Gov. Scott Walker: Follow the Money

The Creeping Fascism of American Politics

FOCUS: States Unite Against Citizens United

Dimon's Deja Vu Debacle

Cut It Out: An Open Letter to Black Bloc Anarchists

This Is What Tyranny Looks Like

Keith Olbermann begins, "If you were standing at an ATM machine that spit out a thousand dollar bill every time you pushed any button - and you knew there was no real chance you'd ever be punished for keeping each one of them - how long would you stand there?"

Keith Olbermann, 07/21/08. (photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Comments

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+83 # Joy Edmonds 2011-03-03 21:11

Just glad to hear anything from Keith,just happened to find this having never heard of this FoK news
A bit confused at first, thought it was FoX

+136 # angelfish 2011-03-03 21:33

You are SO right Keith! Another problem is, that THEY own the ATMs! We put the money in, and they take it out! They OWN us, lock, stock and barrel, and now that they own and control the Supreme Court, the working poor of this Country will NEVER get a break. The GREEDY Robber Barons of the past are re-incarnated as the Koch brothers and their like-minded Mega- Billionaire Elite Cronies. They have NO hearts or souls and are committed to garnering as much wealth as they can before the populace, AT LONG LAST, wakes from their coma and truly SEES them for who and what they are. It is slowly happening in Wisconsin as their Koch suck-up planted Governor tries to emasculate the State's Unions. THAT is their real goal and purpose, to take us back to the days of the "company store" where a worker was dependent on the Company and "Bossman" for EVERYTHING and was, in essence, an indentured servant. Even some old fashioned REAL Republicans are awakening to the fact that what these "Me First-ers" are doing to this Country is CRIMINAL and NOT to be borne! The tide is turning and I believe we SHALL overcome as long a we remain vigilant and call them out whenever they rear their ugly heads and try to push us back down under the table where we must beg for crumbs. NO MORE! By the way, WELCOME BACK, Keith, You've been sorely missed!

+105 # Pat Tibbs 2011-03-03 21:36

Keith,

I love your writing style. It's cogent and easily readable. I get so much out of it without having to work for it.

Can't wait to watch you on screen again. I suspect that MSNBC (and Lawrence O'Donnell) is going to be very sorry you left.

Oh and, to Joseph Smith (above), I can tell you're a conservative because you attribute to Keith the attributes of a conservative. You just can't read the words and understand them, can you?

You apparently assume that those $1,000 bills arrive via bribes when we know that they arrive via political influence: conservatives believe in getting as much of the pie as they can for themselves & their buddies while liberals believe in growing the pie and ensuring that everyone has an equitable chance at a share of it.

+48 # James R Young 2011-03-04 07:06

Lincoln and the founders of the Republican party sound like downright liberals by that description "...liberals believe in growing the pie and ensuring that everyone has an equitable chance at a share of it." The founders of the Republican party wouldn't recognize the monster it has become (the reason some of us 5th generation Republicans became Independents).

+2 # zeros71 2011-03-07 01:08

i think we need such cogent explanations.
I'd like to get explained to us, why expanding the money supply, or the fiscal stimulus policy as promoted by the government, by definition is bound to fail, and only produces inflation, most directly.we need some enlightning I'm afraid, against deception on a such high scale

+80 # susan ricci 2011-03-03 21:43

YYAAAAAY Keith is back, here, I am so happy, missed you much, don't ever stop being Keith, you are the best

+76 # Kate Walter 2011-03-03 21:44

I guess you're right, Keith, it must just be the rush of all that money flowing that has these politicians serving the super-rich;
still, it is an ongoing wonderment in my circle of friends, how much do these people want? Surely they have enough by now. Unbelievable.

+37 # kalpal 2011-03-04 05:53

Quoting

I guess you're right, Keith, it must just be the rush of all that money flowing that has these politicians serving the super-rich;
still, it is an ongoing wonderment in my circle of friends, how much do these people want? Surely they have enough by now. Unbelievable.

You seem not to be familiar with the old saw, "You can't be too rich or too thin."

Another one is, "No one ever lost money by underestimating American tastes."

The best one is "I live in the United States of Amnesia."

+15 # LWW 2011-03-05 02:07

Another old but appropriate saying. Two kinds of Republicans,ric h men and fools.

+17 # Doctoretty 2011-03-04 07:55

They a one-party system so they can put into effect their warped golden rule...i.e. they who rule get the gold!

+13 # Hina Pendle 2011-03-04 14:09

Where's Robin Hood when we need him?

0 # Gary Ray Pierson 2011-03-10 11:13

Quoting

Where's Robin Hood when we need him?

Guantanamo, in a dark wet cell naked and waiting for big Bob to come in and.. Well.... Hell bound for leather... They figured he'd come out and try to help back in 2000', so they took him away like so many others.. Hang in there Robin.. garyray

+8 # bjw 2011-03-04 15:31

Or is it" Those with the gold get to make the rules."

+43 # Pat Tibbs 2011-03-03 21:51

Keith,

I love your writing style. It's cogent; I don't have to work at understanding it.

Can't wait until "late spring." I suspect that MSNBC (&Lawrence O'Donnell) are going to be sorry you left.

Oh and to John Smith (above), I could tell you were a conservative because you attributed to Keith, your own values. You just can't seem to read the words & understand them.

Keith did not suggest that those $1,000 bills came via bribes; rather via political influence. There would be no problem with that except that conservatives seem to believe in getting as much of the pie as they can for themselves & their buddies, while liberals believe in growing the pie & ensuring that everyone has an equitable chance at a share.

+49 # Joan Davis 2011-03-03 21:56

GREAT to read Keith's cut to the truth statements. How soon can we HEAR his voice? People's hearts take in differently when poetry is read.

+59 # Regina 2011-03-03 22:16

Yay! Keith on line is way better than no Keith at all. Keep the comments rolling, Keith, we need 'em.

+63 # Nelson Cone 2011-03-03 22:32

Right on Keith, they have rigged the system and thought they had it made but they didn't count on us finally waking up to their greedy schemes. Trying to crush worker's rights was the turning point. I hope we don't quit. We need to put the pressure on Obama and the Democrats to support the workers.

+18 # bjw 2011-03-04 15:36

Only if the average worker is willing to get involved with the same passion as those determined to mine the country of as much of its wealth as they can dig out. I just don't think the average worker who is still in a job has reached that point yet where they realized what they are losing as they are having to work harder and longer for less in return.

+48 # Davidson Loehr 2011-03-03 22:35

First: "Fok News"?? Please!

The most important question for America right now, I think, is whether we have the energy and will to persevere as long as it will take at this watershed time in our history. It's ironic, and kind of nice, that Arabs are now our role models for courageous citizens. But our corporations already own everything they need to fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time -- which is quite enough to rule a large country.

+40 # Joy Griffith 2011-03-03 22:36

Hey, Joy Edmonds, I'll wager Keith thought of that FOK title for a powerfully humorous reason!

+24 # Brooklyn Girl 2011-03-04 06:06

Friends Of Keith

+7 # rock 2011-03-04 09:09

It shows how his mind works.

+20 # BOB CLAWSON 2011-03-03 22:37

Loggers in our northwest used to support the logging companies to preserve their jobs. So it goes.

+44 # soularddave 2011-03-03 22:53

Why not a recall petition, while the contradictions are clear? Maybe it would send a message about shifting attitudes among the newly enwisened electorate.

This would be the next "action step", and could lead to a certified "do-over".

+49 # CECILE 2011-03-04 07:25

By Wisconsin Statutes, we have to endure this brute until one year has passed since his election. By that time, he may so have corrupted the office that it will be too late. While pocketing Koch dollars, he resisted a lawful Injunction order. Let's Google "IMPEACHMENT".

+5 # bradley 2011-03-05 19:12

Time to change the rules. These right wingers change the rules all the time. Cheney shoots someone in the face and they have to apologize to Cheney. Why isn't he in prison? If a million or more Wisconites get to the streets they can get that constitution changed in a jiffy and have Scott running out of state, if not out of country. Time to haul his but out of Wisconsin, never to be seen again. Peacefully of course.

+1 # WhiteRaven22 2011-03-08 21:11

If WE have to tie up the Wisconsin Senate for a year, then it doesn't hurt to get an early start, and those Patriotic 14 Democrats must stay out of the state as long as it takes to remove Walker from office. That's the problem with all Repugnants(Fals e Republicans)the y over-reach in their greedy grab for power. They cannot help themselves. Repugs got control of the House and state legislatures because angry Progressives did not vote in the last election to spite themselves. Repugs were never given a mandate to do what they are attempting to do. They will pay the price for that over-reach. Now angry Progressives are angrier at Repugs than they are at Dems.

+32 # Judy robinson 2011-03-04 10:28

There already IS a recall movement shaping up in Wisconsin. Check out defendingwiscon sin.org They need our support.

+27 # Alice W 2011-03-03 23:02

oh joy to see your voice.

+29 # bubbiesue 2011-03-03 23:02

Way to go, Keith.

+4 # thebeatgoeson 2011-03-04 05:35

are you "Sue from Maryland" who calls into the Stephanie Miller show?! The one with the grandbaby in the bar?!

+24 # bookzen 2011-03-03 23:21

A breath of fresh air. Welcome to the Zoo.

+34 # Norma Armon 2011-03-03 23:36

I'm SO proud of belonging to RSN - otherwise, I would have missed this delightful metaphor.
Welcome back, Keith - how come no one is trumpeting your very cleverly titled FoK News

+27 # Annette Saint John Lawrence 2011-03-03 23:39

I was so happy to see this. I too wish that Keith could stream
his show through this site. It's so easy to use!

+55 # DaveW. 2011-03-03 23:40

Welcome back where you belong Keith...sticking a foot up the ass of some of the most heinous examples of "Americans" this country has seen in a hundred years or more. Not counting Bush, Cheney, Rove and the the rest of the Fascist fanatics who claim to want "their" country back. Cross-eyed Walker "looks" like he's about dumbfounded half the time anyway. Strange looks come across a man's face when he's shitting the proverbial "golden egg." Let's hope they do recall the "Weimar Wisconinite" and send him to the Eastern front. On his way he can pick up Boehner, the "Machiavellian Mandarin."

+38 # Gary Ray Pierson 2011-03-04 00:33

Stay with us Keith... Some truth is like fresh air and you bring it.. Are you an Air Sign? Thank You Mr. Olbermann once again, Cpl. Pierson, 101 st Airborne Vietnam, Son of the American Revolution and Cherokee Nation.. Buy American! Help RSN News................ PEACE

+10 # George D 2011-03-04 00:37

I know that Keith is the voice of the progressive conscience. I always enjoyed his show and will watch him on Current T.V. when he appears there. And I have completely stopped watching MSNBC.
But time and again the issue keeps getting altered and distorted in times like these. I agree with taxing the wealthy to make up the shortfall that their policies have created in America. But I know too many public workers that will never know they are mice until they feel the claws of the cats for themselves. The other mice, of which I am one, are weary of their pro-conservative, pro Bush rhetoric and voting records. Let them now suffer the consequences of their actions.
Until more mice suffer, the clueless majority of them will never change their ways.
Sorry Keith; I can't back you on this one.

+10 # Homer Peters 2011-03-04 06:16

Re: "and I have stopped watching MSNBC."
Ditto here, I've renewed a love affair with the History Channel. Now I can't wait for "late spring!" You go KO, you go!

+11 # DaveW. 2011-03-04 15:01

Homer and George, I understand, to some degree, the refusal to watch MSNBC. I too, was disappointed when Keith Olbermann was released/fired whatever they eventually called it. But Shultz and Maddow, particularly Maddow, are good. I watched in dismay one night as Lawerence O'Donnell (Keith's replacement) argued on BEHALF of extending the tax cuts to the upper 2% of the nation. Needless to say his stock dropped rather quickly for me. But Homer, the History Channel?! Now owned by Hearst, Disney, Comcast and GE, there ain't much "History" on the History Channel. We CAN find Pawn Stars, Ice Road Truckers and Larry the Cable Guy. History International is a bit better. Want some real history. Pick up a book.

+51 # moby doug 2011-03-04 00:43

All you have to do is listen to Walker scrape and bow when he THINKS he's talking on the phone to billionaire Koch to know that he is OWNED lock and stock and barrel by the Kochs and other corporate "funders." All the talk about fixing the state budget is blather and camouflage. Walker is unionbusting for his keepers.

+14 # CECILE 2011-03-04 07:40

I saved the "repair" bill on my computer. The first 4 lines: "An Act relating to: state finances, COLLECTIVE BARGAINING for public employees, compensation and fringe benefits of public employees, the state civil service system, the Medical Assistance program, sale of certain facilities, granting bonding authority and making an appropriation".
The very first paragraph below this is titled COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.
(But he will tell you that it is all about "balancing the budget"). If you believe him, I have a centipede chihuahua for sale.
By the way, the "sale of certain facilities "refers to his sale of State-Owed facilities, WITHOUT OPEN BID and sold to WHOMEVER he pleases and for WHATEVER PRICE. I guess the Koch brothers will be reimbursed for their troubles after all.

+19 # postpen 2011-03-04 00:46

Sunshine shrivels corruption--eventually, Olbermann's piece just reviews the current process of the Great Unravelling of Mme. LaFarge-like propaganda knit over the past few decades by Big Money.

+3 # Amentha V Dymally 2011-03-04 09:19

Aw shucks, I thought I had started to creep into the public conscious without any notice at all. But, Ya right, Mme LaFarge has been knitting and waiting for some retribution.
Mme LaFarge

+21 # nancy colby 2011-03-04 03:53

Keith so glad your back.

+33 # Renee Marshall 2011-03-04 04:05

Please Keith, dont insult cats by comparing them to Republicans

+12 # w wheelock 2011-03-04 06:41

The analogy to mice and cats is great! As a cat lover I know that people don't own cats-cats own people! Whatever the greedy scumon Wall Street actually are while posing as human beings, their time will come. I just hope they resist arrest!

+30 # SusanKoppelman 2011-03-04 04:28

I am disturbed that the percent Wisconsinites surveyed is not greater in favor of recall, in favor of union rights, etc. It's good to see that the numbers are beginning to favor sanity and fairness but they are only beginning. I wonder why the numbers aren't better yet.

+13 # Homer Peters 2011-03-04 06:18

I was wondering the same thing, those numbers don't seem to reflect reality.
Is it the cold in Wisconsin that numbs
the brain?

+15 # w wheelock 2011-03-04 06:45

If it like the rest of the country, it is because the "media" are run by the fascist Republicans there (murduck). As far as a recall-the Koches would resort to buying votes to keep their flunkie in office.

+16 # CECILE 2011-03-04 07:41

It takes a long time to educate, but lies spill forth a lot faster.

+26 # flowster 2011-03-04 04:36

Dear Mr O, am sooo glad to see you and
read you....have missed your comments via
TV...re Wi and maybe other states....I say ..."collective bargaining, SI!" but
AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT THAT PEOPLE SEEM TO MISS IS THE "NO BID" ELEMENT OF THE WI
BILL....no bid??? let us remind the fiscal conservatives, so-called, that this is a terrible idea.....flowster...

+15 # CECILE 2011-03-04 07:44

It is hard to miss: it is on the first page, but the bargaining rights of Public Employees is hitting people immediately and hard. It is no surprise that many other private unions chimed in: They know that : "an attack on one is an attack on all"

+29 # Razor 2011-03-04 04:47

How do we get the mice to realize they are the mice, when the huge propaganda machine brain washes them every day to believe the Billionares are on their side?

+35 # synchronicity 2011-03-04 05:27

What if this is a religious/political war orchestrated more by the secretive religous group The Family' moreso than the republican party itself?

I reread an excerpt from Jeff Sharlet's book about 'The Family' this morning and I have to say that the republican party that 'lies', manipulates, and corrupts seems to fit the ideology of 'The Family' more than the republican party I used to know as a child. Why is it so different? There is no real morality behind it. The main thrust of the Fox News/Republican party seems much more related to ideas of the divinely ordained privilege of the wealthy and powerful to extract what they will from life. To me this explains the orchestrated moves of the republican governors. There is more than culture war going on, there is an religous/ideological war disguised as a merely political war. I don't know enough about 'The Family' to understand exactly what is going on but as an intuitive person I feel that we are the 'suckers' or should I say 'servant/subjects' in their play.

+11 # w wheelock 2011-03-04 06:49

Those who have used and are using religion as a cover for their evil acts will have front row seats in hell along side their heroes like Hitler and Stalin. Labels attached like fascist and communist aside, they are all cut from the same filthy cloth. They differ from true barbarians only inn that instead of animal skins they want to wear human skins-OURS!

+15 # CECILE 2011-03-04 07:52

There is indeed a strong religious overtone coming from the right-wing extremists, but I believe that they have highjacked OUR religious principles a little like the Jihadists have highjacked Islam. Ignored by the right wing Republican Christians are some important precepts like: "Though shall not kill" What did we do in Irak, what are we about to do in Libya? and "It will be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven" "The good Samaritan". and on and on.

+25 # genierae 2011-03-04 05:30

Welcome back, Keith!! You are greatly missed on MSNBC. They pushed Ed up to ten p.m., and put O'Donnell in your spot. (As if anyone could take your place!) Lawrence seems to be going Hollywood on us. I got so sick of his obsession with Charlie Sheen, I quit watching him. But fortunately, Rachel and Ed are still breathing fire, and Cenk Uygher is looking good so far. But I have to wonder, now that Comcast is calling the shots, how long they will last? Maybe you should make room for them at Current TV, what do you think?

+32 # Midwestgeezer 2011-03-04 05:41

We know what Kieth says is true. We've heard the Governor IN A TELEPHONE CONVERSATION WITH WHO HE BELIEVED TO BE ONE OF THOSE "ATM" MACHINES! His budget "repair" bill is intended to dry up the funding of his political opponents.
He's been exposed for what he is!

+55 # granny 2011-03-04 05:48

And what Olbermann DIDN'T say was that the big majority of those most hit in the unions Walker is targeting are WOMEN. Notice The Repuglican governor did NOT target majority male police and firefighters, but teachers, health care workers and clerical types. What goes around WILL come around, and the Repugs ought to realize that.

+25 # w wheelock 2011-03-04 06:52

and those NOT yet targeted had better know that their turn will come, just like those in Germany who didn't stand up for the Jews and others already being taken away! We are not living like it's 1999-it's 1933!

+33 # w wheelock 2011-03-04 06:59

America awake! Everything the fascists posing as republicans or Conservatives are trying to do is directly from the Uncle Adolf playbook. Hitler rose to power because he was backed by Krupp, Farben, and other indistrialists. He promised he would break the trade unions and did that creating the National Labor front where all worked for the govt. and had no bargaining power. The Nazis were among the most chauvainist groups ever so why a surprise that they oppose abortion and target so many working women's jobs? As Goebbels said the Third Reich was built on propaganda. What else does Fox dispense. Opposing people duly elected were forced out of office to be replaced by handpicked Nazis. Now some of the dummies want to "fire" the Wisconsin 14 for opposing Walker's fascist agenda. Oh, and look up Ilsa Koch on wikpedia.

+24 # bigkahuna671 2011-03-04 09:20

Wheels, you've got that absolutely right. I've been on this bandwagon since Dubya ran against McCain for the nomination in 2000. Rove set the agenda for how the GOP should handle things and it's been that way since. The BIG LIE, using any issue to divide one group from another, making deals with Big Business to gain their support and their $$$, and blaming all of society's problems on one group. Unfortunately, most Americans have no knowledge of history as schools are teaching less of it than ever...also, textbooks have been dumbed down as the result of publishers kowtowing to the Texas State Board of Education. As Texas goes, so goes the nation, since they order more textbooks than any other state. We know more about Sheen's mental state and the Housewives of Miami Beach, not ain't that a kicker, amigo? But complaining about this isn't going to change things, More Americans will still watch Access and Entertainment Tonight to get their "NEWS" than read the paper, a news magazine, or watch a real news network.
We reap what we've sown. Oh yeah, the Founding Fathers would start another revolution right NOW!!

+6 # tyr 2011-03-04 12:21

some of the founding fathers would back them that is where the right gets it's moral justification remember 3/5 of a man is an object to be owned and exploited. They also went to church and used bible verse to support their position. Read the Federalist papers they expose themselves. Watch the HBO ADAMS

+13 # tyr 2011-03-04 12:12

Hitler rose to power because he was backed by Krupp, Farben, and other indistrialists. He promised he would break the trade unions and did" Reagan hurt the unions now the Corporatist are going for the kill shot. Benito Mussolini Fascist dictator of Italy who invented the word fascist also called it corporatism

+13 # w wheelock 2011-03-04 07:01

Walker has put out the word- if you don't get in lock step with us you won't get to march in the victory parfade when we have total control!

+24 # CECILE 2011-03-04 07:55

Right on, Granny! Add to that Planned Parenthood, who helps disadvantaged women and try to stop Aids and Breast cancer through free screenings.

+17 # ritaague 2011-03-04 06:23

Dear Keith: Terrific posting. Pardon me for being a pain in the you know what, but here's a totally different answer to your initial question: I would immediately go into the nearest bank, tell them the ATM was out of order, and I'd turn over the thousand dollar bill upon getting a written receipt for same.

Pardon me for my legal bent, but anyone who has studied the Uniform Commercial Code knows to get such recepts, since banks, insurance corps., etc. reign supreme, is this and so many others ways, over we the sheeple.

Next logical question: what is the cause for such a variance in my reaction, and the reactions of your unnamed 'villainaire' types? Here's my answer/theory:

Unlike our villainiare rulers, I am not afflicted with greed and power addiction. Here are two honest and verifiable premises I base this answer/theory on: current and historical actions of such addicts since history began being recorded; conduct that is totally in keeping with the m.o. of addicts, i.e., willingness to do anything and everything to protect and maintain their beloved addiction(s).

How best to deal with such greed and power addicts? The same way we deal with alcoholics, druggies, etc. No denial or enabling. UNDO THE COUP!

+13 # Picasso 2011-03-04 06:38

Way to go!! But no mention of the Koch Brothers...Big Money for the Repugnanats

+11 # Ginevra 2011-03-04 06:45

Sing it out Keith. It's great to hear your voice

+8 # Momentary Times 2011-03-04 06:47

Keith, I hope that you will help support this noble and independent cause of the dot com here. PLEASE take a moment to review. You will NOT be disappointed with Momentary Times. Thank you. I need your help...and others!...to Change the World. TRULY! Peace, Dan

-24 # rf 2011-03-04 07:03

The big problem is that the DEms want in so they can be at the front of the line....scrrew the working class and the self employed...I want my thousand dollar bills for my campaign! This country is so foked.

+14 # Mary Murrill 2011-03-04 07:24

WELCOME BACK, KEITH!! You have been SO missed!!!!! Perhaps you can share some insights on how Wisconites can impeach or recall the likes of "Governor" Scott Walker and Senator" Glenn Grohman. These despicable, "sly foxes" are not worthy of their titles. If anyone is guilty of treason, it would be THEM!Their true agendas for personal gain are obvious to the masses. There MUST be other senators and congressmen who have a sense of justice and who have a conscience. Do they just lack courage, or what? President Obama needs to step up to the plate: to "change his shoes" and "march" with the rest of us.
Keith, we're behind you all the way!!!!

-12 # ned rosenbaum 2011-03-04 07:27

Keith, Looking forward to your new show. I've missed your keen sense of righteous wrath. Are you sure you aren't Jewish? I mean, have you checked lately? Best of luck. NR

+30 # bigkahuna671 2011-03-04 07:30

Joseph Smith, another truly intelligent Republican who can't see the analogy being drawn in what Keith is saying. I've said it before, these folks need a brain scan to see if there's any activity going on. Keith hit it right on the head. Middle-class Republicans are going to have to realize that all the things they enjoy about being American, the 40-hour workweek, child labor laws, pensions, job-provided health care, paid vacations, protection from illegal firing, etc, etc, come from the hard work of unions over the past 100+ years. STudy your history and the history of the unions and you'll see why we need them. Why did people stopped joining unions? Maybe because they began to take for granated what the unions provided for EVERY working American, not just their members. Folks, if you're not a union member, you'd better find one to join, because the assault on the rights of American workers is on full-bolt. If you're not willing to fight for union rights now, we'll all lose the benefits of what the unions gave us, and the U.S. will turn into a serf-feudal lord society. JOIN NOW!!!

+25 # Margarita Denevan 2011-03-04 07:31

From the very beginning of our country there have been Americans who really do not believe in Democracy. Those such persons have been working steadily though the years to destroy our Democratic Republic.
What is happening now in our country, and represented most vividly by what is happening in Wisconsin, isn't simply Union Busting it is Democracy Busting.
Democracy depends on an educated citizenry. Destroy the American Educational System and you destroy Democracy.
The Koch brothers are anti American, anti Democracy and through their henchman, Scott Walker, they intend to destroy our educational system.

+10 # fredboy 2011-03-04 07:32

Great to hear from you, Keith.

We miss your voice.

+7 # ray francis 2011-03-04 07:34

hi,, happy to have found the honest US reporter again,,, just read " the creature from jekyll island",,,i highly recommend it for anyone who wants to understand what's really going on in the USA and around the world.

+9 # Wolfchen 2011-03-04 07:38

It’s to be expected that the greedy will always rig the wheel of fortune so as to favor their casinos royal. Some do it in slyly subtle ways, so as not to make the players suspicious of the crooked gamesmanship. However, when the towns…with their farmers, steelworkers and shopkeepers…bec ome taken over by the outlaws, the art of subtle fleecing is no longer necessary. During such times, crimes against the common folks can be perpetrated out in the open…with little fear by felonious types of being brought to the bar of justice. Only when the majority of inhabitants put aside their fears and indifferences and outright stupidity will they take back a way of life that provides opportunities and well-being for all citizens.

Ergo: Don’t direct corrective actions disproportionat ely at the robber barons. After all, they are practicing their well known treachery. The primary scorn along with corrective actions should be directed toward those who allow themselves to be fleeced. You know who they are…the too lazy to voters, the too naïve to know their own best interests, the types of people who are willing to screw all those who don’t look like members of their own tribe… you fill in the blanks. They are the real villains.

+9 # merle lefkoff 2011-03-04 07:40

Thanks for the polling data. So why the hell did Wisconsin voters elect Walker? I encourage everyone--if you haven't done so already--to read "Deer Hunting with Jesus"--and the book also faults us progressives for the absence of strategies to fight back. It's an important read, and Keith, perhaps you could start highlighting some of the change efforts underway that you think might actually work.

-5 # Andrew730 2011-03-04 07:42

I live in Wisconsin and I dislike Walker as much as the next guy, but let's not distort the facts. A visit to The Institute for Wisconsin's Future shows a clearly partisan agenda. A more neutral website Taxfoundation.org ranks Wisconsin at 29 out of 50 (1 being best) for corporate tax burden. Wisconsin has been unable to attract industry because it all goes to Illinois which had lower taxes. Walker recently dropped the tax rate so we could compete with Illinois and bring jobs to the state. He's cramming his budget cuts down on the local counties and school districts and is breaking the unions so that they have a stronger hand in pushing these cuts down on workers. Your assertion that "They’re grabbing those thousand dollar bills" is convenient and inciting, but it is not the truth. They aren't pocketing the money. The truth is that we are broke. Walker is making the middle class pay for it while encouraging big money to create jobs. It's a flawed, short sighted model that will lead to another set of unintended consequences- taxes on society of a different sort. This is why the two sides need to debate and work together. This is suppose to be a democracy not a dictatorship.

+15 # Michael Bagge 2011-03-04 09:33

nothing distorted here. dont forget that we are in the depths of the worst economic screwup since 1929, thanks to deregulation and class warfare waged by the rich since 1981. anything mismanaged for long enough will become broke. that includes Wisconsin and other state governments but doesnt mean you ruin other essential building blocks of a healthy middle class society

+16 # S. War 2011-03-04 09:34

I hear you Andrew....they may not be pocketing "money" but certainly Walker is pocketing POWER. Check out his change from hiring to governor appointees. The entire country is suffering from American corporations who are really international entities. These first class greedy companies will do anything to squeeze the people and the welfare of their country of origin for bigger profits.

+12 # Wanda 2011-03-04 07:56

Keith,
I've missed you! Glad you're back. I love your commentaries.
Chickens voting for Col. Sanders. That's the metaphor I've been using to describe middle class Americans voting for Republicans. Their election of GWBush was the tipping point toward their destruction. People get the government they deserve. If they thought Obama was going to same them then they are crazy. Obama needs help. We needed to be in the streets protesting long before now. It's now or never for the Middle Class. I'm glad your voice is back to help out.

+23 # DPM 2011-03-04 08:03

Stay focused, folks. Boycott Koch products, some of which you can do without are: Dixie, Brawny, Sparkle and Northern tissue. Keep talking about the Koch connection. They don't like being in the "sunshine", sort of like vampires.
Take your money out of BofA, a morally criminal institution. Put it in a credit union.
Above all, talk, talk, talk to everyone you meet. If you want to discuss it in economic terms, fine. Religious, fine. Racial, fine. Gender, fine. Political, fine. Union, fine. Cultural, fine. Each is a "battle" in the war against those that wish to be our overseers. Over my dead impoverished body! What do you say?
Who will boycott? Who will speak out?

+6 # fbacher 2011-03-04 08:34

You don't hear "greed is good" said out loud very much anymore. We should be reminded that it was said and by whom very often, along with the consequences of such mentality.

+26 # Windy126 2011-03-04 08:36

I too live in Wisconsin. Scott Walker is evil personified. He has about a much finesse as an elephant. The one thing that has always signaled that there is treachery afoot is "hurry up " Just the idea that the bill had to passed "before next Thurs," was enough to make me curious.Why,was the state going to implode by then? Walker tried to make us thing it would. 3 weeks later and the bill hasn't passed and Wisconsin is still here. Things like no bid contracts to whom ever he chose to sell to is another big red sign. Are we too stupid to make that choice? What is he going to sell besides power plants to the Koch brothers? That alone will raise the cost of living in WI. The man has sold his soul to the devil for political gains and is trying to make the people of Wisconsin part of his deal.
He can fight to regain his soul, good luck, leave mine out of your bargain

-33 # lnason@umassd.edu 2011-03-04 08:46

The psychic efforts to read minds in this op ed are to be admired. Rather than dealing with what the opposition has to say, it is so much easier to paint one's opponents as self-serving and greedy -- this in spite of the evidence that most of the opposition is less wealthy and more charitable than progressives.

Skip the name-calling and the attribution of evil intent. While I am not conservative, I know enough conservatives to know that their intentions are as honorable as I assume Olbermann's are. Let's have a genuine civil debate for once.

Lee Nason
New Bedford, Massachusetts

+21 # angelfish 2011-03-04 11:50

Debate? They will not even deign to discuss ANYTHING when they are in the Minority let alone, the Majority! How do you debate with Elitists who refuse to sit at the bargaining table with mere mortals? How do you debate with a Governor that is petty enough to take away the opposition's Parking Spots, for, not even CHRIST'S sake? It is "MY way or the HIGHWAY" with these Imperialists, there is NO room for discussion OR debate when they have their minds closed to ANY reasonable rebuttal. Puhleeeeze!

+6 # bradley 2011-03-05 19:40

It is Scott who does not want to debate. To be villified for that is ok. To turn it around and suggest that the people who want to debate are the problem, is even worse than what Scott is doing. Are you one of his relatives, or one of his cronies, or just plain ready to agitate?

+17 # Foxtrottango 2011-03-04 09:04

Governor Scott Walker is what America is all about at the present, greed, corruption, supporting the corporate rich, bigotry, racism and to destroy the morals (if they haven't already) of all US citizen.

These newly installed republican party is a call for disaster in America. How in the hell are Americans so stupid and misinformed to elect these vicious evil anti-working people is beyond me!

It could only result in a civil war if the American people don't physically throw these rascal out in 1012!

It is written.

+12 # Angie Layton 2011-03-04 09:04

I am so happy to have Keith back. It just hasn't been the same and I really need the special brand of hypocrisy debunking straight talk news to keep me grounded.

-42 # rock 2011-03-04 09:18

Keith's glasses must have been fogged up when he was gawking at the person at the ATM machine. Most likely it was a public union member trying to get what he could before the cash cow went dry.

Very funny to see Keith suddenly obsessing on public opinion polls. He never much cared what anybody thought in the past.

-1 # Óligarch 23 2011-03-05 16:11

So nice to see someone supprortiung we poor Oligarchs. It really isn't easy taking all this abuse from the little people. Truthfully, the Market is not paying as many dividends as before although if you have your first billion, you are considered well off, but for those of us on the lower rungs, just millionairs, it is not easy! I can only afford investments in Argentina rather than in France for example, and although the house and land in NM are paid off, it is only a quarter of a square mile in a less fashionable part of NM. But if the unions are broken, and everyones salary is in the toilet, I can benefit greatly from the resulting collapse of prices etc! Thanks for being on my side, Rock!!!!

+5 # bradley 2011-03-05 19:43

Just why do you wish to suggest the unions are the greed mongers, when they have already given back more than most, and told Scott they would give back more. He doesn't care, he just wants these people down on their knees. Well the people already have sore knees my friend.

+8 # dorothy litt 2011-03-04 09:33

Glad you are back. It's a pleasure to hear your voice (online) Dorothy

+2 # Gary in Midwest 2011-03-04 09:55

Honestly, Keith, I never liked your show. The outrage you displayed never struck me as genuine. I felt it was overdone to the point of having an almost flippant quality about it that never matched the outrage I felt about what the eight years of Republican rule did and is still doing to this country. That being said, I found this article right on the money. It reveals the truth about the Republicans -- it's all about the money. There are no exaggerations here, no crocodile tears of outrage, just well-spoken facts and comparisons I found heartwarming and right on! This is a new Keith Olbermann, far as i'm concerned, one who's had his ego downsized perhaps and is now a better spokesman for outrage.

+15 # Patricia Szczepanski 2011-03-04 09:57

Great to read Kieth's view on WI. and what will be happening in ALL 50 states. He is correct to his analogy of how greedy and utterly selfish the corporate bosses and their republican lap dogs are. How long are we, the (real) people going to let this continue is up to us.

+15 # ginny jakubiak 2011-03-04 11:37

To those who think these new electees were truly elected: THEY WERE BOUGHT AND PAID FOR. You can be sure that some kind of chicanery was used in the last elections, and it's called MONEY and BRIBERY, not truly elected.

-20 # Realist 2011-03-04 12:52

I don not believe that anyone should have both negotiating rights and tenure. If they cannot be fired for inadequacy, then they should not have the right to negotiate. Poor performance should be adequate reason for firing someone. that is the way it is in the private sector, except when unions insist on the right not to be fired. That leads to a mediocre country.

+1 # Oligarch 23 2011-03-05 16:18

Good point-people are inadequate for so many reasons-like pregnancy, or long time employment in the same company, accruing benefits and vacation time, or worse, needing the company health care plan! Make everyone just a temp! Hire and fire at will-such a better solution. Pay at piece work wages and speed up the line! People are, after all, completely disposable. What we really need are trained dogs with thumbs!

+5 # bradley 2011-03-05 19:45

This is obviously an argument coming out of lack of knowledge. Tell that story to all the tenured faculty members that have been fired over the years. Usually over something called financial exigency, and it happens to tenured faculty who sometimes have consistently been wonderful and revered teachers. Did you have trouble with one of your teachers in school?

+7 # spktruth200 2011-03-04 13:39

Oh Keith I miss you everynight. When will you be back on the teevee! Where can we hear you speak truth to power. Is current Events or whatever channel your going to be on with Verizon? I quit Comcast the same day you left. Now stuck with Verizon, but I will get any cable provider network there is, if your on it. Your loved Keith.

+8 # Darlene 2011-03-04 13:51

Oh how I have missed you, Keith. I'll bet MSNBC is missing you, too as the ratings fall.

I'm glad to see you face, even if it is in print. Keep on holding the bad guys feet to the fire.

+7 # Hina 2011-03-04 14:20

Keith, I have Comcast Cable in CA central coast and no Current TV. Please use your influence to add Current on more Comcast viewing areas. And, I would love to download video podcasts.

Your voice and insights are vital now.

+3 # vickyc 2011-03-05 13:57

I second that...please make sure we can podcast your show.That is how I have been watching you for several years, since I am on the road a lot. Also am so happy to have your voice back, albeit online.

+6 # Steve N. 2011-03-04 14:38

What is the one force that can drive people over to the Republican side as they lop off all of their own rights and cut their financial throats? Answer: RELIGION, and the 18th century thinking that comes with it!

+7 # bjw 2011-03-04 15:58

It would make more sense to blame it on Stockholm syndrome where the hostages start to identify with their captors.

+10 # DPM 2011-03-04 14:51

Hmmm. Realist, you have made a good point. Now, if we could only stop the "good 'ol boys" that hire CEO's and present them with such huge salaries, wonderful perks and golden parachutes when they destroy the company, we'd have an even playing field.
Non-the-less you have a point. Guess there is imperfection all around us. Still, I'd rather put up with the aggravation of some bad union personnel than the greedy moguls that destroy masses of people for their short term profit. What about you? I'm pretty sure you'd agree.

+6 # Steve Carlson 2011-03-04 15:33

Keith, you are a patriot and a hero. Keep up the good work. Those with eyes will see, those with ears will hear. We need you now!

+2 # stewartsl 2011-03-04 15:44

Maybe I missed it, but is there really be a live channel where I can hear and SEE Keith Olberman telling the truth and speaking for working people?

+4 # Pat Nichols 2011-03-05 00:45

Great to have you back Keith. Can't wait until you are able to return to TV. Thanks for your support of the Wisconsin workers and State Senators

+2 # tonywicher 2011-03-05 08:37

OK, Keith - Now that you are free from the chains of the MSM and MSNBC, you are able to do some real investigative reporting, right? So let's see what you are made of. How about some real invesgtigative reporting about 9/11? If you look into this with an open mind, you will find that the evidence of government complicity in 9/11 is overwhelming. Just for starters, you might have a look at this short segment from Geraldo "At Large"from a couple of months ago. Watching it caused me to conclude that Fox is LESS heavily censored than MSNBC. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP0Hs-v-uJ0

Then visit the web site of the Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth, where currently 1452 professional architects, engineers and scientists are calling for an honest ivestigation into 9/11 (as opposed to the Bush-administation-controlled "investigation" which were nothing but blatant cover-ups.Other very informative sites are the Journal of 9/11 Studies, http://www.journalof911studies.com/, Scholars for 9/11 Truth and Justice, stj911truth.org. See 911truthnews.com for latest news from the movement. Keith, we are dead serious, we have the goods and we will prevail. Please investigate us.

+4 # Anarchist 23 2011-03-05 16:14

Yes, 911 Truth should be investigated because if this heinous deed really was carried off as the Official History says, in contravention of all of the laws of physics, we really are dealing with very black magic indeed! Harry Potter, where are you when we need you! Voldemort lives!

+3 # jeannette mistretta 2011-03-05 11:33

Keith I miss you can't wait till your back, progressives need to still watch msnbc we have good hosts there and they need our support even thou the owners(networks heads) are jerks.. I can not handle a network like fox and even the mainstream networks they report very little. Always follow the money that is the bottom line.

+3 # mkarenina63 2011-03-05 12:01

G-d bless you Kieth, you are the voice of intelligent and very human analysis in the desert of propaganda.

+3 # bradley 2011-03-05 19:47

Lets face it, Keith is both humble and a genius.

+4 # bradley 2011-03-05 19:56

There is no doubt that folks who cannot see what Scott Walker is doing, are not intelligent enough to merit the right to vote, or they are in on the greed grab. Nothing gets done in this country until the bottom feeders, like the tea party idiots, finally figure it out. The rest of us have to wait. Its time Congress passed a law against propaganda on TV, and secondly for equal time for the two political parties, ie; if there is only going to be two major political parties. That includes equal time for the repugnacious ones, when the democrats are back in power. Who said I has biases?

+3 # Tony B 2011-03-05 22:00

Welcome back Kieth, We have missed your commentary.

+4 # Neale Donald Walsch 2011-03-05 22:47

I am heartened and encouraged by the return of your commentaries to the public forum. I did not know that corporations in Wisconsin paid taxes that were below the national average. And in this campaign, Walker said he wanted to eliminate corporate taxes altogether. Wow.

Thank, Keith, for giving America an alternative voice.

+8 # Beenie 2011-03-06 05:12

I was a state employee for many years. I earned less money per year with my bachelor's degree than a friend did who had a certificate from a technical school. My brother worked for the phone company- he received more in raises per week than I received for a year! And let's not forget that the money the Wisconsin union workers get in their pensions is their money! The state of Wisconsin doesn't pay their pensions!
And let's face reality, folks, the repugnicns won't be happy until there are haves (them) and have-nots (the rest of us). They are only interested in political and financial oppression of you and me. Dwight Eisenhower must be rolling over in his grave.

+4 # kabiu 2011-03-06 07:30

Follow the money remains the Occam's razor of politics -- the most basic way to cut through spin and understand political decisions; the influence of lobbyists threatens to utterly destroy democracy "of the people" and turn it into government "for the rich."
http://bit.ly/ef52My

+1 # farhnerb 2011-03-06 08:52

I'm in Mexico for 2 months-english TV channels limited to CNN International but MSNBC was my favorite anyway. It's obviously diminished by the loss of Keith Olbermann. Internet is my lifeline these days. Just woke up this morning determined to go onto Facebook to try to find out what has happened to Keith and voila, I got this email. I'll have to get on a mailing list!
Bravo Keith. We sure miss you.

+2 # David Comments 2011-03-06 17:33

Good article. I thought that I felt useless, and hopeless trying to do something that would never be done. But alas I found move-on.org an on line organization that lets you choose and pick the important issues that you want your senators, and congressmen to here. The only way we can make a difference and be heard is in the numbers. GET involved. Join and add your name to the millions that already have.

+2 # Arthur L. Domike 2011-03-06 19:00

I need to hear Olbermann again!

+1 # Joan Simon 2011-03-06 20:37

So glad to hear from Keith again. We need to continue to stand up to these thugs whose agenda is to enrich themselves at the expense of everybody else. Finally, finally, people are beginning to say NO!! We must continue to make ourselves heard. If we don't, if we just roll over and play dead, the Koch brothers will succeed and our so-called democracy will come crashing down.

+3 # Joy Hummer 2011-03-06 23:12

Hot Damn. I'm so glad to see this site. Please, please, please come back.

+2 # A Haywood 2011-03-07 05:46

Keith O.... what a man. The truth just stares us in the face, but we Americans are always looking for the best from our leaders...etc..not because of stupidity, but the good in us that has made this country strong. well, the best is no longer good enough! Get out those walking shoes and signs and let corporations, oil giants, banks, our corrupt leaders and the rich who are not contributing their fair share of taxes feel the wrath of the Middle Class...we ain't (excuse my French) going no where!!!! Keith continue to fight with us!!!!

+3 # Jim Cremin 2011-03-07 14:22

I strongly agree with your term: right wing, industrial, military complex! Read Douglass' book, JFK and the Unspeakable: Why they killed him and why you should care. It's all about the LIES that control the people.

+2 # Mary Texeira 2011-03-07 15:02

Praise be that Keith, a voice in the wilderness, can cut to the quick with his assessment of the shill Walker. So glad we have our old Keith back! Can't wait to see him back on the tube where he belongs. Already lining up to dvr his show on Current TV. Bless you Keith!

+1 # larry hourany 2011-03-08 15:53

I recently wrote an editorial re the Koch buying of Am. In it I refer to the misstatements of FOX and how billionaire Murdock tolerates nothing he doesn't specify. A real aid to democracy.

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