AT&T censors Pearl Jam’s criticism of Bush.
During their performance at Lollapalooza on Sunday, fans at the venue heard grunge rockers Pearl Jam insert the words “George Bush, leave this world alone” and “George Bush find yourself another home” into their song “Daughter.” Fans watching AT&T’s “Blue Room” Live Lollapalooza Webcast, however, did not, as singer Eddie Vedder’s voice was muted:
When asked about the missing performance, AT&T informed Lollapalooza that portions of the show were in fact missing from the webcast. […]
This, of course, troubles us as artists but also as citizens concerned with the issue of censorship and the increasingly consolidated control of the media.
AT&T’s actions strike at the heart of the public’s concerns over the power that corporations have when it comes to determining what the public sees and hears through communications media.
More on AT&T and other telecoms power to “mute” voices here.
Topic Cloud
That’s better TP.
August 9th, 2007 at 11:46 amHow many iPhone users will dump their phone in protest?
LOL, anyone, anyone?
August 9th, 2007 at 11:48 amThey blamed it on “some over zealous guy” in the control room. Yeah right. Like this wasn’t done on purpose with the input of someone higher up.
August 9th, 2007 at 11:49 amPearl Jam sux, but so does censorship.
Like you’d expect anything different from AT&T-the Government’s Whore?
August 9th, 2007 at 11:51 amYeah, real good, censor the performers.
August 9th, 2007 at 11:52 amWhy didn’t they just cut over to Biley’s show instead of the performance?
This is just the tip of the iceberg…
August 9th, 2007 at 11:54 ammore fascist entertainment fixing by your elected religious officials.
August 9th, 2007 at 11:54 amwhat have we become?
Pearl Jam sux, but so does censorship.
Like you’d expect anything different from AT&T-the Government’s Whore?
Comment by Not Canadian — August 9, 2007 @ 11:51 am
Bah no appreciation, PJ is great in concert, saw them in Santa Barbara last year was a great show. They have never been to Bush friendly check out the new album.
August 9th, 2007 at 11:55 amCensorship…brought to you by the same company that helps the government to illegally eavesdrop on you. AT&T. Reach out and spy on someone.
August 9th, 2007 at 11:55 amCould this be AT&T’s fear of a negative response from big business?
Their censorship of Pearl Jam has given this more airtime than the original statement. So id backfired.
August 9th, 2007 at 11:56 amit backfired that is. typo
August 9th, 2007 at 11:56 amNon - issue.
One lone-wolf censored the verse, not ‘mean ol’ AT&T’. He’ll lose his job. Big deal.
August 9th, 2007 at 11:59 amhellina, thought your fingers had cought a cold!
August 9th, 2007 at 11:59 amSarge, or be given the Freedom medal.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:00 pmWe’re fighting them over there so we can censor them over here.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:00 pmIt has begun.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:01 pm“Non - issue.
One lone-wolf censored the verse, not ‘mean ol’ AT&T’. He’ll lose his job. Big deal.
Comment by SGT Higgins — August 9, 2007 @ 11:59 am”
You don’t see a pattern emerging?
August 9th, 2007 at 12:02 pmI heard KKKarl Rove was in the Kontrol room
August 9th, 2007 at 12:04 pmAT&T sponsored the webcast, they can do whatever they want.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:05 pmmore pearl jam (cow bell)
August 9th, 2007 at 12:06 pmI’m confused - did they cut the whole song from the webcast, mute the entire feed during those lyrics, or just cut out the vocal track during those lyrics? The article seems to imply the latter, which means it had to happen at the mixing board.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:06 pmno they cant ringo. it violates their contract and their promises not to censor.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:07 pmYou cranks need to stop ingesting every conspiracy that shows its head, youre going farther and farther over the deep end.
Comment by Walleye Cheeks — August 9, 2007 @ 10:24 am
Right, just like we can tell you to stick it in your ear. Ooops, too late, ypu’re already doing that.
So, did you and Mr P finally break up?
August 9th, 2007 at 12:07 pmIt’s a good thing that ThinkProgress is here to get Mr. Vedder’s important message out to the masses.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:08 pm#
I heard KKKarl Rove was in the Kontrol room
Comment by Cynicon Implant — August 9, 2007 @ 12:04 pm
Meaningless comment.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:08 pmSo, did you and Mr P finally break up?
Comment by The Republic of Stupidity
Meaningless slander
August 9th, 2007 at 12:09 pmAT&T sponsored the webcast, they can do whatever they want.
Comment by Ringo — August 9, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
Great logic! So when they sponsor a news channel, do they have the right to censor negative stories about AT&T? Can they mute or alter stories about pending FCC regulations that will impact them? How far are you willing to take this “they can do whatever they want” tactic and still claim that the media has a “liberal bias?”
August 9th, 2007 at 12:09 pmSGT:
Speculation on your part to say it’s a lone wolf. You’re missing the point of the bigger issue as well, Pearl Jam has been fighting AT&T on issues like Net Neutrality. You know one of our last few bastions of free press. My ability to read every website from Faux News to Al Jazzera is being threatened. It will be whatever Qwest feeds me.
Faux news already fought and won the right to lie and make up news. Is this the America you served for? (Guessing you’re truly a SGT?) and not just someone still playing with GI Joes.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:10 pmt’s a good thing that ThinkProgress is here to get Mr. Vedder’s important message out to the masses.
Comment by Ringo — August 9, 2007 @ 12:08 pm
Ya know what’s really funny, dumdum? By doing what they did, AT&T has gotten Pearl Jam FAR MORE free publicity and attention around this ridiculous incident then PJ would have gotten otherwise. You cannot BUY publicity like this.
You go, AT&T!!! You go Ringo!!! Bringing ignorance to the masses!!!
August 9th, 2007 at 12:11 pmAT&T sponsored the webcast, they can do whatever they want.
Comment by Ringo
Wrong.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:11 pmThere is always a contract made for these things.
AT&T sponsored the webcast, they can do whatever they want.
Comment by Ringo — August 9, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
Typical wingnut thinking, Bingo. “It’s mine, so I can do whatever I want with it, and screw everyone else, no matter how they’re affected. What? You want to keep your civil liberties? But what about the terrorists?! Waaaah!”
August 9th, 2007 at 12:11 pmMeaningless slander
Comment by Cynicon Implant — August 9, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
Actually, it’s innuendo. And perhaps you’ve never seen Mr P and Ringo making eyes at each other…
August 9th, 2007 at 12:12 pmDidn’t Eddie Vedder blow his brains out 15 years ago, or was that some other greasy dirtbag?
August 9th, 2007 at 12:14 pmIs this the America you served for? (Guessing you’re truly a SGT?) and not just someone still playing with GI Joes.
Comment by DittoHeads Suck — August 9, 2007 @ 12:10 pm
Don’t judge SGT so harshly. He’s actually a decent guy. There are trolls here you are free to clobber, but SGT really isn’t one of them.
Feel free to ream Ringo or Bigfoot or Cynicon completely.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:14 pmActually, it’s innuendo. And perhaps you’ve never seen Mr P and Ringo making eyes at each other…
Comment by The Republic of Stupdity
Thankfully, no.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:15 pmOne lone-wolf censored the verse, not ‘mean ol’ AT&T’. He’ll lose his job. Big deal.
Comment by SGT Higgins — August 9, 2007 @ 11:59 am
Right. You know how giant corporations are teeming with ‘lone wolves’ who censor national broadcasts sponsored by their company on a whim.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:15 pmI say AT&T acted responsibly, for they did not allow those punks to lie and get away with it.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:15 pmPearl Jam is always fighting some corporate thing like this, yet they are always aligned with said corporation from the get go.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:16 pmPearl Jam- grow some DIY balls and quit slobbering on Clear Channels.
Didn’t Eddie Vedder blow his brains out 15 years ago, or was that some other greasy dirtbag?
Comment by Ringo — August 9, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
——————————-
No. It was Vedder. Too bad he lived.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:16 pmBingo, are you sure you weren’t that “greasy scumbag”? It’d explain a lot about your cognitive skills.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:17 pmI say AT&T acted responsibly, for they did not allow those punks to lie and get away with it.
Comment by Habalaarz — August 9, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
Admins - erase this post please. It contains lies and does not belong on this web site which you own and sponsor.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:18 pm#
Didn’t Eddie Vedder blow his brains out 15 years ago, or was that some other greasy dirtbag?
Comment by Ringo — August 9, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
——————————-
No. It was Vedder. Too bad he lived.
Comment by Habalaarz — August 9, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
It only seems like fifteen years since Dennis Miller’s career collapsed, and yes, it collapsed so completely that many people assumed he committed suicide.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:18 pmI say AT&T acted responsibly, for they did not allow those punks to lie and get away with it.
Comment by Habalaarz — August 9, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
Who’s stopping Bush from lying and getting away with it? Obviously not you.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:19 pmI say AT&T acted responsibly, for they did not allow those punks to lie and get away with it.
Comment by Habalaarz — August 9, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
??? Huh? What lie are you refering too?
August 9th, 2007 at 12:19 pmI say AT&T acted responsibly, for they did not allow those punks to lie and get away with it.
Comment by Habalaarz — August 9, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
They said, “George Bush, leave this world alone†and “George Bush find yourself another homeâ€
Sounds like they’re just stating an opinion to me… where’s the lie?
August 9th, 2007 at 12:21 pmSpeculation on your part to say it’s a lone wolf. —-agreed. And to call it part of a bigger conspiracy of censorship is the same thing.
You’re missing the point of the bigger issue as well, Pearl Jam has been fighting AT&T on issues like Net Neutrality. —– So…therefore….. coincidence isn’t in the mix? If they were fighting AT&T on net neutrality, then why the f*ck did they allow AT&T to be in charge of the webcast?
Is this the America you served for? — servING.
(Guessing you’re truly a SGT?) — good guess.
and not just someone still playing with GI Joes. — Not anymore, they were fun, though.
Comment by DittoHeads Suck —
August 9th, 2007 at 12:23 pmRock music is stupid.
And what kind of an idiot gets their political and social opinions from a dirty junkie anyhow?
This is my kind of music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqg1-kZxHHU
August 9th, 2007 at 12:25 pmIt only seems like fifteen years since Dennis Miller’s career collapsed,
Comment by The Republic of Stupdity
Who is this Dennis Miller guy? Never heard of him.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:25 pmRight. You know how giant corporations are teeming with ‘lone wolves’ who censor national broadcasts sponsored by their company on a whim.
Comment by NoOneYouKnow
Look, I’m not defending AT&T’s involvement here, I’m just sayin’ it looks, to me (read IMHO) like some dipshit at the mixing booth decided to play it cute. AT&T should take responsibility for the screw-up, they hired the guy after all. But to call for an AT&T boycott because of it is (again, IMHO) silly.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:26 pmIf they were fighting AT&T on net neutrality, then why the f*ck did they allow AT&T to be in charge of the webcast?
Comment by SGT Higgins — August 9, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
There are over 40 bands playing at Lollapalooza. I don’t know that PJ would have had much control over who did the Webcast.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:27 pmSounds like they’re just stating an opinion to me… where’s the lie?
Comment by DigDug
I think Halabaarz was generalizing to the lies that all the anti-Bush crowd spews — particularly moron musicians like Vedder and the Dixie Chicks — such as: Bush lied to get us into a war for oil, Bush has hijacked the constitution, etc.
As Laura Ingraham wrote — Shut Up And Sing! Or in Vedder’s case, shut up and sing off key.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:30 pmComment by SGT Higgins
The webcast that is being discussed is the copy that was posted after the concert was completed. It didn’t happen at the mixing board. It happened after the fact. It was discovered when people at the concert viewed it later and noticed it was cut.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:30 pmThis is my kind of music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqg1-kZxHHU
Comment by Ringo — August 9, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
I am afraid to click on that link. Imagine the taste in music this guy has… shudder…
August 9th, 2007 at 12:32 pmI think Halabaarz was generalizing to the lies that all the anti-Bush crowd spews — particularly moron musicians like Vedder and the Dixie Chicks — such as: Bush lied to get us into a war for oil, Bush has hijacked the constitution, etc.
Comment by Cynicon Implant — August 9, 2007 @ 12:30 pm
But… those aren’t lies. Bush did lie us into war. I mean… where are the WMDs? They said they NEW that he had them. That’s a lie. Pretyy clear cut one too. I really don’t know how you guys still manage to rationalize this one away…
August 9th, 2007 at 12:35 pmI think Halabaarz was generalizing to the lies that all the anti-Bush crowd spews — particularly moron musicians like Vedder and the Dixie Chicks — such as: Bush lied to get us into a war for oil, Bush has hijacked the constitution, etc.
As Laura Ingraham wrote — Shut Up And Sing! Or in Vedder’s case, shut up and sing off key.
Comment by Cynicon Implant — August 9, 2007 @ 12:30 pm
Admins please delete this comment. It is idiotic and contains lies. As owners and sponsors of this web site you have the right to censor this type of misinformation.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:36 pmSKdeA,
Here’s some more good music….
Students at the Alpha Boys School in Kingston Jamaica play music by the Skatakites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v__Itta2w7o
Good stuff.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:37 pmBut to call for an AT&T boycott because of it is (again, IMHO) silly.
Comment by SGT Higgins
Helping bushies spy without a warrant is good enough reason.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:39 pmAnd this surprises us how ? Remember how the Dixie Chicks were vilified for making a comment in England, never the less. All the stupid people breaking the Dixie’s CD’s and the radio stations banning them?
It is incredible that the truth is still being stifled.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:40 pmWait a second!
I say AT&T acted responsibly, for they did not allow those punks to lie and get away with it.
Comment by Habalaarz — August 9, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
So you are saying that major cooporations that host shows should edit them to make sure that artists don’t get their message out if it dis-agrees with your own personal political views?
Hehe.. you might wnat to think this one through again..
August 9th, 2007 at 12:40 pmI wonder if Cynicon feels that toby keith should shut up and sing as well?
August 9th, 2007 at 12:42 pmHehe.. you might wnat to think this one through again..
Comment by DigDug
He doesnt need to think it through.. bushies actually like the idea of big brother communist style control of the people.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:42 pmThe webcast that is being discussed is the copy that was posted after the concert was completed. It didn’t happen at the mixing board. It happened after the fact. It was discovered when people at the concert viewed it later and noticed it was cut.
Comment by dlet
See, I didn’t note that earlier…..ok, fine. It WAS personal. So, uh, what’s eddie gonna do about it? Sulk?
Remember how the Dixie Chicks were vilified for making a comment in England, never the less. All the stupid people breaking the Dixie’s CD’s and the radio stations banning them?
It is incredible that the truth is still being stifled.
Comment by texaslady
texaslady,
August 9th, 2007 at 12:45 pmTheir truth wasn’t ’stifled’ so much as rejected (at the time). Their music not being played on the radio was due in part to listeners calling and overwhelmingly demanding that the stations not play their music. Everyone knew WHY they were being vilified, bc their ‘truth’ was repeated every friggin’ where. P.S. In Iraq, their cd’s were collected (via donation) and dropped over the desert.
Ringo: “AT&T sponsored the webcast, they can do whatever they want.”
OK, then, maybe you and your conservative friends can stop whining like little babies every time you think TP deleted your posts.
And, anyone who DOESN’T think Bush lied us into a shooting war is living in a delusional state. He lied to us, he lied to congress and he lied to the rest of the world.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:47 pmHe doesnt need to think it through.. bushies actually like the idea of big brother communist style control of the people.
Comment by Gerald Gibson — August 9, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
True. But… that’s only because that big brother is a currently right-wing government. Imagine their outcry if at some point in the future that big brother government with all it’s new expansive power and control swung to the left.
They don’t seem capable of looking that far ahead…
August 9th, 2007 at 12:48 pmIt seems that conservatives feel safer with someone making their decisions and not having to have an original thought. That way “it is not their responsibility when the decison tanks”.
It takes courage to educate yourself. It takes courage to argue using intelligent language instead of baseless slurs.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:48 pmBush did lie us into war.
Comment by DigDug
If you believe something to be true and say so — and subsequently it is discovered to be untrue — was it a lie? No, you were simply wrong.
And toasterhead, if they deleted all the posts with lies in them there would be about 5 post per day on this site
August 9th, 2007 at 12:48 pmIn Iraq, their cd’s were collected (via donation) and dropped over the desert.
Comment by SGT Higgins — August 9, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
——————-
Did the Iraqis like the music?
August 9th, 2007 at 12:50 pmDid the Iraqis like the music?
Comment by Habalaarz
Didn’t ask, sorry. But based on the mmusic they listen to, it would have been a step up. or ten.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:51 pmhey, these ratwing trolls have no interest in freedom of any sort, whether it’s speech or choice. they are the loser Nazis that have been trying to destroy America for decades. obviously, if they truly loved their country and believed in their president, they’d all be in Iraq or Afghanistan, undertrained, underequipped and underarmed by their Lead Traitors. Ergo, they don’t love their country, and they don’t believe Bush. Theya re just moronic Rovots, knee-jerk, unthinking automatons without a shred of patriotism or dignity. habalaarz, for instance, thinks it’s fine to censor public broadcasts of opinions. Ringo is just a greasy loser coward. Cynicon implant recesntly escaped from jail, and so on. Losers and traitors, otherwise known as Republicans. Soon to be extinct.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:51 pmAnd toasterhead, if they deleted all the posts with lies in them there would be about 5 post per day on this site
Comment by Cynicon Implant — August 9, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
————
Nah. Not since the Conservative bloggers have started to out number the Dems.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:51 pmthey’d all be in Iraq or Afghanistan, undertrained, underequipped and underarmed
I see ronjazz is here, he must be bored because the elementary schools are still closed for the summer.
Your screed is bullshat, but then again you already knew that. The best military we have ever fielded is working in Afghanistan and Iraq; if you werent busy keeping your dog aroused you might realize that.
Now get back under the sink!
August 9th, 2007 at 12:54 pmANd 0 of them would be from you trolls.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:55 pmSpuzzeater Boy, I didnt give you permission to post today. Please put down the plastic rifle and get back to your broom.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:57 pmLOL, I had forgotten about that SGT Higgins. (dropping the CD’s of a ramp)
August 9th, 2007 at 12:58 pmAnd yes, even the Dixie Chicks are a step up from the “hi-oh-awhhh” music they listen to.
Oh yes, stifiled, their concerts were canceled and revenue lost because many people were up in arms that not everyone believed in their beloved leader. America was built on dissent, but only with Bush has dissent been stopped in every area. Authors writing anything outside the party line were not published. Everything we heard was and is still being censored. Is this what we want?
Living with the mess Bush left in Texas as governor gave me the insight to this man’s selfish ego actions. But, still I thought he would be intelligent enough to have competent people work for him and fill in where he lacked. Well, 6 years later, America is a wreck, in debt, vital government departments depleted for any resource to the citizens. So, this is what happens with censorship.
August 9th, 2007 at 12:59 pm“There is no doubt that Saddam has reconsituted his nuclear weapons program.”
Cheney, 2002
“The fundamental question is, did Saddam Hussein have a weapons program? And the answer is, absolutely. And we gave him a chance to allow the inspectors in, and he wouldn’t let them in. And, therefore, after a reasonable request, we decided to remove him from power…”
Bush 7-14-03
These were, of course, lies. Bush told the inspectors to leave for their own safety and then attacked. And, Cheney knew very well that there were many doubts.
Cynicon Implant, probably anyone here could sit here and type out lies Bush and his cronies have told for the next hour or so and still have scores left to document. Why on earth do you Bush cultists continue to cling to the absurd contention that they didn’t lie. Of course they lied. Either you think we’re crazy or your crazy yourself or both.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:00 pmHalabaarz: “Nah. Not since the Conservative bloggers have started to out number the Dems.”
Are you a sane person? Would any sane person peruse the above 76 remarks and conclude that the majority of posters here are conservatives? Look, just make your arguments and stop acting like an insane person - that is, unless you are insane - if that’s the case, I’m sorry.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:03 pmAnd yes, even the Dixie Chicks are a step up from the “hi-oh-awhhh†music they listen to.
Comment by Craig Mack — August 9, 2007 @ 12:58 pm
I doubt that. I’ll take the cheesiest Lebanese/Egyptian pop music over contemporary country music anyday.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:04 pmThey are just showing appreciation to Bush because Bush was able to get the FISA bill passed and that will give immunity to any of these telecom companies that have colluded with the Giant Bush Government Spy Program.
-GSD
August 9th, 2007 at 1:05 pmYou don’t give me permission to do anything. You are nothing more than an insignificant piece of crap on my computers screen. You are nothing. Zip zero, nada.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:06 pmHalabaarz: “Nah. Not since the Conservative bloggers have started to out crazy the Dems.â€
Makes more sense this way
August 9th, 2007 at 1:06 pmBush supporters have three reasons for ignoring the facts, 1) they just like the controversy and arguing. 2) somehow they feel admitting they were duped is admitting a weakness 3) they really could care less about the destruction to so many lives the person they believed in caused.
Being wrong is not a sin, being unable to admit you were wrong as Bush can’t, that is a travesty.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:07 pmTrue. But… that’s only because that big brother is a currently right-wing government. Imagine their outcry if at some point in the future that big brother government with all it’s new expansive power and control swung to the left.
They don’t seem capable of looking that far ahead…
Comment by DigDug
Personally I hope it doesnt happen this way… but …
“Today I am using the powers of the Unitary Executive to root out the vast rightwing conspiracy in this country that helped bush lie America into a war of choice.”
-Future President Clinton
August 9th, 2007 at 1:08 pmI doubt that. I’ll take the cheesiest Lebanese/Egyptian pop music over contemporary country music anyday.
Comment by toasterhead
Yeah, I used to think so, too. Trust me, the DC really are better. They make your ears bleed, but they don’t make you wanna ‘pull a VanGogh’.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:10 pmronjazz,
Time for your pill.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:15 pmThe best military we have ever fielded is working in Afghanistan and Iraq
Comment by Pretty Pretty Bird — August 9, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
Not making me feel any better there birdie.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:16 pmOh yes, stifiled, their concerts were canceled and revenue lost ——– cancelled because? by whom?
because many people were up in arms that not everyone believed in their beloved leader. —– People like….average americans who decide which CD’s they purchase? which concerts they go to?
America was built on dissent, but only with Bush has dissent been stopped in every area. —- he didn’t ’stop’ their dissent..their ‘descent’ was their own doing. p.s. even the other two Chicks tried to distance themselves from the blonde one.
Authors writing anything outside the party line were not published. Everything we heard was and is still being censored. Is this what we want? —- what? Hey, I found this tin-foil hat on the ground, I think you dropped it.
Well, 6 years later, America is a wreck, in debt, vital government departments depleted for any resource to the citizens. So, this is what happens with censorship. — So…government ineptitude is directly related to censorship? Yep, l wasn’t for sure if the hat was yours, I am now.
Comment by texaslady
August 9th, 2007 at 1:18 pmAs a Repupublican I must admit that most contemporary Country Music is crap.
Ernest Tubb and Hank Williams suit my taste much better.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:18 pm“Pretty Pretty Bird” , hehehe obviously paying more attention to his tiny little winky than what’s going on in the world.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:20 pmIf I remember correctly, wasn’t AT&T the first to box up phone records and send then to NSA before Alberto took all your civil liberties? I’m not surprized they are involved in first amendment violations. Why would anyone trust them to service their i-Phone?
August 9th, 2007 at 1:24 pmWhy would anyone trust them to service their i-Phone?
Comment by David B
I dont. I was going to get one for my daughter but when I found out AT&T was involved i decided against the purchase.
Its too bad really. I grew up thinking of AT&T as a large strong symbol of American technology and progress… now it looks very different to me.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:40 pmHiggins do some research and find some truth if you are not afraid to find your beliefs have holes in them.
Authors were not published that discredited Bush in any way until the last two years. I can provide names and dates.
Censorship is not allowing all opinions to be heard. Dictatorship follows. My father remembered how Hitler started with special troops that burned books and took teachers to death camps.
Abuse of any kind starts with a slap, then a push then total fear of stepping out of line. Why do you think Cheney and Bush have a lock down on public information ? More documents have been kept from the public than any other administration. Why would that be?
The tin hat goes to someone unwilling to open their eyes.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:41 pmHere’s how it works people: a Bush cultist like “Cynicon Implant” says, “Bush didn’t lie us into a war!” Someone posts documentation of one or two lies, and the cultist pretends that he didn’t see it. More and more, it becomes plainly clear that there is no point in engaging most Bush supporters. They just don’t seem to have an intellectually honest bone in their bodies.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:50 pmHiggins do some research and find some truth if you are not afraid to find your beliefs have holes in them.
— always been a fan of truth. My thought of my ‘beliefs’ having holes in them doesn’t frighten me in the least.
Authors were not published that discredited Bush in any way until the last two years. I can provide names and dates.
—– Please do. If they’ve been published in the past 2 years, it kinda speaks against the admin. having a total lockdown on dissent, no?
Censorship is not allowing all opinions to be heard.
—the DC’s were ‘heard’, they just weren’t liked.
Abuse of any kind starts with a slap, then a push then total fear of stepping out of line.
Why do you think Cheney and Bush have a lock down on public information ? —– I don’t.
More documents have been kept from the public than any other administration. —– And? So they can be ill-gotten by shoving said documents in your socks. What’s your beef?
Why would that be? —– EVERY administration has dirty little secrets they don’t want anyone to know about. You’ll hear about ‘em, in 50 years.
The tin hat goes to someone unwilling to open their eyes. —- Or someone who sees a conspiracy around every corner.
Comment by texaslady
August 9th, 2007 at 1:53 pmRet.Col. Jack how about they just haven’t an intellectual bone in their brain ? Got to admit tho they can ignore facts with the best of them.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:54 pmHiggins, your lies and disrespect for freedom paint you as a phony. Just another chickenhawk is my guess.
August 9th, 2007 at 1:58 pmHiggins, your lies and disrespect for freedom paint you as a phony. Just another chickenhawk is my guess.
Comment by ronjazz
Lies? Disrespect for freedom? phony? You’ve just invalidated your own argument.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:00 pmHiggins your rhetoric speaks for itself…
August 9th, 2007 at 2:01 pmI don’t know who Pearl Jam is, or what kind of music they perform, but if they told Bush to “leave this world alone” in one of their songs, then they are obviously some nice young level headed kids.
:D
August 9th, 2007 at 2:04 pmAnd I will have to buy one of their CD’s, just as a show of support.
Just like I did for the Dixie Chicks, who’se music turned out to be fantastic.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:05 pmAs a Repupublican I must admit that most contemporary Country Music is crap.
Comment by Ringo’s Tinkles — August 9, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
A Repupublican???? How do you even pronounce that???
Son, you can’t be one if you can’t spell one
August 9th, 2007 at 2:09 pmSee, the Dixie Chicks, were young, beautiful talented Americans who loved their country, and their work, and all of America loved them, and considered them talented down home good clean loyal Americans. In fact, they were so well respected as patriotic Americans, they were invited to sing our nations national anthem at the Super Bowl, one of the highest honors in public (redneck) life.
And they sang it beautifully, bringing tears to the eyes of thousands of cheering good ole boy down home country fed cornbread Americans.
Then, one week later, in London, Natalie Maines, the sexy blonde leader of the group, dares to voice her constitutional right to voice dissatisfaction with her elected President.
Within a week, they were BLACKBALLED. The right wing and so called Patriotic Americans everywhere began burning their CD’s, and boycotting their music. Radio stations were threatened if they played their music. They were BLACKBALLED and BLACKLISTED, in the pure unadulterated fashion of Joe McCarthy and his inquisition.
Even the president dared to support the boycott of these 3, exceptionally gifted young, loyal American women, and mocked them and their music, because they dared to voice dissatisfaction with him.
This was one of the saddest most pathetic examples of facism in America, as the RNC collectively sought to destroy the careers of the 3 young Americans, because they dared to voice their constitutional right of dissent.
The people responsible aren’t good people, they are the lowest scum this country has to offer.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:20 pmWhen Natalie Maines leaves this world, maybe she won’t be a star, and maybe her career won’t be as stellar as if she hadn’t spoken up.
But when she leaves, she’ll leave with something intact that those who burned her CD’s and threatened those who dared to play them, will never have.
Her soul, her humanity, and a good, clean conscience.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:24 pmthis is a silly story on many fronts.
first, the jackass in the control room who too it upon himself to bleep out the typical, impromptu anti-establishment lyrics acted silly and will probably lose his job. live and learn.
second, those in this forum who actually believe that person’s actions were directed from higher-ups are equally silly. come on guys.
in any event, there is some credence to the notion that AT&T had some authority to control and edit the broadcast - to what precise extent depends upon the wording of the contract. i wouldn’t be surprised to find out AT&T was within their contractual right to edit for content. that said, just because they could, doesn’t mean they should…
August 9th, 2007 at 2:30 pmBartlebee:
how exactly were they “blacklisted” and “blackballed” by the RNC?
the scenario you describe suggests is was the consumers themselves who damaged the future of the Dixie Chicks and not the RNC/Karl Rove/etc.
besides, if they were really “blacklisted” as you say they were, it didnt take them long to get off that McCartarian list - they swept the 2007 grammy’s and spent a long part of the year atop the billboard charts.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:35 pmRadio stations were threatened if they played their music. —- threatened? How?
Even the president dared to support the boycott of these 3, exceptionally gifted young, loyal American women, and mocked them and their music, because they dared to voice dissatisfaction with him. — free speech doesn’t extend to the White House?
This was one of the saddest most pathetic examples of facism in America, as the RNC collectively sought to destroy the careers of the 3 young Americans, because they dared to voice their constitutional right of dissent. —- Ummm, do you recall that even the other 2 Dixie Chick’s attempted to distance themselves from her remarks? This wasn’t an RNC conspiracy. There have been plenty, but this wasn’t one of ‘em.
The people responsible aren’t good people, they are the lowest scum this country has to offer. —- the ‘people responsible’ were the same ‘people’ who get to choose which music cd’s they buy or don’t buy. Or having bought them, and being owners thereof, have a right to throw them away, burn them, pitch ‘em out of a C-130.
Comment by BARTLEBEE
August 9th, 2007 at 2:42 pmthe scenario you describe suggests is was the consumers themselves who damaged the future of the Dixie Chicks and not the RNC/Karl Rove/etc.
— His comment is ’suggestive’ of that because that’s what it was.
it didnt take them long to get off that McCartarian list - they swept the 2007 grammy’s and spent a long part of the year atop the billboard charts. — and kudo’s to them for knowing that the American Public has a very short memory. Nothing against the DC’s, but don’t trell me I have no right to dissent to their dissent.
Comment by crocchoda
August 9th, 2007 at 2:44 pmI’d contemplate buying an IPhone if Apple used a different carrier. But, as much as I’ve enjoyed Apple products since late ’80’s, I’ll not support AT&T.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:46 pmThe F.O.I.A. (Freedom of Information Act for the Bush posters) enacted in 1966 giving Americans the right to know what THEIR government is doing has been slowly eroded pre-911 by Ashcroft. Classification has gone up 81% since 2004.
http://www.opengovernent.org for those wanting verification.
Why has so many data banks from the Military to the hospitals and other major corps been disappearing? Pranksters? Who would gain from all these data banks?
When no one complains about the little things we lose, then more and more gets taken away until you wake one day and need a hall pass to take a bathroom break.
So, no big deal about a few words AT&T erased…Dixie Chicks have been forgotten….Bush ignores his own government reporting facts and says “Not happening”. No one calls him on it.
Yeah Higgins, you just keep on closing your eyes and plugging those ears life is just a piece of cake with your leader in charge.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:48 pmHiggins your rhetoric speaks for itself…
Comment by texaslady
—- MINE? You’re the one who blamed depleted resources and national debt on CENSORSHIP!
And you accuse ME of tossing rhetoric?
America is a wreck, in debt, vital government departments depleted for any resource to the citizens. So, this is what happens with censorship
August 9th, 2007 at 2:50 pmComment by texaslady — your words lady, not mine.
A Repupublican???? How do you even pronounce that??? Son, you can’t be one if you can’t spell one. Comment by DRxJ
Hey Doc, As evidenced by the sign graham stood behind the other day, many repub’s have trouble with the ABC’s.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:50 pmHiggins you have heard of the FCC haven’t you? They control who gets a license to use the radio and tv waves. Well, have you noticed adult words like Hell and damn aren’t even allowed?
Or do you remember the heavy fines received when Janet J. maybe showed a boob, (oh my gosh !)
Well, check who controls the FCC, my oh my it is our government !
August 9th, 2007 at 2:51 pmYeah Higgins, you just keep on closing your eyes and plugging those ears life is just a piece of cake with your leader in charge.
Comment by texaslady
It ain’t no cake-walk, texaslady, but you’re eyes aren’t only open, they’re buggin’ out of your head. All crazy-like.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:52 pmHiggins Censorship begats total control of government to those in power. Censorship means you had better agree with me or you will not get those NO BID contracts in Iraq or New Orleans.
Censorship is keeping the honeymoon deals away from public knowledge.
Censorship is not letting the general public know how much of America’s roads, business’s are owned by foreign corporations.
Censorship is keeping the public in the dark when your Ports are being bought by Dubai, a country that harbored Osama and his buddies.
Can’t you see the connection?
August 9th, 2007 at 2:58 pm#108:
ain’t the free market grand?
#107:
if i recall correctly, when she made her statements in the UK, we were on the verge of the iraq invasion. at that time, the impending invasion enjoyed a good deal of popular support. saying she was embarrassed of her (at that time) popular president alienated the DC from their core audience (who tended to support the president and the invasion at even higher rates than the national average). as a result, their popularity naturally declined.
fast forward 3 years and the circumstances have changed dramatically. the war is wildly unpopular as is the president. combine that with the short memory of consumers (and an excellent musical effort, i might add) and the Dixie Chicks once again enjoyed financial success.
what’s great about the story, for me at least, is that at no time were any of the dixie chicks haled before an official to answer for their criticism. at no time were they whisked away to a gulag. their right to express their criticism was protected.
i love america.
August 9th, 2007 at 2:59 pmHiggins - don’t believe what I say just use your google and check my comments.
August 9th, 2007 at 3:01 pmHEyOO!!!
+!-!+!-!+
Too funny, bartles!
August 9th, 2007 at 3:03 pm115 - Uhmmmm not quite, DC lost more than a little income for several years, not even yet have they gotten their momentum back.
August 9th, 2007 at 3:08 pmAnd I am not a country music fan, just a fan of free speech.
Higgins Censorship begats total control of government to those in power. —- and right now it’s a republican, 2 more years it’ll be a dem.
Censorship means you had better agree with me or you will not get those NO BID contracts in Iraq or New Orleans. — and pray tell, who will the no-bid contracts be given to when Hillary is in office?
Censorship is keeping the honeymoon deals away from public knowledge. —- Hasn’t worked so well, you managed to find out.
Censorship is not letting the general public know how much of America’s roads, business’s are owned by foreign corporations. ——– Gosh, what’s the percentage?
Censorship is keeping the public in the dark when your Ports are being bought by Dubai, —- Again, you managed to find out, so that kinda argues against that info being unavailable….or are you into espionage of some sort?
Can’t you see the connection? —- between your synapses? I don’t see any, no.
Comment by texaslady
August 9th, 2007 at 3:29 pmHere’s me take:
http://eatandchew.blogspot.com/
August 9th, 2007 at 3:32 pmHiggins - wow still waiting to be fed information…do your own research just as I did.
August 9th, 2007 at 3:38 pmI can provide names and dates.
Comment by texaslady
You offered. Go ahead….names and dates. A simple link will suffice. Oh and make it from a reputable news source, not your little brother’s blog. K?
August 9th, 2007 at 3:43 pmHiggins start with http://www.opengovernment.org and gee you need a library card for reading material but I guess that would be difficult for you.
But Higgins you are just unhappy with both parties as your comments show…so start a new one let me know your policy plan who knows I might vote for you. I sure wish we had a 3rd party to choose from.
August 9th, 2007 at 3:53 pm#118:
besides income, what did the dixie chicks lose?
and don’t you think free speech includes the right for consumers to not purchase what they don’t agree with?
August 9th, 2007 at 3:57 pmbut I guess that would be difficult for you. — what? Why would that be difficult? Have my library privileges been revoked under FISA?
But Higgins you are just unhappy with both parties as your comments show…—– True enough, more unhappy with politicians in general though. Buthey, what do I know, I’m just a spewer of rhetoric.
so start a new one let me know your policy plan who knows I might vote for you. —- that would Rule! vote for me, huh? How’s about bein; my runnin’ mate?
I sure wish we had a 3rd party to choose from. — sarcasm? hard to tell.
Comment by texaslady
Has your acccess to public records been denied?
Have your civil rights been denied?
August 9th, 2007 at 4:06 pm118 - I wonder if you have suffered any loss of doing something you were good at and love doing. This cannot be measured but is just as important. This comment was a 1 day news hit but our wonderful conservatives went on and on to shape public opinion.
Do I think opinion can be shaded ? Of course, when so many people hear only what is on while driving to and from work. And did they get the whole story, who knows.
My point is there are many ways to censor people and is that what America is about? I sure don’t agree with alot that is going on now but I want to hear it so I can make up my own mind.
August 9th, 2007 at 4:06 pmNo Higgins I am dead serious I want a new party. I think we need term limits before our politicians get entrenched with the “I take care of you, you take care of me attitude.”
And yes, my access to documents from the FOIA have been denied, one document took two years to get with NO explanation.
Civil rights, well I am female and was a Yankee many years ago, and boy did I learn really fast “if you ain’t from around here, you ain’t gonna get the job.” So I built my own business and hired over 40 year old females.
I totally know government in my small town and in Washington will never be utopia, but sure as hell it has to be better than what we got going on now.
So, why not a 3rd party, you would be surprised how many of us in taxpayer land are thirsting for a new voice.
August 9th, 2007 at 4:14 pmAnd yes, my access to documents from the FOIA have been denied, one document took two years to get with NO explanation. — Leagal help is available. (that question was a c & p from your link, p.s. legal help is available)
I totally know government in my small town and in Washington will never be utopia, but sure as hell it has to be better than what we got going on now. —– People have been saying that for years, “Can’t get any worse”…. wanna bet?
So, why not a 3rd party, you would be surprised how many of us in taxpayer land are thirsting for a new voice. — Nah, I wouldn’t be surprised at all. Now getting a 3rd party woth enough $$ and clout to actually give the other 2 a run fortheir money, that’ll take some doing.
Comment by texaslady
August 9th, 2007 at 4:37 pmAT & T should not have engaged in censorship. To do so goes against everything America stands for.
August 9th, 2007 at 5:00 pmAT&T sponsored the webcast, they can do whatever they want.
Comment by Ringo — August 9, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
———–
AT&T disagrees. Check their Blue Room web site now, dude.
August 9th, 2007 at 5:11 pmThe issue here is free speech. Obviously someone doesn’t like criticism of Bush. This is a violation of our First Amendment.
August 10th, 2007 at 3:53 amThe media consolidation epidemic is out of control. “We The People” can’t allow AT&T to step into a totalitarian role as the gatekeeper of the Internet. This issue strikes at the very heart of the 1st Amendment. Join the fight w/ SaveTheInternet.com and check out my blog for more:
http://robdubinski.wordpress.com/ 2007/ 08/ 10/ att-censors-pearl-jam-aka-%e2%80%9ca-free-market-of-ideas%e2%80%9d/
RD
August 10th, 2007 at 10:55 amhttp://robdubinski.wordpress.com
Speaking of what “at&t” is really up to, the company left off the last part of their slogan, which I’ll supply here:
August 10th, 2007 at 9:38 pm“Your world delivered… to the NSA”
I think it is tragic when bands like Pearl Jam choose to make comments on world issues of which they are clearly ignorant. Pearl Jam can takes its egotistical, self-absorbed rantings elsewhere, maybe they could re-locate to war-torn Iraq - maybe that might provide them with a little bit of humility. As a former fan of their music (before they got preachy and repulsive), I happily will never support them again!
August 11th, 2007 at 12:28 am