Bill Moyers: Why I am Returning to the Air

[Better Believe It]

Bill Moyers: Why I am Returning to the Air
I'm coming back because in tumultuous times like these I relish the company of people who try to make sense of the tumult.
January 12, 2012

Dear Friends,

You already may have heard that I'd be coming back in January with a new series on the public television station nearest you. But you may not have heard exactly why. It's not just that I lack retirement skills, as my wife and co-editor, Judith, keeps reminding me. Or that the squeaky rocking chair on the front porch got on my nerves. I'm coming back because in tumultuous times like these I relish the company of people who try to make sense of the tumult. These are the people I'll bring to our new broadcast,Moyers & Company.

Journalism has long been for me a continuing course in adult education. Given what's happening in this country, it's time to sign up for more classes. The lack of civility and common sense that has paralyzed our democracy, the vast economic and social inequality that sends both left and right raging into the streets, the corrosive influence of money in politics - we're in a tailspin with little hope for a course correction from our elected leadership or corporate-dominated media. The need for voices of reason, simple and eloquent, has rarely been stronger.

Those voices, whether they be from artist or social critic, philosopher or poet, historian or physicist, can bring us truth, inspiration, even hope. So I'll be reaching out in this new series to people engaged in the trials and errors of democracy, who have tested their ideas against experience, and who know that the health of our body politic is everybody's business. They help us see the world anew, and to make informed choices.

This will be a political series, but not a partisan one. In the conversation of democracy, everyone's invited. That means you, too. You're welcome to share opinions in the marketplace of ideas we'll be offering with our all-new website, billmoyers.com. Our aim is dialogue, not diatribe, and we want you in it.

Yours Truly,

Bill Moyers

http://www.alternet.org/vision/153757/bill_moyers%3A_why_i_am_returning_to_the_air/

[BeyondGeography]

1. Great news...He's a treasure

Gutsy, eloquent and perceptive. My idea of a great American.

[zorahopkins]

2. Good Thoughts, Bill

Dear Bill Moyers:

I read your letter, and you expressed some really good thoughts.

I am very glad that you have been able to find work. Many of us are without work and without any wages or salary.

I wonder, though, if you will be paid for your new PBS series.

I hope that you and your family have enough money already to meet all of your needs.

If so, I hope that you will consider donating ALL of the money you will be paid. You don't really need any more money, do you, Bill?

There are plenty of people far more needy than you.

They are unable to find work.

They are the victims of "tumultuous time like these".

Help us out. Donate all the money that you really don't need.

Thanks.

[Better Believe It]

3. I'm sure that Moyers has contributed a lot of money to progressive causes and doesn't ....

Last edited Mon Jan 16, 2012, 05:36 PM - Edit history (1)

need to be urged to donate.

But, like most progressives who are well off, he doesn't make a big deal out of his financial contributions to worthy causes.

[zorahopkins]

4. Good On Him

Good on Bill Moyers.

I'm just saying...

HE has lots of money already (I wonder if he is part of the 1%?)

HE has just landed a nice job.

MANY of us have little or no money.

MANY of us have no job.

MANY of us have no income.

HE should be urged to donate ALL of the money he will make to those of us who need it.

HE doesn't need more money.

WE DO.

Just saying.......

[smokey nj]

7. Did you make similar demands of Ed Schultz, Rachel Maddow, Lawrence O'Donnell or

Melissa Harris-Perry when their shows were announced?

[tkmorris]

9. Ya know...

I am very supportive of the idea that those who have plenty could and should donate as much as they can, even all of their salaries in some cases, to those in need.

However when I start singling out in public those I'd like to see do this I believe I will begin with those who do jack-all to earn the money they pull in. Once done with those (and there is an almost endless supply) I may move on to those whose occupations are marginally worthy, and so on down the list.

I expect I would die of old age before I ever began to consider shaming the likes of Bill Moyers.

[Atticus]

15. That was an extraordinarily well-reasoned and lucid post. NT

[corkhead]

19. what you said. There are plenty of others worthy of shame.

nice avatar btw.

[WilliamPitt]

23. Good lord.

[hifiguy]

5. Great news.

Bill Moyers is one of the last of the old school of real reporter/analysts. to you Mr. Moyers.

[lpbk2713]

6. I always enjoyed his program before when he was on PBS.

I'm looking forward to seeing him again.

[Arkansas Granny]

8. The new show is excellent, as expected.

You can watch online here:

http://billmoyers.com/

[lpbk2713]

10. Thanks, I will.

(Bookmarked)


He always had guests from all across the spectrum and was not opposed to hearing views contrary to his own.

[bathroommonkey76]

16. Thanks for the link. n/t

[Honeycombe8]

11. I feel like we were dehydrated and just got a drink of fresh water! I'm so glad to hear this. nt

[AnotherMcIntosh]

13. Thank you.

[barbtries]

14. i'm just glad he is.

world needs bill moyers.

[DonCoquixote]

17. I do not care why

I just want him back. Hey Current TV, got some room for someone that does not need to scream to make a point?

[malaise]

18. I'm so happy that Bill is back

Rec

[Kablooie]

20. Finally. Someone other than Dorothy's scarecrow talking on TV.

[RainbowSuperfund]

21. Great news! I have missed him. <3 Bill <3 eom

[duhneece]

22. I love this man

and am glad he'll be back!

[BeHereNow]

24. Best news I've heard in a long time.

Hope Helen thomas is on his list for discussions.
I miss Helen too...
BHN