This article appeared in the National Review Online.
Under fire for its management of a wave of problems, the Obama administration has reached into its bag of tricks and pulled out a new bogeyman: Fox News.
Given the seriousness of the challenges our nation faces, the administration’s ploy to delegitimize Fox is nothing more than a distraction. On Sunday, the White House communications director charged that Fox is not a real “news network.” Why? Because the White House says so.
The administration repeatedly accuses Fox of lies and has urged the rest of the media not to treat it like a news organization. The White House is so angry that it has tried to “punish” the network by not doing any interviews on Fox at least until 2010.
This episode is about much more than just Fox News. Today, the administration’s target is Fox; tomorrow, it could be someone else. The administration apparently feels entitled to receive friendly (or what it subjectively deems “balanced”) news coverage at a time when it is making monumental decisions that will have sweeping consequences for years to come. Its heavy-handed treatment of Fox is unseemly in a democracy that depends on the free flow of information. Even commentators and journalists from other rival networks have expressed alarm.
Friction between the media and the elected officials they cover is inevitable. I know this from experience. But lawmakers and the executive branch should be able to agree that going after individual news organizations for no other reason than to sully their reputations (oddly enough, the administration’s clash with Fox will only increase the latter’s profile) is not good for our nation. President Obama should know better. He is above this.
As the White House bickers with a cable-news network, the challenges facing America grow more formidable by the day. Since January, millions of Americans have lost their jobs. Our military commanders say we risk losing the war in Afghanistan unless we boost troop levels; and our military men and women risk their lives each day waiting for a decision from their commander in chief. And a flood of new government spending threatens to blow a hole in the national debt, devalue the dollar, and place an insurmountable burden upon our children and grandchildren.
Freedom of the press is a celebrated right that has shaped our society for more than 200 years. Accordingly, tough scrutiny by the media is something all administrations should expect and accept. Our nation faces many difficult challenges, and the White House should be focused on the truly pressing issues that require our prompt attention.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:41 pm Thank you Mr. Cantor… Leaders have got to start speaking up. Thank you..
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:52 pm I will be 66 in December, old enough to retire. I checked in with my 401K this morning and discovered that if I withdraw $10,000 then I’ll get $7,213.00 after taxes. I have watched my 401K go down and down and now I have to pay that kind of tax on the money I tried to save for my retirement. We are not talking a big amount, a little over $30,000. It makes me sick that now I may have to work for the rest of my life just to be able to live and not cost my children anything. Parents should leave to their children, not have the children take care of them.
I know this is about freedom of the press, but it’s the only forum I have. Pork Barrell spending should be outlawed at least while us poor people are trying to get our feet under us. I only make a little over $25,000 a year and I thought I could easily retire and keep my bills paid, now I can’t. What is Obama going to do about that? Also, FIX MEDICARE,
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:54 pm I will be 66 in December, old enough to retire. I checked in with my 401K this morning and discovered that if I withdraw $10,000 then I’ll get $7,213.00 after taxes. I have watched my 401K go down and down and now I have to pay that kind of tax on the money I tried to save for my retirement. We are not talking a big amount, a little over $30,000. It makes me sick that now I may have to work for the rest of my life just to be able to live and not cost my children anything. Parents should leave to their children, not have the children take care of them.
I know this is about freedom of the press, but it’s the only forum I have. Pork Barrell spending should be outlawed at least while us poor people are trying to get our feet under us. I only make a little over $25,000 a year and I thought I could easily retire and keep my bills paid, now I can’t. What is Obama going to do about that? Also, FIX MEDICARE! That’s a government run program and it doesn’t work. Why cost us more money when you can’t get what you’ve got corrected?
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:54 pm Mr. Cantor, keep speaking up loud and clear. there are millions of us that know President Obama should know better, and should be above trying to silence the free speech of a news organization. He doesn’t know better, and he is not above doing whatever it takes to get his agenda across. There is no doubt now, who he is – we just have to let everyone know it. So FOX NEWS, and MR. Cantor call them like you see them and you will continue to be at the top..
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:55 pm Thank you, Congressman. Actually, I am more likely to listen to FOX news than any other network, as they seem to be more balanced than the others. In my opinion, this administration liked to think that everyone agrees with them, because they won so easily, and they seem to have trouble with the concept that they are losing approval every day. If the former administration had tried to de-legitimize every news organization that criticized them, there would be none left!
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:11 pm Obama is NOT better than the way he is acting, but props to you for saying it. You are a gem in politics!
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:12 pm Obama DOES know better. He is deliberately trying to destroy this country and everything that it stands for. He wants us to enter third world status so that we will be (no better than any other country) ready for ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT and guess who he thinks should be the president of that governing body.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:18 pm I believe this is being used as a diversion tactic. I am not impressed with the White House or President Obama for using this tactic to take to focus off of health care, the war, buy outs, etc. The White House should be attacking the “other” networks for not telling the truth. The White House has lost all credibility by using this ploy. If the White House continues this type of “childish” behavior they will surely not be a second term for President Obama.
Congressman Cantor, please stand strong against the liberals and the White House for the American people. You have four votes in our household, and when my teenage daughter turns 18 she will stand behind you also. Thank you for voting the way the “people” want you to vote.
Keep up the good work you are doing, we believe in you! God will be with you all the way…God Bless you.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:20 pm Everyone knows that something has to be done to fix the health care in the U.S. When you hear Doctors talk about the b problems, it all originates from the Insurance carriers. The price has to be inflated to be able to pay the executive salaries. As one doctor on Television said he could give adequate medical care to anyone for 87 dollars a month. It was further discussed that the reason that the price is so high is because of all the insurance companies involved. We need to fix our borders, and educate the people in the United States. Stop spending money on ACORN and other criminal enterprises–We as Americans have never backed down from a debate about our first Amendmends rights, Freedom of speech– God Bless America–Lets fix the problems, not creat a mess for all Americans
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:20 pm I don’t agree with everything that FOX news says, but I do appreciate that at least they ask the hard questions no one else in the media seems to want to ask. For him to target a news organization just indicates what little political experience he actually has and should make us all a little worried. This President said that if people voted for him the ‘politics as usual’ would go away and we would see lots of outreach and cooperation. It is very alarming that not only does he not honor those types of campaign promises, but he and his staff actually drive the wedges deeper into the divides. Your point about Free Speech is a very good one. If his administration is allowed to keep trying to silence those that disagree, then where will that lead to but an unraveling of the rest of our constitutional rights.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:22 pm Right on, Congressman. This attack on someone just because they don’t go into the tank for them is sickening. The other news organizations should observe that their “going into the tank” like they have, makes the Administration believe that they are doing good, just mean ole Fox News doesn’t get it. Mr. Cantor the only entity that can stop this horrible mess is the Republician Party. But that party needs leadership. Who can give it?
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:24 pm All news organizations, busineses and individuals in the United States should be horrified by this “divide and conquer” tactic that the current administration is using not just regarding media, but all aspects of life in our country. They should realize that one day the President and his Czars will say or do something that they disagree with strongly. They will then have a choice–continue the applause or express honest disagreement and be punished. The administration is attacking ANY group or individual that expresses disagreement–calling them liars, racists, extremists and more. Just this week they announced that even the Chamber of Commerce is on the list of those to be punished–right along with banks and insurance companies. When was Freedom of Speech deleted from the Constitution and when did it become the right of the government to squelch expressions of fact or opinion from any part of the electorate, whether news media, business leader or private citizen. When are each of us who express disagreement publicly or privately going to be the target of “punishment” by the administration. Where is the truth and transparancy that Obama and his friends promised our country. When did it become truth for Nancy Pelosi to say this week that allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire “is not a tax increase” it is just “ending a tax decrease that was there.” When President Obama told America before the election that we were “four days away from fundamentally changing America,” he was telling the absolute truth, but too many Americans did not realize what he meant by that. I don’t think they realized that destroying freedoms on which our country was founded, regularly criticizing our nation in front of audiences worldwide, neutralizing our defense systems, attacking our only viable sources of energy, or nationalizing virtually every aspect of our society were part of the package. But obviously they are and we should all be getting ready to stand and reclaim our country, just as the signers of the Declaration were in 1776. Or, alternatively, we can say nothing and become serfs in a socialist state, accepting “gifts” from a “benevolent” government in exchange for our freedom.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:24 pm I could not agree with you more, Congressman Cantor! Why are’nt they working on the very important problems? What are they trying to hide from us? Are they afraid Fox news may report something about the Obama administration that the other ‘News’ channels are afraid to report? They have waged war on Fox-not News instead of making important decisions about how to move forward with our real war with the Talibon! I am very concerned about the direction this Obama WH is taking this country! I have a son that wants to serve his country with the Marines-my only child-he loves his country this much! In spite of this President-he still believes in this country! That makes me proud, and I know what an honorable decision it is, but this WH has me worried for all our military! We just closed the Franklin Paper Co today-1100 jobs-and Obama is talking about Fox-not News! Unbelievable!
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:26 pm Obama seems to think that he is King of the World. He needs to realize that the world does not revovle around him. He is the nearest nothing president that we have ever had. If you don’t agree with him, watch out.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:28 pm This administration really scares me – it seems to want to control everything !
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:29 pm I wholeheartedly agree with everything you have stated. Thank you for being a voice for the citizens. I hope you continue to do so. We really are in bad straits now. Please keep working for us. The President may have won the election but he losing the confidence of the citizens.
You have spoken truthfully and the freedom of choice is still ours.
Thank you
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:31 pm Congressman Cantor,
Your last sentence says it all, sir. There are far more urgent issues that demand Presidential attention.
These non-value-added distractions, if pursued, will guarantee this president is a one-hit wonder. Unfortunately, our Nation will be paying the price for his lack of due diligence to the Office of the President long after he is gone.
Keep pressing forward, Congressman.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:39 pm I totally agree with everything you wrote, and Fox is the only station I watch for National news because they are the least biased and expose all sides of an issue. I didn’t vote for Obama, and he is using his ‘rock star” ability to sway the American public. Remember that the average educational level of most Americans is sixth grade.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:41 pm Thank you Congressman Cantor for speaking out on this and many other issues as well.
I believe this particular issue to be a diversion so that there is less questioning of what our President is doing on other issues such as health care and the economy. Please keep challenging him on the issues; the majority of Americans don’t agree with what is being proposed even if the White House would like every media outlet to say that they do.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:42 pm Your article is right on target. One might hope President Obama is above this kind of tactic. If so, he should repudiate the actions of his staffers who are responsible for it and start a talent search for better people to replace them. And of course I will continue to rely on Fox News for the real news reports, so I will know what the news toadies of the other three networks have failed to report or have turned to suit their own slant.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:48 pm This very serious! He did this with Humana and the Chamber of Commerce.
We must remember this when we vote.
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:48 pm Mr. Cantor,
I APPLAUD YOUR WILLINGNESS TO STAND TALL AND BE COUNTED FOR ALL VIRGINIANS AS WE MOVE FORWARD IN THIS TIME OF UNCERTAINTY . IT SEEMS THAT EVERYTHING THAT MAKES US Americans is being Torn Down by the Left-wing Democrats in Washington ! Please keep up your Efforts , and know that ‘We Trust and Truly Appreciate your hard work and vigilance on our behalf . ” God BLESS FOX NEWS” and all that will not yield,to those that would destroy us as a Nation and Thank you.
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:03 pm Thank you Eric for representing my views and values in Congress. Keep up the good work!
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:08 pm Wasn’t it Stalin who said…
Control the media. Control the people.
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:12 pm Thank you for your insightful observations. Freedom the press is just the latest victim of an unrelenting attack by the current administration on our constitutional freedoms. The prevailing attitude in the Obama White House seems to be that any opinion is welcome so long as it isn’t a dissenting one.
I salute Fox News for continuing to present a truly balanced picture of current events. Contrary to accusations by the president’s advisers, Fox features both news and opinion programming and the distinction is always clear. The public can draw their own conclusions, and should be left free to do so. Sadly, the White House does not seem to share this view. Recent attempts by government to silence dissent on talk radio by invoking the Fairness Doctrine, and their newest campaign to influence internet content by regulation of access are frightening signs that freedom of speech in all its forms is now in jeopardy.
This administration’s “jihad” against a single news organization is a transparent effort to divert public attention away from their failed and/or misguided policies on the economy, health care reform and national security. In their cynicism, they actually believe they will succeed in misleading the American people. It is a serious miscalculation, I am certain. I applaud your efforts to represent us all in the defense of our basic rights as Americans, and continue to extend my support to you.
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:21 pm Mr. Cantor, thank-you for having the courage to speak out. I think this man and his administration is dangerous. As for Mr. Obama I’m still waiting for him to produce his birth certificate. Until then he will remain Mr. Obama to me. What does he have to hide??
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:28 pm I am sorry to see my beloved country in the hands of such unscruplus people! They indicated that they were going to use a Czar to curb talk radio but straight from the White House comes this unconstitutional statement. I am proud of the men and women journalists that did not allow that to come to fruition.
On the health care issue they are NOT listenting to the public. We feel violated when we speak and they do not listen or call us names. This is not American.
I heard Nancy Policy today ask a reporter if he meant what he asked (does the health care option agree with the Constitution) and her reply was “are you serious?” This is an example of how far off this administration is from the Constitution.
Please help us to make our concerns known.
Thank yoou.
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:32 pm Congressman Cantor:
President Obama misrepresented his ideology to get elected and now we’re all paying for his arrogance and far left agenda. His attack on Fox News is an arrogant and unseemly attack on the First Amendment. Millions of Amercians who voted for him are having “Buyer’s Remorse” now.
The Health Care Bills are now so loaded down with dangerous and unworkablle provisios that I can no longer support any of it. Health Care needs reform to control costs but this legislation doesn’t do that. Our country has lived beyond it’s means for far too long. We can’t afford this monstrosity.
Thank you for your efforts to hold the line.
Larry Kline
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:36 pm Thank you for standing up for America and the rights of all no matter their view, I didn’t think we had to fight that battle, I thought that was resolved by our forefathers, let see have we forgoten about the ones before us that fought and died for our rights. Anyone that disagrees with Mr. Obama is thrown under the bus, do I need to worry? For anyone reading this get out the vote so we can show the nation where Virginia stands on the rights for all, not the chosen in the White House. Dont’ vote for the party vote for the right against wrong and our Republician Ticket will show the way.
Jerrie W.
Prince William County and Proud
Woodbridge VA
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:46 pm In the opinion of this writer the Obama administration and their majority in congress are making a mockery of the Constitution and due process. They are ignoring and denying the stated objections of the people to their mismanagement and distortions of free speech along with just about every other guaranteed freedom. If you don’t agree with them you are the enemy a terrorist if you will.
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:46 pm The only reason Obama doesn’t want Fox News is because they tell the truth. America was built on freedom of speech and he’s trying to destroy it.
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:47 pm Thank you Mr. Cantor for being one of the few voices of reason.
This is just one of the latest outrages that all Americans irrespective of party should be wholly alarmed with – this is freedom of speech and a biased maintstream media maching controlled non-other than by leftist politicians and the executive administration – one needs only to look at both previous and current communist, dictator-led regimes to see the parallels that are haunting. The hypocrisy is beyond belief at this point – as we all know if this were coming from the right the left would be chanting in the streets – you can say what you like as long as you agree with Obama and Pelosi!???!!!!
Americans PLEASE WAKE UP – history DOES repeat itself – they said the atrocities of WWI couldn’t happen again but they did, they said Hitler’s atrocities couldn’t happen again but they did and they are – we have the President’s communications officer saying publically that she holds Mao Tse Tung as one of her personal, favortie philosophers – one of the most evil men of the history of mankind responsible for the murder of 70MM Chinese – they are taking over and this is not paranoia – it’s happening again – right here and now – Tsars in the USA Democracy government? Are you kidding me???!!!! Stand up for your rights and don’t let Obama and this leftist machine take over our freedoms, free markets, free speech, free to be entrepreneurs/innovators, free to send our kids to schools of our choice, free to have the health care & doctors & treatments of our choice – IT’s going down and we are all accountable if we let it continue.
I have lived in the so-called benevolent nanny, socialist state of Germany for 6 years – we could never get ahead because of taxes, regulations & restrictions, home ownership would have been an impossible dream that only the fewest of the rich can afford – but boy oh boy there’s government subsidized housing for the rest of the lot! Nationalized health care there that almost caused the death of my critically ill son – the doctors there told me emphatically get to America if you can – and thank god I did or he wouldn’t be with us today…no people – even JFK said it best – ask what YOU can do for YOUR country not what it can do for you – if you want nanny state there are plenty of countries HAPPY to have your tax dollars…
Mr. Cantor – thank you and please keep fighting for the right causes of what’s made this nation the envy of the world and the only true, free democracy still out there – when our rights of free speech are in open jeopardy from the White House Chicago-WAY thugsip – we must ALL be concerned!
Sincerely,
Allison Roelen
Single working mom with special needs child who does NOT want a government handout – and PROUD AMERICAN
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:57 pm Thank you Mr. Cantor for expressing what so many of us feel about the way Fox News is being attacked. It is good too know that you will speak up for what is right.
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm We should all be outraged at Obama and his Senator and House followers for the shady way they have joined Obama’s cause to “Change America.” This free speech is just one more in a list of freedoms that this administration is crushing because, with Fox ,you get the truth and the truth is too damaging at this early stage of the Obama takeover. Soon it won’t matter because we will be so overcome with all the problems of getting any healthcare, getting taxed to death, working meaningless jobs, and being a welfare state that free speech will be what our fathers had and we lost. Fox do not stop. The only station that tells it like it is, is Fox News. Thanks!
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:20 pm I pray for you and others in the Congress who have the courage of their convictions. You and Fox are are on the front lines to protect our liberty. God bless you.
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:28 pm Deara Eric Cantor,
Thank you for alerting me to President Obama’s continued destruction of the USA – I fear that his policies and lack of experience will lead to dire consequences – You think healthcare is expensive wait till it’s free………….is just one of the many things he is doing that will undermine our healthcare system…………………may you and your colleagues find a way to right the ship that Obama is trying to sink……….for without free speech no one will truly be free.
Best regards and GOD BLESS AMERICA!
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:33 pm I cannot believe we have such a “thin-skinned” President. It’s laughable! He has no clue as to how many people he could actually reach through Fox News. Some of us, having learned how Mr. Obama strong arms the other stations to only reporting what he wants reported, can never really trust CBS, NBC, & ABC to tell what’s really going on.
These other stations better wake up and fight for “their” free speech, or they will certainly find it gone. At this point it appears they are “giving up their free speech” so they can rub elbows with the white house. Sad & Dumb!
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:34 pm Our free speach has never been in this much danger. Thank you for speaking out. I used to watch NBC news everyday, three times a day. I can not watch such propaganda anymore! With all the problems in our world, thier big news story is Mrs. Obama hula hooping. Where are the stories about our troops being killed , our nation going more in debt each second and the job losses in America?
The federal goverment says we must get the swine flu vacine and the health care system fo the entire country!!!
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:40 pm Thank You. I first thought that the erratic behavior of this administration was because they were new to having power, but I am beginning to wonder if there is ANY intelligent life in the White House, as they do not seem to understand capital and markets, basic human nature, or even the constitution.. and now, when someone disagrees with them They say the dissenter is not legitimate.– I guess they got so used to most of the media acting as the Obama propaganda machine, they can’t handle a little bit of truth.– I guess Fox can benefit from the surge in Ratings gained from having the displeasure of His Majesty.
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:59 pm I am amazed that 534 elected officials can not protect our constitution !!! It’s time congress gets to work on Constitution Reconstruction. America is getting angry. Anger is tough to stop as the wrong person(s) are in charge.
This is not directed at you as you are a conservative and do your best.
Veterans are getting angry with the cuts in the Medical. Don’t forget that the vets make it possible for everyone else to live in peace. The least that the country can do is take care of them medically.
I congratulate you on being a conservative with the rare quality of a politican; common sense.
Richard S. Hildebrand
October 23rd, 2009 at 6:25 pm If the President is criticizing someone, that automatically elevates them in my esteem.
October 23rd, 2009 at 6:52 pm I am in agreement with you. It is appauling but not unexpected that the Obama Whitehouse is going after Fox News. Since Fox News has been the only one that has been uncovering the Acorn scandal, the Czars’ true intent, the whitehouse snitch website (those that the Obama’s whitehouse targeted as rightwing terrorists) and asking the hard questions. Is there any news source willing to ask the hard questions…I haven’t seen any but Fox News actually be news worthy. Of course Obama doesn’t like them and would like to use them as an example if or when or in the future any other news organization that is not in love with all that he does decides to actually report on the news.
October 23rd, 2009 at 6:59 pm Thank you for coming through for people that have been aware about how this administration is being run ( or not ). My husband and I live in the shenandoah valley, he is retired and I am on disability, we believe this feud with Fox News is nothing but childish, and a ploy to divert our attention away from what is really going on behind the scenes. We only hope that all the people that so blindly followed this President and believed his lies will see the real President Obama before it is to late and our country that we have fought so hard for is gone!
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:08 pm It seems that so many of our freedoms have been taken away in such a short time.
Let us hope that the next election will show Washington how the people feel.
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:08 pm Let’s stop with trying to take away Free Speech in our great Country! Obama acts more like a DICTATOR! We are not Venezuela – as we know he admires Hugo Chavez – what does that tell us??!! OBAMA needs to concentrate on creating more long term career jobs, get the economy going positively and PROTECT AND DEFEND the U.S., This administration is trying to take over everything! Stop the Healthcare takeover – LEAVE IT ALONE! We already know that the government cannot help this industry – the post office continues to fail, social security/medicare is almost broker – so the lawmakers need to keep their hands off our great healthcare system. The housing market needs to rebound and help with the troop insurgence in Afghanistan before we lose more of our troops as a result of Obama’s inaction and stalling!! Obama stays in Campaign mode and hasn’t shown Leadership!
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:25 pm The sense of entitlement of self styled and proclaimed visionaries such as President Obama has historical precedent. It can have serious consequences if not controlled. Leaders such as Venezuela’s Chavez and Zimbabwe’s Mugabe were elected because of the electorate’s dissatisfaction with current national problems, and saw criticism of them as dangerous dissent that had to be stifled. We see where that type of thinking has led.
I urge President Obama maintain a sense of humor and realize that criticism (and even targeting) go with the territory, and being able to stand the heat of the kitchen the best characteristic a president can have. Reagan was a very good example of this.
His relative lack of experience on a national stage is showing, and the honeymoon cannot last forever. He wanted the job in spite of his lack of preparation. Now he has to mature quickly for the good of the country. I wish him well. After all, it won’t be just his end of the boat that sinks.
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:26 pm Now, more than ever, the Constitution requires constant defense. Thanks to Mr. Cantor for his vigilance. I hope some those from the other party wake up in time!
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:28 pm I AM AMAZED THAT THE OTHER MEDIA HAS NOT HAD ENOUGH NERVE TO STAND UP FOR FOX. DON’T THEY REALIZE THEY COULD BE NEXT?
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:35 pm There is a reason why it is the very first Amendment. Napoleon said, “I fear the newspapers more than a hundred thousand bayonets.”
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:11 pm Thanks! Well said!
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:09 pm Mr. Cantor,
I do so agree that Mr. Obama needs to take a look at himself and get some kind of control on his ego. I thought we were a free country but if he has his way he will be King instead of president. I feel people need to wake up and realize what things are coming to. If we don’t have someone like Fox to get the truth out how are we going to reach everyone.
Keep up the good work and don’t let up on Mr. Obama’s lies.
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:30 pm You are correct that the response to Fox by the Obama White House has been miserable and will only bring Fox more attention. This is unfortunate since the network represents a new low in TV journalism. There is so much commentary closely intertwined with their news coverage that any thought of unbiased news is out the window. It’s never possible to eliminate bias, but Fox has given up even trying. It’s a return to 1800’s muckraker journalism. Fox News is a poor choice as a poster child on this issue for those really interested in Freedom of the Press. Seems like people like Fox primarily for their political leanings, rather than their stellar news reporting.
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:11 pm The administration proves once again that their heads are in the clouds believing the “annointed one” to be untouchable and “lord of all”. All they have managed to do is put Fox News squarely in the spotlight this entire past week, no doubt increasing their viewership, which already solidly beats out the remaining networks combined. They’re out of control and the American people are on to them. I can’t wait for November 2nd. I KNOW that the conservatives are going to blow the Dems out of the water!
Watch Beck. Watch all the video clips from the past two years of Obama. See him speak about how open his administration is going to be. How transparant. Then watch him take the doctors, the insurance companies, the pharmaceautical companies, the lobbyists behind closed doors to work out secret deals with them on Healthcare.
He’s such a liar its not even funny. And then there are his side kicks Nancy and Harry. What a disgrace these people are. All they do is lie. Five days every bill would be on the internet so the public could read them. LIes, lies, lies.
Kick their behinds FOX. We stand behind you solidly. And thank you Eric for a very well written piece and solid truth. Stick to your true conservative principles and we the people will stick with you. BTW, are you one of Glenn Beck’s “re-founders”? You ought to be. If not, why not? I hope and pray that you are committed to conservative, moral, honorable principles first and foremost and the republican party 2nd. Patriot accolades to Sarah Palin for backing the candidiate who was staunchly conservative. Pinheads to Newt Gingrich for supporting the Republican because he was “better than the democrat” even though he too was incredibly liberal. Shame on Newt.
Keep up the good work Mr. Cantor!
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:47 pm Dear Mr. Cantor,
Thank you so very much for standing up to this blatant attempt to censure free speech and silence the press (Fox News) by our President and this administration. I am truly appalled at these tactics taken by President Obama and his administration. Their attempt to silence any criticism or to squelch any questions he prefers not to raised about his policies are outrageous. Quite honestly it is the right of every news organization to report, comment or criticize any elected official. If people do not agree they have the option of tuning out and/or changing to a channel which corresponds with their ideology. I further believe Mr.Obama’s lacks the courage to face his distracters with facts so he has chosen to go to battle with Fox news in an attempt marginalize and eventually disable them from reporting.Mr Obama is trying to destroy a news agency because they dare to criticize and question his policies! I hope more elected officials would vocalize their concerns and relate those fears to the American public. This is no way for any American President to behave. Enough is enough and it is now up to representatives such as yourself to stand up to this kind of bulling and request these tactics cease.
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:55 pm Obama is not better than his retoric! He is on target with his propaganda and truthfully deserves worse ratings that he is showing. The American people hopefully will wake up sooner or later.
October 24th, 2009 at 4:52 am You said, “He should know better. He is above this.” I disagree with the “he is above this.” He is not above doing anything he can to get his way. He is like a spoiled brat who thinks he can say what he will and do what he will. I wish the lawmakers would wake up and see what he is doing – see him for what he is. He can tell others to cut their spending and then flit all over doing what he pleases. He is trying to make something of our government that will be detrimental to all of us if he succeeds. Don’t give this guy an inch. As we used to say, “He will take a mile or think he is a RULER.”
October 24th, 2009 at 5:31 am The Obama Machine is a snow ball rolling down hill. The further it rools the bigger it gets. If this madness is not stopped quickly there will be no stopping it. As it gathers momentum and size it run rough-shod of anything, any one ,any news organization in its path. The bias of ABC,CBS,and NBC has caused me and alot of FREE THINKING americans to stop watching them. We were warned before the election of this man , Polici and Reed, by some but instead got caught up in the Hype of Change Change Change. We can only blame our selves. Our ability to restrain our selves in the financial areas, our coulture of having government do for us has given opportunity for a power hungry person to grag power. We evidently fail to teach enough history on how some of the worlds worst Dictators came to power.Where are we headed? I do not know, but I do not like what I see.
October 24th, 2009 at 5:35 am Though disappointing, the Obama treatment of Fox News does not surprise me at all. I once taught in a small private school for children with autism whose Owner was much the same in her treatment of anyone with political views other than the liberal views she espoused. I was ridiculed and yelled at by her husband when he asked me if I watched Fox News, and I responded positively. In my point of view, this is clearly the reaction of people who do not believe in God and would rather be God. To each their own beliefs and consequences.
Congressman Cantor’s practical suggestion that we have far more important issues worthy of consideration by the White House is valid and intelligent. Thank goodness he is willing to weather the political storms in a steadfast effort to honestly represent the majority of Americans and our values.
Conservative to the Core
October 24th, 2009 at 6:54 am Eric,
Great article, however, you give our President too much credit! Obviously he is NOT above trite, immature attacks on anyone- remember “Joe the Plumber”?
Apparently he does NOT believe in our Constitution either- Isn’t that an impeachable offense?
Think about it. The American people are.
October 24th, 2009 at 6:55 am This blast against the Fox network is just the latest example of the Obman administrations efforts to stamp out any diasagreement with their policies and initiatives. Sooner or later the silent majority will get its act together and put a stop to this overt raid against our historic freedoms.
October 24th, 2009 at 6:57 am President Obama has not been on the side of our freedom-loving country since the day he took office. In my opinion, every comment he makes in defense of America’s interest seems to be followed by an apology to other countries. That he does not like senior citizens is obvious from his proposed health care agenda. In short, the faster Obama can move us toward socialism, the happier he’ll be. He seems to be modeling his behavior after the dictator Chavez, so an attack on free speech is to be expected. Hopefully, if we can get rid of some members of Congress in 2010, we can stop the march toward a destruction of liberties. An attack on Fox, talk radio, etc. is just the tip of the iceberg. Obama is a Marxist, purely and simply; and all freedom will go. Sadly, too many people have been deceived into believing that Obama has good intentions. Not so. What amazes me is that so many people don’t really care that our freedom of speech is being attacked. Remember what happened in Germany…..?
October 24th, 2009 at 7:03 am I agree with everything you said Mr. Canter except “he is above this.” He is not above doing any thing to achieve his goals.
October 24th, 2009 at 7:32 am It is sad that it our country has come to this piont. The White House is afraid because Fox News is bringing out the thruth about the people that are running our country now, and may bring out things in the future that would really reveal the true intent of the adminstration.
October 24th, 2009 at 8:33 am This administration has nothing but cheap tricks and childish manners. Fox News is the only legitimate news network around with both sides of the story. The Democrats see the numbers going down, down, down in approval rating and their followers who have always been blinded starting to see again and realizing what a mess this country is becoming. I fully support you and the Republican party and hope you can turn things around because if you cannot, this great country is going to be diminished.
October 24th, 2009 at 9:13 am Thank you Congressman Cantor. This is just another indication of how much this President hates this country and is determined to change it to something we will not recognize. I am not an admirer of our news media but I think Fox is the best.
October 24th, 2009 at 9:33 am Keep up the fight in Washington and stay strong. I support you. We are living in such scary times. It’s amazing that there are still plenty of people that to me “just don’t get it.” Please continue to speak out and help others learn the depressing facts about what Pelosi/Reid and Obama are doing and not doing in Washington!
-barb
October 24th, 2009 at 9:35 am ROOSEVELT said ‘”the only thing we have to fear is fear it’s self”. The present administration apparently is very much afraid that listening to FOX news, more voters will realize the mess they are creating for the for the present and several of the future generations! Hopefully we will see the results of the open views of FOX next year!
October 24th, 2009 at 9:56 am Thank you Congressman Cantor for speaking for all Americans. This attack on the Fox network is just the begining of the control this administration wants to have over every one in this country. I would wish everycitizen would speak out in defense of free speech. Please continue to lead us in this effort.
October 24th, 2009 at 10:21 am I am beginning to wonder if we have a real government under President Obama.
This is the way dictators start their move to power by shutting down any opposition to their plans of action no matter what they are.
I am just as disturbed at the silence of other news networks, have they lost all of their back bone?
I fear that our countries future as a Republic is in jeopardy.
Please continue your opposition to this attach on the freedom we enjoy!!!!
Charles W. Owens,Richmond, Va.
October 24th, 2009 at 11:34 am This administration has gone” one bridge too far”. It may not all be Barack Husein,s fault. He has surronded himself with people who have an agenda of their own. He does not listen to any one except those closest to him and they really do not have his best interest at heart. They are out to benefit themselves by clutching glory and power wherever it is available. The American people MUST wake up and “smell the roses”. It may be possible to show him and his administration what is happening by changing power in New Jersey and Virginia.
The most recent row with FOX News is just the tip of things to come if a stop is not made to the encroachment of constitutional freedoms in this country.
October 24th, 2009 at 12:08 pm I KNOW WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, I CAME FROM CUBA 39 YEARS AGO, AND I
KNOW HOW CASTRO DID THE SAME . HE DOESNT TOLERATE ANY OTHER OPINION.
I WOULD LIKE TO PUT TOGHETER A GROUP OF SPNISH, HERE IN HENRICO, WITH SPANISH INFORMATION TO WAKE UP THE SPANISH COMMUNITY.
LIBERTY OR DEATH
MARIO
October 24th, 2009 at 12:59 pm Congressman, you give our president too much benefit of the doubt. He is well aware of the necessity to squelch free speech and freedom of the press, and create diversions in order to pursue his goal of “the fundamental transformation” of our republic. Next on the horizon is “net neutrality” and newspaper bail-outs to gain control of print and internet. Plus our FCC Diversity Czar wants to mold radio into the image and likeness of Chavez’s Venezuela. It’s time to call this administration what it is – nothing short of DANGEROUS.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:10 pm Recommend that Congress publish a resolution acknowledging that the government has a right to rebut media challenges in the interest of “truth” and correction of misinformation. However, that Congress disapproves of efforts to disestablish or deny media access to government. That’s the American way!
October 24th, 2009 at 1:28 pm You say that Mr. Obama (I can’t bring myself to acknowledge that this man is our President) “… is above this”. I beg to differ in that he IS it! He is responsible for and promotes it as the “boss” in the executive branch. This man has no respect for democratic principles and you only have to look at his antics, apologies, and waffling over the last nine months. Oh!, and did I forget to acknowledge his out and out lieing??? This narcisist is on a roll to serve only himself and the machines that have put him in power. I love my country, but currently dispise the controlling, but out of control, government….. Fox news being persecuted, and the constitution being urinated on, are mere tip of the iceburg symptoms of the administrations ugly anti-american agenda.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:53 pm Rep. Cantor: fyi, obama is not above doing anything to get his way; he and his entire administration are simply sobs. every day there is something new coming down the pike which will further deteriorate our form of government; for God’s sake, if we wanted to live in the former Soviet Union we would have “fundamentally transformed” our country long ago. you guys up there have to keep on top of everything they are doing because i don’t have the staff to write to you and all the other good reps and senators alerting them to these things; keep in touch with Glenn Beck on a daily basis; he’s working very hard to dig up as much as he can and keep us all informed. keep up the good fight.
October 24th, 2009 at 4:23 pm My husband and I are behind you 100% – we are fully aware of Obama’s tactics which are obviously clear. PLEASE continue to speak up loudly. Thank you.
October 24th, 2009 at 4:28 pm Dear Eric:
We are beginning to be very frightened by the moves Mr. Obama is making. Does he not realize he is only the president and our laws apply to him as well as any other citizen?
We hope that Congress will come to its senses as well and step in very soon.
Keep up the good work!!!!
October 24th, 2009 at 6:04 pm I take my news from a variety of sources on the right and on the left and am gravely concerned when politicians on either side attempt to silence their critics. It was very encouraging to read your thoughts on this matter, and I am grateful for the strength of your convictions.
October 24th, 2009 at 6:57 pm Your points are well taken…this is a big mistake by the administration…just as many Dems and Independents (if not more) watch Fox as Conservatives. This administration is insulting many more people then they are making happy. They may want to back off and rethink this tactic. A very bad move amongst a plethora of bad moves!
October 25th, 2009 at 6:22 am Thanks for upholding our Constitution. Please do not let our rights as Americans be crushed by this administration. Someone is giving President Obama bad advice. Did he not realize that you don’t fight someone who has a microphone. This is a pretty basic theory.
WE have bigger battles to fight now i.e. no jobs, losing our homes, no virius protection for our children. Alos protecting our military
October 25th, 2009 at 9:41 am Obamma is like va kid with his hand cought in the cookie jar and lashes out at everybody.
This goes to show he knows next to nothing about the U.S.A. or does not give a DAM
October 25th, 2009 at 1:53 pm Keep doing the right thing, Mr. Cantor. Speak up—do not waver. Our country needs more honest, hard working, God fearing, people like you to keep the USA united and strong. And Obama is out to destroy it. God bless you.
October 25th, 2009 at 4:16 pm Thank you for your comments on the pettiness of the White House in trying to discredit FOX news. This is a disgrace to our freedom of speech and the press. Obama and Emanuel are running the WH and our country just like in Chicago politics, down and dirty. This has to change, American is a free country not a dictatorship. Now legislation is being considered in the Senate to allow the FCC to creat new net neutraility rules which will lead to the control of the internet by Obama.
October 25th, 2009 at 4:33 pm Congressman, many thanks for your views, voice and votes. Conservatives need to increase the frequency and intensity of responses to the outrageous actions of the current administration. This includes keeping pressure on those “across the aisle.” Why is Charlie Rangel not under investigation? How about Chris Dodd, among others? Republicans have for too long been the nice guys. While that is admirable, when up against liars, thugs and thieves, one needs to drop the nice facade.
In my household, it is Fox News or no news. Sometimes, even the news on Fox is so upsetting that I just turn it off. But, at least I have a choice. If this Fairness Doctrine ever gets traction, we may be completely without a voice.
October 25th, 2009 at 5:29 pm Eric,
Fox News (FN) is not a news channel. Most informed individuals understand that it was established and continues to be a “house organ” for the far right of the Republican Party. As the saying goes-you can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time- but you cannot fool me.
October 25th, 2009 at 5:44 pm When Democrats cannot “stand the heat”, i.e. “full transparency” per Obama’s campaign promise, then perhaps they should consider living in a different country, one where it is permissible to extinguish voices of dissent. However, at this point in time, our Nation still has a Constitution, which allows for “dissent” in many forms, and that also applies to Fox News Channel, whether their focus appears to be Pro-Republican or not.
Americans are not going to stand by idly while the President’s administration attempts to quash our Constitution. Nor are we willing to stand idly by when our Service men and women are putting their lives on the line to protect that Constitution.
The White House needs to get to work and stop lashing out at Americans, including those who work for Fox. They need to stop their diversionary tactics and do what needs to be done to make our Nation prosper, without burdening future generations. In the course of their “doing business”, they should be “adult enough” to expect dissent. It’s been the basis for “CHANGE” since this Nation’s inception.
President Obama, reign in your attacks on Americans, and DO YOUR JOB! Have you forgotten that you swore an oath to our Constitution? Are you so inept? Americans want to know. Unfortunately, since your staff members have bragged that you “owned the media”, you set yourself up for the flack that you’re taking from Fox News. You have no one to blame but yourself. GET OVER IT.
October 25th, 2009 at 6:50 pm this is just another example of our president’s childish actions. he is again showing who he really is. IT IS HIS WAY OR NO WAY. he is again going back on his promises to unite. HE IS ALL TALK. he needs to be called down on every one of his actions that do not match up with his promises. free speech is only for him and his gang. they can and do anything they please and call foul when someone else does the same. THEY ALL ARE A BUNCH OF SPOILED CHILDREN THAT NEED A GOOD SPANKING.
October 25th, 2009 at 6:57 pm Mr. Obama doesn’t like freedom of any kind!!! That is, except his. Why should we be surprised that he is attacking freedom of speech? He took an oath to defend the Constitution, but I have seen him do nothing but trash It since he took office. I hope you, Mr. Cantor will take him to task on this and many more issues. We are quickly loosing our Country!!!!
October 25th, 2009 at 7:41 pm I would have to agree with Thomas Jefferson: Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.
Thomas Jefferson
October 25th, 2009 at 8:05 pm Obama is just afraid of the hard questions that FoxNews is willing to ask! So much for being a “new and open” white house.
October 26th, 2009 at 9:51 am Dittos!
It is heartbreaking and scary what is happening to our country. Yeh to Fox News for keeping the pressure on. I refuse to watch other news channels now! Democrats only game is personal destruction. We have to continue to fight for our rights. Thank you, Mr. Cantor, for all you do–keep up the good works.
October 27th, 2009 at 12:58 pm Thank you, Congressman Cantor, for your willingness to stand up for what is right. I honestly feel that the President’s main goal is to turn our country into a socialist state in which the people will have no rights, but he will be able “to spread the wealth” as he stated during his campaign. We are quickly losing our “land of the free and the home of the brave.”
October 27th, 2009 at 6:37 pm Thanks Mr. Cantor for finally having the guts to start speaking out about a President who is on his first full time job. A PRESIDENT who essentially has:
NO Executive Experience
NO Policy Experience
NO Military Experience
NO Health Care Experience
NO Auto Industry Experience
NO Judicial Experience
NO Financial/Banking Experience
NO Foreign Policy Experience
NO Media related Experience
NO Medical Experience
NO Climate Science Experience
VERY LITTLE Legislative Experience
We are facing a potentially disastrous situation on the home front and abroad!!!!!!
October 27th, 2009 at 6:51 pm Rep. Cantor,
My deep appreciation is sent to you for supporting our First Amendment and the Constitution. Our President and the leaders of the Democratic Party (Reid and Pelosi) do not have the interest of the American people in their hearts. Please continue to support freedom in America and for its citizens. My heart cries for my children and grandchildren as I see a socialist President and Congress whose appetite for spending my tax dollars is totally out of control and is bankrupting our country.
Obama Health Care, Cap and Tax, Confused or NO support for our military men and women, Stimulus spending for political and not economic purposes, higher taxes, socialist policies rather than capitalism — where are we going? God bless America.
Thanks for all of your work on behalf of God-fearing American citizens everywhere.
Sincerely,
A. J. Steger
w
October 28th, 2009 at 8:08 pm Dear Mr. Cantor,
Thankyou for your letter, I agree that Fox is doing an outstanding job of being balanced and bringing accurate information. It is the main source of my information and happenings in Washington. Thank you also for putting the facts out in the open as to what this country faces. We are lead to believe that the biggest “problem” facing Americans right now is Health Care when that is just not accurate, while it is something that needs reform it is not the most pressing. I agree that our troops are in harms way and out President is hesitant to reinforce them, I find this shameful and disrespectful to the men and women currently in service overseas waiting with their lives on the line from a President who is busy playing golf.
October 29th, 2009 at 8:17 pm Everyday President Obama takes this country in a direction that I never thought I would see in my lifetime – and it is SCARY! We are not respected by foreign countries anymore. He can’t make a decision and hasn’t done anything in the 10 months he has held office. He is the typical politician promising everything in a campaign – what happened to the transparency? I can’t wait for this 4 years to be over.
November 11th, 2009 at 1:32 pm Obama does not know better and is not above that.
Their every move is strategic to their greater goal of a socialistic takeover. Hard to believe in a country such as ours that has afforded so much opportunity to grow, succeed and enjoy liberty and freedom. There are those among us who do not wish to participate in our democratic way of life. We all know them. We work with them, live in same neighborhoods of many. They are angry, jealous of others success, dependent, and stuck in a rut. Many independents voted for Obama for such superficial reasons. Obama was “cool” and represented such a positive change that people could not, would not, see through his words nor accept the people who surrounded him. They still surround him and they run the show. Obama is a front guy. He has never had a job, supervised people, made a paycheck, created profit. Those who surround him are likewise unqualified to run anything. They don’t know business, marketing, sales, nothing! And they now want to run GM, Chrysler, Wall Street and the Banks. What absolute arrogance! What absolute danger! Get rid of Acorn and maybe we can get rid of them in the next election.