Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman challenges corporate media at WSLR

Amy Goodman and Denis Moynihan (Photo by David Belisle, via roamagency.com)

The day after covering Mitt Romney’s official acceptance of the Republican presidential nomination in Tampa, independent radio stalwart Amy Goodman and her co-author, Denis Moynihan, drove south to Sarasota, to pay a visit to WSLR 96.5 LPFM and to promote their new book, The Silenced Majority: Stories of Uprisings, Occupations, Resistance, and Hope.

For many years, Goodman has hosted Democracy Now!, a radio program dedicated to covering social and economic justice movements. The program is broadcast all around the country by independent radio stations; WSLR plays it at 2 p.m. each weekday.

Goodman spoke at WSLR for more than an hour to a crowd that numbered well over 100. She talked about her recent work covering the Republican National Convention — focusing on her efforts to question oil billionaire David Koch and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, and criticizing the mainstream media for not aggressively investigating the intersection of money and politics.

In fact, while Goodman spent plenty of time lambasting America’s corrupt political system and praising progressive grassroots causes, her main target was the media, and, in particular, corporate ownership. The “silenced majority” that gives her book her title are the poor and marginalized in our society, as well as the victims of war worldwide, she said. Goodman blamed the media for shutting out dissenting voices, and broadcasting only those that don’t challenge corporate power.

Talking about national politics, she made a salient point about how progressive causes seemed to relax after the election of Barack Obama, which opened the door for an enormous right-wing backlash, and allowed Democratic leaders to back away from campaign promises they had made. The lesson? Grassroots movements can never give up, and must always be aggressive in demanding change.

Goodman and Moynihan’s Sarasota stop was the first in a 100-city trip to promote the new book. They’ll be in Charlotte, N.C., this week, covering the Democratic National Convention with the same zeal with which they approached the Republican gathering. Give ’em hell, Amy.

Wine, cheese and the Sarasota News Leader

Put this on your calendar: The Democratic Club of Sarasota is holding another Wine, Cheese & Politics gathering this Wednesday, and the event will feature some of the reporters and editors at the Sarasota News Leader, the new e-publication I’ve both blogged about and written for. The event description is titled “Can Florida Survive Rick Scott?” but plenty of other topics will be covered, including last week’s primary results and this fall’s general election.

Like all Wine, Cheese & Politics events, this Wednesday’s powwow will take place at 6:30 p.m. on the sixth floor at 1350 Main St. in downtown Sarasota. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be served, along with tasty snacks and sweets.

Obama in Tucson

I felt immeasurably sad tonight thinking of the people in Tucson who died or who were shot or who have been left without loved ones. I felt sad for our country.

I felt amazed — really just struck — to hear stories of how two husbands put themselves in front of their wives to take the bullets themselves. That kind of heroism, selflessness, thinking of their wives — not thinking really, just acting — in the quickest most honest way to protect someone they love. That’s astonishing, but when I think about it — it seems like most men would probably do that. That’s just amazing. And the other people, too, the ones who tackled or kicked away ammunition or helped those who’d been hit.

I was moved and strengthened by President Obama’s speech tonight and hope I will take his admonishments to heart. If you didn’t hear his speech you can hear it or read it by clicking here: Obama in Tucson.

I really appreciated his portraits of the people who were killed and these words are what have stayed with me and what I hope will continue to stay with me as an American, as a woman:

“The loss of these wonderful people should make every one of us strive to be better in our private lives – to be better friends and neighbors, co-workers and parents. And if, as has been discussed in recent days, their deaths help usher in more civility in our public discourse, let’s remember that it is not because a simple lack of civility caused this tragedy, but rather because only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face up to our challenges as a nation, in a way that would make them proud. It should be because we want to live up to the example of public servants like John Roll and Gabby Giffords, who knew first and foremost that we are all Americans, and that we can question each other’s ideas without questioning each other’s love of country, and that our task, working together, is to constantly widen the circle of our concern so that we bequeath the American dream to future generations.”

Don’t Whisper … JUST YELL!!!

FINALLY!!!!

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell — finally repealed.

President Obama just signed it into law. That stupid policy had ended the careers of over 14,000 military personnel — people who just wanted to serve our country — that policy now dead and done. (more…)

Get your holiday groove on

My Sarasota Herald Tribune TICKET column today gives some fun outdoor stuff to do this weekend — starting with some very cool reggae at O’Leary’s tomorrow night. Might be brisk weather, but we can always generate some body heat by dancing!

You can read the column online here Get Your Holiday Groove On or by flipping to page 7E of today’s TICKET.

I LOVE this weather!!!

Super Scary Walking Dead– aka the Non-Voters

Zombie is too kind a word to describe the catatonic state of mind of America. I’m talking about the interior state of its intellect, obviously. Because the mouth and the eyes and the jangly arms and legs, and the hyper-extended eyebrows, are all still popping and bopping like Micheal Jackson Thriller dancers on crack.

I think I’ve seen one too many campaign ads. (more…)

Aw, Obama go-on-a

So President Obama is coming to Florida.

I wish he wouldn’t.

Look, I’ve lost jobs over my writings about Obama when he was running for president. I’ve supported the guy from the git-go. But now, I just want him to go. I mean, go — as in not come to Florida on a two-day mini-break in August in the first place.

I don’t want him to come because it’s just insultingly clear that he’s only coming because so many people bitched and moaned about him going up to Maine, etc. (more…)

A Boomer-licious birthday

If walks were presents, then Boomerang must have a birthday everyday — because he always gets at least one walk a day, and today — on his real birthday, he’s already had two walks and it’s only a bit past noon. (more…)

Rally TODAY for Health Care Reform

Host: Sarasota County Democratic Party
Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Location: Corner of Bahia Vista and Rte 41, Sarasota

Join this rally to sign-wave for real health care reform during rush hour at one of the most visible locations in Sarasota. Parking available in the Midtown Plaza by Starbucks.

Bravo, Obama!

Jiminy Cricket. I was moved to tears by Obama’s speech. He nailed it. I’m proud to call him my president. I believe in health care reform. I support it. People close to me — people with families, young children, serious medical problems — are going without insurance because of cost. I’m considering letting my own health insurance go because I simply can’t afford the rising costs. It was affordable five years ago — but no more.

I’m so glad, so grateful, that he is America’s President.