Choose three statements – one from each speech – and discuss how each statement can be applied to our world and political or social situations today.
" No one familiar with the history of this country can deny that congressional committees are useful. It is necessary to investigate before legislating, but the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one and the junior Senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly. His primary achievement has been in confusing the public mind, as between the internal and the external threats of Communism. We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine; and remember that we are not descended from fearful men. Not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate, and to defend causes that were for the moment unpopular.
This is no time for men who oppose Senator McCarthy's methods to keep silent, or for those who approve. We can deny our heritage and our history, but we cannot escape responsibility for the result. There is no way for a citizen of a republic to abdicate his responsibilities. As a nation we have come into our full inheritance at a tender age. We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home. The actions of the junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad, and given considerable comfort to our enemies. And whose fault is that? Not really his. He didn't create this situation of fear; he merely exploited it — and rather successfully. Cassius was right. "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves." Good night, and good luck."
– See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
If we confuse dissent with disloyalty — if we deny the right of the individual to be wrong, unpopular, eccentric or unorthodox — if we deny the essence of racial equality then hundreds of millions in Asia and Africa who are shopping about for a new allegiance will conclude that we are concerned to defend a myth and our present privileged status. Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
– Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.
Our history will be what we make it. And if there are any historians about fifty or a hundred years from now, and there should be preserved the kinescopes for one week of all three networks, they will there find recorded in black and white, or color, evidence of decadence, escapism and insulation from the realities of the world in which we live. I invite your attention to the television schedules of all networks between the hours of 8 and 11 p.m., Eastern Time. Here you will find only fleeting and spasmodic reference to the fact that this nation is in mortal danger. There are, it is true, occasional informative programs presented in that intellectual ghetto on Sunday afternoons. But during the daily peak viewing periods, television in the main insulates us from the realities of the world in which we live. If this state of affairs continues, we may alter an advertising slogan to read: LOOK NOW, PAY LATER.
For surely we shall pay for using this most powerful instrument of communication to insulate the citizenry from the hard and demanding realities which must be faced if we are to survive. I mean the word survive literally. If there were to be a competition in indifference, or perhaps in insulation from reality, then Nero and his fiddle, Chamberlain and his umbrella, could not find a place on an early afternoon sustaining show. If Hollywood were to run out of Indians, the program schedules would be mangled beyond all recognition. Then some courageous soul with a small budget might be able to do a documentary telling what, in fact, we have done--and are still doing--to the Indians in this country. But that would be unpleasant. And we must at all costs shield the sensitive citizens from anything that is unpleasant.
I am entirely persuaded that the American public is more reasonable, restrained and more mature than most of our industry's program planners believe. Their fear of controversy is not warranted by the evidence. I have reason to know, as do many of you, that when the evidence on a controversial subject is fairly and calmly presented, the public recognizes it for what it is--an effort to illuminate rather than to agitate.
I do not advocate that we turn television into a 27-inch wailing wall, where longhairs constantly moan about the state of our culture and our defense. But I would just like to see it reflect occasionally the hard, unyielding realities of the world in which we live. I would like to see it done inside the existing framework, and I would like to see the doing of it redound to the credit of those who finance and program it. Measure the results by Nielsen, Trendex or Silex-it doesn't matter. The main thing is to try. The responsibility can be easily placed, in spite of all the mouthings about giving the public what it wants. It rests on big business, and on big television, and it rests at the top. Responsibility is not something that can be assigned or delegated. And it promises its own reward: good business and good television.
To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost.
This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful.
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
Minimum 250 words total response.
" No one familiar with the history of this country can deny that congressional committees are useful. It is necessary to investigate before legislating, but the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one and the junior Senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly. His primary achievement has been in confusing the public mind, as between the internal and the external threats of Communism. We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine; and remember that we are not descended from fearful men. Not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate, and to defend causes that were for the moment unpopular.
This is no time for men who oppose Senator McCarthy's methods to keep silent, or for those who approve. We can deny our heritage and our history, but we cannot escape responsibility for the result. There is no way for a citizen of a republic to abdicate his responsibilities. As a nation we have come into our full inheritance at a tender age. We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home. The actions of the junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad, and given considerable comfort to our enemies. And whose fault is that? Not really his. He didn't create this situation of fear; he merely exploited it — and rather successfully. Cassius was right. "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves." Good night, and good luck."
– See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
If we confuse dissent with disloyalty — if we deny the right of the individual to be wrong, unpopular, eccentric or unorthodox — if we deny the essence of racial equality then hundreds of millions in Asia and Africa who are shopping about for a new allegiance will conclude that we are concerned to defend a myth and our present privileged status. Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
– Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.
Our history will be what we make it. And if there are any historians about fifty or a hundred years from now, and there should be preserved the kinescopes for one week of all three networks, they will there find recorded in black and white, or color, evidence of decadence, escapism and insulation from the realities of the world in which we live. I invite your attention to the television schedules of all networks between the hours of 8 and 11 p.m., Eastern Time. Here you will find only fleeting and spasmodic reference to the fact that this nation is in mortal danger. There are, it is true, occasional informative programs presented in that intellectual ghetto on Sunday afternoons. But during the daily peak viewing periods, television in the main insulates us from the realities of the world in which we live. If this state of affairs continues, we may alter an advertising slogan to read: LOOK NOW, PAY LATER.
For surely we shall pay for using this most powerful instrument of communication to insulate the citizenry from the hard and demanding realities which must be faced if we are to survive. I mean the word survive literally. If there were to be a competition in indifference, or perhaps in insulation from reality, then Nero and his fiddle, Chamberlain and his umbrella, could not find a place on an early afternoon sustaining show. If Hollywood were to run out of Indians, the program schedules would be mangled beyond all recognition. Then some courageous soul with a small budget might be able to do a documentary telling what, in fact, we have done--and are still doing--to the Indians in this country. But that would be unpleasant. And we must at all costs shield the sensitive citizens from anything that is unpleasant.
I am entirely persuaded that the American public is more reasonable, restrained and more mature than most of our industry's program planners believe. Their fear of controversy is not warranted by the evidence. I have reason to know, as do many of you, that when the evidence on a controversial subject is fairly and calmly presented, the public recognizes it for what it is--an effort to illuminate rather than to agitate.
I do not advocate that we turn television into a 27-inch wailing wall, where longhairs constantly moan about the state of our culture and our defense. But I would just like to see it reflect occasionally the hard, unyielding realities of the world in which we live. I would like to see it done inside the existing framework, and I would like to see the doing of it redound to the credit of those who finance and program it. Measure the results by Nielsen, Trendex or Silex-it doesn't matter. The main thing is to try. The responsibility can be easily placed, in spite of all the mouthings about giving the public what it wants. It rests on big business, and on big television, and it rests at the top. Responsibility is not something that can be assigned or delegated. And it promises its own reward: good business and good television.
To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost.
This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful.
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
Minimum 250 words total response.
45 comments:
See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
“We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.”
After 9/11, Arabs were the main persons suspected of criminal activities, as the Communists were in the 1950s. Because of something their country or religious group did, people lost their rights and freedom and were constantly monitored as a possible danger to the country. These people could have been the most successful doctors, lawyers, and businessmen, yet because of their appearance and cultural background, they lost the respect that they had worked hard to gain. We wonder now how we can go and fight for freedom overseas, when it does not even exist here in America for everyone.
Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
When we cannot bring water onto an airplane, even if we are seen drinking it prior to boarding, we think to ourselves, “Why not?” Every new rule for airport safety looses the confidence of more and more people. If our airports are still not safe, that means that our War on Terror has not progressed, and that the threat of terrorism is increasing, not decreasing. How can we be confident in the government, if we see no progress in this war that never ends?
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
“And if there are any historians about fifty or a hundred years from now, and there should be preserved the kinescopes for one week of all three networks, they will there find recorded in black and white, or color, evidence of decadence, escapism and insulation from the realities of the world in which we live.”
The sad thing about our world today is that not many people seek to learn things that did not, or do not have immediate on them. If you ask 100 people on the street which country the War on Terror is currently in, at least a quarter will not be able to respond correctly. I watched this show a few years ago about things Americans will believe if the media tells them. The host walks around a campus of a prestigious American college (can’t quite remember which one), and proceeds to ask various people (even professors) things such as, “How do you feel about Canada building a Marines port in Toronto?”, or “Tim Horton was elected the mayor of Quebec, how do you feel about that?” The people gave only positive feedback and encouragement to our nearby neighbor. The true and sad thing is that people are overly oblivious to realize are that Toronto is not on the ocean, and that Quebec is not a city. The main point is that if historians looked back at us, they would ask, “How did these people survive?” because many Americans live isolated from what is going on in the world around them, and live in their own world of happiness oblivion.
Anna S.
“We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law.”
We are too quick to point fingers and blame others when the fault may lie within. We have generalizations about all Muslims being terrorists and bomb makers. This is a statement that many Americans truly believe in, with no facts to support it. We accuse all Muslims based on what a select few have chosen to do. There is no proof suggesting that all Moslems are terrorists. We are also too quick to convict and punish the accused without waiting for the process of law to determine. We need to let the evidence do the talking, not the public who have no access to the evidence anyway.
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the … confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought.”
Racism and prejudice still throb in out society today. These are too major acts in our society that defiantly limits the freedom of many citizens who have no choice in what color they are. We as citizens of the United States of America have no right to deny persons’ aspirations to be free in this country because of aspects they cannot change in themselves that do not affect there actions.
“We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information.”
Americans wince at the sight of bad or unpleasant news. We like to burry our troubles be pretending they do not exist. That is why we like to fight wars overseas and are so quick to attack other countries. We do this so we can continue to live peacefully on our own rock while the war destroys the other country.
Jared p.
See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
“We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law.”
This quote relates to many time periods throughout our history. During the time of the Salem Witch Trials, people who were different were thought to have been a witch. These accusations were not based on proof, but off of mere ideas of other people. There was no evidence and due process of law involved on the conviction of the “witches.”
After 9/11, people had the idea that all Muslims and Arabs were bad because of one incident. It is obvious that the people involved in planning these attacks were bad, but does that make it right to blame everyone of that race? Freedoms were taken away from people who had even the slightest look of Arab in them. These acts of prejudice are not based on evidence, but only accusations and thoughts that people have engraved in their heads.
Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought.”
This excerpt from Ford’s speech basically speaks for itself. Due to incidents that cause great harm to our country, our freedoms diminish. The 9/11 attacks called for greater security in airports, and changed our perspective on how we can do things, such as simply walking through an airport without having a bomb dog sniff you. Some American citizens take offence to their freedom being taken away, because it is what their ancestors had fought for. Even though some freedoms are being taken away, I feel that it is for the best to keep everybody in America safe. All we have to do is make sure the government doesn’t go too far and take vital freedoms away.
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information.”
This quote describes a vast majority of the American population. America is starting to become beyond lazy. We sit on the couch, eat our fast food, and watch the T.V. It is not because we are doing what we want, its just that lazy is becoming an adjective that is inscribed in newborn babies heads. The world is so used to hearing unpleasant information over the media, we are now becoming used to it. It is now something that we see and hear about everyday. The media is notorious for giving false information on many subjects. That is the main reason for laziness and stupidity in America.
Kevin S.
"We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine; and remember that we are not descended from fearful men. Not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate, and to defend causes that were for the moment unpopular."
When September 11 hit, the aim of the radical muslims was to instill fear into our nation. That didn't work, as our entire country banded together and became more patriotic. What President Bush is trying to show is that we are not afraid to take action against a group of people who attack us, just like we werent afraid to take action against england in the revolutionary war.
"...our present privileged status."
We are the best country in the world to live in. Yet we are too involved with ourselves to look at threats in other places, such as the genocide in Darfur or AIDS in Africa.
"Our history will be what we make it. "
As i said before, we aren't doing as much as we could to help others. We need to look beyond the luxuries that we have and make history. If we are going to inherit the world, we should be making it the best that we can make it and set the example for generations ahead of us.
Geoff G.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.”
-Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
This is true on incredulous proportions today, except more or less the exact opposite. Most mass-media functions do nothing but promote an inner-hatred for what America has become. Movies like Borat mock and poke fun at our own culture, fraternizing with a self-mutilating mindset of America. Anyone who says that things are alright with what we do and with how we act is automatically scoffed, denied any chance of rebuttal without the automatic stereotype that they have gone soft-minded and submissive, therefore incredibly stupid. The media spares no time or effort in throwing implications wrapped around bricks of utopian idealism that everyone must love, love, love, when in fact this optimism cannot and will not ever happen. They are merciless in pointing out that supposedly, everything America does is absolutely terrible, from corporate “war-machines” such as Wal-Mart to international affairs in the Middle East, everything, everything is evil. Brokeback Mountain said to us, “You must accept everything that is different, otherwise you are a terrible, awful person.” Those who claim to be outcasts from the main vein of society become the most popular, well-liked people, and anyone who disagrees with them is automatically a bigot, a racist, a totalitarian fascist pig, or worst of all, a republican. Words like “right-wing” and “republican party” have been axiomatically correlated by connotative definition with “war-mongering” and “minority-hating”, and the mainstream television broadcasts are the spearheads of this movement. Indeed, we have become fat, comfortable, complacent, and whiny, wrist-slitting abhorrers of our own culture and silently instating a seemingly righteous coup in our minds. “Fighting the man”, a popular pastime for youth and liberals, has become a brand new product As Seen on T.V., and those who do not fall under that strict guideline are denied access to the “cool club” of hipsters and golden persons.
“If we confuse dissent with disloyalty — if we deny the right of the individual to be wrong, unpopular, eccentric or unorthodox — if we deny the essence of racial equality then hundreds of millions in Asia and Africa who are shopping about for a new allegiance will conclude that we are concerned to defend a myth and our present privileged status. Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the. . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
– Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
True, we must not deny the right of the individual to be wrong, unpopular, eccentric or unorthodox. True, we must accept everyone, but that works both ways. If people demand that society must tailor their words and actions to the minority or those of opposite idealism, then they must tailor to all people as well, hateful or otherwise. Not to say that acceptance of the difference is a bad idea; oh no, it is an excellent idea, however, it must work the other way, too. For example, if homosexuals must be loved and accepted, then that means homosexuals must love and accept those that discriminate against them, a scenario this author has yet to witness. If minorities have the right to protest the persecution against them without being seen as incredulous or hateful, then those who are against what they stand for must be seen the same, otherwise true equality is not obtained. The “Day of Silence” should be able to be countered with the “Day of Shouting” and should not be considered bigotry. We cannot confuse dissent with disloyalty, we cannot deny the individual the right to be wrong, unpopular, eccentric, or unorthodox. Equality for all.
In today’s society, we have Affirmative Action, a proposal which supposedly makes application equal by tipping the playing field to a different level. Women can sue and win for not getting a job because they are women. The white male majority has become an entity of evil, the white collar status, black suit and tie, polished dress shoes, and wealth have become something of a partisan supporting wickedness, greed, gluttony, and selfishness. Generosity and goodness is now defined as how large one’s check is to the United Negro College Fund or how many starving African orphans one adopts. Helping one’s fellow man has become helping one’s fellow person of unspecified race and gender, and history has become herstory. Equality has become unequal.
“This is no time for men who oppose Senator McCarthy's methods to keep silent, or for those who approve. We can deny our heritage and our history, but we cannot escape responsibility for the result. There is no way for a citizen of a republic to abdicate his responsibilities. As a nation we have come into our full inheritance at a tender age. We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home. The actions of the junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad, and given considerable comfort to our enemies. And whose fault is that? Not really his. He didn't create this situation of fear; he merely exploited it — and rather successfully. Cassius was right. ‘The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.’ Good night, and good luck.”
– See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
This comes in relation with the Patriot Act. It, much like McCarthy, has taken a situation wreathed in fear and has exploited it. However, the fear was not only in the people, but the administration. The administration was called upon to do something; anything to defend our lives. They were not asked to defend our freedom; that was implied. However, the implication was lost in the haste that action was demanded. Through haste, the Patriot Act was established. It was not established with ulterior motives, nor was McCarthy’s concept spawned with wickedness creeping behind it or heading it. However, despite this, it is safe to say that it was wrong, same as the Patriot Act. However, as mentioned before, the public demanded action. In the short amount of time they had before they would be considered indifferent to the situation or too incompetent to successfully take charge of it, they came up with the best they could. That is forgivable. However, the renewal of it is not. The Patriot Act must be renounced and another solution must be found.
~Derrick H.
"We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home."
-See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
I'm sure everyone's used to hearing "Well back in my day...." and "When I was young, things were different..." time to time from elders speaking about how times have changed since they were kids. But who knew that we teenagers would soon be able to say similar statements about our own childhoods just a decade before? When I was little, I'm almost certain I had no idea what terrorism was. However, I bet if someone asked a pre-schooler today about terrorism, they'd be able to give a pretty good response. Also, airports years before were not so insanely embedded with security restrictions and checks as they are today. Actually, almost every major area/building today involves passing through some sort of security in order to enter. Sure, Americans are glad to help insure security and safety in our nation and will do what it takes, but how far will the government go in restricting our freedom? Ever since September 11th's tragic events, our nation has constantly been "fighting the war on terror" within its borders as well as worldwide. However, in this process of "defending freedom" around the world, we have begun to neglect preserving our own rights in America. The war with Iraq has made life for Americans of middle-eastern descent difficult as they face prejudice and suspicion everywhere in the United States. Stereotypes and ideas of terrorists put in the mind of America have singled out respectable and successful American individuals just because of their ethnicity and/or religion. And so as illustrated by the above quote, today we face the issue of spreading freedom throughout the world while also maintaining our nation's own freedoms. It's ridiculous for American soldiers to be fighting for freedom across seas when even at home not everyone is allowed freedom and treated justly.
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
– Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
This quote definitely also can be related directly to America's "war on terror." Americans are getting fed up with all of the restrictions for security purposes at airports, as well as other large public places. What are things coming to when we can't even view the White House without special reservations or we can't visit our nation's key government buildings without a signed pass from our senators? Americans restricted from our own state capital? That's a little ridiculous. We all understand the high security risks, but when it all intereferes with our own personal freedoms repeatedly, it's easy to become frustrated. People begin to get critical of the government and they have the right to. It's understandable that we all have to stand together to make our world safer and freer, but we cannot neglect our own nation's philosophies within our country's borders. Prejudices and stereotypes should not deny the freedom of our country's own citizens, and mothers should be able to feed their babies baby formula on airplanes. We must maintain what our forefathers fought for.
"There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference."
-Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958
I feel that this quote is very true about our world even today. Often times people choose to "look the other way" and avoid problems rather than attempt to solve them. Americans seem to especially do this. We like to remain "ignorant" when it comes to world issues that do not directly affect us, and when we are informed of issues it seems many act as if there's nothing they can do. They're just one individual, they won't make a difference, right? I beg to differ. A clear example of this is the genocide in Darfur. Many people are probably not even aware and those who are most likely feel there's nothing they can really do and push it aside. Last year when I bought a "Save Darfur" t-shirt, that was atleast a small effort in raising money to assist in the Sudan. The number of people who asked me "Who's Darfur?" was unbelievable, and so I felt good when I informed them of the genocide because that meant it would not go on unnoticed. However, the genocide is still taking place and still much needs to be done to save the victims. More and more people are becoming aware and efforts are increasing, which is a good sign. But I still feel that people need to learn not to ignore and instead learn to care and take action in our world if change is to ever take place.
-Kristyn L.
“We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law.”
-See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought.”
-Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
“But I would just like to see it reflect occasionally the hard, unyielding realities of the world in which we live.”
-Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958
All three of these statements can be related to the freedoms we surrendered due to the Patriot Act and to the unjust things still done at Guantanamo Bay. Relating to the first quote, hundreds of the detainees at Gitmo Bay are American citizens who are held there without being charged with a crime, without receiving a hearing and without there even being any evidence against them.
The Patriot Act was put in place to protect against terrorism in the U.S.A. It may have helped somewhat fighting terrorism, but it has also drastically limited the rights of American citizens. It has allowed the government to listen in on our phone conversations, check our emails and even detain us without probable cause or a warrant.
Americans were not informed of the horrors going on at Gitmo bay, we found out by secret reports. The government did not release the information and did not inform us of its doings. Still today, the government withholds information, that we as citizens have the right to know. All this information should be available to the public on request. We should be able to hear the problems and see what is going on in our government. If our economy is crashing because of something stupid Bush did, then we have the right to know. Television and radio has a responsibility to Americans to help keep us in the loop about what is going on in reality. Sometimes entertainment is used as a very effective way to inform us (The Daily Show With John Stewart), but other times it diverts us away from reality. These quotes have summed up how secretive, problematic and “unconstitutional” our government is becoming. They have withheld the things we have the right to know, they have detained us without due process and one by one they are slowly taking away the freedoms our founding fathers have set as a foundation of this country. In my opinion, if crazy people like Bush are allowed to run the government, we will eventually lose all of our freedoms and America will cease to exist as the land of the free.
ANDREW S-M
“We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law.”
People need to realize that when something tragic happens, you cannot just run and blame everything on one religion or race. After 9/11 occurred, middle eastern people were being judged in more ways than ever. People were turning to them, making them feel like every single one had something to do with the terrorism. The world needs to learn, we can't just blame one, everyone needs to come together and peacefully work things out. Blaming a group of people is not going to change anything. We need to get right down to the bottom of something, in order to get out the truth.
Emily W.
“It is necessary to investigate before legislating, but the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one and the junior Senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine; and remember that we are not descended from fearful men. “
This quote exemplifies principals that remain very prominent in this day in age. At the time that the speech was given artists, politicians, and other liberals feared being accused a communist. This speech in itself was a brave step towards the right thing. Recently, the name of a CIA agent (Valerie E. Wilson) was leaked supposedly by Scooter Libby. The said cause of the leakage was that Wilson’s husband Robert Novak researched uranium existance in Niger. Novak however, found no weapons of mass destruction problem in the Niger area. Despite the lack of discovery President Bush still used the uranium issue in his state of the union speech. When Novak complained to the government, his wifes name was leaked, eliminating her job for the CIA. It is ridiculious to me that in this day in age, that peoples jobs are threatened for trying to solidify truth and justice. This speech remains relevant to present day as a result of America’s inablility to admit its faults and hide the truth.
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
This speech discusses America’s racial inequalities and discrimination at the time. I was brought up to think that America is the best country on Earth because of its freedom. However, if we refuse immigrants and prevent Mexicans from crossing the boarder, what sort of role model are we? The writing on the statue of liberty asks foreign countries to “Give me your tired, your poor.” This inviting attitude that America was built with has clearly dwindled. America should never have to contradict the principles that supported it from the beginning.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.”
This quote is about the lazy America that believes everything it hears on TV. One of those things has been America’s progress in Iraq. Up until recently Vice President Cheney stated that America has been “winning” the war. However the truth of hundreds of casualties a week has been revealed. The Bush administration publicizes a war almost won, however truth and fact reveal themselves regardless of what we Americans may see on TV.
-Mickey
This is no time for men who oppose Senator McCarthy's methods to keep silent, or for those who approve. We can deny our heritage and our history, but we cannot escape responsibility for the result. There is no way for a citizen of a republic to abdicate his responsibilities. As a nation we have come into our full inheritance at a tender age. We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home
– See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
This applies to social and political situations today because of the war. For those who appose President Bush’s decisions they cannot remain silent. People need to voice their opinions rather then complaining to themselves and being angry at the world. We cannot escape the responsibility for our actions. For everything we change in the Middle East, there is a consequence. Although we cannot escape what comes with our actions, we must stand together as a whole. America must stand together no matter what we believe and show we are stronger and we can overcome our differences. “we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home” if we fall apart here in America, there is no saying what will happen in our fight against freedom oversees.
Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought
– Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June
Every time that Americans are denied freedom in our country we are beaten down. People come to America for the opportunities and new lifestyles. We cannot appeal to everybody, although when we take away their basic rights people feel a sense of insecurity.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago
America is becoming lazy; all we do is sit around and gather what we know from watching the television. Walking into an average high school classroom today most teenagers would not be able to tell you the details of a serious controversy going on in the war. Teens are consumed by dramas and computer games, while adults only refer to one source. Most adults get their knowledge from watching the nightly news. Although doing this they are getting a one sided view. People need to step out into the world and see the big picture, otherwise we will never all come together on a decision and be educated in this world.
-molly t.
See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
“We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.”
Today the United States is at war with Iraq. Initially we invaded Iraq to destroy their nuclear weapons, overthrow Saddam Hussein and to ‘liberate’ the Iraqis. This was back in 2003, two years after 9/11. At this time, the Arab Americans were persecuted because of their cultural background. Arab Americans were interviewed by police just because of their heritage. The United States invaded Iraq to protect the Arabs overseas, but wasn’t protecting the Arabs at home. Today the US is seen as the moral leaders of the world. So, how does protecting the Arabs over seas, but not at home set a good example for the rest of the world? It is crucial for the survival of this country to not only look to look after people outside of our borders, but defend those within. Our country was founded upon the ideas of equal freedom for all and in order to comply with this, we must protect everyone, including the Arab Americans.
Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
Our ancestors moved to the United States for better opportunity and for the freedoms offered. At the time, the United States set an example to the rest of the world in terms of freedom and government. Today it is important for the people to trust their government. However, the people rule this nation, not the other way around. With every freedom that the citizens get, they enforce their power over the government. When freedoms are taken, the government loses the trust of their people.
This quote reminds me of the World War II unit. In Mr. Wickersham’s class we talked about how not very many Japanese Americans and African Americans joined the military. Their philosophy was: why die protecting a country that doesn’t protect us? Without the support of all Americans, it will be hard to win a war.
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958
“This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful.”
Television is a staple in today’s society in terms of delivering entertainment as well as news to most of the world. It is important to understand that the television holds an enormous potential to change viewer’s minds. When watching the news, the viewer’s opinions are formed based on the news reported. If the news was not portrayed wholly and accurately then it would taint the viewer’s perspective. This shows why the new channels are so important and influential in today’s society. By reporting the facts truly and completely, this leaves the effects of this information up to the viewer. The viewer has the choice to do something about the news, or sit there and move on. This quote expresses the quality of the television’s potential to liberate those watching from their ignorance and create a determination to bring change. This is why the television can illuminate the minds of all of the viewers as well as inspire one person. If one person is inspired then that new was delivered successfully and is in fact important. Change starts with one person.
Megan M.
See it now broadcast, March 9 1954
“We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine; and remember that we are not descended from fearful men.”
This quote can be applied to the situation with the world and their atomic bombs. Right now, Iran is making an atomic bomb, and they are preparing to drop it on the western world. We need to somehow get Iran to stop making it. This quote is saying that we don’t want fear to overcome us (and make us not do anything about it), because it will lead to an age of unreason (Iran dropping the atomic bomb). It is saying that our forefathers were brave, in doing things such as having the Civil War, etc., and that we need to be like them, and be brave and somehow get Iran to stop making the atomic bomb.
Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought.”
In today’s society, some people will not hire blacks for a high position in a company. They won’t blatantly say, “you’re black, your not getting the job,” but they will do it in a more subtle manner. This strongly denies the freedom of the individual who is trying to get the job – the black man. Doing this makes all of the other blacks, the men and women, less confident in the freedom for which their ancestors fought – the freedom for equality among blacks and whites.
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information.
This quote directly applies to today. Americans have been so wealthy, fat, comfortable, and LAZY. It is saying that this is a very dangerous condition to be in. All of this has led us to be lazy, and not so caring, which mainly led up to 911. We were just too comfortable, happy, and satisfied with ourselves, not aware of our surroundings, and did not know who our enemies were. This is why 911 happened. We need to be aware of whats going on, and very careful.
-JSKLAR
– See it Now broadcast
it is necessary to investigate before legislating, but the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one and the junior Senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly.
This comment relates to our political situation greatly. The patriot act, and the patriot act II are two items that strongly relate to this statement. The patriot acts allow the government to look into the personal lives of american citizens who most of the time are innocent. The patriot acts are in some ways unconstitutional because they invade the things that our ancestors fought for. President Bush passed the first patriot act after 9/11 to prevent terrorism. The patriot is well intentioned but to me it seems like an invasion of privacy. The act is supposed to prevent domestic terrorism by invading conversations on the phone, internet and other communications. The acts are seemingly invasive and relate to the outlandish attacks on citizens during the red scare. To me, these acts counter the values of freedom and expression in which america is supposedly built upon.
– Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show
Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought.
When I heard this speech in the movie, my selected comment resonated in my mind. Everyday, it seems that there is more and more oppression and distaste towards various groups or individuals in our country. When the immigration issues were heated, people looked at our mexican and hispanic citizens in an awkward view. When a terrorist attack occurs, the public eye seems to blame an entire islamic population. When any event or incident occurs, our society seems to generalize a culture or group. This may seem like it does not relate to "men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence..." but it does completely. As american citizens see members of their religion or culture be hated, they question their government and society. The aspiring minds of these cultures might be turned away as they see their brothers and sisters be viewed as villains through american eyes.
- Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association
We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information.
This comment relates immensely to the social situation today regarding our local news. I find it to be near blasphemy when I turn on the news and hear of almost meaningless events rather than the war in iraq or worldly important issues. Society has a way of "shoving" disturbing events of to the side of our thoughts. Events that effect our entire world often are less appealing then stories that effect a small demographic. I personally believe that todays society should be more concerned with war-time and nations struggles rather than the single unnecessary events that are explored on most of today's news channels.
josh smith
– See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
“We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law.” Just because a group of Arabs have been linked to terrorism does not mean all Arabs are linked to terrorism. In this excerpt it is saying we can not accuse or show hate towards people just because we think they are linked with communism. After 9/11 Arabs, Iraqis, and Middle Eastern people were judge differently just upon looks. A small group of people totally ruined the image of harmless people forever. After pearl harbor Japanese people were not looked at the same and given a chance in this country for a very long time, not that these people had anything to do with the bombings, they just looked like them. As American we can not associate people with groups if we truly do not know there background. That is what this speech is saying.
– Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought.” Now this speech is describing how the rights and privileges of the American people are being taken away, but for a good reason. Airport security has become so uptight and strict after 9/11, things that used to happen in an airport most defiantly do not happen anymore. Though people are unhappy with not being able to take a drink on board, or having to be checked over by security, it is all for a better cause and the pursuit to make where we live a safer place.
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.” Here we are talking about the American people and there lack luster effort to go out there into the real world and truly challenge themselves for an education and a way to make a more successful life style for themselves. The people will be wasting there life on the couch, when they finally figure out the opportunity’s out there it will be to late. This is what is sad about the world today, it is not much different than this speech given.
Max G.
“This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box. There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful.”
This quote applies so well to our culture today in many different ways. This shows and states the power of television back at the time during McCarthyism. The television in many ways has the same power today. When 9/11 occurred the first place people turned to was the television, and the first person they listen to was a news caster. The power of television is endless and Edward Morrow knew that. He knew that although him and Fred Friendly were just Newsmen, they could make a difference. In this quote Morrow is conveying to the people that although he is stating his own feelings “On Air” that others needed to take what he is saying to heart. Don’t just watch to see celebrities or to see McCarthy bash Morrow, Watch because what they are talking about, affects all Americans.
“This is no time for men who oppose Senator McCarthy's methods to keep silent, or for those who approve”
Many people in this country our opposed to President Bush’s ideas and plans, some our also in favor of President Bush. The same was with Senator McCarthy. Many people thought that he was a good patriot and trying to do the best for our country. Others thought that he was a brutal, angry, prejudicial man. What Morrow is saying in this quote is that no matter what your opinions are on certain topics, you need to act on them. Tell other people your feelings, fight for what you believe in. Don’t just sit there and let others do the talking for you.
“If we confuse dissent with disloyalty — if we deny the right of the individual to be wrong, unpopular, eccentric or unorthodox — if we deny the essence of racial equality then hundreds of millions in Asia and Africa who are shopping about for a new allegiance will conclude that we are concerned to defend a myth and our present privileged status”
Edward Morrow laid his job, reputation, and credibility on the line when he had his historical debates with Senator McCarthy. He went against a congressman, and humiliated him. In this quote, Morrow explains how he is not being disloyal to his country; rather he is acting on his rights of freedom. These rights will always be relevant. Whether it is berating a senator or it is disagreeing with a president. The people of America have those rights, and Edward Morrow knew how to use them.
Robbie H.
Good Night and Good Luck Response to Speeches and their Current Application
Speech 1:
“We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.” –See It Now Broadcast, March 9, 1954
One of the great beauties of America today is its ability and commitment to a free country that is run by those who make it up, the people. President Truman’s policy of containment, the Truman Doctrine, and the Marshall Plan, all represented the statement the broadcast made. During the Cold War, the HUAC and communist searches amongst the people of America represented the instability that can still loom throughout the economy, and in turn made us internally week. It added another struggle that we didn’t need during a time of a nuclear race. Today, many share mixed feelings about terrorism and its true threats based on the extensive measures our president has taken. Many protests and violent verbal expressions have been common in many areas due to raises in taxes, precautions that were believed to be not needed, and other things. If we cannot come together as a country, despite our economy’s current state and view from other countries, than our efforts to terminate the terror in the world will be no stronger than a 2% chance.
Speech 2
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought.” -Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
Many overseas in other countries look to what many of us in America take for granted as a dream worth fighting for. They wake up every day, hoping that maybe one day their lives would be free of racial, religious, or other types of persecution because of hate or other unsupported reason. Many Americans today still use racial slurs and segregate between certain provided, unethical classifications that they see fit. This not only sparks tension between those groups, but also makes those in other places seeking what we already have less confident and more at a loss of complete hope. In Iraq, many in the country that see our U.S. troops every day see a small piece of hope and freedom from a large puzzle that sits overseas. But, if our economy cannot even maintain stability within itself and instead abuse what many died fighting for, than those who don’t already have it are at a great loss.
Speech 3
“’We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.’” -Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958
During the ‘Roaring 20’s,’ many were oblivious to what was going on overseas and WWI’s impact on the rest of the world. Movie theatres, TV shows, and popular radio hosts distracted us where daily entertainment that seemed to wrap the country in an all-encompassing cloak distraction. Today, movies of football heroes, drama TV shows, and music about who was shot and now has the most money lure us away from the battlefront scene, and instead allow us to concentrate on solely what makes us content. If we as a people are not able to turn our heads from 50 Cent and instead support the war overseas through funding programs, provide for the genocide in Darfur, and help build a strong national image to the world, than we too can easily go down the path towards becoming an empire, allies solely to ourselves, with the rest of the globe, both the good and the evils, at our doorstep.
Seth
See It Now Broadcast:
"We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine; and remember that we are not descended from fearful men."
This quote is saying about how people of the United States can look upon the past for many reasons, one being to be inspired and to get motivation. This quote relates to today because of leaders are looking on the past for inspiration, such as bush did by relating himself to Truman, and also looking at how they can change the situation for next time. The Government compares themselves to past governments for support and sees what they can do to be more like the good ones.
Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show:
"Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
This quote is saying how the laws that we live by shapes the attitude of many men and women in this country. It also says how many men and women in this country take use these laws for their advantage and to get their own opinion out in public; they want to change something and they are voicing in what they believe. Many people show be very thankful to the ancestors who created these laws, and how they fought for our standard of living and not just their own. This relates to today by how many people voice their opinions every day on one subject or another, weather it be a small strike or a large protest for something big in Washington D.C.
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association:
"There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful."
Today is the time that most advertising and ideas get out into the public by television. People get their ideas, inventions and other thoughts out into the world; not by posters, the radio, or the internet; but primarily by the television. Ignorance, Intolerance and indifference are just three things that are being argued on the television right now. The last sentence I find very amusing because this is the time when the black and white TV was just being put into many homes and look to what it has aspired to today.
Michael L.
“We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law.”
This quote is basically saying that although someone is disagreeing (the meaning of dissent), it does not mean they are disloyal. People are entitled to their opinion and they should not be punished for disagreeing. The second part is saying that our country must remember that just because someone accuses another person of something it does not mean that they did it. If someone is convicted it must be because good solid evidence was found through out the “process of law”. I believe that this statement is hypocritical because through out history the U.S and other countries have blamed people for things because of things they can not control as apposed to who they are as a person. This happened with African Americans, Japanese and many other races. People do deserve second chances however this still continues in the U.S today especially with people from the Middle East. People are stopped at air ports and other places simply because of stereotypes. Small numbers of people are responsible for punishing the rest of their race. This quote is saying that we must punish fairly but I believe America is acting in a different fashion.
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought.”
This quote is saying that any act that denies our rights that were so infamous for having ‘freedom’. It seems ludicrous to jeopardize the wonderful gift we have been given that so many people wish they could have. So many people live their life not even realizing the wonderful gift they have been given. However so many people live their lives dreaming of the ‘freedom’ offered in the U.S and never get to taste it. This quote is basically assuming that people with these freedoms and rights know exactly what they can be jeopardizing however many of them do not.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information.”
This quote ties into my theme of America taking things for granted. I feel that Americans want everything their way and in their control. When something goes wrong it can’t possibly be their faults, they must have a escape goat. When the quote says “We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent” it is making fun of the fact that we are well off and almost lazy. This is because of the ignorance many of us have to how bad others are off are. Some Americans know but just don’t take the time to realize it. When bad information comes along we want to know who did it and what their punishment will be. Things are often blown out of proportion and act like bad news in the end of the world, when others have it worse. This is what the last part of the quote is taking about.
-Kaelin R.
“It is necessary to investigate before legislating, but the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one…”
– See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
This is a very true statement… often people get too caught up in the side their investigating for they become partial and start accusing somebody doing or being part of the act they are investigating. Or while they are trying to find an answer from you they come up with answers for you without giving you a chance to deny or approve or even give your own reason for doing whatever you’ve been found of, or been accused of doing. Nowadays this is evident in airports when you’ve got something not allowed and your not of the same ethnicity as the person who happens to be at the security booth you don’t get much of a chance to explain yourself… Plus, given the state of things at the moment, if your Arab, it makes it all the worse and people will jump to conclusions and instead of investigating why the Metal Detector went off, they could persecute the person… of course using the term ‘persecute’ loosely in this case, but instead of using the little wonder wand they have and would normally use they could skip too bomb checks, full bag checks, full body checks, and cavity checks…
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
– Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
Racism comes to mind… racism and prejudices… which was around back then and is still around today, denying legal Americans the right to speak their mind, and do as they wish along as they stay within the law protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution in the Bill of Rites, and I quote “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech...” Both back then and Now both parts of that Section of the quote apply, Freedom of religion is a biggie because back then having no religion made you atheist, and in some peoples eyes they could see the connection between communist and atheist because, well, communists were atheist, so atheists must be communist. And now Muslims have the same problem with being connected as terrorists. Personally I believe that freedom of speech never existed. You have full freedom of speech until you learn how to have an opinion on things bigger than ‘do I want chocolate or vanilla ice cream’… but we can have a bigger discussion on that later…
“We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this.”
-Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
I don’t wish to be long winded, so I will be blunt. Back then the T.V. showed cartoons and similar distracting things, and ignored the unpleasantly of showing McCarthy in his rampage for communists. Nowadays, the T.V. shows more cartoons, and in the news is the same crap again and again, every once in a while it gives a glimpse of Iraq, but it completely leaves out that we’re still in Afghanistan, which I’m pretty sure we are… correct me if I’m wrong… and the news definitely isn’t using common sense, and they’ve dragged out Anna Nicole Smiths death out for way too long. I mean come on, my grandma died, and she didn’t even get mentioned on T.V. millions of people die and they don’t get mentioned on T.V. she only got mentioned because she’s rich, and I’d hate to admit it, but probably because she’s also white… I really wish we’d gotten past that point, but as far as I can see we as a race still get hung up on skin colour.
Tammer Boutros
P.S. I forgot to put my name on the one before this... so if you could kindly remove that one much thanks...
“…the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one…” (See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954)
I find this quote to relate to modern day events in more ways than not. Of course, there is the obvious point that everyone will probably mention, that since 9/11, Middle Eastern people in America have been wrongfully accused and investigated. In our defense, we are only trying to find the perpetrators, and prevent another tragedy such as 9/11 from reoccurring. Unfortunately, there are other areas of politics and law enforcement where investigation leads to trouble. Both of my parents are lawyers and my dad does criminal defense. Some of his clients are either wrongfully accused, or sentenced under invalid evidence. Just because someone looks suspicious and the police decide to investigate, isn’t necessarily fair. There could be a rich guy standing next to a homeless guy and the police will almost always go to investigate the homeless guy. They assume the worst and make judgments of people’s personalities under false pretences. As a result, many guilty people are let off without any trouble, and many innocent citizens are put through basically hell, just to be found not-guilty and sent off with a simple “oops, sorry.” As a nation, we need to be careful and watch that thin line that changes from investigating to persecuting. If we are going to be a free nation, we need to make people feel free and safe, and not have to always be worried that what they are doing is wrong.
Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought." (– Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953)
This quote reminds me of something similar to what I mentioned above. If we wrongfully persecute or investigate people, they will not feel free and safe in their own country. It is important that the American People remain proud of their nation and feel comfortable and safe as well. If we continue to wrongfully accuse people of different backgrounds or beliefs, people will not want to come here. In a way, we are sinking down to a lower level of disrespect and forgetting the rights that all American citizens have. Our soldiers have fought for what we have today; a free and supposedly accepting nation. And to say as a complete understatement; it would be a shame to let all that hard work and dedication go to waste. We need to keep up our reputation of being both an accepting and diverse nation.
“…some courageous soul with a small budget might be able to do a documentary telling what, in fact, we have done--and are still doing--to the Indians in this country. But that would be unpleasant. And we must at all costs shield the sensitive citizens from anything that is unpleasant.” (Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.)
This quote stuck out to me as a complete definition to what has gone on in the past and continues to occur today. America pretends to be innocent and acts like the nice guy, when really they put Japanese into internment camps because “they could be a threat just because they are from Japan, even though they have American citizenship and were born here.” A similar and more recent example is how people of Middle Eastern decent are branded with the label of terrorists. No, it is not fair that we do this, but the fact of the matter is, the government tried to keep it a secret. We wanted to look all innocent, like we would never do anything like the Holocaust and discriminate and punish a race or religion. But, in reality, all these years, horrible things like this have been happening right under our noses and we have been sheltered until after the fact. I just hope that this is the last of history repeating itself, and that we can move on and grow up and start to be mature about things and not so hypocritical.
-Jordan H-
"It is necessary to investigate before legislating, but the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one and the junior Senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly... We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law."
Why does this sound so familiar?? Well, there's two things. The first thing I see is this line that has been stepped over. In our world today, the president, I believe, has crossed too many lines. The president has a bill passed right now that allows the government to tap into any given phone or online record (probably more, I'm not totally sure) and see exactly who you talked to, in some cases what you even said, and by that alone, can accuse you of being a terrorist. Which brings me to the second similarity: guilt based off of accusation. Basically, if the FBI thinks you might be a terrorist, they can storm into your house, ask you anything they want, accuse you based off of things you have done/said, and can label you a terrorist, have you arrested and locked in jail until some sort of "truth", be it the real truth or not, is conjured up from the ground and a decision can be made.
"...if we deny the right of the individual to be wrong, unpopular, eccentric or unorthodox... then hundreds of millions in Asia and Africa who are shopping about for a new allegiance will conclude that we are concerned to defend a myth and our present privileged status."
In today's world, I know for a fact that people from other countries view the United States as selfish people who will do anything as long as it helps us out. The United States is currently in a war with Iraq. Why? We believed there was weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Have we found any WMDs? No. It was just a myth, and today we're still fighting in Iraq for god knows what reason.
It's not just the United States as a whole, it's in society as well. I constantly get called out by people because I "dont belong" in certain areas. My looks, my music, my beliefs and general nature most of the time contradict the things I like to do. I find it funny how suprised most people who dont know me act about it, but it gets frustrating when you come across the people who try to stamp me to a bad steriotype and hope everyone follows and make me run away. At times, it's almost as if I'm unwelcomed. I've learned to deal with it, but really now, what kind of country wants to ally itself with the country who's people outcast one another?
"But that would be unpleasant. And we must at all costs shield the sensitive citizens from anything that is unpleasant."
It's sad, but true. Common Sense (bless his soul) is long dead for most people. In every little contraversal case, there's always the one group of people who cant seem to shut up. A really good comparision would be with Kyle's mom on South Park. If there's something that seems a little "old" or "unappropriete" she's always starting a full fledged protest to the extreme about it. It's because of these people that the government has tightened up things in just about everything. Censors are all over public broadcasts and a fraction leaves you with a huge penalty. If there's something that is somewhat racial it's usually taken down in seconds by a "How dare he/she!" It's just kinda rediculous. But then again, there are those people out there that just cant take anything that is dirty or belittles some race. People like that are immature, and need to learn how to grow up instead of being little tattle tales.
(Note: dont get me wrong. It's one thing when someone says something demoting about a race. That isnt right. It's another when it's a joke or a real fact [which by the way, is most of the time mixed with jokes about other races or jokes about the speaker's race].)
-Abbie S
"We can deny our heritage and our history, but we cannot escape responsibility for the result."
This relates to our world today because history has repeated itself many times. Dictatorship and facist rule are several examples which started with Mussolini and Stalin. Saddam Huissen's dictatorship has caused the lives of many people with help from a group of followers. Some leaders around the world don't like to look at our history and learn from it because they are more occupied with what is happening now. When they concentrate on the issues on hand, they don't think about the responsibility and consequences of the past. In the past, many leaders have tried to use scapegoats for their own political and social issues. An example is after WWI, Germany became the scapegoat for the blame and repairations of the war. In the same way, the U.S. can be considered the scapegoat for the War on Terror because the American people are paying for a costly war so our leaders can try and protect our land.
"Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the ... confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
In the past, we fought for freedom to protect our own soil. An example is the Cold War between the U.S. and Soviet Union. The A-bomb and H-bomb scared the whole world. When the Soviet Union started to test the A-bomb and then the H-bomb, the U.S. got really scared because the Soviets were producing powerful nuclear weapons that could harm the Americans. This aroused terror in the country and the gov't had to protect the freedom of U.S. citzens by producing larger militaries and nuclear weapons also know as the arms race between the two countries. This relates to the political and social issues in our world today because doing war time, citizen's freedom of speech is limited. If a statement is made about how the President isn't doing his job or a negative statement is said about the gov't then that person could be arrested. Also, the freedom of Arab-Americans are questioned because of 9/11. These may seem unfair, but the gov't believes its the only way to keep the country safe.
"I am entirely persuaded that the American public is more reasonable, restrained and more mature than most of our industry's program planners believe. Their fear of controversy is not warranted by the evidence. I have reason to know, as do many of you, that when the evidence on a controversial subject is fairly and calmly presented, the public recognizes it for what it is--an effort to illuminate rather than to agitate."
When Roosevelt became President, he wanted to protect the workers rights by creating the New Deal Acts. Today we see the great fall of the American automotive industry. American workers are facing major cuts in benefits with the loss of jobs in order to survive and protect the American car companies. People are finding new ways to help out the bad situation instead of protesting and making matters worse. In the great words of Roosevelt, "So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself-nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed effort to convert retreatinto advance..."
Michelle U.
"He didn't create this situation of fear; he merely exploited it — and rather successfully."
– See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
Today, the same type of situation occurs. Karl Rove, President Bush's Chief of Staff, uses terrorism as a way to get people to support the Republican Party. Rove says that Republican's are tough on terrorism, while the Democrat's are weak when it comes to fighting terrorism. Because of 9/11 many Americans feel very strongly towards fighting terrorists, and so it is easy for them to go along with Rove. Although it may not be true, in a time where people are confused and scared they are going to look up to someone strong, telling them they are going to fight really hard against the enemy.
"If we confuse dissent with disloyalty."
– Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
Today many Americans want our troops out of Iraq. They think that they aren't really doing anything substantial, and they are putting their lives at risk for no reason. However, just because they want the troops out, and they think that Bush made a bad decision by sending them there, it doesn't mean that they are being disloyal or unpatriotic. They don't suddenly hate America, and want them to be attacked again. They just think that there are other,better ways to solve the problems. And this quote is saying not to confuse someone thinking something is wrong with thinking that they no longer support or believe in it at all.
"I invite your attention to the television schedules of all networks between the hours of 8 and 11 p.m., Eastern Time. Here you will find only fleeting and spasmodic reference to the fact that this nation is in mortal danger."
-Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
It's almost as if he was predicting what television was going to do to America. Today television consumes many Americans lives, and most of it isn't educational. America has become a society where bigger is better, the more TV one watches the better. However, that's not true. We have become so obsessed with TV that people have stopped doing other things, like reading or exercising. TV can be a good thing when it isn't abused and when it is used to watch appropriate shows. Most of our shows, however, are garbage. For example, MTV's Laguna Beach. As much as I love to watch that show, I know that the real world isn't like that and that I shouldn't expect my life to be like theres'.
Elizabeth O.
“It is necessary to investigate before legislating, but the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one and the junior Senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly.”
This applies to today’s world because president bush has pointed fingers before really putting forth an effort of investigation; examples of this are Iraq and Saddam’s supposed nuclear threat. The line is indeed very fine, Bush crossed it, and we are still suffering the consequences. I know he was faced with a difficult decision, but he still should have investigated.
“If we confuse dissent with disloyalty — if we deny the right of the individual to be wrong, unpopular, eccentric or unorthodox — if we deny the essence of racial equality then hundreds of millions in Asia and Africa who are shopping about for a new allegiance will conclude that we are concerned to defend a myth and our present privileged status.”
This quote applies in today’s world, schools especially. If someone is unpopular, or very wrong and gets embarrassed, then they are looked down upon. This can cause problems for other kids in the school, and it can even lead to violence. This is confusing disloyalty and anger.
The United States may give the diverse country of North America equality among its races, but some of the people of this country do not. This was the way it was, still partially is. It is much better then it was now, but without a doubt it still exists. Hopefully as a country we improve.
“To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost.”
This is true. If there was an informative program that seriously presented the state that earth is in today, then I am sure that people would tune in. If a television network ever tried anything like this, then they would want to make it a reasonable time, but not during the other big prime time shows.
What do they have to lose? Almost nothing, and the final product could help keep people educated on the state the world is in. This would be a good idea, it would make everyone seem more intelligent.
--- Sean T.
"We can deny our heritage and our history, but we cannot escape responsibility for the result."
We have made many mistakes in our country's history, most notably the war in Iraq. What America decided to do after the 9/11 attack was to go after the entire Muslim community, including Iraq and Afghanistan. What we should have done instead of attacking Iraq was go after the terrorist group that was really the cause of the 9/11 attack. By attacking the entire nation of Iraq, we are attacking innocent Iraqi people. We will not be able to escape the things we have done to the innocent Iraqi people in Iraq or the people in Abu-Ghraib, and we will always be responsible for what we did to them.
Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
Because of the war that has been going on in Iraq and all the terrorist attacks, things have gotten chaotic and caused some people's rights to be violated. I understand that security is our top priority, and i agree, but I noticed that a person who looks Muslim or Iraqi, whether they are or not, is going to draw a lot of attention at airports because of suspicions that they might be the cause of another attack. It is sad to know that this type of suspicion isn't going to go away for a long, long time. It is also the same way with the black community. In the movie "Crash" Ludacris said, "Look around! You couldn't find a whiter, safer or better lit part of this city. But this white woman sees two black guys, who look like UCLA students, strolling down the sidewalk and her reaction is blind fear. I mean, look at us! Are we dressed like gangbangers? Do we look threatening? No. Fact, if anybody should be scared, it's us: the only two black faces surrounded by a sea of over-caffeinated white people, patrolled by the triggerhappy LAPD. So, why aren't we scared?." It's sad that just because someone's black, people who walk by them have to be scared. It isn't what America is about, America should be a place where people can live together and not be afraid of each other.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information."
I totally agree with this statement. No one in this world likes to hear or see something bad happen in the news, they only like to hear the good things that happen. Even today, people just want to forget about the war in Iraq or all the bad things that we have done to people or that people have done to us, we just want to live in our own perfect world. Sooner or later, the people need to wake up and realize that the world is perfect, but we need to watch the bad things so that we can change it.
"We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine; and remember that we are not descended from fearful men."
Once terrorism struck American soil fear was the number on weapon. It put the American people on their heels and made them live their everyday lives looking around them being suspicious of every minor detail. Even when I go anywhere that is crowded or fly a plane I start to worry, what if today is the day the attacks are repeated.
"If we confuse dissent with disloyalty — if we deny the right of the individual to be wrong, unpopular, eccentric or unorthodox — if we deny the essence of racial equality then hundreds of millions in Asia and Africa who are shopping about for a new allegiance will conclude that we are concerned to defend a myth and our present privileged status."
Once the U.S. government discovered that it was Islamic radicalists/ terrorists that were responsible for the 9/11 attacks the entire nation turned on muslims. Mostly everyone is hateful towards muslims and even look at the innocent American-muslims in disgust or distrust. And through those evil thoughts, looks, and suspicions we take away their innocence.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late."
This quote is especially relevant to today's society. We live in a world in which media and advertising is everywhere we go. The newspapers, television, radio, internet, billboards on the roads... While there is a crisis in Darfur, a war in Iraq, and a cooking WW3, we tend not to here much about the worlds crisis' or struggles, we hear and see celebrity gossip and great deals on new fashion. History repeats itself and will continue to. The media needs to show what is truely going on and needs to wake this country up.
Daniel E.
“We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine; and remember that we are not descended from fearful men.”
See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
I think this statement refers to the fear of communism and what would happen if communism took over the work or at least our country. This statement could also refer to what we are going through now-a-days in respect the terrorism. People are scared now about being attacked the terrorists just like people back in the 1950’s were scared of having communism take over the country. The government today is constantly accusing people who remotely look like a terrorist or in some way or another act like a terrorist, that they are a terrorist. And back in the 1950’s it was the same way as well. The government was accusing people that acted like a communist in the smallest way that they were a communist. In both cases half of the people they accused are not, but everyone is just so scared of either communism or terrorism that we don’t want to take the risk.
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
Our ancestors fought for our freedom way back when, and now we don’t have as much freedom as we used to have, thanks to terrorism. The government today does not trust Americans, because they think we could be a terrorist. We can not even go through an airport without being looked at in a weird way or searched for possible things that could make a bomb or things of that nature. And I’m sure it was the same way back in the 1950’s, maybe not as extreme as it is today. I’m sure back then the people living in the 1950’s could not go a lot of places without getting suspicious looks from government officials and being questioned about whether they are a communist or not.
“But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.”
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
If America hasn’t already noticed, the media controls our life. They decide what America sees about what is going on in the world each night. They can also persuade is to believe what they say because they will only show you evidence that supports what they are talking about. Back in the 1950’s, news anchors would only show you the bad things that were going on. And it is the same way today; there is not a day that goes by where I don’t hear on the news about the war in Iraq or the war against terror. It seems like the news casters are only focusing on the bad in the world and not talking about all of the good things that are happening as well. It seems like they are distracting us from other important things and are constantly reminding us of the bad.
Lauren T.
"We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home."
Throughout history, America is seen as a country "forcing" its democracy and freedom on others. Today, there is a war in the middle east and the spread of democracy is our goal. We keep sending troops overseas to fight for this cause. But can we really begin to fight for another country's freedom without first addressing the current problems in our own? I think that this quote is really saying that it is okay to lend a hand to other countries, but we can't forget why we are fighting in the first place. Its remembering what we have here and why we want to spread it.
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the … confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought.”
Everyone in this country now has the same rights and the same freedoms. America is known as land of the free. Without these freedoms, we would not have all of the opportunities we do today for all races and genders. These rights were given to everyone through long years of protest and suffering. Racism is still an issue in today's society, but we have come a long way on the road to true freedom.
"We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.”
I can speak for myself and for others when I say I watch way too much television. It does in fact act as a distractoin when trying to get homework done. There is news, but with all of the hundreds of channels, teens don't usually bother with the 5 o'clock news. With a war carrying on in Iraq, the environment and community is extremely different than that of 1940s America during WWII. This generation does not care to get involved with war efforts or even really sees what big of an impact war has on a country. We are isolated and distracted not only by television, but with computers as well. We have so many distractions today that everything in the outside world doesn't seem to matter.
-Rachael M.
See it Now Broadcast, March 9th 1954:
"His primary achievement has been in confusing the public mind, as between the internal and the external threats of Communism."
Ever since the War on Terrorism has begun, the American Government has lied to and tricked it's people. Part of this is probably to protect us and to help us keep peace of mind, but thats really no excuse for tricking your own people. The day Suddam Hussein's capture was announced to the American general public, the Patriot Act came into play. Coincidence? I think not. The government planned the release of both of these events to be on the same on purpose, so we would overlook the second patriot act and focus on the capture. The government also made the wording of the act very confusing so the people couldn't understand what the true meaning of the act was.
Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953:
"Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
The restrictions andput on lives of American Citizens since 9/11 have mostly been rediculous. Muslims in particular have struggled most since this whole situation started. Just because these people look like Saddam Hussein and Osama Binladen, the police forces on the streets and the security guards in airports feel they need to search these people and take extra precautions and do special security checks. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful that our government is so protective of us and cares about us, but they are getting so rediculous that we cant bring water on an airplane. I feel that the restrictions put on us are somewhat rediculous, and the racial prejudice is hurtful and most of the time very unnecessary.
Speech at Raido-Television News Directors Association in Chicago, October 15, 1958:
"Our history will be what we make it. And if there are any historians about fifty or a hundred years from now, and there should be preserved the kinescopes for one week of all three networks, they will there find recorded in black and white, or color, evidence of decadence, escapism and insulation from the realities of the world in which we live."
In this day and age, there is a large group of people who dont come home from work and turn on the news, but instead, they come home and turn on thier favorite reality t.v. shows. People these days aren't mentally connected with what is going on with the world today, let alone our own country. I think it is going to be sad for historians to look back and see that many of us did't know the status of the War on Terror at certain points in time, and that many Americans had no idea that there was a genocide going on in Darfur. I think that we as Americans should put forth an effort to no longer seem lazy and selfish and show that we are knowledgeable and know what is going on in our world, and not just worrying that we missed last week's episode of America's Next Top Model.
-Kelsey V.
See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
“We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law”
Through out America’s history we have claimed that we will not convict someone if there is no proof. There have been many faults in this system at times over the years. From the Salem witch trials, the red scare, and the terrorism scare. Things that have in our country or we have seen have scared us into being as irrational as possible. In the witch trials people could just call someone a witch and have no proof. These people accused of witchcraft were doomed, and were eventually hung. As we can see in The Crucible Abigail wants to be with John Procter. She soon accuses his wife of being a witch so that she will be hung. Things like this have happened only a few times in our countries history, but these things we cannot let happen.
Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
In our country at times we limit the freedom’s our ancestors came here for because we are afraid of something. We persecute innocent people just because of their race or religion. After September 11th many people vandalized Middle Eastern people’s property. Just because they are from the Middle East doesn’t mean that they had to do with the terrorist attacks. Freedoms are then taken away because we don’t want anymore-terrorist attacks.
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors
Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.”
This whole quote depicts television in the 50’s and now. You never turn on the television during 8 to 11 and see the news telling us about what is going on in Darfur. You only see fictional shows about doctors, people stuck on an island, and reality shows about people singing or some other hidden talent they have. People do care about important things, but many aren’t well informed because there is no news showing what is actually happening. Like this radio personnel said we may see the picture to late and not be able to stop things going on like Darfur.
Josh St.
“It is necessary to investigate before legislating, but the line between investigating and persecuting is a very fine one and the junior Senator from Wisconsin has stepped over it repeatedly.” This quote relates to today very well. Lately the government has been going too far. They are searching for terrorists by searching our e-mails and other things. I feel as a citizen in the United States that my rights are becoming more and more limited. I don’t mind that they look at my e-mails and listen to my phone conversations but when will it stop? Will we ever have any privacy? It seems as though we should just ignore our rights being taken away because they are doing it to protect us. Will it ever stop and are they really doing it for our own good; these are the questions we should be asking.
“We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.” Many people think that our president is spending too much time and money in Iraq. They also think we are ignoring our own country’s problems. America needs to stop medaling in other countries problems and needs to stop trying to fix other countries and start concentrating on America. Although I think we should help out the less fortunate, I also think we should first focus a little time on fixing some of our own problems. We need to stop deserting our home.
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought." Today we have a lot of stereotypes in our country. Ever since 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred Americans have become wiry of immigrants from any Middle East country. America used to have a great reputation and everyone saw it as a symbol of freedom. Now a day certain people don’t feel safe. If a man of Middle Eastern background and a blonde man were both in an airport the Middle Eastern man would be “randomly” picked for a check. Our country has gotten a very bad reputation because of what Americans have done.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent.” This quote sums up what America has become. America is lazy and over weight. I agree with the quote which states that television is to blame. Television brainwashes the minds of most Americans. There are advertisements for food and for just about anything. We waste time watching advertisements and we waste time buying what TV tells us to buy. It would seem as though we don’t have minds of our own anymore.
Erin B
“We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.”
-See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
After America was attacked on 9/11 people who were middle-eastern looking were looked down upon. It didn’t matter if they were completely innocent. Americans looked at them, as if they were bad people and Arabs couldn’t do anything about what there country did. I must admit that after 9/11 I was afraid if I saw an Arab at an airport because I didn’t know that if they were going to try to do something again like what happened on 9/11. These people that were being accused were probably innocent but because of what happened to our country people lost their trust. Most of them were probably successful people, but in today’s society I don’t think that we give people a chance to get to know them.
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
-Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
I think that this quote relates to the war that is going on right now. Because of this war Americans have lost a lot of there privileges, especially in airports. We aren’t allowed to bring any liquids onto a plane anymore, and now security has become very strict and the most dreaded part of going to the airport. Because of what happened on 9/11 everyone is pretty much being accused of what the terrorist did. I know that it is something that we have to do, and I’m glad that it will protect us, but because of certain people, we all have to suffer because of their actions.
“Our history will be what we make it.”
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
I totally agree with this quote because our actions that we do today will reflect how our future will be. If we continue with terrorism then people and even airports will get worse. If we try to make things better in our society then things for the future will be enhanced. I think that if we continue with what we are doing like war, it will just be repeated. When people look back at today who knows what they will say. Will they say that people were kind and giving at times like hurricane Katrina, or hateful during times like the war. We wont know the answers until people start acting up and helping one another.
Nicole S.
“We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine; and remember that we are not descended from fearful men.”
I think that this quote explains several situations that take place in today’s society. I also think that groups of people are judged based on their appearance. People should never jump to conclusions without having valid information. Arabs can barely go to the grocery store without getting strange looks, or having people assume that they are a terrorist. People lived in fear of communism during the 1950’s, and people are living in fear in our communities because of the terrorists today. We should wait until we find solid evidence and proof before jumping to conclusions. Like the quote mentioned, you should not let fear control your life.
Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
Due to the attack on 9/11, securities and regulations have been tight. There is not as much freedom as there used to be. An example is just flying to a different state, and everything you have to take part in at the airport. When I walk into an airport I don’t have the trust I used to. I feel like it is almost an invasion of privacy the way the airport officials search everyone. But then again it’s better to be safe then sorry. The country wants to make sure everything stays safe for our citizens, but the question is when are they crossing the line?
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.”
I think the reason there are so many people who spend their time being lazy at home is because of all the new developments in technology. It is just one big distraction, although it can be nice for a break. I think it all has to do with time management, you can have your free time to be lazy and watch television but everyone should go to school, become educated, and get a job that can make an impact on the world and others.
Jordan R.
– See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
“We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty.”
Dissent: disagreement, opposition, dispute, ect. Disloyalty: unfaithfulness, betrayal, treachery, ect. To say that dissent and disloyalty is the same thing is just coming from someone who is scared or ignorant. Most of the time, these two come hand in hand. Unfortunately, when the one who confuses the two is in a position of power, someone is accused for being disloyal and is not in a good situation. As seen in The Crucible and throughout the 50’s during the McCarthy era, people were picked on as scapegoats and nobody [with enough power] dared to do anything about it. John Proctor and Edward R. Murrow were brave enough and had enough principles to stand up for the good and the innocent and frankly, we need some Johns and Eds today. The issue with terrorists is a good one. We, the U.S., have gone out in the world to get rid of terrorism but we have scared our own people. We have raised security levels, made Muslims out to be the only people possible to be terrorists, and have encouraged people to point fingers. The government knows that the majority of the people is scared and won’t do anything. They are using the power to their advantage and that is why they are the government. They know how to curve lines between words like dissent and disloyalty and make sure that nobody [with enough power] really notices.
– Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought.”
Today, people are being stripped and deprived of their rights as human beings and as citizens of the U.S. When a country takes away freedoms of its citizens, they loose the trust of those individuals who cherished those rights ever so closely. Our ancestors and our ancestors’ enemies all fought for the rights of themselves and of their disciples. If they were to see what has come from their efforts, they would be overjoyed in lots of ways and appalled in others. For example, the women that fought for Women’s Rights would be overjoyed to see how influential women have become and how many women are fighting for the same cause now but the would be horrified to hear the things said about Hilary Clinton running for president.
– Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
“Responsibility is not something that can be assigned or delegated.”
Responsibility has been thought by many to be someone who holds a seat of power. On the contrary, people who hold a seat of power have very little responsibility (or so they think). They have to guide their followers in whatever direction they want. Then, if that works, the responsibility is passed to the followers to do what they are told or, if that is wrong, to stand up and overthrow the one in power. Seems simple enough but if you have no power and you face one who has lots, you can’t do a whole lot. For instance, if we tried to over throw Excel one day, it would work for the time being but then we would get shut down and suspended if not expelled.
People have been blaming George Bush for all of the problems with the economy but in reality Regan started us on that track. Also, we elected Bush twice in a row, so truthfully we hold all of that responsibility. If people took the responsibility that they had seriously, there would be no single person to blame, but hey, we’re human!
~Henry M.
“We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason”
Immediately after the attacks on 9/11 every Arab we saw was a terrorist. We felt nervous on planes if there was one person that appeared to be Middle Eastern. People vowed to never ride planes again. Arabs them selves were scared of crazy white people thinking they were terrorists. The point of a terror attack is to cause terror, confusion, and unreason. This quote would have been very beneficial directly after the attacks of 9/11 and they still apply today. It addresses that we should not racial profile to much, and don’t allow fear to control your life.
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
Every day as precautions the government is taking away more freedoms with the patriot act, wire tapings, and airport security. These precautions may be completely necessary but they make the US citizens less and less comfortable with there current safety situation.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.”
This applies to us today because we maintained that attitude and now we are struggling to compete with other nations like we were then with Russia. We were so content with how we were we have not gotten stronger as a nation our economy doesn’t flourish as it use to. Today it is Japan and China that we are worried about and we need to stop being lazy and get a better work ethic or we won’t be nearly as powerful as we are today.
-john s-
We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine; and remember that we are not descended from fearful men. Not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate, and to defend causes that were for the moment unpopular.” – See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
This quote is saying that we, America, will not fear just because there are problems in America. If we go down to the basics of this quote, it’s saying that America doesn’t fear anybody and we will do what we need to do in any situation. It kind of sends a “don’t mess with us” message. If we look back at the bill of rights, American people have the freedom of speech, associate, and defend causes that for the moment were unpopular. In example, on September 11, 2001, terrorists had attacked the World Trade Centers. America did not sit still and watch it happen. At this time, Americans were all for it. Everybody wanted to get right back at the terrorists for 911. As soon as we could, Bush planned attacks to get back at Iraq, which weren’t the right people to get back at. The thing that got messed up was that Bush and the government lied to us, the people of the United States. He said that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, which the American troops never found. Bush tied the terrorist attack of 911 and the Iraqi War together, but the truth is that there were no terrorists in Iraq and the two were very separate subjects. This is where the unpopular part comes in because now Americans are dying and the people of America are extremely unhappy.
“If we confuse dissent with disloyalty — if we deny the right of the individual to be wrong, unpopular, eccentric or unorthodox” – Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
This quote is saying that if we confuse dissent with disloyalty, then people cant have their own opinion. For an example, my step dad served his time in the Vietnam War. If he didn’t agree with an American issue, lets say the Iraqi War, then it doesn’t mean he’s disloyal. He’s very loyal to the country because he sacrificed his life for the country. There’s absolutely no way that one could be unsatisfied with issues in America and be called disloyal. The second part of the quote is saying that if we dent the right of the individual to be wrong, unpopular, eccentric or unorthodox, then we have to kill all the blacks, all the mentally handicapped, all brown-eyed people. The list goes on and when does it ever stop? We can’t deny the right of the individual to be wrong.
“We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this.”- Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
This quote is saying how Americans build up this blockade to any disturbing news they hear. We are in our own little bubble. We are so blindfolded because our brains don’t want to seek other information. Some Americans think that the news is the only information available. This is not true because a lot of times, the news lies. They either exaggerate or soften up subjects and they only give one side. It’s hard, though, because where else are people going to get information? They can’t go to Iraq or any other place and see what’s going on. The news is the only place for information. America has to broaden its horizon. There’s a world out there, not just television and the Internet.
Haley B.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.
Speech at Radio
-Television News Directors Association, Chicago
This quote stood out because Americans have become this image of complacent type people. Some people think since it’s not their problem, they don’t have to worry about it. Television sucked the lives of people and made reality T.V. to real life. To in fact that is not real life, but we are living it. The reason people are too late and seeing a new picture is because they are sucked in so much that they believe in the uselessness of shows, that they don’t get true reality. It takes a big person to face that fact, I don’t know if anyone has.
“…if we deny the essence of racial equality then hundreds of millions in Asia and Africa who are shopping about for a new allegiance will conclude that we are concerned to defend a myth and our present privileged status….”
– Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June
When Americans or other people don’t care, or believe what’s happening around the world, our image is created. The image of “America hates us” and bad people. There has to be equality and as we have encountered with Janjaweeds and how Darfur is being treated with unequal blacks. It is sad. Asia and Africa have so many people and the world doesn’t know what to do, it’s too hard, and it makes this image of we are bad people.
"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves." Good night, and good luck."
– See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
Our self’s are at fault, because we haven’t stood on our own. Americans wait until it’s too late or not enough. Stars refer to the people in America and how as groups we aren’t at fault, but as people our self’s we are! We have to stand up as people, make a small difference then it becomes big, group wise. Watch the movie Invisible Children or talk to GSC if you don’t know what I mean, haha.
See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another."
The 9/11 incident was a terrible time for everyone in America that seems to have lasted up until now. Yes, its true that it has been long since it occured, but everyone in the country still lives in fear. We were so fearfull of the terrorists we went into Iraq and created a whole war. We raise up our guard everytime we see anyone from Arabic descent because they could be a "terrorist". We are quick to accuse a foreign man from Arabic descent of a crime over any white man anywhere.
Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
"Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
Ever since we have started the war we are in, the government has strikened up on all its security. Every school, every airport, every public area in America makes us feel like terrorists. Schools teach us so many safety rules as if they believe we will one day bomb a building. In the airport we used to only be limited to not bringing firearm on the plane, but now we cant even bring water bottles. Our own country makes us feel like we have lost our freedom in trying to promote the fight for it.
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
"I have reason to know, as do many of you, that when the evidence on a controversial subject is fairly and calmly presented, the public recognizes it for what it is--an effort to illuminate rather than to agitate."
Every movie in the theaters today that is based on true life reflects this one quote. No movie created has its characters stand and endlessly scream, "We hate Bush because he has ruined America's image." However, we do see people dieing in the cause for something they dont exactly believe in. They dont show people screaming they hate Iraq, but there are plenty movies about 9/11 with people deeply affected by it. In the movie, Rein over Me, Adam Sandler speaks of the terrorists that killed his family for about two minutes the whole movie, yet he definitely shows how horribly he has been scarred for their wrong doings. Almost no television these days uses its news to agitate anyone, but to simply educate and illuminate people's minds.
Lisa R.
“We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law.”
-“See It Now” broadcast March 9th, 1954.
This applies to how the government, or people in the US are blaming people (such as Muslims or Arabs- bombings, African Americans- gang fighting, Whites- fraud charges) so quickly when they might not have done something in the first place. A connection is to McCarthyism and the Salem Witch trials. Like another quote that is said in this speech, the American government should investigate before they go further on the trial/ problem that have occurred. This doesn’t only apply to the government but the American people as a whole. Like when you’re in a fight with your girlfriend. The fight should be from something that is apparent to both.
“…Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the …confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
- Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953.
This quote applies to mainly the major terrorist attacks or tragedies that happen in the United States. After they happen the security locks down, and the rights that the people had before the attack all were lost. Immigration and emigration are very hard to do lately, especially after 9/11. Also, after that day, no one can be trusted. The new rules that apply to the airport situations are very annoying and lowers the self-confidence of everyone that has to deal with the “no liquids” or “shoes off” that they have to go through every time.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information.”
- Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958
This quote applies to the United States people. Everyone is getting very lazy, and having machines do things for them. Also, people are listening to things and people that are on television, and their lives change because of that. The government doesn’t do anything that would sensor those things towards the public. I think that if they were to cut the things that shouldn’t be seen on TV, then the public would be less lazy.
JJ B.
“We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law.”–See It Now Broadcast, March 9, 1954
What this quote is saying is that although you may believe someone is guilty of something, there is no proof or evidence that puts that person’s fingers on the crime. When someone is convicted of committing a crime there is always facts supporting the guilty and if that person is guilty or not its up to the jury or the “process of the law” to decide. Yet, in today’s society more and more people don’t take the time to find who was really involved and start to point fingers. This is very much like the Salem Witch Craft Trials and how the court would believe exactly what the town’s people would say. If a person didn’t like another member of the town, and someone was caught doing something they were not supposed to be doing, or to save them selves, they would falsely accuse people of being a witch. There was no evidence or proof that showed the accused was guilty and they convicted and killed the innocent all based on sheer accusation.
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought…" – Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
In today’s world you should be happy that we are no longer fighting for freedom and independence because now it’s based off of things on a much higher level. Our ancestors have fought and died for the things that we take for granted. It took something like 9/11 to show the people of America that one act could take away parts of their freedom. Now when you go to an airport the security that was once lenient now has a watchful eye on everyone that steps foot in the airport. They pull random people aside to check their belongings or even make them go though a metal detector that shoots air when you walk through. Which goes to show you that another act that is committed will cause the government to take just a little more of what freedom you have in this county.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information.” -Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958
The people living in America today find a way to block out all the bad that is going on around them. Our country that used to do anything to fight for our protection and freedom has turned into a country that revolves around becoming wealthy and lazy. Everyone in America knows that we are in a war with Iraq but the most anyone does is listen to what is said or shown on the radio and T.V. This is a very unhealthy way to live and the fact that Americans have the ability to block such a tragic thing from their minds is sickening. The people that are fighting for our country risk their lives knowing that they could die any second. No one looks past the media and because of that the most important things that may happen are something that happened in your local town that you only dwell over for a few moments.
-Katie G.
See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954
"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty."
Today, many Americans want our troops out of Iraq because they think it is just a waste of our time. People think that just because they want to stop the war and dont want people fighting for our country that they are disloyal to America and dont care much about it. It is a fact that neither being in on the whole war idea nor out of the idea doesnt mean that you're not loyal to your country just because we all have different thoughts or feelings about what is right or wrong. There are many Republicans in our country that think we should be in war right now and are backing President Bush on this, then there are many Republicans who hate us having troops in Iraq fighting. Even though they might not agree, it doesnt mean that they arent loyal to President Bush.
Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
"Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
This reminds me of a poem we read in our mentor groups about the Harlem Renaissance and the wall slowing dissipating the dreams of many black americans. This says that every time we either deny or crush the dreams of some people, they will just give up and not waste their time at all. We never know what we could be doing when we say or do things that may be hurting someone else and that there is something we could inflict on them.
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
“And if there are any historians about fifty or a hundred years from now, and there should be preserved the kinescopes for one week of all three networks, they will there find recorded in black and white, or color, evidence of decadence, escapism and insulation from the realities of the world in which we live.”
The worst part about today's world is that no one really takes time to go and see what life is really like for some people. Most people or well at least children think that life is the same for everyone and that they have to have everything that this other person has, like lots of money or cool new toys. I think that there is a whole bunch of shows on T.V. that are showing people that this is what a good, real life is about. For example, My Sweet 16 on MTV. It shows all those wealthy people having elaborate parties, just making teenagers want their party to be like that, yet to be even better. Most teenagers expect that their parents are going to throw them a party and invite loads of people and get all the attention, when really you have to face reality and realize that that is not what like is like in most of the country.
Nicole M.
We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine; and remember that we are not descended from fearful men. (See it Now broadcast, March 9 1954)
In this quote, it is describing how America has changed, and how it is changing. America is being driven by fear every day. Since 9/11 there has not been a single day that America has lived with out fear. Fear that there will be another terrorist attack; Fear that there will be a bomb or anthrax. America’s only emotion is fear right now. What America is going though now is just like what it was going though during the Cold War. America was living in fear of the soviets for majority of the cold war.
“Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought." (Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953)
This quote is about the freedom in America. Everyone is always told that America is the lad of the free, well I am starting to disagree with that statement. America is not the land of the free, you cannot do as you please whenever you please, and there are rules and laws that prohibit that. We also don’t allow just anyone to become a citizen in America or even cross the border. So America is not what people think it is, it is not as free at great at the stories that people tell about it. The Civil War was supposed to eliminate racial segregation, but it didn’t, there is still racist and discriminatory acts people commit on a regular basis. Not bad ones like lynching, but sometimes there may be a murder but just the things that come out of people’s mouths can do the same amount of damage to someone that a bullet can do. We need to eliminate the racism and discrimination all together for once and for all just like our ancestors tried to do in the Civil War.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.” (Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.)
This quote is talking how lazy America has gotten and is getting. Back before there was television people had to read the newspaper and or listen to the radio, now many people in America just watch the news, and trust everything that they hear on the news. News is what is happening right now, it is not always correct. People should treat the new like the weatherman saying, “You can never trust the weather man.” You should not trust the news. The news is censored, they only tell you what they want you to know; like The War on Terror for example, we are not told the casualties count and if we are it is a lie, we are always told that we are winning the war and that it is almost over. When in reality we are not almost done with the war, and we have lost a lot more Americans than we are told. As a matter of fact many Americans including myself don’t even really know why the war was started in the first place, or why 2 planes were flown into the world trade towers. It seems like the important questions are never answered. That is a reflection on our President and how lazy he is in reporting the facts to his country.
Julianne D.
See It Now Broadcast
"We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law."
Ever since 9/11, the people of the United States look at Arabs a little differently. This is through no fault of our own, it's just the way we were brought up. Time and time again, the United States has never failed to look at someone differently after an attack. For example, Pearl Harbor. For years after that fateful December day in Hawaii, the Japanese people were looked at with fear. The general public of Japan had nothing to do with the bombings, and the Arabs had nothing to do with the attacks on the World Trade Center. We may look at a "shady" Middle Easterner and automatically think "terrorist", but throughout the years we have learned that we can accuse someone of being a terrorist, but cannot convict them without proof.
Ford Fiftieth
"Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought."
American scientists have recently installed a type of X-Ray machine into most airports across the country. This machine doesn't look at your bones, but stops at the skin. Airport officials can literally see you naked. I'm sure that this disturbs you, and believe me, i'm right there with you. However, if you think about it, this is a very good safety precaution. Now officials have a new tool to help keep our American skies safe. Yes it's creepy, but watching your plane get hijacked is a lot worse. This is just one of the many new precautions that the government takes that also takes away some of our freedom. Government officials can now tap your phones, open your mail, and read your emails. These things are illegal for anyone else to do, but the government can now practice these things. Although these things take away some of our freedoms, it's completely understandable. Our government, no matter how seemingly corrupt it is, is just making sure that the American people are safe.
Speech at Radio-Television News Directors Association, Chicago, October 15, 1958.
“And if there are any historians about fifty or a hundred years from now, and there should be preserved the kinescopes for one week of all three networks, they will there find recorded in black and white, or color, evidence of decadence, escapism and insulation from the realities of the world in which we live.”
America is one of the smartest, and most technilogically advanced countries in the world. However, years from now our grandsons and daughters will look back and wonder how we survived. It's odd that Americans are so smart, but at the same time are so ignorant and blind. After reading Anna S's blog I was appalled that the people surveyed came up with the answers they did. But then I thought about it, and realized that I wouldn't have known the answers to those questions either. I would like to think that I am an intelligent person, so it shocked me when I realized that I wouldn't have been able to answers simple questions like that either. I think that it has something to do with the hustle and bustle of the American life. I'm sure that if the people surveyed had taken a few mintues to answer the question, they would've answered correctly.
-Stephanie C
See it now broadcast, March 9 1954
“We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law.”
This quote relates to American history in many ways. After 9/11 the Arabs were the main suspects for crime and such. Also during the Salem witch trials they were killed after accusation not a true trial. also the commies were suspects and were the biggest threat to americans just because of the cold war in the 1940/50's.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent.”
This is the best quote of them all. It just puts Americans in to perspective especially teens. This is America in general. americans are over weight lazy slobs and we just sit on the couch and watch tv all day instead of doing something with our lives.
“Responsibility is not something that can be assigned or delegated.”
this for one is compleatly true. you cant just say "hey you are responsible" especially if they arent. you have to bring the responsibility on to you or accept it. you can't just have it thron at you them you might not catch it or drop it and then everything falls appart.
See it now broadcast, March 9 1954
“We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law.”
This quote relates to American history in many ways. After 9/11 the Arabs were the main suspects for crime and such. Also during the Salem witch trials they were killed after accusation not a true trial. Also the commies were suspects and were the biggest threat to Americans just because of the cold war in the 1940/50's.
“We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent.”
This is the best quote of them all. It just puts Americans in to perspective especially teens. This is America in general. Americans are over weight lazy slobs and we just sit on the couch and watch TV all day instead of doing something with our lives. We do nothing all day and mooch off our friends. We sleep in and procrastinate all day and then we have to rush during the last second to get things done. We need to get up off our couches and do something proactive and get things done. I think Americans are fat do nothing procrastinating slobs.
“Responsibility is not something that can be assigned or delegated.”
This for one is completely true. You cant just say, "Hey you are responsible" especially if they aren’t. You have to bring the responsibility on to you or accept it. You can't just have it thrown at you them you might not catch it or drop it and then everything falls apart.
Josh T.
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