General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMelissa Harris Perry doesn't think Romney's transport of Seamus on the roof of car is a big deal...
"Not like it was a child, after all" was her comment.
Damn. A bug FU for that, MHP. I've liked you, but I can not condone that.
While I agree the attempt to pin dog issues on Obama is ridiculous, but this segment really made me mad. Sorry, but MHP, FU!
Scuba
(53,475 posts)... but we'll be better off going after Rmoney on other issues.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)This isn't the first time she has made what sounds like a very callous flippant statement regarding what really is a serious issue. With these cumulative instances, I'm starting to like her and respect her a lot less.
JohnnyRingo
(18,624 posts)I have one retired conservative friend who volunteers her time driving for a shelter. She said she can't posssibly vote for Romney.
There has to be a large block of dog lovers out there who will at least abstain, and the party should play the card one more time before they vote to remind them what Romney represents.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)that will never go away completely. It has been around since the last presidential primary and hasn't lost its impact because there are so many animal lovers out there.
I just had a debate about this with a relative who though she is a big dog lover, thinks it is just a distraction, but for many people, it defines who the man is. The irony is it was Romney who brought up the story in the first place and didn't see anything wrong with his actions. It appears that he still doesn't as his only real regret was talking about it in the first place, not doing it.
Jim Lane
(11,175 posts)A Boston Globe reporter, interviewing people who knew Romney, heard the story from a friend of the Romney family. The reporter got one of Romney's sons to confirm it, and published it.
Romney himself has defended his actions, has made inconsistent statements about the incident, and has dismissed it as unimportant, but AFAIK he himself has never done anything to push the story.
His most recent take is that, if he had it to do over again, he wouldn't do it -- but only because of the effect on his Presidential ambitions, not because of the effect on poor Seamus.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)I had heard recently that Romney had brought up the incident as evidence of his problem-solving abilities.
Its funny how Mitt Romney has lied about so many things while campaigning, but it didn't dawn on him to lie about Seamus on the roof of his car. Yet another indication of how totally clueless he is.
Remember how he said he couldn't have illegals working on his property because he was running for office "for Pete's sake"? He seems to have no filter between his brain and his mouth.
This is a man who has been running for office since the early nineties and he still doesn't get it.
Jim Lane
(11,175 posts)The favorable spin on the incident, which you mention, didn't originally come from Romney. It was in the Globe article, which, to my eye, was bending over backward to avoid criticizing Romney:
(From "Journeys of a shared life", Boston Globe, June 27, 2007)
Today, there are probably a few people who see the incident that way. Fortunately, the much more common reaction is one of shock and outrage at Romney's treatment of a (canine) member of his own family.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)Well, that certainly sums up Mitt. He destroyed companies, towns, and lives, yet appears to have no misgivings whatsoever. What a truly strange man.
EFerrari
(163,986 posts)Last edited Sun Apr 22, 2012, 12:34 PM - Edit history (1)
than when she started doing current events and social commentary.
Yikes.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)nt
EFerrari
(163,986 posts)that CSPAN aired. That was about the last time I could listen to her without cringing.
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)when she was personally in the spotlight, I found that her own actions and tactics are far different than the ones she preached at gay people. I mean, her preaching was correct. She just does not do the same thing herself. So her words and actions do not sync up. I'm sick of that sort of thing.
EFerrari
(163,986 posts)Yesterday WillyT had a thread up about Eric Alterman nagging at liberals about getting active and my head exploded. Where has he been while Occupiers are risking their skin in the street? I have no patience with the bs any more.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)She may even have to say something to try to backtrack. We'll see.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)MHP's email address: melissa@melissaharrisperry.com
MSNBC Comments: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10285339/
Peregrine Took
(7,413 posts)Huge mistake on the part of MSNBC giving her her own show.
Ghost of Tom Joad
(1,355 posts)butterfly77
(17,609 posts)I think it is a waste of time to talk about it when there are more pressing issues to talk about. I don't think that most people will vote for or against someone just because of a dog ,at least that is not what I base my vote on it is a combination of things and a pattern of how the candidate does things.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)is NO BIG DEAL., If you don't think this is cruelty or agree that it is no big deal because it is "just a dog", please DO et us know.
butterfly77
(17,609 posts)you are a dog lover so immediately you take offence about cruelty to animals. I am not a dog lover one way or the other but,I don't want to see people hurt animals unless it is to protect ones self.
Like I said,this is not a major issue to most people there are many other things we can talk about that Romney does most people aren't voting one way or the other because he put his dog on top of the roof of his car.
This was being cruel to an animal but not what most people are concerned about we are wasting time on this when there are many other things about romney that should be focused on..
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)It reflects one of the most serious of character flaws--patent disregard for life.
Since you seem not to have read my OP, I made it clear I was not disagreeing that we should focus on other issues with respect to the campaign. My issue is with the callous disregard MHP had with respect to the entire issue with her comment that "it wasn't one of his children" after all. That is an unconscionable attitude. MHP deserves to be overwhelmed with negative feedback.
I have talked to numerous animal lovers who oppose universal healthcare, unemployment insurance, etc. But they get up in arms over animal "rights."
lunatica
(53,410 posts)And in spite of the fact that Romney is trying his best to put on an act that will get him elected because people 'like' him he keeps showing is disdain for people who he thinks are beneath him. That's 99% of us.
I think there is a mean and sadistic streak in that man. It's not that hard to see. People who brutalize animals will brutalize people. It's not just one dark little thing that normal good people do. It's indicative of something in that person.
CrsHdrx
(8 posts)You base your vote on "a combination of things and a pattern of how the candidate does things". DO YOU KNOW WHAT A PATTERN IS?!!!
butterfly77
(17,609 posts)a major issue for me and most people..
uponit7771
(90,335 posts)hamsterjill
(15,220 posts)There is a real kindred that exists between animal lovers. We are one of the most vocal groups on the planet. This IS an important issue!
butterfly77
(17,609 posts)care about this but this is not a major issue we will be talking about throughout the campaign. People will be talking about jobs,housing,healthcare not about DOGS...
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)followed up with weeks of media hype, Presidential quips, the adoption of the Waterdog bo, who is portrayed with the President constantly, and the First Lady recently called him her son.
So yeah, no one speaks of dogs in campaigns. Heard of Checkers? Are you for really real?
Peregrine Took
(7,413 posts)senseandsensibility
(17,000 posts)I thought it was interesting that she mentioned that she was from a Morman background.
FarLeftFist
(6,161 posts)Buns_of_Fire
(17,174 posts)A vague unease about a person. Should it be the focus of a campaign? Of course not. But it's just one more little grain of sand on the scales.
I do not like thee, Doctor Fell,
The reason why - I cannot tell;
But this I know, and know full well,
I do not like thee, Doctor Fell.
joe1991
(178 posts)Perhaps it's because I grew up with seeing dogs (and kids) riding in the back of pickups.
I'm sure the dog had it great 99% of the time.
There's much more important stuff to go after his Mittness for.
EFerrari
(163,986 posts)And didn't that dog run away? Apparently that other 99% of the time wasn't great, either.
LiberalFighter
(50,888 posts)waddirum
(979 posts)is not the same as riding across the country (8 hours +) on the roof of an automobile.
The shit dripping down the windows is indicative of Seamus' displeasure. Not only that, but Mitt hosed down the dog and car with water, before continuing on the trip.
So not only is the dog sick, it is now dripping wet.
RebelOne
(30,947 posts)rode in a crate in the back of a pickup truck from South Florida to Atlanta. I adopted her from a friend in Florida. She was driving a double cab pickup but had 3 other people in the truck, so the dog had to go in the back. It was a very large enclosed crate with plenty of blankets in it. My new doggie arrived in Georgia just fine. I had her for 10-1/2 years after that. I had to send her to doggie heaven because she had incurable cancer.
SoCalDem
(103,856 posts)and is not at all like being on the roof. Hunting dogs are often transported like this, and until quite recently, kids used to love to ride in the backs of pickups too ( I still see it occasionally even though it's illegal now)
I once rode from Miami to St Lauderdale in the back of an El Camino with about 4 other girls. We sat on crates & coolers, and even though by today;s standards it was dangerous, as a 15 yr old, it was nothing out of the ordinary for those days.
RebelOne
(30,947 posts)It was in December and very cold here in Georgia, but not in Florida. That's why I advised my friend to put plenty of blankets in the crate. So the dog arrived with no ill effects. But she was a Rottweiler and her ancestors were from Germany, which is a cold country, so I guess she did not mind the cold too much.
SoCalDem
(103,856 posts)One day she called me in a panic.. Two of Mushie's puppies had disappeared.. I ran over to her house to help her look.. We found 'em.. It had snowed and Mushie was moving them to a snow cave she had built in the side-yard.. They had to lock the doggy door after that..
CrsHdrx
(8 posts)That is a losing strategy! You don't wait for just the right issue to come along; you jump on every one that comes up!!
SunSeeker
(51,550 posts)The point is this Seamus episode showcases Mitt's lack of humanity. And once you understand that, what more do you need to know?
laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)Raine
(30,540 posts)joeybee12
(56,177 posts)Exposed to the elements, unable to move, so frightened the dog shit himself. I think it's irrepsonsible to have a dog in the back of the truck, but at least there he has some protection and freedome.
Oilwellian
(12,647 posts)When I heard her say we should perhaps revisit building the Keystone Pipeline because it will create jobs. At the same time she said that, there were studies out that were stating the pipeline may create up to 1000 jobs. I find her rather insidious.
freshwest
(53,661 posts)Joe Shlabotnik
(5,604 posts)I can't remember exactly when, but I think it was October - Novemberish. I tuned her out and wrote her off at that point.
Ship of Fools
(1,453 posts)how a person treats an animal a measurement of character, in my book,
and I know I'm not alone.
kenny blankenship
(15,689 posts)It's always surprising the variation you can find between what different people consider normal or unobjectionable.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)that she defended Vick... At the time, I gave benefit of the doubt that she was just assuming he'd shown contrition, but now, I wonder....
I simply can not turn off the very intense visceral response I get when someone downplays animal cruelty. It takes every ounce of restraint I can show not to become uncivil (at a minimum). MHP's comment really has me upset, angry, depressed (since I really though better of her).
bullwinkle428
(20,629 posts)Bull Connor, and his use of dogs against African Americans marching in the streets for justice in the 1960s. I thought that was really reprehensible, and really led me to view her with a rather jaundiced eye from that point on.
Clearly, she doesn't give a rat's ass when it comes to instances of animal cruelty, and it makes me wonder who can brush things like that off so easily.
CrsHdrx
(8 posts)so I'm thinking she just doesn't know... which begs the question: Why does she speak out on these things with such a strong opinion?
DeschutesRiver
(2,354 posts)Yes, she is uber intelligient and I do enjoy how her mind works. Yes, she is entitled to her own view on animals, esp. dogs. In fact, there are many out there who understand her position and feel the same way about animals.
But whatever it is in one's soul that gives one an empathy for animals is missing in MHP - and I don't hang with or listen to people who are show me that side of themselves, whether they be Mitt Romney, his canine cooking supporters or Melissa H. Perry.
I find people who don't have empathy for other living creatures to be unreliable in many areas that are important to me. Knowing she holds these views makes the choice to turn off her program easy.
Her only hope is to get as in front of this as she can by devoting at least a segment of her next show to the subject (of animal cruelty, her comments and ignorance, etc.). She has to own her mistake in a hurry or she's toast, I'm afraid. Really shocked by this.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)and as many others as possible will as well.
jenmito
(37,326 posts)SomethingFishy
(4,876 posts)However Romney will be easy to beat with or without the "dog incident".
RZM
(8,556 posts)But I don't think it's going to be a particularly effective attack against Romney in the general. Most people care a lot more about things like SS, abortion rights, Medicare, jobs, taxes, Iran, and the war in Afghanistan. In the end people care a lot more about Romney's stances on those things than how he transported a dog 30 years ago.
Since those issues are more important and Romney's positions on many of them are either shitty, have changed recently (or soon will), or both, those will probably be more effective lines of attack. Not to say Seamus shouldn't be mentioned, but he's probably not going to move may swing voters.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)The point of this post is that MHP stated this episode was "no big deal" because it was "just a dog and not a child." THAT is the issue.
RZM
(8,556 posts)It was animal cruelty, plain and simple. No disputing that. I just don't think it will end up mattering much. At most it's going to be a campaign punchline (it pretty much already is). That's kind of sad, actually.
CrsHdrx
(8 posts)Lots of people think it was shitty. And many more will think it's shitty when they find out. This is a gift!!! Don't blow it, Democrats!
And your post makes it seem like they did this one time. In fact they did it this way ALL THE TIME. Have you ever seen a dog strapped to the roof of a moving vehicle? I have not. Ever. Because almost everybody else has enough good sense not to do it.
MoonRiver
(36,926 posts)She's one of the few MSNBC liberal pundits, along with Dylan Ratigan, that I don't much like.
aint_no_life_nowhere
(21,925 posts)I love her politics but frankly I find her extremely boring. I think I'm in a classroom when I watch her show as she tends to want to seek minute nuances in everything and likes to take middle positions that are novel just for the sake of intellectual novelty. I have to admit that when I tune in to these shows I like to be as entertained as much as I am informed. I find Rachel Maddow less pedantic and more enjoyable to watch. In fact she's probably set such a high standard that I end up judging everyone on MSNC in comparison to her.
PatSeg
(47,399 posts)I really can't stand Ratigan and I understand why, but until today I couldn't put my finger on why Harris Perry irritates me. That careless comment of hers really makes me wonder if she has what it takes to carry a show on her own.
treestar
(82,383 posts)She must have grown up without pets.
TheKentuckian
(25,023 posts)but rather the probability that if you are inclined to vote for Rmoney that it is in your nature to be able to blow off such an incident and far worse.
These are the folks that are not only not repulsed by a "war on empathy" but for them it makes for an effective sales pitch.
There is a significant block of people in this country that are attracted to some very anti-social, sadistic, bullying, authoritarian, xenophobic in the extreme, and generally destructive messaging and gobs more who find such acceptable, even if disagreeable on a personal level.
Between the wicked and the wicked tolerant such callous disregard probably isn't a big vote shifter. If you care then Rmoney probably wasn't going to lock up your vote. Sure there are some that will finally have a path to the guy's nature that was not available from policy positions and his words but I doubt such epiphanies are statistically significant.
I don't think Harris-Perry comes off to well here either though, seems wickedness tolerant but then she is somewhat of an elitist establishment supporter so that comes with the territory.
It's not about the zombie right-wing; It's about the swing vote. They need to know the TRUTH about this story.
And how self-defeating to dismiss this because you think it "probably isn't a big vote shifter"! We need all the shifting we can get!
loyalsister
(13,390 posts)Obama's childhood culinary offenses could easily be the worst of two evils. For a national campaign it ismostly inconsequential as an issue.
Capt. Obvious
(9,002 posts)when they used to say waterboarding is not torture.
Go for a ride MHP and then see if you feel that way.
Ruby the Liberal
(26,219 posts)Tells me the man has no soul and no concept of compassion towards anything outside of his own skull. Whats good for Mitt is good for Mitt and fuck anything else (good, bad, or indifferent) that crosses his path.
Vinca
(50,263 posts)I see it as a statement of Romney's character . . . or lack thereof. The way you treat the least powerful speaks volumes.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)as relates to animals.
Could be she's unfamiliar with all the facts (it was a 12 hr drive, the diarhhea, the fact that Romney could afford literally any kind of vehicle he needed to include the dog in the transportation).
Or it could be she never had pets growing up, so doesn't see them as anything other than things.
Or it could be that she approves of abuse.
Daniel537
(1,560 posts)There are way too many things going on in this country right now to waste it talking about this thing that happened almost 30 years ago. Nobody's going to go into the voting booth thinking about this or the Pres. eating dog meat when he was 6. Lets move on already.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)it was "just a dog and not a child after all"?
THAT was the point of this thread.
So is that what you REALLY wanted to covey?
Daniel537
(1,560 posts)i don't like the idea of putting animals on a par with humans in every single equation. Pretty much everyone concedes that it was a stupid thing for Romney to do, but to rehash this every 10 seconds as if its going to be the deciding issue for voters in this election, which is what i think she was trying to say, is ridiculous.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)What this thread is about.
But I feel sorry for you that you seemingly
have such low regard for animal life.
Angry Dragon
(36,693 posts)he should have spent 10 years in jail
kiranon
(1,727 posts)Like to listen to her but will not trust her when it comes to her helping the less fortunate.
ecstatic
(32,685 posts)I don't get how one opinion could generate such a hateful reaction.
By the way, I hate Romney with a passion. I don't care for dogs, but I still think his actions were disgusting and reflective of his character. If what you say is true, I disagree with her, but I'm not going to throw her under the bus over it.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)Last edited Mon Apr 23, 2012, 09:14 AM - Edit history (1)
Since others here heard it too, your insinuation "if what I say is true" that I am lying, is despicable. You might think for a moment what that says about your character.
But, in answer to your question, I clearly stated before and will repeat now, that I had been a major fan of hers earlier, but I don't think she has made a good transition from "guest" to "host". if you scroll through this thread, there have been many instances where she has revealed a rather dismissive attitude to many very important issues--like OWS movement as but one example.
So, no, my changing opinion has been cumulative, though such an ugly attitude towards animal life would be enough for me to question her--not only as a progressive tv host, but as a human being. And her comment today was truly contempt-worthy.
Amerigo Vespucci
(30,885 posts)The MSNBC formula for "contributors" who do well in 5-minute segments being groomed as hosts of their own show wasn't a winning one for Ms. Perry. She has taken one too many pages from the Rachel Maddow book. When Rachel Maddow does her thing, it works, and it fits, because it's her natural personality coming through. When Melissa Harris Perry does Rachel Maddow, it seems like...well, Melissa Harris Perry doing Rachel Maddow.
truebrit71
(20,805 posts)It's not the species that matters, it's the callous disregard for the safety and well-being of that species...
That was a BIG foul-up on her part..
uponit7771
(90,335 posts)Bruce Wayne
(692 posts)I kinda think clocking a few hundred miles on a luggage rack might do the lads some good.
One of the 99
(2,280 posts)Some here are as bad as extremists on the right. Just because Ms. Harris-Perry made a statement that some don't agree with, those that disagree think they have to attack and demean her. That's just FAUX News logic. We should be better than that and not insist that everyone must adhere to our ideological mind set.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)The issue she put forth was that it "wasn't a big deal because it didn't affect a child" --not simply as you want to recast it, that she merely proposed that we move forward. Her comment defended the act as inconsequential because it affected a dog. THAT is the issue with which you either agree or not. If you agree, then you apparently don't give a damn about animal cruelty either.
And, if you really did bother to read through the thread, you would realize it is neither a single incident, a single issue, nor has there been an absence of having given MHP quite a bit of previous support and (probably unwarranted) benefit-of-the-doubt.
One of the 99
(2,280 posts)hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)One of the 99
(2,280 posts)wiggs
(7,812 posts)about. Not only is it ancient history, there are many many more important aspects of the Romney candidacy that should be the focus of discussion. The gop would love for the dog-on-roof story to be one of the sunday talk show topics. It would take time away from more revealing Romney flaws and would reduce whomever the left has attacking Romney over the dog issue looking like an outraged Hannity-esque ideologue grasping at straws and proving that no issue is too small to spend months on.
It's been in the news, most people know about it, no need to analyze it further IMO.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)of MY post
It was MHP's boorish comment. The issue she put forth was that it "wasn't a big deal because it didn't affect a child" --not simply as you disingenuously want to recast it, that she merely proposed that we move forward. Her comment defended the act as inconsequential because it affected a dog. THAT is the issue with which you either agree or not. If you agree, then you apparently don't give a damn about animal cruelty either.
wiggs
(7,812 posts)take a back seat to important issues such as women's rights, the economy, care of the elderly, and war. Her point is that this is silly season type hype of a 30 year old event which does nothing to help voters think about those issues in a presidential race context.
She is a dog owner and certainly not advocating cruelty to animals. She IS advocating for effective public discourse of real issues something we need a lot more of instead of spending time debating teleprompters, lapel pins, terrorist fist bumps, and who loves dogs more.
I couldn't agree more.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)To suggest dog cruelty was inconsequential because the act was not to one of his children. She also defended Michael Vick, so this is NOT a one time incident showing a very callous attitude towards animal cruelty.
Others here have pointed out similar instances of very flippant or dismissive attitudes towards progressive issues--including OWS, including one I recall very clearly. Not to mention her proudly proclaiming her use of Sarah Palin's book in her classroom.
Very disappointed in someone I really thought was going to be a very positive presence for us. Now, I have to doubt that.
Look I understand people WANTING to defend her. I did too on many occasions, but I won't be a sycophant for her or any other. And I draw a real line in the sand with those who show callous disregard for animal life. Even if it was just a "flippant comment".
wiggs
(7,812 posts)She said it doesn't tell her much about how Romney would handle a missile crisis.
And she said that if he had strapped one of his sons or his wife to the top of a car...THAT might be relevant and revealing of a coldhearted uncaring person.
When you quote you should be accurate, especially so when responding with anger.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)Last edited Tue Apr 24, 2012, 11:58 AM - Edit history (2)
You are WRONG or disingenuous or ....
MatthewStLouis
(904 posts)their shoulders and laugh along with RMoney, giving him credit for being so "clever". Alot of people are arseholes who find crap like this funny.
We should be focusing on his enormous wealth; where he keeps it, and how he came upon it. How many good honest people make all their money buying up companies and laying people off?! How many real Americans sock away their millions in foreign banks?!
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)That kind of boorish attitude is the subject, on the part of MHP.. I never suggested it to be an important campaign issue. That was never the focus of the OP for this thread.
Enrique
(27,461 posts)imho.
hlthe2b
(102,225 posts)is not consequential--is not cruelty, "because it is not a child"? Ummm ok. Pray describe in detail the varying views you think are acceptable.
JustABozoOnThisBus
(23,338 posts)for trips to the vet. I think traffic would get out of the way, hearing that loud siren-like howling.
(I think she is not fond of car rides)
Ruby the Liberal
(26,219 posts)and open a window.
NNRA
(11 posts)i don't care much for the dog thing. They dog may have been transported on the roof, but it still got treated better than the 99%
lonestarnot
(77,097 posts)What the fuck came over her, even though I have not seen this for myself.