Bill Moyers NOW with Thomas Frank....

[Flubadubya]

Just saw this interview Moyers had with Frank. Here's the TV guide blurb on it:

NOW with Bill Moyers
60 mins.

Author Thomas Frank (“What's the Matter with Kansas”) discusses his contention that working-class Republicans vote against their economic interests in an interview with Bill Moyers.

This was an amazing interview. I had never even heard of the author, but he really nailed what's going on in this country. Anyone familiar with his book? Sounds like a must read to me. His basic thesis is that working class people are being led down the primrose path on social issues by republican leaders, when in fact they are actually causing their own social destruction.

Check out the NOW website for more info: http://www.pbs.org/now/politics/culturewars.html

[coda]

1. Wish i could get it.

He had a piece in Harpers a couple of months ago and was on C-SPAN Book TV 2 weeks ago and it was great, he was spot on with everything.


I need to get the book.

[Cassandra]

13. Here ya go!

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=ms5dzwe9AP&isbn=0805073396&itm=1

[benfranklin1776]

23. Also available from the Buzz...

........which purchase also serves the dual purpose of funding a fellow progressive source for news and cutting edge commentary.

http://www.buzzflash.com/premiums/04/06/pre04022.html

[Mad As Hell]

2. Saw Thomas Frank

on C-Span last weekend. Fantastic. I wish these poor souls being snookered into voting for these creeps knew that their right to overtime pay has just been quietly destroyed by *'s Labor Department. I really can't believe no one is talking about this.

[LittleApple81]

7. Me too. Loved him. Getting the book. n/t

[SharonAnn]

3. Wish I had taped it. He was wonderful.

His writings explain a lot about why the lower income people vote against their best interest.

The author of the best journal on this stuff "The Baffler".

[Wonk]

34. mp3 & video here for those who missed it

Kathleen Hall Jamieson
4 M mp3
40 M vp3

Thomas Frank
4 M mp3
43 M vp3

Clea Koff
4 M mp3
44 M vp3

Some other threads on this
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=1955100
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=109&topic_id=10429
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=109x10420

[Hamlette]

4. more importantly....what can we do about it?

I've heard of the book, its at the top of my list (with Molly Ivins' new book and Imperial Hubris..I need to read more!)

What do we do to convince the middle and lower classes that voting GOP is NOT in their interest? I'm so damned sick of the abortion issue!

[Flubadubya]

10. I had a similar question when I saw this...

Where is all this leading? Is it going to take a second American revolution or a civil war to get things back in balance? It's just downright scary to contemplate the direction this country is taking and the possible outcomes of this bizarre cultural polarization.

As Frank said, the battle over social issues is like fighting phantoms. It can't be won, but in the meantime the working class is being utterly decimated by the economical ramifications of it.

[bvar22]

12. Great Show

I never miss Bill Moyers. This show will be replayed at various times on your local PBS channels, or you can visit their website.

>What do we do to convince the middle and lower classes that voting GOP is NOT in their interest?<

According to Thomas Frank (and I agree), in the 1980's the Democratic Party abandoned the fight for Economic Justice, and co-signed the economic policies of the Republican Party (DLC). The voters in the heartland facing a choice between two parties with essentially the same economic policies (FREE TRADE, DEREGULATION, PRIVATIZATION, DE-UNIONIZATION, GLOBAL CORPORATE MONOPOLIZATION) either quit voting, or voted their social values(whatever those are).


To answer the question from the above poster, we MUST INSPIRE a reform within the Democratic Party to begin again the fight for Economic Justice!

There is an organization within the Democratic Party, The Congressional Progressive Caucus, that works to counter the conservative anti-labor policies of the DLC. When voters believe that the Democratic Party will fight for them, they will go to the polls.

[PsN2Wind]

19. It's a sad truth

but when Clinton flipped on NAFTA a lot of people did begin to think "what's the difference".

[Beam Me Up]

24. I should think it would be obvious to everyone by now

that those who hold the real power in the Democratic party have NO INTEREST in real economic social reforms of any kind. They are not only bought and paid for but in some instances actually ARE a wealthy elite. Yes, they do have some liberal points of view about SOCIAL ISSUES (which is what we're saying are actually diversions) and may even foster them. But when it comes to real decisions that will make a real difference in the way wealth is distributed in this country, it ain't there.

So, you think you're going to CHANGE the Democratic party?

I don't.

Not without getting more of a politically-economically aware working class base, you won't.

Sorry, feeling cynical tonight.

[bvar22]

30. I understand your cynicism.

On many levels I share it. I'm just not ready to give up yet. We also have no choice (intelligent design?) but to fight for Kerry/Edwards, and there are some old style Democrats left and I support them.

Some things you can do:

I've stopped sending contributions directly to the DNC/DLC.
All my money goes directly to Mark Dayton (Senator, MN) or Dennis Kucinich. Requests from the DNC/DLC are returned with a note stating that they will need to see DK or Mark Dayton to get their money. I don't suffer from the delusion that the Party will miss my few dollars, but I sleep better knowing I am not directly supporting politicians that work against my economic interests.

There are organizations within the Democratic Party that do fight for Economic Justice.
You just NEVER HEAR about these organizations because their voices are DROWNED OUT by the Corporate sponsored megaphones of the DLC.

Visit and support the following:

The Congressional Progressive Caucus (Paul Wellstone worked with this group before his murder)
http://bernie.house.gov/pc/

I haven't fully checked out this group, but so far, I like what I see:
http://www.progressivevote.org/


I support and vote almost exclusively GREEN or Alternative on a LOCAL level.
I live in Minnesota, and we have viable candidates that are beginning to win local elections.

No body should vote for Nader or Green (this time).
I think it is important to win this election by an overwhelming landslide. This will help to drive a stake through the Black Heart of the Conservative Doctrine. Unfortunately, it will give the DLC the appearance of a mandate to continue their Anti-Labor economic policies. We will have to deal with this after the election.

Listen to Ralph Nader, but don't vote for him.
Nader is a brilliant man. He has forced some issues into the national dialog that both parties would rather ignore. He tells the truth about the take over of our government by Big Money. Buy and read his books. Attend his public appearances. You won't be disappointed.( I really, really pray he drops out before the election and endorses Kerry/Edwards.)

[Beam Me Up]

32. Thanks for this info -- and I agree

I will certainly vote for the Democratic nominees this time and I will work to get them elected.

I have been donating to the Kucinich organization.

I am aware of the Progressive Caucus but hadn't heard of progressivevote.org Thanks for that!

I'm just tired of the BS. I'm 56 years old and have been struggling against these forces one way and another most of my adult life.

BMU

[alfredo]

5. That was great. But Clea Koff was my favorite

I can't help it, I am a sucker for a smart woman. I might buy her book.

[radiclib]

15. Not to mention drop-dead gorgeous

I could barely focus on what she was saying, so I'll HAVE to buy the book. "The Bone Woman" indeed.

[alfredo]

18. uh er.... I didn't notice.....

She seemed really passionate about her profession.

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

6. ever heard of The Bafffler?

It was Franks occasional magazine. Very cult-stud.

Frank also wrote a phamplet on the Decateur Illinois strikes of a few years ago, and another book,. The Coquest of Cool.

Hes quite good, yes.

[Hamlette]

22. The Conquest of Cool

is a great read too, although depressing. It's about how our counterculture sold out to advertising...brand names have become cool, madison avenue got the most individualistic amongst us.

Now we are waking up to realize that the republican party sold itself to the very people who ought to be revolting. It seems to be part of the same symptom.

Dude, where's my country? (To steal a phrase.) We're doomed.

[napi21]

8. I watched it too! Best most logical explainaiton I've heard

of what has happened in America. I haven't checked yet, but I guess you can buy "What happened to Kansas" on Amazon.

I understand why the minority Dems in the house and senate can't get much accomplished, but I don't understand why those on the campaign trail aren't.

Are we the weird ones and like Franks book because he agrees with us, and the rest of the country is actually right?

[Dover]

9. Rural, lower and middle class single issue conservative voters

just don't get it. The neocon Republicans are destroying their economic well being and have simultaneously convinced them that up is down, black is white, poor is rich, evil is good, and Saddam is linked to al Qaeda.

Don't know if the lightbulb will ever go off, so deep is the Republican and religious brainwashing......

But the DLC and DNC have pretty much joined this party...but less skillfully. What can be done to stop this bipartisan classist political agenda?

[bushwakker]

28. The answer is to keep talking about pocket book issues

Dems need to keep hammering on how GOP economics hurts middle income voters. Eventually the debate will shift. It takes time but it will happen.

[evworldeditor]

11. Excellent program again tonight

I am always so grateful when I remember to turn on Moyer's Now on a Friday night. They always have such top-notch material and quests. Tonight's program is no exception.

The Frank interview was quite revealing... especially how the power elite use relatively trival issues -- though the right certainly wouldn't see it that way -- to divide us against ourselves. Good people with different views on issues in which the government has no business sticking its nose, find themselves polarized and then exploited. Frank made the point that the leaders of the "cultural wars" never make any progress --- they don't want to. Instead, by deflect our attention, they can progessively game the economic system against the middle class. The rich get richer and the poor get... well... screwed!

How is that the party supposedly in favor of "State's Rights" wants the federal government to legislate our sexual morays and activities? How is that the people who oppose abortions are generally advocates of the death penalty, despite the Bible saying, "vengence is mine, sayeth the Lord"?

Go figure.

Also appreciated the beauty and thoughtful reflections of Clea Koff, "The Bone Lady." How does she sleep at night? I can't imagine doing what she has to do.

Here's the Amazon link to her book.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400060648/ref%3Dnosim/bookssites-20/002-9469801-2765618

Thanks to Moyers and the great team he's brought together. He'll be sorely missed.

[coda]

14. Here's two recent articles to show how it's being ramped up further.

In Kansas a kind of a Texas GOP-style attempt to purge moderate Republicans and purify the party.





Pratt candidate spreads his word at churches
By Mary Clarkin

7-08-04

PRATT - The Pratt Republican trying to wrest the 33rd Senate seat from Sen. Ruth Teichman, R-Stafford, is taking his campaign to Christian churches on Sundays.

"I do it utterly intentionally. I make no bones about it when I get there. I don't pretend that I'm showing up as a visitor out of the blue. It's because I am a candidate for office," said Russell Steen.

"But basically I go because I want to worship with the Christians that are in this district," he added.

<snip>


"Of course, it's not rocket science to figure out that I'm making a clear statement about my solidarity with Christians that live in this district," Steen said.

<snip>

"It's a fine line, and I could care less how other people view it or what people think about the legalities of it," Steen said.


http://www.hutchnews.com/days/thursday/region/region1.html


=======




A pastor preaches his mind

Known for his strong stand against abortion, the Rev. Joe Wright is mobilizing followers opposed to gay marriage before elections this fall.

BY ABE LEVY

The Wichita Eagle


The pastor of Central Christian, Wichita's largest Protestant church, has a knack for connecting with people from different walks of life, his friends say. He's simply a likable guy.


<snip>

The House and Senate were considering a proposal to strengthen Kansas law barring same-sex marriage. After weeks of debate, the legislature defeated the proposal. If it had passed, it would have gone to voters in November for final approval.


Instead, it sparked a new mission for Wright and Fox: unseating legislators who voted against the ban.


<snip>

Getting out the vote

Five days after the legislature adjourned, Wright drove his black Oldsmobile Bravada to El Dorado to speak to the town's ministerial alliance.


<snip>


Despite a recent poll that shows Kansas voters consider the economy and the Iraqi conflict to be more important political issues than gay marriage, Wright and other pastors say they believe otherwise.


more....

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/9076363.htm

[Kanary]

16. Aw, crud-a-rama!

The one time I don't watch........... sunny gunnnn.......

I would have recorded this one.

I saw the author on C=Span2 (Book TV) weekend before last, and was quite impressed, and wanted to read the book.

I would have *loved* to have seen him again! POOP!

Thanks for letting me know........ I need to be sure I always look to see what's going to be on Moyers....

Kanary, still a day late and a dollar short...........

[Ms. Clio]

17. Every DUer should read Frank's book, One Market Under God

One Market Under God: Extreme Capitalism, Market Populism, and the End of Economic Democracy.

It was one of those world-shifting kind of books, for me.

I am really disappointed I missed this interview--will it be archived somewhere?

[Oddman]

20. That's what I've always wondered . . . how can a party that

represents just 5% of the population get 50% of the vote?

[keithyboy]

21. It's been that way since the civil war. It's all based in racism.

America will never overcome it.

[serryjw]

25. I saw it also...it was great.

Any idea how I could write him?

[area51]

27. Address

Here's an address to reach Thos. Frank (from his website):

Mr. Frank
c/o The Baffler Magazine
P.O. Box 378293
Chicago, IL 60637

Here's a link to his website (link opens in new window).

[serryjw]

33. Thanks

:toast:

[jab105]

26. One of the best interviews I've ever seen, and he nailed it!!

Now I know what I'm getting my mom for Christmas...

damn it, but now I gotta stay up and tape NOW on the last night show:)

[Flubadubya]

29. Is NOW going off the air?

I've seen a couple of references that indicate this, i.e. "he sure will be missed" and now "the last night show". What gives? If they're taking it off, that's a travesty! :cry:

[dumpster_baby]

31. Here is a DU thread I started; it has links to some online T. Frank essays

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x1955100

I heard Moyers was retiring, and David Brancaccio was carrying on in his place. I had not heard about NOW being retired, though....