It doesn't matter if they talk about it on the evening news or not according to Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana.
Pence, along with two of his Republican colleagues - Reps. Dan Burton. Ind., and Bob Goodlatte, Va., met with reporters about the protest they are waging against congressional Democratic leaders at the Capitol on Friday. Democrats, led by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, have prevented an up-or-down vote on expanding offshore oil exploration and drilling.
"We don't need to be on the mainstream media," Pence said. "I think the switchboard at the Capitol is melting. Quite frankly, you know, I went home to the state fair and went to the ham breakfast, which starts at 6 a.m. There were 300 farmers from all 92 counties of Indiana. There was no mention made from the podium about our protest, but I stood up and simply said, ‘It's an honor to be here with the governor and the lieutenant governor.' And I said, ‘Quite frankly, it's just nice to be speaking where the lights are on and it brought the house down - people from all 92 counties.'"
Pence based that conclusion on what he has seen - the GOP protest didn't need media coverage, which has been largely completely missing - from the major networks. His remarks were part of a breakfast presentation to a breakfast held by American Spectator and Americans for Tax Reform at the U.S. Capitol.
"I was talking to our leader, [Ohio Republican] John Boehner, later in the day and he was as struck with that as I was," Pence said. "This is reaching the American people - whether NBC, CBS, ABC decide to do much with it - I'm not interested."
He credited "the new media" - the Internet, cable news and talk radio for its success thus far.
"The new media - much of which is gathered around this table and cable television media and talk radio has taken this to the country," Pence said. "I just think we got to right now focus that enormous energy across the country."
Pence, a former radio and TV host, said he encouraged people to call their congressman, especially Democrats, and urged media in attendance to encourage the same.
To see what other congressional Republicans had to say about the protest efforts, visit the MRC's Business & Media Institute Web site.
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Comments Policy
Congress
August 9, 2008 - 11:43 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsI know many of you have already done this, but please, would EVERYONE at least e-mail Congress. It is sooooo easy. Phone calls and snail mail also help. Drill, dig, go nuke, whatever works!
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
Don'tFeedThe Trolls, thank
August 9, 2008 - 17:10 ET by jdhawkDon'tFeedThe Trolls, thank you for reminding everyone of the importance of contacting our representatives in Washington on this matter - even if, or more important if, they are dimocrats.
Everyone, in most cases you can e-mail your representative right from their congressional web site.
By the way, the most effective way to get your representatives' attention is hand writing or typing them a letter. Next, is a telephone call. Finally, sending them an e-mail.
This is a very important issue. And, it may be the last time that we conservatives have much of a voice at all in the halls of Congress or at the White House. If the dimocrats win additional House and Senate seats, as predicted, and they win the White House, you can bet that initiatives like this will be truly fruitless.
Facts on Offshore Drilling
August 10, 2008 - 12:27 ET by PopularTech- 86 Billion barrels of oil are estimated in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (MMS)
- Over 4000 oil and natural gas platforms operate in U.S. waters with an outstanding environmental record (API)
- 63% of all oil in the sea comes from natural seeps (EIA)
- Twice as much oil as the Exxon Valdez spill naturally seeps into the Gulf of Mexico every year (NASA)
Most Oil in Santa Barbara Channel Is Natural Seepage (The Wall Street Journal)
Scientists find that tons of oil seep into the Gulf of Mexico each year (NASA)
"Cutting-edge technology allows platforms to extract more oil and natural gas in a safer manner. Platforms use sophisticated high-pressure valves that close automatically to prevent oil spills when sensors detect an unusual event. Automatic fail-safe devices are installed in wells below sea level, protecting sea beds and sea life. Master control switches are located at various stations on the platform so they can be reached easily. The exemplary safety record, even in the face of devastating hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, has proven the success of these efforts." - API
California’s Offshore Oil And Gas Platforms Serve As Marine Protected Areas (Science Daily)
Research Shows Little Effect From Arctic Offshore Oil Drilling; Study Reveals Thriving Oceanographic System (Science Daily)
Studies Show That Rockfish Thrive With Offshore Platforms As Their Home Base (Science Daily)
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
Hey Jeff Poor...Thank
August 9, 2008 - 11:54 ET by bigtimerHey Jeff Poor...
Thank you for this info.
Yesterday was the first day I have missed calling at least one of the Congressional members who have been doing yeoman's work for us out here as they should be....
If Ms. Dictator had let them have their Special Orders speeches as usually is done, this wouldn't of happened in the first place...glad I got a hold of her office Friday and spoke my mind before they started automatically going to voice mail....heheheee
I have been furious the msm, especially Fox hasn't given this the attention it should of been given, after-all it is the number one issue to all voters across this land.
I am very happy, plus somewhat comforted by Mike Pence's statement about their message getting out there anyway via other venues...
Thank goodness for the internet, radio, and of course the good old phone.
I know the congressmen/women want us to call Pelosi's office and let her know how we feel, plus tell her to allow a vote on this issue.
Now I just hope the good old Gang of Ten in the Senate do not destroy the number one issue we have going against the dems for gaining seats in Nov. I will be so disappointed, I am going to be calling their offices too.
I wished these gangs would just go the heck away...like dust in the wind.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
You Rock BT
August 9, 2008 - 12:21 ET by Dee BunkIt's great that you take the time to call and e-mail. I need to get better about doing that. Us Republicans are very bad at doing that. The Dems call, write in, and e-mail much more than we do and it does have an effect.
we work
August 9, 2008 - 17:26 ET by dmntd1Well, as many talk show hosts might say, the Republicans are busy working to pay the Democrats to take the time to protest. Someone has to keep this country moving, and it apparently isn't anyone in the US Congress with a D after their name!
Fascism is a religious conception in which man is seen in his imminent relationship with a superior law and with an objective will that transcends the particular individual - Mussolini
Pence should have been
August 9, 2008 - 11:56 ET by 10ksnookerMinority leader.
Instead...
August 9, 2008 - 12:29 ET by sarcasmoAnyone acting remotely libertarian has, in a true intellectual feat of what can only be called neoconservative chutzpah, been blamed for the failures they tried to prevent. Ah, Orwellian politics...
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
'Conservative' is not Billy Kristol
August 10, 2008 - 12:36 ET by PopularTechDon't associate conservatives with Kristol - I personally think he is an all around idiot on many subjects. I still do not understand why so many right wing politicians listen to him.
The Anti 'Man-Made' Global Warming Resource
Hence the "neo"
August 11, 2008 - 08:02 ET by sarcasmoBefore the word...
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Pelosi
August 9, 2008 - 12:00 ET by CpickeringDemocrats, led by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi
Unfortunately, Pelosi is the Speaker of the House, not Minority Leader
I cannot believe this BS!
August 11, 2008 - 07:57 ET by pbanks7I cannot believe this BS! Some in the MSM are trying to convince people that Bush and the Republicans are in control, and the current mess is all their fault! I have seen this chicanery this past weekend. They know there are enough stupid people to buy it. Disgusting.
MSM - shaping all the perceptions you need to believe, then confirming it with a poll.
GOOD-BYE TO THE DRIVE-BY MEDIA...
August 9, 2008 - 12:15 ET by danybhoyI guess I can say this with some satifaction, that is the Drive-By Media is dying. The big 3 network evening news programs have been losing marketshare for a long time, & will continue to so. The New York Slimes is losing circulation, & it's stock price is coring toward the center of the earth. CNN & BSNBC have been getting their @$$es kicked by FoxNews ever since they went on the air, & that ain't changing anytime soon.
Pence is right, because if he, or any other conservative politician, commentator, or auther wants to get the word about something, they go on conservative talk radio & FoxNews. Their are millions who watch FNC, & listen to Rush, Hannity, Beck, Ingraham, O'Really, Levin, Reagan, Humphries, Hedgecock, Schnitt, & Savage. Many of those millions buy books writen by conservatives, & call their member of Congress. Who do you think sunk the "comprehensive" immigration policy?
They get the news that the Drive-Bys won't report. I guess the "fairness doctrine" should take care of that. As far as I'm concerned, the MSM can go away. There are very few in the MSM that are worth the time of day, they are dead to me, & they can rest is pieces.
"...it's still We The People, Right?" Megadeth
POTUS?
August 9, 2008 - 12:46 ET by BarkerRegarding Mike Pence, I see a future President of the United States.
Same with Florida Congressman Adam Putnam.
Barker.... I
August 9, 2008 - 15:14 ET by bigtimerBarker....
I agree....
I have just loved Putman from day one...and my admiration grows...he is going to go places.
I would love to see him as Speaker of the House someday.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Out to Lunch?
August 9, 2008 - 13:18 ET by pbthinkerThe John Edwards thing has shown the old media they should start paying attention and stop being such partisans for the Democrats. People, who rely on the alphabets for their news, are feeling low because they realize they're not getting the news.
Is there a better way to declare yourself obsolete?
Democrats: Stuck on Stupid since 2000.
A member of the House of
August 9, 2008 - 15:10 ET by hydrodynDMA member of the House of Representatives calls out the MSM for being incompetent and/or biased in not coving this story and then dismisses them as irrelevant.
Sweet.
Gee, I wonder if the MSM will report on his comments?
Mike Pence for
August 9, 2008 - 20:19 ET by DelsaPRESIDENT!!
I have liked this guy for a long time. Watching the house is where he first caught my ear and eyd.
Pence is my kind of guy.
I hope someday he will aspire to bigger things.
real estate in FL. get in touch!
just sayin
The New Media cares about Americans, more than the MSM does
August 9, 2008 - 20:33 ET by JayTeeGiven an Issue that is near and dear, and an Issue that needs fixing, the Old media weighs it against their Agenda.....then decides.
The New Media hears about the Issue Americans care about, and just Reports it. If it lives a week, Gains Millions of supporters, the New Media doesn't suppress it.
The Alphabet networks are acting too big for their britches....they are gonna be cut down to their Knees, and it's not going to feel very good. The Obama MSM Hangover effect is also on it's way, coming soon to a Talking Head near you.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
The message should get out everywhere.
August 10, 2008 - 00:01 ET by SchnikeysI agree that we don't need to rely on the mainstream media to get the message out, but wouldn't it make more sense if Pence at least made mention of what has been going on with the GOP on Capitol Hill? If the MSM bothers to give room for its mention, is it really necessary to stick our noses up and act all high-and-mighty? Perhaps, if questioned by the MSM, it would behoove a GOP congresscritter (or at least someone who won't stab conservatism in the back) to make mention of the revolt rather than just sit there and play along like they don't know what's going on. Acting ignorant only elicits from me sensations of frustration and being betrayed, as well as hunch that the leader who missed the opportunity is not worthy of the public office he or she holds.
The mainstream alphabet-media is merely a powerful tool- without which, conservatism could probably survive- but what sense does it make to avoid using it to your advantage when it is within your grasp?
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"It could be the answer to our age-old, philosophical question, 'Why are we here?' PLASTIC!"
Schn.... What the heck do
August 10, 2008 - 00:16 ET by bigtimerSchn....
What the heck do you mean high and mighty?
They have had a presser everyday in Statuary Hall with the reporters/msm...it is the msm who is ignoring them.
Pence is simply saying the message is getting out there despite the msm...via the NEW msm...whch would be say like right here!
Don't you think the congresscritters are being tired of ignored by the msm..intentionally, when this is a number one issue, do you think for one minute if this had been done to the dems by a repub Speaker of the House the msm would not be reporting everyday of what the latest is with them daily, and who the congresscritters for the day were on the House floor...fighting bravely for their country with issues the deeply believe in...blah blah blah...
Cut Pence a break...he is a patriot here, along with what Burton said and Miller too.
Btw Schn...take the time to do what Burton and Pence both suggest, call Pelosi's office call and thank a congresscritter for being there... plus like Burton said, let McCain know he should speak out about this that is going on in the House ect...every voice helps.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Thanks for the response. :-)
August 10, 2008 - 00:39 ET by SchnikeysHi bigtimer,
I did not mean for my post to come across as ripping Pence. It's good that he, Burton and the other GOP members are doing what is necessary to bring down some of these effin' energy prices.
I gotta say that I basically just did a skim-through of the article, and posted. Pretty ignorant of me, lol
And I basically think you're right. If numerous press outlets have been following the congressional Republicans around while sparsely reporting what they've been trailing, then that is wrong of them.
I've been meaning to call the offices of both my state's U.S. Senators (Dole and Burr) as well as the representative of my district. Been busy lately, though.
I do have to admit, at times it's hard to remain confident that the GOP is doing enough to get their message out, because everyone I know keeps their news-watching to the local level, as well as the "big three" television networks. As far as I know, no other research is done.
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"It could be the answer to our age-old, philosophical question, 'Why are we here?' PLASTIC!"
Schn.... Thanks for your
August 10, 2008 - 01:04 ET by bigtimerSchn....
Thanks for your reply...and your honesty....that's why I have always like you in the first place.
Hope you didn't take me wrong either...but the repubs have butted heads trying to get the msm to pay attention...I have been and am still furious about the lack of coverage...especially Fox more than any that have disappointed me on this issue.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
When the facilitators don't facilitate
August 10, 2008 - 02:20 ET by SchnikeysNo problem, BT. And I appreciate the compliment. :-)
Selective ignorance is mind-boggling and frustrating, especially when it's done by the MSM and large percentages of the American public on very important issues. Our society, for the most part, has the attention span of a group of 7-year-olds sitting silently in a classroom while the teacher is talking, when all of a sudden, it starts snowing outside (not that we get any snow where I live!) and one kid announces "Wow! It's snowing!" Then, all the other kids rush to the window to watch the snow falling from the sky. The teacher does his/her best to get the kids to pay attention to the lesson, but ends up having little success.
And it certainly doesn't help when brain-dead nitwits like Lindsey Graham and John McCain do things like join the Gang of Ten or otherwise adopt liberal positions on issues that the Republicans could absolutely trounce the Dems on. They're like the teacher's aides who go rushing to the window with the students. It's as bad as cowardice- it's idiocy and a willful absence of foresight. And it's what plagues the GOP and conservatism.
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"It could be the answer to our age-old, philosophical question, 'Why are we here?' PLASTIC!"
A secret protest is
August 10, 2008 - 08:33 ET by dscottA secret protest is occurring in the halls of Congress, the MSM is either clueless or covering up the issues. The Dems are trying to pull a fast one, making their contributors rich in the process. The New Media is all over it but we need another Journalist organization to reach all the people not on the internet. Hmmm, whom might that be, who will dig until all the dirt is out in the open for all to see??? Someone call the National Enquirer, we need in depth reporting!
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
While I agree with most of
August 10, 2008 - 08:58 ET by Ryan Mc.While I agree with most of the comments about the MSM I do not think that they are irrelevant. I think they are still quite powerful and they are the only reason there is a Democrat party today. CBS, NBC, ABC get more viewers each night than FoxNews does and many times more. They are losing market share but they still run rings around Foxnews. Rush Limbaugh gets 20 million listeners a month but that leaves 280 million that don't listen to him. Then there are the NYT, and all the weekly magazines. You don't go to your Dr.'s office and get the Limbaugh letter, you get Newsweek. The power of the mainstream media is not omnipotent anymore but we should not underestimate their power. Unless you are educated enough to know you are being lied to by the MSM and unless you seek out alternative views via Fox or Limbaugh for example you rely on the old dinosaur media and get the spin cycle. Most of the country still fall into this trap.