Randi Rhodes suspended for foul comments

[The Big Al]

WARNING: The following link is Rhodes' uncensored comments. It contains language that is not suitable for young children, those easily offended, or Clinton supporters.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=R4FBYwz_UjA

My comments aren't suitable for young children either.

This suspension is complete shit. She wasn't in front of the microphone. She wasn't saying this in public view. This was her personal opinions at a pay to get in event. For Air America to suspend her for stating her opinions they're going against their claim for existence.

I'll put down more but IMO this was a idiotic action.

 

[Girafarig_Magcargo]

WARNING: The following link is Rhodes' uncensored comments. It contains language that is not suitable for young children, those easily offended, or Clinton supporters.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=R4FBYwz_UjA

My comments aren't suitable for young children either.

This suspension is complete shit. She wasn't in front of the microphone. She wasn't saying this in public view. This was her personal opinions at a pay to get in event. For Air America to suspend her for stating her opinions they're going against their claim for existence.

I'll put down more but IMO this was a idiotic action.

Even when she's not actually on the air she's still a representative of Air America. If she does things that embarrass the company, I'm not shocked that they punished her.

 

[the gadfly]

That link has been taken down.

Even when she's not actually on the air she's still a representative of Air America. If she does things that embarrass the company, I'm not shocked that they punished her.

As much as it pains me, I have to agree with Girafarig Magcargo.

 

[bell02+]

Sheesh, talk about damage control *goes to find video*

 

[The Big Al]

So it has been. I was thinking of replacing it with some reactions from Fox News which are good for laughs.

I'll give you a context. She was performing stand up in a night club setting for Obama supporters. She was not representing Air America and she wasn't even voicing her opinions as their's. It was her having a night out.

It should be noted most other progressive talkers both in and out of Air America have condemned Air America's actions in this situation. Many outside have even made fun the leadership for this.

Also, Air America supposedly stands for free speech. For them to suspend her for being vulgar off the job devalues their statement. While within their rights, it goes against their principles.

This is a woman who condemned Wright for using the N-word and saying "Goddamn America" from the pulpit. She kept herself out of the primary until Clinton's chances of winning the pledged delegates became astronomical and her behavior outrageous. She would never say these things on air or as a representative of the company.

 

[the gadfly]

Thanks for the context, Big Al. If I didn't know better, I'd say you value my posts.

However, I still stand with my agreement with Girafirag.

Once you're a public figure, for better or worse, anything you say in any circumstance becomes part of the public record. Fairness doesn't enter into the equation in the public arena. It's just the way things are.

Personally, I don't care what Randi Rhodes, Rev. Wright, or anyone says. Freedom of speech is perfectly fine. BUT...I don't have to listen to profanity or something outrageous.

I think you will find most people agree. Somehow, I think Randi Rhodes's employers picked up on that.

On the other hand, if she was a big radio personality, she wouldn't have been suspended. I mean, Rush Limbaugh, despite being an oxycontin abuser and going into rehab for it, is still big.

And that is the difference between Limbaugh's employers and Air America.

 

[Mozz]

This one.

 

[the gadfly]

Umm...thanks?

Apparently, Rhodes called Hillary Clinton a whore.

 

[The Big Al]

Which is not that bad. I've heard radio personalities call people whores to their face on air and they don't get suspended. It's crude it's a crude setting where those things belong. And it wasn't even meant any sexual context. She was calling her a sellout for trying to circumvent the Democratic Party's primary system to become the candidate.

I think they suspended her fearing the wrath of the Clinton campaign. Air America doesn't a media giant (and filthy, stinking rich guy) like Murdock to protect them. They might fear Clinton would put them in a court fight they couldn't afford for this if they didn't punish her.

 

[the gadfly]

Which is not that bad. I've heard radio personalities call people whores to their face on air and they don't get suspended.

And that somehow makes what Rhodes said acceptable? No doubt, you have no problems with people calling others fags or niggers.

Words have power.

 

[The Big Al]

I've called Ralph Nader an "attention whore" before. The word is used in several ways, not all of them are sexual. To my generation it's used for people that give up their dignity, principles, etc. for short-sighted gains and to tell the truth that's what Hillary Clinton has turned into. The n-word has one meaning and fag's other meanings are meant for inanimate objects.

And the fact is she said this in a night club. She was venting in front of people who paid watch her vent. And when it wound up on Youtube you didn't have to watch the video labeled "Randi Rhodes Calls Hillary Clinton a #^@&ing Whore". And the only place that put this on the airwaves as Fox News.

And again this action went against Air America's principles. They are supposed to be for freedom of speech. And, (as Michigan can testify) that includes freedom to be vulgar when you're not representing the company.