Wise words from Keith Olbermann

[Sannum]

He gave a speech at Cornell, his alma mater last night. The following portion of the speech made me want to cheer!

"The march of this nation has been, from the day of its founding, inexorably towards progress. We are not a “center-right country”…we are not leftist and we are not conservative and we are not socialist and we are not Christian and we are not Muslim and we are not Jewish and we are not Protestrant.

We are a Progressive nation.

And from any point in the past, to any part of our society now, we can look with pride at what we have done to increase the happiness and the health and the welfare of the largest number of Americans the quickest we could do it."

You can read the rest of it here:
http://foknewschannel.com/the-cornell-speech/

[Tatiana]

1. I didn't think it was possible, but I really have gained a new level of respect for Keith.

I honestly think that leaving MSNBC may turn out to be a very good thing, not only for him, but for democracy and the rest of us out here struggling to get by as well.

I always enjoyed his special comments, but with the blog format of his new site, I am really learning to appreciate his gift for writing... he is a true wordsmith. I can't wait until he is back on television.

[Sannum]

3. I think recent events have helped him find and accept his voice.

It was always there, but he used to be almost apologetic about being a Progressive. He was once quoted as saying "I am not a Liberal, I am an American". He is now letting his progressive stripes show, probably because he is out from under the thumb on MSNBC and the corporate masters. I would love to know how much corporate pressure he got from MSNBC - but he was always on our side, fighting for us and giving us a voice - the first person to do so in the dark days of Bush. He put it on the line and for that I am and will remain incredibly grateful.

I am looking forward to seeing what he does at Current. When Current was launched, I remember that there was speculation Al Gore started it in order to provide a counterpoint to the corporate owned media and to give progressives a voice. Let's hope that with Keith, that can finally happen. If anyone can do it, Keith can. He brought MSNBC out of the boonies. Remember such shows as "Alan Keyes is Making Sense" "The Contributors" with John Gibson and Ann FUCKING Coulter?! I do and it was TERRIBLE. I was a viewer of Keith's old MSNBC show - "The Big Show with Keith Olbermann" which all too quickly became a blow by blow (pun intended) show about the Lewinsky scandal. He was so ashamed and irritated about the focus on the investigation, and isistence by the network that this be the focus of his show that he quit!

I have heard rumors that he is aware of DU, if not a poster here - so Keith, if you see this THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for your courage, compassion and willingness to tell the truth damn the consequences! We will be with you at Current! DO BIG THINGS!!!

[Tatiana]

4. "Alan Keyes is Making Sense" OMG a trip in the wayback machine!

Oh and I agree with everything you said. Keith really found his voice and he has the confidence (and moral fortitude, in my opinion) to back up his commentary.

I'm so glad he stood up for us and articulated how I felt when Bush gave that speech under the "Mission Accomplished" banner.

I eagerly anticipate his venture with Current. I think he can really put that network on the map and it looks like Al Gore is going to give him the stuff he needs to really do a quality nighttime program.

[pacalo]

2. All union workers should read this speech! K&R!

[freshwest]

5. K & R, thanks for bringing this here.

[felix_numinous]

6. K&R

Great speech.

[samsingh]

7. kick