Think Progress

Fox News: ‘Blame Mr. Rogers!’

By Faiz Shakir on Jul 6th, 2007 at 4:44 pm

Fox News: ‘Blame Mr. Rogers!’

This morning, Fox and Friends asked, “Why is it at the end of every term, these kids who on the bubble…they come in and beg for extra credit so they can get an A?” Citing a report by a university professor, Fox speculated one possible answer: “Blame Mr. Rogers! Because Mr. Rogers had an optimistic message where everyone was special even if they didn’t deserve it.” During the segment, one chyron read: “Mr. Rogers’ Mixed Message: ‘You’re Special.’” Another chyron asked: “Is Mr. Rogers Ruining Kids?: Sense of Entitlement.” Watch it:

[flv http://video.thinkprogress.org/2007/07/foxmrrogers.320.240.flv]

The late Fred Rogers was the highly acclaimed host of the children’s television show, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, and was a tireless advocate for children. Fox’s Brian Kilmeade said “that man unintentionally did a whole generation or two a disservice.”



329 Responses to “Fox News: ‘Blame Mr. Rogers!’”

  1. Chris W says:

    These guys are really desperate. Mr. Rogers? Gimme a break.


  2. Zooey says:

    Why are these lame-assed wankers digging up a dead man to spit on his body?

    Mr Rogers loved kids more than anyone.

    Jesus christ.


  3. Mr. President says:

    Well, he is kind of a pussy!


  4. TwinPeaksForever says:

    Ok. What literary archetype was Laura Palmer?


  5. Your Conscience says:

    I noticed Iraq was not mentioned once………therefore it the segment was a SMASHING SUCCESS.

    Sleep Rape-Public-Can Sheeple…………..SLEEP.


  6. Arthur C. says:

    Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

    How long till they start kicking Santa Claus too?


  7. Heather Slater says:

    I feel only pity for people so dead inside that they do not think all children are “special”.


  8. Proud Dad says:

    Mr. Rogers was the most kindest, gentlest soul and his message that every person was unique and special is true!

    Imagine the effect on children if we tell them they’re all dumb shits and they have nothing to offer.

    I can’t believe I’m posting this but Mr. Rogers is a great role model.


  9. Frank M says:

    Heather: and just what makes all children “special”?


  10. Texas Democrat says:

    Attacking the beloved dead, a new low.


  11. LandSurveyor says:

    Stunningly weird.


  12. Texas Democrat says:

    Frank M,

    Innocense, retard.


  13. Zooey says:

    Fox has created The War on Mr Rogers!


  14. toasterhead says:

    Heather: and just what makes all children “special”?

    Comment by Frank M — July 6, 2007 @ 4:53 pm

    Don’t take it personally, guy. I don’t think she meant it in the same way that you’re “special,” with the short bus and all.


  15. leftcoast says:

    Don Chance, a finance professor at Louisiana State University is now a Childhood Development expert. FOX digs up all these off the wall, insecure and desperate-to-publish profs whenever it needs to find justification for their shit.


  16. Jimmy Z says:

    Mr. Rogers was a dick in real life….but that doesn’t mean his message needs to be hijacked and distorted by Faux.


  17. Frank M says:

    I thought you liberals were all against innocence.


  18. dorothy59 says:

    #16 Do you have a citation?


  19. Bob says:

    Can’t wait ’til they expose Big Bird for his lack of courage (he is yellow, afterall). The Count will be next for discouraging use of multiplication tables. Ernie and Bert are encouraging same-sex marriage. Don’t get me started on Elmo the Terrorist Supporter.

    FOX Sensationalism, the microphone-feedback of ‘What is Patriotism?’, is owned by an Austrailian. It’s entertainment, not “News”.


  20. stagemom says:

    a child who feels special is not necessarily spoiled. that comes from the gratuitous excess of buying of toys.
    mister rogers did not believe in commercialism or crap culture, two hallmarks of big business.
    distraction brought to you by kkk rove.


  21. DRxJ says:

    Well, he is kind of a pussy!
    Comment by Mr. President or whomever — July 6, 2007 @ 4:49 pm

    The host for Fox and Friends?
    I agree. To attack a dead man, who can’t defend himself!
    Class act, that Fox, class act!

    (SIDE NOTE: Taste of Chicago, here I come!!!)

    Enjoy the weekend, everyone!!!


  22. veritas says:

    While we’re indulging in a game of “Fantasyland” (what would one expect from a fake news program like Fox??) why don’t we place blame on the whole bunch: Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, Jimminy Crickett, Howdie Doody, and Princess SummerFallWinterSpring??

    I guess they have no one left to blame but fictitious characters because it’s beginning to look like they’ve distilled down to “blaming themselves” finally. Blaming a fictional character is essentially blaming themselves for all intents & purposes.


  23. Texas Democrat says:

    Frank M,

    You thought?
    As usual you thought wrong.


  24. veritas says:

    Well, since the entire american populace is engaged in a war on Foch Snooze, it’s only fitting that they lash out at fictitious boogeymen, isn’t it?


  25. RUCerious says:

    Blame his sweaters.


  26. A. Cravan says:

    #17: I thought you liberals were all against innocence.

    Oh? Why in heaven’s name would you think that?

    What a doughbrained thing to say.


  27. veritas says:

    Within a year I believe Fox News will be so irrelevant and obsolete that they’ll just vanish completely from the radar. Right now, no with any sense of credibility or self-respect will appear on their programming which says a bunch.


  28. Dan says:

    If any other station ran this story FOXNEWS would point out that Fred Rogers was an ordained minister and accuse them of an “Attack on Christianity”.


  29. Jimmy Z says:

    #18 – I grew up in Pittsburgh. My mom knew a co-worker of Fred Rogers….he was an arrogant prick just like Bob Hope pretended not to be.


  30. veritas says:

    If this is the best Fox news can do, methinks they’re in heap big trouble!


  31. RUCerious says:

    Let’s not forget that Mr TopemHat of Sodor Island is a capitalist pig and fascist whose only interest is that the damn trains make sure they are being useful!


  32. veritas says:

    This takes the cake, doesn’t it…..if they ever believed themselves to be a legitimate news program, this cinches the deal against that once and for all. They will never live this one down.

    Guess they had to run something to counter what’s happening today on all fronts….DeadEye Dick is looking like the storm is gathering all around him.


  33. Texas Democrat says:

    I remember watching a show years ago that was something like “punked” where they set up Mr. Rogers in a hotel room where nothing was as he asked for it and nothing worked. The wrong bed in a smoking room with a television that didn’t work etc. etc. He took the whole thing with absolute grace and humility.
    Of course he’s being attacked, evil cannot tolerate purity.


  34. upside00 says:

    We will have to fight Mr. Rogers in his grave or we will have to fight him here!

    Where’s glen beck and billo to kick the dead guy? They are missing out on all the fun. And Ann Coultergeist should be here, too. DNA-loaded skank cocktail dress and all.


  35. RUCerious says:

    Jimmy Z ~ My mom played accordian for a hillbilly radio show in Des Moines Iowa in the late 30’s, starring none other than the biggest asshole in radio at that time, one Ronnie Reagan.


  36. veritas says:

    Even bringing a second-rate station like Fox up for discussion makes me feel like barfing. Time to flit on to bigger and more relevant topics.


  37. RUCerious says:

    upside00!
    ROFLMAO!!!


  38. dorothy59 says:

    Since many FOX viewers raised their kids with Mr. Rogers, this might not be such a smart move.


  39. Frank M says:

    If you are not against innocence why are you for stuff like sex before marriage, abortion and children without dads?


  40. SomeGaveAll says:

    The Fox take on kindly Fred Rogers’ efforts to help preschoolers w/their sense of self esteem is beyond laughable. My grandsons love him. His program sure beats a lot of the dreck on commercial tv for kids that age. Rogers was a clergyman BTW.


  41. upside00 says:

    #34 Veritas

    But remember… it is Faux NoNooz that blames terrorist attacks on national medicine! SO wonder what else they will blame Mr. Rogers for?


  42. Wayne says:

    I thought
    Comment by Frank M

    Don’t hurt yourself there, dude.


  43. Ashen Shard says:

    oh! this has to be the last straw! I doubt the public at large would allow such a slander of Mr. Rogers to stand. Heh, I’m willing to bet a large segment of the public grew up with Mr. Rogers.


  44. trippin says:

    Professor Chance responded that he agreed that narcissism was a problem. No word on when he’s writing the article about this most heinous kind.

    ———————-

    Professor Chance,
    Mr. Zaslow,

    With respect to “Blame It on Mr. Rogers: Why Young Adults Feel So Entitled” published July 5:

    Many in America openly practice the narcissism that a supreme being who created the universe cares solely about this insignificant corner of an insignificant galaxy, and in fact this supreme being has nothing better to do than watch every move of each and every one of us from cradle to grave to determine our eternal disposition in the hereafter.

    Some extrapolate this to declare homo sapiens as “special,” above nature not part of it, separate, made in the image of that supreme being, to the point they readily sacrifice the precious natural surroundings that give us life in the pursuit of wealth, consequences be damned. They deny Federal funding for life altering research using embryonic stem cells, they deny a woman equal footing in society by denying her sovereignty over her own body, they deny Terri Schiavo a dignified and private passing, they demonize people for who they love, they seek to replace the rigors of scientific inquiry with tenets of faith in our schools as we increasingly fail to compete in a global economy, they fight cruel wars tantamount to modern day Crusades — all this and more, and all rooted in this narcissism run amok.

    Yet for all the incalculable damage that this narcissism has wrought, it elicits not a peep from vaunted financial services chairs at LSU nor the editorial staff of the Wall Street Journal.

    But let Mister Rogers — Mister Rogers, for crying out loud — show a developing child a little love, a child who has to rely on television to bolster a preschool education these same people would otherwise deny, and the mammonists go apoplectic.

    This makes Falwell’s ludicrous accusations that Tinky Winky is a gay role model pale by comparison. Evidently a positive self-image among the nation’s youth is the antithesis of oligarchic objectives, and must be repudiated no matter how ridiculous that repudiation.

    I must say, to your credit, at least this time it wasn’t Clinton’s fault.

    PS – Nice guitar page though, Dr. Chance.


  45. dorothy59 says:

    #37 I’m not against children without dads, or children with dads. I’m not against any children.


  46. Tom3 says:

    Now the Reich Wingnuts are smearing Fred Rodgers.

    They’ve gone insane.


  47. Mr. President says:

    Alright, if no one else has the balls to say it, I will.

    Mr. Rogers was creepy, of course he thought all children were “special,” especially little boys.

    No one would want a “Mr. Rogers” in their neighborhood today, that is, no one who loves their children.


  48. A. Cravan says:

    Harumphing con saps know what’s wrong with this country: Disney! Specifically, “Snow White and the 7 Dwarves”: a whole generation of children grew up thinking Americans should “whistle while you work”! How absurd!


  49. Jeremy says:

    …I can’t think of a single thing to say to this. Wait…actually I can. I’m channelling a good buddy of mine here….here it comes….

    *DUMB$#!+!!!*

    Now I see where Mr. P gets his talking points from…


  50. RUCerious says:

    Why is Frank J/M/? for pedophiles like Mark Foley?


  51. Texas Democrat says:

    Frank M,

    We’re talking about Faux attacking Mr. Rogers on this thread. You asked a question about why children are special, it was answered, go elsewhere to bait people into your talking points. Or better yet go elsewhere to master bait people.


  52. ozma10 says:

    The sense of entitlement has been growing in this country for MORE than 25 years. And narcissism???? Just look at the grand sense of entitlement going on at the White House, not to mention narcissism!!!!
    No Fox noisemaker is fit to shine the shoes of Fred Rogers. A selfless, dedicated man, whose goal in life was to offer children a place to be safe and to understand the world around them. And yes, he looked for the something special in everyone, even those noisemakers at Fox. Our world is so much better off because of him. The children are so much more in confusion and peril without his calm and loving friendship. I still watch the reruns with the kids. Sometimes without!!


  53. Frank M says:

    RUCerious you make no sense.


  54. Texas Democrat says:

    You black hearted evil trolls really have no shame do you.


  55. RUCerious says:

    Frank J/M, neither do your strawmen.


  56. Zooey says:

    If you are not against innocence why are you for stuff like sex before marriage, abortion and children without dads?
    Comment by Frank M — July 6, 2007 @ 5:05 pm

    Please do not venture out into the world unassisted.


  57. spit take says:

    “Why is it at the end of every term, these kids who on the bubble…they come in and beg for extra credit so they can get an A?”

    Umm… maybe it’s because they know that an A is better than a B and, human nature being what it is, they want to do everything in their power to get the best grade possible? And they recognize that “begging for extra credit” is one way to achieve that goal?

    Is that so friggin’ hard to understand?

    Why does everything have to be an “entitlement” issue?

    How do they even try to turn this into a social problem, let alone hint that it’s anyone’s “fault”?


  58. Wayne says:

    RUCerious you make no sense.
    Comment by Frank M

    It’s not his fault you have a reading comprehension problem…..


  59. veritas says:

    And King George will be sitting alone on his throne (toilet throne, that is) with his only two friends left in the world: Barney and Laura – his two dogs. arfffff! Didn’t he prophesize that?


  60. LandSurveyor says:

    Mr. President you sure say some weird stuff. I personally never liked Mr. Rogers. I was a Three Stooges kinda guy. But this thread is about the endless stream of weird shit that that FOX morning show puts out.

    I just read in Time Murdoch wants to buy the WSJ to go legit and eventually dump FOX. We all know where FOX is headed you dolt.


  61. Ringo says:

    I’m conservative and I like Mr. Rogers.

    My 20 month old daughter watches his show almost everyday.


  62. veritas says:

    Insanity is the synonym for “reichwingnuts” these days….so we’ve come to expect this behavior from the bunch of them.


  63. bob (not the hacker) says:

    “If you are not against innocence why are you for stuff like sex before marriage, abortion and children without dads?”

    Comment by Frank M

    So, Frank, you’ve never had sex? It’s a shame your mom never had an abortion, and if you have kids take it for granted they would be better off without their dad.


  64. chimpeach says:

    #17 Frank M

    I thought you liberals were all against innocence.

    I thought you conservatives were all pedophiles. Oh, that’s right. You are.


  65. spit take says:

    and just what makes all children “special”?

    Comment by Frank M — July 6, 2007 @ 4:53 pm

    I guess a simple answer that you can understand is God makes all children “special”.

    What makes you say that there are children in the world who are not “special”? Do YOU have children? Are they special?


  66. LandSurveyor says:

    Texas Democrat are you new here? Or is that a new handle you’re sporting?


  67. RUCerious says:

    Why is it at the end of every term, these kids who on the bubble…they come in and beg for extra credit so they can get an A?”

    It isn’t like school should be about the learning, now is it?
    What’s wrong with allowing a student to work a little harder at something they need practice with to cement some learning in place.
    It’s not like they’re not ‘earning’ the extra credit.

    No, it’s about you, the almighty instructor, with the godlike power of issuing grades.


  68. veritas says:

    Fox is headed out…..or more appropriately, down the toilet. It’s already there but just doesn’t realize it yet….”and away go bubbles down the drain, RotoRooter!”.


  69. veritas says:

    It’s original, gotta admit that! After years of blaming Clinton, now they’ve found a new scapegoat….poor ole’ Mr. Rogers.


  70. Frank M says:

    It’s not his fault you have a reading comprehension problem…..

    Ah yes. You smug progressives. “They can’t read or understand us – stupid lower class slobs – but at least we know what’s good for them”.


  71. SomeGaveAll says:

    Those who are badmouthing the deceased Fred Rogers on this thread should read a few interviews w/someone who got his start working w/him behind the scenes on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood- actor Michael Keaton. Nothing but praise from Keaton, who was then an unknown production assistant/gofer for Fred & Co.


  72. Zooey says:

    How do they even try to turn this into a social problem, let alone hint that it’s anyone’s “fault”?
    Comment by spit take

    People criticize kids for being lazy and stupid, but when they try to excel, they are still criticized.

    They cannot win!


  73. chimpeach says:

    #37 Frank M

    If you are not against innocence why are you for stuff like sex before marriage, abortion and children without dads?

    Why are you for having sex with little kids, and beating your wives, and cheating on them? With gay hookers?!!!


  74. effrenatus says:

    The right-wing oligarch’s objectives rely on a “gammas” in society. If every child is special and every child deserves opportunity to excel, the “alpha” class is threatened. These people truly believe they are better and more deserving than you, and that their children are better and more deserving than yours. Fox certainly has no choice except to embrace this putrid belief.


  75. leftcoast says:

    #26 Within a year I believe Fox News will be so irrelevant and obsolete that they’ll just vanish completely from the radar. Right now, no with any sense of credibility or self-respect will appear on their programming which says a bunch.

    Comment by veritas
    They are going the way of right-wing hate radio in ratings loss, and may be further along to their demise because they no longer can fool enough listeners.


  76. dogtrottors says:

    I’m a liberal and I watch fox news because CNN is too anti-American. I just can’t stand it.


  77. skippin says:

    It’s fifteen minutes of Ann Coulteresque fame for a nobody finance professor langushing in a second-rate university in the heart of Bible-pounding racist xenophobic dumbass America. He’s made it to Faux.

    He and his degenerate family will be watching reruns of this video every Thanksgiving as they wipe their greasy fingers on the lining of their dinner jackets, yukking it up at how everybody’s just looking for a handout.


  78. Frank M says:

    What are you talking about chimpeach? I do nothing of the kind!


  79. chimpeach says:

    #64 LandSurveyor

    …is that a new handle you’re sporting?

    If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me that…


  80. Zooey says:

    I’m conservative and I like Mr. Rogers.
    My 20 month old daughter watches his show almost everyday.
    Comment by Ringo — July 6, 2007 @ 5:14 pm

    So you’ll be sending FOX an email telling them how you feel about this story, right?


  81. Zooey says:

    I’m a liberal and I watch fox news because CNN is too anti-American. I just can’t stand it.
    Comment by dogtrottors — July 6, 2007 @ 5:18 pm

    Bullshit.


  82. chimpeach says:

    #76 Frank M

    What are you talking about chimpeach? I do nothing of the kind!

    Of course you do. You’re a conservative, right? All conservatives do those things, so you do to.

    I’m surprised I have to explain that to you.


  83. RUCerious says:

    Ah yes. You dumbass retrogressives. “You can’t read or understand us – or even understand when we’re dissing you”


  84. StinkyBritches says:

    #78: That would be a bad idea. FOX would be sending their Security Team to discuss the problem with Mr. Ringo.


  85. Mr. President says:

    chimpeach, chimpeach, CHIMPEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH HHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


  86. tarazan says:

    Even Mr. Rogers is not safe from being attacked by these nuts & Friends at Fox.
    They,everyday, have to find someone to attack or smear…
    They think its funny.
    What evidence these hollow heads have to prove their point of view about Mr. Rogers…nothing…
    Just another day of selling Fox morning trash to the dummies .


  87. spit take says:

    Ah yes. You smug progressives. “They can’t read or understand us – stupid lower class slobs – but at least we know what’s good for them”.

    Comment by Frank M — July 6, 2007 @ 5:16 pm

    Why is it smug to point out that you have trouble comprehending the written word?

    Why do you feel entitled to be treated like an intelligent contributor when your posts are such clear evidence of the opposite?


  88. chimpeach says:

    Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.


  89. Zooey says:

    #78: That would be a bad idea. FOX would be sending their Security Team to discuss the problem with Mr. Ringo.
    Comment by StinkyBritches

    Heh.

    If he has a spine he’ll do it anyway. :)


  90. Frank M says:

    chimpeach: What are you talking about? You don’t know me. I am not a pedofile or a goddamned Faggot.


  91. flippin says:

    In my experience, those who behave with the most irritating sense of entitlement are the wealthy. They expect a lot from the government, and they get what they pay for. They expect a lot from those who work for them, or they hire an illegal Mexican or offshore the job to India. They expect a lot from the right wing media to keep the masses numb with tragic plights of rich white girls writ large and nationwide while Rome burns. They hold out their hands for tax breaks, and though they’ve benefitted the most from the system they’ve set up, and though they have the most to protect, they offer nothing in return.

    And then they have the unmitigated audacity to complain about the narcissism of others. It’s stunning.


  92. Zooey says:

    I’m surprised I have to explain that to you.
    Comment by chimpeach — July 6, 2007 @ 5:20 pm

    His dog ate his copy of The Neo-Con Agenda ™.


  93. dogpoopers says:

    I’m a liberal and I watch fox news because CNN is too anti-American. I just can’t stand it.

    Comment by dogtrottors — July 6, 2007 @ 5:18 pm

    I’m a conservative and I listen to Randi Rhodes because Ed Schultz is just too right-wing for me.


  94. A. Cravan says:

    I am not a pedofile or a goddamned Faggot.

    Yer just another simple-minded bedwetting bootlicker.


  95. chimpeach says:

    #88 Frank M

    chimpeach: What are you talking about? You don’t know me. I am not a pedofile or a goddamned Faggot.

    There’s the tip-off. You went way overboard trying to convince us you’re not gay. You even capitalized “Faggot”. Yep, you’re gay alright.

    And, of course, the pedophilia goes without saying. After all, you’re a conservative.


  96. Rosencrantz says:

    I may be wrong, but Fox isn’t too far off the mark. A study was done not too long ago that studied a generation of kids who were raised with the whole “I’m unique and special” method of parenting and learning. The kids grew into adults with an inflated sense of self-entitlement and an attitude that everything should be easy and handed to them.

    I haven’t actually read the study so I can’t comment on whether or not Mr. Roger’s was named or referenced.


  97. toasterhead says:

    I’m a liberal and I watch fox news because CNN is too anti-American. I just can’t stand it.

    Comment by dogtrottors — July 6, 2007 @ 5:18 pm

    That’s kinda like saying “I’m not gay, but I watch gay porn because the storylines in straight porn are just too ludicrous. He doesn’t even LOOK like a cable installer.”


  98. RUCerious says:

    Methinks Frank J/M protesteth too much.


  99. Ringo says:

    So you’ll be sending FOX an email telling them how you feel about this story, right?

    Comment by Zooey
    ———————————————————————————–

    Perhaps….Although I rarely watch FOX News (or any other TV News).


  100. A. Cravan says:

    #96. I haven’t actually read the study…

    Then shut up.


  101. Mr. President says:

    Comment by Rosencrantz — July 6, 2007 @ 5:25 pm

    100% Correct.

    See, the Lefties think all kids are special REGARDLESS of merit, that is how MR can ruin America.

    Like I said, he is kind of a pussy.


  102. RUCerious says:

    Q:
    Would a pedofile be someone who uses a rasp file on their toenails?


  103. Wayne says:

    Ah yes. You dumbass retrogressives. “You can’t read or understand us – or even understand when we’re dissing you”
    Comment by RUCerious

    I keep warning him not to hurt himself when he thinks, but he does it anyway, lmao

    Frank is definately not the brightest bulb in the room.


  104. Frank M says:

    chimpeach: Why don’t you just leave me alone before I sue you for internet harrassment or liabel? And I’m no stinking faggot. That “F” in my post was just a mistake.

    You have no right to say I’m homo.


  105. Arthur C. says:

    #101.

    Show us “the study,” or STFU.


  106. Mr. President says:

    Comment by Ringo — July 6, 2007 @ 5:27 pm

    There is no need for you to write a letter to anyone.

    FOX is right about this.

    Just make sure you teach your daughter the importance of hard work, so that she does not feel entitled to everything just because she breaths oxygen.


  107. Mr. President says:

    Comment by RUCerious — July 6, 2007 @ 5:28 pm

    Possibly.


  108. Tom says:

    but at least we know what’s good for them”.

    Comment by Frank M

    Its because you have hitched your wagon to Mr. Bush’s star and you have a failure complex. You thought Bush was good for you. You thought Iraq would work out well. You thought lots of things which turned out absolutely wrong. Assisting the helpless is what progressives do.


  109. RUCerious says:

    OK, now I’m starting to think Frankie is a parody troll…
    before I sue you for internet harrassment or liabel?
    You have no right to say I’m homo.

    You can’t make shit like this up~~!!


  110. Wayne says:

    I haven’t actually read the study
    Comment by Rosencrantz

    Yet you offer your opinion on something you are ignorant of?


  111. chimpeach says:

    #101 Mr. President

    Like I said, he is kind of a pussy.

    Well, then you have to ask the question, “What kind of a man would beat up on a dead pussy?”

    Perhaps someone who doesn’t have the guts to beat up on a live pussy? That’s pretty sad.


  112. Arthur C. says:

    You have no right to say I’m homo.

    Why is it that right-wingers inevitably choose as leaders “daddy types” to protect them from evil? Can’t they take care of themselves?

    Sounds kind of gay to me, Frank.


  113. chimpeach says:

    - but at least we know what’s good for them”.

    Comment by Frank M

    Jeff Gannon knows what’s good for you, Frank.


  114. Mr. President says:

    Comment by chimpeach — July 6, 2007 @ 5:32 pm

    You moron.

    That’s like saying “Someone who thinks that Hitler’s philosophy is dangerous, is a coward. Because Hitler is not here to defend himself!”

    Good Lord, you Lefties are dumb.


  115. Arthur C. says:

    Mr. President’s guide to child-rearing: “Tell your children they are ordinary, every day, in every way. They are nothing special, and deserve nothing. Pound it into their little skulls.”

    It must suck to be you, Mr P.


  116. RUCerious says:

    Mr Pee, please examine your feet.
    Your shoes are on the wrong feet and someone has tied your shoelaces together.


  117. Frank M says:

    I’m just going to ignore following people from now on: chimpeach, Wayne and Arthur C.


  118. RUCerious says:

    #115, even more like,
    take your kids for a ride in the car, then leave them in the parking lot while you get drunk at the bar.


  119. Frank M says:

    Who is Jeff Gannon?


  120. chimpeach says:

    #114 Mr. President

    That’s like saying “Someone who thinks that Hitler’s philosophy is dangerous, is a coward. Because Hitler is not here to defend himself!”

    Good Lord, you Lefties are dumb.

    Sorry. I forgot about Mr. Rogers killing six million Jews.

    Hit him again! I think he just flinched!


  121. dogtrottors says:

    Why is it that right-wingers inevitably choose as leaders “daddy types” to protect them from evil? Can’t they take care of themselves?

    —————-

    My congressman is William Jefferson. He should throw his hat into the ring for the presidency.


  122. RUCerious says:

    Well, now Frank j/m and Jake have ignore lists.
    Come on, how effing transparent do you have to be Jake/Frank/j/m…


  123. Wayne says:

    You have no right to say I’m homo.—-Frank M

    Awww, ya’ll made Frank cry…..
    Poor baby.


  124. StinkyBritches says:

    I don’t think Frank M is Jake. He’s just too stupid to be even Jake in disguise.


  125. Loonie says:

    Perhaps they could have a go at mother Teresa next.


  126. RUCerious says:

    Please don’t deny your Beau on the internets, Jake/Frank.
    Jeff won’t give you any more head if you’re a bad boy.


  127. -------- says:

    Just make sure you teach your daughter the importance of hard work, so that she does not feel entitled to everything just because she breaths oxygen.

    Comment by Mr. President — July 6, 2007 @ 5:30 pm

    You sound like a trust fund baby yourself…


  128. Zooey says:

    I haven’t actually read the study so I can’t comment on whether or not Mr. Roger’s was named or referenced.
    Comment by Rosencrantz

    Kids probably are being raised with some sense of entitlement, it’s been part of our culture for a while — I’m not saying it’s right, just saying it’s fact.

    PARENTS have the greatest effect on their children, not Mr Rogers for 1/2 hour a day.

    The War on Mr Rogers is totally bogus.


  129. RUCerious says:

    StinkyBreeches, yer probably right, but it’s a wierd coincidence that they both now have Ignor(ant) lists.


  130. Badger says:

    Mr. Rodgers gave his young audience Respect for themselves and their unique personal worth. You are all Loveable and Capable was his message.
    What’s the alternative.??Cartoons with Super-powered hero’s who Blast Away the Evil ones. Sounds like a recipe for willing cannon fodder to me.


  131. Arthur C. says:

    Frank M. gets his undies in a bunch when he’s called gay, but doesn’t object to being called a bedwetting bootlicker. That speaks volumes about these rightwing nutjobs.


  132. Wayne says:

    I’m just going to ignore following people from now on: chimpeach, Wayne and Arthur C.
    Comment by Frank M

    Well golly gee. I made it on a troll’s ignore list.
    Isn’t that special.
    whooptiedo.


  133. chimpeach says:

    You have no right to say I’m homo.—-Frank M

    Actually, I think I do. I’ll have to check to be sure, but I think the First Amendment is still there.

    That’s why Mann Coulter gets to call everyone a “fag”. And we get to hear a transsexual skank calling everyone a “fag”.


  134. RUCerious says:

    Badger, how bout Coyotes that chase roadrunners all over the desert and wind up with anvils falling on them?


  135. chimpeach says:

    #132 Wayne

    Well golly gee. I made it on a troll’s ignore list.
    Isn’t that special.
    whooptiedo.

    It’s a red letter day for me.


  136. Zooey says:

    Just make sure you teach your daughter the importance of hard work, so that she does not feel entitled to everything just because she breaths oxygen.
    Comment by Mr. President — July 6, 2007 @ 5:30 pm

    Oh my god, I can’t stop laughing!!

    That is an hysterically stunning statement coming from YOU.

    Amazing….


  137. RUCerious says:

    Careful, Chimpeach, your liable to get sued for libel, so quick, grab your Bible.


  138. spit take says:

    I don’t think Frank M is Jake. He’s just too stupid to be even Jake in disguise.

    Comment by StinkyBritches — July 6, 2007 @ 5:42 pm

    Don’t discount the plummeting mental capacity of all of the trolls. Something’s up — maybe they got this batch of Kool-Aid from China or something, but there’s some kind of delerium that’s infecting all of them. Maybe Frank really is Jake and he is just getting stupider by the day.


  139. Jane Imhotte says:

    The first thing I thought of when I saw this about entitled weenies I thought of the atheist armageddon blog.

    Then I read about King Fetus and thought about how many parents break into a sirens wail when their precious dennis menace prodigies arent skritched behind the ear while having a golden star pasted to their foreheads to wear prouldly home.

    After these thoughts bounced around the cerebral cortex at light speed…the blur cleared.

    Mr Rogers didn’t teach these kids such college genius as beer bonging and taking a few wobbly laps on the peddle and puke trail before the educated spigots drained perfectly good liquid granola at their parents expense on the manicured grounds.

    They simply mimic their elders!


  140. SuburbanGirl says:

    This is unbelievable on so many levels.

    Even my mom the Republican loved Mr. Rogers.

    And hey that sense of entitlement has nothing to do w/Mr. Rogers or regarding children as “special” in and of themselves (e.g. the inherent worth and dignity of every person, including little persons). It has to do with teaching them how to earn things, and that we are all good at different things but not so good at others. That’s life. But Mr. Rogers hardly transmitted a sense of entitlement.

    And speaking of entitlement and a group of people for whom there seem to be no consequences: look no farther than the neo-cons in the Bush Administration.

    These people are just so psychologically twisted on so many levels.


  141. Not Canadian says:

    Picking on a dead man to justify your stupid argument is utterly tasteless.


  142. CD says:

    ya know it’s bad enough that this crack pot from down south wrote this shit but even worse that fox is spreading his message of hate for both my entire generation and a kindly Minister who spent his life try to make the world a better place.

    It’s official, Fox hates Christians who don’t walk lockstep with Pat Robertson et al.


  143. wijg? says:

    You would think FOX could find time for something other than hate.


  144. clb72 says:

    Ah yes, Mr. Rogers killed our meritocracy. This from the folks who put Regent Law School graduates in the Department of Justice.


  145. chimpeach says:

    #141 Not Canadian

    Picking on a dead man to justify your stupid argument is utterly tasteless.

    I think they’ve probably beaten the strawman so much he’s disintegrated, so they’re going after the dead now.


  146. Badger says:

    Comment by RUCerious — July 6, 2007 @ 5:46 pm

    Ok. you got me. There ARE other alternatives. You won’t get me to criticize a genious animator like Chuck Jones.

    By the way…have you seen the ICE AGE Movies with the prehistoric raccon creature chasing the acorn??? Definitely an hommage to Mr. Jones and his Coyote.


  147. StinkyBritches says:

    Maybe Frank really is Jake and he is just getting stupider by the day.

    That is certainly possible. I still find it strange that Jake – posting under another nickname and knowing that ignore-lists are typical of the original Jake – would bring up ignore lists in such a blatantly obvious way.


  148. missmolly says:

    Telling a child he/she is special and worth something is not the same as telling a child he/she is entitled to everything he/she wants. Mr. Rogers didn’t spoil children, he validated them. There’s a big difference. I never once saw Mr. Rogers tell children that they need to beg for what they didn’t earn.

    Children get far more of their sense of entitlement from another part of television — advertising. Further enhanced by parents who can’t say no to anything.

    Fox never really had much of a grip, but they are losing what tenuous hold on reality they ever had by broadcasting stuff like this and the claim that universal health care breeds terrorism. What’s next — recycling newspapers leads to atheism?


  149. sarah says:

    We should not have grades because that will make the children that are not as bright feel bad, and every child is special and important in their own way. We cannot hurt their fragile egos with trivial things such as grades and rewarding achievement. School is to learn about your fellow man, not find out who is best or smartest.


  150. enaud says:

    This is beyond belief. This shows their craveness clearly, and it doesn’t speak well of the trolls here either. If they are so desperate that they have to attack Mr Rogers, then there is nothing anyone can say to them that will make any difference. They are lower than whale shit in the Mariannas trench, and that is low.


  151. Wayne says:

    Oh my god, I can’t stop laughing!!
    Comment by Zooey

    Yeah, PiPpy’s drivel was hilarious
    Funniest thing is I think he was trying to be serious. =D


  152. Zooey says:

    Comment by missmolly — July 6, 2007 @ 5:57 pm

    You’ve said it best.


  153. RUCerious says:

    Badger, indeed, and it’s one of my faves.


  154. Jane Imhotte says:

    Definitely an hommage to Mr. Jones and his Coyote.

    Comment by Badger

    I likened the movie to biblical texts. Fear, Floods, False Prophets, Materialism, The Tree of life (the nut) And the ever receding goal to find out what God [sometimes called Nut] and life is all about.

    In the end the prehistoric Squirrel/Raccoon almost grasp what he so desired, only to be brought back to life and to begin all over again.


  155. Wayne says:

    well it’s been a fun troll bashing, but I have a gig to play tonight, Later all


  156. timmy says:

    It actually wasn’t Fox News that did this study it was done by the professor at LSU, and they are just reprorting on it.


  157. dogtrottors says:

    I wonder if Mr. Rogers has ever had sex.


  158. ForTruth says:

    This is too much.


  159. timmy says:

    It isn’t like school should be about the learning, now is it?
    What’s wrong with allowing a student to work a little harder at something they need practice with to cement some learning in place.
    It’s not like they’re not ‘earning’ the extra credit.

    No, it’s about you, the almighty instructor, with the godlike power of issuing grades.

    Comment by RUCerious

    Why should some student get an extra opportunity to raise their grade. What about the students that earned the higher grade based on the work assigned? Doesn’t that do them a dis-severice and watering down their achievement? What about the students that don’t complain and whine to get their grade raised? Why should only the complainers get another chance?


  160. spit take says:

    It actually wasn’t Fox News that did this study it was done by the professor at LSU, and they are just reprorting on it.

    Comment by timmy — July 6, 2007 @ 6:08 pm

    Actually, Timmeh, Fox’s Brian Kilmeade said “that man unintentionally did a whole generation or two a disservice.”

    So they commented on it as well as reporting it.

    Not a good start, Timmeh. Why don’t you just go back to whatever troll ID you were getting beaten under before, and save “Timmeh” until he can start fresh, huh?


  161. ForTruth says:

    Yeah Molly called it.

    Next thread.


  162. Arthur C. says:

    #156: It actually wasn’t Fox News that did this study

    I’m clear on that, junior. I’m talking about what a stupid editorial decison it was on the part of those soulless blowhards at Fox to feature it as if it is legitimate scholarly research. It isn’t.


  163. Zooey says:

    I wonder if Mr. Rogers has ever had sex.
    Comment by dogtrottors

    Since there is a Mrs Rogers and their two children, I think it’s say to say YES.


  164. timmy says:

    I’m clear on that, junior. I’m talking about what a stupid editorial decison it was on the part of those soulless blowhards at Fox to feature it as if it is legitimate scholarly research. It isn’t.

    Comment by Arthur C

    The Wall Street Journal reported on it to, are you upset with them to?


  165. gummitch says:

    This is what I’ve got say to that, care of Richard Thompson (c) 1988

    Richard Thompson
    ° Can’t Win °

    I started to cry, they put gin in my cup
    I started to crawl, and they swaddled me up
    I got up and run, they said “Easy, son,
    Play up, play the game”

    They told me to think and forget what I’d heard
    They told me to lie and they questioned my word
    They told me to fail, better sink than sail,
    Just play the game

    Oh, towers will tumble and locusts will visit the land
    Oh, a curse on your house and your children and the fruit of your hand

    They said “You can’t win. You can’t win.
    You sweat blood. You give in.
    You can’t win. You can’t win.
    Turn the cheek. Take it on the chin.
    Don’t you dare do this. Don’t you dare do that”
    We shoot down dreams, we stiletto in the back
    Oh the nerve of some people, the nerve of some people,
    The nerve of some
    I don’t know who you think you are, who you think you are

    Oh what kind of mother would hamstring her sons?
    Throw sand in their eyes and put ice on their tongues
    Ah better to leave than stay here and grieve
    And play the game

    Don’t waken the dead as you sleepwalk around
    If you have a dream, brother, hush, not a sound
    Just stand there and rust, die if you must
    But play the game

    Oh, if we can’t have it, why should a wretch like you?
    Oh, it was drilled in our heads, now we drill it into your head too.

    They said “You can’t win. You can’t win.
    You sweat blood. You give in.
    You can’t win. You can’t win.
    Turn the cheek. Take it on the chin.
    Don’t you dare do this. Don’t you dare do that”
    We shoot down dreams, we stiletto in the back
    Oh, the nerve of some people, the nerve of some people,
    The nerve of some people
    I don’t know who you think you are
    The nerve of some people, the nerve of some people
    The nerve of some people, the nerve of some people
    The nerve of some people, the nerve of some people
    The nerve of some people, the nerve of some people


  166. Arthur C. says:

    The Wall Street Journal reported on it to, are you upset with them to?

    Of course I am, dumbass. Do you believe everything you read in WSJ?


  167. Badger says:

    I likened the movie to biblical texts

    Comment by Jane Imhotte — July 6, 2007 @ 6:04 pm

    I definitely picked up on that too, particularly in the Second Movie.
    Maybe they realized that the characters were from over 6000 years ago….a touchy subject for SOME movie goers…and were striving for Balance.
    I was more delighted by their animation skills than their story line, but that raccoon in acorn heaven was priceless.
    Sorry to all for going off topic.


  168. timmy says:

    Of course I am, dumbass. Do you believe everything you read in WSJ?

    Comment by Arthur C

    Then why only bring up Fox News?


  169. Cpt. Crepitus says:

    dear timmy —
    the extra credit is available for all students who want to take advantage of doing some extra work.


  170. popothebright says:

    Well.. they have a point about expectation.

    The grade inflation at Harvard is just hilarious. I had harder classes in high school.


  171. Matthew says:

    Using Mr. Rogers as the reason of spoiled ungrateful children with feelings of entitlement such as myself is quite an oversimplification of the issue, but I’m glad that it isn’t only me who feels so special without any justification to feel that way.

    I hated that show as a child, such a bore, and it was rather creepy to me as well.


  172. timmy says:

    dear timmy —
    the extra credit is available for all students who want to take advantage of doing some extra work.

    Comment by Cpt. Crepitus

    In what case? The professor here is talking about students that are not happy with their grades so they beg for some extra credit? He is not referring to extra credit available and outlined in the syllabus. Read the article, the study was because students thought they deserved more than their grade said, so they petitioned for a higher grade via extra credit.


  173. Null says:

    Dear CNN,

    Are you sure this is the “news” network that you want to emulate? I mean, seriously.

    It’s Mr. Roger’s fault now? What a bunch of temper tantrum, whiny little brats these NeoCons are.


  174. James M. Jensen II says:

    Yes, because kids used to accept bad grades with stiff upper lip and renewed sense of determination.

    This is a new low.

    These people are sick.


  175. OxyCon says:

    Take a look at the great man that Fox “News” is smearing:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Rogers


  176. timmy says:

    Are you sure this is the “news” network that you want to emulate? I mean, seriously.

    It’s Mr. Roger’s fault now? What a bunch of temper tantrum, whiny little brats these NeoCons are.

    Comment by Null

    Fox News was only reporting on the study that first appeared in the Wall Street Journal by a professor at LSU.


  177. Null says:

    Oh and comment #148 – Whoa, missmolly, could you kindly stop making sense? As per the recent BushCo memo, that’s a sign of being unAmerican.


  178. Zooey says:

    ….students thought they deserved more than their grade said, so they petitioned for a higher grade via extra credit.
    Comment by timmy

    Please stop whining timmy, it’s very unattractive.

    BTW, last I looked petitioning for extra credit requires a yes or no answer. They could have been turned down.


  179. Arthur C. says:

    Then why only bring up Fox News?

    Fox News happens to be the subject of this thread, kid.

    The Wall Street Journal reported on it to…

    No, it was the subject of an Op-Ed piece in WSJ. Until you learn to distinguish the difference between reporting and op-ed, maybe you should keep yer juvenile maw shut.


  180. Null says:

    And what a NEWSWORTHY piece that was!! My God, how did we ever live without it. So Timmy, did you learn to consistently make excuses for other people’s bad/crappy/inconsiderate behavior from watching too much Fox News?


  181. timmy says:

    Actually, Timmeh, Fox’s Brian Kilmeade said “that man unintentionally did a whole generation or two a disservice.”

    So they commented on it as well as reporting it.

    Not a good start, Timmeh. Why don’t you just go back to whatever troll ID you were getting beaten under before, and save “Timmeh” until he can start fresh, huh?

    Comment by spit take

    Yes, Brian Kilmeade gave his opinion on the study done by a professor. I don’t see your point.


  182. criticalthinker says:

    Wanting American oil companies to have access to oil under the Iraqi sands, is not believing in a sense of entitlement?

    If there were more Mr Rogers on television, many more people would understand that!


  183. timmy says:

    Please stop whining timmy, it’s very unattractive.

    BTW, last I looked petitioning for extra credit requires a yes or no answer. They could have been turned down.

    Comment by Zooey

    Why should the professor or teacher have to hear all the extra whining? Don’t they have enough to do?


  184. spit take says:

    Fox News was only reporting on the study that first appeared in the Wall Street Journal by a professor at LSU.

    Comment by timmy — July 6, 2007 @ 6:31 pm

    Timmeh, you obviously skipped over the post where I pointed out that Faux news didn’t “just report” on the study — Faux host Brian Kilmeade claimed that Mr. Rogers “did generations of kids a disservice”. That’s more than “just reporting” — that’s commentary.

    If you insist on trying to argue, at least try to do it like a grownup — don’t distort, especially after your distortions have been exposed already. It makes you look stupid.


  185. Arthur C. says:

    At the risk of repeating myself, timmy: it was a stupid editorial decison at Fox to feature it as if it is legitimate scholarly research. It isn’t. Don Chance is a finance professor at LSU, not a childhood development expert.


  186. spit take says:

    Timmeh, do you understand the distinction between reporting and opinion?

    I didn’t think so.


  187. timmy says:

    Fox News happens to be the subject of this thread, kid.

    The Wall Street Journal reported on it to…

    No, it was the subject of an Op-Ed piece in WSJ. Until you learn to distinguish the difference between reporting and op-ed, maybe you should keep yer juvenile maw shut.

    Comment by Arthur C.

    There is no difference in this case, it was a short little story on Fox News where the newscasters gave their opinions. What is the op part mean in op-ed (oh ya opinion!).


  188. Buck Fush says:

    Wow, you repukians are sure showing what kind of scum you are….just look at their posts.

    YOU REPUKES ARE SICK, SICK NEANDERTHALS.


  189. spit take says:

    There is no difference in this case, it was a short little story on Fox News where the newscasters gave their opinions. What is the op part mean in op-ed (oh ya opinion!).

    Comment by timmy — July 6, 2007 @ 6:42 pm

    I don’t understand your point.

    Do you recognize a distinction between reporting and opinion?

    Of course not, you’re a Faux News defender.


  190. timmy says:

    Timmeh, you obviously skipped over the post where I pointed out that Faux news didn’t “just report” on the study — Faux host Brian Kilmeade claimed that Mr. Rogers “did generations of kids a disservice”. That’s more than “just reporting” — that’s commentary.

    If you insist on trying to argue, at least try to do it like a grownup — don’t distort, especially after your distortions have been exposed already. It makes you look stupid.

    Comment by spit take

    So newscasters can not give their opinion? There was also an opinion on the newscast that did not agree with the study, did you miss that part?


  191. timmy says:

    I don’t understand your point.

    Do you recognize a distinction between reporting and opinion?

    Of course not, you’re a Faux News defender.

    Comment by spit take

    Yes they reported the findings of the study and then gave their opinions, nothing wrong with that.


  192. leporello says:

    Will somebody please report this as obscene to the FCC? That way they’ll have to investigate Faux News. How insane are they? I never cared for the show, but it was obvious that Mr. Rodgers truly cared for children. Why not blame the Three Stooges for violence in society? How can anybody at Faux even participate in this charade? What ‘Professor’ came up with this report? Did the Skipper and Gilligan provide extra input?


  193. Arthur C. says:

    There is no difference in this case

    You’re trying to avoid my point: you said WSJ “reported on it.” They didn’t. You lied, or you are ignorant of the distinction between reportage and op-ed. That’s very lazy thinking, kid.

    If this was debate class, I would definitely flunk you.


  194. timmy says:

    You’re trying to avoid my point: you said WSJ “reported on it.” They didn’t. You lied, or you are ignorant of the distinction between reportage and op-ed. That’s very lazy thinking, kid.

    If this was debate class, I would definitely flunk you.

    Comment by Arthur C

    I would just whine and complain for a higher grade. OPed pieces accomplish the same thing as reporting something. The public is aware of this study because of the Wall Street Journal.


  195. shane says:

    Just make sure you teach your daughter the importance of hard work, so that she does not feel entitled to everything just because she breaths oxygen.

    Comment by Mr. President

    Hard work like sitting at your keyboard copying reich wing talking points. And if their’s a poster who has delusions about his own self worth and importance it’s you buddy boy and your little friend CT too.

    In fact, it’s parents of children like you who don’t teach their children that they’re not better than everybody else that are the problem. Mabe you should talk to your mother and ask her why she let you believe that you are MORE SPECIAL than everybody else.


  196. devin says:

    UTTTERLY PATHETIC TO BEAT UP ON MISTER ROGERS!! Yet, cheney’s White House Scooter-pie walks after being convicted??!!! Who are the real coddlers with golden parachutes?!


  197. RNC Troll Dept says:

    Yes they reported the findings of the study and then gave their opinions, nothing wrong with that.

    Comment by timmy — July 6, 2007 @ 6:45 pm

    But you said “Fox News was only reporting on the study that first appeared in the Wall Street Journal by a professor at LSU.”

    That is wrong. Simple point.


  198. Arthur C. says:

    OPed pieces accomplish the same thing as reporting something

    F in debate
    F in critical thinking
    F in civics


  199. timmy says:

    F in debate
    F in critical thinking
    F in civics

    Comment by Arthur C.

    I guess if you are happy with your grades I won’t fight you. Better luck next time.


  200. RUCerious says:

    OK timmie, schools out, get home and start on your assignment, 500 words on “the nature of critical thinking”.


  201. Zooey says:

    Why should the professor or teacher have to hear all the extra whining? Don’t they have enough to do?
    Comment by timmy

    The prof can say no, and put a stop to the whining.

    Why do we have to hear your whining?


  202. shane says:

    Why should the professor or teacher have to hear all the extra whining? Don’t they have enough to do?
    Comment by timmy

    The prof can say no, and put a stop to the whining.

    Why do we have to hear your whining?

    Comment by Zooey

    Gee, timmy whines just like CT. Maybe all troll whining sounds alike.


  203. Zooey says:

    Gee, timmy whines just like CT. Maybe all troll whining sounds alike.
    Comment by shane

    It all runs together!

    Did DRxJ get ahold of you?


  204. CT_V1 says:

    Comment by shane

    Zooey must be used to the feeling of a hot coal up her bum, because your head has been up there for quite some time.

    (Reminder: you have a haggy orgy with ‘TripMaster Monkey,’ and ‘DRxJ.’ tonight at 9:30pm.)

    Just going by your logic, granny. Keep mouthin’ off.


  205. Nick says:

    If Mr. Rodgers were a Catholic, there would be a St. Fred by now. Come on, Fox.

    What would you rather have your kids watch? I suppose they would like more programs out there telling kids that if you aren’t rich or good-looking or smart, then you’re pretty much f***ed. How would that have affected America’s youth?


  206. JC Owens says:

    Interesting. I always thought the religious right were in favor of sacrificing all of our civil rights and first amendment rights for the sake of “protecting the children” (mass censorship of boobies in the media and the net). I guess kiddies aren’t special after all! lol


  207. Mr. President says:

    Shane,

    You come on and insult me after I have left already.

    Why?


  208. Overtroll 7 says:

    Just going by your logic, granny. Keep mouthin’ off.

    Comment by CT_V1 — July 6, 2007 @ 7:26 pm

    Nice one CT, extra credit for you. Maybe your talents are being wasted behind a keyboard. We’ve got to find a way to get you there and put your winning personality to better use…


  209. Munan says:

    “Because Mr. Rogers had an optimistic message where everyone was special even if they didn’t deserve it.”

    What the hell kind of nonsense is that?
    Fox news has just lost the last little bit of respect I had for them.

    Fox News : Eat a dick.


  210. Overtroll 7 says:

    addenda
    …get you out there…


  211. Katie says:

    OMG, it’s a sense of “entitlement” to want to believe that we are special. These guys are really sick. They seriously need psychiatric help.


  212. Arthur C. says:

    You come on and insult me after I have left already. Why?

    How would anybody even know you left, you narcissistic twit? Maybe he thought you were stuffing your face with Krispy-Kremes to console your sorry self after being soundly ridiculed here earlier.


  213. Katie says:

    #3 “Well, he is kind of a pussy!

    Comment by Mr. President ”

    Why is he a pussy? Because he isn’t a manly man like you who wants to go around blowing people up?

    Give me a man who is a “pussy” any time over a “macho man”. Thank you very much!


  214. david says:

    I don’t know about you, but all the kids wheedling an extra grade point who I knew in high school and university were NOT the types to have watched Mr Rogers.

    I paid little attention to my marks. (I was an B+ student.) That was because I didn’t have any scholarships or entrance applications dependent upon my maintaining a certain average.

    Marks, like Diebold voting, is highly suspect. Do they really assess a student’s comprehension or crreativity? No. Our elementary schools and high schools have been ruined by standardized tests as the teachers teach to the tests. (Think about it: Tests test only what’s on the test and so it represents only a razor thin slice of the course material.)

    Of course, I know why the neo-con freak over marks. Marks maintain the elitist nature of post-secondary education. (BTW, I’d also note that the whiners about marks all tended to be in upper income brackets in my experience.)

    Marking was invented in the mid-19th century when the idea of turning out grads like link sausage came to educators. It had little to do with the quality of education or maintaining standards. Marks were meant to justify the tuition charge. And courses were created to provide testable stages.

    Unfortunately, outside of mathematics and chemistry and physics, there is hardly a subject in school that isn’t tainted by subjectivity. Sadly, I don’t think Americans value subjectivity or creativity or learning for the sake of learning.

    Mr Rogers did not teach entitlement. He taught creativity, curiosity, and the willingness to embrace our emotional side. Neo-cons can’t handle these concepts because they’re anti-fascist.


  215. Thomas says:

    Of course, what do you expect from a bunch of self – entitled whackjobs. In their eyes they’re the one’s that are “special,” read rich because they deserve it, and somehow the uniqueness of others treads on that.


  216. Mr. President says:

    I paid little attention to my marks. (I was an B+ student.)
    Comment by david — July 6, 2007 @ 8:06 pm

    Y’ don’t say?


  217. Zooey says:

    Zooey must be used to the feeling of a hot coal up her bum, because your head has been up there for quite some time.
    Comment by CT_V1

    That’s real special, CT. Thanks for bringing me into your stupid fight for absolutely no reason.

    If you want it to go that way, I’ll stop being polite to you, m’kay?


  218. had enough says:

    Fox noise has dropped to an all time low….. Where are they going to be after ‘08…’09? By then they will have no audience, but corporate media will continue to keep them in business.


  219. Arthur C. says:

    Re #216:

    People who live in grass houses shouldn’t throw lawnmowers, Mr P.

    see #106: Mr President: “because she breaths oxygen.”

    I guess you meant “breathes.”


  220. Mr. President says:

    Comment by Arthur C. — July 6, 2007 @ 8:16 pm

    I would only be living in a glass house if I had claimed intellectual superiority.

    I did not, so no glass house here.


  221. Arthur C. says:

    If post 216 wasn’t meant as a snarky comment about the original writer’s grammar, then Mr P. tell me, what was your point?

    Besides the one on your dunce cap, I mean.


  222. Mr. President says:

    Comment by Arthur C. — July 6, 2007 @ 8:21 pm

    It was. But I never claimed to live in a glass house, so I can throw all the stones I pleese.

    Sew kan yew!


  223. Russell says:

    Comment by david — July 6, 2007 @ 8:06 pm

    Great post… Thanks…


  224. Mr. President says:

    Erratum: post #222)

    last line should read -

    “Sew Cannes yew!”


  225. david says:

    Mr President, I certainly recognize you as the wheedling type who’d be at the teacher’s elbow pleading for an extra mark. It’s the psychological problem that has you taking the moniker Mr President instead of something more realistic, say, Dork Dung.

    Something tells me you’re a wash out as a student. I myself would have been an A+ student, but I kept taking oddball and killer elective such as Medieval Jewish History, Ancient Greek, and Mediaeval Art History. (The last I thought might be easy, but, boy, it was a killer course which had me reading the Bible, mythology and dozens of art critics.)

    Why are you posting on this thread Mr Prez? I didn’t think you were the Mr Rogers type. No, I can see you watching the Teletubbies while high as a kite, but not anything vaguely human.


  226. CT_V1 says:

    Comment by Zooey

    It wasn’t meant as an insult, Zooey. I know it did hit close to home, but that ’shane’ specimen needs to ignore all of my postings for one, because I take no interest in hers.

    TP needs to ban her already. She’s a troll in her own home.


  227. Mr. President says:

    Yes, let’s email TP to ban shane!


  228. CT_V1 says:

    Comment by Mr. President

    So, what’s the deal with this Katie-Konspirator-Kook? Her posts are mind-numbingly stupid.


  229. Zooey says:

    Y’ don’t say?
    Comment by Mr. President

    What’s your GPA?


  230. david says:

    CT_V1 and Mr President are exchanging notes as if they were two different people. How cute! I bet he studied roleplaying in Drama 101.

    Poor Mr President is annoyed with Katie and Shane because they make sense. And he sure as heck didn’t learn any manners from Mr Rogers.

    I’d say you really are grasping at straws MR P. Truth is, many profs do tell their students how they can hit at certain grade point during a term, but the students who wheedle show up at the end of term and simply want the marks changed. I know a lovely prof who is happy to proof essays before they are due and offer revision notes.

    Now, I’d proof this post for typos, but I hate doing it in the panel and TP doesn’t offer a preview function. Still, I know you’ll bring every failure to make my verbs agree or my numerous misspellings to my attention. The fact that TP really is like the morning mist and evaporates into nothingness by the afternoon really makes that effort seem pointless. Eh?


  231. Mr. President says:

    CT,

    She didn’t want people to read this:

    BBC
    July 2007 news from Britain:

    Three young men (Hassain Maji, Kolami Ashad, Elihom Hakmad) tried to blow up a double-decker bus today in London.

    May 2007 news from Britain:

    Five young men (Khalid Khaliq, Muhammad Naeem Noor Khan, Mohammad Sidique Khan, Hasib Hussain,Shaqi Hassamak were on trial for attempting to blow up with explosives the Piccadilly Line in London

    London authorities where trying to determine the reason for these recent attacks. Some fear that gridlock and poor service by the public transportation system here is responsible for causing these horrendous attacks. Officials are looking into making the mass transit more user friendly to prevent future complaints.

    Comment by Flaco — July 6, 2007 @ 6:38 pm


  232. Mr. President says:

  233. Zooey says:

    It wasn’t meant as an insult, Zooey. I know it did hit close to home, but that ’shane’ specimen needs to ignore all of my postings for one, because I take no interest in hers.

    Don’t bring me into your stupid fights, CT. You can find a way to insult someone without using my name or my ass. Got it?

    TP needs to ban her already. She’s a troll in her own home.
    Comment by CT_V1

    You have no room to talk about trollish behavior or banning.


  234. Mr. President says:

    wrong again davie,

    We are two separate entities.


  235. Pagan American says:

    # Heather: and just what makes all children “special”?
    Comment by Frank M — July 6, 2007 @ 4:53 pm

    May be too late for anyone to read this…
    Frank M is this really so hard to understand? All children hold the hope of what we will be as a species. They hold the hope for the next generation and what we will become as the human race. They hold the history and stories of their ancestors, their teachings, hopes and dreams for the future, and each one of these stories is unique. This uniqueness is what is special about humans. We aren’t all the same. Our diversity makes us a dynamic thriving species. Each child has the potential to do something that inspires a generation and improves life for us all. Each child carries the potential to achieve something great (even if that greatness is as simple as raising children that are kind reasonable neighbors when they grow into adults). Each child carries the untarnished potentiality of humanity. We as adults get set in our ways. Children can create a new and better world. This makes them special.


  236. Overtroll 7 says:

    Great work trolls CT and Mr P… I like the strategy of ganging up on the women. Makes a Troll proud. Just remember, it’s VERY SPECIAL TO BE A TROLL, LA LA… And yes, there’ll be an extra shit sandwich in each of your lunch pails tomorrow


  237. Tundra says:

    Aren’t kids allowed to have the innocence? I say let them be kids for awhile before throwing all of these real world issues at them. Personally I’m thankful for everything Mr Rogers did.


  238. OutSourced says:

    Typical of the Murdoch Media, “Fox and Friends” broadcast a brutally deceptive message in describing Fred Rogers as having “damaged a generation or two”.

    Fred Rogers was an ordained minister whose special ministry was outreach to children through his creative broadcasts over what was then a novel medium, television. His programs brought a nuanced sophistication to children’s programming that was far removed from the standard contemporary fare of cartoons and clowns. They incorporated psychological insights, complex music, role playing, repetition and calm reassurance. He pioneered what is now an industry.

    Through more than three decades, Fred Rogers helped children become more secure in themselves and more able to handle what life threw at them. He couldn’t change the world or the fate life had in store for each of us, but he left us more aware of how beautiful we and it could be. One day, one act at a time. Among the anecdotes shared after his death was this one. Thieves once stole Mr. Rogers’ car from a downtown parking lot. On finding his director’s chair in the trunk and learning whose car they had stolen, the thieves washed and detailed it and returned it to the lot the next day with a “Thank You” note to Mr. Rogers.

    What’s most obvious about the commentators on “Fox and Friends” is that had they watched more of Mr. Rogers, they might still work for Fox, but every now and again they might tell the truth, rather than mangle it.


  239. CT_V1 says:

    Comment by david

    Actually, ’shane’ is cantankerous fool who needs a prescription pad worth of pills. She has nothing to offer. She admits with foul-language and name-calling that she has lost the argument before it even begins.


  240. Zooey says:

    Comment by Mr. President — July 6, 2007 @ 8:47 pm

    Bullshit

    3.6
    Comment by Mr. President

    So why are you making snide remarks to david, since you have a similar GPA?

    My GPA is 4.0


  241. Arthur C. says:

    #226: It wasn’t meant as an insult, Zooey. I know it did hit close to home, but that ’shane’ specimen needs to ignore all of my postings for one, because I take no interest in hers. TP needs to ban her already. She’s a troll in her own home.

    SO, what exactly was it that shane said that, in your tiny mind, justifies abusing Zooey? All shane ever said was that you are a whiner.

    In return, you smear… Zooey!

    Have you apologized yet, you whiny little shit?


  242. Zooey says:

    Actually, ’shane’ is cantankerous fool who needs a prescription pad worth of pills. She has nothing to offer. She admits with foul-language and name-calling that she has lost the argument before it even begins.
    Comment by CT_V1

    That’s not true, it’s merely your perception of her. You don’t get to dictate the other person’s behavior, only your own.


  243. CT_V1 says:

    Comment by Overtroll7

    Ahh, yes. The ________ist card. Here’s the formula in sentence form:

    Female berates male, male shouldn’t respond out of “gender sensitivity.”

    Male responds, male is a ______ist, an _______ist, to the _______izzle. Wolf crying continues.

    Grow a pair and close your sociology text, dolt. You should have finished your assignment hours ago.


  244. Mr. President says:

    Zooey,

    No particular reason.
    ———————————————————
    Be careful not to throw any stones then…


  245. david says:

    So, CT, you think Shane is a cantakerous fool who has nothing to offer???

    I dunno. I read this and was impressed:

    Hard work like sitting at your keyboard copying reich wing talking points. And if their’s a poster who has delusions about his own self worth and importance it’s you buddy boy and your little friend CT too.

    In fact, it’s parents of children like you who don’t teach their children that they’re not better than everybody else that are the problem. Mabe you should talk to your mother and ask her why she let you believe that you are MORE SPECIAL than everybody else.

    Comment by shane — July 6, 2007 @ 6:55 pm

    I pretty much captured my thoughts on the subject.

    My congrats to Mr P. 3.6 beats my 3.45. Clearly you are well versed in sucking up to the profs. What was your best wheedling excuse???


  246. CT_V1 says:

    Comment by Zooey

    I have no intention to dictate her behavior. The rabid idiot intends to throw her behavior on others, which is dumbfounding. But that’s a success in her eyes because she exhibits the symptoms of a sociopath. In addition, she needs a course on proper disagreement etiquette.


  247. Mr. President says:

    Maybe The Dean of Dissent needs to school her.


  248. CT_V1 says:

    Comment by david

    Shane is loud-mouthed douche who is a constant embarrassment to her age group. I won’t be taking advice on life success from a political nut projectionist.

    There’s nothing impressive about her words, so you should think before you believe everything that you read.


  249. Arthur C. says:

    #246: Pot calls kettle black.

    Yer a soulless unprincipled ass.


  250. Tundra says:

    Pot calls kettle black.

    Is being black a bad thing?


  251. Arthur C. says:

    #248: you should think before you believe everything that you read.

    It’ll be a cold day in hell before I take advice on critical thinking from you, you doughbrained bleater.


  252. Gregor Samsa says:

    Funny how our new troll timmy found a way to 1) contradict himself and 2) make his opponents’ point for them -all in one single thread.

    We are really scraping the bottom with this new litter of trolls.


  253. Zooey says:

    Female berates male, male shouldn’t respond out of “gender sensitivity.”

    Grow a pair and close your sociology text, dolt. You should have finished your assignment hours ago.
    Comment by CT_V1

    Hey, I didn’t f*cking attack YOU. YOU brought me into your shitstorm, not the other way around.


  254. david says:

    I still find it amusing this pretense that there are so many trolls here. CT and Mr P may be two people. Or not. But there’s no way that Valiant Venus, ValianttheHater, Jake, Patrick1, The Joker, Clinton and various other handles are all separate people. Indeed, there are two many rhetorical slip ups and idiosyncratic speech patterns that recur. Maybe if you had taken Drama 101 you’d have learned to avoid this. Alas, I suspect your homophobia wouldn’t allow you to hang out with artsies.


  255. OutSourced says:

    Faux Friends beat up a dead guy and brag about it. That’s Murdoch’s and Cheney’s kind of courage.


  256. Zooey says:

    Be careful not to throw any stones then…
    Comment by Mr. President

    I only throw truth.

    You’re the one who throws stones, and flings shit.


  257. Mr. President says:

    #249

    #250, raises a good point with that question.

    Arthur C. Clarke, it is nearly 2010, and you still haven’t grown out of your racist past.


  258. Zooey says:

    #257

    And Mr President attempts to change the subject, right on cue.


  259. Zooey says:

    I have no intention to dictate her behavior. The rabid idiot intends to throw her behavior on others, which is dumbfounding. But that’s a success in her eyes because she exhibits the symptoms of a sociopath. In addition, she needs a course on proper disagreement etiquette.
    Comment by CT_V1

    You say you have no intention to dictating shane’s behavior, and then proceed to exactly that.

    You called her a child beater about the first time you ever came around here. Do you think she’s going to feel all fuzzy about that?

    Please don’t even mention etiquette until you clean up your own crap around here.


  260. Arthur C. says:

    #257: How is #250 relevant, Mr P.? It isn’t, it’s a diversion, but you grab on because you are incapable of addressing the hypocrisy of #246.

    What are you, a 6th grader?


  261. Gregor Samsa says:

    The only ones I see with a huge sense of entitlement in this thread are the trolls: They want to be able to post their nonsense, without interference, but there is no way they will ever make a positive contribution to the board (posting something approaching sanity would be nice for a change), and any strong rebuttal sends them crying foul and decrying “censorship”.

    I wonder if they watched too much Mr. Rogers growing up /sarcasm off


  262. david says:

    I’m sorry. I’ve scrolled back through this thread and I can’t find anything offensive or cantankerous from Shane. Perhaps the brainy Mr P or CT can quote the actual offending post numbers.

    I did find the following:

    Zooey must be used to the feeling of a hot coal up her bum, because your head has been up there for quite some time.

    (Reminder: you have a haggy orgy with ‘TripMaster Monkey,’ and ‘DRxJ.’ tonight at 9:30pm.)

    Just going by your logic, granny. Keep mouthin’ off.

    Comment by CT_V1 — July 6, 2007 @ 7:26 pm

    Now, this is such a vulgar and offensive post that I can’t imagine CT posting it in a thread about Mr Rogers. It boggles the mind. Clearly this man is a sociopath who ought to be locked up before he does some poor woman harm.

    Mr P is no better. He’s an enabler. And his PC schtick is so 90s. Get real. And before you lecture people about hard work and entitlement, consider that your beloved Dubya couldn’t have made it into university without a hefty contribution from Pappy. What’s Georgie’s GPA??? Less than zero.


  263. Zooey says:

    Have you apologized yet, you whiny little shit?
    Comment by Arthur C. — July 6, 2007 @ 8:59 pm

    It takes character and maturity to make a sincere apology….


  264. Pete Bogs says:

    yup, there’s nothing that’ll ruin a kid like a good self-esteem!


  265. Mr. President says:

    There is nothing insulting to Zooey in CT’s post.

    He said that shane has her (shane’s) head up Zooey’s bum.

    I would have said: Shane swinging from Zooey’s nutz…

    (That is a metaphor Zooey)


  266. Zooey says:

    There is nothing insulting to Zooey in CT’s post.
    He said that shane has her (shane’s) head up Zooey’s bum.
    I would have said: Shane swinging from Zooey’s nutz…
    (That is a metaphor Zooey)
    Comment by Mr. President

    YOU don’t decide what’s insulting to ME.

    Do you understand? Can you understand?

    Shut up you f*cking moron, and stop confirming EVERYONE’S suspicions about you.


  267. Overtroll 7 says:

    Shane is loud-mouthed douche who is a constant embarrassment to her age group. I won’t be taking advice on life success from a political nut projectionist.

    Comment by CT_V1 — July 6, 2007 @ 9:09 pm

    Now that’s how a real troll talks! Git DOWN! That’s the troll creed, to get behind a keyboard and spew out what you’re way too chicken shit to ever say in person… unless you’re drunk of course. A nice glass of goat piss for you for maintaining this high standard.


  268. Mr. President says:

    Zooey,

    I’m just sayin’

    CT has his own style, I have my own style, we are not the same person.

    jeez…


  269. Arthur C. says:

    “CT-V1 must be used to the feeling of hot lard up his bum, because Mr President’s head has been up there for quite some time.”

    Hope I didn’t offend either of you fine gentlemen!


  270. david says:

    Well, I can tell why nobody invites you to dinner parties, Mr P. And if you think that’s a metaphor, you clearly flunked English Comp.

    That was an insulting post. And you failed to explain why CT should have said it in the first place. I found no offending posts from Shane. Indeed, her posts made prefect sense.

    Did you run out of gin, Mr P? You sound like a mean drunk who’s slowly sobering up. Please head to detox at once.

    Can you say “Detox”? I knew you could.


  271. Insert Hitler Reference says:

    Please don’t even mention etiquette until you clean up your own crap around here.

    Comment by Zooey — July 6, 2007 @ 9:21 pm

    Yes, we wouldn’t want to spoil the decorum and respectability around these parts.

    BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!


  272. Zooey says:

    Zooey,
    I’m just sayin’
    CT has his own style, I have my own style, we are not the same person.
    jeez…
    Comment by Mr. President

    I don’t think you’ve been seeing ME say you’re the same person.

    Leave me out of your moronic ramblings. What the hell is wrong with you?

    SHUT UP, for once in your life.


  273. Mr. President says:

    Hope I didn’t offend either of you fine gentlemen!
    Comment by Arthur C. — July 6, 2007 @ 9:45 pm

    Not me, Arthur C.

    But CT is an independant individual so you sir, are mistaken.


  274. Mr. President says:

    Comment by Zooey — July 6, 2007 @ 9:49 pm

    I have.


  275. david says:

    Ah, Mr P become Insert Hitler Reference.

    The Troll puppemaster with his fist up the ar$e of all this macho handles.


  276. Zooey says:

    I have.
    Comment by Mr. President

    You have not seen me saying you two are the same person.

    YOu have not left me out of your crap.

    And you have not shut up.

    Which is it?


  277. Mr. President says:

    david,

    As we have seen, you sir, are throwing stones in a glass house.

    Come on, lad.


  278. Arthur C. says:

    But CT is an independant individual so you sir, are mistaken.

    Did I say you were one thing? You’re finding subtexts that aren’t there. Sounds like clinical paranoia.


  279. Mr. President says:

    Comment by Zooey — July 6, 2007 @ 9:51 pm

    I said,

    I have.


  280. Mr. President says:

    Comment by Arthur C. — July 6, 2007 @ 9:52 pm

    Did I say you said we were one thing? You are finding subtexts that are not there. Sounds like clinical paranoia.


  281. Detox says:

    CT-V1 must be used to the feeling of hot lard up his bum, because Mr President’s head has been up there for quite some time.”

    Hope I didn’t offend either of you fine gentlemen!

    Comment by Arthur C. — July 6, 2007 @ 9:45 pm

    But CT is an independant individual so you sir, are mistaken.

    Comment by Mr. President — July 6, 2007 @ 9:49 pm

    Please, David is right Mr. Pee, get to detox. You’re so fried on meth that you can’t even follow the simplest thread. What’s going to happen when you go outside?
    http://www.drug-rehabs.com/


  282. Arthur C. says:

    That’s a pretty witless retort, even for a 6th grader.


  283. david says:

    yes, you do need to dry out, Mr Pee. See:

    david,
    As we have seen, you sir, are throwing stones in a glass house.
    Come on, lad.
    Comment by Mr. President — July 6, 2007 @ 9:51 pm

    You’re so strung out you can’t remember you were discussing this glass/grass house business without someone else altogether.


  284. Marie says:

    Mr. Rogers was a wonderful instructor of children in the value of caring, sharing and being happy with oneself. His quiet demeanor was unthreatening and he did not rely on gimmicks or special effects to send his message.
    Did they forget how concerned he was in the days following 9/11/01 about its effect on the children who were observing their parents being so upset, and hearing what they might on the news or television — he offered a special message to children and to their parents to help them cope.

    Besmirching his work and his memory is pretty low, even for the snakes at Fox.


  285. Zooey says:

    I said,
    I have.
    Comment by Mr. President

    Fine. Whatever.

    F*ck off.


  286. Marie says:

    #235 pagan american

    Each child carries the untarnished potentiality of humanity.

    Your entire post was worthy of repeating, but this line is particularly meaningful.


  287. Tim says:

    The genesis of this was a Wall Street Journal article (I read it linked from digg.com). Quit piling on Foxnews without doing any research. Sure Foxnews sucks as bad as CNN, etc, but c’mon. Morons.


  288. W.Clements says:

    Look, conservatives would never tell their own kids (or anyone else’s) that they were special, even if they DID deserve it! Why? Because they believe that praise of any kind spoils children. They take a tough line and believe that a good spanking works far better. Exuberance, spirit, etc. are bad things that can lead to defiance and diobedience! You’ve got to crush their spirit before they think they can “mouth off” to their parents. They need to know who the boss is, god damn it!


  289. kevon says:

    FOX NAZI NEWS—HATE FRED ROGER’S , LOVE FRED PHLEP’S.


  290. Maeven says:

    Fox isn’t even being original in this attack on Fred Rogers. About a year ago (?) Michael Savage was doing the same thing. I’d heard that one of Fred Rogers’ sons called him and told him to knock it off.

    Fred Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister who taught children to appreciate differences in people and how to work out any problems they had with others through non-violence. I can certainly see how that would be threatening to the military industrial complex supporting rightwingers.


  291. Lora says:

    If you are not against innocence why are you for stuff like sex before marriage, abortion and children without dads?
    Comment by Frank M —

    Oh so Republicans never have sex before marriage, eh? How about Fred Thompson, who first married at age 17 because he had gotten his girlfriend pregnant? Or is sex okay after someone is married like Newt Gingrich respectively cheatings on wives #2 with the women who became wives #3?
    And no Republican women have ever had abortions, eh? How about Tom Delay forcing women workers in the Mariana Islands to have them, or the abortion George W. Bush is rumored to have paid for before he got hitched to Laura? Children without dads? Please ask Mary Cheney and her parents about that one.


  292. Rob says:

    Frank M,

    I’m about 6 hours late here but I think you should look up liabel in the dictionary and when you can’t find it, try libel instead. Not to be confused with liable but maybe I’ve already lost you…


  293. Arthur C. says:

    #287 sez: The genesis of this was a Wall Street Journal article (I read it linked from digg.com). Quit piling on Foxnews without doing any research. Sure Foxnews sucks as bad as CNN, etc, but c’mon. Morons.

    Listen up, doughbrain: The genesis of this was not a WSJ “article,” it was a finance professor from LSU with no credentials in psychology or in child development. His report was the subject a ridiculous WSJ Op-Ed piece. So?

    If you can’t distinguish the difference between reportage and op-ed, maybe you should refrain from criticizing other people for not doing their research, and from calling other people morons.


  294. OutSourced says:

    Nice post, Lora @ 291. I trust that most commentators on this blog can distinguish between what is age appropriate for the children watching Mr. Rogers and the young (or old) adults who decide whether and when to have sex and how to deal with its consequences, including unwanted pregnancy and disease.

    As for children with one or no parent, Fred Rogers was especially adept at affirming their self-worth. For the few minutes he had them each day, he did not ignore their feelings, he encouraged them. He reaffirmed their observations about the world, no matter how peaceful or threatening that world might seem. He knew that the children in a family are sometimes the only ones able to articulate what was wrong with it.

    Most importantly, he didn’t infantilize. Whether it was his sophisticated music or his informed messages, he didn’t ignore reality; he taught children in age appropriate ways that they could accept and manage it. Encouraging their sense of self-worth by asking them first thing every program, “How are you today?” and ending with the message that every child is special, was the first step in doing that.


  295. helena says:

    They believe that entitlement is only for the ultra rich and ultra connected. The peons should know their place.


  296. cinnamon says:

    Apparently Dr. Chance doesn’t get around the university much. If he did, he would know that it is the business students who are obscene grade grubbers. I’ve never had as much whining about grades as from B-school students. Maybe the problem was that they didn’t watch Mr. Rogers. Why does the media act as if a finance professor has any expertise about psychology and development. All this guy knows is derivatives. Sheesh. Get a clue.


  297. Lora says:

    I forgot in my post #291 (July 7, 2007 @ 12:50 am) after mention of Newt Gingrich, the name of Rudi Guiliani in reference to their both cheating on wives #2 with the women who became wifey #3. But perhaps some of you figured that out, anyway.

    And to Rob re: Comment by Rob — July 7, 2007 @ 12:55 am
    Don’t expect good spelling from the Trolls; it seems too much to expect from koolaid drinkers.


  298. Quizmos says:

    “They did a study at some college and this professor says”, and “he is joined by a chorus of other people”, and “I back it”. Now there is the kind of crap that gets you a raise and passes for journalism at Fox News. If you look closely enough, you can still see O’Reilley’s cum dripping from this guys chin!


  299. Mr. President says:

    I believe it was Korn that first noticed the danger that was Mr. Rogers:

    Lyrics for: Mr. Rogers

    Time has come, to realize what you are, what you’ve done tonight.
    Time has come, we’ll have something to talk about.
    I will too.

    Looking back (dumb)
    And now I realize (old man)
    How much you really liked him (dumb)
    This child’s mind you terrorized (old man)
    You came to him (dumb)
    He really didn’t know your lies (old man)
    Now his innocence is gone (dumb)
    He’s that child you terrorized (old man)

    This fuking pain that I feel — you gave to me and you
    This fuking pain that I feel — because of you
    My childhood is gone — because I loved you
    My childhood is gone — because I loved you

    Be my neighbor

    Looking back (child)
    And now I realize (fuker)
    How much you really loved him (child)
    This child’s mind you’d hypnotized (fuker)
    You came to him (child)
    You really didn’t know his lies (fuker)
    Now his innocence is gone (child)
    I’m that child you terrorized (fuker)

    This fuking hate that I feel — you gave to me and you.
    This fuking pain that I feel — because of you.
    My childhood is gone — because I loved you.
    My childhood is gone — because I loved you.

    Be my neighbor. (x2)
    My neighbor…

    Fred, you told me everybody was my neighbor. They took advantage of me and then they took their turns hating me. I wish I wouldn’t have watched you, but then you made my childhood a failure. What a fuking neighbor.

    Fred, you told me everybody was my neighbor. They took advantage of me and then they took their turns hating me. I wish I wouldn’t have watched you, but then you made my childhood a failure…

    What a fuking neighbor!

    I hate you! I will too. (x3)
    I hate you!
    I hate you!

    Be my neighbor. (x2)

    This fukin’ hate that I feel!
    This fukin’ pain that I feel!
    My childhood is gone!
    My childhood is gone!

    This fukin’ hate that I feel!
    This fukin’ pain that I feel!
    My childhood is gone!
    My childhood is gone!


  300. Mikey says:

    Similar article in the Wall Street Journal. Everyone’s looking to blame anyone but themselves.


  301. Josh says:

    All you liberals and conservatives are idiots. the whole liberal vs conservative thing is all a sham designed to make you ignore the real problems and while you are all too distracted arguing with each other about nothing the real problems like the federal reserve, and the daily trampling of the constitution by the courts, or the fact that only the very rich even have a chance at the presidency, or that we only have to major parties who even have a chance at winning elections and who pass laws insuring that they will always be the only choices or that our military is completely foreword deployed leaving America totally defenseless go unchecked. I could go on and on but you get the point.


  302. jgorn says:

    “I grew up in Pittsburgh. My mom knew a co-worker of Fred Rogers….he was an arrogant prick just like Bob Hope pretended not to be.” – Jimmy Z

    Well, Jimmy, I’ll one-up your three-step indirected evidence.

    As it happens, I also grew up in Pittburgh, and while doing a software indexing project on the WQED video database I had the opportunity to personally meet Fred Rogers. He was one hell of a nice guy, basically exactly like the character he played on his show.

    For that matter, I also ran into Bob Hope (in Del Mar), in his nineties, and unsolicited he was very kind to my little kids.

    I certainly didn’t “know” either of these people, but what is to be gained by smearing fondly remembered dead people whose public persona was good and wholesome, particularly based on third-hand innuendo?


  303. theswan says:

    Oh, blame a dead man for studnets that engage their prof with a little arm twisting.
    Fact is, Fred was an American hero all around. From his military duty to his bringing up our youth.
    Republicans seem to raise their “fear flag” to red in the presents of Mr. Rogers accomplishments.


  304. Travis says:

    Having taken Dr. Chance’s Derivatives class a couple of years ago, I can say without a doubt the man is brilliant and his comments are dead on…..regardless of the source, the sense of entitlements most Americans have is quite insane.


  305. Lora says:

    My childhood is gone!
    My childhood is gone!
    Comment by Mr. President

    Don’t worry, Mr. Presdimwit,
    You always sound like a child to me (though you claim to be 24).


  306. Iggy says:

    In the first place, are these morons under the illusion that students asking teachers for a better grade is some NEW thing that didn’;t happen when WE were in school?

    In the second place, if narcissism and a sense of entitlement has increased, well, the blame should be laid squarely at the feet of corporate America, which absolutely bombards children with sales pitches, and which intentionally fosters greed and a sense of entitlement in order to sell them shit.


  307. War4Sale says:

    Fox hates Mr. Rogers because he was friendly to his neighbors, whereas they want to bomb them.


  308. dbadass says:

    You always sound like a child to me (though you claim to be 24).

    Comment by Lora — July 7, 2007 @ 9:03 am

    Mr. President is 24? Doesn’t that violate the Constitution? Well atleast that validates my thoughts that he is indeed a “child” with a “child’s mind”. Current neuroanatomy research places the onset of the “adult brain” in the mid to late twenties so expect the President to join the club anyday now.


  309. Toss these losers says:

    Kilmeade is just another FauxSnooze hack selling a book. I’ve listened to his radio show a time or two, but couldn’t get past the obvious bigotry and blind water carrying for the reichwing.

    I would say attacking a dead guy is tacky, but the bar is set pretty low over at the Noise channel, so this is almost standard fare these days.


  310. Tay says:

    It is not a sense of “entitlement.” Entitlement would assume these kids demanded the ‘A’ without doing any more necessary work. These kids put forth a show of decent ethic and dedication for trying to better their grades.

    I seriously hate Fox.


  311. Mikey says:

    The WSJ article I mentioned in #299 above was basically saying the same thing regarding entitlement. The point was that because Mr. Rogers told kids they were special, kids grew up thinking they were special and therefore think they deserve things without earning them.

    Why is fox news rehasing a WSJ article?


  312. Lisa says:

    Look where is coming from Fox. This is called PROPAGANDA people… And yes, it makes me sick


  313. anna rydercart says:

    I don’t see how Mr. Rogers saying that every person is special, translates to kids feeling like they deserve an “A” in a class when they didn’t work for it. I think he meant to make kids feel important and respect themselves- not demand extra credit or anything like that. It’s also kind of insulting to me as a young person to see an elder (whoever agrees with this stuff on the station) trying to figure out what’s “wrong” with my generation. Thanks a lot. Why don’t you try talking to members of “this generation” to find out why they might have a sense of entitlement. That would be a lot less disrespectful, I think.


  314. John H says:

    Mr. Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister. I thought the right wing was supposed to be religious. Apparently being a minister for 40 years does not count for much if you do not agree with everything the right wing believes. I wonder how many of the right wing religious beliefs Jesus would support.


  315. Kevin says:

    Well, he is kind of a pussy! Comment by Mr. President — July 6, 2007 @ 4:49 pm
    Before going into the ministry Fred Rogers was a Marine sniper who saw combat in Korea. He always wore long sleeves to cover his tattoos.

    He was a decent man who stood for what he believed in. He did teach children they were special. He also — constantly — told them that honesty, personal integrity, compassion for others, and always working hard to do your best were fundamental components of what made them special.

    His message that people should not hurt and hate others because they are different — and that you should never let others make you feel you are unworthy because of your skin or your faith or your social status because every human has rights and every life has value — runs throughout all of his programs. But he also always emphasized that being human and being part of the human community placed upon each of us the responsibility to be the best person we can be.

    But one aspect of the charges against Fred Rogers is true: He often repeated Jesus Christ’s words that each of us is special and that each of us is loved no matter what our condition or status. No surprise there. He was a minister, quoting Jesus sorta goes with the job.


  316. MDC says:

    Rosenfeld is right. Too bad so many of the touchy-feely types on this board can’t see it. OMG CHEELDRUN R SPESHUL111 No, I’m sorry, Zooey and Heather, most of them are as mediocre as any given grownup, and some of them are downright wastes of skin. Like these kids, or these, or these. “Innocent little angels,” my arse. I’m no right-winger but I truly loathe the Rousseauesque lens through which too many lefties look at kids. Stop worrying about “invalidating their feelings,” stop worrying that they won’t be your bestest friends anymore, and start smacking their asses for a change. The rest of us will thank you.


  317. venovel says:

    Mr. Rogers never served in any branch of the military. He wore the long sleeves not to cover tattoos, but to lend an air of formality and authority.

    http://www.snopes.com/radiotv/tv/mrrogers.asp

    That misconception aside, I grew up watching the guy and never got an inflated sense of my own self-worth. I suspect a great many of my contemporaries are the same way.


  318. logocracy says:

    I am truly astonished…I cannot believe that these journalists are so unprofessional and effectively brainless. I don’t know why I am even bothering to post this comment, as if it would mean anything at all, but I cannot express in words how simultaneously saddened and outraged I am by this. I watched it because it sounded so ridiculous that I thought I would at least laugh. I wonder at what point we recognize what we are doing to ourselves and to our society. And sense of entitlement? Really? This from Fox News? I can’t even express how ridiculous that is.


  319. eyeoubkius says:

    We’ll keep Mr. Rogers, they can have Dick Cheney.


  320. euepublius says:

    “[Mr. Rogers] also — constantly — told [kids] that honesty, personal integrity, compassion for others, and always working hard to do your best were fundamental components of what made them special.”

    Maybe if Commander Blinky Bunnypants had watched Mr. Rogers when he was growing up he wouldn’t have become the sorry sociopathic sack of shit he is.


  321. entitlement? says:

    MDC, apply that line of reasoning to the current administration. Bush, Cheney, Rice are not speshull bestest friends—they should be spanked like any other “waste of skin”. Huh, kind of like Cheney’s new test-tube bastard child.


  322. Teri Fox says:

    Like, the intellectually challenged news anchors at Fox never had to beg a professor for a grade??? Come on!


  323. MDC says:

    “entitlement?”, WTF does that have to do with anything? You don’t have to approve of the current administration to think that modern parenting is the epitome of spinelessness and too many kids think the world revolves around them.


  324. Mother says:

    Fox News should be ashamed of themselves for allowing those idiot journalist to deface what Mr. Roger’s stood for. Mr. Rogers represented educating the young in an entertaining environment. Whomever started this jealous hatred against Mr. Rogers is perhaps a celibate, lonely individual. If I were Mr. Roger’s family I would legally handle this situation in a moral manner. To watch the jerks on tv actually agree with some cooked up bogus information is just as ill as the sick fed theory. What Mr. Rogers enhanced upon his show was positive. What kind of parent would go against a positive message? Probably a negative parent.

    The mother of two of the smartest, well rounded children.


  325. Alexia says:

    Mr. Rogers was a great person who helped children feel good about themselves and taught them how to treat others nicely. It’s completly stupid how all of a sudden people are blaming this guy for these issues. It’s ridiculous.

    GO MR. ROGERS!


  326. Nameless says:

    Huh? Mr Rogers–AKA the Reverend Fred Rogers–was an ordained Presbyterian minister. So now Fox is attacking the Christian Right? They have met the enemy, and it is them!


  327. D Jenner says:

    Hang on, Mr. Rodgers is a kids show, I mean, yes everyone is special, and everyone deserves to be special, but COME ON, this man just wanted to make kids lives better and more enjoyable, and he did that better than Barney the Dinosaur ever did or Blues Clues, then these people just come on in and say hes causing all these problems. Proof or leave him alone.


  328. Bill Wilson says:

    I saw the story, the people on Fox & Friends DEFENDED Mr. Rogers, they were simply citing a report.
    Pay attention!
    Why is website whipping up a feeding frenzy over a non-story?
    Get mad at the university that spent the money to study this crap!


  329. Bob Davis says:

    Was this a study? Fox “News” just cites “a professor from Louisiana State” and the WSJ article cites “a professor of finance” but neither actually call it a study or cite data collected. From the WSJ article, it sounds like it’s just this finance professor’s opinion with no data to back it up. Yes he is a professor, but is he actually qualified to give an opinion on the effect of a children’s television program on an entire generation? I would think that study would be more suited for a social psychologist or even a professor of television studies. Hell, why not get an astronomy professor on Fox “News” to say that America’s invasion of Iraq has boosted the economy and will continue to do so as long as we are there. It’s the opinion of a professor after all, so it must be legit!



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