How did AL Frankin Qualify to be a Harvard Fellow?

[1opinion]

Let's not be hypocrites here.

This is an honest question.

Check out the following information before you flame this post.

SHORENSTEIN CENTER
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

WHAT IS THE FELLOWSHIP?  

          The Joan Shorenstein Fellowship on the Press, Politics and Public Policy is a one-semester research fellowship at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Fellows are domestic or international journalists, scholars, and/or policymakers who are interested in the influence of the press on public policy and politics. 

          The fellowship offers a unique opportunity for scholars and practitioners to share their knowledge and expertise in a collegial and intellectually stimulating environment. Fellows participate in weekly seminars with scholars, a luncheon speakers series with invited journalists or policymakers, and in other organized programs of the Shorenstein Center and Harvard University. Fellows may audit courses for no credit. The Fellowship Program is not a degree or journalism training program. 

OBJECTIVE   

          The purpose of the Fellows Program is to advance existing research in press/politics and to provide an opportunity for distinguished experts to reflect on their discipline. Our goal is to foster a collegial and intellectual environment that will enrich and complement one’s knowledge of the field. The primary focus for a fellow in residence is a paper (approximately 25 pages in length) on a topic examining and analyzing the influence of the press on politics and public policy in the domestic or international arena. 

GUIDELINES   

*   Applicants must be fluent in reading, writing and speaking
    English.
*   Applicants must be journalists, scholars or policymakers
    active in the field of press, politics and public policy.
*   Fellows are required to live in residence for one semester
   (Fall Semester, approximately September through
    December; Spring Semester, approximately February
    through May).
*   Domestic and international applicants are eligible.
*   Stipend: $17,500 disbursed in four installments over the
    semester. Travel and living expenses are not covered by
    the Center.
*   Office space, computer, printer and telephone are
    provided. 
*   Deadline for submission of application materials is
    FEBRUARY 1.  

HOW TO APPLY

          To download a copy of the Fellowship description and Fellowship application form click here.

Please submit originals of the following documents postmarked by February 1 to the address listed below.

*   A cover letter from the applicant stating interest in the fellowship.
*   Completed fellowship application form.
*   A 3-5 page research project proposal.
*   A Curriculum Vitae/Resume.
*   Three letters of recommendation from people familiar with the work of the applicant.

Application materials must be postmarked by FEBRUARY 1.  

Please mail to: 
Fellowship Program Director 
Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press,
Politics and Public Policy
Kennedy School of Government
79 Kennedy Street, Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138 

For questions or more information:
Email: [e-mail] 
Telephone: [phone] 
Fax: [phone]  

[htuttle]

1. Bwwahahahahaha! He's really gotten under your skin, hasn't he?

How about we turn the question around?

How is Al Franken NOT qualified to be a Harvard Fellow, seeing as Harvard considered him qualified?

[1opinion]

8. He hasn't gotten under my skin.

It's just that he would not be my choice as a spokesperson for our side.

He's not funny and he gets rather angry and loses control very quickly.

My point is that if there are guidelines they should be fairly applied to all.

[Ein]

12. Angry?

With Bill O'Rielly screamin at him and calling him names, he remained rather calm. In fact he made Bill look like a floundering asshole.

With Paula Zahn harping at him on CNN about lying, he stayed calm.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

13. You are fair and balanced just like Fox news

:hi:

[tom_paine]

Not like Rush or O'Reilly or Coulter, no not at all like those composed

logicians.

Puh-leeze! Doesn't history teach us that you cannot appease Totalitarians!

And "turning the other cheek", well that has certainly brought the Dems some success hasn't it?

:puke: :puke: :puke:

It's about time we showed some passion, some balls, and stood the fuck up to bullies that have had their way for far too long because we were "taking the high road".

Except now the bullies, largely unopposeed for so long, have laundered lie after lie into "conventional wisdom", and are dragging us ALL (including future generations to come) into the gutter of Orwellian-Totalitarianism and Third Worldism.

I like it that some of us are starting to stand up for ourselves.

[Caution]

25. You asked the question...

You answer it. In what place was the guideline not applied? How does being given a Harvard Fellowship make him the "spokesperson for our side" ? This fellowship has nothing to do with him choosing to make his voice heard from the left side of the aisle. He coudl have used the fellowship to write a book about the history of the USO if he had so decided. Think about your questions. They are as important as the answers. Your question insinuates that Franken was somehow given this Fellowship as some part in a vast left-wing liberal media conspiracy. How is Franken not qualified?

[bowens43]

26. He's an EXCELLENT spokesman.

He's clever and right on the mark with his political commentary.

[bitchkitty]

76. Wrong -

He's not funny

That's a matter of opinion and personal taste, don't you agree? I think he's hilarious. His book "Why Not Me?" made me laugh so hard my tummy was sore the next day.

[Terwilliger]

82. Hi Mr. O'Really!ll! Slummin' on DU again?

truly pathetic

[absolutezero]

85. did you read lies?

because i thought it was absolutely hilarious, and whatever wasn't a joke exposed nutjobs like anthrax and splotchy bill for the liars they are...what's your problem with him?

[shamgar50]

89. What's your problem?

Does it bother you that he checks his facts?
Does it bother you that he's not afraid to speak up?
As far as anger, compared to O'Reilly or that crazy mad dog bitch Coulter, he's as cool as a cucumber. Plus he's very intelligent and an excellent writer to boot, and funny as hell.

[John_H]

83. Shit, even the dumbest 80-percent-gum freeper

is better qualified as a Harvard fellow than W(istle Ass), and may even have dim realization that even a serial complete-sentence-user like Franken, who often does "practise" what he preeches, just may be more qualified that Preznit is-our-children-learning.

[jagguy]

2. needed him available for a really memorable Hasty Pudding year

or maybe just because he's nice enough hes good enough and people just like him ?

Or perhaps they've adopted the NYT criteria for snaring and retaining talent.

[Not a robought]

3. lol, are you accusing him of not being able to afford

$17,500 plus daily expenses?

[Brian Sweat]

7. He doesn't have to afford that.

That is what they pay him.

[Cocoa]

28. Franken admits to be very interested in making money

Someone asked him why he performed before Republican groups much more than before Democratic groups, and he said it's because the Democrats can't afford him.

[Brian Sweat]

4. Well

* Applicants must be fluent in reading, writing and speaking
English.

It is certainly a matter of opinion, but I am pretty sure he qualifies for this guideline.

* Applicants must be journalists, scholars or policymakers
active in the field of press, politics and public policy.

Al is certainly active in politics. He is not really a journalist or a scholar, but he is an author of political books, so they may have cut him some slack.

* Fellows are required to live in residence for one semester
(Fall Semester, approximately September through
December; Spring Semester, approximately February
through May).

This is an easy guideline to meet.

* Domestic and international applicants are eligible.

This one doesn't apply.

* Stipend: $17,500 disbursed in four installments over the
semester. Travel and living expenses are not covered by
the Center.

That's not a lot of money for Al, but I am sure he can manage.

* Office space, computer, printer and telephone are
provided.

Not a problem.

* Deadline for submission of application materials is
FEBRUARY 1.

This is another easy guideline to meet.

Oh, and I think Al graduated from Harvard.

[Caution]

5. Here's a better question

What difference does it make how he got the fellowship? Do you seriosuly think that Harvard doesn't give this kind of thing out to celebrities on a yearly basis? Do you seriously think everyone is required to apply? Many are simply invited. This is common practice at all major universities.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

6. Are you the one who keeps voting

for Bush on all the polls in GD?

Better question...how the fuck did a coke snorting alcoholic graduate at all?

[prolesunited]

18. LOL!

:hi: from a fan. :-)

[SoCalDem]

9. The REAL question.. How did BUSH get his degree???

But... I think we already know the answer to THAT one, eh?? (wink-wink-nudge-nudge)

[1opinion]

11. That's my point exactly.

This kinda crap should not happen on either side.

[Brian Sweat]

14. You still haven't answerd the question.

Why isn't Franken qualified?

[1opinion]

He isn't any of the following as the guideline require

Applicants must be journalists, scholars or policymakers active in the field of press, politics and public policy.

He is a has-been comedian who is trying to capitalize on us as an author.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

23. Are you certain?

I think his published op-eds serve as journalism at least as much as Norah Vincent's do. I think he has attended policy meetings with Democratic strategists, and I believe his books do qualify as politics at least as much as Rush's radio shows do.

[Caution]

29. and the truth shall set us free

Actually he has written books and articles about politics which are meticulously researched.

Here is the definition of a journalist:

"a person who writes news stories or articles for a newspaper or magazine or broadcasts them on radio or television."

Mr. Franken is published in many magazines and newspapers and has broadcasted his opinions and stories in many televised forums.

Guess what that makes him? A freakin journalist! Go troll somewhere else.

[Brian Sweat]

35. That is your opinion

He rights books and op-ed pieces. This could be seen to qualify him as either a jouralist or a scholar. He is certainly active in the field of press and politics.

[pbeal]

39. Scholar, journalist

Al Franken is a political satirist to do that effectively he has to be a scholar of politics. Thus he meets the standard.

[bitchkitty]

79. He's certainly a writer -

so they stretched the rules a tiny bit in his case. BFD. I believe that unlike chimpie, Mr. Franken earned his degree.

Why are you trying to discredit Al Franken?

You don't have to answer.

[SoCalDem]

16. Franken is NOT pResident

and rememebr too, that "honorary" degrees are handed out like Halloween candy..

It has annoyed me for a long time that so many "prominent" people have "degrees" from prestigious universities, and often if you read further...they are "honorary" degrees..maybe they gave a speech or "taught" a class..


Meanwhile, tens of thousands of kids cannot even afford to go to college.. sad..:(

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

19. Yes lets see

You believe in diversity of opinion where Ann Coulter is concerned, you think Bill Maher is shallow, you think Al Sharpton is a joke, you think Gray Davis is toast, you think Al Franken is ajoke and unworthy of a Harvard fellowship, you think the Texas Dems are fighting a losing battle...it's amazing what one's statements say about what one thinks when viewed in totality.


I might add hypocrisy is difficult to avoid at times, honesty isn't.

[1opinion]

22. That's Correct

1 opinion is just that, "one opinion" right or wrong.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

24. Well I think we are using 2 different interpretations of RIGHT

and I don't think I am wrong

[Pepperbelly]

72. you know teena ...

I think it is possible to be BOTH right and wrong.

Like Whistleass.

[Rex]

74. Right or wrong!?!?!

Now where have I heard that one? Hmmmmmmm...


"I dunno, but I like what I hear!"

[Caution]

21. What the hell are you talking about?

Harvard saw an opportunity to associate itself with someone whose work they felt had merit. They gave him the fellowship and he used it for exactly the purposes those fellowships exist for. In what way is he not qualified for this? In what way is this somehow comparable to Bush being handed the PRESIDENCY. What makes this an issue? Seriously I dont understand where you are coming from? Are you saying that somehow Franken was given this appointment out of some grand liberal media conspiracy? Have you actually read the book that resulted from this fellowship?

[Cheswick2.0]

66. WTF are you talking about?

Franken has a fine brain, why shouldn't he qualify?

Bush is a dolt, his degree was bought.

[Yupster]

77. I heard

that Harvard and Yale have basically a zero percent drop out rate. If you get in the school, you get a degree. I don't know if that's true, and am too lazy right now to search it, and I absolutely didn't go to an Ivy League school to have first-hand knowledge.

[berry]

88. Cheney dropped out of Yale, didn't he?

I know, an anecdote does not answer your question. But I also know two Harvard dropouts. It happens. The actual flunk-out rate is probably low because it's so hard (for most people) to get in in the first place. The biggest reason for dropping out is usually depression (also for low grades I think).

[ComerPerro]

10. I have a better question for you

How is Bush qualified to have a degree from Yale?
He is not smart, and he didn't have test scores that could even be considered "average".

How is Bush qualified to have recieved an MBA from Harvard?
He did not do very well at Yale, and graduated with a C average. Plus, his later business failures show that he obviously didn't learn enough.

How is Bush qualified to be the Governor of Texas?
In 1989 he described himself as "a media creation". He had no political experience at all.

How is Bush qualified to be President of the United States?
He has been arrested for driving drunk. He is a former cocaine user and alcoholic. He is a sinveling, lying moron who has contempt for average Americans and the electoral process. He is guilty of insider trading from when he was with Harkin. He has no domestic policy, and his only foreign policy is one of pre-emptive warfare, something which the United States has never done. Despite his MBA, he has lost more jobs than any president except Herbert Hoover and has the biggest deficits in history, even after adjusting for inflation.

Maybe you should worry about your boy in the White House before you start questioning Franken.

[StandWatie]

15. what is your point?

I'm failing to understand this at all.

[opihimoimoi]

17. Al got brains Bushwa nada

Al writes books, Bushwa nada

nough said

[gratuitous]

20. It appears Franken qualified as a Harvard Fellow

By meeting all of the guidelines and, I presume, submitting an application, which was accepted by whatever committee at Harvard passes on these sorts of things. I don't understand where hypocrisy comes in here, but a certain level of honesty seems unmet by your post and its follow ups. What are you trying to say? Is English your first language?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

27. People really are afraid of Franken aren't they?

First Fox sues and gets it all over themselves, now this...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Amybe it is his ability to win a debate that scares the piss out of them.

[ComerPerro]

30. I think you are onto something

Its his ability to win a debate without cheap shots, lies, and shouting.
They think he is a witch!

[benddem]

31. Franken is a Harvard Grad

[Cocoa]

32. because he's famous

I doubt the award was for his qualifications as a scholar. More likely his name serves a promotional purpose for the university.

[prolesunited]

33. Well, let's start by examining his resume

Which is available in its entirety here:
http://www.alfrankenweb.com/bio.html

Let's start with the fact that he graduated from Harvard in 1973.

His political credentials include:
"Franken is a well-known political satirist. In 1988, CNN hired him to provide commentary at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. In 1992 and 1996, he anchored Comedy Central's election coverage with then-Republican Arianna Huffington. Arianna and Al's writing for Comedy Central's "Politically Incorrect" in 1996 received an Emmy nomination. Franken has also contributed news commentary to Newsweek, The Nation and Rolling Stone, among others."

Let's add N.Y.Times best-seller, Grammy award-winner, Emmy nominee to the list. He's written, starred and produced movies, appeared in political contexts in countless television and radio programs, and written four books.

"Franken is an active lecture speaker. He has given speeches to hundreds of corporations, universities, and other organizations. He has twice been the keynote speaker at the White House Correspondents Dinner for President Bill Clinton, National Press Club, USO tours, DNC dinners and a commencement speaker at Harvard in 2002."

Hmm... I think that sounds pretty impressive for a "has-been comedian who is trying to capitalize on us as an author," don't you?

What was your question and point again? :shrug:
 

[Susang]

36. Awww, you beat me by seconds!

I'm must be out of practice. ;-)

[1opinion]

40. So, I guess that means

we must accept him as one of our defactor spokesmen and not express any concerns or apparent hypocracy in what we see.

Don't we criticize the pubs for marching in goose step and not having a big tent.

Aks one question around here that has any hint on not being in line with "the master opinion" and all hell breaks loose.

Maybe we should all practise what we preach.

[EOTE]

45. What hypocrisy?

What the hell are you talking about? I like having Al Franken represent my views. He's an incredibly smart and funny spokesperson. He meets all the guidelines that you posted and he's a Harvard graduate. Exactly, what the hell is your point?

[Brian Sweat]

47. Strawman

You asked why Franken was qualified to be a Harvard Fellow. Prolesunited simply gave you a list of good reasons. Prolesunited never said you had to accept him.

[EOTE]

48. And I don't think he is our 'defactor spokesmen'

I'm not sure what defactor means, and he's only one man.

[Brian Sweat]

50. I think 1opinion 's anagrams are showing.

If you know what I mean.

[Susang]

51. What the hell are you talking about?

You asked a question, we answered. I've noticed that you haven't been able to refute any of the qualifications we've listed.

You have every right to dislike Franken, but don't insinuate that anyone is asking you to march in goosestep to anything. Pretty poor argument if you're resorting to Nazi imagery so quickly.

[ComerPerro]

59. Maybe we should practice

Proper spelling and grammar, eh?

Look, you knew you were posting an unpopular opinion when you posted it.
Don't pretend you are trying to help our (and when I say "our" I am excluding you, since you are obviously a lurking troll) cause by attacking liberal figures and beliefs while supporting conservative figures and beliefs.

[bitchkitty]

81. What's this "we" shit? n/t

.

[Susang]

34. Franken is a Harvard graduate

Class of 1973. He has also worked as a political commentator for CNN, as well as working as a political journalist pre-Saturday Night Live.

My question for you is, why would you post such an inflammatory thread without having a single fact about Franken? Doesn't speak well of *your* credibility.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

37. this thread begs the question: Do you qualify to be on this board?

:shrug:

[1opinion]

41. Unbelievable

Express a "different" opinion and all of a sudden our participation is questioned.

As I stated in an earlier reply, don't we criticize the pubs for marching in goose step and not having a big tent.

Ask one question around here that has any hint on not being in line with "the master opinion" and all hell breaks loose.

Maybe we should all practise what we preach.

[Brian Sweat]

42. Believe it.

Wing nuts are not welcome here.

[1opinion]

46. That's a "Frankin" type response.

It's cheap, sophmoric, and adds no value to a valid discussion.

[Brian Sweat]

49. It added all the value I wanted it to.

I wanted to convey the message that you will be gone soon.

Thanks for comparing me to Al Frankin. That is a great compliment.

[1opinion]

52. I think the "value" is subjective and speaks for itself.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

53. and we all know the cliche about 1's "opinion"s

[Brian Sweat]

65. I guess I was right.

:)

[EOTE]

57. No offense, but

your spelling is making my head hurt. Don't you think you should atleast know how to spell the name of the person you insist on so cryptically bashing?

[1opinion]

60. Mistakes happen

If you really want to go down that road you ahould know that your post said "atleast" instead of "at least".

[Cheswick2.0]

67. what valid discussion?

You haven't posted one good reason that Franken shouldn't have this honor.

[absolutezero]

86. i smell freeper n/t

[librechik]

38. The press release says that the Center " increasingly

bridges the gap between the press and the public."

Franken was given the fellowship to work on his book about media lies, which he completed, and is a journalistic book despite its humor. He has all the credentials he needs to apply, and perhaps the judging panel thought it would be an interesting and diverse choice for their Center's fund raising events this year. There were several other fellows across the spectrum from academics to working press, and they do this every year, so franken's appointment is really not out of the ordinary at all.

Also mentioned is that Franken won 4 Emmies for writing--that's nothing to disqualify him for sure!

[1opinion]

43. Now that's a credible response

That helps to reconcile why Harvard did what they did.

Thanks for the first credible and acceptable reply to my post.

[gratuitous]

54. Then you must have missed my post

It's number 20. But I guess you did answer my question about whether or not English is your first language, since you don't seem to be able to read with much comprehension.

Perhaps you'd be happier at another message board where logic and facts aren't at quite such a premium. I can suggest a couple, and you can then assume the mantle of victimhood you're so eager to claim to your heart's delight.

[Susang]

55. Must have missed a lot of posts

The answers to his question were all there right in front of him (or her, since I have no clue what gender 1 Opinion is). Instead he chose to attack people he disagreed with and compare them to Nazis.

[gratuitous]

58. Yeah, you'd almost think . . .

That he was here just to make baseless accusations, call names and disrupt. But he hasn't been banned, so that can't be true.

[Susang]

61. I'll reserve judgement

I haven't seen any more of his posts on any other subject, so I'll refrain from speculating for now. :-)

[1opinion]

62. Your objectivity is appreciated

[1opinion]

56. I didn't miss it.

I just skip all the responses that lack substance.

Post # 38 had real substance.

[gratuitous]

63. Well, I answered you directly and succinctly

Hard to see how you missed the "substance" of it. But since you're upset about Franken's Fellowship and truly want to know why it was awarded to him, why don't you email Harvard?

Although it's certainly more fun this way, making a fool run in circles.

[0007]

44. It's howdy duty time for the right wing is it!

These low posters always bring in these lame discussion points like this is suspose to be a very very extremely important issue.

So easy to figure out, 'eh? I just bought Al Franken's new book today and indeed 'tis funny.

[StClone]

64. Pretty thourough homework

For a supporter... sounds more like an subversive investigation. Maybe you are right, AF isn't for us. Dennis Miller is realfunny and would not need to be vetted on his credentials especially that concerning that natty Harvard Fellow thing.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

68. You're STILL here?

Amazing...

[Paragon]

69. It's early

Don't the freepers wait til the middle of the night (when presumably, the mods are asleep) to join up and start spamming?

[opihimoimoi]

70. Al rocks

Clinton got Socks,

Booshwa mocks

[GalleryGod]

71. Same Way Bitch Ho #1 CeCe Connolly Did for a Year!

That's where :puke: The Puke Ho Hid Out for a Year from 2001-2002 so no one could letter bomb her:nuke: boney ass:grr:

[linazelle]

73. So your point is.......?

What's the point of this post 1opinion? Spit it out.

[1opinion]

75. Nothing but an honest question

looking for an honest response such as post #38.

[44wax]

78. Here's your honest answer.

If you don't like the answers you are getting to your flame bait post get the fuck off the board. There have been a number of cogent replies to your attempt to denigrate and discredit a valued progressive with access to mainstream print, radio, and tv media. Compared to Commander WhistleAss he's overqualified for the job of President. If you are not a troll and intend to stay on the board quit jacking this post off and try again with another talking point thread. If you are a troll re-read the first sentence of this post.

[julka]

84. your most eloquent response, along with this portrait of Rich Lowry.......

......makes my day



anybody catch that sniveling worm on WashJournal, claiming not to "want to see Al Franken bleed," in response to Franken apparently challenging the little twit to a fight?

[Skittles]

80. Answser me how GWB qualifies to be president

then I'll CONSIDER answering you

[prolesunited]

87. Don't bother

He's gone to the graveyard. I'm surprised it took so long.

[VOX]

90. RIP, 1opinion. Enjoy the view from Boot Hill.

And watch out for the worms.

[Zhade]

91. Flee, Troll.

Before we grind your bones to make our bread. :)