WISCONSIN
Rosie began today's broadcast immediately discussing the latest happenings in Wisconsin. Rosie said she was both shocked and disappointed. Rosie said the Governor in Wisconsin broke the law and passed a bill that strips workers' of their rights to collectively bargain by taking out anything in the bill that had to do with finances that would require a quorum to pass. Rosie said this proves this bill wasn't even about the budget and that it was just a way for the right-wing to further take over the state government. Rosie called it a bait and switch and said she fears it may lead protesters to act in a way that will demonize them and shift focus on who is really the bad guy - Walker himself! Rosie said she's heard about a mass walk-out planned for 2pm tomorrow (Friday) where high school students and teachers are going to walk out of their classrooms in protest. Rosie said for anything to change, there has to be a huge movement by the entire Middle Class to stand up and say they won't allow this type of legislation to be passed. She said if we don't, it could be the end of Democracy.
Rosie took several callers on the topic. One caller from Ohio saw Pat Buchanan refer to the protesters as having a "mob mentality." She saw this as an attempt to try to change public opinion to see the protesters as a mob and not workers merely trying to stand up for their rights. Rosie completely agreed. Rosie took another caller who talked about how this will further create a two class country and Rosie called it class warfare. One caller from Ohio wondered why more celebrities are not coming forward to fight the attack against unions. Rosie couldn't really speak for other celebrities but said she is willing to support the working class as they fight for their rights!
Janette and Rosie expressed their frustration over the political climate and how corporations are now allowed to financially back political candidates. Rosie read a statement from AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee in response to the bill: "This is about more than Scott Walker's arrogance. He is tossing aside basic American values. Public workers fought long and hard for the right to collective bargaining. Martin Luther King Jr. died defending that right for AFSCME sanitation workers in Memphis. We are not going to allow a small group of radical politicians in Wisconsin destroy what Americans have fought generations to win.”
Rosie took another caller who thanked Rosie profusely for bringing more media attention to their struggle in Wisconsin. The only Republican who voted against the bill was Dale Schultz who Rosie said Bravo to. Rosie then read his statement to her listening audience: "As someone who as spent the better part of the last four weeks working toward and hoping for a compromise, this is a difficult night. I've had the honor and privilege of representing folks in Southwest and South Central Wisconsin for 28 years, and where I come from ‘compromise' isn't a dirty word. I've received tens of thousands of e-mails, thousands of phone calls and letters, and spent hours meeting with thousands of citizens in my district. I've heard personal and heartfelt stories of friends and neighbors, and they ask for just two things. First, be inclusive by listening and working with your colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reach a compromise which addresses our fiscal crisis. Second, public employees are willing to make sacrifices on things like wages and benefits, but we need to preserve collective bargaining as a tool which has helped keep labor peace in this state for decades. Ultimately, I voted my conscience which I feel reflects the core beliefs of the majority of voters who sent me here to represent them. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the days ahead as we now need to join together to work through what promises to be a difficult budget."
Rosie took a call from a listener who was in tears over what's happening in her state of Wisconsin. She thanked Rosie for standing up for them and bringing them the attention that she has. Rosie said she's sick of the middle class being vilified and destroyed. Janette said she really believes this is all happening because we're living in a corporate oligarchy where profit has become the only thing that matters. Rosie took another call from a listener who works for a trucking company who has been told if this bill passes, his company will leave the state of Wisconsin. Rosie took a call from a listener in Michigan who was upset that people don't realize all the good unions have done throughout history to protect the rights of workers. Rosie was extremely frustrated at the vilification of teachers. She said she has friends who are teachers and they are NOT living high on the hog! Rosie recommended listeners watch Jon Stewart, Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell tonight for the latest coverage.
MADONNA'S W.E., AMERICAN IDOL AND JUSTIN BIEBER IS NOT DEAD
Rosie said she went with Madonna yesterday to see a screening of her new film W.E. which Madonna directed, produced and financed. Rosie said it's brilliant. BRILLIANT. Rosie didn't know what she was expecting but she said it's "absolutely beautiful." Rosie talked about what a huge talent Madonna is and how she cried after one of her concerts because of how much her talent amazes her. She said she was agog at her talent and she still is. She said the acting, directing, everything about the film is beautiful. Following the screening, Rosie was at a loss for words and said she almost started to cry. All she could manage to say to Madonna was, "You are absurdly gifted." Rosie said Madonna's talent literally stops her in her tracks. On her drive home Rosie thought about all the things she's been privileged to witnessing her do in her lifetime. Rosie said her charity event Raising Malawi for example was so far beyond any event she's ever been to like that. Rosie wasn't sure when W.E. will be released but she said it is very, very good.
Rosie came home and watched American Idol and said it was a little disappointing. She really loves this season and doesn't want to bash it but she said she thought some of the performances last night were sub-par. Rosie was surprised that some of the judges didn't say that too. However, she felt Casey Abrams and James Durbin were astonishing. Janette said it was the first night that her boyfriend Barry mentioned he missed Simon on the show because no one was critiquing the performances very well. Rosie agreed and said if she can tell someone is singing off pitch you know it's really bad. They played James and Casey's performances from last night and Rosie took some calls to discuss it. One caller compared Casey to Will Ferrell and said she's always waiting for him to say something funny. Rosie saw the resemblance and said there's something unique about Casey that makes her smile. She loves that he's so unique and she loves his confidence and joy. Pete loves the way Casey looks just as he is but Deirdre and Rosie think Casey needs a little sprucing up. Bobby liked Pia and Thea last night and they played their performances for the listening audience.
Rosie told a funny story about Vivi from this morning. Vivi came to her crying so hard Rosie could barely understand what she was saying. Vivi is a BIG Justin Bieber fan and Parker knows this so last night he showed her a video of when Justin Bieber gets shot and killed on CSI. Vivi thought it was real and said she couldn't sleep at all last night because of it! Rosie let her stay home because she was so bereft over it. Janette wondered if it was a good idea from his management to allow a teen idol with such young fans to be shot to death on a television show. Rosie agreed.
PARKER'S GROWING UP, LETTER FROM GLEE CREATOR AND JULIE TAYMOR
Rosie said she didn't get home until after midnight last night and Parker was still up writing his research paper that was due today. She said she and Parker have officially reached a turning point - he answered questions she did not know on Jeopardy for the first time. She compared it to the time he beat her for the first time playing chess.
Rosie said she got a lovely letter from Brad Falchuk the co-creator of Glee. Rosie was discussing the other day how much she loved the speech Kurt's father gave to him about sex and Brad wrote to Rosie to tell her thank you and how that speech would be exactly what he would tell his child about sex.
Bobby and Rosie discussed the latest Spiderman news that Julie Taymor has left Spiderman. Rosie and Bobby think Taymor is a genius and unbearably gifted. They discussed the article in the Times and how Julie is reportedly very upset over leaving the show. Rosie said she understands why Julie is so upset and wondered if the show will ever open. They discussed the new Director and how the show is also getting a new Book Writer, a new Music Director and a new Sound person. Bobby recently saw Spiderman in previews and said there are parts that are so amazing he wept and parts that are so boring he wanted to weep. Bobby heard that Julie has been pushed out of the show because she would not make the changes to the show people thought they should change. Rosie and a caller discussed how it's unfair to criticize a show when it's still in previews and Rosie said when a show brings in a new Director it's a big sign that a show is really troubled.
THE NPR SCANDAL, PIERS MORGAN AND UNFOLLOW CHARLIE SHEEN
Rosie and the staff discussed the latest scandal to hit NPR and what it means for public radio. Rosie thought it seems like the new thing to "catch somebody" doing something bad on video. Everyone agreed that this probably means NPR will be unfunded this year because of this.
Rosie watched last night's Piers Morgan and was a bit shocked to see him interview the older brother and uncle of a 12 year old who had just shot both his parents THAT DAY. Rosie thought the question, "How do you feel that your parents have been killed today?" was a little odd to be asking someone the same day they lost both their parents.
Rosie asked for an update on the latest Charlie Sheen happenings. Apparently, Charlie is doing a cooking show on Funny Or Die. Some people have mentioned that they thought Charlie's recent rants have been "performance art" like Joaquin Phoenix. Rosie and Janette thought this was ridiculous and Rosie said if you think that you're in an absurd level of denial. Rosie also said she thinks people are now becoming less interested in Sheen's antics and that this will be the time to really worry about him. Shoshana recently read that CBS President Les Moonvez and his wife hired security because of Charlie Sheen. And Pete let everyone know that tomorrow is un-follow Charlie Sheen on Twitter day for those who will no longer enable him by following him. Janette thought that was a nice thought but didn't think that will work because people love a nice train-wreck.
DEBI MAZAR
Debi said this has been the best role she's ever had because she gets to cook and do comedy. She and her husband try to make it very relatable and also make sure all the food is healthy. Debi said she wanted to make people feel as if they're invited into her home not as if they're teaching them to cook. They try to keep all their recipes fun and uncomplicated.
Debi said she'll be back on Entourage next month to film their final season! She said she's excited to see what happens next in the show. Debi said she's had a lot of fun playing her character on Entourage but said sometimes the lines her character has to say even makes her blush!
Rosie and Debi then discussed the work she does with Midnight Mission. Debi said she does the work because of the people. She said it's the innocence of the children and the people trying to rebuild their lives that inspires her and shows her there's always hope. Plus she said when she works for Midnight Mission she knows she did something important in her day and she didn't just show up at some event in a pretty dress. She said she'd rather get her hands dirty and be part of the solution. Rosie thanked Debi for calling in and told her she has to go see Mo's new movie W.E.!
You can catch Debi on Entourage on HBO and on Extra Virgin every Wednesday night at 10pm on the Cooking Channel.
GAME: BROADWAY PLACE YOUR BETS
During this game each player started with 500 points. James played a short clip of a song and they had to identify which Broadway show the song was from.
ROUND ONE
Rosie: bet 300 points and they played a clip of a song from Pippin and she got it!
Pete: bet 100 points and they played a clip of a song from My Fair Lady and got it!
Janette: bet 100 points and they played a clip of a song from Guys and Dolls. She didn't get it.
Bobby bet 300 points and they played a clip of a song from Hairspray and he got it.
Shoshana bet 300 points and they played a clip of a song from Anything Goes and didn't get it.
ROUND TWO
Rosie: bet 300 points and they played a clip of a song from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat but she didn't get it.
Pete: bet 100 points and they played a clip of a song from Sunset Boulevard and he didn't get it.
Janette: bet 100 points and they played a clip of a song from Damn Yankees and she got it!
Bobby: bet 300 points and they played a clip of a song from You're a Good Man Charlie Brown but he said Snoopy so he didn't get it!
Shoshana bet 100 points and they played a clip of a song from Little Mermaid and she got it!
ROUND THREE
At the beginning of Round Three everyone had 500 points except Shoshana who had 300.
Rosie: bet 200 points and they played a clip of a song from Les Miserables and she got it.
Pete: bet 300 points and they played a clip of a song from How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying but he didn't get it.
Janette: bet 100 points and they played a clip of a song from 42nd Street but she didn't get it.
Bobby: bet 300 points and they played a clip of a song from Wicked and he got it.
Shoshana: bet 100 points and they played a clip of a song from Oliver and she got it.
ROUND FOUR
At the beginning of Round Four Rosie and Bobby had 800, Shoshana had 700, Janette had 400 and Pete had 200.
Rosie: bet 400 points and they played a clip of a song from Sweet Charity but she didn't get it.
Pete: bet 200 points and they played a clip of a song from Little Shop of Horrors but he didn't get it.
Janette: bet 400 points and they played a clip of a song from Funny Girl and she didn't know it so Rosie fired her.
Bobby: bet 300 points and they played a clip of a song from Evita and he got it!
Shoshana: bet 100 points and they played a clip of a song from Aida but she didn't get it.
BOBBY WON!!!!!!!!!! Rosie came in 2nd and Shoshana came in 3rd.
Rosie closed the show reminding listeners to pay attention to what's happening in Wisconsin.
and that's what you missed - kw
Posts
Folks - this issue in Wisconsin is HUGE. It is clear the GOP wants to strip the voice and power of the people so that only corporations have a voice and power. I agree that removing the collective bargaining part from the original bill proves it has NOTHING to do with the budget deficit and is only a ploy to silence the people. Not to mention that it was a dirty underhanded and most likely illegal trick. It's time for the common people to REVOLT! We need MORE unions and we don't need the permission of the states to have collective bargaining power. We can collectively vote them out!
ReplyDeleteNow - before some anonymous person comments that we did the same with health care reform - let me just stop you by saying if we hadn't compromised with the GOP then we would have REAL health care reform. The fact that we do not have a public option proves that we did indeed compromise.
Kelly - thanks for the wrap-up even if it is a frustrating day.
Dennis - Fort Lauderdale
Thanks for the great recap, Kelly.
ReplyDeleteAlison
Dennis, The "Public Option" for healthcare meant the government would offer their own insurance. Could you really trust the government to decide on which health care you are deserving of? You can be sure seniors would not be receiving the same care as they do today. Someone with breast cancer would not be given treatment when the cancer returns after a certain age. There was a ton of things wrong with the "public option." You can't see beyond your political party. If the Democratic reps. had returned to Wis. this vote would never have happened. People don't hate teachers. Stop using that as a battle cry. Public employees who are paid by the people's taxes shouldn't be given more advantages than the private sector. We pay their salaries. They are accountable to us. Tenure is wrong. Those who pay don't like it.
ReplyDeleteThanks again Kelly,
ReplyDeleteto Anonymous, I'm going to defend Dennis (because I like that guy): What a sad and uninformed populous we have if you honestly think that government 'run' healthcare would be wrong for this country.
Do you read any news outside of the US media? Because if you had, you'd know that Canada and the UK have some of the finest medical care in the world. (I know because I've lived abroad and am married to a British citizen).
Then there is Japan and Western Europe who offer the world's best care to All of their citizens. Why is it that the USA does not have this? Because the Insurance Companies in this country set the rules, NOT the doctors, NOT the patients, the insurance companies! And our elected officials LET THEM. Our current system is downright barbaric. Congress had to do something and with all of their compromises, we still don't have a health care bill that included a public option.
At least now, you can't get dropped by your insurance company if you get sick. It's finally illegal for the insurance companies to drop you.
Take a couple of hours and watch Michael Moore's documentary Sicko and weep as you watch our citizens go to CUBA to get the health care that they couldn't get in this country. See that those health care providers there (and around the world) don't care about how you'll pay, they care about helping you get well and treating your illnesses and not about the bottom line. The insurance companies in this country are PROFIT based, and are not about providing health care. Their fiduciary responsibility to the shareholders is to make a profit, not heal you. We need to completely dismantle their system.
And, another thing, no other network has covered the WI situation better than MSNBC. Every single night, Rachel Maddow, Ed Schultz and Lawrence O'Donnell have covered the protests and explained why it is so important to ALL Citizens in this country. The GOP has already stripped the southern states of bargaining rights and they are focusing on the northern states now. This is war people. This is a fight for our livelihoods. We have to stop this.
If you've read this far, thank you.
Lisa in Indy.
Well said Lisa and Denbec. I live in Canada, and while our health system is always open for improvement, I appreciate it so much. I've lived in three countries and have never understood why anyone would fight universal healthcare.
ReplyDeleteAlison