Deseret News | Strange breed in Utah

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Agree | 1:49 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

You are so right about the BS of these 3 radio clowns!

Amen, Mr. Lowry | 4:25 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

I can actually feel my IQ drop whenever I listen to Beck or Hannity.

Every time I hear these self-righteous and hypocritical gasbags railing against something they don't like I'm reminded of H.L. Mencken's famous words, "Every complex problem has a simple solution, and it's always wrong."

Davis | 5:40 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Utah and KSL are the home of hate broadcasting. Visiting I was shocked by so much of it on the airwaves. Was glad to leave again and changed vacation plans for the future to make sure I do not visit again.

Comments continue below

? | 6:09 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

The reaction to Don Gale would be similar in any state. Maybe you should get out of town more often. Do you have an axe to grind or are your so narrow minded.

The liberal argument | 6:19 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Liberals always site that they want a "reasonable constructive dialogue" whenever they just finished telling everyone to shut up or don't listen. Guess what, the audience for these people is going up.

Every liberal policy has the opposite effect.

Sunday Christians | 6:52 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Perhaps the books by Sean, Glenn, and Rush are not for Sundays for the other days of the week!

hackbart | 7:07 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

So who should we listen to instead, Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow,Bill Mahre or Chris Matthews...yeah they certainly are fair minded sweeties ey? Give me a break.

Rick | 7:08 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

I agree too. I very much dislike talk show hosts who can't have an intelligent discussion because they are too busy lambasting the other side. And this happens with commentators from both parties, of course.

Why can't we just have civil and intelligent discussion? And talk about the issues, not about parties or namecalling? News flash: Partisanship is killing this country. Each party has some excellent ideas about some issues and terrible ones about others. Leave the partisanship blather behind and give us some talk show hosts who compassionately and intelligently discuss both sides of the ISSUES.

anonymous | 7:25 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

and yet, their ratings are very good EVERYWHERE, not just Utah...hmmm...and have a safe trip Davis to whatever conclave of non-hate broadcasting you are returning to.

Jennifer Zapata | 7:35 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Why do liberals always call a differing opinion hate? These three men are telling the truth, and as long as this country follows the left, we will lose the constitution, which we see happening now.

ben | 7:50 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

boo!! terrible article. Beck, Hannity, and Limbaugh are all great americans with an opinion, not to mention they are entertainers so naturally their rhetoric is toned up. If they were not so politically "incorrect" or "offensive" all of the time would people even bother to listen? If your offended than dont listen, its that simple. as of now Utah is a dominantly conservative state so Duh right wingers will be on the radio in Utah.

RL | 7:51 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Strange breed alrighty!

I concur with your observation.
The hypocrisy here makes me sad.

[to think nothing made Jesus more upset than the hypocrites of his time]

KM | 7:54 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Much better that we fatten the wallets of the beaurocrats in Washington through more taxes. Don't worry, before long we will not have to listen to these so called gasbags, they will be 'nudged' out by our compassionate leftists in political power. You know the ones, that praise the way Chaves did it in Venezuela.

Robert | 7:57 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

But when Mr. Lowrey condemns Hannity, Beck and Limbaugh with phrases like "rantings and ravings", "hateful nonsense", and "hate, fear and ignorance", isn't he guilty of the same tactics he criticizes?

Grover | 8:12 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

We live in a country where we send our wealth to our enemies who are trying to destroy us. Why is this behavior such a surprise?

PS. Hackbart: Bill Mahre is a comic not part of the media. Forget the other nuts you list, we need Bill to make us laugh through the tears for what is happening to the country with all the partisan baloney.

Anonymous | 8:13 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

I'll repeat,
Does any of this sound familiar:

1) Speak using flattering words
2) Tell you how good and smart you are, and mock others
3) very, Very Popular
4) Get paid EXTREMELY well for what you say
5) Twist the truth to support their positions

Do the names:
Sherem
Nehor
Korihor
...come to mind???

Brother Chuck Schroeder | 8:16 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

You got that RIGHT David, and hit the nail right on its head, there really is a strange strange breed in Utah, and I to see it daily, being an outsider and NOT from that snowbird State with freezing temp's and gray skys several months per year with the other bored-to-death young skulls full of air and mush, raised on video games and energy drinks plus soda pop, that should be taxed to death like tobacco is. So much of the LDS Church, its religious and cultural heritage promotes compassion, tolerance, fair-mindedness and other Christlike virtues (as long as it has a "R" after the name. Yet their AM Radio airwaves are filled every afternoon on KSL by the rantings and ravings of Sean Hannity. Deseret Book Store's even have rows of bookshelves devoted to Glenn Beck's latest book telling us how to speak to "idiots." (and Glenn Beck is a Mormon to, does he talk this way when he gives a 20 minute TALK in Church to?.) Rush Limbaugh continues to enthrall many listeners of the far right with his hateful nonsense. And Earth will end Dec. 2012. WHAT's WRONG HERE?.

Chris | 8:19 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

It's obvious that many of you on this comment board, and the writer of this letter, have hardly ever actually listened to these radio shows, but have merely believed the mischaracterizations from the media (and its fabricated quotes, right CNN?) I get much more vitriol and demeaning content from Olbermann in one show than I get from those on the right side of issues in a month. For instance, Olberman's insulting, demeaning characterization of protester as "tea-baggers."

ron holdaway | 8:19 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Apparently Mr. Lowery listens to these gentleman in some detail or he wouldn't be criticizing them in detail. Why doesn't he just exercise his constitutional right and use the off button. Or is he mesmerized by biases he objects to he neglects his own biases. I'll bet he just loves Keith Olbermann. By the way I rarely listen to or watch these particular gentleman or any other polemicists whether of the right or the left. Nor do I get disturbed that other people choose to do so. So far at least it is a free country.

Rockman | 8:20 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

It's not "hate" that is promoted. There are many opinions, which is good, but to say that just because others disagree means that it's "hate" is way off base! Difference isn't being intolerant, or hateful, it's just differing opinions

My observations to the problems that we are discussing show mostly a lack of understanding. There is so much ignorance in our society.

These radio personalities are passionate about our country and want everyone to succeed. What is hateful about that?

The real issue that the "left side" of politics has is that if they disagree with others point of view, they use smear tactics. They attack the person, not the issue. "Political Correctness" is a major problem as well.

We in Utah are different and unique, just as other regions are. But to say that differing opinions are hate is propaganda from one side trying to discredit the other.

Deborah | 8:21 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

As hard as it is to hear the ranting and hate being spued from these 'enterainers', something more dark and insidious is happening -- we as Americans, are being divided.

And this is happening at just the wrong time. We are a country at war with terrorism, both abroad and sadly, here at home. We have an emploding ecomony and the sourge of drugs on our streets, and in our schools.

Now, more than ever before, we need to be working together to weather these storms. Working together with respect to the other's point of view and beliefs. We are all Americans and we are all in danger of losing our precious country.

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Abraham Lincoln.

SensUt | 8:25 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

All the people mentioned are just comedians making a lot of money by rabel rousing the not so intelligent public. Lets give Obama a CHANCE!. Some of the remarks over the air are downright dangerous to the USA and with the present violence every day could turn up some nut to take action.

Dwight Adams | 8:32 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

If only we could excuse every bad behavior in the media because "they are entertainers."

Whether the truth or not, they are hateful people. Remember, Beck was the one who called those with differing opinions "idiots." How is a blanket ad hominem attack directed at a whole party and its adherents NOT hateful?

Bell curve distribution | 8:37 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

The far left wing nuts account for only 20% of the electorate. The far right enthusiasts are about 40% of the electorate. The people who make up the other 40% from both political parties are the folks who determine the outcomes of elections. Last year the middle went overwhelmingly for Obama and now most are feeling duped and alarmed at the direction the country is taking based upon the latest polling. Obama's approval ratings have slipped from 72% in January to barely 52% now. He's lost the middle and that's where I live.

2 bits | 8:38 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Utahns are basically no different than anybody else. If you associate with a variety of people in Utah you will learn that they aren't all the same, just like anywhere else. But if you stereotype them and pre-judge them before getting to know them, they may seem like a "strange breed". But I can assure you... they are only human.

Try not projecting your hatred for a few talk show hosts onto the people of any given state as a whole. I assure you there are people who listen to and agree with these talk show's views in EVERY state, NOT just Utah.

Doug G | 8:40 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

I'm a great american with an opinion. Talk radio is detrimental to society.

That's right! | 8:40 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

That's why I only listen to the love and comapassion coming from Olberman, Maddow, and Air America!

to: Jennifer Zapata | 7:35 a.m. | 8:41 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Jennifer Zapata | 7:35 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009
Why do liberals always call a differing opinion hate? These three men are telling the truth.
==============

I say, consider the source:

I'm a Liberal.
I get my truth from Prophets, Apostles and directly from the Holy Spirit.

Peace

@Jennifer | 8:46 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Telling the truth? Was it the truth when the radio jocks stood firmly behing every move Bush and company made while they took America down the toilet? Thier un American truth's put us someplace so ugly we might never recover. You support that type of logic?
Really, don't some of you people have the ability to think with some logic and reality?
Tell the truth?
What a laugh.

Hypocrisy | 8:58 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

"But when Mr. Lowrey condemns Hannity, Beck and Limbaugh with phrases like "rantings and ravings", "hateful nonsense", and "hate, fear and ignorance", isn't he guilty of the same tactics he criticizes?"

Did Mr. Lowrey call you an idiot? Did he call you a pinhead? Did he yell at you to get off his show? I don't think so.

Did Mr. Lowrey call you an Oreo? Did he say that you were disagreeing with him because of race? I don't think so.

Did Mr. Lowrey make fun of you? Imitate you? Call you the chosen one in order to mock? Did he cut you off before you could speak? I don't think so.

Mr. Lowrey explained his very valid point in an intelligent manner. Unlike what Beck, Limbaugh, and Hannity.

Furthermore, do you think that Deseret Book would carry Beck's book, "Arguing with Idiots" if he wasn't LDS? Surely they wouldn't. So again, you see Beck making money from the "blind" Mormons by spreading hate. Arguing with Idiots? Is that really Christ-like?

It's funny, you people are being very hypocritical. Please, analyze yourselves and make valid arguments.

Anonymous | 9:07 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

The gospel also teaches us to stand up for what is right, regardless of what the opposition says. It doesn't matter that Beck is unpopular, he tells the truth. People got upset with Christ and the apostles for telling the truth to. And NO, I am not comparing Beck to Christ. I am saying that just because a great percentage of the people hate someone and what they say, it does not mean they are wrong. In fact, it may be a very strong signal they are telling the TRUTH.

to:SensUt | 8:25 a.m. | 9:24 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Agreed!

Oh Please | 9:38 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

As a liberal, I have never told anyone to shut up (unlike Beck, Limbaugh, O'Reilly, et al). My liberal conscience is against censorship of anybody's ideas, and I (sort of) believe my conservative friends when they say likewise. So what's the argument?

Thank you ! | 9:40 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

For a well-written and well-reasoned letter stating what all in my family, and so many of our friends have observed. I have turned away from these broadcasters in disgust. They do not discuss the really pressing isssues of our day with any thoughtful insight at all, and the constant personal attacks are on a level of playground bullying. As an LDS family, we have decided to turn that sort of nonsense off and listen to more reasoned, moderate voices, as well as read the information for ourselves. It matters not at all that Beck is LDS...he does not represent the values we as a family believe in, and we are framkly embarrassed by his rantings.

Get over it liberal | 9:41 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

You don't enjoy conservative talk radio. Get over it liberal. Problem with the original opinion expressed here is the "my side is right so all other sides must be wrong" attitude. If you don't like conservative talk radio, don't listen. However, to proclaim it hateful is disingenuous as you are basically doing to them, what you claim they are doing to you. The simple fact is the nation (NOT JUST UTAH despite what the numerous posters here would have everyone believe) is deeply divided politically. Guess that should be expected in a largely 2 party system. The fact that one side controls everything highlights that, and the fact that Dems control everything and still have difficulty passing their agenda shows how truly controversial their agenda is. There are nutjobs in both political parties, and talk show hosts are entitled to point that out on both sides. Some are better at it than others but to dismiss the thoughts of half of America because it disagrees with yours is really pathetic.

Anonymous | 9:51 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

The author is right.

I hear these guys everyday expressing their outrage that 1 million innocent babies a year are sucked out of the womb. They scream bloody murder when the government that exists to protect inalienable rights use their power to infringe and oppress. They foam at the mouth when politicians lies make the father of all lies blush with envy. They really have no compassion for those who rob us of our freedom and wealth. Very devisive.

I found another one who you might consider falls into the same category although he goes back a few years. Here is what he said.

"For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries: and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies;" Ether 8: 25.

continued... Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when you see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; Ether 8: 25

So negative and judgmental, don't you agree?

@9:07 a.m. | 10:04 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Glenn Beck is not Christ. [I question at times if he's even a Christian at all.]

Some of you are still missing the target entirely.

Jesus live under the occupation of the ROMANS.
Did he ever complained about them? No.
Even when the Jewish lawyers kept trying to slip a fast one on him regarding Roman law.
To further emphasis the fact the Government really dosen't make that much of a difference, he noted they were not even responsible for his own crucifiction.

It was his OWN.
The Hypocrites within the Church he took issue with.

Some of you seem no better 2,000 years later.

It seems some of you are so focused on the Government and their infringment or "occupation" of your freedoms in the general sense, that you've become clueless and off target as to why we are here....much like ancient Jerusalem.

Live your own life today, better than you did yesterday.

Brother Chuck Schroeder | 10:16 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

I refuse to get censored by some DN cheery picker PC Thought Police for telling the truth's, now, if they want to play hardball, I can to, and demand Congress taxes the Mormon church is a corporation and should be taxed like one. TRUE, there's really is a strange strange breed in Utah, and I to see it daily, being an outsider and NOT from that snowbird State with freezing temp's and gray skys several months per year with the other bored-to-death young skulls full of air and mush, raised on video games and energy drinks plus soda pop, that should be taxed to death like tobacco is.

J | 10:20 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

More troubling than their rhetoric is their popularity. Why does this nastiness appeal to so many?

Paige | 10:27 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

And so what do you suggest people to do? Hide in the corner and say nothing? Go along like sheep accepting everything our Government does and especially do not criticize Obama?
A radical administration and its brazen policies are inviting radical responses. Not everybody out there is as gullible and naive as our government is hoping us to be.
If you choose to look the other way , disregard and dismiss the issues that are talked about everyday, by individuals like Beck, Hannity and Limbaugh, you do so at your own peril.

This nation is going down. It's coming.

Missing the target? | 11:03 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

If you read the Bible and Book of Mormon, Satans way of controlling people is through the government. It has always been that way, and 2000 yrs later we are seeing it again in our day.
Just because Jesus never complained about Romans and forgave them for what they were doing, He never condoned it. There will still be accountability for their actions on the day of judgement.

LT | 11:06 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

I would have to interject to the strange title of "strange breed in Utah".

It appears more appropriate to infer "strange Obsessive Compulsive Disorder" from those who cannot pull themselves away from listening to the truth from Mr. Beck, Mr. Hannity, Mr. Limbaugh.

You go to extreme measures in excusing the fact that you are the ones spewing ignorant hatred, division and emboldening those of us who love free speech to stand up to the abuses and continue the fight for our God given rights.

k | 11:10 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

I've never heard anyone comparing Glenn Beck to Christ.
However, Obama has been praised as the new "Messiah" in many instances. If anyone lacks the countenance of Christ, it would be the current President.

Its Tearing up our country | 11:18 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Dont you see it? Healthy debate is fine, but these people are dividing our nation and promoting, yes PROMOTING Hate. Differences in opinion are fine. But why do we need to demonize the other side, R or D?

You may disagree with Obama's policies, but in reality, he is probably a pretty good person with a good family. Hitler? hardly. Stupid comparison.

People on the right or the left that will oppose the "other side" in every situation are blind. Parties do good and bad and if you take off your blinders, you will see that both of our parties are heading us down a bad road. Wake up

Bringing Jesus in | 11:19 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

to the argument again to bolster one side or the other. Jesus was unconcerned about the world, his entire message and ministry was to help humans escape this gross dimension which is ruled by the "prince of this world" as Jesus called Satan. He stated that his "kingdom is not of this world". He was fishing in this dimension for souls looking to transcend and not come back to this dimension, "to go out no more" For those who give up all in this dimension and seek the kingdom of God, the things of this world, politics included are of no import.

Clue to "Davis | 5:40 a.m." | 11:23 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Davis | 5:40 a.m.

You call KSL, "the home of hate broadcasting"...
Have you even listened to KSL? Then you would know that Limbaugh and Beck aren't carried by KSL. Right?

And you call Utah, "the home of hate broadcasting".
But you aware that ALL of these shows are broadcast OUTSIDE Utah as well? And on networks other than KSL.

You can TRY to vilify Utah and KSL all you want, but I suspect the truth is.... Utah and KSL only account for a VERY VERY VERY small number of the 3-clown's listeners. KSL only broadcasts ONE of them and Utah's population is so small they CAN'T account for much of these program's listeners.

You people with a thing for attacking Utah (and KSL) need to get another hobby.

Hypocrisy | 11:25 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

"It doesn't matter that Beck is unpopular, he tells the truth. People got upset with Christ and the apostles for telling the truth to."

Wow, isn't this blasphemous? You're comparing Glenn Beck to Christ? How desperate is the right becoming these days?

It's funny how no one from the right has even addressed the author's topic. They just mud sling, call him a liberal, change the subject, talk about the "liberal" talk show hosts.
I think the author truly did strike a nerve as I'm seeing a lot of hate on this board but no one actually addresses his letter.

You act like 10 year old spoiled children. You jump up and down, scream and shout, rant and rave, and call the author names.

If Beck, Hannity, and Limbaugh promote intelligent discussion, love, and peaceful solutions, then say it. Prove to us that the author is wrong.

If not, then what do you have to argue with?

If the author speaks lies, prove to us that he's wrong.

Up until now, the author's point has become even more validated with many of the outrageous posts on this board.

Hackbart | 11:32 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

Grover: Bill no longer makes ME laugh (I guess I should grow up and buy some thicker skin) but, you are right, we do need some levity or we will all go nuts slogging through all this partison garbage. I'll see your Bill Mahre and raise you a John Stewart...somewhat closer to the center - in my mind anyway.

@J 10;27 | 11:36 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

There is a large number of people who prefer not to live in reality.
This group of people dwell on fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of any change. Fear of ideas that might be new and better. Fear of ideas that go against their particular brand of brainwashing that was instilled in them since birth.
They need people to dispise and hate. All through-out history, not only in the USA, but all around the world. Groups of people against other groups of people. People who are really all the same when it comes down to it.

It seems like loving your neighbor, the golden rule, etc. really is nothing but hollow mumbo jumbo.
Having rulers who preach fear and hate fits right in the program for these 16th century thinkers.
It matters not which church, race of people, type of God, whatever. The problem is, at the rate of division being preached these days, out country could be seeing the end of what we all have known as good and great. What the hate talk listeners are so afraid losing will actually be lost by their own hand.

Katelyn O | 11:39 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009

While Sean Hannity has the brash, New York style of delivery that can be annoying sometimes, I learn facts and stats on his show that I NEVER hear anything about on NBC, CBS, ABC, or even PBS.

Information is power. It's good to balance out the likes of Keith Oberman and his liberal, in-the-pocket-for-Obama minions!

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