Monday, March 31, 2008

NIMBY: The Subprime Crisis

Subprime crisis? Naw, not up here in the High Country. There's been zilch in the local "newsy" outlets, so it looks like we're in the clear.

'Cept of course for this (from News 14 Carolina):

WINSTON-SALEM -- The foreclosure crisis is taking a toll on local communities, as the problem breaks down past the economic level and in to the area of crime.

Experts say there is a direct link between increased foreclosure rates and increases in violent crime.

...

We're looking at over 50 foreclosures a week in Forsyth County,” explained Tom Keith, Forsyth Co. district attorney. “That means, maybe 200 people will be out on the street if there's two children in a family."

Keith says for each 1 percent increase in foreclosure, there’s a 2.3 percent increase in the violent crime rate within an 0.8 mile radius of that location.

“Talking with the people in the clerk's office, we're looking at all income levels -- half-a-million-dollar homes, small home owners, everybody, white, black, Hispanic -- it cuts across all parts of our society,” said Keith.

Did you catch that last quote? Looks like our local media may have to abandon the belief that people who have lost their homes represent an undesirable demographic (and therefore can't afford to buy a newspaper, let alone anything advertised in one--SO WHY COVER THE STORY???!!!).

And heck, there is a major difference in altitude between Forsyth and Watauga or Avery. There's no possible way it could spread way up here...jeez.

If you're frustrated by the lack of High Country coverage of the subprime crisis, here is a link, --offered by News 14 Carolina.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Weekend Video Salon: Just Another Market Opportunity

If someone is making money, then it must be good--by default! We are in touch with the filmmakers in hopes that we can show this film here for free. It's called "The Corporation."

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Operation Chaos & The Listener Base: Ashe County Style

So--we're not the only ones in the High Country to note how Rush Limbaugh abuses the public airwaves for political and financial gain--from the Jefferson Post:
It is amazing to this newspaper that anyone still listens to Rush Limbaugh. The often drug-addicted self-proclaimed pillar of American morality is a guttersnipe, who pours his poison into the ears of all-too many Americans. A patriot? Limbaugh? Nonsense.
...
Limbaugh’s latest attempt to keep his ratings high is Operation Chaos, a deliberate attempt to disrupt our election system.
...
The tragic thing is that, apparently, some of his listeners are following his advice. Neglecting their duty as U.S. citizens, they are using the precious right to vote not to elect a candidate they support, but to disrupt and undermine our two-party system.

At his heart, Rush Limbaugh and those joining him in this unAmerican effort are fascists, not conservatives. They would prefer a one-party system, in which theirs was the only party.
...
Until we turn off these voices of division, whatever their politics, and start working together, we will not, as a nation, begin to solve our problems. As President Abraham Lincoln said, quoting the Bible, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” And our nation cannot stand for people like Limbaugh who hurt us all for their profit.
If you owned a business, would you want your ad playing during Rush's show? If listener sentiment has changed as much as is indicated by this editorial, you may just want to yank those ads...and find a show that doesn't stand for hatred to air your ads.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Follow Up: Who Killed The Electric Car?


Who Killed The Electric Car was one of the most popular films we offered during our free Winter Film Series. We love that film!

Do you remember Chelsea Sexton, the woman in the film who worked so hard to lease the electric cars, and then helped lead the effort to get the cars back on the road once they were taken away from the people who had leased them?

Well, she was on Uprising Radio today (no, you can't get it over the air in the High Country) to talk about the upcoming California Air Resources Board meeting, scheduled for March 27th, during which the fate of the electric car again will be discussed:
Perhaps you’ve seen the acclaimed 2006 documentary, Who Killed the Electric Car? and are outraged that existing technology for making zero-emission vehicles was squelched by political maneuvering. In 2003, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) killed the effort to produce electric cars and instead put into place a research program to investigate hydrogen fuel cell technology. Thousands of electric vehicles on the roads, were wrangled away from their tearful lease-holders and destroyed. Today a little over 1000 electric cars remain on the road. On March 27th, CARB will meet to once again decide on the fate of Electric cars, or so-called Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). At issue is the original goal of auto makers producing 75,000 zero-emission vehicles between 2012 and 2017.

You can listen to the whole interview with Ms. Sexton on Uprising Radio here.

P.S. We'd like to share an email that Ms. Sexton sent to us a few weeks ago thanking our group for showing Who Killed The Electric Car:
Hi,

I came across your blog and saw your comment that you often show "Who Killed the Electric Car?" I just wanted to thank you for that and for continuing to help raise these issues in the national conversation. Our little film lives on word-of-mouth, and the more people involved, the better!

All the best,

chelsea sexton

Monday, March 24, 2008

Seed Savers--Or CRIMINALS?

One of the most popular movies that we showed during our Winter Film Series was The Future of Food. A major topic in the film centered on how large agricultural corporations have moved aggressively into seed patenting--and that these corporations have actually sued farmers if they dared to save seeds. Or, if plants growing in a farmer's field happened to originate from the corporation's patented seeds--even if the seeds were blown by the wind on to an unsuspecting farmer's field--the farmer could get sued. The movie featured two farmers facing lawsuits of this type.

The Watauga Democrat recently covered a seed swap event that occurred in Boone (see below).

For a little perspective on one of the longest running battles between a seed saving farmer and Monsanto, tune in to this episode of Deconstructing Dinner, yet another radio program you won't hear in the High Country because, well--no one is interested in this kind of stuff up here:
...
The seventh annual Seed Swap and Grower’s School was held Saturday at the Agricultural Conference Center in Boone, with tables piled high with heirloom beans, flower seeds, scion wood, bulbs and vegetable seeds.


The room stayed busy throughout the day and the seed offerings were more diverse and bountiful than ever, thanks to those who brought seeds back to the event that were propagated from seeds originally collected at the swap.

...
The seed swap was co-sponsored by ASU’s sustainable agriculture program and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service.

Huh. Well maybe WASU-FM will decide to carry programming like Deconstructing Dinner in the future? You know, to support their own sustainable agriculture program? Public service, anyone? We're just sayin'.

Weekend Video Salon: In Defense of Food

Michael Pollan discusses his new book, In Defense of Food, with Deborah Kane of Ecotrust. Care to join us for dinner? We're cooking up a nice "food-like substance." Enjoy!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

WXIT 1200 AM

How often do you get to tune in to WXIT 1200 AM and listen to a radio host actively encourage his listeners to commit a felony? That's just what Rush Limbaugh did recently. He used his show to encourage his loyal listeners to cross over party lines and vote for Hillary in the Ohio primary--hoping to swing the vote in her favor--because Limbaugh believed that she would be more easily defeated by McCain in the general election.

Problem is--in Ohio--voters who opt to cross over party lines must sign a statement indicating that they are in fact committed to supporting the candidate they voted for. But the Cleveland Plan Dealer has found out a few things that might interest Rush, and his blindly obedient followers:

A staggering 16,000-plus Republicans in Cuyahoga County switched parties when they voted in last week's primary.

That includes 931 in Rocky River, 1,027 in Westlake and 1,142 in Strongsville. More than a third of the Republicans in Solon and Bay Village switched. Pepper Pike had the most dramatic change: just under half its Republicans became Democrats. And some of those who changed - it's difficult to say how many - could be in trouble with the law.

...

Those who crossed lines were supposed to sign a pledge card vowing allegiance to their new party.

In Cuyahoga County, dozens and dozens of Republicans scribbled addendums onto their pledges as new Democrats:

"For one day only."

"I don't believe in abortion."

...

Lying on the pledge is a felony, punishable by six to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.

...

It started a few weeks ago when conservative radio powerhouse Rush Limbaugh suggested that his Republican following cross over during the primary to vote for Clinton. Clinton, Limbaugh argued, would be easier for McCain to beat in November than Obama.

Soon, local morning radio show host Bob Frantz echoed Limbaugh on WTAM AM/1100, and the buzz began to grow.

Cuyahoga County Republican Chairman Rob Frost tried to tamp down the temptation. He contacted Republican voters and appeared on the Frantz show urging Republicans "not to heed the siren call of Rush Limbaugh and others."

"Elections are not something you should be playing games with," Frost said last week during a telephone interview...

Neat. Is this an example of a new type of signing statement? If it works for the Prez, then it must be OK in instances like this too.

Can we look forward to more of this type of election interference as the NC primary approaches? Will WXIT 1200 AM serve as the mouthpiece again? Guess we'll have to make a list of local businesses who advertise on Rush's program again. Break out the boots.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Local Food Production

Why would people want to eat locally-grown food? In the High Country, we do have several choices when it comes to supporting the "buy local" food movement. But some may still wonder if there are any other reasons to support the growing movement toward local food production--other than the fact that it's neat to support local, sustainable businesses.

We can't expect the corporate media to report on the myriad reasons why local food production is important (they don't want to lose all those valuable supermarket inserts, do they?)--and will become increasingly important as the impact of global warming becomes more apparent to us all.

Free Speech Radio News recently aired a report that helps fill in the blanks by highlighting the links between shrinking glaciers and declining food production--as well as the related threat to global food supplies, given the fact that much of our food is imported from far away farms.

Indeed, why would anyone care if the Ganges, Yellow, and Yangtze rivers dry up? How could that possibly matter to us?
When combined, the two countries [India and China] produce more than half of the
world's supply of wheat and rice. Much of this production lies in areas where
irrigation depends on these three rivers.

Full report here.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Midweek Video Salon: Zero Corporate Media Coverage

Two soldiers tell their stories of atrocities carried out in Iraq.

Midweek Video Salon: Tent City USA

You won't see this covered by the corporate media. Or by the local media here in the High Country, because as we all know, no one here has lost their home due to the sub-prime crisis...well, anyway--the ones who have lost their homes are just L-A-Z-Y! No bailout for them!
And that Bear Stearns bailout thingy? Well, THAT'S different...not corporate welfare at all...move along, nothing to see here...

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Consolidation: A Local Case Study In Failure

The business model doesn't work--the consolidated media business model, that is. Look no further than your own back yard (from the Watauga Democrat):

Aisling Broadcasting LLC, parent company of a group of six local radio stations including WECR and WATA, is undergoing receivership proceedings.

Superior Court Judge James L. Baker appointed George Reed, managing director of Media Services Group, receiver for Aisling Broadcasting two weeks ago and radio station staff members were notified last week.

...

Simply put, Aisling overpaid for the six radio stations that they purchased--just like many of the national media chains did after deregulation allowed them to go on a consolidation binge.

Aisling brought most of the stations together under one roof, consolidated news operations, and relied on cheap syndicated programming instead of producing truly local content to round out the programming day. Many of the syndicated talk shows (and the lone locally-produced political talk show) carried on Aisling stations skewed conservative--a trend that was clearly out of step with the increasingly progressive nature of the High Country area (see local elections in Boone and Watauga County).

So now a broker is going to try to sell the stations. The question is, who will buy them? Will the stations be sold off individually, or as a group? Will the stations be purchased by a huge national chain like Cumulus or Clear Channel? Pat Robertson? High Country Media? Or will a local buyer step up?

The broker trying to sell Aisling works for an outfit called Media Services Group. Here is a listing of some of the other deals they have done.

Q: Is profit maximization compatible at all with quality journalism, or the FCC mandate that broadcasters operate in the public interest?

Q: What is the likelihood of any new, locally-produced, diverse programming being heard on our public airwaves as a result of Aisling's sale?

Q: Can we look forward to world or national news coverage that actually provides some context (as opposed to WATA's 5 minutes of hourly "news coverage" provided by Doug Limerick of ABC Radio--complete with wailing sirens in the background as Doug plays audio from the latest suicide bombing in Iraq or Israel)?

How nice it is to wake up to that in the morning.

Global Warming Skeptics & The Southern Baptists

Global Warming Skeptics. From many outward appearances, one might assume that these skeptics represent a true, people-powered grassroots movement. Alas, that assumption would be wrong.

Many of the supporters of this "movement" have a deep ideological (if not financial) interest in spreading the anti-global warming stance. So, here's a partial list of some of the "regular folks" who pump their money into perpetuating the myth (from mediatransparancy.org):

The Business and Media Institute (BMI - website) -- "Advancing the Culture of free Enterprise in America" -- is a project of the Media Research Center (MRC), headed by longtime conservative activist, L. Brent Bozell. In addition to being BMI's vice president, Gainor is also listed as an MRC "Boone Pickens Free Market Fellow" "a position apparently named for the legendary Texas oilman and corporate raider," Raw Story reported.

BMI's Board of Advisors includes at least a dozen people deeply tied to conservative philathropy: Herman Cain, the organization's national chairman was former President and CEO of Godfather's Pizza, Inc. and President and CEO of T.H.E. New Voice, Inc.; David All, President, The David All Group, LLC and founder of TechRepublican.com and co-founder of Slatecard; Bruce Bartlett, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy at the U.S. Treasury Department; Dr. Donald Boudreaux, Chairman, Department of Economics, George Mason University; Dr. Richard Ebeling, President, Foundation for Economic Education (website); Dr. Daniel J. Mitchell, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute; Duane Parde, President, National Taxpayers Union; Grace-Marie Turner, President and founder, Galen Institute (website); Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, President, American Council on Science and Health (website); Dr. Walter E. Williams, the John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics, George Mason University.

...

In addition to BMI, among the 50 co-sponsors are a host of longtime anti-environmental enterprises, many tied to conservative philanthropy, such as Americans for Tax Reform, Cascade Policy Institute, Center for the Defense of Free Enterprise, Citizens Alliance for Responsible Energy, Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Congress of Racial Equality, Frontiers of Freedom Institute, George C. Marshall Institute, Independent Institute, International Climate Science Coalition, International Policy Network, National Center for Policy Analysis, Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine, Science and Environmental Policy Project, Science and Public Policy Institute and Sovereignty International.

...

Over the past few decades, The Heartland Institute (website), described by the New York Times as "a Chicago group whose antiregulatory philosophy has long been embraced by, and financially supported by, various industries and conservative donors," has been in the forefront of the movement of corporate-sponsored conservative think tanks, public policy institute and academic researchers first denying global warming existed, more recently palming off climate change as a natural phenomenon, and all the while demonizing those bringing global warming to the attention of the public.

...
But wait. It seems like the corporatocracy may be out of step with their traditional allies on the Christian Right. Seems that the Southern Baptists are waking up to the threat that Global Warming represents to us all. And to think that this "A-ha" moment happened right down the road in Wake Forest, NC (from the Christian Science Monitor):

Influential Southern Baptist leaders are seeking to move the country's largest Protestant denomination – and one of its more conservative – beyond its skeptical stance on climate change to keep step with a growing 'green' awareness in the evangelical community.

A call to action on the environment, released Monday by 46 pastors and institutional leaders, "challenges Southern Baptists to be more proactive ... more aggressive and more informed," says Daniel Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.

Just last June, the politically and theologically conservative Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) passed a resolution urging Baptists to proceed cautiously in the light of "conflicting scientific research."

But as more Evangelicals become actively engaged in what they call "creation care," concerns are growing that the SBC will be left behind. "Our cautious response to these issues in the face of mounting evidence may be seen by the world as uncaring, reckless and ill-informed. We can do better," the declaration says.

...

Can we look forward to a "Creation Care" presentation at next year's Heartland Institute conference?

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Weekend Video Salon: Net Neutrality

When it comes to our ability to communicate freely over the internet, nothing is more important than making sure that the corporate media does not act as a censor--or prevents us from communicating with each other by charging outrageous fees. Democracy depends on the free flow of ideas--and without net neutrality, our democracy is threatened.

Remember, the internet's infrastructure was created with public funding--and must therefore remain public.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Stilled Voices & Winter Soldiers

It was a big story--for a little while, anyway.

The 1451st NC National Guard Unit went to Iraq, bravely carried out their mission, and then came home to a joyous celebration. But after the lights dimmed, the reporters left, and the picture taking stopped, the High Country media seemed to forget all about the 1451st, except for the occasional mention.

Many people in the High Country are concerned about the members of the 1451st. Stories like this make people even more concerned:
Brandon Wallace's younger sisters knew it was hands off when it came to his guitars.

Now there is one guitar Rachel Wallace Tucker longs to hold. It's the black Fender her brother bought while stationed in Iraq with the Army's 1451st Transportation Company.

He played it for his fellow soldiers when they needed comfort. And one of her brother's Army buddies, Sgt. Jacob Blaylock, played it at her brother's memorial service last April in Iraq.

That month, Wallace, 27, switched places with Blaylock, 26, in their military convoy. It was their last mission, and Blaylock wanted a break from riding at the front. When an improvised explosive device hit the humvee, Wallace and another soldier were killed.
...
When their unit returned from Iraq last April, Blaylock and several other soldiers vowed to visit the families of comrades who didn't come home before joining their own families.
...
"He told me, 'I've got one more mission, Mom,'" Jackie Blaylock said. "And that was to meet the Wallaces."

Brandon Wallace's parents remember Blaylock's visit. "He wouldn't look at me," Rick Wallace said.

As the soldiers were about to leave, Rick Wallace said he placed his hand over Blaylock's heart and said, —"'You know something, I've got a problem with you and this guilt you are carrying.'"

Rick Wallace added, "It was like the whole unit needed to hear that. They needed to know the father of the boy he traded spaces with was OK with it."
...
But Blaylock wasn't OK.

He tried to rewrite the story, telling friends and family that it was Brandon Wallace who asked to switch places with him the night he died. But he told his girlfriend, Heidi Plumley, "It should have been me."

In September, Jacob was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. But rather than turn to treatment, Jacob Blaylock ended the guilt the only way he believed he could: He shot himself.

At his funeral, Blaylock's family learned what really happened the night Brandon Wallace was killed. It helped them understand. "I think he felt embarrassed and guilty," Rick Blaylock said.

A note Rick Blaylock found in his son's truck said: "I have worn this fake smile for too long now. It's too heavy. I can't hold it in anymore. I need peace. I have too much pride to go see someone for narcotics to help this."

The Veterans Health Administration estimates as many as 5,000 veterans a year commit suicide...
It is probably safe to assume that other members of the 1451st may be carrying a terrible burden--and that they need help. Maybe that help could come from a medical doctor, a physical therapist, a friend, through family counseling, or from a psychiatrist.

But at least one stone needs to be turned over by the local media--it's time to find out if the local veterans of the 1451st getting the health care that they are entitled to. Imagine what would happen if the local media spent as much time on this topic as they spend covering fender benders.

Link to full article here.

P.S. You can stream the Winter Soldier event from Free Speech TV's website:

From March 13-16th, U.S. veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan will testify to what is really happening day in and day out, on the ground in these occupations. To provide a preview, we've created this short film. The film features three members who will be testifying at Winter Soldier and includes videos and photographs of Iraq from their deployments. This video contains graphic content. We need your support to help make Winter Soldier a success. Find more about Winter Soldier.

Free Speech TV (Dish 9415): Live TV Broadcast Schedule for Winter Soldier.

Live streaming video is now available from the Iraq Veterans Against the War: March 14 and 15, 9:00AM – 9:00PM EST.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

On Quackery

When you listen to a global warming denier, your first reaction might be to wonder where on earth that person came from. It takes a lot to deny the 900-some odd peer-reviewed scientific studies proving that yes, global warming does in fact exist--and it's a bit of a problem, too.

But maybe instead of asking what planet these deniers come from, a different question should be asked--maybe something along the lines of "Who (or which organization) is funding these people?"

After all, they have conferences. They have to travel. They publish magazines & maintain websites. So who pays the bills?

You'll be shocked (shocked!) to learn that (from the Center for Media and Democracy):
An article in the Independent links funding for the "2008 International Conference on Climate Change" held in New York earlier this month to tobacco and oil companies. As an earlier Spin noted, the global warming skeptics conference was organized by the Heartland Institute think tank. Heartland has opposed scientific consensus on both secondhand tobacco smoke and climate change. Heartland claims on its website that no energy industry money was used to support the conference, but did not address tobacco industry funding. Still, a substantial number of conference sponsors -- including the Competitive Enterprise Institute, Independent Institute, Americans for Tax Reform, Frontiers of Freedom and Citizens' Alliance for Responsible Energy -- have received support from energy or tobacco companies, or both. The Heartland Institute itself has received funding from Exxon and Philip Morris.
Whoops. Ya may want to think about this the next time you fill/light up.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Tick Tock


Back in December, the FCC voted to allow even more media consolidation, opting to ignore massive public opposition.

From freepress.net and stopbigmedia.com:
In a 3-to-2 vote on Dec. 18, [2007] the FCC eliminated the longstanding ban on “newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership,” which prohibits one company from owning a broadcast station and the major daily newspaper in the same market.

In just one week after the FCC vote [in December 2007] more than 200,000 people signed on to an open letter to Congress calling on them to overturn the FCC’s holiday handout to Big Media.

A bipartisan group of 26 senators wrote a letter to the FCC in December vowing to “immediately move legislation that will revoke and nullify the proposed rule” and now is their chance to follow through on that promise.
But we will need to move quickly to contact our Senators:
The bill will expire unless it is passed in 60 legislative days.

So the clock is ticking – we have to act now to protect our communities from a massive new wave of media consolidation.

Take action now or read on to find out more about this important new bill.

There has never been a more important time to take a stand for quality journalism, strong local news, and diverse and independent voices.

Here's some background information if you'd like to learn more about the impact that media consolidation has on the health of a democratic society.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Spike Lee Coming To Tri-Cities, TN

From Democracy Now-Tri Cities:
SPIKE LEE IS COMING TO the Tri-Cities! East Tennessee State University will host "An Evening with Spike Lee: America Through My Lens", on Tuesday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Center (west side).
Here's the scoop.

WASU - FM Lockdown Coverage

The lockdown on the ASU campus today was scary, but thankfully, it has been lifted. WASU-FM did a good job (we give credit where credit is due), providing updates every 15 minutes on the status of the lockdown.

We're relieved that WASU-FM's staff recognized the responsibility that the station has to the campus community and to the Boone area.

As we've said before, the airwaves are public. We look to our local radio stations to be good stewards of the trust the public has placed in them.

Can we expect some type of follow up report from the WASU-FM news staff? An evaluation of how well the lockdown alert process worked? Lessons learned?

Will they ask the questions that need to be asked?

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Weekend Video Salon: Freedom of Speech - Big Media Style

For the folks that think Big Media represents no threat to free speech - take a look at this video. Looks like Comcast hearts them some silencio, eh? Enjoy!