It’s all about values

I listened to right-wing radio talk shows (RWTS) today.  I listened as they blamed mainstream media, liberal Democrats and “they” for the accusation that inflammatory RWTS’s were responsible for the killings in Arizona.  The self-defense talk was non-stop all day.  Of course, RWTS had plenty of ammunition to show that Democrats had engaged in similar tactics in the past.  Nevertheless, it is time to put this in proper perspective .  First, there is no mainstream media.  It is merely a figmentation of the RWTS imagination.  Second, there is definitely no left-wing mainstream media, written or otherwise. It too is a figmentation of the RWTS mind.  I heard a lot of mention of “they” as if  “they” existed.  It sure did seem like the more people who called in to defend RWTS the more commercials they played.  RWTS people will say they are not politicians, that they are “entertainers”.  Well, entertainers make money by selling the product of their sponsor.  The reason this topic has gone on so long is that the sponsors are reeling in the money.  Finally, when RWTS people extol the virtues of conservatism and Republicanism while demonizing liberals and Democrats – that is politics.  RWTS like to believe that their words are neutral, however, there are two quotes that apply here; “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” and “words are like weapons they hurt sometimes.”  I always tell my students “you cannot have an intelligent conversation with a parrot.”