Time to reiterate -- Write those emails, letters, and phone CBS!

[Kanary]

I'm doing something I've never done here before, because I think it's now imperative for ALL to write, and ask everyone we know to do the same. I'm using an article that someone else has posted, to emphasize just how important it is that we ALL reinforce our support and appreciation for what Dan Rather and CBS are doing.

Here is the email:

[e-mail]

Here is what we've been waiting for: A reporter who is showing this kind of integrity. This is a quote from Dan Rather from the article:

"These are unpleasant truths. But they are truths. There was
and is no joy in reporting them. But part of what reporters are supposed to do is ask
questions, dig for facts and, when truths are found, share them with the public and,
when called upon to do so, speak truth to power. This we did."

To emphasize that how important it is that we balance the input that CBS is receiving, here is a quote from that article about what the RW is doing:

"In the meantime, tens of thousands of e-mails from angry Bush supporters have
poured in to the CBS offices in New York. A new Web site has been established
called Rathergate.com, which has asked concerned critics to fax complaints to
CBS’s local affiliates and advertisers, putting more pressure on the news
organization to either shore up the loose ends or establish an internal investigation,
much as New York Times columnist William Safire had suggested in his column on
Monday, Sept. 13. In his column, Mr. Safire had urged Mr. Rather to give up the
ghost, urging him, "Courage!"


To re-emphasize what Rather is thinking, here is what he is saying about the risk he is taking:

"I certainly care about it," he said. "To me, even people who aren’t inclined for one
reason or another to like me know I’m a lifetime reporter trying to be independent
and to report without fear or favor, to be an honest broker of information. On the
times when I’ve failed, either because I didn’t ask enough of the right questions, or
didn’t ask the right questions, I, and almost every other journalist, have taken a fair
enough criticism for, in many people’s judgments, not asking the right questions, or
not asking the right questions strong enough, long enough in the time preceding the
war. And I think some of that criticism is justified. I do not except myself in that
criticism."

Seems clear to me....... *THAT'S* what we've been wanting to hear!

Letters, everyone!

Kanary

[Kierkegaard]

1. Sent mine off earlier today...

"Mr. Rather,

Americans, whether or not they realize it, owe you a debt of gratitude for your courage and perseverance.
In these times of blamelessness, scandal and innuendo, it takes strength, conviction and true moral character to face down the obscene criticisms made by thugs who would have us spoon-fed a steady diet of untruth. You are to be commended for your forthright determination to expose those untruths and to demand the answers to questions few seem interested in asking.

Integrity is the order of the day and you Sir, have it in spades.


Sincerely,
XXXXXX"

[Individualist]

18. Sent an email this afternoon n/t

[Kanary]

36. Please consider sending another one.

I sent one yesterday, and one about that article, and now am sending one about tonight's 60 Minutes.

More can't hurt!

Thanks! :hi:

Kanary

[calimary]

47. to expose those untruths and to demand the answers to questions few seem

"...to expose those untruths and to demand the answers to questions few seem interested in asking." MAN, eloquence runs rampant here! Beautifully stated!

[Kierkegaard]

58. Thank you.

I really appreciate your compliment!

:toast:

[Kanary]

2. In my excitement, I forgot the link.....

Where's that danged shame-faced emoticon? :)

http//www.observer.com/pages/frontpage1.asp

Thanks to AnnInLA for sharing that!

Great article -- much more hopeful than many we've been reading.

Please, everyone..... write those thank yous! We have thousands of RW hate emails to combat!

Kanary

[calimary]

9. KICK! This is important!!! Or maybe you're okay with having CBS hear

ONLY from the Bad Guys?

[Hekate]

3. Will do -- Dan deserves bouquets

Thanks for the reminder

Hekate

[Kanary]

5. Thanks, Hekate........ go ahead and post your message here,

If you'd like. It may inspire others to do likewise.

Bouquets of thanks...... :hi:

Kanary

[Pallas180]

15. Thanks Kanary. Great thread.

[Hekate]

53. Here's my e-mail to Dan Rather

I think it wanders a bit because I was not able to get back to it for hours, so the brain is tired. Time to sleep. ** Hekate **

Dan Rather and CBS: THANK YOU!

Dear Mr. Rather:

I'm sure, the times being what they are, you and CBS are receiving considerable heat for daring to question or criticize George W. Bush, his administration, and/or the Bush family. We have all witnessed by now the unfortunate spectacle of people who initially speak their piece against the policies or behavior of President Bush, only to retract key parts of it quite soon after -- former Treasury Secretary O'Neill comes to mind. I watched him say on television, regarding the publication of his book: "I'm an old man. What can they do to me?" The very next day a rather shaken-looking "old man" televised a virtual retraction of that which was already in print. It does make one wonder what on earth the lever was.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for getting your facts and sticking to them. We, the American people, are desperate for good investigative news reporting. We would not be in the dire straits we are now if more "news" programs actually did what you are now doing, which is investigative reporting and not just repeating what Scott McClellan says in the daily briefing.

I am very impressed with Mrs. Marian Knox. She is obviously as sharp as a tack and remembers her experiences in detail, as one would be likely to do if one worked with an ambassador's son, the ambassador became vice president, and the goof-off son became president.

It's one of the reasons that the brushoff given by Bush and his spokespersons about who served with him in the TANG and Alabama Guard ring so hollow to me. If one of my own college room-mates had been the scion of a nationally prominent family, and had gone from being an irresponsible so-and-so to being president of the US, it would only be natural for me to mention from time to time that I knew him when. But in the case of Bush, no one from Alabama has.

As much as I believe that past actions are a predictor of present character, I am greatly concerned about the wars we are fighting now, both the one in Iraq and the so-called culture wars declared on America by our own far-right-wing citizens. Keep doing what you are doing so well, though. And again, thank you for doing it.

Very sincerely yours,

*X*X*X*X*

[Kanary]

71. If that's a letter you write when you're "brain tired", I'd hate to see

what you write when you're "sharp as a tack". :hi:

This is what is so fun about sharing what we write.... Everyone has such a different approach! I really wish this one was chosen to be read on the air!

For others... just remember, don't get intimidated by some of these very well-crafted letters. So much mail is just scanned briefly and put in a pile of "yea" and "nay", so just a brief declaration of your opinion is all that is really required.

Thanks for posting this Hekate! It's inspiring!

Kanary

[The Traveler]

4. Exactly right, Kanary

I am composing my letter right after 60 min.

[Paradise]

6. done! thanks for the reminder! :) n/t

[Kanary]

7. Very welcome... and be sure to read AnnInLa's thread, too

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2357195

:hi:

Kanary, who now can't WAIT for 60 Minutes! This could be *really* good!

[calimary]

8. Guys - just in case you're tempted to think it doesn't make any difference

CHECK OUT THIS THREAD:


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x814301#814744

In short, it's a discussion started by DUer Francine Frensky, about the emails Matt Lauer read on this morning's "Today" show - in response to Kitty Kelley's appearances. CHECK IT OUT. It'll make your day...

[Kanary]

11. Great, calimary! Thanks for adding that!

Terrific testimonial, and makes me wish I'd watched the show, just to see his reaction. :)

Thanks for the gentle nudge......... the RW has been practicing this for years, and look where it got 'em. If we want our country back, we're going to have to do the same!

The above thread proves that!

Kanary :hi:

[Pallas180]

13. CALIMARY- can you give us CBS' phone number? - we need to counteract

the negative stuff they are being bombarded with.

[Kanary]

14. I was just going to ask for that..... thanks..

I can't afford to call, but many can, and that is also great.

We need to get this message through to them in a BIIIG way!

Kanary

[calimary]

16. Here's a whole bunch of CBS info:

(CBS) 60 Minutes:

ADDRESS:
60 Minutes
524 West 57th St.
New York, NY 10019

PHONE: [phone]

TRANSCRIPTS: 1-800-777-TEXT

VIDEOTAPES: 1-800-848-3256

CBS “60 Minutes” email info:

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/60minutes/main3415.shtml - go to the bottom of the page and click on "feedback" and you're in.

“60 Minutes II” - [e-mail]

CBS Evening News: [e-mail]

CBS – THE EARLY SHOW (Hannah Storm territory)
The Early Show
524 West 57th St.
New York, NY 10019

E-MAIL: [e-mail] .

PHONE: [phone]

TRANSCRIPTS: 1-800-777-8398
VIDEOTAPES: [e-mail]

Also, at the bottom, click to their "Contact Us" listing, and you can send a comment.

[Digit]

10. Sent one after his first report, but

I think I will send another one to say how he has gained my respect for just reporting the facts.

[Kanary]

12. That's right! It does make a difference to do so. Let's CBS know

we're still watching!

Did you read the article? That also deserves a personal message to Rather. Those words are so compelling!

Kanary

[calimary]

40. Kickez-vous

[harrison]

17. Sent mine a few minutes ago. I have never written a major

news outlet. We deserve to know the truth about the military record of our commander in chief during a time of war.

[Kanary]

19. Thanks! I never used to write either... just cheered or grumbled silently

But, we've learned that we lost because the RW was writing, so ......... that puts the ball in our court.

Thanks for taking the time, and I hope you keep it up....... didn't hurt much, eh? :)

Kanary

[calimary]

48. EXCELLENT job! You're not a virgin anymore - whee!

And good on you, too, Kanary!

If they think we don't care, they won't, either!!! Kanary is correct, by the way. The republi-CONS have been doing this for years. They mastered this mass-media-manipulation long ago - and look where it got them, INDEED. We have some catching up to do, and I suggest we start YESTERDAY.

[troublemaker]

20. Please do NOT write or call, you will just keep this story alive

and it is NOT helping us. This story is becoming a serious drag on the campaign. Just my opinion, but an internet forum is an amalgam of individual opinion and this needs to be part of the mix.

[Pallas180]

21. I CANT BELIEVE YOU WOULD SAY SUCH A THING - ITS SIMPLY WRONG

this is the first reporter that has gotten up the nerve to tell the
truth about Bush's lies.....and you want to leave him hanging in
the wind?

Foolish...don't you write or call....

WE WILL - TO HELP THIS COUNTRY.

this is not a matter of Kerry's campaign, it's more important than Kerry's campaign.

THIS IS THE MATTER OF THE FOURTH ESTATE RETURNING TO NON CENSORED
TRUTHFUL REPORTING.

[Zomby Woof]

50. Me - I am waiting on those Plame indictments

When, oh when??

[Pallas180]

51. beating a dead horse.... this is more important now as is the

attorney Stanley Hilton's thread/interview

If you haven't read it , do.

That's the next thing we need to get out to the media

[Pallas180]

22. I CANT BELIEVE YOU WOULD SAY SUCH A THING - ITS SIMPLY WRONG

this is the first reporter that has gotten up the nerve to tell the
truth about Bush's lies.....and you want to leave him hanging in
the wind?

Foolish...don't you write or call....

WE WILL - TO HELP THIS COUNTRY.

this is not a matter of Kerry's campaign, it's more important than Kerry's campaign.

THIS IS THE MATTER OF THE FOURTH ESTATE RETURNING TO NON CENSORED
TRUTHFUL REPORTING.

[Pallas180]

23. I CANT BELIEVE YOU WOULD SAY SUCH A THING - ITS SIMPLY WRONG

this is the first reporter that has gotten up the nerve to tell the
truth about Bush's lies.....and you want to leave him hanging in
the wind?

Foolish...don't you write or call....

WE WILL - TO HELP THIS COUNTRY.

this is not a matter of Kerry's campaign, it's more important than Kerry's campaign.

THIS IS THE MATTER OF THE FOURTH ESTATE RETURNING TO NON CENSORED
TRUTHFUL REPORTING.

[Pallas180]

27. OK- CBS main line messages are full - here is another comment line

212 975 3166

I told them how brave Dan and CBS were to stand up and tell the truth
and hold the line. And how important it was to return to some media telling the truth, and that if we can't get the truth through the tv
and the media, this country is finished.

And then I said thank you, thank you, thank you

I also said there are 50,000 democrats at democraticunderground talking about Dan all over the internet, and we support him and CBS

[Pallas180]

24. I CANT BELIEVE YOU WOULD SAY SUCH A THING - ITS SIMPLY WRONG

this is the first reporter that has gotten up the nerve to tell the
truth about Bush's lies.....and you want to leave him hanging in
the wind?

Foolish...don't you write or call....

WE WILL - TO HELP THIS COUNTRY.

this is not a matter of Kerry's campaign, it's more important than Kerry's campaign.

THIS IS THE MATTER OF THE FOURTH ESTATE RETURNING TO NON CENSORED
TRUTHFUL REPORTING.

[Pallas180]

25. I CANT BELIEVE YOU WOULD SAY SUCH A THING - ITS SIMPLY WRONG

this is the first reporter that has gotten up the nerve to tell the
truth about Bush's lies.....and you want to leave him hanging in
the wind?

Foolish...don't you write or call....

WE WILL - TO HELP THIS COUNTRY.

this is not a matter of Kerry's campaign, it's more important than Kerry's campaign.

THIS IS THE MATTER OF THE FOURTH ESTATE RETURNING TO NON CENSORED
TRUTHFUL REPORTING.

[Kanary]

26. Thanks so much, Pallas!

I seem to get one of these types everytime I try to get people energized, and it's so defeating and depressing.

Thanks so much for being at my back!

:pals:

Kanary

[Pallas180]

28. Luvin the hugs Kanary. We're doing a good good thing for this coutnry. &

they have to know we're out here. The freepers are only 39% of the country....we much outnumber them but we haven't been organized to do
this.

It's about time!!!

Did you get the new comment number for recording? 212 975 3166


(((Kanary))))

[Kanary]

37. Here's my hope:

It looks like Rather has put some nice legs on this story....... we've all had our hopes up before, and afraid to have them crushed again, but....... I'm going to risk it. :) I think this one busted through the barriers.

Now, my hope is that this will bring up all those other stories that were pushed back.

Here's to a landslide of stories!

:toast:

And, that means lots of writing and calling! :hi:

Kanary

[calimary]

43. Truly. Ask yourself this: Would you prefer they ONLY hear from the

BAD GUYS?

If they do NOT hear from our side, they'll have ABSOLUTELY no way of knowing we're even out here, or that we care.

JUST. DO. IT.

[psychopomp]

41. Not only should YOU call

but you should invite friends and family to express their support, too!

Meanwhile, Kerry can let CBS take the heat and then come out swinging when the pukes have punched themselves out!

[calimary]

42. Kick-o-la...

[Kanary]

44. Righto! Put this on your email list....... your peace group, etc.

The more, the merrier. :hi:

Thanks, psychopomp!

Kanary

[Raster]

55. Bullshit! Keep this story alive and kicking!!!

:kick:

[Eloriel]

29. I've sent 2 now

And YES it's very important. In fact, in my emails I'm emphasizing my appreciation NOT the story itself, but for the TRUTH, as well as standing up to the pressure to tow the Administratin's line. Because that's what's important to me. For once in the last 4 years, ONE news outfit, ONE journalist, is taking a stand. It's very, very sweet and we KNOW they're getting hammered by the other side.

We can't have a democracy without the people being better informed than they have been. There are horrible people and stupid people in this country, but by and large Americans are good -- by and large, Americans do the RIGHT thing when they have the TRUTH. They're supporting Bush because they get the truth NOWHERE unless they're on the internet, and spend a good bit of time there getting the truth from a bunch of different sources.

We NEED to support CBS. As someone else said (in another thread?), CBS's courage may also give some courage to others. They have to be supported.

[Pallas180]

33. Great again. We need to organize online, do what they do & have our voice

heard --- not let them think we're the silent majority that doesnt care.

The thuglicans have gotten so strong cause they're organized to call and e mail...and they exert pressure...

We have to show the other side, our side, cares just as much.

[Kanary]

34. Agree completely, Pallas! It's like pulling teeth to get DUers to take

action, and this is exactly what is needed, and badly! Many of us have tried here before, and failed. People want to complain plenty, but not take action.

Whoa... are you still watching? What with that general?

Kanary......... who hasn't been this jazzed about the news forever..... :hi:
with a :hug: for both Eloriel and Pallas!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

30. Tried to call-Mailbox is full

hopefully not full of rabid freeper comments

[Pallas180]

31. Alternate phone # for CBS: 212 975 3166 - I called and left message

go ahead and try.

and thanks.

[Kanary]

32. That could be exactly it, RationalRose! I hope not, but I don't trust

those hateful people at all.

I can't remember....... did calimary have a fax number on that list?

Thanks so much for your efforts!! Please, help us also by spreading the word to everyone you know.... we need "to keep those cards and letters coming", as they used to say. :hi:

Kanary

[southernleftylady]

35. Done :) nt

[Pallas180]

45. cute kid. let's make sure he has a decent world to grow up in

[southernleftylady]

54. :) thank you and i am working my best for him and his new little brother

or sister :)

[calimary]

65. Son of KICK!

[Kipepeo]

38. sent mine

n/t

[DemBones DemBones]

39. I've e-mailed, and will urge others to do so, too.

You're absolutely correct that we cannot allow organized freeps to convince the media (or the Congress) that they hold the only or majority opinion on this issue or any other. We have to counteract their efforts with our own.

[Pallas180]

46. great. maybe kanary, or calimary will organize us by putting

us on a buddy list or something and giving us the shout and the email to send to...

something like that...so we can just get it out - automatically

[tmooses]

49. mine is on the way

Dear CBS News,

I feel very deeply that CBS News, 60 Minutes and Dan Rather have restored journalistic integrity to the network media. The facts he has brought out regarding the President's National Guard service and questions surrounding that service are legitimate items that should be answered by the administration.
In the face of widespread smearing and slandering by those who have an interest in having President Bush being reelected,
you have shown incredible courage and integrity and I salute you for the job you are doing. We want you to know that there are many of us out here who support you even though our voices are seldom heard in today's mass media. God Bless you all!

[lefty75]

52. I sent my thanks!

I applaude Rather's courage. I appreciate journalism that exposes truth and only truth.

[EST]

67. Welcome to DU!

It is a wonderful thing when people stand up for the truth! It must be us-we the prople-who stand up and DEMAND an end to the lies and "spin," which is just a euphemism for even bigger lies and the method of making poorly informed people believe anything besides the pure, unvarnished truth!

[Kanary]

72. Hi lefty75!

:hi: :hi: :hi:

Welcome to DU!

:toast:

Thanks for the email you sent....... says it all, and to the point!

:thumbsup:

Kanary

[Wind Dancer]

56. Excellent work, gang!

We must continue to show our support for Dan Rather because the RW attacks will not stop and they are trying everything to prevent a reporter from investigating crucial information.

This entire smear campaign is scary and shouldn't be taken likely. This is why the WH Press refuse to ask questions because they will be treated like Helen Thomas by intimidation and isolation. We are witnessing a government owned media (through corporations and WH talking points) and we can't give up.

Edward R. Murrow would be horrified at what has happened to our country.

I've sent 4 emails and left a message.

We have watched the silence when Valerie Plame was outed by Novak, and we have criminals working at Fox News. The democrats should have been more vocal and need to start speaking out against these crimes.

[Wind Dancer]

57. Kick!

[Pallas180]

59. Hey Guys, call up 212 975 3166 & praise Dan & CBS -free press

telling the truth is the most important thing we can encourage RIGHT NOW to hurt the cabal.

[Pallas180]

63. "[e-mail]" to e mail Dan and CBS do

it if you want to see this:

[myrna minx]

60. Sent mine...

Dear Mr. Rather and staff,



Thank you for restoring the fourth estate to its vital role in our democracy. Please stand tall and know that we Americans will support you during this squall. I am proud CBS News and you, Mr. Rather, for standing by your research, convictions and allowing your integrity to shine though during this nasty storm. Americans are starving for the truth and thank you for reporting it.

[Pallas180]

61. WOW MYRNA - that's really telling it..short sweet & excellent -

good , really good.

" Americans are starving for the truth"

[Pallas180]

62. Another DU'er got this reply back from Dan Rather & CBS

wtmusic (1000+ posts) Thu Sep-16-04 10:39 AM
Original message
Letter back from CBS news


I imagine quite a few of you got these this AM.

Dear ,
Thank you for taking the time to write. Your support is appreciated.
As you can imagine, we've been inundated with negative emails. It's
refreshing to hear from a viewer such as yourself. We strive for the highest level of journalistic integrity and will continue to do so, no matter what the cost. A free society demands free, unmuzzled media expression.
Regina,

CBS Evening News

CBS,

Dan Rather is the only voice of responsible journalism left on the
networks. It's great to have him there.

wtmusic

[Tim4319]

64. I preformed my duty to get that Chimp out of office.

I did it, and it felt so refreshing to get somethings off of my chest. It would be nice if CBS would acknowledge that they have received some emails, not for any notoriety, just to let the Right Wing know that these issues can't be swept under the rug like all of the other dirt Bush has. To let the Right Wing know that, we are tired of their B.S. And, to let the whole country know, that the man that some people would love to have a drink with, won't pee on them if they were in the street on fire.

[Pallas180]

66. TIM, lol - well that pulls no punches -CBS has acknowledged to some that w

we know of....but dont forget they're being inundated by nasty ones...
they may not be reading all if they dont see something nice in the
subject line...

anyway what you said above, I hope you put in your e mail to them...

it was good - and also gave a chuckle...sometimes the truth can be funny

:hi:

"build it and they will come" (inotherwords, imagine this):

[AmerDem]

68. done

[Pallas180]

69. Thanks Dem - they need to know we're in their corner.

below, the real reason for the war:

[Joanne98]

70. Here's mine

Dan Rather and CBS. I don't care if the documents are forged. The story is true and you know there's more.
it's time for someone to stand up to these THUGS. They didn't care about Valerie Plame being outed. They don't care when Fox News lies everyday. Somebody in this country has to stand up. Tell the whole dang den of thieves and wolfes to SHOVE IT. You'll give up your source when Novak does.

I SUPPORT DAN RATHER 100%

[Kanary]

73. Great line -- "You'll give your source when Novak does" ^_^

I really get a smile out of seeing all the different perspectives here!!

This is great!

I also sent a message to Scarborough, after reading how they trashed Rather. I'm sure they got waaay more from the freepers, but at least they have mine, denouncing their hatefest.

Thanks, Joanne!

:toast:

Kanary

[goforit]

74. Sent!!!!

God Bless!!!

[autorank]

75. Rather's the man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sent, thanks for the link:

------------------------
Dear Dan:

I havn't said that since Arnie Palmer was around. God bless you for standing tall and seeknig the truth. Don't let the pygmies at the other networks and the cable nats get you down. You are a real reporter at a time when the 'majors' have all fallen down.

------------------------

[Kanary]

76. Great wording, with a real punch!

Those short and sweet messages are great, and this one should give Rather a smile.

:thumbsup:

Kanary

[DeepModem Mom]

77. kick