Lincoln Chafee (Providence: house, tax, live)

[QuilterChick]

Whadda guy.

R.I. Governor Chafee says advertisers should shun divisive talk radio | Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal

[Rnrboy]

I agree with him.

I notice your post does not elaborate whatsoever on why he's "whadda guy". You may be surprised to find out many people probably disagree with your perception on the subject.

But I guess it would be hard to figure that out listening to overwhelmingly conservative Talk Radio.

[QuilterChick]

Since I am a native RI'er, yes, I have heard many comments from friends and relatives back home about how Chafee jumped right in to office with an agenda about issues that are surprising. From Democrat to Republican to Independent, he is seen by some as a "fair weather" politician? Thus: whadda guy.

"Independent" denotes more of a centerized understanding, not far left ideas. Silencing free speech on radio is a socialistic ideal; and has no place in a free society where the people decide what they want or don't want to listen to.

To initiate a "talk radio" boycott by advertisers very counter productive, and totally contrary to what President Obama has advised recently -- that it is not a subject that should be given attention, it has absolutely nothing to do with the violence in AZ. Enough is enough.

I don't listen to conservative talk radio at all, waste of time imho. But given the state of the economy and the need for bipartisan effort on both sides of the aisle, Chafee leans way too far to the left for many folks when the country needs more cooperation in working on the economy to which his latest idea has no correlation whatsoever.

[Rnrboy]

First of all, it doesn't surprise me in the least that you are a native Rhode Islander. They are always the ones who seem to be the most down on this State. Personally, I wouldn't leave Rhode Island for North Carolina in a million years, but different strokes and all that.

I am sure Chafee is seen by some as a "fairweather" politician, just as he is seen by others as "honest". Whether you agree with him or not, he is doing exactly what he said he would do. And I am of the opinion that if Caprio had not been in the race, Chafee would have trounced Robitalle. More Democrats voted for Caprio who would have voted for Chafee than, ahem, "Talk Radio" would care to admit.

"Independent" does not denote any kind of ideaology whatsoever. It simply means one does not belong to a particular party. There have been liberal independents, conservative independents, libertarian independents; you name it. In fact, there are some Democrats who are conservatives, although liberal Republicans are a rare animal indeed these days. Usually if you are a Republican who believes in evolution, you are considered "liberal" for that Party. Ironically, the last truly liberal Republican was probably Chafee himself!

I do appreciate your quotations around "talk radio" because it is anything but. "Talk radio" implies some sort of back and forth dialogue; when in fact, the local variety (WPRO comes to mind) nothing but conservative screaming into the echo chamber. It makes no more sense for Chafee or members of his Administration to go on Talk Radio than it does to except an inviation to someone's house who last week slashed your tires. Their whole modus operandi is to promote conservative ideas while denigrating liberals. I hear it first hand because one of my friends listens to that garbage. It serves no productive role for the State, and Chafee has made it clear he is only talking about political officials, not anyone needed to get out information. (Like Public Officials working during the Snowstorm, one of them actually went on Dan Yorke this week.) It is his option, and not only do I not disagree with him, I admire him for having the guts to call it like it is.

There are plenty of people proposing action on issues of substance, that have nothing to do with the economy, on both sides. I expect my politicians to be able to multi-task. Chafee has only been in office for 13 days. Perhaps you should put aside your criticism of his economic approach a little bit longer.

I am glad though that you agree "talk radio" is "a waste of time", obviously Chafee drew the same conclusion.

[mr2448]

Originally Posted by QuilterChick

Whadda guy.

R.I. Governor Chafee says advertisers should shun divisive talk radio | Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal

Free speech always comes at a cost. Those who are less tolerant of free speech, unless it is their own, are the first to put on limitations. Chaffee as a common citizen had no control of this venue other than not supporting those who advertise on radio talk shows. Yet before his election he used this venue! Whether it is conservative or liberal talk radio it is better to know how the other side is thinking even if you disagree with it. Asking advertisers to shun talk radio is both socialist and anti capitalist. Would he ask advertisers to shun newspapers and television if their views were contrary to his? Aren't these all "for profit".

[Rnrboy]

Asking advertisers to shun "talk radio" is a Democratically backed function of free speech. He is not demanding it at gun point, he is expressing his opinion, and putting his cards on the table.

I am of the opinion that my tax dollars pay for these hate mongers to spew their lies, and I appreciate Chafee excercising his free speech to point this out.

Hardly anything I hear on Talk Radio is substance based or fact supported, and I hear plenty of slandering of my fellow man by the "hosts."

Fortunately, just as these "hosts" have the right to tell their lies on the air, Chafee has the right to call on advertisers to repeal their funding. In fact, just pointing out that these jokers receive dollars from certain companies is a step in the right direction.

Until Chafee proclaims himself dictator and tries to make actual laws forcing advertisers to pull their dollars, the bloviations coming from the Right are nothing but a bunch of hot air. And the irony of some folks chastising Chafee's approach to free speech by telling him he should shut up is dumbfounding.

[Sophiasmommy]

Originally Posted by Rnrboy

Asking advertisers to shun "talk radio" is a Democratically backed function of free speech. He is not demanding it at gun point, he is expressing his opinion, and putting his cards on the table.

I am of the opinion that my tax dollars pay for these hate mongers to spew their lies, and I appreciate Chafee excercising his free speech to point this out.

Hardly anything I hear on Talk Radio is substance based or fact supported, and I hear plenty of slandering of my fellow man by the "hosts."

Fortunately, just as these "hosts" have the right to tell their lies on the air, Chafee has the right to call on advertisers to repeal their funding. In fact, just pointing out that these jokers receive dollars from certain companies is a step in the right direction.

Until Chafee proclaims himself dictator and tries to make actual laws forcing advertisers to pull their dollars, the bloviations coming from the Right are nothing but a bunch of hot air. And the irony of some folks chastising Chafee's approach to free speech by telling him he should shut up is dumbfounding.

As governor he is suppose to represent all Rhode Islanders, those that voted for him and those that didn't and those that listen to conservative talk radio. P.S. Who decides what" hate speech" is? Liberal Tolerance: America's greatest oxymoron.

[rosco917]

The reason why the air waves are conservative is because conservatism is rooted in common sense.
Common sense decisions are not amusing. They mostly make sense.
The progressive thought process is zainey, over thought, if you will, there decisions are funny, and entertaining. This gives fodder for talk radio that is based in a more conservative thought. Liberal talk radio will never make it.
Liberal hate speech is alive and well just listen to all of TV except for, thank god...FOX.
As to Rhode Island...check the source, those who are union are very happy...on all of us.

[QuilterChick]

RnRboy says: "..... and I appreciate Chafee excercising his free speech to point this out."

Chafee certainly does have his right to free speech, as we all do in the US of A. His problem is that he has NO right to suppress the free speech of others. If some have to be told what to do, and have no mind of their own, fine and dandy. Then worship at the feet of a dictator.

Free thinking free Americans opt for common sense, and make their choices accordingly.

[Hollytree]

I think Chafee showed his inexperience here. He should have kept his personal opinion about talk radio to himself, although certainly his comment about banning state employees participating on state time is valid.

If he chooses not to participate in it himself- it is doubtless a wise move on his part for several reasons- not he least of which is that he is not an orator, neither is he the best extemporaneous speaker.

I think he should take a page out of Claiborne Pell’s political career, take the high road, try to make the change we need in the state, and stay above the media brawls. We do desperately need another high minded leader.