posted on November 29, 2003 07:34:47 PM new
I have a lot of respect for Neal Cavuto. Reading his statement here only enlarges that respect. What a guy!!!
posted on November 30, 2003 07:37:40 AM new
I do too, Linda - I think Neal Cavuto is great!
Here's another favorite of mine...
The meaning of a pin
Neil Cavuto
July 26, 2003
As a FOX News anchor, I get a good deal of e-mail - some of it good, some of it bad. Some of it gets into substantive issues, a lot of it into anything but. It's the latter category that most intrigues and often amuses me. The comments can be nasty ("Your ego is as big as your head" ) and funny ("Of all the FOX anchors, you seem to be the least obnoxious, but you're still obnoxious" ).
But occasionally I get particularly hurtful e-mail that even I must admit hits a chord. One concerned my wearing a flag pin each night on my program. I don't make an issue of it, but one particular viewer did. A Fred C. (I'll leave out his last name) wrote "it bordered on the sickening, day in and day out, shoving your pseudo-patriotism on viewers who want news, not cheerleading."
He went on to say that since I didn't serve in the military, who was I to talk up the military; and since I enjoyed an apparently cushy life, how dare I act "like a bleeding patriot."
This is as much an opportunity to respond to Fred as it is to make a point in general.
First off, I don't make a big thing of wearing a pin. It is, after all, just a pin. But it's a powerful symbol for me. It represents a country that lets me do what I like to do, in an environment in which I'm free to do it.
Fred, I don't take issue with people who do not wear flag pins, so why should you take issue with those who do? You go on to claim in your letter that my patriotic bias shows through again and again. You're right there, because I do like it here. I like the opportunities this country affords me, all made possible by people who made big sacrifices before me.
You say that I cannot salute because I haven't served. I strongly disagree, because you see, Fred, you don't have to march in the parade to proudly wave and honor those who do. You don't have to give blood for your country to never forget those who did that and much more for your country.
Frankly I'm sick and tired of journalists who prefer to honor a profession more than the country that makes that profession possible. I believe strongly, Fred, that you can be a good journalist and a good American at the same time. The two are not mutually exclusive.
I ask just as penetrating questions and probe just as critical issues. But I do so with a firm appreciation of the place from which I'm doing it . . . the United States of America. You're right, Fred, I didn't serve this country. But I do love this country. I'm the son of a World War II veteran who fought to make sure I could enjoy the good life I do today. I'd much sooner salute that generation than cavalierly forget that generation.
I'd much rather emphasize the good in this country than harp on the bad in this country. All is not perfect here, but I'll tell you this . . . it's a hell of a lot better than almost anywhere else. I believe that, and I report that.
You're right, Fred. That makes me biased. I'd much sooner look at those who serve my country and say "thank you" than "screw you." They're the reason I'm here. The least I can do is let them know how grateful I am that they are here.
A pin is a small thing, but for me it's a powerful thing . . . a daily reminder of a country and a system of government that lets me do what I love every day.
Fred, you call me a cheerleader. You're right. I am. And I'm damn proud of it . . . first as a citizen, then a distant second . . . as a journalist.
ｩ2003 Creators Syndicate, Inc.
__________________________________
If you had one phone call to make before you died, who would you call, what would you say, and why are you waiting?
[ edited by wgm on Nov 30, 2003 07:38 AM ]
[ edited by wgm on Nov 30, 2003 09:50 AM ]
posted on November 30, 2003 11:12:27 AM new
Yes....those flag pins. You'd have thought some were wearing a swastika on their lapels the way some carried on about them. Some news stations told their newspeople not to wear them because they might *OFFEND* some people.
The American flag offends some Americans? And if they're not Americans and they object to our flag being displayed, then they can just ignore them, or get used to it, imo. This is, after all, America.
Sad, sad day when the American flag offends those living in America who enjoy all the benefits of living in this great country.
They did the same thing in Berkeley, CA. Told the police and fire trucks to remove the American flags off the sides of their vehicles.
Absolutely outrageous!!!
---------
Neil comes through to me as an honest man, one sure of himself as a person and in his beliefs. Doing, saying what he feels is right...not giving weight to what others think about him. And I know he must have bad days dealing with his MS. Other than looking tired at times, it sure doesn't show to his viewers. The comments made about his head size have always appeared cruel to me, as it's something a person has no control over.
[ edited by Linda_K on Nov 30, 2003 11:22 AM ]
posted on November 30, 2003 11:21:46 AM new
I like Neil! And people make fun of his ties also
Good commentarys wgm, thanks for posting them!
The pin... yeah, its like; big deal... yeah the president wears one, didn't others before him? I mean, DAMN! its OUR FLAG, its not like huge a** pictures of our leader as in some countries!!!
They really wanted the flags off the police cars and fire trucks in CA?????????????????? Good God
Wow, I didn't know he had MS Linda, he's something, like I said, really like his program and commentarys
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posted on November 30, 2003 11:29:08 AM new
Yes, imo, Berkeley, CA is the most liberal place in all of CA., filled with PC radicals. They should be a country all to themselves.
