The LA Times sports columnist TJ Simers occasionally runs a piece with emails that mock the small-minded and petty nature of some of his readers. It’s pretty easy, really. Just recap insane comments from the gullible and easily inflamed and you’ve got instant material for your column. Then remind us that “these people live among you.” Here is an example. I’ve often thought the concept could be applied to the political world, especially when reading quotes from the bloggers and radio talk show hosts that frame the political debate at home.
First a disclaimer: most of my friends know my political leanings. I’ve been an active Democrat for a long time, but by no means do I consider myself bitterly partisan. It doesn’t mean that I don’t firmly support the principles and values of the party – it’s more that I made a decision a long time ago not to take this stuff so damn personally. And I try to not preach to other people about their beliefs. When I was running political campaigns I wanted to win badly, not just for the sake of it – but because I believe in the fundamental principles of the party and felt that the candidates I worked with were going to improve lives. But I never took it personally. It’s all part of the deal. You do what it takes to win - then you leave it on the table and try and move on to work together. I know, sounds quaint.
But the tone in today’s political debate is just way out of control. It affects both those on the left and right – and so much of it is so outrageous that it doesn’t deserve comment. But I came across this little beauty right from my good ol’ hometown and just had to share. It comes from the top-rated drive-time duo John and Ken on KFI 640. You know, “more stimulating talk radio.”
The two have taken up the mantle to repeal the State’s global warming efforts via a proposed ballot initiative next year. Fair enough guys, you think it’s a job-killer. Never mind that getting off our dependence on foreign oil could improve our national security. Or that California is attempting to set itself up as a leader in clean-tech jobs and industries, much like the growing economies in China, Brazil and dozens of other countries. And hell, the President has the corner on calling out the banks and Wall Street for getting us in this mess. So why not blame those crazy environmentalists, led by out of control lefty Gov. Schwarzenegger, for trashing our State’s economy?
Here are Ken and John on the issue, according to a story from the LA Times:
GOP gubernatorial candidates and Tea Party organizers paint the 2006 law, considered a model for other state and federal efforts, as a job-killing interference in the economy. Talk radio is flailing at what John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou, drive-time hosts on Los Angeles’ KFI-AM (640), call “the global-warming final solution act” promoted by “fascist, Nazi” officials.
Did I mention this is the #1 rated radio show in its time slot?
I know. I’m the gullible one. Took the bait. And I also know they don’t give a rip about what I have to say. Besides, we’re living abroad…in Europe! How un-American can you get get? They would have a field day with that. But guys, did you have to go there? Are you really serious? How about calling out those nanny-state loving sadistic devil worshipers that want to encourage kids to eat healthy and exercise? (oops, sorry if I blew the theme of today’s show.)
Yes, these people live among you. And they have a few hundred thousand others who listen to what they have to say every day.
