Charlie Rose

Molly Barrett  06/21/2008 10:18 PM Report

Mr. Rose, your conversation with Michael Oreskes was important and informative--so much so, that I found myself taking notes! Thank you for this and so many other mind-expanding programs.

A propos of the role of the media in sustaining our democracy, someone--and why not you--needs to broaden and deepen the current national political debate. Might you not invite the candidates, two or three at a time, to come to your table to talk about democracy in America today. Explore the issues in light of how our democratic system is working (or not working)? Get them to talk about how decision making is different than in the past, and why. Ask them to talk about the principles on which our Constitution is based and how to sustain them. It would help all of us weigh the choices we will make in the coming year about who will lead us.

Julie Fanselow  11/28/2007 11:36 AM Report

As the manager of http://www.democracyspace.org, a new nonpartisan blog from the Study Circles Resource Center (soon to be renamed Everyday Democracy), I was especially interested in Mr. Oreskes' comments on how the Internet - rather than enriching democracy - has so far driven people even more rigidly into niches where we communicate mostly with like-minded people. I applaud his efforts to encourage newspaper journalists to offer online platforms where people can talk with people with whom they might NOT agree. I also was taken by his comment that we really need to relearn what it means to live in a democracy. It certainly goes far beyond voting!

SCRC helps communities bring diverse people together in action-oriented dialogues on local issues including racial equity, immigration, growth, and more, so we know how critical it is to get all voices to the table. We've spotlighted the interview at the following post:

http://democracyspace.typepad.com/democracyspaceorg/2007/11/how-to-reclaim.html

Bruce Palm  11/23/2007 09:06 PM Report

Mr. Oreskes spoke about this great democracy, which I feel this is the problem, our government was designed as a democratic republic, the 17th Amendment destroyed our republic, our Senators are now elected. You mentioned no one is talking about these issues, Dr.-Congressman Ron Paul is definitely talking about these things, have you had Dr.Paul on your show? I have been on the planet for over 50 years nothing has changed, war has been an instrument of the banking establishment for to long. I was never told this in my history classes in our public school system, why. It is a fact that every war has been created by the international banking cartel. Don't you think it is interesting that in 1913 the Federal Reserve Act was passed which allows for the manipulation of our currency by a private bank, Jefferson said that if we as a nation allowed a private bank to control our currency that first by inflation then deflation that corporations and banks would grow up around us and our children would grow up as slaves in the land their forefathers fought for freedom. I would venture to say that over 80 per cent of this nation is living pay check to pay check. That same year the 16th Amendment was questionably ratified which allowed a direct tax on the people of this nation, yet our Constitution Article One section 9 paragraph 4 states No Capitation or other direct tax shall be laid unless in Proportion to the census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken. The income tax is a direct tax, because it is directly laid upon every citizen, yet our Constitution for bids it. The 16th Amendment has lasted because the term income defined by the Supreme court has been declared to be profits or gains from a privileged source which is not what the average American earns. President Reagan in 1984 commissioned the Grace Report which detailed where our tax dollars went. One third went to waste the remaining went to the interest on the national debt at that time was estimated 40 per cent. Now with inflation I would suspect 50 per cent of higher. If we as a nation can produce a US government bond we can make our own currency such as the Green Back with no interest and start saving for our futures.

That same year the republic is destroyed by the 17th Amendment is questionably ratified which created a democracy in America, if we did not have the 17th I believe we as a nation would not be in Iraq with the number of Americans against the war their Senators would had to act or lose their posts.

If you haven't asked Dr. Paul to be on your show please give us chance for change and do so.

Thanks

neutron copernicus  11/23/2007 06:41 PM Report

i, too, agree with ms carter's views on the interview. what is our fascination with these criminals? it is not their intelligence or any positive attributes. they have evolved from being 'the bullies on the playground" to a group of socialpaths bent on using their group-thug methods to achieve power=money. have we become a nation so obsessed with the consumerists' ethic that we admire any form of power that results in personal gain regardless of the damage done to our fellow man? neutron

Howard Sheehan  11/23/2007 04:19 PM Report

Good programing, Mr. Rose. Michael Oreskes could provide an eye opener for anyone who cares to observe. At the least the interview should encourage people to buy and read his book. I hadn't known about Mr. Oreskes, but in the brief half-hour on your show he impressed me with his discussions on the gridlock in Washington and on his observations on the Western World and the relation to it of the "American Power Umbrella".

Why is it that an enlightened and passionate individual such as Mr. Oreskes lurks on the fringes of the emerging national debate. Bring him to center stage and let the electorate in on the secret that there are individuals in this country who care more about priciples than pedestrian political careers.

Howard Sheehan  11/23/2007 04:19 PM Report

Good programing, Mr. Rose. Michael Oreskes could provide an eye opener for anyone who cares to observe. At the least the interview should encourage people to buy and read his book. I hadn't known about Mr. Oreskes, but in the brief half-hour on your show he impressed me with his discussions on the gridlock in Washington and on his observations on the Western World and the relation to it of the "American Power Umbrella".

Why is it that an enlightened and passionate individual such as Mr. Oreskes lurks on the fringes of the emerging national debate. Bring him to center stage and let the electorate in on the secret that there are individuals in this country who care more about priciples than pedestrian political careers.

Hagen Morris  11/23/2007 12:37 PM Report

I tried to find "the Genius of America" at Barnes & Noble this AM. When willit be distributed? Thanks in advance. HSM

Jeff Brodhead  11/23/2007 05:59 AM Report

Fortunately, I caught the last few minutes of your interview with Michael Oreskes.

It is enlightening and empowering, to listen to people, with a positive view of the U.S. Constitution and the founders of this Nation.

Michael's view of the Executive Branch's recent "power grab", was worded in a way that I wish was on the tip of my tongue, several times in the last few months.

His view reminded me of the story about the scorpion, who asked the duly hesitant frog, for a ride across a river...short version: as the frog was dying from the scorpion's midstream sting, the scorpion's reply to

"Why?? Now we'll both drown.",

was "I'm a scorpion. Stinging is what I do."

"All men having power ought to be distrusted."

â?? President James Madison, 1787

Thank you for expanding our understanding and knowledge base.

I, like too many Americans, do not have time to digest piles of published materials, then parse out truths and facts.

Some of your interviews should be required viewing in high schools and universities; the challenge: who will make the selections?

Your show is a national resource.

Thank You.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Ron Haloe  11/23/2007 01:00 AM Report

I prefer your non-beta web site. Maybe, after I get used to it ...

Having trouble finding stuff.

Ron

Ron Haloe  11/23/2007 01:00 AM Report

I prefer your non-beta web site. Maybe, after I get used to it ...

Having trouble finding stuff.

Ron

June Carter  11/23/2007 12:41 AM Report

To Mr. Rose: I watched "A conversation with Michael Oreskes" tonight. I found the interview extremely insightful and important! Thank you for providing this chance to hear someone who seems so dedicated to the principles of behavior which are crucial to our successful future in this nation.

An extreme contrast and disappointment to me, was the recent interview with the actors and subject in "American Gangster". Because of your show, I have felt great respect for you as a positive force on t.v., Mr. Rose. I cannot, however, understand why you celebrated the career of Frank Lucas. Talking to him with friendliness and admiration (as you did) sent a message to the viewing audience which contradicts the principles which I thought we all held dear, and enables his behavior and the behavior of others who will learn from his history. I treasure your show, please do not empower evil in the future.