Bill Moyers Journal: Where's the Party?

« Moyers on Murdoch | Main | Story Updates: Libby, Eagles, Trade and more »

Where's the Party?

In his interview with Bill Moyers, Victor Gold explains his frustration about the direction of the Republican party and its base. Now hear from other Republicans on this issue.

In 2004 Bill Moyers talked with a number of GOP members about their views on the future and core ideology of their party. Click the pictures below to watch these interviews in entirety and give us your take below.

We certainly need to fight against any effort by any corporation or any industry to ask for special deals from the government. And that's why the conservative movement has always been so separate from the business community. I know the left keep thinking they're the same thing. I assure you, the business community is very aware that they're not the same thing.
--Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform

Most conservatives believe today as they did in the past that the primary reason for their involvement in politics is to make certain that government keeps its hands off them, keeps its hands out of their pockets. The problem that we have is that with the Republican Party in control of the Congress and in the White House, that there's a tendency to do the same thing that the Democrats did when they were in power." --David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union

The flaw in the movement was the perception that the church had become an appendage to the Republican Party and one more special interest group to be pampered. If one examines the results of the Moral Majority's agenda, little was accomplished in the political arena and much was lost in the spiritual realm, as many came to believe that to be a Christian meant you also must be "converted" to the Republican Party and adopt the GOP agenda and its tactics.--Cal Thomas, conservative commentator

You have to remember there's two different things: There's the Republican Party, and then there's the conservative movement...at the time we hadn't nominated anybody for President. We did that with Goldwater in '64. Then we hadn't elected a conservative to office. And we did that in 1980. Now, our next challenge is to nominate, elect and govern as conservatives. And we've not had a President who governed as a conservative
--Richard A. Viguerie, conservative grassroots activist

Tag(s):
Posted by Bill Moyers Journal on June 29, 2007 4:10 PM | Permalink

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/mt3/mt-tb.cgi/246

Comments

Bribe-Addicted Legislatures "If a baseball player slides into home plate and, right before the umpire rules if he is safe or out, the player says to the umpire - 'Here is $1,000.' What would we call that? We would call that a bribe. If a lawyer was arguing a case before a judge and said, 'Your honor before you decide on the guilt or innocence of my client, here is $1,000.' What would we call that? We would call that a bribe. "But if an industry lobbyist walks into the office of a key legislator and hands her or him a check for $1,000, we call that a campaign contribution. We should call it a bribe." : Janice Fine - Dollars and Sense magazine

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 30, 2007 4:48 AM

An Order To Servant Peloci Urgent Impeachment Warranted An absolutely convincing argument as to why it should be started now and not a second later. By: Dr.MurrayM. Morgan "A slave is he who cannot speak his thoughts.": Euripides = "Search for the truth is the noblest occupation of man; its publication is a duty." : Anne Louise Germaine de Stael - (1766-1817) French author === Dangers of a Cornered George Bush http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18081.htm By Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity & Dr. Justin Frank 07/27/07 "ICH " -- -- The “new” strategy of surging troops in Baghdad has … === Propaganda Tool and CIA http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2007/07/27/1/a-conversation-about-the-cia Tim Weiner A conversation about the CIA with Tim Weiner about ... The History of the CIA". === The Order to Speaker Peloci: According to the Constitution of the USA, government should be servant of people to execute the will of people. According to the self-rule right, the Speaker Of The House of a government-of-people by-people for-people is supposed to be our servant to execute our will. Accordingly pursuant to the expressed will/wish of people (reflected in polls), I, Murray M. Morgan, hereby, order Speaker Peloci to, without regard to not-having the required votes (for conviction), after...

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 29, 2007 3:01 AM

Israel-i Lobby Hijacking US Foreign Policy By: Dr. Murray M. Morgan Read this and conclude for yourself, with a conscientious frame of mind, as to the veracity of the above title. Please, spread this far and wide to overcome the self-censorship of Press-titudes and media towards awakening sleeping public of our government being highjacked by parasitic corporative military-industrial-complex profiteers (at the back of almost the whole public. Here is the link to be clicked to read the whole article: http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0707/glick072707.php3 Israel has experienced some achievements [of her own]regarding Iran over the past year. The UN Security Council did pass two sanctions resolutions against Iran. With the active lobbying of opposition leader Binyamin Netanyahu, many US public employee pension funds are moving to divest from companies that do business with Iran. And this week, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that like his predecessor Tony Blair, he will not rule out the option of using military force to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 27, 2007 8:06 PM

I haven't read all of this yet - I will but I have to say my only comment is - Can any of the parties/persons involved in all of this, actually say they have read the Quran. More importantly have they read the Christian Bible (Old & New Testaments) and above all if they have - do they understand any of it??? I don't think so!!!

Posted by: Karen - Greece | July 27, 2007 3:39 AM

To be The Presidents of ISrael http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070726/pl_nm/usa_politics_iran_dc_1 ""Allowing Iran, a radical theocracy that supports terrorism and openly threatens its neighbors, to acquire nuclear weapons is a risk we cannot take," Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois said in a letter to the Israel Project, a pro-Israel group that educates the public about Israel and advocates an end to investment in Iran. Obama's tough line on Iran was largely echoed in other letters from seven other candidates, including Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, both Democrats. Two Republican candidates -- former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas -- stressed, as Bush has done, that the military option must remain on the table.""

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 27, 2007 2:29 AM

The Nonsense about Jihad @ Constantinopole Do you know that God exist? Can you look at yourself in the mirror when you attempt to distort Islam? Islam is a religion of peace. Jihad is advocated as a mean to defend oneself against aggression and to repel injustice and humiliation that has reached to an intolerable level. I found the nonsense as a comment (by somebody with the User-Name of Constantinople) to the article titled Parasitic Imperialism (by Ismael Hossein-zadeh). Somebody knowledgeable should respond to the distorting attempt (distorting Islam and the Prophet) of this tail-wagging/West’s-ass-kissing individual. Click the link (http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article17980.htm) and then click the "Comment" to find it among the other comments that are posted to the Hossein-zadeh’s article. Here is that West’s-ass-kissing comment by "Constantinople" (read the Constantinopole's comment). I have heard that the "Hadis"ses that that Constantinople has cited in his comment (to draw conclusion from them)are the most controversial/ditorted/inaccurate(ask a conscienable Iranian moslem [not a West's-ass-kissing-pro-shah one] sayings [Ahadis=racconts])of the "Ahadis"ses that are, purportedly, attributed to the Prophet of Islam. Dr. Murray Murray | 07.26.07 - 10:29 pm | #

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 27, 2007 1:44 AM

Bush Speechwriter Calls for Attack on Syria By Gary Leupp Neocon officials in the Defense Department call them "low-hanging fruit"--- as though countries were produce ripe for picking and eating. The term refers to nations targeted for regime change that might be achieved with minimal strain, at least when compared with the effort needed to topple the regime in Iran. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18069.htm === US lawmakers unite to demonize Iran: The "threat of Iran" and the need to confront the regime has become a mainstream view in the US legislature, attracting support from Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike. http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/IG25Ak01.html ===

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 26, 2007 6:10 PM

The White House Cout http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18074.htm Murray

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 25, 2007 11:03 PM

No Wonder! Bush's Grandfather Advocating Fascism/Hitlerism A must listen to document. By: Dr. Murray M. Morgan BBC Audio Documentary Document uncovers details of a planned coup in the USA in 1933 by right-wing American

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 25, 2007 11:01 PM

Servant Bush An Order to the President of the USA By: Dr. Murray M. Morgan According to the Constitution of the USA, government should be servant of people to execute the will of people. According to the self-rule right, the President of a government-of-people by-people for-people is supposed to be our servant to execute our will. Accordingly, I, Murray M. Morgan, hereby, order President Bush to, immediately and without any second of delay: 1. put stop to interference in the internal affairs of Iran (including their peaceful nuclear program), 2. put stop to bullying/coercive/humiliating treatment of Iranians (which also includes their rough government that, is up to the people of Iran only to, in the absence of feeling of any sort of threat rise against and re-establish their self-rule in there) 3. remove all of our [pirating\ naval forces from the Persian Gulf and vicinity (in the Indian Ocean) 4. evacuate all our military/clandestine-military bases abroad (specially the ones located in the Middle East and Central Asian countries) and bring all the personnel therein home 5. put stop to all his infringements on Citizens liberties (nowadays known to everybody) and put stop to indirect/coercive censorships. 6. It is the equal-and-with-respect...

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 23, 2007 8:38 PM

Parasitic Imperialism I found this must-read article. It is superb. Sincerely, Dr. Murray M. Morgan ********************* Parasitic Imperialism By Ismael Hossein-zadeh How recent U.S. wars of choice, driven largely by war profiteering, are plundering not only defenseless peoples and their resources abroad, but also the overwhelming majority of U.S. citizens and their resources at home. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article17980.htm Parasitic Imperialism How recent U.S. wars of choice, driven largely by war profiteering, are plundering not only defenseless peoples and their resources abroad, but also the overwhelming majority of U.S. citizens and their resources at home. By Ismael Hossein-zadeh 07/07/07 "ICH" -- -- Although immoral, external military operations of past empires often proved profitable, and therefore justifiable on economic grounds. Military actions abroad usually brought economic benefits not only to the imperial ruling classes, but also (through “trickle-down” effects) to their citizens. Thus, for example, imperialism paid significant dividends to Britain, France, the Dutch, and other European powers of the seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries. As the imperial economic gains helped develop their economies, they also helped improve the living conditions of their working people and elevate the standards of living of their citizens. This pattern of economic gains flowing from imperial...

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 22, 2007 10:56 PM

Dear Mr Moyer, I was reading this article http://www.counterpunch.org/pace07182007.html and regret that Senator Lieberman is blindly leading/pushing us to another war. I further read this on his own site. http://lieberman.senate.gov/newsroom/release.cfm?id=278247&& http://lieberman.senate.gov/newsroom/releases.cfm http://lieberman.senate.gov/newsroom/release.cfm?id=278727&& thank you

Posted by: anon | July 22, 2007 9:07 AM

Sinical Media Silence Dr_Murray M. Morgan Phony pretexts repeated often enough become real reasons. Things that...are not true become true in the public mind simply through endless repetition.– Lenny Bloom http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18041.htm No Evidence of Iran’s role in violence and instability in Iraq – confirms British Foreign Minister By Mehrnaz Shahabi 07/19/07 "ICH" -- -- David Milliband, British foreign secretary, confirmed in an interview (1) with the Financial times, 8th July, that there is no evidence of Iranian complicity in instability in Iraq or attacks on British troops: Asked by the FT, “What do you think of Iran’s complicity in attacks on British soldiers in Basra”?, Miliband’s first response was, “Well, I think that any evidence of Iranian engagement there is to be deplored. I think that we need regional players to be supporting stability, not fomenting discord, never mind death. And as I said at the beginning, Iran has a complete right, and we support the idea that Iran should be a wealthy and respected part of the future. But it does not have the right to be a force of instability”. However, prompted more closely, “Just to be clear, there is evidence?”, he replied, “Well no, I chose my...

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 22, 2007 5:17 AM

Thanks to Moyers for the interview with Bruce Fein. We need more of this type of in-depth commentary!

Posted by: rpg | July 19, 2007 1:37 PM

Impeachment is Timely, Wse, and Appropriate How Similar Hitler and Bush/Chesney are Does "Marg bar Amrica" really measns "Death to America"? Which one do we have? Democracy or "Dameé-Cos-Raazi"!? "Persian Gulf" or "the Gulf" "Khazary" Jews July 18,2007 By: Dr. Murray M. Morgan "Our government has kept us in a perpetual state of fear - kept us in a continuous stampede of patriotic fervour - with the cry of grave national emergency. Always, there has been some terrible evil at home, or some monstrous foreign power that was going to gobble us up if we did not blindly rally behind it.": General Douglas MacArthur - (1880-1964) WWII Supreme Allied Commander of the Southwest Pacific, Supreme United Nations Commander 1957 The Second Treatise of Civil Government 1690: "That the aggressor, who puts himself into the state of war with another, and unjustly invades another man's right, can, by such an unjust war, never come to have a right over the conquered, will be easily agreed by all men, who will not think that robbers and pirates have a right of empire over whomsoever they have force enough to master, or that men are bound by promises which unlawful force extorts from...

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 19, 2007 3:52 AM

The reason that there is no difference between the two major political parties is that they are vetted by AIPAC. Candidates are bribed with campaign funds if they first swear their allegience to the support of Israel. To me, providing finacial aid to Israel is no different than giving taxpayer funds to the vatican, which I believe that most non-catholic Americans would oppose.

Posted by: Silence Dogood | July 16, 2007 6:30 AM

GW Bush and Hitler Today we heard the war drum again with Condy walking at a distant behind Chesney and the "President" trying the Good Cop/Bad Cop and Carrot & Stick Policy. I have writen on the stupidity of this policy which can seep only from retarded savage dog-minded bullying mentalities (read my posting on July 4,2007 below or click the link below). Here is a quote from Hitler which we have heard it from Bush and Chesney. Read it and be the judge. But first read this: Thomas Jefferson: "If once [the people] become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, Judges and Governors, shall all become wolves. It seems to be the law of our general nature, in spite of individual exceptions." -- Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington, 1787 = Here is that quote from Hitler: "An evil exists that threatens every man,woman, and child of this great country. We must take steps to insure our domestic security and protect our Homeland" - Adolf Hitler (1933) I think, as its appropriateness was, very elequantly, demonstrated on Friday, the July 13,2007, I believe it is absolutely the time and necessary for Nancy Peloci to...

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 16, 2007 3:49 AM

UNTIL I SAW THIS PROGRAM, I THOUGHT OF IMPEACHMENT AS DISGRACING/PUNISHING AN ERRANT,ARROGANT PRESIDENT. NOW I REALIZE THAT IT ISTHE ULTIMATE MEDICINE TO CURE THE CANCER IN THE WHITE HOUSE THAT IS RAPIDLY DESTROYING OUR "DEMOCRATIC" WAY OF LIFE. WHAT IS THE MEDICINE THAT WILL WAKE US UP FROM OUR MONEY CENTERED, /EGOMANIACAL STUPOR? PERHAPS AN EXCELLENT FIRST STEP IS TO WATCH BILL MOYERS ENTIRE 45 MINUTES, think about it, and alert everybody

Posted by: WILLIAM COLBERT | July 15, 2007 8:57 PM

Until the lobbyists can be outlawed totally, this country will continue down a path of destruction of the democracy our country was founded on by our founding fathers. After reading Grover Norquist's little interview and detecting his 'conservative compassion', I can see more than ever that republicans need to be in the extreme minority in congress and the white house for at a good while. My god, what is this horrible strategy of everyone owning stock for their money? When the economy fails do you think your stocks will still provide for you. Being the stock market as of now is really based on a war economy, does that mean we have to be perpetuallly at war. It is just too damn obvious that is what w's idea of our 'strong' economy is all about because somehow the price of gas/oil and food aren't considered in the inflation tables. Just another shiny lure to get caught on so the good ole boys(rich) can sell first and rake in the dough.

Posted by: same as it ever was | July 15, 2007 7:36 PM

I am a Christian who has never voted Republican. About Victor Gold's assessment that the religious right and the "neo-cons" have ruined the Party that Goldwater envisioned.... Here's my problem with that assessment. A biblical proverb says "the love of money is the root of all evil" and Jesus said you would recognize the nature of the individual by his "fruits" (by what he produces). The Grand Old Party's foundation was built upon the ideal for "small government" meaning that Government should stay out of the board room. Sure, to accomplish that goal they would also have to offer something to those who weren't in the board rooms of capitalistic pursuits. So "small government" was something that all could agree on in that, originally, its intent was to keep the gov't out of our personal business (sex life, abortion, etc...). However, the foundation laid by Goldwater was to keep the gov't out of the board rooms, thereby allowing capitalism to run amok. Unfortunately, to the dismay of Goldwater Republicans, the love of that money to be made in the board rooms without any gov't oversight is still the foundation that produced the dire consequences our nation now experiences. "You will...

Posted by: kelly | July 15, 2007 4:13 AM

Sign IMpeachment petitions at www.ImpeachBush.org and at www.democrats.com. On September 15, there will be a march on Washington DC to protest the war and call for impeachment resolutions. Mr. Moyers, thank you for opening my eyes and ears.

Posted by: Syvi | July 14, 2007 3:36 PM

Rep Dennis Kucinich has filed impeachment papers against Cheney but no mention was made of this on last night's program.

Posted by: jean sommer | July 14, 2007 2:28 PM

Thank you for your program on impeachment tonight--we hope that some statesperson emerges to lead us out of this constituional crisis.

Posted by: Ken and Bettina Arnold | July 14, 2007 12:07 AM

Grover Norquist IS at the core of the republican party and has helped establish the ideology of their party. He ain't no outsider!

Posted by: Burt B, Denver, CO | July 12, 2007 10:17 PM

The statement by Grover Norquist is truly startling, considering his seminal role in advancing the fortunes of Jack Abramoff and his corporate clients, Ralph Reed and his careerist ambitions, and the religious right. Norquist is a "consultant" outside of the government but has his finger on the pulse--the jugular really--of politicians on behalf of his own corporate clients. How could his interview have gone uncommented?

Posted by: A Carroll | July 12, 2007 4:16 PM

"The reason the Republicans are no longer like Goldwater is that the neo-cons are Liberals, not paleoconservatives" That's so not true. Liberals care about Everybody. Neo-cons care only about the obscenely rich.

Posted by: kelly | July 12, 2007 12:56 AM

The reason the Republicans are no longer like Goldwater is that the neo-cons are Liberals, not paleoconservatives

Posted by: RE Mant | July 11, 2007 9:36 PM

Wild Bill Moyers: Its not about capitalism/socialism conservative/liberal but the difference between right and wrong behavior. Because the above didn't / docent know the difference between right and wrong behavior they have send us on a quest for a new society beyond left and right. Bill Moyers is getting there. Ignore the old dinosaurs and look to the future through the youthful heart and mind of Grace Lee Boogs of the twentieth first century. Another world is possible, but not as it has been. Larry Sparks

Posted by: Larry Sparks | July 10, 2007 3:28 AM

Dear Bill, Kelly misinterpreted my Reagan quote for Reagan support. No! J.Miller said it right. Kelly was right too. My point was that republicans are in disarray because democrat & labor leaders pander to elites and extremists now also. The scales of our two party-system are tipped. Extremism in defense of liberty may not be a vice, but both parties accept now that extreme honesty in pursuit of votes loses elections. Who will provide us honesty? More Fourth Estate interviews like Bill Moyers Journal, and less Rupert Murdoch hegemony, may help.

Posted by: couglas bartlett | July 10, 2007 3:22 AM

Wild Bill Moyers: Its not about capitalism/socialism convevative/liberal but the difference between right and wrong behavior. Because the above didn't / docent know the difference between right and wrong behavior they have send us on a quest for a new society beyond left and right. Bill Moyers is getting there. Ignore the old dinosaurs and look to the future through the youthful heart and mind of Grace Lee Boogs of the twentieth first century. Another world is possible, but not as it has been. Larry Sparks

Posted by: Larry Sparks | July 9, 2007 5:36 PM

"I sincerely don't understand how a Rupert Murdox can happen." It's called the stock market. That's how it happened. The grandiose delusion that all that money actually exists. The world is controlled by the love of money which the Bible says is "the root of all evil". The big time players know all that money isn't real so they are setting the world up in a manner that lets them control IT without money. Before everyone finds out the numbers are an illusion, they are grabbing as much of what's real as they can. That is why the little investors always lose their money while the big ones (who don't really have it either) are stealing what is real from us. As long as you don't have any money, you can't ever find out the money doesn't exist. Yeah, I know you'll think I'm crazy, but time will eventually tell all. Until then, I choose to call myself a cynic.

Posted by: kelly | July 7, 2007 7:46 PM

I might add that the Democrats wouldn't need the money of lobbyists if Republicans hadn't eroded the middle class. At the root of it all, however, is the American people. It's their fault for giving the neo-cons the power; for being so ignorant that they believe Fox News is fair and balanced; for being convinced that we as a people are going to hell in a handbasket. My mom used to listen to Bill O'Reilly all the time, and she fell for that last one because he speaks so loudly about it. Then I told her to look up and down her street and at the people in the mall or the grocery store and ask herself is that really what she sees. She now looks and sees the truth and no longer allows anyone else to tell her how she should view the world. Anyone who has a single source for their news can be manipulated towards a certain cause, but they haven't been persuaded because, in reality, they've been controlled.

Posted by: kelly | July 7, 2007 7:29 PM

Not sure how old you are, but Ronald Reagan didn't care about the average American either. He only said he did and the masses believed him, including my father who lost his job as an electrician for a steelmill just 6months before his 20th anniversary. He had to live apart from my mother, in different states, to earn enough money to retire. My younger sister barely saw her father during her teenage years. He didn't have his own place either. He had to live with my sister's family. Pitiful for any man who worked hard to provide for his family and even served in the U.S. Air Force. I don't defend the Democrats. You're dead on, but don't try to make it out like Reagan or the Republican Party was somehow a better choice just because the people believed their lies. It was the neo-cons who, and Reagan was the start of them, who made "family values" a misplaced priority in American politics. Anyone who does that is simply touting the same note we've heard for the last 12 years by Republicans. If there ever was a time for a third party, this might well be it. But who? Without...

Posted by: kelly | July 7, 2007 7:18 PM

The republican party mutated because the democratic party no longer cares about the working american. It is driven by funds from wealthy contributors with extreme agendas. Well-paid labor leaders, congressmen or their staffs don't know the price of a quart of milk, a pound of hamburger or a car repair today. They have lost that connection to the voters who need them to do more than oppose or support abortion or evolution taught in school. One can't blame republicans for showing their tiger stripes. We should blame democrats for losing their souls. Reagan said, "I didn't leave the democratic party; they left me." Now, they've left the rest of us.

Posted by: douglas bartlett | July 7, 2007 6:38 PM

I sincerely don't understand how a Rupert Murdox can happen. Weren't there checks and balances to prevent this type of thing? Have we become so infatuated with those that accumulate stuff that we don't care what it is they accumulate,even if it's our freedom of press?

Posted by: Robert Webb | July 5, 2007 12:28 PM

The bottom line with respect to the way we are treated here in Canada and the USA , is pretty much handled by Public Relation Staff, the "governing parties propaganda machine" . Who better to help this corrupt bureaucracy than a media, who has the been well schooled in cover-up tactics , after all , Public Relations is well staffed with media sheep. The media play a very major part in picking and maintaining which political party gets its turn at picking “YOUR” pocket , they are the political tool , which the business community use to make sure either party, hold onto the reigns of power. "YOUR” vote and “MY” vote are needed, not for any other reason , except to say that “WE” help justified the process and we have no other choice ,but to wait until the next election, in the meantime , they get to raid our wallets. But "WE" do have a choice, we can refuse to support this corrupt political system,by NOT Voting. These parties by the way are all loaded up with some pretty big lawyers, look for yourself and then ask why all the corruption? One question I have yet to get...

Posted by: Wayne Coady | July 5, 2007 8:26 AM

webmaster@presstv.ir, newsroom@presstv.com Spread far and wide and publish it if have the ball July 3rd, 2007 Carrot and Stick Policy Seepage from savage uncivilized retarded dog-mentalities Let us not project our dog-mentality onto others. Being in Iranian and North Korean’s shoes, would we tolerate such an insult? By: Dr. Murray M. Morgan, (530) 753-9715 call screening If we were faced with such humiliating bullying attitude, we would, for certain, be telling the bully to shove both of them; that is both the carrot and the stick. Is this equal treatment of others? Anybody and any country, with the least amount of pride and independence would reject such outrageous rights-denying (self-determination right) attitude. It baffles me hearing such stupid tactic as a foreign policy mean to persuade Iran to give in into our unfair, rights-denying, and unlawful bullying demand. And we wonder why Iran, so rightfully, resist giving in into our unlawful and rights-denying demand. United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has, politically and unlawfully by meddling into the internal affairs of Iran, has slapped two rounds of unlawful coercing rights-denying restricting sanction measures against Iran. These unlawful acts by the UNSC against the most civilized and peaceful country in the...

Posted by: Dr. Murray M. Morgan | July 4, 2007 6:53 PM

I'm very pleased that Bill Moyers is back on the air, unfortunately I'm afraid most of the people who view his programs or participate in blogs are pretty much of like mind. I was stunned that Norquist could actually make the statements he did about the republicans and corporate america. When one considers the bills passed by the republican congress, the various executive orders effected by Bush it amazes me and I hope others that they can try to pretend that they are supporters of small government. This current administration has consistently sided with the very wealthy and corporate giants against the people of this once great nation. The late republican congress passed laws which were most likely written by the various lobbists for the powerful and wealthy in this country to the near destruction of the middle class and further degradation of the working poor. I think if our government continus on this path we should change the preamble to read " agovernment of the corporations, by the corporations and for the corporations!!! Unfortunately I do not think the democrats are doing much better.I think many of the problems with our goverment can be understood if you think about...

Posted by: William Ware | July 4, 2007 6:06 PM

Mr Moyers - I love your show and thank you for your efforts. However, it would be helpful for you to challenge some of your guests a little more. For example, I was surprised that your guest on the trade issue was making such broad, one-sided statements about how the negative effects of free trade. It was appalling. First off, let me point out that she was a journalist, obviously not an economist. She (and you) pointed to the lost manufacturing jobs and presumed they were all substituted for service jobs. While there's certainly quite a bit of that, and the human element of it needs reporting, you fail to even challenge your guest and even mention that by doing so a) millions of americans benefitted from cheaper goods and b) many americans were given training opportunities to upgrade their skills so that they can be better off. Economics 101 shows that all parties are better off with free trade, and this has been true for most Americans. The transitions can be painful and help should be offered, the stories should be reported. However, your story fed the populist feeling that free trade is bad. I argue that closing, or...

Posted by: Matt | July 4, 2007 3:36 PM

The founders believed that only a limited government could be trusted and controlled. When conservatives speak against the growth of government they are exactly in sync with the founders. Liberals believe (why, I do not know) that government is the solution...conservatives know that government is not the solution to the problem, but government IS the problem. Therefore, the best government is limited government and that government is charged with national defense and public order not social engineering and building a socialist utopia.

Posted by: uga6 | July 4, 2007 3:11 PM

I am so glad you are back on the air.Yesterday's commutation of the Libby sentence got me thinking about some comments from G.Norquist-his hoping for governments to fail, his desire to shrink the government to the size where it could be "drowned in a bathtub," and similar comments. His and I believe Rove and Cheney's contempt for government leads me to the cynical view that at this point any actions they take to inflame further the public's opinion of the government is simply playing into their desire to erode the concept of government of the people. Of course people are outraged! The elitism! The special favors! And so we are further distracted from the real machinations of this administration. As long as we remain disenfranchised, as long as the government is perceived as "them" and not "we the people", they win.The "mis-speakings" of Bush as he refers to "his government" are telling. Bush is so far removed from any frame of accountability that it seems indeed this is "his" government - and the behavior of the democratic-controlled congress is not inspiring any hope for significalnt change.As long as the stranglehold of special interests and expensive (free) speech rulings continue-I feel...

Posted by: Jessie Walker | July 3, 2007 11:28 AM

OK, here's a Scooter Libby post...The Heartland of America stands and cheers for the president's commutation of Libby's sent- ence! Most Americans outside the beltway despise tactics of most Independent Counsels as they parse words to entrap people for a career-boosting conviction. Libby was convicted on a process crime,not anything having to do with outting Plame. Richard Armitage admitted and Robert Novak confirmed that Armitage leaked Plame's identity. That is a fact. Is the IC going after Armitage? What about Sandy Berger? Now there's a federal crime you or I would go to federal prison over! The thing that makes the heartland laugh about is the selectivity liberals use in upholding "the rule of law" when it suits their liberal agenda. Libby's commutation is a great gift on America's 231st birthday. The $250000 fine stands so I guess that's a fair penalty.

Posted by: uga6 | July 3, 2007 10:51 AM

I was hoping to read what other people were saying about Scooter Libby's pardon. I am both outraged and sickened as though the storm troopers are just down the street loading up my neighbors into covered trucks, I can hear the dogs barking and the children crying. I will get to see the camps that Haliburton built will there be ovens or gas chambers. Will I be tortured or have to watch my grandchildren being tortured in front of me. Criminals use the past to perfect their crimes and the victims just stand and wait.

Posted by: MT Land | July 3, 2007 12:09 AM

America's heartland is revived and refreshed by the immigration debate, fairness doctrine, Jihadist appeasement policies of the left, etc. We are rested, revived, fit and ready to lead. The heartlanders still love America, still believe in God, still are willing to die for freedom rather than submit to tyranny. Happy Birthday, America and welcome back heartlanders!

Posted by: uga6 | July 1, 2007 2:42 PM

Mr. Moyers, Thanks again for your brutally honest journalism, at once inspirationally insightful, perfectly timed and targeted at the crucial issues of the day, and depressingly comprehensive in depicting the ignominious morass that our federal government has become. If only you could find a happy ending to ease the helplessness we average citizens feel as you lay this great tragedy before us, week after week. I was in the post library today with my young son and daughter thumbing through a children’s book about President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. I reread the speech of our history’s most celebrated President-poet and digested his trumpeted motivational closing, “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” After viewing your show online, Lincoln’s flourish hit home. The...

Posted by: Dan, Yongsan Garrison, Korea | July 1, 2007 7:05 AM

Gee, I thought of myself as a liberal Republican most of my adult life. What a frustrating mode of life is was!

Posted by: Ted Michael Morgan | July 1, 2007 2:29 AM

One of my brother notes an entry in my late father’s journal from around 1988, when the loony fundies took control of the Republican Party in Georgia. He had argued for open mindedness on abortion and other issues. He commented that he did not make much of a positive impression on the Christian right. I registered as a Republican from March 19, 1961 (when I became 18) until late January 2001. The poverty of argument in the Supreme Court ruling that made George W. Bush president offended me. Enough was enough.

Posted by: Ted Michael Morgan | July 1, 2007 2:27 AM

Excellent program. TheGold/Goldwater piece was entertaining and authentic. I most appreciated your commentary on Murdoch. What a piece of work. He typifies the current environs in U.S. Thank heavens for Bill Moyers

Posted by: M Schwindt | June 30, 2007 7:32 PM

Love the show. Couple picky suggestions on your web site. I'd appreciate seeing a "more entries" link at the bottom of the blog's home page. I see the archives link in the sidebar, a previous pagefull of blog entries is sort of a convention folks expect. Also a language thing, one doesn't really need to "sign up" for feeds or podcasts.

Posted by: Amyloo | June 30, 2007 7:01 PM

Bill, I just wanted to thank you for returning to broadcasting. I missed your thoughtful stories when you left "Now," and I am happy that you are back with inspiring guests and commentaries that are meaningful to our lives. Thanks for returning to PBS!

Posted by: Lindy Atoms | June 30, 2007 6:37 PM

I saw your interview with Bruce Bawer and read his book. It was an eye opener of something I was completely unaware of. If there has been national or local news coverage of this issue, I have not seen it. I will discuss the issues with friends, my UCC pastor, local newspapers, and my Muslin friends to find out how much info others have on this subject. Thanks again for enlightening me and your wonderful program Dan, a 77 year old senior who is still thinking

Posted by: Dan Courtney | June 30, 2007 4:51 PM

Although I was in High School at the time, I remember Mr. Goldwater. He seemed to have an imperialist bent and I was seriously concerned he was not able to navigate the politics to avoid a nuclear exchange with the soviets. When was the last time we had a Republican government that wasn't crazy as hell. In my view, most of the serious problems of the US are associated with policies and activities associated with McCarthy, Goldwater, Nixon, Reagan, Bush, Gingrich, Delay, Fritz, and Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeldt, Rove, and of course, Greenspan. Cheney, Rumsfeldt and Bush are repeats from the Reagan era. I know that Republicans are proud of Ron, but having lived through his budget busting tax cuts and real estate bubble (sound familiar) I thought he was off his rocker. I think that the last four years suggest that that the government doesn't do so well when one party controls all branches. The insanity of the neo-conservative, plutocratic theocracy we have been living through suggests to me that we need a re-boot. Please continue the journal. Yours is a voice that must be heard.

Posted by: zinc | June 30, 2007 4:23 PM

Ron Paul is the only man who can save the republican party, and defeat hitlery clinton is the 08 election. Please help the Texas Congressman in his 08 bid for president.

Posted by: Nate Watts | June 30, 2007 2:20 PM

Wow...Republicans in disarray! The last time it was this bad was 1976-1980 and we all know what happened next...Ronald Reagan and the rebirth of a national conservative movement! Finally after the collapse of the illegal aliens amnesty bill pushed by the country club republicans who are not conservatives, we have exposed them and they will be voted out and conservatives voted in nationwide starting in 2008. This is a great time for reclaiming leadership in the leadership vacuum known as the democrat congress.

Posted by: uga6 | June 30, 2007 1:56 PM

As one who remembers the good old days which you, Mr. Gold and I you grew up in... I wish to thank you for having Mr. Gold on your show... It brought back fond memories of a true semblance of freedom... However, I do take issue with Mr. Gold in regards to his comment that there is no candidate that can carry the Goldwater banner... Please consider the following: I use to have compassion for individuals who were "brainwashed" by the likes of "Rudi McRomney" and cousin "Freddie" Plus Dem Relatives "Obama" and "Hillary" (all of them CFR's)?... However, now I can only feel sorry for them.. Leadership is Action Through *Example Not Position... (It is not a position of power nor being in the right place at the right time, neither define leadership). It is defined by setting the example through taking action on such Leadership Traits as Truthfulness! Honesty! Fidelity! Ron Paul Has Acted Admirably On All These Leadership Traits: “Truthfulness” first and foremost… Then: Principle, Integrity, Honesty,* Fidelity (to their oaths), Honor, Virtue, Compassion, Courage, Vision, Wisdom and Faith. http://leadership2008.bravehost.com Cynicism and defeatism are NOT options to be entertained. "We are in the eleventh hour of losing...

Posted by: Joel Lemieux | June 30, 2007 1:30 PM

Despite the ultimate failure of Conservative monetary policies throughout the history of this country, there's a reason for our obcession with Conservatism every thirty years or so. I think it was best described by the late John Kenneth Galbraith (1908 - 2006), a renown economist who served with honor in governmental and academic positions for many years. In the 2004 PBS American Experience production of "The Crash of 1929", Mr. Galbraith put the recurring aspects of a dark period of our history in perspective. "One of the things you must understand about 1929 and the antecedent years, as about any speculative episode, is the danger... in attributing intelligence to the simple fact that people are associated with large sums of money or large financial operations. We don't ask whether they're intelligent. We say, they're associated with all this money, so they must be intelligent. We attribute intelligence to association with financial operations. And only afterwards do we discover that error and that the people involved can be extremely successful in gulling themselves. That they can be in effect, and I use the word advisedly, marvelously stupid. I used to be quite an optimist... I thought that by keeping the memory...

Posted by: Richard | June 30, 2007 10:52 AM

I too was very impressed with Mr. Gold's interview and stand, and think it might be wise thing for both Democrats and Republicans to buy and read his book! Like many folks, even though a card-carrying Democrat now, I come from a relatively staunch Republican family. My father and grandfather both stumped for Goldwater in 1964 in the Pittsburgh area, and were none too welcome with it. They remained true "Goldwater Republicans" in their ideology long after the election though. What was most important and refreshing though about this (and all interviews by Mr. Moyers), is that Mr. Gold was asked pointed questions and quality follow-up questions. Other than this show, when do we get to see or hear that? Here were 2 guys whose careers have been at polar opposites, yet both talked without being interrupted or told that he was a crackpot or a liar. Thanks to both men for their civility, intelligence, and manners!

Posted by: Buzz Long | June 30, 2007 9:58 AM

Thanks again, Bill for bringing us open honest discussion on these important topics; the obvious thing which was not mentioned in your interview on the mortgage meltdown is that the people who are the pawns in this (another)corporate raid on the underprivileged is that those who can least afford to pay high interest rates and fees are being stuck with them - is it any wonder there are defaults - if the rate for mortgages were the same for all it would be easier for those who are struggling to make the payments. It is strange that those who make the least have to pay the most ?!?

Posted by: Jerry Wahlert | June 30, 2007 9:28 AM

I have to agree with Arnold Heiber about conservatism and finance. I read in AP U.S. history class of Regan and his influence on our economy and it wasn't a good one. I think our finance should just be decided by people who have studied it their whole lives and not by people who want to change it to their political or philosophical belief. Now there is one thing I have been critical of almost every president since McKinley and that is the continued over funding of our defense department, which is a double speak since most of our militaristic activity has been offensive. Under Reagan, Bush Sr., Bush Jr. (and I believe Clinton too, but I haven't checked) defense spending was taking so much money from more important and well needed funding (like education, charity, and even PBS). Yes I am a believer in the Military-Industrial complex and I have yet to see a republican president who would stick to his promises of smaller government. With a smaller government, we wouldn't have such an over-funded defense department and a country where the rich reign power over our government.

Posted by: Vahan Hartooni | June 30, 2007 3:53 AM

Yet another old-school conservative who is fed up with Bush-Cheney and understands that Ron Paul is the only one that shares the conservative principals of Goldwater and Reagan.

Posted by: John C. | June 30, 2007 2:57 AM

I agree: Goldwater was the last Republican politician I ever trusted. Unfortunately, his enemies used his own statements from his book to kill him. Is "honest politician" a contradiction in terms, or should we believe Mayor Richard J. Daley's definition of an honest politician: one who, when he has been bought, stays bought.

Posted by: Norm Netko | June 30, 2007 2:06 AM

I know that thinking is expecting too much, but anyone should be able to read Goldwater's "Conscience of a Conservative." He did recommend a preemptive nuclear strike on the Soviet Union. Everyone, including the communists, knew that their system was failing, with the exception of the U.S. conservatives, who kept on predicting great successes for their threat to take over the world. Look in the Journal of Finance, The Journal of Portfolio Management and, even, The Stock Trader's Almanac. Studies ranging from 65 years to over 100 years record a nearly unbroken record of the financial failure of conservative ideas. And, to top it off, Republican presidencies are, by the numbers, more anti-capitalistic than communism, while the Democrats have produced a long-term record of vigorously capitalistic numbers. Now, there is a record to run on! You see, Communism doesn't work (you don't have to kill it) and neither does Conservatism; they both self-destruct.

Posted by: Arnold Heiber | June 30, 2007 1:11 AM

I have only one question: please, Mr. Moyers, would you run or president? And how about Howard Zinn or Noam Chomsky for VP? :o)

Posted by: Arbor Adams | June 30, 2007 12:37 AM

Yes, pity about the GOP. Damn pity about the many Hamiltonian Democrats, too. Only public election financing (with no opt-out clauses) can possibly save us now.

Posted by: (The Other) Katherine Harris | June 30, 2007 12:37 AM

What happened to the idea that the Democratic Party was a party of and for the working, middle class, middle income and middle of the road people? What happened to the common sense idea that you could agree to disagree and try to work on a common middle that was in the best interest of the country and not just a few.

Posted by: James Miller | June 30, 2007 12:10 AM

Mr. Moyers, Mr. Gold - Barry Goldwater is the only Republican I ever supported - I liked his honesty and forthrightness, traits that are difficult to find in today's politicians. Thank you for this discourse tonight.

Posted by: Cherie de Souza | June 29, 2007 11:57 PM

The person who wrote in "Sean Jennings" was probably never a Republican. Has Sean ever heard of Thompson or Guiliani? Guiliani turned NY around by reducing crime 75%! and a great leader. One of the reasons Nixon resigned was because of Fred Thompson! Admit it Sean, your a democrate pretending to be a republican Sgt 1st Class US Army

Posted by: Sgt. 1st Class Kelley US Army | June 29, 2007 11:34 PM

I voted for Goldwater and used to be a card carrying Republican, but no more; the Bush/Cheney administration has turned me into a card carrying cynic. I will never vote for a Republican candidate again until another Goldwater comes along. As Victor Gold pointed out, I don't see a "Goldwater" out there anywhere on the horizon. I predict our country is headed for a train wreck and because things are so out of whack, we may never be able to get the train back on the track!

Posted by: Sean Jennings | June 29, 2007 11:03 PM

The Republican party NOT wedded to Corporate America?!! That's a joke right? Did he ever hear about K Street? The Drug Industry that wrote the Republican Drug (rip-off)Bill! The Party, that voted and fought tooth and nail to stop any raise in the mini-wage! Yea, they believe in tax cuts, for billionaires, and oit companies! I don't know what party he was talking about but it sure isn't the Republican party!

Posted by: Andie | June 29, 2007 10:50 PM

Bravo, Mr. Moyers & Mr. Gold! Yes, I am disgusted with the current political status-quo, and it is due, in large part, to public ignorance, which is due to the failure of socialized education. I grew up in a Republican family and am solidly Pro-Life. I consider myself conservative and God-fearing religious, but not a neo/theo-con so eloquently described in your program. I support Dr. Ron Paul because he is the only true Goldwater/Jeffersonian Conservative choice, and the only candidate Constitutionally qualified for the Presidency. Barry Goldwater, Jr. has formally endorsed him, yet the establishment rejects and ridicules him. This just evidences that the those with power have undermined America, deliberately or not. Those who yearn for true liberty, true security, and true prosperity now have a voice in Dr. Paul, and America is starting to listen. To Mr. James, we are finding our way again because we are an important part of our Republic. Say the pledge and tell me what form of government was established by the Constitution.

Posted by: George Cooksey | June 29, 2007 10:20 PM

victor golds book...what i its name

Posted by: myron halpern | June 29, 2007 10:18 PM

Both parties are racing to embrace the lowest common denominator in their "base." That translates to thugs and bullies on both sides intimidating any dissent or debate. Meanwhile the elite at the top of the 'right' and 'left' divide play kissy face.

Posted by: Iben son | June 29, 2007 10:08 PM

Right now, Mr. Gold. I am a little too young to remember Barry Goldwater's run for President but I remember the time when a statement meant something, and things today are wrong. Too much (so-called) faith and too little honesty. But as the new right led the way, the centrist left ran to support the conditions we see today. Who speaks for the American people or simply the truth?

Posted by: David Murray | June 29, 2007 10:03 PM

Excellent, electric conversation with Mr. Gold. Thank you. Glad to see you back on PBS.

Posted by: Carol Verdin | June 29, 2007 9:59 PM

I am a liberal democrat, and I do admit that I feel sorry for the true republicans out there, who (I feel) have had their party hijacked by crusading idealogues like George Bush, and the religous right. All Republicans deserve true men, like Ronald Reagan, who represent their values, not the values of God fearing demagogueish special interest groups. I hope they can find their way again, because they are an important part of our democracy.

Posted by: Christopher James | June 29, 2007 6:38 PM