DUer Request for Action - Re: Limbaugh on NBC election night

[burythehatchet]

If we do not act, we will allow this hate monger to have the benefit of public airwaves to spread his special brand of fascism to a large portion of the people. This is not right on many levels.

David Brock has written to NBC, formally requesting that they change their plans regarding their election night line-up.

The full text of Brock's letter is available at the MMFA site.

I have sent the letter below to NBC. I urge anyone who has a few minutes to flex YOUR MUSCLE and do the same.

The email mailto:[e-mail]



I write this letter in support of David Brock's letter wherein he explained in painstaking detail why it is entirely inappropriate to subject your viewers to this horrible person. Mr. Brock has clearly documented many instances where Mr. Limbaugh has made inflammatory and untrue statements regarding his ideological opponents.

The major media have already failed to meet their public service responsibilities. That failure has led to a government that is entirely unaccountable and completely out of control. To provide their most rabid spokesperson with a forum on the public airwaves is entirely inappropriate.

Finally, you should have learned the lessons of the past three years: We, the silent majority have found our voice, and our power. We play fair, and we give notice. Consider our notice as having been provided to you. You will not "get a pass" on this.

[AmerDem]

1. I wrote NBC last week

after Media Matters originally posted this. I received no reply.

[burythehatchet]

3. I don't expect them to reply

I do expect them to think long and hard about their decision. We need to remind them to so, in numbers.

Thanks btw

[AmerDem]

6. I understand

I was showing for the record their response.

[Carla in Ca]

45. We are watching The Daily Show and CSPAN only

n/t

[AntiCoup2K4]

2. On the other hand, it might be great entertainment

Just imagine Mush's face when they have to project Kerry the winner :evilgrin:

This way you can hear a pure oxycontin fueled tirade before he's had the next morning to refine it for his radio.

[The Zanti Regent]

4. Is NBC going to supply Pigboy with his Oxycontin?

Or is Pigboy going to share his Secret Stash with Tweety, Tiny Tim, Tom Blowjob and the other NBC Press Whores?

[slor]

5. Why in hell...

would they even think about doing this? A stupid, loutish, drug-crazed bigot on tv, who the hell wants to hear that buffoon!

[burythehatchet]

7. please let them know slor...thanks

[tjdee]

8. Reason #28719379287927829837 I don't watch NBC for news.

And Republican #2048230984018398 who should have his ass in JAIL instead of being on my television.

[senseandsensibility]

9. Thanks

Just sent a blistering one!

[burythehatchet]

10. thank YOU

[senseandsensibility]

13. Here's the text:

Dear NBC,

Your network has been asked by David Brock's Media Matters, as well as by many concerned citizens , not to us Limbaugh as an "analyst" on election night. Limbaugh is a far right wing extremist and propagandist with no regard for the truth. When caught in lies, he simply says, "I'm an entertainer." He has made many, many well documented racist and sexist remarks, and I know that these have been proven to you by various organizations and individuals. In addition, with your team of researchers, you could verify these remarks yourself if you were interested in doing so.

Your use of this person as an analyst will offend and anger a significant part, probably more than half, of your viewing audience. If you insist on using him, I request equal time for Michael Moore. He is the only person with a similar "persona" on the Democratic side. Of course he would be at an unfair advantage. He tells the truth, and doesn't cop out by claiming to be an entertainer when he's proven wrong. Paying lip service to giving the Democratic side by giving air time to a Democratic politician isn't going to cut it. Such politicians will not fling out wild accusations and innuendo against the other side with no proof as Limbaugh will do. Surely even your network can see that's not a fair fight. I will seriously consider joining in the boycott of your network that is being discussed in Democratic circles if this individual is allowed to comment on election night without an equally liberal and colorful guest countering his appearance.

Sincerely,

[burythehatchet]

15. very nice.

:thumbsup:

[Reciprocity]

115. Kick

[dogtag]

11. Done. Here's my email.

Thank you for helping me decide which network to watch on election night. The addition of Rush Limbaugh to your line up makes it a no brainer for me. If I were the least bit interested in Mr. Limbaugh's racist, sexist rants I would listen to his hate filled screeds on the radio. I'm not, so I don't. He is a self described 'entertainer' and has no place on a panel of journalists commenting on the most important election in my lifetime. Call me naive, but I expected better from NBC.

Thanks for the warning. I won't be watching on Tuesday night or any other night from now on.

XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX
Los Angeles

[gratefull4u]

12. Done

I hope everyone gets their message to them, Rush is NOT real news!!!

[batchdem04]

14. done..thanks for the heads up (eom)

[Zen Democrat]

16. I emailed NBC -- and I urge everyone at DU to bombard NBC with protests

Attempting to giving even a shred of legitimacy to the Pigman contributes to the poison in the public discourse. No excuses for NBC. This is a Russert move. He's had Pigman on Meet the Press before, and we should not let this go on.

[Goldmund]

17. What are you guys talking about?

I'm going to watch NBC just so I can see El Rushbo's face when Kerry is pronounced the winner.

[senseandsensibility]

18. You'd really

trade a moment of selfish enjoyment for the opportunity for Limpballs to slew his bile at millions of uninformed viewers? The thing is, a percentage of them will take him seriously and will not know that he is lying. Also, it will set the tone for how a Kerry presidency is covered. Having said that, I appreciate your point.:)

[Dulcinea]

19. Here's mine:

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please reconsider your decision to have Rush Limbaugh as part of your election night coverage. Your reputation for quality journalism will be forever tarnished if you give a national TV stage to this well-known right-wing "entertainer" (I use the term loosely) who has legal problems of his own.
If the American public wants anything to do with Mr. Limbaugh, they can listen to his radio show, not be subjected to him on TV on this historic night.

[Mortos]

20. Every time Rush comes out of his protective bubble

he makes a huge ass (pun intended) of himself and he has to go scurrying back to the safety of his mind numbing drugs, walled in compound, and call screeners who keep out the smart people. This may be the last chance for Americans to see his fat lying ass soundly contradicted before he goes to prison and having his poloidal cyst swabbed on a daily basis by his entire cell block.

KERRY IN A LANDSLIDE!

[NAO]

21. We Should Demand Al Franken Be on the Panel With Him!

and also insist that Limbaugh submit to drug testing. We don't need some crazy pundit hopped up on dope being broadcast over the airwaves!

[girl gone mad]

55. I agree.

I just don't think they have the spine to kick Rush off their program, when he would get on the air and whine and bitch about it (though maybe they could do it at the last minute, to avoid this).

We're probably better off demanding equal time.

[pk_du]

22. Done....here's mine

Dear Sir or Madam:

I'm asking you to reconsider your decision to have Rush Limbaugh as part of your election night coverage. Should you choose to go ahead with letting this racist/sexist/homophobe take part in your election coverage you will certainly narrow to choices I have for TV viewing on Tuesday ( and in future)
If the American public wants anything to do with Mr. Limbaugh, they can listen to his radio show, not be subjected to him on TV on this historic night.

[ClassWarrior]

23. Here's mine...

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am perfectly fine with Rush Limbaugh joining your election night team. As long as you're fair.

For as long as I can remember, NBC has been about fair play and integrity. I remember fondly my earliest impressions of television news, with Huntley & Brinkley and Chancellor in the anchor seats. They were good people who did right by the public they were serving.

Therefore, in the spirit of fair play, I urge you to balance Mr. Limbaugh's strong political opinions with someone equally strong in his or her progressive opinions. Say Mike Malloy or Randi Rhodes of Air America Radio. Both are consummate professionals, and would present lively e-night debate with Mr. Limbaugh.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,

(CW)

P.S. If you fail to balance Mr. Limbaugh's presence or remove him from your e-night roster, you will have not only lost me as a viewer. You will have created in me an adversary who will do all I can to destroy your credibility in the eyes of everyone I know. Have a nice day.

24.

[Reciprocity]

43. I love it! Best one yet. Have a nice day lol. n/t

[DrBB]

67. What's the problem? I think it'll be fun to watch Rush meltdown during

...the Kerry landslide. Should be quite amusing.

[ClassWarrior]

75. Yeahm, but I'd love Randi to be on hand to rub it in.

24.

[lavendermist]

24. Done

[InvisibleTouch]

25. Done

In retrospect, I should have been less polite. Here's mine:

To whom it may concern:

I would like to express my disbelief and outrage that you intend to feature Rush Limbaugh as a commentator during election night this coming Tuesday. Mr. Limbaugh is a known liar and hate-monger who has no place in a national news event. The fact that you wish to provide him with a forum on public airwaves, makes your own objectivity highly suspect. Please be aware that this decision will have repercussions in terms of your reputation, your respectability, and your sponsors. I would strongly urge you to reconsider your decision, and feature commentators who can at least give the semblance of being objective and fair. Anything less, is a betrayal of your responsbility to the public.

[Generic Other]

26. Just wrote this letter

I would like to vehemently protest NBC's plans to give Rush Limbaugh a forum on a national television network on election night. His brand of hate speech has no legitimate news value. Why would NBC News risk alienating its audience on such an important night? We have a right to expect your choice of guests would reflect an understanding of the gravity of this election. You have a responsibility to provide fair objective election night coverage to Americans. Limbaugh is not capable of rising to this level. You might as well let Howard Stern present election night commentary. Or Courtney Love.

I will turn to CBS for my coverage of the election if this man is part of your line-up on Tuesday. I could not stomach watching Limbaugh's commentary. I am really shocked that NBC would consider allowing such a disreputable individual to present election coverage.

You have apparently so blended the line between news and entertainment programming that you have lost all direction. This is very sad to see.

[DenaliDemocrat]

27. Done

[elcondor]

28. My letter--short and sweet

(BTW, thanks for letting us know about this, burythehatchet! :-) )

To Whom it May Concern;

I am very troubled to learn that NBC would even consider to include Mr. Limbaugh in it's election night coverage. Since his previous election night appearance on NBC (2002), Mr. Limbaugh has made countless homophobic, racist, and just plain hateful remarks that have no place on a supposedly objective network on one of the most important nights in our nation's history. I am politely asking you, along with David Brock and the many others I'm sure you are getting letters and e-mails from, to un-invite Mr. Limbaugh from appearing on your programming that night. If I see that NBC insists on having Mr. Limbaugh on, I will not be watching it's coverage that night, including MSNBC (a network I was considering getting my information from).

Thank you for your time and I hope NBC honestly reconsiders.

Sincerely;
------ -----

[Straight Shooter]

29. I hope I wasn't too polite in my email

"I avoid huff-and-puff Mr. Doctor-Shopper like the plague. Leave Rush to those with a low threshold of intelligence for entertainment. Get serious, please. This is a presidential election. Thank you for narrowing my choice as to which station to tune into. Hint: it won't be NBC."

[senseandsensibility]

30. kick

:kick: Let's read some more examples of great e-mails sent by you guys!

[Reciprocity]

80. Kick

[Darth_Kitten]

31. I copied your letter....

hope you don't mind. :)

[burythehatchet]

32. Not at all.

All you guys are great writers. I think we've learned that the more rational and logical our letters the more highly they will be regarded.

The ones I've read here are really good. And a welcome to all the new DUers :toast:

[Evergreen Emerald]

33. Here's mine

To Whom It May Concern:
I am stunned at your choice for analyst on election night. For the past four years America's media and airwaves have been innundated with radical right-wing hate speech. Rush Limbaugh is one of those reckless radicals who use hate speech to divide the country. He panders to the most extreme who are empowered by him to spread hatred and division while believing they are mainstream. He is racist, sexist, homophobic, and frankly--a liar. He is not insightful, thoughtful, or entertaining. He is inflammatory and rabid and reinforces the ugliness that is dividing the country today.
By giving him a voice, you are condoning him and his ilk. Your choice is wrong for America. It is wrong for your network. Please reconsider. I am one of those silent majority who will be silent no longer. I am of course willing to follow this letter with action. I will be writing to your sponsors.

[mcg]

34. Done.

[Digit]

35. I sent an email about 10 minutes ago.

I let them know I already stopped watching the Today Show due to Lauer's obvious bias.
Putting a hatemongerer on the show would not be good for ratings.

[life_long_dem]

36. My e-mail to NBC

I can't believe you would choose to have Rush Limbaugh covering the most important election in American history. You have not done your homework about this man. If you had, you wouldn't let this person within 100 yards of your building. He is a bad example of the true American spirit. A spirit which has made this the greatest country
in the world. He is so full of hate.

I am offended by your decision, but I am willing to forgive and forget as long as Rush is not on your show. I know you will make the right choice. If you don't, consider this my boycott of your news
channel. I'm sure your advertisers wont appreciate this.
Thank you.

[devinsgram]

37. Please spread the word,

We cannot allow this evilness to penetrate our living rooms.

[lakeguy]

38. i wrote them too...

To whom it may concern,

Allowing Rush Limbaugh to use your news broadcast as a platform cheapens
the political discourse in America. I hope you decide against such an
action since it is well know to some that Rush, like many other political
radio talk show hosts, has a habit of misleading or outright lying to the
public to push their own ideology.

[shelley806]

39. Done! Not as eloquent as I usually like to be, but truth is short, sweet,

and to the point...


To Whom it May Concern:

I have just been informed that you intend to air Mr. Limbaugh on election night. He is a drug abusing, hypocritical criminal for starters. He is also a dangerous, prejudiced, evil human being. I am one among thousands that I know of who will never view NBC again should you go forward with this. This is no small threat. You are obviously using him to increase your viewers. You can rest assured that it will have exactly the opposite effect.

Signed full name and degrees

[life_long_dem]

42. Thanks for e-mailing NBC.

Being eloquent isn't necessary, the fact that you e-mailed them is what is important. Remember Sinclair? I'm sure we all had a major impact on their decision to scale back their plans to air Stolen Honor.

We will have an impact with this also.

Kerry on....

[shelley806]

64. Thanks life_long_dem! I know we had an impact on Sinclair...

Even my elderly parents got involved. And I have been involved, thanks to DU, during the debate online polling and ever since. I can't tell how greatful I am for this site, at this most important election--just wish that I'd known about it before so I could have participated more.

[Reciprocity]

40. My e-mail.

To whom it may concern:

I have just been informed that you intend to air Rush Limbaugh as a political commentator on election night. I can't believe you have someone who has made countless racist, homophobic and hateful remarks, not to mention being a drug addict cover the most important election in American history. Why would NBC risk alienating all but republicans in the audience on such an important night? Do the sponsors realize they will only have republicans to sell their wares to? Do you all realize most god fearing republicans will be watching FOX?
Please reconsider your decision.

[The Chronicler]

41. If they allow equal time for Al Franken I would be OK with it (nm)

[Nitrogenica]

44. Sent an e-mail

Rush is a lie addict.

[missouri dem]

46. done.

But I do think that every time The Big Fat Liar is on the networks he

hurts republicans. Just like some one thought that keys could sell

the right wing crap in Illinois.

[mediaman007]

47. Short and Sweet:

I will not be watching your election coverage. I do not enjoy Rush Limbaugh. He is under investigation for drugs in Florida. I do not want him as an example for my family.

Further he was removed from ESPN Sunday football for racist comments. Your having him on your program suggests that you are willing to overlook his comments.

I will find other sources for news in the future.

[jackstraw45]

48. The GE Defense Network strikes again!!!

NBC is a puppet of propaganada for BILLIONS in defense contracts.

[Ksec]

49. I sent them one about this crap, the other day. No response.

[goclark]

50. Done,their email should be full by now nt

[TheWebHead]

51. is there a liberal on the panel to counter pill head?

I wouldn't mind it if they put Franken opposite him... but somehow knowing how NBC/MSRNC (GE) always slants their panels to the right, I doubt that's happening.

[Pharlo]

52. Here's what I sent...

Dear Sir or Madam,

It has recently been brought to my attention that you have
scheduled Rush Limbaugh as a political analyst for election
night coverage. As someone who observes NBC news programming,
I am somewhat aghast. Personally, I find Mr. Limbaugh's
style to be overbearing and ostentatious. Even more
apalling than his presentation style, however, are the
oftentimes untruthful contents of his tirades.

This is not what I am accustomed to encountering on serious
news programs. If nothing else, I would think that NBC's
primary concern would be to protect the reputation of its
journalists and the integrity of it news programming.
The appearance of a self-proclaimed entertainer into the
miasma of serious, content-driven election night coverage may
place the previously mentioned reputations and integrity
in jeopardy.

However, if his scheduled appearance is in jest and perhaps
meant for inclusion into a satirical election night
skit performed by the highly entertaining individuals who
comprise the company of "Saturday Night Live"...Well, to
that I can only say 'Bring on Mr. Limbaugh'.

Sincerely,

[Ksec]

53. good letter- nice job

[Reciprocity]

58. I second that. n/t

[peppersnick]

54. Dizun!

[footinmouth]

56. I didn't even try to be nice

I just sent mine and I'm kind of embarrassed, but I did it anyways.

====================

To whom it may concern:

What on earth can you people be thinking? In what capacity are you planning to use this buffoon? I can't believe that a respected news organization would even think of giving someone who refers to Senator Kerry as "Lurch", airtime to express his opinion. To his credit, he does one of the best Clinton rants that I've ever heard and I've been especially impressed with his knowledge of Science. For someone with a high school degree, and probably took as little science as possible, I'm continually amazed at his knowledge about such things as global warming and stem cell research. Why not team him up with Ann Coulter and Michael Savage ... give us the trifecta of hate talk. I am interested in his commentary regarding the states that have medical marijuana use on their ballots. Otherwise, shame on you.

I really hope this is just an ugly rumor. I hate to have to give up Meet the Press, Hardball & Keith Oberman because of this, but I'll be dumping those shows in a heartbeat if you consisder this guy to have a valid opinion on much of anything.

[greenbriar]

57. we will just have to tell them

we will watch the returns on a different channel and boycott NBC

[ima_sinnic]

59. here is my e-mail:

Subject: Rush Limbaugh on Election Night

hello? I don't think so. I really don't need to hear his spew of bigotry and lies about our newly and rightfully elected president. The very fact that you would even consider such a rabid, drug-addicted, hypocritical, disrespectful and obnoxious person to comment on the most important election in our history and on the man whom the majority of voters will decisively choose to lead them shows your complete and utter disregard for the sensibilities of the voters and of the dignity of the office of President. Of all the worthy commentators in the world, this is the best you can do? Or have you entirely lost all sense of quality in your programming? Should you proceed with this dumb plan, you have probably noticed there is no shortage of other networks to choose from--permanently.

[HR_Pufnstuf]

60. Headrush Limbaugh, the drug addict?

[The Wielding Truth]

61. Done

[burythehatchet]

62. You all are AMAZING

I sent a link to this thread to David Brock so he knows he has an army behind him.

[Claire Beth]

63. Just sent them an email!

[MoonAndSun]

65. I just sent them my e-mail,

advising them I would not be watching NBC, MSNBC or CNBC that night.

It felt good to do that. :P

[tsuki]

66. My letter...

NBC News is willing to denigrate me as a parent for not "taking control of my child." You are very willing to lay the blame for drugs and aberrant juvenile behaviors at my door. YOU PARENTS ARE THE PROBLEM, NBC proclaims in a loud, self-righteous, right-wing, evangelical voice.

But when it comes to your responsibility, you put a drug-crazed nazi on the air. Rush Limbaugh? You hold up to my child this as a paragon of your profession?

Oh, I understand. He deserves a second chance. He is one of YOU. No one else does.

I thank God that my boys are grown. Safe and out of your reach. That they can see the hypocrisy of NBC. Maybe they can teach others of your treachery.

You and Rush...? An alliance made...where?

[socalgrl]

68. Longtime lurker, first post!

I was very excited to find this forum. I have been reading everyday, sending letters, helping out with polls. I decided to finally take the plunge and start posting. I think it is terrific that such a community exists and am glad to help.

Go Kerry!

[Reciprocity]

69. So glad you decided to join us!!!

[socalgrl]

71. Thanks for the welcome. Can't wait for Election night ! eom

[burythehatchet]

70. hope you'll be posting a lot more.

the energy comes from your contribution

[socalgrl]

72. Me too! Am trying to get warmed up for election night! Thx. eom.

[burythehatchet]

74. On days with important events I always say to myself that

it'll be too busy so I won't post...but I always end up doing the opposite

[life_long_dem]

73. Welcome socalgrl.

Thanks for participating here. I look forward to seeing you post again.

Kerry on...

[Maeven8pol]

76. Rush? It's an OUTRAGE!

NO! NBC shows ARROGANCE by putting him on as a COMMENTATOR on a night when I, for one, will be looking for NEWS and wise commentary rather than his biased, right-wing RANTS. I want to be INFORMED, not "ENTERTAINED" by Rush. No RUSH.....even if we have equal time with Michael Moore or Al Franken. He (Rush) is a disrespectful, delusional BIGOT. Show us some respect NBC.

I'm going to e mail NBC RIGHT NOW!

[Nordic]

77. You gotta be fucking kidding me

What amazes me is nobody's bumped this worthless piece of dreck off the face of the earth yet.

Why is he still allowed to open his shithole and spew his hatred?

[Reciprocity]

114. Kick

[TexasLady]

78. done with a link to this thread..

is that ok?

[burythehatchet]

79. Fantastic

I hope Brock can update us on this soon.

[WCGreen]

81. Short simple EMail to NBC...

Why are you having RL as part of your election night coverage? Are you trying to out do ESPN? I could see having him on SNL, but to be anywhere near an anchor desk on election night...

Huntley and Brinkley are surely rolling over in their graves......

WC Green
Ohio

[Astrochimp]

82. Another way in?

Imus hates Rush.

He is on MSNBC.

Maybe if he gets some e-mail, he will bitch about this on his show. Bitching about MSNBC/MBC is a pastime of his.

[e-mail]

[burythehatchet]

87. That's a really good idea

certainly can't hurt

[union_maid]

83. Here's mine

I hope that what I've been reading isn't true. I've read on the web
that Rush Limbaugh is going to be on NBC on election night. No matter
who wins the presidential election and no matter how the Senate and
House races go, this country has still got a big problem in that we
are a divided nation. No on air personality has contributed more to
that problem than Mr. Limbaugh. Although I'd rather see "no spin"
straight up commentators on this most important of all nights, as long
as it's balanced, it is of course your call to have idealogical
personalities on as well. However advancing and legitimizing the kind
of hate-filled rhetoric that has made Rush Limbaugh famous is truly
irresponsible.

I hope this story is incorrect and that this message is for nothing.

[Reciprocity]

84. Kick

[BlueScreen]

85. Done. Sent my email to them (nt)

[phish420]

86. Sent

I am writing this letter is support of Mr. David Brock of Media Matters For America and his efforts to keep Rush Limbaugh from commentating on Election Night. Mr. Limbaugh, while he is entitled to his free speech and views, is not a respected journalism that reports on facts. He twists and distorts and spins words and turns them into disinformation. This is too important of an election to have such an obvious biased, bigoted, and hateful person as Mr. Limbaugh tainting our election on a major news network. I respect NBC, and is my network of choice for weekday nightly news and election night coverage. I have been faithful to NBC on election night ever since Reagan defeated Carter in 80. I respect the journalistic skills of Mr. Brokaw, Mr. Russert and the many well educated and unbiased reporters your network has employed over the years. I can not see any way for Mr. Limbaugh’s appearance on your network can possibly uphold this image. Mr. Limbaugh has his own propaganda talk show to spread his views of hate and bigotry on at will. Please limit it to only that outlet. The last thing we need in this country is a man who inspires more division in this country. Thank You

[WCGreen]

88. I sent another EMail on my other account....

I suppose you had Father Coughlin waxing on the 1936 elections during the radio coverage of that years presidential campaign.....

Green
Ohio

Fahter Caughlin was the radio precursor to Rush and hi ilk. Only he preached a more much more radical appraoch to economics. A one time backer of FDR, FC turned his back on him before the 1936 election and borrowed a copy from good old Adolph by starting to blame "Jews" for the terrible economic situation in the good old US of A.

By 1940, the Catholic leadership had had enough and sent him back to his parish...........

[Bongo Prophet]

89. In my usual rambling manner...

I have several friends who asked me this weekend what the best station for election night coverage would be. I told them I would research it for them and get back in an email Monday morning. So when I saw that you were planning to have Rush Limbaugh as a commentator, I knew that I would have to take you out of the running. I was surprised, as I was thinking Brokaw would have some sober analysis and straight news reporting. I guess I have to live with the fact that the likes of Cronkite, Brinkley, Howard K. Smith, Huntley, et al are long gone. Even the second generation of Rather, Donaldson, Jennings and Brokaw are showing a trend toward debased rhetoric disguised as analytical commentary. And now we have Scarborough, Limbaugh, Hannity, etc, who will tell outright LIES and foment hatred of their opposition... This style of propaganda has done so much damage to our country, and continues even in these times when we need to pull together and have a mature dialog about our future. I cry for the state of “journalism” today. It is pathetic.

I will tell my friends to watch c-span, as it will at least give a sampling of local coverage, with straight reporting of numbers. If they want infotainment, they will be referred to the DailyShow, for a break from the straight news. As for broadcast network, I will suggest they switch between CBS and PBS, but beware of the blowhards, and feel free to switch off entirely in favor of internet. People will be posting straight from State sites as numbers come in, with no bloviated pontifications pushed at us to tell us what to think about it all. Just citizens sharing their humble thoughts and opinions one to one, or many to many, rather than scripted to us from on high. I believe this is the future of communication, and will slowly pull us from the brink of mindless cultism we see today, with talking points being spouted off in lieu of real thoughtful discussion.

After 9-11, I was shouted down for wanting to discuss OBL and Afghanistan in historical context. Family discord devolved to the point of no further contact for suggesting that “nuking those people over there” was not a sane foreign policy tactic. In the buildup to Iraq war, a friend was told she should be shot or sent to gitmo for just asking “What happens after the Shock and Awe? What then?” how did our country get to that point? These were all listeners to Rush and Savage, Hannity and Coulter. Even the administration told people to “watch what they say” and were backed by talk radio and threats of violence. This MUST END. I hope that you SERIOUSLY CONSIDER your contribution to this debasement of our ability in a democracy to discuss and debate in a civil manner. To do otherwise is to contribute to the destruction of the process that makes our country free.

With sincere wishes for your thoughtfulness,

[inmania]

90. my anti-Rush letter

To whom it may concern:

Thanks for helping me decide which network NOT to watch on election night.

The addition of Rush Limbaugh to your line up of analysts really shocks me. Limbaugh is no "analyst" - he is a self described 'entertainer' whose racist, sexist diatribes have no place in civilized society. I am horrified that NBC's network coverage of the 2004 election is evidently more concerned with entertainment than journalism.

Clearly, journalism is just a word to NBC. For me, journalism means reporting the facts and leaving the partisan spin to politicians. In protest of NBC's flagrant lack of concern for journalism, I will no longer contribute to your viewer ratings by watching any of your programming.

Sincerely,

Inmania
Boston, MA

[TexasSissy]

91. I will NOT be watching any of the election results on NBC, if that

a*hole is on. He is no more a serious political pundit who represents conservative views than OBL represents muslim views.

I will not watch that SOB station. I WAS going to flip through various stations, and try to catch Brokaw for awhile (he's on NBC, I think). But THAT plan is scratched. I'll stick to the others besides NBC (and I guess MSNBC?).

[Greylyn58]

92. Here's What I Sent

Dear Sir or Madam:

I have recently discovered that your network intends to use Rush Limbaugh as a commentor on Tuesday night during the election coverage. Thank you for making my decision that much easier on which network NOT to watch that night.

This man has ZERO credibility when it come to offering any kind of political opinion. His daily diatribes are racist, sexist, and, homophobic and shouldn't be on any legitiment news event. With this nation as divided as it is, the last thing anyone needs to see is Limbaugh spewing his foul reteric on national tv.

Thank you for your attention.

[flpoljunkie]

93. Sent email a few days ago.

[expatriate]

94. here's my email

Dear Sirs,

I was appalled to read that you intend to include Rush Limbaugh as a commentator during your election night coverage. Limbaugh describes himself as merely an "entertainer", is in no way a journalist, and certainly has no place in a program that is supposedly objective. Limbaugh promulgates an extreme right-wing viewpoint and does not hesitate to spew hatred toward many American demographic groups every time he opens his mouth.

Can NBC afford to alienate a goodly portion of its viewing audience by allowing Rush Limbaugh to use airtime to further spread his gospel of hatred? Are you intending to report the election results objectively, or are you just looking for ratings? Have you forgotten what objective reporting is?

Apparently so.

With extreme disappointment,

My Name
Former NBC watcher

[ORprogressive]

95. email sent

I kept it short and not-so-sweet. Unfortunately they listen with their wallet.

[burythehatchet]

97. welcome to DU

gald to have you here

:toast:

[drdtroit]

96. Great letter. Thanks for the heads up.

i sent them an integrity challeging letter also.

[bigpathpaul]

98. Just emailed them this. While an individual email will make little

difference, a large number may:

Rush Limbaugh has no credibility. Why would you allow him on air?

If this is a ratings game, it may give you a short-term boost, but I have to believe you understand that it will cost the network dearly in the long-term by dropping your credibility by a minimum of 15%. I think you know it's not right, and urge you to scrap the plan. It will certainly cost you this viewer and many others I know.

This entire election cycle is about credibility at the highest level of government. It's also about media credibility.

Sincerely,

[msgadget]

99. Limbaugh is a racist liar,

not a seasoned commentator. Is there a blow-hard ultra liberal they can balance him out with?

[milkyway]

100. done.

[GiovanniC]

101. Here's My Response

I would like to thank NBC Nightly News for adding Rush Limbaugh as an "analyst" for election night. With NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, PBS, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, WGN, C-SPAN, and even UPN, WB, and Comedy Central featuring election night coverage, it's difficult to decide who to watch. You have narrowed my choices considerably by removing NBC, MSNBC, and CNBC from my potential choices.

Thanks again.

[burythehatchet]

108. nice!

My choice has already been made - Comedy Central and DU

[mindfulNJ]

102. Sent one

Did I hear correctly? NBC is having Rush Limbaugh give election night commentary? Please tell me that you have higher standards than to let a racist, homophobic, mysogynistic, drug abusing liar give commentary on the most important elections in recent memory! I'm sure if you are, you are at least countering him with a liberal leaning commentator...right? If you ARE giving Mr. Limbaugh such exposure, without any counter balance, are you not aware of the MILLIONS of people that you will be alienating from your coverage? This is a very puzzling business decision. I will find my coverage and analysis on another network. Thank you for your time.

[The River]

103. Done nt

[ewagner]

104. here's mine

Dear Sir or Madam,

I just learned that you are planning on having radio entertainer Rush Limbaugh as a guest commentator on your election night coverage.

Given that Mr Limbaugh has alluded to his drug usage on the air and is currently under the cloud of investigation in Florida for drug use, doesn't this seriously damage NBC's credibility?

In comparison with the traditions of the Huntley Brinkley Report and the stature of John Chancellor and Tom Brokaw this choice seems to demean the proud heritage of NBC News.

Please reconsider. I would hate to miss Brokaw's coverage of election night because of this.

Sincerely,

xxxxxxxx

[thebaghwan]

105. Not feeling so well tonight so I cut and pasted from a couple of emails.

n/t

[lizzieforkerry]

106. Done- thanks for the heads up! n/t

[goodboy]

107. I did the same thing...thanks for this!

:kick:

[Reciprocity]

109. Kick

[T Bone]

110. NBC hires a fat fascist DRUG ADDICT for election night

How low can they go. I had absolutely NO [plans to watch them anyway. If they go ahead with this I will NEVER WATCH an NBC news show of any kind again. Lets fuck with any advertisers if they keep Limbaugh too.

[Mikimouse]

111. Here is my e-mail to NBC...

To whom it may concern,
I have recently been advised that NBC is planning to have, as a
political analyst, Rush Limbaugh, on election night. I was amazed at this
decision on the part of NBC and dismayed at how far the network has
apparently gone simply to improve ratings and make money.
I do not know what to say, nor, at this point should I really care, other than the fact that the spectres of both Chet Huntley and David Brinkley, along with others such as John Chancellor, haunt my memories of NBC when it was a source of true journalism and reporting rather than an extension of Fox News (an obvious misnomer). Let me say that I strenuously object to your decision to have Limbaugh on the election night 'team'. He has no place in that venue, and is not deserving of such an appointment. He
personifies all of the worst traits of the contemporary American political environment. He is racist, sexist, and classist. He preaches such hate during his radio program that his listeners actually make physical threats against others whom they perceive as being 'evil liberals.' It is beyond my understanding to explain how your organization came to such a dangerously irresponsible decision. Do you not have enough real talent of your own anymore?
In this, the most important election of my lifetime, I implore you not to play this type of game with the future of our once great nation. We can be great once more, but we must bear in mind what Alexis de Tocqueville said in 1834, "America is great because it is good; when it ceases to be good..."

With all due respect,
XXXXXXXXXX

[burythehatchet]

112. nicely done Mikimouse

a bit of shame, a touch of history, and a sprinkling of philosophy.

[flygal]

113. Done - it's not poetic and blog-worthy, but it's done!