Tell CNN Glenn Beck is a RACIST and must be removed.

[Toucano]

We all know most convervatives are racists. Some can hide the fact for awhile, but eventually it is revealed.

On today's program, CNN Headline News program host Glenn Beck revealed his.

In reporting on a very critical piece about the money generated by "American Idol" and it's affiliated programs worldwide, Beck referred to the only two African Americans to win the competition as "losers".

"Don`t believe me? Look at Bo Bice. He may have been the runner up on "Idol", but his debut album sold over a half a million copies. Same for countless other "Idol" losers, from Ruben to Fantasia." http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0605/24/gb.01.html

Notice the white "loser", Bo Bice, is called a "runner-up" while the only two African Americans who have WON THE COMPETITION are singled out with the label "losers".

Tell CNN this is unacceptable and an apology won't help. The airwaves are all ready filled with ignorant, uneducated, snarky, drug-addicted, conservative racists. Beck must be fired.

Here's the link to the feedback page: http://edition.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form1.html?35

NOTICE: You can hate "American Idol" and still participate because this isn't really about "Idol".

[Yollam]

1. He's lumping Bice together with the black contestants as losers.

You're stretching. Beck is a pig - he even suggested that poor people displaced by Katrina should give BJ's on the street for money. But that particular quote is not a good basis for a claim of racism at all.

[Toucano]

5. The Black contestants WON the competition in their respective years.

There have been 60 finalists on American Idol and two Black winners.

The white loser is called a "runner-up" and the two Black winners are singled out (of sixty possible names) as losers.

Open your eyes. It's racism.

[Yollam]

10. I'm not up on who won or lost in a given year...

... I just assumed that Ruben and Fantasia were runner-ups too. It's possible Beck made the same mistake. It does seem that he is lumping them as losers AS WELL AS Bice.

Sounds more like a case of not knowing what he's talking about to me. He may not even know the race of the people he's talking about. I didn't know Ruben was black. I never watched that show until this year, and even this year, I mostly only watched the horrible audition phase because the no-talent freaks are pretty funny.

Don't get me wrong, I do think Beck is a racist, as well as an all-around pig, but I think this particular quote is way too oblique to build a case around.

[Toucano]

14. He knows their race.

Beck follows the show and they put up pictures of each person as they named them.

It was hard to miss.

Again, it doesn't matter what anyone thinks about "American Idol".

Limbaugh was fired from his ESPN show for this quote:

"Limbaugh said Sunday that McNabb received undeserved credit for his team's success that came from media outlets with "social concern" and "very desirous that a black quarterback do well." http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2003-10-02-limbaugh-resigns_x.htm

Both Limbaugh's statement and Beck's dismiss the accomplishments of Black competitors. It's the same thing and Limbaugh was fired for it. Or more correctly, "resigned".

[seriousstan]

2. WOW, reading quite a bit into that aren't you?

I is obvious by the transcript that what he meant was "not being the winner" of Idol. Much in the vein of "first place loser".

[Toucano]

6. Ruben and Fantasia were WINNERS, not losers. n/t

[Bucky]

39. Truly you have found the achilles' heel to the leviathan of government.

Outing and destroying this dangerous celebrity-hating crossburner will bring the whole system crumbling to the ground.

[Toucano]

43. When did I suggest that?

Are you telling me that no one ever discusses anything on DU that isn't of critical importance? The discussions about Stephen Colbert were expected to bring the whole system crumbling down?

You could have sent CNN your comment or posted an assinine comment here sarcasticly mischaracterizing my original post with the same effort.

Nice choice.

[stepnw1f]

40. He's a Bigot... We All Know It

I wonder how the advertisers will feel about it in the next month or so?! Hmmmmm...

[madrchsod]

3. they know he`s a racist but if he sells enough soap

they will keep him on the air

[LittleClarkie]

4. There are better examples

check Media Matters.

[Toucano]

7. He wasn't working for CNN then.

This is CNN. This is today.

[Joyce78]

8. Who watches American Idol? Do we care about this nonsense?

[Toucano]

9. Approximately 40 million people in the United States every week.

It isn't ABOUT "American Idol" any more than Rush Limbaugh's racist comments about football players were about football.

I didn't tell Beck what to talk about tonight. He chose to talk about "Idol" and in doing so, revealed his racism.

[ugarte]

11. Why do you think they hired him?

They knew what he was/is.

[Warren DeMontague]

12. If they didn't fire him for being the guy who made vague death threats

at Michael Moore, they aren't gonna can him for this.

As it is, both American Idol AND CNN are mental cheez whiz for the single digit IQ set. About the only tv I can stand watch is HBO and the Science Channel, these days.

[LittleClarkie]

13. In fact, they HIRED him knowing he was that kind of guy

Hence, I agree.

[itzamirakul]

15. Beck is apparently the kind of trash that they want as "pissers of

garbage information" because the term journalist would give them too much respect.

Before long, CNN will hold public lynchings on Wolf Blitzer's show.

[TheFarseer]

16. Careful

before the word "racist" loses all meaning. I think RWers like to bait liberals into calling them racist so that they can point to liberals and say, "see, look how they are over-reacting to everything. They think everyone is racist. They think you are racist. If you're sick of being called a racist or a homophobe or a sexist vote republican"

[Toucano]

20. Okay. If this isn't racism please explain who the only TWO Black

winners are called "losers" when there are over sixty finalist names to choose from? Don't tell me he was calling all Idol contestants losers because there are three white winners who weren't named at all, including the most successfull and first, Kelly Clarkson.

It dismisses the accomplishments of Black competitors in exactly the same way Rush Limbaugh did when he worked for ESPN.

If you're sick of being called a racist or a homophobe or a sexist, you already are a Republican.

Just because expressions of these qualities can be casual and subtle, doesn't mean they aren't as real as the statistics about application of the death penalty. Those jurys and prosecutors who seek the death penalty for Blacks and not Whites don't consider themselves racists either.

[Julius Civitatus]

21. It's a stretch to call that racist

This type of hyper-sensitivity does nothing but hurt us. It makes us less beleivable when we point real racist attitudes.

There are many things you could call that comment by Beck. To call it "racist" takes some effort.

[Toucano]

24. Then explain it.

It's just random, huh? Sixty "losers" to choose from and he calls the only two Black winners "losers" and a White loser a "runner-up". Yeah, the odds support that as a random act. No racism here, folks.

When Limbaugh said Donovan McNabb had benefitted from media coverage that was "very desirous that a black quarterback do well..." he was forced to resign. Beck's comments about two well regarded Idol winners could produce a similar outcome. It was the exact same attempt to dismiss the accomplishments of Black people.

Black winners are losers and white losers are runner-ups.

But don't worry. It's not racism. The AP calls a Black Katrina survivor a looter and a White person doing the same thing a survivor. That's not racism. A Black man is a potential thief, but a white man is a potential customer. That's not racism.

[stepnw1f]

41. Let Them... They Look Foolish Using That Straw Man Anyway

and most of America sees the GOP for what they really are, especially after Katrina.

[catmandu57]

17. I've got to agree, they knew who and what they were getting

When they hired him, they don't give a rat's ass what you think, target the sponsors.

[insane_cratic_gal]

18. The day Cnn announced they Hired him

Is the day I stopped watching CNN or holding out any hope that it would be a fair news org.

Cnn is trying to upstage fox news, they just haven't figured out that the 29% left who support the pResident, already believe Cnn to be liberal news (which is laughable)

I believe in Karma, they have a lot of bad joo joo coming to them

[Julius Civitatus]

19. Who gives a flying f*ck about American Idol, seriously?

Let me see: Iraq, Iran, NSA spying, Hayden confirmation by Repugs and DINOs, possible Rove indictment, possible dropping of the Rove indictment, destruction of civil rights, Bush taking another dump on what's left of the Constitution... but we have to get our panties in an bunch for some misguided comment by a right-wing loser like Glenn Beck, whose days in CNN are probably numbered.

Yes, we knew already Glenn Beck was a racist asshole. Media Matters has been reporting about it way before CNN decided to hire the f*cker. Nobody watches his stupid @ass show on CNN, and it will probably be canceled soon. CNN made a horrible mistake hiring this pig. But again, there are more important matters to discuss than some idiotic comment that Beck made in a show that nobody watches.

Perspective, please.

PS: Beck has said seriously nasty and racist comments in his show. This time, I think it's a stretch on your part.

[Toucano]

22. The forty million Americans who follow "American Idol" care about it.

The pervasive DU elitism rears it's head yet again.

If only those tens of millions were as cool as you are! Then they'd care about "Iraq, Iran, NSA spying, Hayden confirmation by Repugs and DINOs, possible Rove indictment, possible dropping of the Rove indictment, destruction of civil rights, Bush taking another dump on what's left of the Constitution..."

But they aren't and they don't.

So let's not discuss anything they do know about and care about because we'd be too uncool. Instead, let's all go buy some Dixie Chicks and Neil Young recordings at iTunes because it will send a message. Let's take up a collection to send another media personality or politician flowers for saying something we like. Let's organize another Saturday afternoon anti-war protest in our free speech zone. By all means, don't talk about anything masses of people can related to.

Let's pass on an opportunity to strike another conservative retard so we can maintain our self-serving status as ultra-cool trend buckers. Those stupid trailer park trolls who watch American Idol can't understand our complexity anyway. As if...

You don't have to do anything you don't want to do and you don't have to discuss anything you think is beneath your great intellect. All you cool kids are excused.

[Julius Civitatus]

23. Nope. Only you seem to care about this thing

obsessively, to boot.

And insulting your fellow DU'ers as elitists because they don't share your obsession, well, that rates pretty low in my book. And as far as numbers, hey, half the voting population apparently voted for Bush, so don't bring the "40 million" that watch that silly show as proof of its significance. It really doesn't matter: it's a stupid pop-culture TV show that will be forgotten tomorrow.

Let me be clear: you are doing a DISSERVICE with this silly call of "racism." I know racism. I have been on the receiving end of racist comments, insults and attitudes. I know racism when it rears it's ugly head. Calling this very example "racist" is a stretch. It's like Peter and the wolf. It makes us look bad in the end and less believable when we denounce REAL racist comments. Beck alone has made real, unmistakable racist comments in the past. This, on the other hand, it's a stretch.

I'm all for calling on right wing pundits when they bullshit, lie, insult, or make racist comments. To wage a battle for the alleged "racist" nature of this comment is a losing proposition, not only because it's a stretch on your part, but because Beck or CNN can easily say it was a mistake on their part.

So go ahead and wage this battle. See yourself crash and burn. But you will certainly not have me or many of our pals here in DU behind you. Many of us have learned to pick our battles.

[Toucano]

25. Okay.

I'll tune into your battle against Hayden in NSA spying topic.

There's a battle we can win.

So if Beck calling Idol's only Black winners losers by name isn't racism, what is it?

But only answer if you can spare time from your important discussions that have greater liklihood of influencing the political landscape and saving the world. I mean, I wouldn't want you to stop lining up your anti-Hayden votes in the Senate or anything. Maybe you can get to the bottom of that Karl Rove indictment story that we've spent so much energy on if I don't distract you.

[Julius Civitatus]

29. You really are clueless, aren't you

Sure go ahead, crash and burn. I'm sure you'll "save the world" with this rant of yours.

> I'll tune into your battle against Hayden in NSA spying topic.
There's a battle we can win.

Never claimed such thing. As a matter of fact, that's a battle lost, a battle that was not even in our hands to win (approved by a so-called "bipartisan" committee, not that you would care), but it's certainly a very important matter that will affect our lives for years to come.
On the other hand, to claim that your battle for American Idol has (and I quote) a "greater likelihood of influencing the political landscape and saving the world," is simply LAUGHABLE.

Really, this is a waste of time.

[Toucano]

31. Oh, I never said this would change the world.

You said you had Earth shattering discussions to participate in, and I want to be a part of it. I never claimed the this was more important or chastised anyone for participating in a thread. That's all you, dear.

Tell me, dear Julius, what is the topic I should be discussing on DU? If the Hayden battle is lost, maybe some Jeff Gannon talk will make things better. I look to your better sense of priority for guidance because I'm really clueless, aren't I?

And since I don't want to be Peter and the Wolf, tell me how the only two Black winners being called losers and a white loser being called a runner-up is not racism. You have an obligation to share your great wisdom. With great gifts come great responsibility, as you must have been told countless times.

[gort]

26. Let them keep Beck on.

CNN loves hearing negative comments about Beck.

They believe if you're complaining about him, it means you're watching the show and the commercials.

I would suggest it would be better to request that they give Randi Rhodes a show in the spirit of giving equal time to our side.

How about starting a campaign to get Randi on CNN?

The heck with Beck.

[Toucano]

27. Actually, that's almost what I did.

I didn't name Randi in particular, but I suggested that it might be a better businees decision to offer a program with someone who isn't a O'Reilly-wannabe.

Rhandi would be great.

[Norquist Nemesis]

28. Exactly! Doesn't matter whether it's complaints or compliments

It means the show is being watched. CNN sales can take that to advertisers and don't need to break down the numbers, just give the bottom line of viewers.

[karlrschneider]

30. DUers watch both that guy and the 'idol' thing?

jeezus...

[Toucano]

32. This is something I really don't understand. Maybe you can help me.

I'm not singling you out because I've seen that response before on DU.

What is it about "American Idol" that is inconsistent with liberal political views? Is it because it's the most watched program on television? Does liberalism not permit one to participate in or enjoy things that are popular?

Is it simply that liberals aren't allowed to have different taste in entertainment?

Are comic books okay or must DUers read literature?
Is all pop music verboten or are the Beatles okay? Maybe liberals are only supposed to listen to classical music.
Can DUers go to mainstream movies, or must they only see independent movies and documentaries?
Is it "reality tv" that's not liberal? Can DUers watch "Survivor" or "The Amazing Race"?

If this is a litmus test, I don't think the rules are very clear. Thank you in advance for helping me understand this.

[karlrschneider]

33. I just think it's mind-numbing crap and it's a national disgrace that

apparently millions of people can name the "contestants" but not their own congressperson or senators. And the "competetion" is rigged anyway. Talk about a wasteland...

[Toucano]

34. So it's not your taste.

I can understand that, but I hardly think it justifies such a reaction. People know the names of football and basketball players, too, but it doesn't illicit many "jeezus" comments like I've seen on DU regarding "American Idol".

It's only entertainment. Maybe not your preferred idea of entertainment, but that's still all it is.

The competition is just as rigged as the elections for congress and the senate, so I don't think that makes a difference other than to demonstrate what people are willing to put up with as "fair play".

Some might say that the worse things get in our public lives as a people, the more people crave something to distract them. The Three Stooges became very popular during a period of economic depression.

Thank you for your insight.

[Warren DeMontague]

35. Naw, people can and do watch whatever they want.

Likewise, people are entitled to their opinions:

I happen to think almost ALL of what constitutes modern "television" is utter brain-dead poop. Including, but not limited to, American Idol, Survivor, that other thing you mentioned, and ALL of the Cable "Newz" channels.

"Arrested Development" was funny enough to get me to actually turn on a sitcom for the first time in Decades. Of course, it was promptly cancelled.

Sorry, there are a lot -a LOT- of Dumb fuckin' Merkins out there, and it reflects in the popular culture's choices for food, music, tv, etc.. even politicians. Some 59 Million people allegedly voted for Bush in 2004... By ANY primate standard, that's fucking DUMB.

As far as music- hey, again, they're your ears.. but I sure don't think all of it is created equal, and most of what is put out today is corporate sponsored, mindless crap. Where once we had Jimi Hendrix, we now have Ashlee Simpson. 80s Hair Metal was for morons and guys who couldn't get laid.

But that's just my opinion. Your mileage may vary.

[Toucano]

42. Hendrix only had 1 Top 40 hit.

As an artist, it's not uncommon to find respect and appreciation long after death, greatly exceeding that experienced in life.

Comparing him to Simpson is like comparing apples to oranges.

But the point is that it's possible to like both apples and oranges. It's possible to like Jimi Hendrix and Ashlee Simpson.

The constant drawing of border lines in our culture is the result of corporate marketing. They want people to identify themselves in one camp or another because it makes them easy targets.

In the past, Americans saw Peggy Lee and the Rolling Stones on the same program. Ed Sullivan had the Beatles and Elvis along side Petula Clark and Tony Bennet. It was the highest rated show of it's time and the fact that you watched it would never have called your political loyalties into question.

As Duke Ellington said regarding music, "If it sounds good, it is good."

We can leave the loyalty tests to Bush, I hope.

[Warren DeMontague]

44. It's possible to like Jimi Hendrix and Ashlee Simpson?

...Really?

I agree with Duke Ellington. I like all kinds of music. Miles Davis to The Grateful Dead to R.E.M. to Jay Farrar to George Clinton to Steve Earle and so on.

But I *still* think the music "industry" as it stands today is dominated by corporate shills who wouldn't know decent music if it bit 'em on the ass, and clear channel stations that wouldn't play it if it did.

[Toucano]

45. Sure it is. It's possible to like spinich and Twinkies.

Although spinich on your Twinkie is pretty unappetizing.

There's always been fluff in the diet. And the public will only tolerate so much before it looks for something more substantial.

We found Hendrix without corporate support and we'll find the next Hendrix whether they like it or not.

[Warren DeMontague]

47. Nah, not me.

Food is a good analogy. I like Thai, Mexican, Vegetarian, Italian, all different kinds of food. But what I *don't* eat is fast food, processed crap, and the high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oil laden poo that constitutes the majority of the 'Merkin diet. (No wonder they're all diabetic, fat and dying.)

And unfortunately, for many people in this country, it's not a question of twinkies AND spinach, literally or metaphorically- it's all twinkies, all the time.

Yuk. No thanks.

[LaPera]

36. CNN knew he was a racist, that's why they hired him...Anything to...

catch Fox...the right-wing tells their sheep to watch Fox and they do...so it's a losing game for CNN & MSNBC, they can be even more fascist and conservative than Fox (if that's possible) and still they won't win in the ratings...it's good strategy by the right-wing keep telling the base to watch Fox that the other networks are too liberal, keep saying it no matter if its true or not...

Then Fox gets the numbers, then you have these fools at all the other networks trying to be more right-wing than Fox...but still they say keep watching Fox...and they do and have the other networks scrambling and putting on racist & every right-wing hacks possible...very good strategy by the right-wing fascist!!!

[SeveneightyWhoa]

37. Nothing to tell them -- they already know it. Which is the problem.

I'm sure they find out a little about the people they hire before they commit, no? And that's the scary thing. They knew Beck wasn't funny. They knew he wasn't intelligent. They knew he was racist, and very Republican.

Yet they hired him anyway.

Now why would they care about some e-mails from DU?

[stepnw1f]

38. Tell Advertisers You Will Not Buy Their Products Either

if they continue to air ads on CNN while employing a bigot.

[LaPera]

46. As long as the talking heads keep telling their sheep to watch only Fox

nothing will change...other networks will just keep trying to be more right-wing...As long as the Limbaugh's and the rest can keep the sheep watching Fox & keep Fox # 1 - The republicans have it made...the other networks will believe that's the only way to get more viewers, is by being even more right-wing...and on & on it keeps going...the key is to keep Fox number 1 and imitated!