Posted on 12/31/2004 5:36:06 AM PST by KMC1
Blogger's remorse
Posted: December 31, 2004
1:00 a.m. Eastern
By Kevin McCullough
© 2004 WorldNetDaily.com
The combination of the greatest tragedy to hit mankind since Noah, and the emergence of the blogosphere is shining a pretty unflattering light on some from the left when it comes to just how "compassionate" they really are.
This last week on my blog, I did a bit of an expose on three center-left blogs and their response to the tragedy of the earthquake-tsunami. The three I picked were the "shining stars" of the center-left blogosphere. Talking Points Memo by Josh Marshall, Wonkette, and the Daily Kos, are famous for being political, news driven, a bit gossipy, and always advocates for the left.
As of my post on Dec. 28, the collective site traffic that had passed through their sites for the week stood at close to 1 million unique guests. From the time the quake-tsunami happened until that moment, only two entries posted by "Kos" contributor "Armando" had even acknowledged the biggest event in modern history. I made mention of the fact that three of the most-read center-left blogs did not find it in their heart to even ask a penny for relief efforts. ("Armando" had blogged about it, but it was Kos' readers that made the first relief suggestions on their discussion diaries.) I also observed that nearly every center-right blogger I knew had not only made mention of the worst disaster ever, but also had provided links to World Vision and others who were already on site and making a difference in the aftermath.
The next day, I was taken to task by my buddy Jim Geraghty of Kerry Spot on NRO. Long version: No one can dictate to bloggers what they should or should not write about. TPMemo is about "politics," Wonkette is "humor," and Kos is a "meeting place" where the left can get together. Short version: "Live and let live."
Kos also politely responded (via e-mail) citing that he had actually been on vacation and had very bad Internet service and would in fact write about it soon. (He did.)
The entire flap also occurred during the United Nation's now infamous "stingy" remarks, which were made while the United States was busy giving three times the amount of every other country on the list. Of course, the amount the United States will give from federal coffers will pale in comparison to the long-term giving that will be done voluntarily from the pockets of average Americans. World Vision has seen gifts break all past records. And on Thursday, my listeners raised funds in child sponsorships through World Vision that will nurture long-term relationships with kids most heavily affected.
I thought it was childish of the United Nations to imply that Americans needed to be taxed more so that we could have a greater example of "forced charity" instead of freely giving from the richness of generosity. I also think it's howlingly bizarre when the left lectures the right on who is more compassionate. Doing the comparison of the blogs on some level proved my point.
In reaction to my post, Josh Marshall finally did post a small graph on his take on the greatest disaster ever. The overwhelmingly compassionate Marshall said:
Tragedies or stories into which one has no unique or particular insight, are always a challenge for a blogger ... In the case of the tragedy unfolding across South and Southeast Asia I'm just an observer.
Evidently the compassionate liberal that Marshall pretends to be doesn't lead him to research a single charity that even he believes would be good to donate to. Evidently not even the Red Crescent fits the bill.
I don't disagree with Geraghty from the Kerry Spot. Bloggers, reporters and broadcasters should never have anyone dictate to them what is to be said or written. My observation was that the stunning silence in light of the only story that everyone was talking about proved a bit of inconsistency in the liberals doctrine that "they care for those in need more than conservatives do."
My center-right radio listeners sponsored 150 kids ($30 a month) and raised $70,000 Thursday to assist in the still growing needs of the Tsunami disaster. My readers have donated thousands in Internet contributions to several charities this week. And, on more than one occasion, a listener donated more than $500 in a one-time gift and sponsored multiple children. It is hardly a drop in the bucket, but it sure as heck is more than just "being an observer."
Though, as Radio Blogger Duane Patterson put it, "I'm sure [the victims in this disaster] in the ravaged areas will rest easier knowing that Josh is observing."
Won't we all!
Kevin McCullough is heard daily from 1 to 4 p.m. EST in New York City on AM 570 WMCA, and in New Jersey on AM 970 WWDJ. Additionally, you can read his daily postings at The KMC Blog.
And they call us stingy...
But...but..but...the left is all about compassion for the afflicted.
They're mental midgets whatelse do you expect??? These people couldn't muster a deep thought without doing lifethreatening harm.
Old money and miserly obsession with finding the best bargans take up all the libs time.
It's up to us in Jesusland to take up the slack!
I listened to Kevin McCullough's show yesterday. Hundreds of people called in donations, sponsored World Vision children,etc. Wonkette is straight up TRASH.
Have we not yet realized that the left is nothing if not hypocritical in the extreme? These people are past masters at "Do as I say, not as I do" pomposity. The left, this year especially, has been shown up, universally, for the phonies they truly are. And I say THAT is a GOOD thing, indeed. I wonder, for example, just how much money has "Tereeezzza" Heinz Kerry given thus far???
Bloggers are so important to each other, it truly cracks me up.
Only with other people's money...
Childish?
Take it easy Mr. McCullough. We wouldn't want to get bold and call it exactly what it was ... Marxist Socialist doctrine!
"Bloggers, reporters and broadcasters should never have anyone dictate to them what is to be said or written."
Here Kevin McCullough makes me laugh, tripping on his ego, as he seems to think there are dark forces afoot out to stiffel bloggers free speech.
There are thousands of bloggers out there, prattling on about this or that, and unless I have missed it, no one is clammoring for their being censored.
Of course that's just me, and my poor attitude, lamenting the passing of one great year. ;)
Happy New Year!
Ive taken up a new hobby. I seek out liberals in non political forums and strike up friendly conversations with them. I can usually find some small thing that we have in common.
Since they are rabidly political on every subject they eventually commend me on my intelligence and my kind and gentle nature, and finally they attack "those disgusting hateful conservatives".
At this point I expose the fact that I am a conservative. I point out that they didn't recognize me as a conservative because I didn't fit into thier stereotype. I point out that they wouldn't have uttered such a biggoted comment if they had been able to spot me.
I end by thanking them for thinking so highly of me at least till I told them that I was one of those so called "hateful conservatives".
This is not to minimize, in any way, the tragedy of at least 120,000 lives lost, and probably much more before it is ended. It is to remind all reporters, and bloggers ARE reporters of a special type, that accuracy counts, and that context matters.
It is another instance of bad reporting ("worst disaster since whatever") leaking over from the MSM into the blogosphere. We've got to check them all the time, not just some of the time.
Congressman Billybob
EXCELLENT point!
You appear to be correct. Sorry.
I read Geraghty's post and did not see it mentioned, but undoubtably that was McCullogh's intent.
Thanks for the correction. I'll be better tonight. ;)
But...but..but...the left is all about compassion for the afflicted.
___________________________________________________________
Yes, but only when it benefits their cause, usually.
Good work!!
Liberals love to label each other as thoughtful..as if non-liberals can't use their brains.
Ive found that foreign liberals are more accepting of the possibility that they're wrong than American liberals. Ive had a few respond that maybe they do need to think a little more openly about conservatives. American liberals just get mad.
is the fact where is the "Hollywood Left" and the "rich, elitist liberals" in their response to this horrible disaster? Have they all gone on vacation so they can't contact their publicists to make a public statement? Are they too stingy to open up their substantial bank accounts and make donations to the appropriate relief agencies? How come they haven't made ANY plans for disaster relief fundraisers? 
Meanwhile, conservative commentators are already asking for people to donate to appropriate charities. For example, talk show host Hugh Hewitt--just before he went on vacation a few days ago--has asked his listeners to donate money to World Vision International, a Christian religious charity that already has a strong presence in Southeast Asia. I've been listening to guest hosts on the Sean Hannity Show on radio and they too are asking for people to donate.
I can't figure this out from the Left. 
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
