All good relationships require regular "housecleaning." My issues with Randi Rhodes had been piling up for some time now, and I found myself having to address them. Of course, because I'd let the issues fester, my letter begins with some argueably harsh words--but I think she, being a big girl and all, can take it.
My letter to Randi is on the flip. I'd be interested to know if anyone else shares any of my views.
Randi:
Have you been taking "ego-maniac" pills for the past couple of months? When I first started listening to you about one year ago you were a fount of information and political history. Now I hear a lot of what you think is funny, a lot about how very important Randi Rhodes is, more about how impotent the Democratic party is--because progressives aren't doing enough to support the Democratic party--and a lot of whining about how BAD the bad guys are.
For the record: at first, "jokes" about some people being closet homosexuals or transgendered people are annoying to me, but after repeating them over and over again, they become offensive. I think you have more class than to find these comments funny.
Secondly, when you refer to yourself being the target of some republican's wrath, or how you started Air America (apparently single-handedly!!) it just makes you sound self-important. What is THAT all about? Are you so insecure about your role in progressive talk radio, that you have to constantly omit the work OTHERS have done? And when righties pick on YOU, rest assured, it's not YOU they're attacking, it's what you represent, and that often includes OTHERS, like your listeners! They're attacking ALL of us! If you could be more INCLUSIVE, it would make your message MUCH easier to hear!
Thirdly, I hear you regularly claim that democrats in power have no power--while it is true that they have no subpoena power, they DO have power to make their voices heard, and, at the very least RECORD their opposition on various issues. When I heard you insist that Democrats shouldn't be asked to submit a Resolution of Inquiry because, "you CAN'T ask the Democratic Party to FAIL!!," I wondered if you think the Democrats are like children who might otherwise lose their self-esteem if they "fail." (FYI--I understand that there is no LIMIT to how many Resolutions of Inquiry may be submitted.) Come ON Randi--as long as the Democratic party doesn't stand up for anything, they will continue to lose potential and current constituents: why would someone be supportive of the Democratic party if they can't tell what the party stands FOR and AGAINST?
Also, you regularly lambaste callers who correctly wonder what the Democratic leadership is doing [to reflect democratic principles.] You apparently think the problem with the Democratic party is that liberals expect too much from our it's elected leaders. You've YELLED at callers for not doing enough to show their support!! I have a BIG problem with the Democratic party, precisely because the MAIN way we show our support is to VOTE--and DEMOCRATS HAVE BEEN UNWILLING TO STAND UP AND FIGHT FOR THE VICTORIES THE VOTERS HAVE BEEN GIVING THEM!!!!! You know that! And you wonder WHY many of us QUESTION the motives, and INACTION of our Democratic leadership??? It's INSULTING--to say the least.
Finally, I can't stand the constant whining that so many "liberals" engage in--we KNOW the bad guys are BAD! Dragging us through hours of outrage and tirade begins to wear thin--especially when it's coupled with the insistence that there is nothing wrong with the opposition party. I would much prefer liberal talkers who spend more time INFORMING listeners and CHAMPIONING leaders, candidates and activists who are DOING the GOOD work that needs to be done to get this country back together.
Your grasp of political history, and your passion make you one of the very BEST conduits for valuable political discourse--a discourse that is sorely needed in this country. Please consider the points I've raised here--I think it will only make you a better TALK SHOW host, and provide Air America Radio listeners a better avenue for political debate.
Thanks for your time,
Samwoman