Free Republic

So far, 46226 people don't think so. (See http://www.mesora.org/_private/alankeyes.html and http://www.renewamerica.tv/petition.pl?signers=1)

Below are samples of comments by signers of the petition. The comments were e-mailed to Erik Sorenson, President of MSNBC, and Bob Wright, President of NBC.

My entire family looks forward to, and enjoys Dr. Keyes' program. It will be a big loss if it is taken away. This is the only MSNBC program we watch.

609. Mari Thompson, Texas, USA  -  June 24, 2002 at 11:29:15 p.m. Central Time



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Mr. Sorenson:

I keep one of my tv sets at home set on Fox News during the entire day. However, I watch Alan Keyes every evening that he is on. His show contains important information and intellectual debate. I was dumbfounded to hear his show might not remain. I am happy to sign my name to this petition and hope that these sincere viewers who make the effort to join in support of his show will make a difference.

Shirley Kozlowski
Midland, TX 79705

605. Shirley Kozlowski, Texas, USA  -  June 24, 2002 at 11:10:00 p.m. Central Time



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Please do not cancel the Alan Keyes program. The health of the nation depends on someone like Alan to make sense by speaking the truth. I am a regular viewer and will be extremely disappointed if Alan's program is canceled.

Kenneth Bell

563. Kenneth Bell, Arizona, USA  -  June 24, 2002 at 6:51:37 p.m. Central Time



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I want to thank you for having Alan Keyes on your program. We have always been a Fox News family (of 11) but since discovering Mr. Keyes on your station we are turning more frequently to MSNBC. We appreciate the uniqueness of his ideas--challenging us and giving us the opportunity to see from new perspectives.

I hope you keep him on at a time he will receive a wide viewership. America needs to hear him.

Thank you, Marilyn Plumb, Calif.

561. Mike & Marilyn Plumb, California, USA  -  June 24, 2002 at 5:36:24 p.m. Central Time



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I don't necessarily agree with all of Alan Keyes' views, there are many I don't, but his insight and analysis is so clear, and he is obviously so sincere and honest that I want to hear what he has to say on an issue so I can make up my own mind. Moreover, although I currently have left my TVs in various rooms tuned solid to MSNBC to ensure that I catch Alan Keyes' show, and usually leave it on afterwards because the following shows catch my interest after Alan Keyes signs off, I wouldn't necessarily have any reason to go to MSNBC anymore if Alan Keyes' show is gone. I used to look at CNN, MSNBC, and FOX. I gave up on CNN a few months ago because they seemed too one-sided and slanted, and now when I'm looking for news I usually forget to check in on CNN until MSNBC and FOX are running nothing but war and crime features instead of news on the weekends. With Alan Keyes gone on the weekday nights, I may just give up on MSNBC as well, and keep my TVs "locked on FOX," because at least they have multiple viewpoints, and not just the tired old ultra-liberal left viewpoints that are usually the most illogical, annoying, and downright stupid side of any of the complex issues we face today. We do face tough issues, and we need to hear ALL SIDES of the issue, not just the left-wing side. That's why Alan Keyes' show is so important -- whether I agree with all of his conservative positions on any given issue, his week-night analysis consistently lays out the issues and choices better than any other commentator I've heard on TV. And he's hardly ever annoying, because he's so sincere, open and committed, not just looking for ratings.

544. Barbara Sands, New York, USA  -  June 24, 2002 at 11:27:26 a.m. Central Time



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Since the show began early this year, I have only missed 3 of Alan's shows!! It is the MAIN reason that I have become a viewer of MSNBC. His show is very unique and informative and presents insights that I find NO WHERE else. Please keep the show in prime time and on the air. It is a regular part of my evening.

534. Raymond Hahn, New Jersey, USA  -  June 24, 2002 at 7:54:40 a.m. Central Time



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Alan Keyes is the most articulate and passionate man I have ever seen speak on television or in person. The man has character and a purity of intention that comes through in his delivery. Nothing less than a primetime slot would suit the political analysis that Keyes has to offer.

527. Jerrold R. Black, Nebraska, USA  -  June 23, 2002 at 11:08:46 p.m. Central Time



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To Erik Sorenson, President of MSNBC
To Bob Wright, President of NBC

We would like to advise MSNBC that Alan Keyes' show is one of our favorites and ask you to keep the show on the air during prime-time. It is one of the most informative and hard hitting reporting shows we have on ANY network, ranking with OReilly's on Fox News. The American public is getting tired of wishy washy news reporting (called SPIN) and we want the truth in reporting world events. Whatever your decision is will tell if MSNBC is supporting America or supporting the other countries that are inciting terrorism. Your decision will also dictate if we keep watching MSNBC in the future.

Sincerely,

Betty Henry Robinson (sixth great granddaughter of America's Patrick Henry "Give me liberty or give me death")

509. Betty Henry-Robinson, Texas, USA  -  June 23, 2002 at 12:56:55 p.m. Central Time



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Dear Mr. Sorenson: Monday through Thursday, this family drops everything to watch Alan Keyes Is Making Sense. We deplore the scare tactics Islamic radicals are using against you to change the time of this excellent show or scare you into canceling the show completely. If they succeed, you will lose this family's support forever. Sincerely, Roberta Colvard, Battle Ground, WA 98604

481. Roberta Colvard, Washington, USA  -  June 22, 2002 at 7:05:44 p.m. Central Time



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Dear Mr. Sorenson and Mr. Wright:

Prior to Alan Keyes' Making Sense on MSNBC, I never watched the network. I always considered it a haven for left wing propaganda. I normally watch Fox but since Alan's show premiered, I switch channels at 9 PM to MSNBC. I find Mr. Keyes' show to be refreshing, honest and quite thought provoking. If Alan's show is canceled I will switch back to Fox and leave MSNBC to the small crowd of liberals who normally watch.

480. Vernon Gidley, Iowa, USA  -  June 22, 2002 at 6:59:00 p.m. Central Time



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Dear Mr. Sorenson and Mr. Wright,

Alan Keyes is Making Sense is the highest quality program on television. It is unique, intellectual and informative. MSNBC should have the courage to keep Alan Keyes is Making Sense and at its current time slot. I would not be an MSNBC viewer if it were not for this fine show.

457. Andrea Bleichner, New York, USA  -  June 22, 2002 at 10:39:06 a.m. Central Time



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Dear Mr. Sorenson,

I urge you, in the strongest of terms, to ensure that Dr. Alan Keyes' TV show "Alan Keyes is Making Sense" remains in the ten o'clock prime time slot in the MSNBC weekly line up.

Dr. Keyes brings a unique perspective and uncommon intelligence to bear on the weighty questions of our time, and I urge you to keep his show in prime time so that all Americans might benefit from his wisdom.

Thank you,

Frank L. Davis, Jr.
Captain, USNR (Ret)

447. Captain Frank L. Davis, Jr., USNR (Ret), Virginia, USA  -  June 22, 2002 at 8:44:22 a.m. Central Time



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Please leave "Alan Keyes Is Making Sense" at its current time slot. His is a program that touches the most important subjects in our lives with truth and wisdom. This world needs his input. Thank God for someone who can articulate the truth instead of promoting sensationalism.

440. Pat Turner, Kansas, USA  -  June 22, 2002 at 7:44:03 a.m. Central Time



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Keyes has the smartest show on. The shows fans are absolutely devoted and rock solid. It would be a shame to give up on it in its early months.

438. Normand Chouinard, USA  -  June 22, 2002 at 6:49:34 a.m. Central Time



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Mr. Sorenson,

Mr. Keyes is brilliant beyond measure, articulate on a wide array of subjects, and is willing to hold a position. Such an individual -- on your network -- will surely have the same success in drawing advertisers and audience that Rush Limbaugh has had on radio -- if you can take the heat!

437. Tom Wright, Florida, USA  -  June 22, 2002 at 6:21:17 a.m. Central Time



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I have not missed a single airing of "Alan Keyes is Making Sense". I HOPE to watch every episode for many years to come! This is absolutely the best show on television.

Sam Weaver,
Sherman, TX

430. Sam Weaver, Texas, USA  -  June 22, 2002 at 12:31:10 a.m. Central Time



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Gentlemen:

I have listed MSNBC as my favorite news channel for a long time and have considered it the best ever....however, if Alan Keyes is dropped from Prime Time I will have to leave MSNBC for Fox News. Keyes is the most fair, honest, sincere, intelligent and enlightening TV host there is and one who is not afraid to call it like he sees it....how refreshing! Your channel says you do not tell us how to think because we can think for ourselves......well, Ashley Banfield has not heard that comment.....she does not report the news objectively, she only gives you her very biased side of the story.
I believe you are making a grave mistake.

421. Karyn Irvin, Florida, USA  -  June 21, 2002 at 8:44:05 p.m. Central Time



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My family and I will say "farewell" to all MSNBC programs if Alan Keyes is removed from prime time on your channel. His is truly the very best panel/discussion show, unique and thoughtful. Your other shows pale in comparison to Alan Keyes.

417. Kathleen Worth, New York, USA  -  June 21, 2002 at 7:55:33 p.m. Central Time



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Gentlemen:

Alan Keyes does make sense. His show is essential for balanced programming on MSNBC. I gave you a lot of credit for putting his show on the air. I can't miss a show.

I got many of my friends to watch the show on a regular basis. They have gotten their friends to watch too. We would discuss the topics.

I thought that if you have the intestinal fortitude to put Alan Keyes on the air that you would not bend over to biased organizations that would want to take him off the air.

If you do take him off the air then you are just as wimpy as the rest of the Media. Here I thought that we would be able to get some balanced programming. Programming that will give you both sides so anyone watching your network (and I have been habitually watching several programs) can make intelligent decisions about current events, etc.

I will miss the chat room too.

If you think that Donahue can replace him you are nuts. Many of my friends and I will change to another channel.

What a sad day for MSNBC.

Sincerely,

Gerard J. Cecchettini

416. Gerard Cecchettini, California, USA  -  June 21, 2002 at 7:32:17 p.m. Central Time



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Alan Keyes makes more sense than all the other shows on TV. He is so smart. America needs to hear what he has to say. Joan Schneider

411. Joan Schneider, Ohio, USA  -  June 21, 2002 at 6:17:21 p.m. Central Time

(Click here for more comments)

Ping!

Despite the discomfort some may feel at seeing the truth spoken with intensity in response to outright lying and utter disrespect for the rights of others, Alan's show is unquestionably the best program of its kind currently on television--possibly the best show of its genre ever. There are evenings when it is unsurpassed in its ability to inspire, teach, unify, motivate, amaze. At least that is true for open-minded viewers.

If the show is cancelled, principled conservatives will be the losers, not Dr. Keyes.

Passionate indignation is not "screaming." Passionate indignation directed at unabashed apologists of terrorism and suicide bombings is especially not "screaming."

Furthermore, disagreement with the President of the United States--or more particularly, the President's policies--does not constitute "attack." Such immature thinking poses a direct threat to the future of our nation. Socrates said that the "unexamined" life is not worth living. It could be said that the unexamined policies of our leaders are not worth supporting, either.

Ping

What is missing in your analysis is the demonstrable fact that the "message" of Alan Keyes consists almost exclusively in the Declaration, the Constitution, and the ideals of our Founding Fathers. There is no substantive difference. In fact, you couldn't find in all America an individual whose "message"--basic views, insights, and observations--is more consistent with the vision of our Founders than Alan Keyes.

Just as important--you couldn't find an individual who is more skilled or persuasive in communicating what it means to be an American than Alan Keyes.

It is Alan's unimpeachable knowledge of America's foundational ideals that makes his "message" worth disseminating throughout our nation. I am baffled that anyone could find fault with a positive movement to preserve our nation through spreading the Declarationist message of Dr. Keyes. If someone has a better alternative, I'd like to hear it.

Again--just as your quotations from RenewAmerica.tv reveal--it is the MESSAGE of Alan Keyes that we are interested in, not the man.

Not that he's not admirable, exemplary, or worthy to lead. He's all that and more, I have found, as have others who have firsthand knowledge of him.

Please read the rest of the Strategic Plan and the companion Handbook. They're all about unleashing the creativity and independence of people at the grassroots to make a difference in strengthening America. For such a movement to be effective, however, it must have a leader, one who is unassailable as a role model for Declarationists and Constitutionalists. I repeat what I said earlier--a movement without a leader has no power to change anything. That is one of the clearest lessons of history.

I invite every patriotic citizen to get involved in our work. The purpose of RenewAmerica is to promote our country--not Alan Keyes.

The role of Alan Keyes in the RenewAmerica movement is made clear in the "Summary of the Strategic Plan to Renew America." After stating that one of the Plan's main goals is to "effectively disseminate the words and insights of Alan Keyes and other spokespersons for America's founding ideals" (see the "Goals"), the Plan asks "What is the role of Alan Keyes?" In response, the Plan answers:

As the premier spokesman for America's founding vision, Alan Keyes is vital to the plan, but he is not the center of it. You are. The plan's focus is the American grassroots movement already under way among thousands of loyal citizens, a movement that grows daily in response to the constant erosion of our nation's moral character, accelerated by the incessant weakening of the rule of law caused by judicial contempt for our nation's founding documents.

Because of his brilliance at communicating our Founders' ideals, Dr. Keyes has emerged as the de facto leader of this grassroots movement. Of course, another national spokesperson could conceivably emerge at any point, but for now we absolutely need Dr. Keyes' clear voice and inspiring example to lead our country to moral and political renewal. As long as he provides the leadership, we have the unifying message and inspiration to build a powerful grassroots movement grounded in the principles of our Declaration.

In other words, RenewAmerica's focus is the CAUSE of American renewal above any particular PERSONALITY. That emphasis is consistent throughout the site.

On the other hand, there can be no question to informed conservatives that Alan Keyes is the most effective spokesman in America today for the principles of our nation's founding. He stands out among other admirable figures by virtue of his unrivalled speaking skills, profound understanding of our founding documents, and clear vision for bringing public policy into line with the intent of the Founders. Until a better spokesperson comes along, RenewAmerica intends to fully utilize the rhetorical brilliance and unifying leadership of Alan Keyes--FOR AS LONG AS HE OFFERS THE KIND OF LEADERSHIP NEEDED. Should another spokesperson come along with greater ability and knowledge, we will rally behind that person--not blindly or naively, but with intelligence and fierce independence of mind.

Every great movement in history has been tied to the inspiring rhetoric of a strong leader. Take away that element, and you have no movement at all--just infighting and disarray (much as now characterizes American conservatives).

As far as the belief that the Declaration "speaks for itself"--yes, the Declaration does speak for itself as self-evidently true, and it needs no other support beyond its own incomparable words to establish itself as our nation's most vital and definitive document, not from Alan Keyes or anyone. But that is not to say that the Declaration does not need to be TALKED ABOUT, DISSEMINATED, EMPHASIZED, HELD UP, RELIED UPON, ANALYZED, AND SO FORTH. The Declaration itself cannot educate America--not without human (as well as divine) help--and we ignore its effective dissemination at our peril. We desperately need powerful voices who can help our nation understand and implement the eternal principles found in that unprecedented document. In our estimation, Alan Keyes has proven himself to be the best person now available for doing that. (See "Declaration Principles" for a summary of the ideals he believes.)

BTW, Alan is a "conscription" leader--a real rarity. He is genuinely motivated by a love of America and of its founding vision, and is not driven by calculating ambition. He deserves the collaborative support of sincere Americans who share his principled idealism. Let's work together for the good of our nation. That's the goal of RenewAmerica.

I'm the creator of RenewAmerica.tv--and I can assure everyone that this new Keyes site is not imitative of J.C. Watts' American Renewal PAC or his website. The Alan Keyes' RenewAmerica movement began during the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia in August 2000, and it borrowed its theme from the "Renew America Rallies" that Alan Keyes had held throughout his run for the Presidency during the primaries.

Fully 18 months went into the creation of the Keyes site, independently of any other political entity, movement, organization, or cause. The focus from the outset--as the site itself will reveal to an open-minded examination--was to strengthen ALL OTHER Americanist movements and organizations through effective cooperation. The site exists not to compete with (nor to rip off), but to enhance the work of all other comparable sites. The site is deadly serious about wanting to bring like-minded Americans together and overcome an unfortunate, counterproductive climate of carping and nipping among conservatives.

Patriotic citizens need to unite in preserving our nation--or we won't have a nation much longer.

You might be interested to know that when I was in Washington DC back in March, I personally gave J.C. Watts a business card promoting the RenewAmerica.tv website on the steps of the Capitol and inviting him to visit it. He graciously accepted the card. I have nothing but respect for this great and good man.

You've piqued my interest, though. I've never seen J.C.'s website, but I'm curious to know whether there are any "coincidental" similarities between his and Alan Keyes'.

Finally, there are several organizations out there using the Renew America theme. We were lucky to acquire the URL RenewAmerica.tv two weeks before we ever learned that MSNBC wanted Alan to have his own television show. The URL acquisition turned out to be Providential.

ping!