Tim Russert: Rec this post if you think cable news should move on now.

[NYC_SKP]

Seriously, having CNN, MSNBC, Fox, and others fill a few hours non-stop yesterday was understandable.

I left last night to dinner and a movie (Greek food, then the Birds in an old Fox theater), hoping that by the time I got home, there might be other news stories.

No such luck and here it is nearly 24 hours later and they are still on Tim Russert - stories, reflections, etc., being cycled non-stop.

Russert was an exceptional journalist. He will be missed. There are other items that need to be covered. I'd like these "journalists" to move on.

[elocs]

1. I think if any of us really thought we had the ability to ask cable news to move on

concerning anything, it would be something a lot more important than the death of Tim Russert. Of all the things to bother people or to have them get bent out of shape about, coverage of Russert's death, however much, should rank pretty low.

[medeak]

2. Afghanistan, Japan earthquake..

surely there's something else to talk about?

recommended

[lib2DaBone]

12. How About....

. 50 million Americans with no health insurance
. 4 million children who go to bed hungry in the U.S. each evening
. 4000+ dead young people in a phony war in Iraq
. Highest unemployment in 40 years
. Jobs leaving the U.S. at a blistering rate
. Roads and Bridges falling apart
. $5 gas
. Walter Reed
. Bear Sterns
. Spying on U.S. Citizens
. torture
. floating prisons
. drought
. tornados
. tomatoes

[Joe the Revelator]

24. This is the same bullshit argument that the usual cast of characters make

Just because they are covering the death of their boss on MS/NBC does not mean that those things you mentioned are any less important, or that there aren't other places where you can get that news.

[cliffordu]

38. And the honeybees that are MIA....

[Medusa]

41. Oh please.

They weren't going to cover those stories for more than 1 minute (total) before Russert died.

We could have a very long discussion (and no doubt will) on what they should and could cover and don't but the fact is they repeat the same damn story over and over and over again until people get fed up with it and then usually they still keep going for at least another week or two beyond that saturation point.

[ladeyday]

91. I miss the "Breaking News"

to the latest car chase, windy weather, fight, etc. MSNBC often "cuts short" political interviews to follow such junk.........

[BklynChick]

3. at least msnbc doesn't have its usual prison lineup this weekend, but yes I do think it's time to

move on from reporting this 24/7

[Shakespeare]

4. LOL--I was just about to post that. "No 'Lockup'--thank god for that."

They'll move on soon, I think.

[BklynChick]

5. I actually feel sorry for Andrea Mitchell; she can't be enjoying this.

:shrug:

[Shakespeare]

6. Yeah, and Chuck Todd, too.

He almost started crying again this morning. He really looked up to Russert.

[monmouth]

8. One thing to be grateful for is that Tweety is in Paris. Thank you God and RIP Tim...

[TexanDem]

34. I wrote MSNBC and CNN and told them -- for all the good it did >>

Of course I said how sorry I was they lost a good friend and colleage, and could sympathize, etc, etc, but that it was overly excessive to fill two full days with this when other critical news is out there and would they please PLEASE move on.
Personally, I could see MSNBC giving it nonstop yesterday, but not CNN and Fox (not that I watch Fox, but I'd flip over to see. CNN has done a bit of other news, but briefly, and then they're right back on Russert. Who do they think wants to sit there and listen to all that? They always go overboard, no matter what it is. I guess they can't chew gum and walk at the same time. Guess that's what I get for being a news junkie... lol

[krkaufman]

75. It's really going over-the-top. MSNBC looks to be doing another full day on Russert

It's definitely a sign of something; of what I'm not certain. (media self-importance? complete loss of objectivity? indifference to current suffering and need for news coverage?)

[defendandprotect]

92. Andrea is married to Alan Greenspan; I presume she has a high tolerance for

for right-wing positions ---

C-span at one point was kind of making clear these interconnections in "media"/government ---

I don't know if they've done it lately?

[liberalmike27]

72. I Agree

It's a bunch of self-flagellation by other journalists who think of themselves as overly-important. It shows how they feel they Lord over us. Seriously, the guy was a nice, talking head. But he wasn't Ghandi.

Enough is enough, and this is plenty. He wasn't a hero, and plenty of nice guys die every day that don't even get the most minor mention.

[Heather MC]

76. I think all the other Journalist are interviewing for Tim's Job

It's a very competive industry. I am not saying they will not miss time, and sincerely were friends with him. But I think some of them were trying to get in the best sound byte to get his job. Particularly Tweey. He started off with, I didn't know Tim Very Well, and even though he was younger than me I always looked up to him as a mentor. HUH????? How can you not know someone, but then look to them as a mentor??

[thoughtcrime1984]

7. I would think Russert would not have wanted to be bigger than the news. It is indeed time to move on

[glowing]

9. I would have to agree with that.

[NYC_SKP]

10. Yes, my thoughts exactly after the first hour of two of the coverage. n/t

[Willo]

11. I agree. He couldn't possible have wanted this. n/t

[meowomon]

109. good point

I have no doubt you are right, but grieving is for those left behind, not the dead.

[newmajority]

13. It's getting almost as ridiculous as Reagan's death.

At least Ronnie was President. A shitty President, but that's beside the point. His death was still a little more significant than a guy who hosted a Sunday news show.

[Joe the Revelator]

22. You're a real tough guy...

[lib2DaBone]

29. OH Stop...

nt

[Joe the Revelator]

30. You stop. It bothers you THAT much that one news network is taking a weekend to pay tribute to their

leader? Really? Your life is that small and petty?

[Zachstar]

32. Amen!

[marshall]

33. All of this wailing and knashing of teeth should be personal

I understand that the news staff at NBC is upset. I was upset when my grandmother died, but I took a week off work and didn't force everyone at my place of business to live through the grief with me.
I feel like we the public are being made to intrude on a private family's grief. They should be holding all these tributes and reflections and highlights within their own walls. The public should have an hour, two at the most. They are making an absolute joke of his passing and I'm sure it won't be long before the late night comics and Saturday Night Live are lampooning the nonstop show.

[Joe the Revelator]

37. Who are you to make that decsion for these people? Did you know Russert? Do you not....

have the ability to watch MSNBC this weekend?

[marshall]

45. But that's my point--"these people" are a private group of mourners, not the entire viewing public

It's to a point of being crass and unseemly, in my opinion. It's like watching a family squabble or somebody's nervous breakdown--something that should be private. They're treating it like it's some kind of movie or soap opera. Tim Russert would be apalled and ashamed of this.

[Joe the Revelator]

47. I don't get that feeling at all. Its a group of people who are paying tribute to their boss

If you don't want to watch it, by all means, change the channel. CNN and Faux have moved along.

[marshall]

48. Yes, it's just my opinion.

If they feel this is more important than cities floating away in Iowa and everything else that is going on then they have the right to do what they want, viewership be damned.

[Joe the Revelator]

51. Rely on hyperbole much?

[marshall]

53. No, actually there ARE cities floating away in Iowa

If you turn to another news station they are covering it--calling it a once in a 500 year period flood. A major university is threatened, thousands are homeless.

[defendandprotect]

97. You miss the point that these are the PUBLIC's airwaves . . .

being used by a privatized industry and privatized journalists to celebrate themselves ---

This is celebrity journalism --- which should wake you up rather than reign you in.

[northzax]

110. with all due respect

cable isn't public airwaves. CNN, msnbc, foxnews and the rest are private companies sending signals over privately owned cables to individuals who pay for that service.

[defendandprotect]

112. Actually . . .

I believe all of the broadcasting companies --- whether airwaves or cable --- are under
the same restrictions -- even if simply only based on tradition --
to provide responsible use -- including informing the public.
If not . . . MSNBC wouldn't be bothering at all with even a pretense of "news."

But, basically, either you understand the garbage that's being delivered to you as "news"
or you don't. Many here proclaim that they have awakened to what is actually a corporate-
press allied with right-wing government. On the other hand, this Russert business has
been a shocking counter argument to that making clear that many here are watching NBC/GE!!

And that not only are they evidently trusting the "news" they are being given,
but they seem to develop strong personal emotions/feelings for the celebrity journalists.

[NYC_SKP]

116. You are correct!

Both are subject to FCC regulation, though the public airwaves are seen to be more like public lands, etc., jointly owned and to be operated in a manner consistent with the greater public interest.

All that aside, MSNBC have a responsibility live up to their middle initial, one would think.

More perplexingly, this particular coverage does not seem like something that would serve their business interests, either.

Are their sponsors jumping with joy over this self-indulgent mourning marathon? Are any significant numbers of viewers loving it? I doubt it!

[defendandprotect]

117. Money is usually something that interests capitalists --- EXCEPT ---

where the right-wing is involved, they will spend money to BLOCK any actual real news
from getting thru ---

There have been tremendous losses in viewership as I understand it ---
though not repeated recently -

CNN under Turner went from something like 13 million viewers to 3 million ---

O'Reilly's audience is largely 70 years old . . . !!!

Fox News also had a large drop . . . ???

Also, it is Father's Day so for those viewing any of this, they may consider it a
complement somehow to the day, in tribute to fathers?


ALSO, I think the recent weather in the Mid West is causing people to think once again about
Global Warming --- the story from the higher perspective which they don't want to touch.
Rain/Floods, they'll cover. Discussing Global Warming, however, is taboo---

[ladeyday]

94. With all due respect

your grandmother was NOT a national news figure. Tim was a pretty decent guy, died young & suddenly. He was well respected. It is actually part of the grieving process. There ARE viewers who appreciate the coverage. Plus, it WAS the weekend. Unless someone else suddenly dies, next weekend will be the same old. All one has to do is to turn off the TV. Other things one can do: get into Wii Fit, volunteer along with the Obama team for flood victims, garden, bike, hike, read, go to the movies, watch a DVD, dance, take the dog for a walk. And one can enjoy & rejoice in Father's Day. I'm sure Tim's family would love today to do just THAT.

[defendandprotect]

99. Evidently, you don't understand that this is celebrity journalism . ..

which is being used to reign people in, like any other entertainment ---

Plus, it WAS the weekend.

Are you suggesting that news happens only on weekdays --- ?

Part of the problem many of us are trying to make clear to you is that he wasn't "well respected"
by anyone doing any real thinking about what is going on with our corporate-press.

Again --- these are the PUBLIC's airwaves to be used responsibily to inform the public --

I think, almost accidently, this episode has exposed the fact that many here at DU actually
watch NBC/GE "news" --- and, unbelievably, MTP --- !!!

For those who do, let me suggest --- THROW OUT THE TV!!!

[marshall]

119. True, but I"m not saying they shouldn't be allowed to do it

Just that they are making a mockery of Russert's professional life by putting him on a par with Anna Nicole Smith. If I recall, she also died near a weekend and they milked that cow for all it was worth.

[mwb970]

125. The weekend is over now.

>> There ARE viewers who appreciate the coverage. Plus, it WAS the weekend.

OK, I'll believe you that there ARE viewers who are continuing to demand a fourth day of 24/7 Russert coverage from MSNBC, although that is very difficult for me to accept.

But it is no longer the weekend you mentioned. It is Monday morning. I checked about 15 minutes ago and found CNN (both regular and Headline News) covering the Iowa floods and Fox News covering bush's summit meeting with Gordon Brown in England. MSNBC? They were discussing Russert's heart attack and holding up a model of an artery.

With a wake tomorrow and a funeral on Wednesday, I now assume that MSNBC will remain 24/7 Russert through at least Thursday, perilously close to NEXT weekend. (Will they actually go for a full WEEK of covering no news whatsoever?)

The disrespect that all this shows for Russert's laser-like focus on the news (and not himself) is both overwhelming and heartbreaking.

[mwb970]

68. News doesn't take the weekend off.

Neither should those who are entrusted to report it. Yes, it bothers me. I guess my life must be "small and petty". Speaking of which....

[krkaufman]

78. Well, that is the point, then, isn't it?

Frustrations grow from one's expectations, often one's own expectations overlayed on others. What we're doing with MSNBC, most of all, is continuing to think of them as a news organization, rather than just another infotainment channel. Quit thinking of MSNBC as a news channel and our frustrations will diminish that they never cover the news.

[defendandprotect]

96. It is the narrow and limited view of our airwaves which suggests that

we deserve a weekend to pay tribute to a celebrity ---

When was the last time you heard any discussion of GLOBAL WARMING on your airwaves?

How about our food supply and water --- ?

How about nationalizing the oil industry -- ?

Electric cars --- ?

Two and a half million Americans in our prisons -- ?

The daily health care struggles of our citizens as they try to cope with a "for profit"
medical system which is creating more illness than health -- ?

Anyone mentioning the bankrupting of our Treasury --- ?

Financing the war and tax cuts for the rich with borrowing from the Social Security System's
Surplusses again and again --- ?

As for death --- did you see one SOLDIER's COFFIN this weekend --- ?


These all represent huge black holes where our corporate-press is creating an illusion

rather than actually preparing the public to make responsible choices/decisions.

[lib2DaBone]

28. K&R Yes

NT

[shadowknows69]

14. You don't tell people how long to honor their colleagues

[NYC_SKP]

19. They don't need to do it during work....on the air...enough already.

[Joe the Revelator]

23. Who are you to decide that ?

If you don't want to watch, there are other news channels not covering it as heavy. MSNBC can come around in their own time.

Last I checked nobody was forcing you to watch MSNBC this weekend.

[NYC_SKP]

35. Excuse me...

I pay for my monthly cable, I'm a viewer, viewers and sponsors are the clients of MSNBC.

I could be wrong, but I doubt that any survey of viewers or sponsors would condone the decision that MSNBC suspend providing news coverage in order to mourn one of their own.

Just a guess.

[Joe the Revelator]

39. Holy shit, is this really that important to you..

I mean has this ruined your weekend as much as you making it seem right now?

and I'm pretty sure that only heartless assholes who live very sad lives would NOT condone the decision of MSNBC to cancel their "docblock" for the weekend and pay tribute to the head of their news room.

[NYC_SKP]

43. I'm not so invested in it that I want to bicker over it, OK?

You don't have to agree.
Our news organizations have a great responsibility, in my opinion, to try to provide useful news.

I happen to think that there are more important things they could be doing, you disagree, that's fine, let it go, I have.

Good night!

[Joe the Revelator]

46. Yet you make the thread whoring for Recs over coverage of a dead man

Stay classy NYC....I'm sure it was real important to get "Lock Up: Life in a Cell" on the MSNBC this weekend.

[mwb970]

126. Some people simply cannot "let it go".

It's not their nature. They have to be right and to have the last word. I noticed he/she replied to your post after you politely ended the conversation. This is typical.

[charlie]

49. BWAH!

Projection ahoy! You've been the intrepid Self-Appointed Attitude Enforcer since Russert died. It's good to see someone discover his calling, but don't pretend anyone can possibly think this silly crap is more important than you do.

[Joe the Revelator]

52. Golly gee beav, I'm sorry that I don't care what MSNBC chooses to do with their coverage this week

I'm also sorry that I'm not running around pretending the world is going to end if a dead man gets a weekend worth of tribute.

It was disgusting when the RW acted like ghouls yesterday, and its disgusting when we do it today.

[charlie]

54. Haw!

You care enough that if I crack open any Russert thread, you're probably finger-wagging in it already.

Don't be coy, Hoss. You wouldn't be riding your high horse all over this forum for 2 days if it didn't matter greatly to you.

Hey, I don't mind. We gotta do what we gotta do, and tight-belted attitude enforcers gotta cinch up their britches and enforce.

[Joe the Revelator]

55. And the petty bad asses have to act like they are above it all

They're no better then Fred Phelps and his crew.

[charlie]

56. Lol

I thought you didn't care? Bad ass, moi? Fred Phelps?

To quote a high-handed poster named Wolsh upthread: Rely on hyperbole much?

Take a break. You're acting like a toon.

[madura]

44. that's how I see it. way too much coverage for Russet

this overnews coverage has been like a high school renunion for a small faction in the newstertainment clique to mourn to us all in a privy privilege.
most people don't know who the hell Russet was but they know other things that are newsworthy or talkable

just goes to show what those people consider news.

[cliffordu]

42. You work for MSNBC, right??

:rofl:

[NYC_SKP]

57. Help me out here, cliffordu

You've been here longer than I have.

Is there a "term of art" here at DU for individuals who jam up a thread with contrarian spittings just to be, well, contrary?

I find the behavior most curious. :dunce:

[cliffordu]

58. Well.....There's a term, but it really cannot be leveled in polite company...

Just know that when it becomes too egregious the mods step in and deliver the concrete chicklet, the granite Pizza....

There are those unfortunate individuals with personality disorders or anger management issues that are allowed to stay here as examples, maybe or cannon fodder for testing the limits.....we see someone get tombstoned and we know where the limits are.

They are also fun to snark, just to keep your chops up.

:patriot:

[NYC_SKP]

61. I see. All creatures serve a purpose.

"we see someone get tombstoned and we know where the limits are."

Cheers! :thumbsup:

[treestar]

31. Exactly, sheesh. The product itself is affected.

[defendandprotect]

100. If you understand they are using the PUBLIC's airwaves . . .

and have any respect for that . . . yes, you can ---

[bigwillq]

15. Congrats!

Another Tim Russert thread! :thumbsup:

Thanks for adding to the non-stop news of his death.

[CakeGrrl]

16. They'll probably get more or less back to normal after Father's Day

since there's been much mention of the timing of his passing...

[mwb970]

127. Dreamer! /nt

[DogPoundPup]

17. Same old, same old with 'journalism these days'

Look here, not over there where the real news is happening...Afghanistan, Iraqmire, crumbling U.S. infrastructure, horrendous flooding in the bread basket area of the U.S., etc., etc. etc.

[jimlup]

69. Well said

It is really spectacular the length they go to inorder to avoid the news isn't it!

[K Gardner]

18. Wow.. is it going to be a Ronald Reagan type event with wall-to-wall coverage of the funeral and

procession, too? I'm sorry.. I was glad to see the coverage yesterday, but its 4pm on a Sat afternoon.

Isn't there a town floating away somewhere? Soldiers just killed in Afghanistan and a prison escape?

Oh, I forgot.. we're talking about MSNBC. Sorry.. carry on :-)

[DemsUnited]

20. Not about the viewers -- everyone at MSNBC/NBC loved Tim Russert and they need to grieve.

which is pretty amazing considering the increasingly competitive nature of the business they are in.

I respected some of Tim Russert's interviews and opinions, had issues with others, but am truly touched at how deeply his friends and colleagues are mourning his passing.

Fox and CNN have moved on. NBC/MSNBC need to mourn for another day or two and I respect that the bean counters are letting them do it.

[defendandprotect]

102. And do you perhaps catch the air of celebrity/infotainment in this . . .

but am truly touched at how deeply his friends and colleagues are mourning his passing.

[Joe the Revelator]

21. MS/NBC can spend as much time as they want covering this

Its one of their own down and they have to right to pay him tribute anyway that they please.

CNN has been showing "real" news all day.

[Raine]

26. I agree and anyone who is bored can always change

the channel cause there's pleny of stuff on other networks. :-)

[Raine]

25. They will after tommorow, it's better than

the "docblock" that usually saturiates the weekend.

[Cha]

27. Yeah, and I'm thinking mtp will

have a tribute to Tim tomorrow. Monday will probably be back to the same ol' thing.

[mwb970]

129. Nope. /nt

[Towlie]

36. Absolutely! It's not like you can put all the world events on pause.

[dempartisan23]

40. its very sad

cable news has a tendency to beat a story to death. yesterday's coverage was exceptional. today its time to move on and treat mr russert's passing with dignity.

[BlueJac]

50. Excuse me.....enough is enough...

There is other fucking news.......Iowa to name one other story. I refuse to watch that crap on cable. They need to wake up but that is impossible now that they are feeding the BS for brain dead Americans. Actually I hated MTP........Potatoe Head made me ill.

[speedoo]

59. Almost 1 AM Sunday and MSNBC is still at it.

I don't care if they do it all weekend, I just won't participate.

[MadBadger]

60. MSNBC does taped program from 12PM Saturday on during weekends.

Better this than Lock Up dont you think?

[NYC_SKP]

62. "Lock up" and that "Catch a Predator" thing.

Huh.

One show finds the talent to serve as the cast for the other.

Brilliant!!!

:rofl:

[Lilith Velkor]

63. TURN THAT SHIT OFF

That's all you really need to do.

[Tutonic]

64. Where is the Truth?

I've got sympathy for his family and friends but this was the same guy that 1)traded the 2000 election in the same manner that he would lob a softball to a kid--knowing that Gore was the victor, Russert followed the dictates of the "big guys" at GE and went on national TV and tossed the election to Bush, 2) repeatedly welcomed Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and Condoleeza Rice onto MTP to repeat their scripted lies about Iraq, 3) became embedded with I. Lewis Libby and Karl Turd blossom Rove regarding Valerie Plame--and later after realizing that he was sleeping with the enemy remarkably couldn't remember what he ate for dinner the night before, 4) sought to repeatedly hurl verbal feces at Obama during an earlier MSNBC debate, 5)after failing to connect with Obama, turned his entrails on Clinton and hit the spot by declaring "this election is over.", 6) sought to give Granpa John a big old fashioned nookey behind the MTP outhouse regarding Granpa's shitty positions on immigration, social security, capital gains taxes, etc.

When I hear the likes of Rachel Maddow heaping praise on Russert as a journalistic wunderkund--I have to wonder if the gates of Hell are positioned in front or behind her view. As I said, I've got sympathy for his passing at the age of 58 and because he surely must have been admired by family and friends. But why must liberal commentators like Maddow and Randi Rhodes among others fall lock step into line with the MSM while we drown out the last flashes of liberty. Can Maddow, Rhodes and the rest of the "liberal" media refrain from going from town to town covered in sackcloth wailing about the loss of "a profound journalist?" What happened to the truth? Did Russert take it with him? And all the while, there were actual people being massacred in Iraq, Afghanistan, and people drowning in Cedar Rapids and Indianapolis, and soldiers committing suicide in Denver and Riverside, California and children dying from tainted tomatoes in St. Paul Minnesota and Peoria, Illinois, and so on and so on.

[trevjr]

104. Yes, where is the truth?

I dare anyone who says 'he was a good guy' and 'he was fair', blah blah, go to Media Matters and look up Tim Russert. There you will see examples of how he misquoted, omitted and hacked up the news. He was complicit in the run up to the war. He let cheney spew his lies uncontested. Lately, he completely misquoted Obama. Don't give me this crap about how good he was, please. Did Russert report on the military propaganda program run by the Pentagon?? Did he? This is just morbid now, with CNN stopping every show every 5 minutes.
GO TO MEDIA MATTERS AND SEE WHAT A HACK HE WAS!

[defendandprotect]

65. Pedestals .. . Awards . . Self-Congratulations . . . they should try some "news" ---

[Medusa]

81. Since when has a cable news network carried news?

That's now what their game is.

[defendandprotect]

103. The myth of a free press died with the assassination of JFK ---

THAT's what I'm trying to point out ---

There were a few moments ... MLK, Jr., Malcolm X, James Baldwin ---

RFK, Eugene McCarthy --- some early C-span days . . .

What's really frightening is that here at DU we supposedly have awakened members understanding
that our corporate-press is something only to be closely and critically monitored ---

Thought they had it --- but now it's obvious that many of them really don't get it --- !!!

It's also this illusion of "personal attachment" --- like people watching soap operas and
thinking the characters are real.

It's really pitiful ---

[jennied]

66. I sort of agree... I mean, I keep my TV on the news all the time... and glancing at it now...

there is Tim Russert. I sort of feel bad thinking that there shouldn't be this much coverage, because who are we to say when honoring someone's life is enough??? But then again...

[fujiyama]

67. He was an influential figure when it came to shaping political thought in this country

so I understand the significance, but this isn't the death of a president for crying out loud. These cable news stations need to get a grip. I can understand NBC/MSNBC's grief, but regardless, this is getting kind of ridiculous.

[jimlup]

70. MSNBC is the Tim Russert Memorial Channel

And perhaps it is understandable for them but CNN, FAUX, ect. are going overboard. I'm thinking that after they get past this "Meet The Press" cycle it will end. Maybe MSNBC really is without a guiding force that Russert is gone :sarcasm:

This way they can avoid talking about:

1. The Iraqi rejection of the continued US occupation.
2. McSame's gaffs
3. McSame's lack of comand of the issues
4. The ignored but pending climate crises.
5. Peak oil.
6. The upcoming Bush Impeachment hearings.
7. The serious flooding in the Midwest.
8. The escalation of the Afganistan conflict.
9. Israel's continued and spectacular hypocrisy.

...

[Bluenorthwest]

71. Tuned in yestereday to hear about the floods

And they were still braying about Russert having some sort of 'unique' relationship with his father, which seems to boil down to he loved his dad. This is not unique.
Days on end is too much. Tim was a commentator on TV. He died pretty young. The nonstop coverage is to me very naff. Like using the corpse to make dog food, they are using his death to fill time and sell ads. Those that think such exploitation is respect are simply incorrect.

[defendandprotect]

105. It's celebrity entertainment to reign in those who might not watch if that was made clear ---

What's really frightening is that here at DU we supposedly have awakened members understanding
that our corporate-press is something only to be closely and critically monitored ---

Thought they had it --- but now it's obvious that many of them really don't get it --- !!!

It's also this illusion of "personal attachment" --- like people watching soap operas and
thinking the characters are real.

It's really pitiful ---

[chyjo]

73. Considering this is the first Sunday after he died

So I would expect it to be like this. After today though it really should die down.

[mwb970]

130. Nope. /nt

[ooglymoogly]

74. The corporate news letter that has become the corporate media is a world

unto itself. Nothing else really matters.

[raebrek]

77. It is far better

I think it is far better new coverage then say Brittany Spears or Paris Hilton.

Raebrek!!!

[mdmc]

79. Bill Moyers is an exceptional journalist

What made Russert "exceptional"? God Bless him, and RIP, but to me he was another corporate shill ruining our democracy.

[NYC_SKP]

80. Exceptional can be read a number of ways.

In California schools, the term "exceptional children" includes what used to be called "retarded children".

The group could include geniuses, too.

[sellitman]

82. They are rightfully honoring a fallen comrade.

The great thing about about it is there is this device on your TV called an off button. If there is something on I don't feel like watching it works great!

[defendandprotect]

106. These are the PUBLIC's airwaives to be used responsibily . . .

not for celebrity/infotainment . . .

What's really frightening is that here at DU we supposedly have awakened members understanding
that our corporate-press is something only to be closely and critically monitored ---

Thought they had it --- but now it's obvious that many of them really don't get it --- !!!

It's also this illusion of "personal attachment" --- like people watching soap operas and
thinking the characters are real.

It's really pitiful ---

[sandyj999]

83. Most of these People are so full of themselves................

they think we (the public) are going to cling to their every word. Most of them like to hear the sound of their own voice. They need to move it on.

[SheilaT]

84. Agreed.

After the first couple of hours it was self-indulgent bombast.

You'd think this was the only time in the history of the world that someone has died at work. If other types of businesses shut down like this when a worker died, a lot of places would be not working on any given day of the week.

[Imagevision]

85. NO! it's appropriate for Tim Russert to thru the weekend, besides it's Father's day...

[liberal N proud]

86. Seriously

They are more than 24 hours past time to move on.

I don't need them crying on my shoulder.

[nradisic]

87. After the tribute, we should all move on

I agree with your post 100%. You put it very nicely....my condolences to the Russert family, but the medai needs to move one... as does the country.

[emald]

88. he was NOT an "exceptional journalist"

he might have been a tv personality seem by millions but he most assuredly was not anything more than a mouthpiece for this miss-administration. He was a set piece, a talking head. So he has a dad. So he has a son. So he has a fine wife. So fucking what? What about the other thousand people that died suddenly on the same day? Or how about those who died because of his lies, like soldiers? No hours of tv for them. No over the top canonization for them. No hours of tv for even one of those. So, simply because he was seen by many he becomes a famous head. Sorry about those who wish to build up his memory; he helped, indeed pandered for, this criminal enterprise we call a government. He abetted a criminal war with lies that, had he been a JOURNALIST, he would have questioned. No, Tim Russert was a sell out, an overfed, overpaid lump of skin worth not the least bit of concern. He lied and many have died. May he find the tenth level of hell a fitting place for eternity.

[NYC_SKP]

93. "Exceptional" was included partly as a "flame retardant".

And to pay a modicum of respect to his family and those in this group who respect him.

Russert was no Bill Moyers.

See this earlier reply.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6362540#6364834

[ladeyday]

89. Well, it WAS a shock

and he was pretty young & well known. Plus it is the weekend & slow for news. It's a respect thing.

[defendandprotect]

90. Our real problem is that TV "news" is over and too many people aren't "moving on" ---

"The myth of a free press died with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy."

TV is one of the main avenues for "catapulting the propaganda" . . .

Turn the TV off --- !!!

[backscatter712]

95. K&R. I'm sick of the Tim Russert Is Dead Channel!

Cover some real news!

[Divine Discontent]

98. oh boy, my favorite - "rec this post" combined with an inability to turn off the TV

he was the most well known political journalist in the country and he was beloved by them, obviously - why expect anything different over the weekend on news channels?

[NYC_SKP]

101. Comment again, you can be reply #100!

Seriously, another poster used the word "whoring" to describe the "rec this thread" part of the heading.

Big fucking deal. It's an opinion, its a discussion, join, agree, disagree, all comments are interesting!

I've got to go get some gravel now. There's a big rut in my driveway that's beginning to peel the spoiler of my 2007 Prius package 6 Touring model with leather and nav, but it has most uncomfortable seats I've ever owned.

Let me know if you have any advice on those seats.

[defendandprotect]

107. Again, these are the PUBLIC's airwaves; let's have the celebrity infotainment "move on" ---

What's really frightening is that here at DU we supposedly have awakened members understanding
that our corporate-press is something only to be closely and critically monitored ---

Thought they had it --- but now it's obvious that many of them really don't get it --- !!!

It's also this illusion of "personal attachment" --- like people watching soap operas and
thinking the characters are real.

It's really pitiful ---

[NYC_SKP]

111. I love the hypocritical response this post has gotten, like,

"Well, if you don't like it just change the channel..."

I'd like to respond, "if you don't like my post, don't read it..."

But seriously, as you indicate, democracy depends upon a free and vigilant press.
Most of us understand that the press has been slipping away.
Calling them on something as stupid as non-stop airing of really trivial matters is, IMO, our duty.

[Joe the Revelator]

113. I thought you were "over" this....

[NYC_SKP]

115. Hey Wolsh, you're back!

Very cool.
As I mentioned before I had to go out and get gravel for for a rut in my driveway that was beginning to tear the front spoiler off my 2007 Prius package six touring, silver with grey leather interior, navigation, and all the goodies except damn, those seats are uncomfortable!
Anyway, after charging up the battery on my El Camino (I only use it for dump runs or materials pick ups) I got over to Home Depot on Hammer Lane (the March Lane store was out of those big bags of gravel), parked the truck, went in to pay for the gravel.
I went out to pull the truck around and killed the battery trying to start it. Damn.
Long story short, it did finally start after about 20 minutes and they dropped the giganic bag o' gravel in the bed, I pumped up the air shocks and was on my way.

It only took about half the bag to fill the ruts nicely, I can use the leftover on the driveway I cut into the levee, but not right now, it's getting hot.

How's the weather there?

[Joe the Revelator]

118. Hot...now about that Prius...

I'm trying to convince my wife that she wants one. Ballpark, with all the cool stuff included, how much did you end up paying, after negotiating?

[NYC_SKP]

120. Sticker was $28.064 (ouch) but I think I got them down to $25K

That was fully loaded except for Satellite Radio, I wanted the larger wheels, leather, and navigation because of the work I do (lots of driving into unknown parts).

My girlfriend just got a 2008 Civic Hybrid for $23,800 and it's considerably more comfortable and "normal" to look at. She's getting 40+ mpg in foothills commuting to work.

My sister bought a Camry Hybrid, probably $29,000-ish, the most luxurious of the three. She claims she gets 42 mpg.

I went with the Pruis because of the storage space with seats down--longer and wider behind the front seats and between the wheel wells than my Volvo V40 wagon.

Like you, I had to convince my girlfriend. I just kept whispering "45 miles per gallon....100 extra miles per tank...$7.00 per gallon soon....", but of course we had to drive the Mazda 3's, and other cars.

Let me know how that goes, but beware the Prius seats!

[defendandprotect]

114. Fortunately, many of us did take the time . . .

to respond to the "shape up and be respectful to Russert 24/7" ideas of a few here at DU

who tried to control and censor what was being said and get everyone in lockstep.


That attempt to "shut up" free and honest commentary here about Russert and try to replace it

with a Hallmark card to him "in heaven" fortunately didn't succeed.

Thanks to all the free-thinkers here!

[meowomon]

108. Naw, give them the weekend

He was a big deal to a lot of people and we are shocked that he was so young. Only 58. Damn. Give them the weekend.

[mwb970]

121. OK, the weekend's over.

I tuned in to look at "Morning Joe" this morning and guess what they were talking about! You got it. "Remembering Tim Russert".

Shall we go ahead and give them another week? Maybe they will return to the news next Monday.

[marshall]

124. It'll drag on until at least Wednesday, for the memorial service

Talk about beating a dead horse, no pun intended.

[sfam]

122. I'm beginning to wonder if MSNBC will ever get back to the election...

I can almost envision them still going through this stuff through July...Come on already...

[Butch350]

123. How About Covering...

Those Bull**** reasons this current administration lied about to get our BRAVE and DYING troops into IRAQ!

[BobbyVan]

128. There are more important things to get upset about.

[Butch350]

131. If I were you-Yes.