder, He Conceived the Bill of Rights.



George Mason



copy of a 1750 portrait by John Hesselius

Born: December 11, 1725; Likely present-day Fairfax County, Virginia, British America
Died: October 7, 1792 (aged 66); Gunston Hall, Fairfax County, Virginia, United States
Resting place: Mason Family Cemetery, Lorton, Virginia
Coordinates: 38.66862°N 77.16823°W

George Mason IV (December 11, 1725 [O.S. November 30, 1725] – October 7, 1792) was an American planter, politician and delegate to the U.S. Constitutional Convention of 1787, one of three delegates who refused to sign the Constitution. His writings, including substantial portions of the Fairfax Resolves of 1774, the Virginia Declaration of Rights of 1776, and his Objections to this Constitution of Government (1787) opposing ratification, have exercised a significant influence on American political thought and events. The Virginia Declaration of Rights, which Mason principally authored, served as a basis for the United States Bill of Rights, a document of which he has been deemed a father.

{snip}



I'm not sure why that says his birth year is 1726. I thought it might be that Gregorian calendar - Julian calendar thing, but that would account for only 11 days. I'll see what I can find.

Adoption of the Gregorian calendar in Protestant countries

Through enactment of the Calendar (New Style) Act 1750, Britain and the British Empire (including the eastern part of what is now the United States) adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, by which time it was necessary to correct by 11 days. Wednesday, 2 September 1752, was followed by Thursday, 14 September 1752. Claims that rioters demanded "Give us our eleven days" grew out of a misinterpretation of a painting by William Hogarth. After 1753, the British tax year in Britain continued to operate on the Julian calendar and began on 5 April, which was the "Old Style" new tax year of 25 March. A 12th skipped Julian leap day in 1800 changed its start to 6 April. It was not changed when a 13th Julian leap day was skipped in 1900, so the tax year in the United Kingdom still begins on 6 April.

There have been a couple of postage stamps about him and Gunston Hall:

1958 3-cent Gunston Hall and 1981 18-cent George Mason

George Mason: Forgotten Founder, He Conceived the Bill of Rights

This wise Virginian was a friend to four future presidents, yet he refused to sign the Constitution

By Stephan A. Schwartz
Smithsonian Magazine
@SmithsonianMag

April 30, 2000

The air was cool and fresh on that Monday morning in September 1787 as the delegates to the Constitutional Convention gathered at the State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia to sign the new Constitution. Only three present refused to add their names. One of them was the Virginian George Mason. Because the Constitution created a federal government he felt might be too powerful, and because it did not end the slave trade and did not contain a bill of rights, he withheld his support from the document he had played so large a role in crafting.

In 1776, Mason, then 51, had been appointed to a committee charged with drafting a "Declaration of Rights" for Virginia. From the writings of English Enlightenment philosopher John Locke (1632-1704), Mason had come to a then-radical insight: that a republic had to begin with the formal, legally binding commitment that individuals had inalienable rights that were superior to any government.

One other committee member did play a significant role: Mason's young friend James Madison, who kept his (and Mason's) friend Thomas Jefferson apprised of Mason's progress in drafting the declaration. Mason's work began, "That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights...namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety." Jefferson's U.S. Declaration of Independence included the immortal words of what may be the most famous political statement in history: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

In 1787, toward the end of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Mason proposed that a bill of rights preface the Constitution, but his proposal was defeated. When he refused to sign the new Constitution, his decision baffled some and alienated others, including his old friend, George Washington. Mason's stand nonetheless had its effect. At the first session of the first Congress, Madison introduced a Bill of Rights that paralleled Mason's Declaration of Rights of 1776.

Here is 2018's letter to the editor of the Alexandria Gazette Packet about George Mason from Alexandrian Eleanor Latane Tabb:

Opinion: Letter to the Editor: In Recognition Of Mason

Alexandrian George Mason is among the most important of our Founding Fathers, but few people – even in our city and at his home, Gunston Hall, celebrate his Dec. 11, 1752, birthday because they do not know and therefore honor his contributions to our federal republic – nor do most celebrate Bill of Rights Day, Dec. 15 (1791), although it is by far the best known section of the Constitution. Mason’s insistence on its inclusion cost him Washington’s friendship and his rightful place in our history books written by the general’s Federalist partisans. Mason also provided Jefferson with the most famous claims in our Declaration of Independence.

Jefferson used the thesis of his mentor Mason, whom he deemed the most intelligent man of his day, when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. He had copies of Mason’s first and final drafts of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, adopted by the General Assembly on June 12, 1776, and admirably edited its language to some of the most stirring words ever written. Mason’s lines, “That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent natural Rights … among which are the Enjoyment of Life and Liberty, with the Means of acquiring and possessing Property, and pursuing and obtaining Happiness and Safety” became in Jefferson’s words “…. all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Inspired by the English Enlightenment philosopher John Locke (1632-1704), Mason had the then radical insight: a republic needed a legally binding commitment that individuals have inalienable rights superior to any government. Also, it is necessary for those rights to be written so they would be clear to both government officials and the people. Therefore, he created the first written statement of those individual rights which he believed must be included to restrain all levels of government.

Mason also wrote Virginia’s (and the colonies’) first Constitution, which included a Bill of Rights, and was used until the 1970s. That constitution was a model for our national Constitution.

Mason was the first delegate at the Constitutional Convention to urge including a Bill of Rights with our Constitution; indeed, he thought it should begin with a statement of rights. His proposal was voted down unanimously (Washington vigorously opposed it), but when the states ratified the Constitution, almost all required a Bill of Rights be added. Mason was one of three delegates present for the entire Constitutional Convention to vote against its adoption. His 16 objections listed its failure to end slavery and include a Bill of Rights. In the Virginia General Assembly’s ratification debate, Mason, Edmund Randolph and Patrick Henry argued vigorously against adopting the Constitution; if five men had voted the other way, it would have failed. Washington was furious at Mason’s failure to support his higher priority: creation of a strong national government — with the Bill of Rights to come later if it were necessary, which he doubted.

Fortunately for us, Mason’s argument prevailed.

Ellen Latane Tabb

Alexandria

reACTIONary

(5,766 posts)
40. +100. 1000! And...
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 08:50 PM
Mar 2022

... I really like the first amendment façade at the Newseum. Every time I'm in DC I grab a picture of it. Unfortunately, with the demise of the Newseum, the façade will be taken down. It is considered an "artifact" of the museum. Don't know what they are going to, or have done, with it.

mahatmakanejeeves

(57,283 posts)
41. I think it's been taken down. I used to work near the Newseum. On mornings when I took the bus
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 08:53 PM
Mar 2022

into work, I'd cross Pennsylvania Avenue right at that intersection where the East Building of the National Gallery of Art is. I'd walk along the sidewalk and scan the front pages of that morning's newspapers. Then I'd walk across Canada (okay, the Embassy of Canada) and on to work.

Maybe it's still up. I haven't been into work in two years.

reACTIONary

(5,766 posts)
42. I was downtown about a year or a little more ago...
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 09:50 PM
Mar 2022

.. and it was still up. I usually visiting the NGA or the Hirshhorn. Since its the weekend, I park on C street by the district court, and walk through Marshall park, right next to Canada. If I'm going to the older wing, I would walk by the Newseum and scan the headlines.

I hope they do right by the façade; it is a real inspiring monument!

MarineCombatEngineer

(12,249 posts)
47. I really, really wish we could individually rec. posts,
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 10:29 PM
Mar 2022

yours would get one from me, but instead, here's some smilies:

maxrandb

(15,292 posts)
58. This is such bullshit!
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 10:43 AM
Mar 2022

There is nothing...NOTHING...that is preventing ANY Sailor, Soldier, Airman, Marine, Coast Guard member, or DoD Employee and contractor from watching Faux News to their hearts content at their own private residence, or while Off-Duty.

There is a lot of stuff you accept as part of your "privilege" to serve the United States Military. In fact, those of us who have served would like nothing more than to return to the days of 3 CCTV Movies to choose from, or Reel to Reel Projectors on the Mess Decks. We would get a lot more work done, with less arguments.

Does your employer block the visiting of certain websites while you are at work? Is that in violation of your 1St Amendment Rights?

This bogus 1ST Amendment argument is always made when there are boycotts, or attempts to stamp out propaganda directed at our troops.

The right to free speech does NOT equal the right to be free of consequences.

Additionally, military service is pretty damn unique.

For example, you can be prosecuted under the UCMJ for contemptuous speech toward the President, Vice President, or anyone in your chain of command.

Faux News routinely broadcasts contemptuous speech on a minute by minute basis.

It should NOT be on AFRTS.

If that meant getting all cable news and hate-radio off of our military installation, all I can say is; "don't threaten me with a good time"

uponit7771

(90,301 posts)
65. +1, when I see strawman arguments I know a nerve has been hit. FAUX NewZ is AT LEAST tied to
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 12:45 PM
Mar 2022

... the agenda of a political agenda in the US that should get it taken off the list of serious info outlets.

Permanut

(5,553 posts)
61. You were thinking that this thread is about someone being upset?
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 12:13 PM
Mar 2022

I'm not upset about this issue, I'm concerned about right wing indoctrination of any kind. My understanding of DU is that disagreements about politics and policy are open for discussion, without anyone having to "get over it".

uponit7771

(90,301 posts)
63. Strawman, the central argument is not about people 'watching something' come on. We know ...
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 12:42 PM
Mar 2022

.. FAUX NewZ is tied to the political agenda of the republican party.

That itself should get them taken out of the news pool alone or placed in category where serious journalism isn't considered for that outlet.

Jedi Guy

(3,175 posts)
80. These threads are always so instructive, aren't they?
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 05:04 PM
Mar 2022

It's good to know which folks here on DU are authoritarians. These threads always draw them like flies.

mahatmakanejeeves

(57,283 posts)
84. Seriously. Disturbing, too. You find out who you can't count on.
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 06:12 PM
Mar 2022

There are so many DUers vying to be first in line to sell you out.

Sogo

(4,986 posts)
33. Both my senators and my rep are wholly owned by the Koch Bros.
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 08:23 PM
Mar 2022

I doubt they would be concerned about Fox on military bases....

qazplm135

(7,447 posts)
37. 22 years of service and retired, some thoughts
Sun Mar 20, 2022, 08:35 PM
Mar 2022

1. Fox News isn't what is making these folks conservatives. The ones who come in as enlisted are over represented from the South, from military families, who are already, generally speaking, very conservative. Banning Fox News isn't changing that.

2. More military voted for Biden than Trump. Fox News didn't matter. Besides, Soldiers spend the vast majority of the day working, they aren't watching TV. You do PT at 630, you come in and do your job from 9-5 or 6. Grab lunch when you can, then head home. There aren't even really much in the way of barracks anymore. I had a TV in my office for half my officer time, I rarely had time to watch it. Usually it was after hours if I was working late.

3. Banning a single news network is not the message liberals need to be sending right now.

onetexan

(13,019 posts)
49. What i'd like to know is why the FCC still allows FOX to operate
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 03:49 AM
Mar 2022

Despite it being an antidemocratic, prorussian, proauthoritarian mouthpiece.

MarineCombatEngineer

(12,249 posts)
56. I assume you're asking about Faux Nooze?
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 10:35 AM
Mar 2022

Well, as has been stated numerous times, Faux operates on cable, which the FCC has zero authority over, content or otherwise.

Cable, satellite and the internet are all pay to see/use, unlike over the air broadcasting, and the FCC, by law, has no authority over those venues, you don't even need a license to operate, those are privately owned systems.

uponit7771

(90,301 posts)
64. +1, FAUX NewZ is *NO DOUBT* tied to the political agenda of a major party in the US. That alone
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 12:44 PM
Mar 2022

... should get them taken away from objective news sources

uponit7771

(90,301 posts)
67. K&R, FAUX NewZ is TIGHTLY associated with the agenda of a political party in the US and not an ...
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 12:48 PM
Mar 2022

... object info outlet and that should get it taken down off of places were objective news should be allowed.

At LEAST deem them as entertainment and stop allowing them in the WH news pool like they're serious.

pandr32

(11,548 posts)
68. Agreed and will send out
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 12:49 PM
Mar 2022

Truthfully, Fox needs to be off all programing in the U.S. period! It has radicalized too many people and created problems we would be much better off without.
What good has it done? Anything? It certainly doesn't 'inform'.

BobTheSubgenius

(11,558 posts)
71. A VERY worthy ambition!!!
Mon Mar 21, 2022, 01:38 PM
Mar 2022

Luckily, in Canada you have to pay extra to get FAUX as part of your cable package, so it's very easy to avoid here.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»PLEASE join our effort to...