Why are you [reading/listening to] that source?!?

[hiaasenrocks]

I see a lot of posts on DU criticizing other posters who listen to certain radio shows or read certain columnists or pundits who are conservative, or in some cases just don't meet some litmus test. Personally, I think it's a stupid criticism.

First, it completely ignores the advice to know your opponents. To ignore what the opposition is doing/saying is to embrace willful ignorance. Secondly, it's ridiculous because if your beliefs are so weak as to be threatened by hearing or reading something you disagree with, then you need to re-examine your belief system.

I don't see anything wrong with someone watching, listening to or reading just about any source they damn well please. The criticism and inquiry represent a mild form of McCarthyism.

So, what do you do?

[parasim]

1. I used to listen to Hannity daily...

just so I would be constantly reminded as to why I hate the rightwing thinking. It gave me the opportunity to vent my pent-up anger on a regular basis by screaming at the radio every day. Good therapy.

Plus, it helped me hone my own responses to that kind of drivel when I encountered it in real life.

I don't do that any more, though... high blood pressure issues...

[JohnnyLib2]

2. LOL, I use Limbaugh that way, too.

The anger helps me avoid yawning all afternoon!

[JohnnyLib2]

3. I agree, and thanks for this post.

The criticism you mentioned baffles and sometimes stings me, but absorbing different points of view seems like the obvious way to go.....

[chknltl]

4. third catagory somewhere between the two needed

that would be me.

Yep I am mostly left-middle with my news input.
75% NPR;
10% TV: CNN, some MSNBC (K.O. and debates).
10% online stuff primarily the DU, Thom Hartmann forum, Randi Rhodes forum, and media matters.
5% right wing trash: Sean Hannity, Glen blechk, O'liely, and on the radio sometimes the Jerry Doyle show...(he was great in Babbylon 5 and equally great as a right wing shill).

I confess that I sleep with the enemy less than I should if I truly wanted to see where their head got screwed on wrong...but I don't attack anyone for checkin them out. (Except for my step kid who was a ditto head for years!)

[Greyhound]

5. I scan the M$M, but get most of my information through DU and European sources. n/t

:kick:

[razors edge]

6. There are a lot

of sources whose name we dare not speak, that break the important stuff and I don't even bother linking it here, as it will be deleted.

Not because the story is BS, but because the site has other reporting that don't conform, or might piss someone off.

While I think we should all read and decide for ourselves, I do agree that this forum has the right to limit it's inclusion, the rule of money works here as well.

[hiaasenrocks]

7. I'm not talking about linking to or c&p'ing an article.

I'm talking about even just mentioning one of those sources. Someone will say that they heard a certain guest on someone's TV or radio show and they'll get responses like, "Why do you post on DU if you listen to __________'s show???"

It happened last night AGAIN, which is what prompted my post.

[CGowen]

9. I don't have a problem with it, I hear it often in the 911 forum.

If people don't want to deal with the information presented they try to attack the messenger.


Like in this example

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=125&topic_id=190863&mesg_id=190863

[ChazII]

8. Agree with your thoughts

on this topic 100%. I listen to Ingraham or sports on my drive work in the morning.

[LWolf]

10. Other:

I consume news from newspapers, blogs, and as many independent media sources I can find.

I don't consider the MSM a credible source, and I don't consider what talking heads say to be worthy of my regard. I do my best not to boost their ratings.