Waiting for the government

By William R. Toler

As the clean up from Hurricane Irene gets underway, it’s interesting to see how different people handle it.

Amy Jones Rains and Victor Jones, Jr. load up logs from trees that fell down in Caton

There are some who are pleading for help. Mostly from the government. To bring food and water, clear roads and restore electricty.

Sunday, while trying to get updates on the storm for my station, I called Beaufort County’s interm county manager Jim Chrisman. We had recieved numerous calls from people between Chocowinity and Aurora who had no water. Chrisman explained that Department of Transportaion and forestry crews were coming in to clear roads to help get to busted water lines so they could be repaired.

Later I thought, if you have to wait for the government, you’ll be waiting a long time.

Another phone call I answered left another bad thought. One lady, who actually lives about 6 miles from me, had called to say how she and her husband were cut off from flooding. Then she asked, “Do you want to hear a rumor?”  I told her that we couldn’t report on it until it was confirmed, but I’d listen. “I hear the National Guard is coming in and they might declare martial law.”

Figuratively, my jaw dropped.

Gun owner warning

 

North Carolina gun owners beware.

As Hurricane Irene edges closer to the Carolina coast, a declaration of a State of Emergency is certain.

What most folks don’t know is that according a North Carolina General Statute, it is unlawful to transport a firearm during said emergency.

(Search for State of Emergency for previous stories.)

Congressman bans cameras, cops commit armed robbery

By William R. Toler

In a shocking display of police state tactics, an Ohio Congressman banned and had cameras confiscated from individuals attending his town hall meeting.

Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) allegedly had signs placed in front of the venue banning cameras. After some attendees failed to obey the signs, police officers went through the audience to take them away.

The story was first brought to my attention by Carlos Miller at Photography is Not a Crime. (Click the link to see the crime happen.)

The amature videographers asserted their rights to the cops, but to no avail. An officer told one of the individuals the ban was “to protect the constituents.” The videographer stood his ground saying, “I’m well within my rights” after being asked “Are we gonna do this easy way? Or the hard way?” After protesting a few seconds more, the camera was stolen by the officer.

The officer then walked over to another person with a camera and attempted to steal it as well. “It’s not against the law to film this,” she said. “Yes it is,” the officer replied. “That’s what I’ve been told.”

Why should there be a “hard way?”

Media bias nothing new

By William R. Toler

The media bias on Rep. Ron Paul when it comes to the presidential election is not a new development. It’s been going on since the last election.

During the 2008 election I watched as Paul was constantly ignored and the networks failed to even mention he was a candidate…much like they’re doing now. I even recorded a video blog to address my concern.

Working for a local television station, I sometimes scan through scripts just to see if he gets a shout out. Usually, I’m disappointed.

It’s not just the “liberal” television news media either. FOX News and conservative talk radio hosts are just as guilty. Personalities like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity are loathe to mention Ron Paul. If they do, it’s usually a jab at his stances that don’t fit in with mainstream neo-con political thought.

What is it that draws the crowds and frightens the establishment?

Jon Stewart bashes media for snubbing top GOP contender Ron Paul

By Natalina
Extraordinary Intelligence

Jon Stewart took the floor (read: desk) to slam the mainstream media for completely ignoring Ron Paul in the current race for the Republican nomination.

Ron Paul dominates polls, he wins approval from all sides of the political spectrum, he doesn’t waver in his beliefs, and he draws huge applause at every debate he’s in.  So, why the heck does the media routinely ignore his very existence?  Or perhaps put more succinctly by Mr. Stewart, “How did Ron Paul become the 13th floor in a hotel?”

Republicans rage in Iowa debate

By James White

Another Republican debate down.  If nothing else, this one was certainly entertaining.

Tim Pawlenty found his spine and attacked Michele Bachmann.  That kitty has claws, though, and she gave just as good as she got (and looked classier doing it!)  They fought over each other’s record.  Pawlenty pointed out that Bachmann had a zero success rate while she painted him as a liberal while he was governor of Minnesota.

Rick Santorum and Ron Paul sparred over basic conservative values.  Paul constantly blew Santorum’s mind, and it showed on Santorum’s face as he looked incredulously at his opponent.  Of course, Santorum almost made Congressman Paul have an aneurysm when he began talking about the need for more military action against Iran.

Newt Gingrich fought with no one on the stage, but instead directed his rage to the mainstream media and their “gotcha questions”.  Remember, when I say “mainstream media”, this is FOX News that is hosting this debate, and by “gotcha questions” I mean questions about his record.  But everyone knows that Gingrich has trouble keeping everything he says straight.