American Morning
Mad as Hell: Why the national anger?
If the American mood these days were a movie line, it just might be the one shouted out by the character Howard Beale in the 1976 film, “Network”:
“I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
We went to western Pennsylvania, Westmoreland County, to talk to voters about the anger that has spread from town halls to radio talk shows and to the floor of Congress. Last November the county went for John McCain over Barack Obama
It was in Westmoreland county that Obama campaigned just days before the April 2008 Democratic primary, saying that small-town Pennsylvania voters are “bitter” over their economic situation, and that they “cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren’t like them.”
At buffalo wing night at the Kecksburg fire hall we met Janet Reed, who owns a nearby beauty shop. Like many of the people in the hall, she’s angry at the direction of the country. “I feel as though all the work done for many years ago has been undone,” she told Carol Costello. “It seems like the whole country is, like, out of tune...somebody’s got to get tough. Somebody has to bring us back to where we were 40 years ago.”
Chris Wesling was at the fire hall too. He owns a trucking company. “America’s angry,” he told us. “Everybody I talk to is angry...what we really need in Washington is common sense. We’ve got too many people that have their own agenda. And they don’t care about us, the people.” As for the nation’s elected representatives, Wesling has a solution: “We’ve got an election coming up next year and I’m sure we can get rid of a lot of them.”
In nearby Jeannette we met Irwin Polansky. He showed us his workshop and took us hunting.
Just like Wesling, he wants to “vote every politician out. Put new blood in there.” He’s especially upset about what he says is increasing government intrusion into people’s lives. ‘”It’s starting to look like it’s becoming a dictatorship. You have to do this. You have to do that.” As for all the shouting at politicians at town meetings, “...these people are frustrated. They have to get it off their chest. Where else and who else can they holler at?... So they go to the man that’s supposed to be representing them, so if they let them know how they feel maybe they’ll do something, but I doubt it.”
All of this anger and calls for a return to another time in America doesn’t sit well with two African American retirees we met in Pittsburgh’s Community of Reconciliation Church.
“When I hear phrases like, taking American back,” says Leon McCray, “taking America back to where? I’m 81-years-old. I don’t want to see America go back to what I saw.” His wife Carrie added, “And I’m from Alabama, and no, I don’t want to see America go back to where it was.”
As for why so many people are angry, Leon McCray thinks he knows:
“The people in America who are angry feel as though they’ve either lost something or they’re in danger of losing something that’s very important to them.”
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Not seeing God or a higher power in each other.
In 100 years all of us will be together in heaven laughing about the way we over reacted in the year 2009.
Why are people angry? Bankers and Wall Street, once respected, are exposed as treasonous. Familiar stores which have been around for decades are closing. People who have held responsible jobs are now looking for work. Washington is throwing our country's remaining wealth away unnecessarily. Politicians are still having turf wars – they haven't even gotten around to forcing the banks to start lending again. Houses are boarded up. Foreign countries don't respect us – they just want our money. Everywhere you look you see "Made in China". Are we as a country being productive of anything at all? No!
Carol,
Let's look at the constitution to answer this question. A government for the people, by the people is not what we have now or for a long time. The majority of our Congressional Members speak only on party lines not for their constituents. Our congressional members have lost touch with the average middle class citizens to join the wealthy who stash money in congressional members pockets (like insurance companies and utility companies) to get what they want.
As a retired member of the US Military, Veterans who have spent the majority of their lives protecting the freedoms all citizens of this country deserve, have to pay in the loss of their benefits only to pay disability payments out of their retirement checks etc. This is why "We are mad as Hell"
Why am I angry? I am angry that people who speak out against this administration's policies are labeled: racist, angry mobs, organized, etc. Our voices of opposition are publicly dismissed by Pelosi, Reid, Axelrod, not to mention The President and our own representatives! I am angry at the DECEPTION, or the lack of accurate information given to the People from The President and HIS administration. I am angry at the way they are Spending Our MONEY! Contrary to popular beliefs: WE ARE NOT STUPID AND CAN DO THE MATH! ie: 40 cents a day Vs $1,700 dollars annually (Cap & Tax). We are Not against Health Care Insurance Reform, but believe BIG GOVT has no business running IT! I am angry that mainstream media like yourselves do not cover more if you think it may make Obama look less than Perfect. ie: ACORN. I am angry at E. Holder invesitgation into CIA AGAIN! I could go on & on. Let's see if you mention this one!
Mad as Hell...you bet I am. I'm mad because while conservatives yell about the Canadians that come to the US and go "See, a national healthcare plan does not work." they conveniently forget to mention the epic campaign launched a couple of years back by the drug companies and the Bush administration to stop millions of Americans from ordering their medicine FROM Canada where medicine was cheaper. I'm mad that not a single person has bothered mentioning that the reason why lines are long in Canada is because there are more people getting the healthcare they need. I'm made at both parties because they think more insurance will lower cost. Any person half asleep in Economics 101 knows that the more you use something the more expensive it gets. I'm mad as hell all right...and I'm not taking it anymore.
I believe the anger has nothing to do with policy about big government but an echo of the 'election 08'. George Bush started the bailout, the stimulus package and recked the economy for 8 years. He lied about the war and made money for his allies. He appointed more czars than any president. I am yet to hear any of these challenged to the so called conservative who want to take back their country. Calling a president a socialist for stopping a free fall to depression which would have bankrupt the country. And now the health care is now a ration care, gov't take over. This is a shame and Bill Maher was right. please we need to educate ourselves more and forget the polician trying to secure the jobs for themselves. The conservatives sat there when Bush reck the country now the blame it on someone else. The media should debate this fairly.
As the saying goes, "You can't have peace without justice." We have a revolution brewing, but maybe that's good. Because there's no justice anymore – not on any level. Whether it's at home between the sexes, or on the job, or between races, classes, the rich and poor(er), or employee and manager, the hate is on the rise. People only care about others when they know the corrupt will be weeded out. But when does that ever happen anymore. It's the have's against the have nots. Even the Obama gov't, which I support wholeheartedly, seems to be looking the other way while the banks, which totally screwed the world with its shady subprime loan practices (and then got paid for it by the Bush govn't. . .), well, now these same banks are screwing the individual once more by raising interest rates to criminal levels. People who are honest are considered to be naive idiots nowadays (but not by me). If you want less anger and more peace, then more liars need to be held accountable, esp those in powerful positions. Bottom line: No justice = no peace, period.
Yes, I'm mad as hell...I mad at where were all these people when we were sent to a unnessary war, where were all these people when our life saving were going broke, where were all these people when the Bush Administration was Bailing out Banks and not Main Street and Home Owners, where were all these people when my Mother insurance went up $80 a month. This didn't just happen, HOW WE FORGET SO FAST THIS HAPPEN ON THE LAST ADMINISTRATION WATCH, and lets not forget again that this included a war that was not paid for. I'm mad as Hell because people and members of the last administration FORGOT IT WAS THEM, now when it's time to fix it they wash thier hands of it and just say oh NO we aren't getting involved or the Democrates Have the House...Well let me tell you IT'S NONE OF YOUR HOUSE ITS OUR HOUSE AND YOU CAN BE EVICTED! I just like to say I glad to be part of a family where America and Americans come before the next election. And where we answer the call of 'ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU, BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY". FIRST!
THE ARMED FORCES!
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL MY COMRADES EVERYWHERE!
The anger over health care reform is based to a large extent on ignorance. Those screaming the loudest don't know how to debate and apparently are not aware that we rank below Morocco in terms of health care. How can you debate an issue when you are screaming? And yet, many of those screaming are registered to the party that has in totality, pulled away from the debate, with no option of their own. This is beyond a crisis. Where was all this anger when the former Bush administration lied to us as to the reasons for invading Iraq? That president should have been impeached along with Chaney. Over 4000 dead military members later and I don't hear any screaming? Or how about when Bush reversed a jury verdict that found Kerr McGee guilty of fraud against the American people over revenue it owed to the US Department of the Interior. Not to mention Ms. Palin. I heard no screams when she was instrumental in obtaining permission for oil companies to allocate one third of the natural gas reserves in the North Slope for export to Asia? Why? Because, as the saying goes, it's all about the money; $2.00 in Asia versus $1.00 in the US. When will the media understand that a small number of very vocal, loud people do not a majority make. Trying to fix our health care system takes a lot of guts, something no Republican adminsitration has ever done.
I am for health care for everyone in U.S.. but very not very optimistic and no guarantee of U.S. Government accountability of expenditure and cost.
I have been a taxpayer for all my adult life.. over 30yrs... single.. and cannot afford to have family.
I want the American dream of raising family and live a good life, but I know my financial limits. Unfortunately, I work more than 40hrs a week and cannot afford to have a family and don't want to be a burden to anybody else for my care and raising my family.
Besides, I don't qualify for public "government assistance" due to I am single and have a job, which does not pay enough to sustain single life nor let alone a family life.
I look at health care reform as another public welfare that has no government financial accountability and control.
I see people on welfare for years with no reason and not government accountability. I see and know welfare recipient eat a lot better than I do and take advantage of it with no government accountability.,
I pay more than 10 percent of my income for health insurance due to it is life health necessity and a must..
Until I know there is a government control or accountability for expenditure for health care.. I am not for it.. so tired of paying and owing taxes.. for hard life..for someone else to abuse my hard earn taxes being paid..
You showed the clip of Kennedy saying..."ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country" I remember not too long ago...our President was going to ask the students what they could do for their President...and he somehow is a SOCIALIST! Excuse me...my first thought was...maybe a kid would say, "I'm going to graduate college to help you Mr. President"..."I'm going to be a soldier to help protect my country Mr. President"..."I'm going to be the best citizen I can be Mr. President"...on and on! People are too angry and are focusing their energies in the wrong place and it is our publicly elected officials that are the worst role models. They're too busy about worrying about the next election instead of working together NOW. A common conversation...You're wrong, and I'm right...No, you're wrong, and I'm right...No, no, you're wrong, and I'm right...and on and on...intead of looking for the common ground and moving from there. Since when has the President been able to wave a magic wand and fix everything? If people aren't going to work together, than nothing will change.
I believe that people are angry because politicians have been taking advantage of their positions for so long. We used to have representation, now we have 'leaders' that drag us, kicking and screaming, wherever they want to go.
Being a politician can be a very lucrative gig. And politicians have made sure that it stays that way. Perhaps that's why so many politicians are doing everything they can to make our president look bad, they're protecting their paycheck.
Unfortunately, the average American can't do as politicians have done and protect their own paycheck. We no longer have representation to protect us from the unchecked greed of entities like Wall Street – and politicians.
Yeah, I mad as hell. I'm 58 years old, laid off at an age where finding another well paying job may be impossible. And I'm seeing the main-stream media reporting issues without any investigative work, following whatever the Congress and the Obama Administration tells the public. The bank bailout was a circus, the stimulus bill was pushed through Congress by Pelosi without anybody reading the bill. The Cap & Trade bill was rammed through "during the middle of the night" and now we have a healthcare reform bill that the administration wanted to be approved in a matter of weeks when their were no details of the bill. Yet, the Administration and it seems, the media, think that doing the business of the government this way is fine. That whatever a Democratic President wants, he should get . And if you question or criticize him, because he happens to be "part" African-American, we are racist. Don't you wonder why Americans "are mad as hell'.
These people are Republicans who are angry because they lost an election after eight years in power. Now, they are devouring a steady stream of hatred, fear, and Republican propaganda via FOX News and Rush Limbaugh. Our country will never heal until the Fairness Doctrine is reinstated and people hear real news, not FOX FAUX news.
It is vividly clear what all of the anger is about. Think about it. The banks and other corporations needed "bailing out", gas prices were up to $5.00 per gallon, jobs were being sent 'offshore', our troops were erroneously sent to war looking for "weapons of mass destruction", Osama Bin Laden was still at large—all during the BUSH administration. The answer to the question: "Why all the anger?" can easily be answered by asking "Why all the anger—JUST now?".
(What has changed? Oh...we now have a president who wants to make it possible for all Americans to have affordable health insurance).
Carol, how can you call yourself a reporter? We would have been better served if you gave your story from a bar stool. Your objectivity is questionable. You go to a predominantly Reublican area of the country and ask them how the Democratic President is doing. No disclaimers or qualifiers during your report. Are you trying to attain the professional reporting level of Glen Beck or Bill O'reilly? If you can't honestly report the news at least have a drink in your hand so we know the context of your report!
Okay, word to your producer: the 18-24 crowd IS NOT WATCHING AMERICAN MORNING. Find some music that doesnt suck. That crap you have blaring every time you come back from comercial makes me want to turn off my tv.
I've said for some time now that M-m-m-my generation has done more damage to our way of life over the past 30 years than good. We've reached a point where the house of cards fell, and we have to build a better foundation. I think we're angry that things got this bad before anyone wanted to admit the problems, and that the previous administration was in denial until it was too late. Barama is saddled with trying to fix things, and he's going to make mistakes, but at least he's trying. And don't think that we wouldn't be going through these same scenarios if McCain were in office. We'd probably be crying about the same things he'd have put into motion.
Yes, I'm mad as hell. I'm mad at CNN for giving extensive coverage to those few people who are making noise since Obama got in. Where was the coverage during the years Pres. G.W. Bush was destroying our country and invading Iraq? CNN gave plenty of coverage to the right wing rally in D.C. 2 weeks ago but it was only after numerous demonstrations of hundreds of thousands or people in D.C. that CNN managed to cover antiwar demonstrations. And most of us in this country supported the changes in health care being attempted now, as shown in the 2008 election. But because some people are narcissistic (your interviewee's word) and selfish, and have insurance for themselves, they could care less that tens of thousands of others do not have insurance and cannot afford to get insurance under the current system.
Reading through these blogs I see MAD AS HELL resonate and you know what Im gonna say it again. MAD AS HELL! Through out our American history there have been generations that saw things for what they were and they too were MAD AS HELL (segregation, Veitnam). What gave those people the right to stand up for what they believe and not us now? For me and mine, we just want to be heard. Its a big country and sometimes you have to yell to be heard so if Washington did a better job of listening instead of making us believe that they have their own agendas then maybe we wouldn't feel like we have to yell. I know this is not all Obamas fault and so do most of the people I know. This lack of respect for the peoples wishes started long before Obama. Should we have done something when we knew Bush was lying to us? YES we should have, but that time has come and gone and we are left with the consquences of his poor decisions just like we will be left with shards of America while Obama continues the trend.
The reason everyone is mad as hell is simple. Our government has been spending us into oblivion mortgaging our children’s future in order to appease different voting blocks. This has been going on for decades and now we are spending much more than ever before. The national debt per household is over $300,000 each. What are we getting for all this debt? Higher taxes. It’s not just the federal level the states are raising taxes. County and city taxes are going up as well property taxes are going up. All the while incomes are dropping; real estate values are going down. We are tired of seeing people on I phones pay for groceries with food stamps. We are tired of seeing illegal immigrants driving new cars receiving free education and health care. This country was founded on individual liberty not collective compassion. “Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country“. This is a great quote unfortunately we have way to many people wanting something from the government and not enough contributing to the common good.
I agree that the media is responsible for a lot of the anger. There are so many who are misinformed about what is happening in this country. Americans used to turn on the news to get straight talk. Now news is nothing more than opinions. Anchors think they are the news. Non-stop talking heads that are allowed to tell outright lies w/o question.
Whatever happened to investigative journalism? Truth in reporting? Americans don't need to hear a bunch of talking heads expressing little more than their views about what is right or wrong. We need straight talk & honest reporting.
Americans used to get tough when the going got tough but now it's all about me! People keep complaining about illegals but the recession has done more to keep them from crossing the border than anything else. It's the corporations that many are supporting whoo hire them to improve profits. If they couldn't work, they wouldn't come.
It's these same co's that have shipped so many jobs overseas but the protestors are being funded by these same co's. they carew little about American people. they are only interested in profits!!!
Wall St hasn't learned anything & another crash is right around the corner! People complain about banks fees but allow them to charge them. If you don't like it, don't use banks! Don't use their credit cards if you don't like being screwed! Corporate America has hurt this country. Yet, we still allow the same practices to continue. Americans are to blame for allowing this so we try to pass the buck!
I MAD AS HELL AND AM NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE.I did not vote for Obama,but he is our president and gave him the benefit of the doubt and supported him.He talks about our constitution being flawed.
What is this man thinking?That is what our founding fathers built this country on.I am a white man,I had nothing to do with slavery.I do not oppress the blck man.He oppresses himself.You can not help those who do not want help.I am tired of hearing about black in America.Why did Cnn run a special interview about black women in the new adminastration?Why didnt they just run a special about women in the new adminastration.This adinastration is being racist as well as cnn.Why do we not have a white Miss America pagent,or a miss Jewish america pagent?
When George W Bush & Dick Cheney, the co-presidents, were flooding U.S. Treasury money out and into their Haliburton buddies companies, and subsidiaries via the Iraq "war" money laundering scheme, there were no people in the street screaming and threatening violent behavior. No one was calling it the illegal activity that it was. Liberals tend to be peace-loving people. Even when they see wrongs being done, they try to settle it without advocating violence.
Ergo, one can only assume that the people out there yelling, carrying guns, and threatening our current administration, are purely "Karl Rovian" created "theater of the absurd." They would be delighted to see it escalate and are hoping for just that outcome. It isn't about health care. It is all about losing power, and losing to people who may well turn things around from the right-wing path that lined their pockets.
I've been in those "town hall" meetings on health care and it is my guess is that many of the protesters are being PAID under the table by the Republican far right!
Why are people mad as hell; because of networks like yours and Fox news. Eight months into the Obama Adm., which started during what many think was one breath away from a depression, CNN/Dobbs network does everything they can to diminish this administration. I'm always amazed that pro-Obama interviewees, whether those on the street, or those you chose to be "talking heads" are almost always black. What's that about? People are mad because of what they're being fed by you and others. Please show me a report you've done on the state of this country, whether it was the lack of importance given the war in Afghanistan, or the financial collapse that was taking place when this President took office. It's like I've said many times, when 9/11 occurred for quite some time, Dems and "R's" worked with Pres. Bush, gave him whatever he wanted, we were all Americans. But now, the media has forgotten, in just eight months, what was on the plate of Obama when he took office. It's a constant negative drumbeat; and your network, and Fox news plays a huge roll in the hate that is starting to consume this country. You must be so proud. People are listening...and if and when something awful happens, CNN and Fox news will act like they are shocked that it did. "Mad as Hell"...what a way to bring people together in a time when we really need to be Americans first.
I know the way to get 100% of Americans angry: conservative watch a couple hours of FOX and liberals watch a couple hours of MSNBC. Both sides should then discuss 1960’s era ideological arguments.
I am a doctor at a VA hospital. I wouldn't say I'm angry, but am frustrated and increasingly more depressed. I work at the VA, and volunteer elsewhere, because I care about people who have less than others, or at least I used to. The patients are coming in yelling at me because they can't get EVERYTHING for nothing and are not willing or able to understand something beyond a surface level. Maybe they always felt this way, but are now fueled by the popularity of ignorant hate mongers in this country who encourage them to think only of themselves. I am seriously thinking about quitting the practice of medicine.
What does race have to do with anything other than where your ancestors lived in relation to the equator. I'm starting to suspect that those who continually bring up race are racists and assume that because they are, everyone else must feel that way.
I am mad as hell just recently here in Sargent Nebraska we were notified our nursing home will be closing November 30th it employes 63 people that is 10% of sargents population it is going to effect every business in our area, our grocery store the restraunts, gas stations, even the school, if the employees decide to move where they can find employment... It is truely a sad situaton, not only for employees but for the residence who have lived there in the community for years. now they are being shipped out to places away from their family and friends.
Don't you get so tired of hearing what is wrong with our country, or our president, and leaders among us? Everyone seems to know more answers then trying to really fixt it. We need to first, FIX OURSELVES!! Then we can be better Americans and get busy with a positive attitude and lend a helping hand to those in need, then we wont have time to murmur and grip.
I feel compelled to respond to your A.M. fix piece. America is most definately out of wack. During the great depression, my Grandfather was a Federal loan officer in Pierce countyNebraska; He organized 'penny auctions' when farm families got forclosed on by the banks; now all I see is greed. Everywhere is posted how you can make millions buying 'forclosed' homes...Where went the spirit of not leting your neighbor go under? Awhile back, you reported on a woman who bought back a forclosed home for its previous owner; this was treated like some special deal when it ought to be the way we think.Ask me how I am weathering the current 'recession' and I will tell you I am o.k. and so are my friends 'cause we share what we have and stand together...to me, this is what it means to be American!
All anger is derived from fear. In this case people are afraid that their liberties are somehow being compromised. People hear rumors about death panels or health care rationing by the government and they get scared. On the other side of the aisle people are scared that their premiums will keep climbing and their benefits will keep getting cut. People see that the hundreds of billions spent on the economic stimulus don't seem to be putting Americans back to work, and they get scared. People see Israel shaking their spears at Iran and they get scared. We are living that old Chinese curse of "may you live in interesting times," only this time around there is no sense of unity to pull us through. A nation gets to this point by being demoralized and frightened by their own sense of powerlessness for a long period of time. What's worse is our political leaders have no problem capitalizing on that fear for their own ends.
Come on! Most people have seen 30, 40, $50,000 or more of their retirement/savings disappear, they're scared their heatlh care coverage will be weakened, they've lost their jobs, they're taxed to death while watching the government spend billions of dollars around the world and you ask why we're mad?
Am I mad as hell? Not anymore. I was mad as hell for almost the full 8 years W was in office. I saw the crowds at these 'tea parties' and town halls and even the ones in DC last weekend and I must say they looked rather small in comparison to the crowds I joined in that very place just a few short years before to protest the Iraq War and the Bush Administration. Who cares if these people are mad? They sure didn't care when the other half of the country was mad.
Why are SOME people angry?
It is a political tactic of the right. They have nothing else to offer so they yell loudly and make up lies and misinformation. Their behavior is lowering the quality of discourse in America and might prevent us from getting a meaningful reform in health care. Shame on them!
It's people like Dennis who are the problem and just don't get it or just don't listen to the facts... He complains about government jamming their agenda down our throats... Healthcares... if we don't fix healthcare it will cost all of us seriously in the future and run up the national debt... A fganistan... well we finally have a president dealing with the actual terror problem and not some made up war to fit his purpose... Bailouts... again if we had done nothing we would be in much worst state than if nothing had been done... Immigration is the toughist issue since it has been allowed to flourish for decades, controlled by big business who now cannot operate without them...
In 200 years we have been able to pollute most of the country, ruin it's resources and now that no one has ever taken the tiger by the tail to fix the problem a small group of self imposed "real Americans" blame the one trying to actually fix these issues...
All this BS didn't start when Obama became President.... he's the only President whose had the balls to try and fix what's broken...
I am mad as hell because this President that I did not vote for does not care what the people think or need. He only cares about his own personal agenda which is not bringing the poor to the top, but the rich to the bottom. In other words: "COMMUNISM"
I've seen so much coverage of all of the "angry" people in the country and they all seem to be of the conservatives persuasion. I am a moderate liberal (if I must have a label) and the only things that I'm mad about are the venomous words that are tearing the country apart, and the inflamatory reporting that doesn't show the oppinion of conservatives or the fact that we love America too. Are anger, fear and hate the only things worth reporting. It only serves to divide the country further.
My sense is that media is causing much of the unrest. Without coverage, these fringe situations would remain just that... fringe.
Were is your coverage of the folks (like myself) who are supportive of health care reform? We aren't 'news' enough... we aren't engaging enough so your coverage concentrates on the group that screams and shouts.
"Somebody has to bring us back to where we were 40 years ago., ”
says Ms. Reed. Does she remember what America was like back then... 50,000 Americans dying in a Vietnam war that was soon to be lost, American cities in flame from inner City riots, civil rights and anti-war protests engulfing campuses and students being beaten, attacked by police and dogs, and even murdered; One President just assasinated and Watergate just around the corner. Is that what Ms. Reed and the angry tea-partiers want?
I am reminded of the closing scene of the movie "The Deer Hunter". The shattered survivors gather in a dingy steel town bar, shattered, used, still poor. Still trying to come to terms with experiences they do not comprehend, they seek refuge in one thing that has been drummed into them, and break into a dissonant , haunting and unconvincing version of 'America the Beautiful.' It is all they've got. Sad.
I'll tell you whos mad as hell. Republicans and rascists!
I think the anger comes from people fueling it , such as rush limbugh and others. I would love the country to come together and all work together on problems, as far as healthcare both parties need to get together work hard on a good bill for the people.
get out of Afghanistan and spend the money here on our own country.
This "mad as hell" atmosphere is actively being stoked by the right wing for political advantage. Irresponsible personalities on the airwaves, such as Limbaugh and Beck, have made hate and fear their stock in trade. I live in the South, and the undercurrent of racism is evident to me. The uneducated people at the town halls and tea parties ought to "follow the money" to see who is encouraging them. The Chamber of Commerce and Freedom Works are not out to help the middle class. Their agenda is to help the business and insurance industries. People need to wake up and realize where their own self-interest lies. MOST Americans need and want health insurance reform, and a public option would help prices.
joe neal wrote
eptember 21st, 2009 7:33 am ET
Where is the anger coming from:
1. People who listen to Rush
2. People who are right wing
3. People who are racist
people who listen to RUSH??
wth is wrong with rush??
Dear Carol, Being 'mad as hell' diverts energy away from being able to see things in a logical and sane manner. Anger can only lead to misunderstanding and provocation without knowing the facts of the matter. These individuals who are being 'whipped up' into a frenzy by Special Interest Groups are being lead down a divergant path on purpose. Special Interest Groups such as the Capitolists of this country are happy to keep the focus off of the REAL issues facing our President and Congress. Why be 'mad as hell', why not listen for a change, then make decisions about your life based on the TRUTH of the matter?!
The main thing that struck me in this report....the woman saying we need for things to be the way they were 40 years ago...the 60's when african-americans were subjugated and had no civil rights. Ah, the good ole days!
What angers me the most during this very trying time for this country is not the fact that we cannot agree on a proper bill on health care reform, it is not that we have people in the media whose sole purpose in life seems to spread lies and hatred much like the evil figure from World War II who they like to use as a basis for comparison to others, and it is not the people at the town hall meetings that have no ears but a lot of mouth. What angers me is that it seems as if no one in this country thinks for themselves anymore and that is far more dangerous than any recession or war ever will be.
People's anger can be mainly traced to a feeling of helplessness, and a need to blame someone so that they can make sense of it all. No one wants to believe that bad things can seemingly spontaneously happen to them, and by identifying someone as being at fault, it helps to assure them that someone has control over their situation, even if they assume that person is not acting in their best interest.
Much of the criticism of Obama at this time is not because those criticizing him really understand the issues, but because they've been told that his policies will hurt them more- that somehow he is responsible for the economic downturn, or that he wants to make the problem worse.
There are two possibilities for the reason for the anger, both of which are a basic disconnect from reality. Either:
a) People are truly angry, but misplacing their anger on those who did not create the problems they are angry about (the economy, the bailouts, out of control spending on wars and tax cuts for the wealthy and special interests, etc all went south under the LAST administration not this one)
b) People are only selectively angry at THIS President because they don't like his political agenda and/or background and either or both threaten their pre-conceived notions about the world. If Obama succeeds it will create too much cognitive dissonance and they will further retreat into madness.
America is late in gettion "mad ad hell". Why didn't we protested back on the Bush era?? Common people have no clue on the complexity of todays America.
STOP MOPING AND LETS GET TO WORK.
Why is the anger of right wingers honored and the anger of the rest of us dismissed? After eight years of incompetence, secrecy, and, yes, lies, from the Bush administration, I was very angry. The bailout, the recession, the unsuccessful wars - these Bush achievements made me angry, too. I took my anger out by campaigning for Obama. Why do we accept the idea
that right wing Americans should be permitted to shriek at us and try to claim that our country is theirs and only theirs.
Hardly ever mentioned in any of your reports is the leadership of Dick Armey and his group that has worked very hard to quash health care reform. Also, the lobby of the insurance industry is spending millions of dollars to do the same thing. They worked very hard to whip up the anger and clearly told people what to do at the meetings in early August.
Then, the coverage about these protests has been exponential. Fascinating fact is the coverage is huge when they are anti-protests. Two weeks ago in Seattle there was a pro health care rally with over 3,000 people attending. Where was CNN? No coverage at all.
Appalling. You should have been there.
And CNN fuels and promotes the anger whenever CNN has commentators like angry Roland on TV yelling at people and telling them to shut up.
Then CNN preaches that it's the conservatives who are causing the problem.
CLEAN YOUR HOUSE FIRST CNN BEFORE YOU CONTINUE TO LECTURE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS.
I'm a little disappointed in Carol's piece this morning... I thought it was a little one sided of her. She could only find ONE Dem couple to express their views. It seemed to have been presented from a more Republican/conservative viewpoint. CNN usually gives a more even-sided opinion. Maybe in this particular part of the country that IS the view.. But, I left that piece feeling people were a little self centered, and more ME first... I want to know what has happened to giving my brother a hand?
Let's truly be honest here, Middle America other wise known as the middle class white america hates the fact that we have a African American President. Thus, everything he does is under scrutiny. I want them to stop being scared and say what they really want to say! Don't be a subliminal racist, speak out! But no! They'd rather hide behind the term "Take the Country Back"... How absurd!
The people of this country are waking up and realizing iur government is screwing up over more every year,, and we are sick of it.. i see now they are trying to tax food and drink.. what is next? the air we all breath? ITS Time for term limits, put an end to career politics,, the longer these people are in office *arlen specter* the farther from reality they become
Yes I'm Mad. The current administration is ruining the country that my grandchildren will live in through higher taxes and more and more obtruscive government control and wide spread corruption. Tell Charlie Wrangle and people in Washington to pay their taxes like we do before they try to pass on more taxes to us.
The "rage" is completely artificial, ginned up by a tightly organized and well financed network of radical righties.
They are playing on people's fears of change, and, yes, let us say so, anger at the idea that a black man is President of the United States.
As to the woman who said she would like to take the USA back 40 years, I'm all for that. That was the time of Woodstock, a nation whose ideals have never faded away
OMG you are interviewing people sitting in bars, of course they are mad and angry, it's a better pick up line
Where was all your concern about "everybody working together, etc." when Bush was president. If everyone had pulled together and supported the War on Terror, we would be a lot further along!
I agree with several who spoke in your broadcast...it is my belief that the anger stems from having so much, for so long, and folks forgetting the neighbor aspect. Patriotism and caring for one another. It is all about "ME"! IF my needs are met , then no worries. And the heck with everyone else, let them pull themselves up by thier bootstraps.
I agree with the retired Postal worker...some things we do NOT wish to "go back to" as Americans.
I also believe we have lost common curtosy, self control, and respect for the office of Presidency with understanding that if we do not like what is happening, another election is just around the corner.
I wish the media would explore the racial component of those who claim they're all of a sudden angry. They're overwhelmingly American White citizens and they were never supporters of the President. IMO the media is giving more attention than warranted to a minority if folks, giving the perception that it's the majority of White folks who are angry at the President, which is not true . No matter what the President does these people will not support him.It's sad when the media stokes these flames and give these people credence. The majority against the President are against him because of his race. These problems did not develop overnight, where were they when Bush was in office. Please tell me.
I think the anger really started during the presidential campaign - with outrageous talk of "palling around with terrorists" and socialism - at about the same time the economy started tanking. Americans have been living with fear - real or manufactured - since 9/11. Some of the politicians and pundits have been inciting and/or inflaming those fears recently with talk about death panels, the "birthers" garbage, government takeovers, etc. Add in folks like Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Lou Dobbs and a few other conspiracy theorists with fear and smear tactics, and you wind up with people who are scared and mad as hell.
The sad thing is that a lot of the anger is because of stuff that isn't true. I'm very concerned that the panic and fear may lead to violence. In fact, I'm mad as hell at the irresponsible people who are using Americans' concerns about the economy and health care as a means to boost revenues and ratings for their TV shows!
People seem to be confused about the phrase taking America Back the people arnt talking about going back in time but rather having there voice heard and having there words make a differance instead of government saying well thats too bad but the buck stops here in government and we know whats good for you even if your right and were wrong.
President Obama was right. All this drama is catnip to the media. Focus on people who desperately need health care reform, like me. If I get sick, I die. Is that enough drama for you?
Dear Carol: I am a frequent viewer of American Morning, and also your show before the formatting changes. Thought and think you are great by the way! In reference to your "mad as hell" reporting, please check out the current October 1 issue #1088 of Rolling Stone magazine. The article, The Lie Machine, under the National Affairs section, appears to be a valid revealing account of how this "mad" frenzy was put into motion. I haven't heard anything like this reported on the news (only inferences made to corporations) and I feel it needs to be researched for validity, and if found accurate, needs to be unleashed on air. Thank you for keeping this in front of us.
Patricia Murphy
Peachtree Corners – Norcross, GA
I think one of the reasons people are mad is the FACT that our Government has sold our country to the special interests and is giving illegals money and benefits at the expense of hard working Americans. As I watch money handed out as if it were candy I am told that even though doctors agree I have no business trying to work , I am expected to repay student loans that I acrued trying to learn a new trade so I could continue working. Due to multiple heart incidents, other health problems and a wreck that was unavoidable I am now on disability. I can not afford to go back to school and do not know if I would be able to pass if I did. Even with insurance my medications cost enough to pay a car payment every month. Add raising an eight year old to that and you should get an idea of why I and others are MAD AS HELL. This is not the only thing about the state of our country that makes me MAD AS HELL but that is another topic.
"Mad" as in "mad dog?" Yes, indeed...I see that. To the gentleman (and I use the term advisedly) who, when interviewed, said with assurance that it's fine to "call it as you see it" and hurl insults and names, since when does that constitute constructive debate? For goodness sake, you punish your children (or at least correct them) when they name-call. I hear people dismiss facts (yes, facts, not opinions) not by mustering other facts in a cogent argument but by resorting to screaming and foul language and even physical contact. We are not getting what we want (peace, security, financial stability) and we feel powerless so we throw a tantrum like an out-of-control two-year-old. Americans are the poster children for bad behavior. It's embarrassing and it's counterproductive. Tough times call for ADULTS...where are they?
As a western Pennsylvanian I can tell you that many of the citizens here are part of what I call the Republican uneducated base. Their angry and bitter about the election of Barack Obama. There is not a day that I don't pick up the Post Gazette here in Pittsburgh and read a letter to the editor where it is base on senseless fear of the unknown. Also these former steelworkers are being fed a daily dose of false nonsense on conservative radio which is big in western PA. One thing all these angry citizens have in common is that their education level is usually high school only, Republican and if you asked them they will tell you they watch Fox news. I blame all the media for what is going on because they continue to past these citizens off as a representation of whats going on in America and they are not. There are plenty of Americans of all races who understands the country.s problem and how we got here. These Americans out number the so call angry Americans!
I was listening to your report and watching these people who want to blame Obama and call him a racist. I typically just tune these people out. I'm suffering, but if they are suffering too, so be it. It will get better with time. Some (not all) but some of these people voted for Bush, not once, but twice. I did not vote for Bush either term. I was certain that he could only harm our country. Many of these people who now want to blame Obama (who hasn't been in office long enough) for the problems of this country need to look to themselves and the former administration. Obama is not a miracle worker, but he is trying to do the impossible job left to him by Bush and Cheyney and a Republican Congress. Many of these overtly angry people need to point a finger at themselves. You miss your middle class lifestyle, what did you do or not do to help yourself get there. Now you want to act. Did you act when the Bush administration was feeding you with all types of misinformation in order to start a war in Iraq and spending tons of money over there? Did you act when they were letting corporations run like vigilantes? Probably not. Stop the fear and stop the anger, it's not productive. Most importantly, I truly believe that what you give out is what you get back, so if you are negative and angry you'll be sure to get it back.
All the anger and vitriol should not come as a great surprise. This is a Baby Boomer country. The majority of the population are BBs and their offspring, many of whom are mirror images of their BB parents. Me first, me always is the motto. I'm right all the time the other side is always wrong. Why should we be surprised at the contentiousness of our politics or the state of our economy.
The town hall meetings and tea parties are a throwback to the 60's. Yelling, screaming baby boomers having a temper tantrum because they can not have their way. Screaming about their rights while trampling on the rights of others. Left wing or right wing, there's no difference. They are more alike than not. My way or the highway is the BB mantra.
How did we get to this point politically, economically? It couldn't have come out any other way given the emotional retardation of the boomer. From the Wall St. bankers who in their arrogance and self-absorption crafted "financial weapons of mass destruction" with no consideration for anything other than their own self-aggrandizement to our two boomer presidents who both disgraced the nation with their selfish, neurotic narcissistic behavior, they all reflected the boomer generation , which is now ending as it began in an orgy of self.
Boomers who began their "adulthood" with the call to "ask what you can do for your country" will end wallowing in their self-pity and narcissism. Nothing occurring in America today should be a surprise to anyone. It couldn't have ended any other way.
good morning John and Kirin.
I think the reason everyone feels this way is that this government is jamming there agenda down our throats, ie healthcare, afganistan, bailouts and everything that benifits them, not us.
they(espically Obama) need to deal with the problems were having now, ie the economy, the banks that are using our money intrest free and continuining to charge us to death, and one really important issue that seems to be getting less mention and should be right out front, the immigrant problem, if the gov wants to get my attention they need to start dealing with the issues that are concerning us most, maybe then I would be willing to listen to thier concerns. I guess it all boils down to not feeling like they are representing us, which amazingly seemed to be at the forfront of the elections.....
the more I watch the more I worry that eventually the american people are going to say that they've had enough and do what it takes to wipe the slate clean and start over where the gov is concerned, and mark my words, there are a lot of people like me that truly love this country and hate to see what is happening now.....
The current sentiment in our country reflects concern and fear for what the future holds. However concern and fear are being transformed and publicized as anger by a few outspoken, rude people attending tea partys and townhall meetings. This is a typical political tactic used by the conservatives as a means of disrupting any meaningful dialogue. Newt Gingrich and Karl Rove have long been associated with utilizing this type of undermining influence. It has not worked in the past and will fail again.
I don't know that it isn't more frustration than anger. Consider the last 2 yrs.: A house worth 350K 2 yrs. ago is likely now worth maybe 300K or 290K, or even less. A new car still costs 25-32K (relatively modest car at that). Utility bills haven't shrunk by any %.
Gasoline roller coaster over the last two years
Incomes have crashed. Mine is down by more than 50%. Oh yeah, and alot of those income crashes have happened to people whose careers are already 25 yrs. in the making, so...46 to 55 yrs. old. and one is faced with: What now?
Those are alot of disparate numbers to digest as one tries to fall asleep at night.
I need some dramamine.
All I see is people mostly with a "chicken little" mentality creating alot of fear over things and senerios drummed up by the radical talk show host and not listening to the actual plans to fix health care...
They complain about the bank bailout without listening to the outcome if we had done nothing... they complain about the auto industry without listening to the outcome if we had done nothing...
They say this is the greatest country in the world but mistrust the government... they complain about government programs, yet take the Medicaid and social security...
They complain about illegals but run or are employed by businesses that hire illegals...
This is nothing but a mindset hate of the "Left" without listening or understanding what the left is actually saying or trying to do...
There is no comminism, socialism, marxism... just Americans trying to change the problem that have too long been ignored and are now serious issues in the country... health care, green energy, revamp the failing auto industry ect...
Our schools are a joke, kids graduating knowing little...
we do nothing in this country anymore, but buy thing... we make little...
and import almost everything... it's a "ME" society who just wants things... not things we need, things we want... the "Poser" look at me mentality...
The right conservatives want to go back to the "Ward and June Cleaver" era... it will never happen... we've evolved and it's time to move on and be a part of where the rest of the world is evolving too or be a third world country..
I think all of this anger is coming from a very dark place. What you see is politicians from the right who are fueling these nasty people who walk around with pictures of the president in racist effigy.
Then these politicians back away and say that they did not want people to protest in that fashion. They never lash out at these people because deep down they love it.
Where was the Tea Party when George W. Bush was running our country into the ground? Did they stop their children from watching any of the previous presidents talk on television.
This segment of America thinks they are the true patriots but they are really Un-American. If you only show respect to our president when he is your man and call yourself a true American YOU LIE!!!!
I think congressmen don't get it. They have not been hurt like the citizens.
They need to take a paycut, lay off staff. Any pay raises should be voted in by the citizens-not the politicians. Their retirement pay should be half their current salary. Health care should be equal to theirs or they should give up some of their benefits.
They should not be allowed to take all the trips to foreign countries. They should not be allowed to have all the airplanes to take them from home to DC-that is just their cost of doing business and they asked for it.
They should start breaking up the monopolies-big businesses like Wall Street and Banks. They should not allow lobbist-close down K-street. If it has to happen put it back on the individual company books .
Let the really-wealthy feel some of the pain that most of us feel.
I am very upset with our government and I don't think the news media or white house gets it. They could do one thing that would change how we feel and that is GET RID OF LOBBYISTS! Until this is done, we don't believe a thing they say. When I heard Max Baucus is second only to the President on contributions from insurance companies, it made me sick. I voted for him for change and I feel that's the change we expected. They all represent us, not the corporations. I feel it's a war between big business and the voters and we have lost. They own our government. I received an e-mail that quoted Bill Cosby on how our country should be run. It was exactly what I'm talking about. America should come 1st on everything, jobs, security, paying our bills, feeding our poor, and healthcare for all, and then when we get stable, help other countries again. Thank you for listening.
Oh PLEASE!!!! I used to think better of CNN! How can you all possibly state that you are taking the temperature of the Nation by listening to a minority group of RADICAL way-to-the-right "WINGNUT" lunatics and claim that this small group represents the majority of the nation........that's simply just NOT True. I understand that people should be concerned and even upset if they have lost their jobs. However, NO person in this Nation has lost their right to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness because of President Obama. Don't get me wrong......these citizens definitely have a right and duty to dissent if that's how they feel, however, they should dissent while still showing the proper respect for the office of the president no matter who occupies the office. So, CNN.......why don't you go visit somewhere that is NOT protesting and take THEIR temperature......I think that you'll find that it's MUCH lower!
Yes I'm MAD AS HELL! Mad as hell that my 2 master's degrees w/ 10 yrs. experience can't even land me an interview! I'm mad as hell that my president and his administration doesn't understand the concept of prioritization, and that you don't spend what you don't have. I'm mad as hell that I'm expected to do more with less while Washington continues to do less with more. I'm mad as hell that "I'll bring the troops home" has turned into "Their new home is Afghanistan." I'm mad as hell that expecting intelligent leadership from my President somehow makes me a racist in the eyes of press and pundits! GROW UP! Quit making excuses! Try to raise a family with no job - and no hopes. Alabama has nearly 11% unemployment - where's my president?!
The question really should be.... What is caucasian Americans so angry about.? Im not seeing much uproar from other communities.
I know we're all in tight economic times. But, why is it that the only democratic/liberal view to your story was a black couple.
The use of stereotypical conservatives is just as demeaning....beer drinking, cigarette puffing, gun toting white people.
Are we ignorant to your lazy questions on typical topics like....why are you so mad? Is it okay to call him a lier or racist.... The tough gun toter is not going to back down. You knew what he's going to say.
Maybe try this one out? Why were you not protesting in November '08 when the Bush administration without a congressional vote delivered a huge amount of dollars the big banks.
There are no white democrats in Pennsylvannia?
Lazy reporting....that chooses to add fuel to this ignorant fire? I know you trying to seem impartial, but let's a least try to be fair and creative.
Why does CNN take a snap-shop of Western Pennsylvania and talk about it as "America"? Take snapshots from around the country, even around Pennsylvania, for a more balanced view. Where's the real investigative reporting? I could have told you that you would have found opposition to Obama in Western Pennsylvania.
We want big government out of our lives. We have politions who do not listen to us and vote their agenda. The constitution limits what our government can impose on us. However, our elected officials feel they know better what is good for us. We definitely need term limits.
I blame some of the anger on the media. They are the ones who get the attention all the time. When they interview people they always go to the parts of the country where the unemployment is very high and of course these people are going to be angry and upset. Why is it that the news media never interviews people who are working and going about their everyday lives. If someone is angry the news media play this over and over again but never show people who for example are in favor of health care. The people who are in favor of health care get a small blip and gone.
Why are people mad as hell? Biased media coverage by CNN that is not only hurting their own ratings, but not accurately depicting how Americas as a whole feel. We will know when CNN corrects their bias issue when ratings start to look more like those at that other network.
Talking to two minorities is all that you have. They are saying the truth. The problem is alot in this area of westmoreland country will call you the n word in a minute. Carol very disappointed that you didn't know the facts about westmoreland country. The mccain and palin rallies in this county showed the "whites only crowd" they didn't vote for this president because they will tell you they don't want a minority in office. Maybe you should have talked to minorities more in this county and really found out how the county is. Your report doesn't talk about the burnt crosses in minorities and bi-racial peoples yards, etc.
I understand all of this shouting, BUT, why did the people not do this with our past president. This mess we are in did not start with this president. I agree, things need to change big time. BI-PARTISANSHIP-WHERE IS IT, that is our biggest problem and it is hurting the rest of us.
Please let these nuts go home and be quiet. This story seemed to be catered to perpetuate the shouting and dissension already out there in areas that are feeling depressed....which by the way, came from the previous administration not the current one. If these folks are fed up with some many things WHY HAVEN'T THEY SAID SOMETHING BEFORE THIS ADMINISTRATION!! This is nothing more than those who oppose Pres. Obama trying to make life difficult for this administration and blame Pres. Obama for the woes of the country. Did Carol ask these folks who they feel are responsible for the current condition of the country? When they admit these problems existed before Pres. Obama then "MAYBE" these noise makers will shut up and CNN will move on and stop giving them an audience. Go find some other radical groups and give them an audience if you insist on publicizing the resistence movement.
I saw the report this morning and it seemed very slanted. Slanted in a way that is not healthy for progress. People saying they want to go back is in my humble estimation is them saying they want to go back to a time when it was unthinkable for an African American.
The war is not Obamas fault but it is his problem. How convenient for people to blame hum for the war and unemployment. I'm not a rebublican or a democrat. These ideaologies are passe'. America needs to move to a unified progressive stance domesticly and internationaly.
The race chatter is so spun its silly. Race is the pink elephant in the room that the declining majority walk around as though it will walk away. After 400 years that not logical or likely.
You better believe that I'm mad as hell and I'm going to speak out. I am not going to compromise with Socialists, and Marxists like Obama, Pelosi, Reid and Barney Frank when it comes to turning America into a Country like Cuba or Venezuela. No way!
If anyone is fanning the fire of hate it's the media. President Obama is as fourth coming as any past president I have ever seen or read about, yet it's the media outlet like Fox (lies) news, talk radio and even CNN that continue to report on the negative lies. When will everyone stop? Is the media tryng to start a civil war? You guys are the information everyone gets and its your duty to report the facts and not scare people.
Carol,
I grew up in Jeannette, PA - I also moved away 30 years ago at the age of 21 because the economy was really bad, there were no jobs, no hope for the future there. My dad lived their until his death a few years back and he always told me that the economy never recovered and most people lived on welfare to get by. I was lucky to have escaped and found a better way of life.
By no means, the life here in Findlay, OH was not easy especially the past 10 years, but I'm sure I've done a lot better for myself than staying in Western PA. However, my home will always be there, but place I make a living is were I stay and live!
Sue Durain
Findlay OH
The rich have gotten very rich, and everyone else is losing. Over $400 million spent by the insurance companies on lobbying Washington. That money was not spent to help the people, but to add FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt). People are tired of the lies, misrepresentation, and lies.
Get rid of Lobbyists. Their interests are not in line with the people. That is not where the money comes from. "Follow the money!"
BTW How much health care could be bought for $400 million. Doesn't that money actually belong to the insured and not the companies. They are using our money to help us?
Carol your report is all true. I have lived here in western pa for over 47 years. Alot of people here feel like they need to go back to what the country use to be. Alot don't want to change. Some of the areas that you went to don't like this president and never will. Westmoreland county is one of the places that loved the palin crap. Don't be caught there being a minority at night. So Carol maybe next time you should do your homework better and know about the areas you are going into. Be a minority in this county of westmoreland and see what alot of people call you when you walk the streets.
People are mad as hell without any civility because they are using our First Amendment rights to "speak out". Unfortunately, when you look at the sector of people speaking out at these town halls are OLDER WHITE PEOPLE many of whom are on MediCare/Medicade, yet they don't want any socialized health care. It's a sad thing that America is the ONLY country in the industrialized world with out a government supported health plan.
Yes, I am mad a hell. I am mad because we have failed to be a united country and because we have fallen into the trap of the "All is me" mentality and attitude. This has led to a modern day version of greed. Not limited to money, but all that which at the individual level sets us apart from each other. Instead of all of us being partners in the success of the country, we have become divided as a people and in the process become so apathetic and spoiled that its beyond some of us to recognize our own actions as hurtful. Yes government has a role to play but there is to the Presidents point, a lack of individual responsibility towards ones self and how we raise our kids. As generations are born we are not teaching these core values that at one point made America great. That is sad to watch.
I want everyone to know that President obama is doing what he can. This is america not a protest civilization. you need to stop and think and listen to what is going on. I love my country and i support it. I agree with the retired postman on what he said i do not want to see you people take over the country and were are you going to take it to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where is the anger coming from:
1. People who listen to Rush
2. People who are right wing
3. People who are racist
=
REPUBLICANS who do nothing but criticize and have NO ideas of their own.
The current vitriol has SORE LOSER and immaturity written all over it. The bottom line is the people’s voice was heard loud and clear last November. So, let us move on until the next time “We the people” speak.
Saying the current debate has nothing to do with race is irresponsible and akin to saying the illegal war in Iraq had everything to do with Al Qaeda. Ninety (90) percent of African Americans voted for Barack Obama. That being said, only the naïve would believe that NONE of the “Tea Party Express” weren’t just as biased especially considering the fact almost all of those who attended the march on Washington were white.
As Americans we need to do a better job of compromising and stop allowing the Glenn Becks of the world to make themselves wealthy by being divisive. It’s like America’s been diagnosed with lung cancer because of our previous actions and we’re working with the best Oncologist; yet, we know our chances of death are not only possible but probable. And, although I disagree with big government, I understand why it is important. From Bernie Evers to Bernie Madoff, America is on the brink of depression BECAUSE OF the lack of government regulations, not in spite of.
Help Fight “Socialism”
End Medicare & Social Security For Conservatives NOW! – just sayin’!