Posted on 05/17/2004 7:24:07 PM PDT by wagglebee
No apologies here because of a news story about a 16-term congressman that got national coverage – I'm glad it did since it was because of me, it became newsworthy and got media play!
Between May 6 and 12, you heard about a California congressman who cussed out a constituent, who's also a staff sergeant in the California Army National Guard.
The story started on KSFO radio in San Francisco, was then heard on Rush Limbaugh's syndicated radio program, seen on San Francisco area NBC-TV news and covered in local newspapers. Then it was reported on stations across the country, in newspapers, on websites and seen on national TV, including "Fox News" and "Hannity and Colmes."
But, if not for me, none of them would have played the story as heavily as they did, if at all.
It's a perfect example of the importance of talk radio in breaking news and, in the process, informing people about politics and the politicians elected and paid to represent them.
It began Thursday, May 6, on KSFO. I was guest-hosting the 6 to 8 p.m. program. (My own program is Saturday and Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m.) The format is open phones and the subjects are most often politics, social and cultural issues and general commentary.
My fifth call the first hour was from "Dan in Newark, Calif. " He said he was an Army staff sergeant, recently returned from six months in Kosovo.
He was incensed about a vote that day in Washington on House Resolution 627. It would have condemned the Iraq prisoner abuse but would commend the service of the military serving and bringing honor to our flag and country.
The measure passed 365-50. All the "no" votes were Democrats, among them, top northern California names: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco; Lynn Woolsey, Petaluma; George Miller, Martinez; Barbara Lee, Oakland; and Fortney (Pete) Stark, Fremont.
Stark is the only one who couldn't keep a civil tongue in his head (although he has a long history of such behavior) which got him ulcer-inducing headlines in an election year.
Unfortunately, the target of his rhetoric and obscenity was "Dan from Newark," a voter in Stark's district and a talk-radio fan.
When Dan called, I asked some critical questions, made the results public and the rest, is history.
Dan wasn't happy about Stark's "no" vote, and that afternoon faxed him a letter outlining why. He said he was "appalled" at Stark's vote. He stated the "no" vote indicates Stark doesn't support the troops and it "is a disgrace to the people who elected him."
The letter was neatly typed, in correct format with no misspellings. Clearly, Dan was angry but he was polite.
Dan said all he expected was the usual form letter politicians use to mollify complaining citizens.
Surprise, surprise! Within an hour, Stark called and left a message on the answering machine.
Dan told me Stark identified himself, said Dan didn't know what he was talking about, that he'd been "put up to" the letter, that someone probably wrote it for him and he doubted Dan "could spell half the words in the letter."
It went on, but the capper was the obscenity: "But I'll call you back later and let you tell me more about why you think you're such a great, goddamn hero, and why you think ..."
Stark didn't call back. But Dan called me and I confirmed he did indeed have the tape. I asked, on the air, if he'd make it available to us and also fax me a copy of his letter to Stark.
During the commercial break, my producer recorded the message and Dan faxed the letter. Then I read the letter on the air and played Stark's message!
The response was astonishing, not only anger about Starks' sneering arrogance but also listeners who've been subjected to Starks' venom. From the woman who said Stark called her "a bigot" because she said a child in an adoption, needed a mother and a father – not two fathers – to the man subjected to a string of obscenities by Stark during a local parade, when Stark was asked about abortion, to the man attempting to speak at a Stark town-hall meeting who was told to "shut up!"
Another caller was George Bruno, the Republican running against Stark in November. His campaign manager heard my program, called George (who was in Los Angeles), who then called us! I asked his reaction to Stark's tirade.
I love talk radio!
We posted Dan's letter and Stark's response on the KSFO website and passed them on to our Morning Show producer. She used the story, then offered it to Rush Limbaugh, who also aired it. The story then spread nationally.
But if I hadn't asked for a copy of that taped message, the story would have died. What made it so compelling was hearing Stark's own voice insulting a voter from his own district.
Over the next few days, Stark has town-hall meetings scheduled. Dan say's he'll attend.
Who knows, we may have more headlines!
My only regret is I can't print the piles of e-mail comments I received about Stark. The one I liked best, began: "Looks like you stepped on your ---- this time, Pete."
What a headline! In my dreams!
What's even more unbelievable is that they have enough schmucks in their districts to keep re-electing them!
Once pacifascists like Stark open their mouths, it's becoming increasingly harder for them to hide and deny. The pacifascist Left is now so filled with hate that they're letting the mask slip. Our martial arts teacher alwys used to say that the worst evil often wears a smiling face. No so much any more, eh?
"Pete Stark is operating above his pay grade"........Joe Biden, Senator...
It's Northern California, as long as they can smoke dope, marry any sex or species they want, burn bras, kill the innocent and blame everybody else for their problems and meaningless existences, they will vote for anybody.
Sad but true any name with a "D" after it will get votes.
Actually it is the arrogance of the elected slave masters in both parties.
Sounds a lot like Massachussetts now that you describe it... Certainly explains Ted "Chappaquiddick Killer" Kennedy's constituency.
Ok, I admit that I may have contributed to Mr. Starks' anger. You see, back in 1986 I was a Young Republican working 40 hrs a week to pay my way through school. I didn't believe in government handouts then and I was unfortunate enough to live in Congressman Stark's district. One day, a buddy of mine (we're both cops now) and I were walking into a Safeway store when Congressman Stark approached us, campaigning and passing out flyers. The Congressman said he like us to read the literature and to vote for him in November. I told him with as much a straight face as I could muster, that I would rather see my sister in a whorehouse than vote for him. We left him sputtering behind us and proceeded to buy our beer. I don't think he's been composed since...so I blame me...
Crapgame
How's this for a bumper sticker?
MASSACHUSETTES: Home of
John Kerry and
HOMOSEXUAL MARRIAGE
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