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NBC’s Holt Lectures Viewers on the Meaning of the Statue of Liberty
Newsbusters ^ | 1/30/17 | Nicholas Fondacaro

Posted on 01/31/2017 3:00:23 AM PST by markomalley

With the debate over the legality of President Donald Trump’s immigration and travel ban still raging Monday evening, NBC broadcasted their Nightly News program “from the shadow of the Statue of Liberty” accompanied by a lecture from anchor Lester Holt. “Behind me the Statue of Liberty, which for nearly 130 years, has symbolized the welcome arms of a country of immigrants,” he opined at the start of the program, “But tonight she also stands as a symbolic flashpoint in a country in the midst of soul searching over the limits of its generosity in an age of international terrorism.”

NBC, much like its competitors ABC and CBS, spent most of their Monday night program centered on the White House’s controversial executive order. “The White House calls it a necessary step to protect Americans at home from threats from abroad,” Holt continued, “Critics call it a solution in search of a problem and an unconstitutional and thinly disguised ban on Muslims.”

But neither ABC nor CBS treated it as a time to seemingly pontificate about the morality of the issue, let alone march out to the Statue of Liberty and use it as a prop:

And a final thought before we leave you tonight. There's been a lot of talk about who we are as a country and how we should represent ourselves to the world. For many, the ideals inscribed on the statue behind me frame that discussion. For others, the threats of a modern era necessitate adapting to a new reality. It is complicated and in many ways forms a new crossroads in America. And we will remain at the intersection of this unfolding story to report it.

Long before the show started, NBC was hyping Lester’s lecture with a video tweeted out by the NBC Nightly News account, where he said of Lady Liberty, “In many ways, it has become a symbol of a country right now wrestling to reconcile its creed versus its security needs.” And of the veracity of their reporting, he claimed, “Tonight we’ve got all the sides covered in this. The legal debate. The debates about what we saw at the airports. As well as the rationale for the president’s decision.” But the only side they covered it from was the left.

If NBC really wanted to cover “all the sides,” then they would have done what CBS Evening News did and actually report on the support for the ban. “Today the White House said that most Americans agree with the immigration ban and a respected poll from Quinnipiac University agrees,” announced anchor Scott Pelley, “It was taken three weeks ago, and by margin of 48 to 42 percent, American voters support suspending immigration from terror-prone regions, even if it means turning away refugees.”

CBS reporter Dean Reynolds actually went out and spoke with supporters of Trump and the travel ban, something NBC and ABC failed to do. “Trump supporters were on hand at Los Angeles International Airport this weekend voicing their belief that the president's immigration order is sensible and overdue,” he reported. Reynolds sat down with Trump voter and internet entrepreneur Vito Glazers who told him, “Well, I don't think it's perfect. I do think it's a great step to creating much-needed action in the right direction.”

When asked if he thought politics was involved with the order’s opposition Glazers joked, “Absolutely. I think that if we were in the middle of a zombie apocalypse that the left would find a way to protest for zombies' rights.”

Instead of lecturing America on the values of liberty, Holt would have been better served by going out and talking to the people. 

Transcripts below: 

NBC Nightly News
January 30, 2017
7:01:20 PM Eastern

LESTER HOLT: Good evening. Behind me the Statue of Liberty, which for nearly 130 years, has symbolized the welcome arms of a country of immigrants. But tonight she also stands as a symbolic flashpoint in a country in the midst of soul searching over the limits of its generosity in an age of international terrorism. This evening protesters joined by some members of Congress have gathered outside the Supreme Court in Washington. Following a weekend of fierce and emotional reaction and confusion over president Trump's temporary ban on travel to the United States by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries. The White House calls it a necessary step to protect Americans at home from threats from abroad. Critics call it a solution in search of a problem and an unconstitutional and thinly disguised ban on Muslims. Tonight we'll hear from both sides.

7:28:44 PM

HOLT: And a final thought before we leave you tonight. There's been a lot of talk about who we are as a country and how we should represent ourselves to the world. For many, the ideals inscribed on the statue behind me frame that discussion. For others, the threats of a modern era necessitate adapting to a new reality. It is complicated and in many ways forms a new crossroads in America. And we will remain at the intersection of this unfolding story to report it. That will do it for us on a Monday night. I'm Lester Holt. For all of us at NBC News, thank you for watching and good night from Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

...

CBS Evening News
January 30, 2017
6:40:27 PM Eastern

SCOTT PELLEY: Today the White House said that most Americans agree with the immigration ban and a respected poll from Quinnipiac University agrees. It was taken three weeks ago, and by margin of 48 to 42 percent, American voters support suspending immigration from terror-prone regions, even if it means turning away refugees. 53 percent support requiring immigrants from Muslim countries to register with the government. Here's Dean Reynolds.

[Cuts to video]

DEAN REYNOLDS: Trump supporters were on hand at Los Angeles International Airport this weekend voicing their belief that the president's immigration order is sensible and overdue.

UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: He’s keeping our country safe and lawful.

REYNOLDS: Vito Glazers is a Chicago internet entrepreneur who voted for the president. What do you think of this executive order on immigration?

VITO GLAZERS: Well, I don't think it's perfect. I do think it's a great step to creating much-needed action in the right direction.

REYNOLDS: Mr. Trump's stand on immigration was important in winning Glazers' support, and while he's only one voice, polls say his views are representative of many fellow Trump supporters.

GLAZERS: I don't want America to end up in a place where political correctness is being used against us to destroy us.

REYNOLDS: Do you think politics is at work here?

GLAZERS: Absolutely. I think that if we were in the middle of a zombie apocalypse that the left would find a way to protest for zombies' rights.

[Cuts back to live]

REYNOLDS: He also said something else that probably a lot of Trump supporters agree with, Scott, that it’s ironic that so many people are upset with a president who is merely following through on promises he made during the campaign.

PELLEY: Dean Reynolds in Chicago, thanks



TOPICS: Breaking News; Business/Economy
KEYWORDS: bordersecurity; condescendingliberal; immigration; media; molesterdolt; msm; nbcnews; travelban; trump
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To: RummyChick

And another part of the myth..it was REALLY about the French
http://www.travel-about.com/travel/10-fun-facts-about-the-statue-of-liberty-on-its-130th-birthday/

‘. At the time it was erected, Laboulaye simply hoped that the statue would spark a moment towards democracy among the French people—who, at the time, were subject to the repressive monarchy of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte (Napoleon III).


101 posted on 01/31/2017 10:35:44 AM PST by RummyChick
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To: RummyChick

I stand by what I said

...

You said I needed a clue. You were wrong, you were insulting, and you’re not big enough to admit it or apologize. The information at your own provided link proves you were wrong.

The Statue of Liberty was intended to commemorate the end of slavery in America and the centennial of American independence.


102 posted on 01/31/2017 10:40:55 AM PST by Moonman62 (Make America Great Again!)
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To: Moonman62

I stand by what I said. I don’t think you have a clue because you said it was all about slavery. It wasn’t.

And there is plenty of information out there to show it wasn’t..and in fact..from the french side..it was really about Napolean.


103 posted on 01/31/2017 10:59:46 AM PST by RummyChick
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To: RummyChick

And again..it was about Napolean..not American Slavery


Over brandy and cigars, he and his guests, who included Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the prominent sculptor, decided to organize a public campaign to commemorate American liberty with a grand gift to the United States. But the gift would double as an implicit critique of Napoleon III.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/03/opinion/03berenson.html

Although the dinner is disputed...its all part of the myth


104 posted on 01/31/2017 11:05:52 AM PST by RummyChick
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To: RummyChick

again...really all about France...””Liberty” was a controversial idea in the 19th century. To many people it suggested violence and revolution. Laboulaye and Bartholdi agreed that their monument should not be seen as leading an uprising, but rather as lighting the way, peacefully and lawfully. A key element was the name they gave to the Statue: Liberty Enlightening the World. Bartholdi’s public monuments hailed back to classical images of a powerful, honorable national authority over any ideology. His statue of “Liberty Enlightening the World” would be above conservatism and liberalism and above radical revolutions and political turmoil. She would be an international symbol of liberty, justice, and democracy. In 1871, the Statue was transformed from idea into reality - it was to be funded, built, and presented to the United States.

This project could not have happened at a better time for Laboulaye. In 1871, an uprising by members of the working and middle classes in Paris against the government was brutally crushed. Laboulaye did not support such extremism among laboring people; although he wanted to change the French government to a democratic government, he did not want to do it through violence. Despite his liberal views, Laboulaye was criticized by his colleagues because he spoke out against the violence and supported the governmental repression of the uprising. The creation of the Statue of Liberty, however, was a chance for Laboulaye to restore his reputation as a devoted liberal and democratic advocator, honor the success of liberty in the United States, and hope that the French would be inspired to fight for the same ideals.”


105 posted on 01/31/2017 11:09:42 AM PST by RummyChick
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To: generally

The people at the Statue of Liberty seem to be totally ignorant of history-apparently have no knowledge of Ellis Island. This ignorance is why Lady Liberty is crying- OH WOE IS ME - a Nation founded by geniuses has so many idiots who think they should be in charge.


106 posted on 01/31/2017 11:51:43 AM PST by greeneyes
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To: Gaffer
>>the left would find a way to protest for zombies' rights.”

Prophetably, of course.


107 posted on 01/31/2017 12:11:11 PM PST by HLPhat (It takes a Republic TO SECURE THESE RIGHTS - not a populist Tyranny of the Majority)
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To: RummyChick

I clearly stated that Eiffel was the engineer for the project! You DO understand that engineers are necessary for ANY structure whether it is a building or an airplane, etc. don’t you? I NEVER said it was Eiffel’s idea and you owe me an apology.
It is clear to me that you have no knowledge of an artist’s thinking. EACH project, painting, sculpture, or whatever, has an original concept. The ONLY thing in common between your Egyptian lady and the statue of Liberty was the sculptor’s DESIRE to create a monumental sculpture!!!!! His idea for the Suez canal failed. His idea for America succeeded. END of story!


108 posted on 01/31/2017 12:12:41 PM PST by Mollypitcher1 (I have not yet begun to fight....John Paul Jones)
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To: RummyChick

I stand by what I said. I don’t think you have a clue because you said it was all about slavery. It wasn’t.

...

According to your link, for the most part I was right. The primary reason for the Statue of Liberty was to commemorate the end of slavery. The only thing I left out was the secondary reason was to commemorate the centennial of American independence. By any reasonable account I had a clue.

So now, not only will you not apologize, but you are compounding your error by repeating the false accusation. While I did learn a bit more about the statue, I learned a lot more about you.


109 posted on 01/31/2017 12:42:08 PM PST by Moonman62 (Make America Great Again!)
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To: RummyChick

“The Statue of Liberty was built to commemorate the end of slavery in America, not immigration, legal or otherwise.”
.........................................................
The Statue of Liberty had nothing to do with the Civil War, Slavery, or otherwise. The Statue of Liberty was created to commemorate the Centennial of the Declaration of Independence and was a cooperative effort between France that would deliver and reassemble the copper statue, and the United States which would be responsible for the base.
Eiffel was the engineer chosen to build the support structure necessary to hold up the copper sheets which comprised the sculpture. Bartholdi was the Sculptor and Eiffel was the Engineer. An American built the base within the old Star Fort on Bedloe’s Island.
The tablet in the arm of Liberty is inscribed July 4, 1776. This is the confirmation of the REASON for the statue, a gift of friendship between France and America. The dedication took place October 26, 1886.
On October 26, 1986, I was invited by the mayor of the 16th Arrondissement in Paris to attend the Reception celebrating the Centennial of the Statue of Liberty at the site of the Statue of Liberty in the Seine in Paris.
American schoolchildren collected funds to give a small copy of the Statue of Liberty to France. This is the one in the Seine.


110 posted on 01/31/2017 12:48:17 PM PST by Mollypitcher1 (I have not yet begun to fight....John Paul Jones)
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To: odawg

Thanks for stating the truth. It became a symbol of America, not meant as a symbol of immigration.

Likewise I tire of the wholesale myths about Ellis Island. As if every immigrant came through there. Not.


111 posted on 01/31/2017 12:57:06 PM PST by the OlLine Rebel (Common sense is an uncommon virtue./Federal-run medical care is as good as state-run DMVs.)
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To: markomalley

Can we return this foreign statue back to France?


112 posted on 01/31/2017 1:19:46 PM PST by cssGA30005
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To: cssGA30005

.
>> “Can we return this foreign statue back to France?” <<

Great idea; its just a representation of a pagan ‘goddess.’

Really has no place here.
.


113 posted on 01/31/2017 1:22:11 PM PST by editor-surveyor (Freepers: Not as smart as I'd hoped they'd be)
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To: Mollypitcher1

What is this “slavery” crap?

I have NEVER heard even a smidgeon of such an idea, before this thread!


114 posted on 01/31/2017 1:24:06 PM PST by the OlLine Rebel (Common sense is an uncommon virtue./Federal-run medical care is as good as state-run DMVs.)
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To: Moonman62

The statue of liberty had NOTHING to do with the Civil War or Slavery. It was for the Centennial of the Declaration of Independence PERIOD!!! If it had anything to do with the Slavery issue, why doesn’t the tablet have the date 1865 engraved on Liberty’s tablet? Or the date of the Emancipation Proclamation, or ANY OTHER DATE to do with Slavery?
The ONLY date on the statue is JULY 4, 1776!
UNFORTUNATELY, rewriting history is the work of certain people who think the United States began in 1865!


115 posted on 01/31/2017 1:24:13 PM PST by Mollypitcher1 (I have not yet begun to fight....John Paul Jones)
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To: the OlLine Rebel

.
A pagan goddess is not an appropriate symbol for the nation founded on the laws of “Nature’s God.”
.


116 posted on 01/31/2017 1:24:20 PM PST by editor-surveyor (Freepers: Not as smart as I'd hoped they'd be)
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To: Mollypitcher1

should read 1886.


117 posted on 01/31/2017 1:25:59 PM PST by Mollypitcher1 (I have not yet begun to fight....John Paul Jones)
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To: Mollypitcher1
Fake
how to take screenshots


118 posted on 01/31/2017 1:28:23 PM PST by timestax (American Media = Domestic Enemy)
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To: Mollypitcher1
CCnnn
free picture upload


119 posted on 01/31/2017 1:31:03 PM PST by timestax (American Media = Domestic Enemy)
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To: the OlLine Rebel

It is another attack on history by those who are busy rewriting history and lying to our schoolchildren.


120 posted on 01/31/2017 2:00:26 PM PST by Mollypitcher1 (I have not yet begun to fight....John Paul Jones)
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