Couric & Co.
October 4, 2006 11:07 AM

Our Mailbox Runneth Over

(AP)
Garrison Keillor likes to say, “It’s been a quiet week in Lake Wobegone.” Whereupon he unwinds another of his elegantly crafted monologues, proving that the week has been anything but quiet.

Well, it’s been a quiet week at “Couric and Co.” And it’s only Wednesday.

The mailman nearly suffered a hernia hauling in sacks of comments over Monday’s “freeSpeech” segment. (We took a few packages that were ticking and threw them in the creek…) Surf around the CBS News website and you’ll find all sorts of ideas and opinions about this. A tell-tale sign that this was going to be an especially interesting week: nearly every comment, on every post, for the last three days, has had something to say about “freeSpeech,” no matter what the topic.

Personally, I was struck by how many of the people who posted began their comments with one word: “Shame.” As in “Shame on you, Katie Couric.” (I might mention here that the majority of people wagging their fingers and using that word would proudly label themselves free-thinking, tolerant, progressive, maybe even liberal. Tolerance, it seems, has its limits.) I was also struck by how the tide seems to have turned. Over the last 24 hours, a growing number of e-mails and comments have been in support of Brian Rohrbough and his views. A friend of mine who runs a conservative blog says that’s not surprising. She told me that most people who agree with Rohrbough would not be inclined to watch CBS, and when they heard through the blogosphere grapevine that “freeSpeech” was causing a kerfuffle, and that abortion and evolution and Christianity were being mentioned, they wandered over to take a look.

Now it’s hitting the papers. Media maven Howard Kurtz (who, I swear, should be played by Ray Romano in the movie version of his life) has written about the controversy in this morning’s Washington Post.

And you’ll find more down the street, where Vaughn is busily corralling kittens at Public Eye.

Take a look, and then take a look around. We’re continuing to get comments all over the place.

And it’s still only Wednesday.






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Add a Comment See all 81 Comments
by pendragon679 October 4, 2006 12:33 PM PDT
Actually, I'm less offended by Mr. Rohrbaugh's comments than I am by the juvenile level of discourse I'm finding on this website. This is, after all, a NEWS website, isn't it? I'd expect to see more thoughtful, reasoned, and coherent argument rather than the sort of schoolyard, "my daddy can beat up your daddy", sort of claptrap that seems to prevail here. People, the problem with our public schools has nothing to do with God, or the lack thereof. In the first place, since the public schools are an arm of government, a Christian God (ANY god, for that matter) MUST be excluded. That's what churches are for. If you disagree with me, fine; but read the First Amendment before you start bashing me as in immoral, atheistic, commie, pinko, etc. As for the schools teaching morality, isn't that the parents job? No, the problem with our public schools is that they have stopped teaching our children how to think. Rather, since the Federal Government began funding public education in this great country, the public schools have been charged with teaching our children WHAT to think. I thank the gods every day that I grew up in the 60's and 70's, when it was acceptable to question what I was being taught and to investigate on my own. Y'all should try it sometime; stop merely accepting what you've been spoon-fed and start reading outside of the daily newspapers and entertainment news. You may not like what you discover, but you may just learn something along the way.
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by melmontana October 4, 2006 12:52 PM PDT
RE:Rohrbough: Are you trying to outdo Fox Network taking sides by choosing NeoCons on every topic? What ever happened to Integrity, Independence, Wisdom, Understanding and Compassion. If you continue on your present path, your career will certainly be ruined as viewers turn to more professional news programs without overt bias. How sad!
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by cjm182 October 4, 2006 1:05 PM PDT
I am rather disappointed in Mr. Rohrbaugh's comments, since he was asked to comment on a shooting involving a middle-aged shooter, who I'll assume was raised and schooled back in the "good old days" Mr. Rohrbaugh's was referring to when he compares today's "godless" school system and acceptance of abortion.

That being said, I fully support his right to speak his mind. Instead of "shame" being on CBS, it should be on those who would deny Mr. Rohrbaugh's right to a public opinion. Just because I don't feel he's right (or even sane), doesn't mean I can take away his right to be heard.
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by aquilito-2009 October 4, 2006 1:13 PM PDT
Since Couric became part of CBS News I think that a line was placed on what used to be evening news before Couric and after her. She has brought a frech, carismatic, interesting, smart face to CBS Evening News. Segments such as FreeSpeech is what makes the difference in today's evening news. Guys, I am a 17 year old senior in high school and I have to say that I totally agree with Monday's freeSpeech. e are becoming a nation that is forgeting about God, and is becoming more insensible every year. I have seen this happening mainly in high schools in our country. Couric is just great. I love the news, I like to watch, read, and enjoy them. Before Couric became host of the CBS Evening News all I whatched was cnn, Fox News Channel, sometimes MSNBC. I was never attracted to the otehr evening news, not even CBS. Today I look foward to get my daily e-mail from Couric, and I make sure I watch her at 6:30 every night. Good Job Couric!!
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by cjm182 October 4, 2006 1:28 PM PDT
@aquilito

I'm curious, do you believe that the schools are responsible for this decline in faith (as the conservatives claim), or that the public at large is just for one reason or another shunning church attendance? Is church attendance related to strength of faith?

I encourage you to read "Trends among US Christians" at http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_tren.htm
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by sueb62-2009 October 4, 2006 2:23 PM PDT
I too believe we are in serious moral decline. School shootings, debates on "acceptable" forms of torture, internet predators, etc.... Is it a lack of religion? I would say that when religion was vanquished by secularism, parents did not step up to the plate and take over instilling moral values in their children. We've had over twenty years of secularism and it%u2019s not working. As every parent knows, it's very difficult to be the lone voice without some "backup" in school or society. There is no "backup" moral teaching going on. In its absence, pop culture became the teacher. Pop culture, driven by capitalism, has found "shock value" in lieu of good story telling as the most profitable way to sell magazines, movies, and video games. These "shock value" entertainments devalue human life and promote individual gratification. If we let our children engage in these sources without restraint we should not be surprised that their morals are declining. Let me be clear, I do not believe this is a failure of the public schools. The public schools did not make the choice to be secular; the issue was decided in the courts based on their interpretation of the law. In a democratic society, if we do not like our laws, we must vote for new lawmakers to get them changed. If we wish to have America stand for higher moral values, we need to codify this more clearly. As of today, the value of capitalism is driving the standards.
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by cjm182 October 4, 2006 3:03 PM PDT
@SueB62

That's an interesting point of view. So you believe that the decline of religious values in people's lives, while not the fault of the public schools, is rooted in the courts taking of religion out of public schools?

Who's religion do you propose we put back? The two most dominant, or just one? Christianity and Islam? Which sect? Protestantism, Catholosism, Shia, Sunni, Orthodox Greek, Episcapalean, Baptist, Lutheran, etc. Or the one that was the dominant religion when it was "taken out"?

Do the parents of these children not share responsability, for not ensuring that while the school may not talk about religion anymore (not like the schools were heavy into preaching before anyway), the family as a whole should keep up it's religious observances by continuing to go to church?

You can't tell me that just because schools stop doing morning prayer, that students suddenly stop going to church. Wouldn't they go more often, to satisfy their religious need that has been denied to them by the school?

Or are the children so sheep-like, that when the school stops mentioning religion either way, they immediately drop all need to be spiritual?
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by phoenixandy October 4, 2006 3:19 PM PDT
It's amazing over the last 24 hours all the Christian fanatic fundies who normally don't watch CBS News have flooded this site with praise for Brian Rohrbough. News sure travels fast in the fascist-wing blogosphere.
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by cjm182 October 4, 2006 3:24 PM PDT
I also found it ironic that the most ferverent supporters of torture were those who wer identified as being the most conservatively religious. I'm sure there's a quote somewhere about apopasty that fits, but when your seemingly deeply religious leaders condone something that is an affront to any god, you have to wonder, is it really the schools that are disenfranchising youth from religion? Or the behavior of those who claim to follow said religion?

Maybe instead of singling out the courts for removing religion from schools, you should be focusing on those people who are twisting established religious values to approve of all sorts of heinous crimes.
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by svendc October 4, 2006 3:59 PM PDT
What amazes me the most is that people seem to think because you believe certain things politically that you don't believe in God. My faith is why I support progressive policies, work for equality of all kinds. My faith also teaches me that when faith becomes something that is mandatory, its time for a revolution. Ask Christ who tumbled tables in temples, ask Jefferson & Co. who revolted in part when the King of England started sedning Bishops as enforcers, and ask Dr. King who had to preach and organize against what then was accepted as "biblical" -- American Apartheid. No one is keeping God out of any place, some of us just happen to recognize God is every place, in every face. It's hard for me as a *** man to believe that about Rev. Fred Phelps, or as someone who supports women's rights to choose of those who would shoot physicians, but once I did, I truly came to a place of peace and a new understanding of faith. Those people we get so angry about because they believe differently than we do, they too are heaven sent and the sooner we recognize God in each other, the better off we all will be. We talk about progressive faith and its impact on abortion, contraception, sexuality education, and HIV issues at RH Reality Check.org all the time. God does not equal conservative, fundamentalist, or narrow.
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by omicronthree October 4, 2006 4:37 PM PDT
I am a christian. Yet, I'll be the first to admit that forcing a religion down someone's throat is extremely wrong. Is it constitutional to say "one nation under God"? No, it isn't. Is it constitutional to have "in God we trust" on the dollar bill? No, it isn't. Is it constitutional for the government to dictate what individuals makeup a "marriage"? No, it isn't. If we elected a homosexual, muslim President and he changed it to, "one nation under Allah, In Allah we trust" and declared heterosexual marriage illegal this country would go completely crazy!
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by cjm182 October 4, 2006 4:46 PM PDT
omicronthree makes a good point. For example, if the courts decided that religion should be back in schools, but due to the increased population of hispanics, the religious teachings would follow the Catholic teachings, would (for example) Baptists still be in favor? What if the dominant religion of the US became Islam (it could happen). Would the (continuing my example) Baptists still be keen on making sure religion was present in schools?

It's easy to be supportive of institutionalized belief if it agrees with your beliefs. Not so easy when it disagrees.
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by markcincinna October 4, 2006 4:47 PM PDT
I agree, in large part, with the grieving father's comments on the Free Speech segment. I do NOT agree with it entirely, however.

On the other subject broached:

Overall, I find the CBS Evening News "leans" to the left -- but I assume the bias is unitended, or at least seldom is intended.

There have not been enough segments of Free Speech for me to call the speakers "mostly" right leaning even though Rush may represent 2 votes.

I will give the segment at least 6 months before I make any such observations beyond the above. It seems to be serving its purpose -- and to me it has been, overall, thought provoking.

Keep it up.
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by timcol49 October 4, 2006 4:49 PM PDT
I don't agree at all with a word of what Mr. Rohrbaugh said. But I fully support his right to say it, even on network TV. That's what free speech is all about.

But in the great tradition of free speech and debate we now need an opposing voice who can provide an alternative view. I can think of none better person than Bill Maher. I heard him speak about the 'free speech' on his HBO program recently and he mentioned that he was only permitted to speak on certain topics. I don't know if that is true or not, but now would be a perfect opportunity to make amends to Mr. Maher and invite him and give him completely freedom to say whatever he wants.
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by benglenn2 October 4, 2006 5:07 PM PDT
Hi, Katie.

My two cents on the Rohrbaugh "Free Speech" segment.

While frankly I was rather taken aback by Rohrbaugh's blunt comments, I have absolutely no problem with his expressing those views, even though I couldn't disagree with him more.

With so many television "debate shows" serving as virtual shouting matches, it is refreshing to hear the uninterrupted views of "Free Speech" participants, whether I share their opinions or not.

P.S.: Love your show. You go, girl!
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by sueb62-2009 October 4, 2006 6:14 PM PDT
Jabrwock - perhaps you misunderstood my post. I'm not advocating religion back into the schools. I'm advocating a national emphasis on moral issues such as respect, dignity, integrity, kindness, worth of individuals, etc... On the other hand, I must say that a class on culture and religion taught at some level to increase awareness of all would be of value. Not to preach or recommend a religion but to perhaps increase tolerance. America the meltingpot could stand a litle more respect for everyones individual faith and culture.
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by cjm182 October 4, 2006 6:22 PM PDT
@SueB62

Thank you for clearing that up. I apologize for misreading your comment. :)

I agree, a class along the lines of religious studies would be an excellent tool to help foster religious tolerance.

The pitfall is in ensuring that religions are studied rather than promoted. My high school attempted to create such a class many years ago, but cancelled the idea after the teacher decided to spend 90% of the class preaching, and about 10% actually covering/comparing/contrasting the various religions of the world. I believe now that the teacher has left, they have re-introduced the idea, making an optional class that studies world religions in a History class context.
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by jetterman October 4, 2006 7:11 PM PDT
Tim -

I remember that same episode of Bill's show and couldn't agree with you more. Perhaps its more that they needed to make some noise, so why not now?
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by bud93285 October 4, 2006 7:15 PM PDT
So teaching evolution in the public schools is one source of moral decline that leads to events such as the recent Amish school shooting according to Rohrbaugh? I am thinking such comments illustrate a level of ignorance that might increase the chances of such events occurring. I am wondering what Rohrbach might understand about the scientific method as a means of establishing a bit more valid and more accurate patterns of thinking about what might actually be occurring? Just wondering! I do not believe in any god and even if one existed, certainly I would not want to "worship" such a being. If the Judaeo-Christian "god" created all that is, then he, she, or it must have a bit of a "mean" streak - incorporating not only tornados, hurricances, tsunamis, volcanos, etc. that destroy many lives - human as well as other animals - but created all those micro-organisms that kill many animals including humans - and create animals that kill and even eat other animals - like lots of animals including we humans do - gee, such observations might appear to indicate some lack of "respect" for "life" by the "creator?" Hhhmmm...I am thinking the Christian "god," by demanding a "human sacrifice" (presumably his own son) in order to "pardon" the "sins" of humans, pretty well established a lack of "respect" for life - didn't he or she or it? Wasn't this person who killed the Amish school children considered a "good" Christian?

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by gymiyal October 4, 2006 7:35 PM PDT
Dear KC,

Thank you for having the courage to tolerate Free Speech, especially when you and many of your viewers do not see eye to eye with some of the opinions presented. My wife and I are Black Americans that watch your program daily and we have not heard a more riveting word of truth then Rohr Baugh%u2019s. He really hit the nail on the head which exemplifies the Proverb that says; %u201CTrain up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.%u201D- Sadly, this country has not done a good job of train up. BEST REGARDS! GF
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by dbro22 October 4, 2006 8:12 PM PDT
KC
Poor choice of words in your blog. Journalists need to be nuetral. Further proof that isn't the case on Network news. Please stop the brainwashing on the airwaves and blogosphere.
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by terminalman1-2009 October 4, 2006 8:12 PM PDT
Bob Shiefer is the man!!! the only one who is willing to tell the truth. Katie Couric wouldn't know the truth if it setup houskeeping in her colon.
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by bluefox777 October 4, 2006 8:29 PM PDT
I applaud Couric & Co. for giving Mr. Rohrbaugh the opportunity to give his opinions completely uncensored.
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by debloo-2009 October 4, 2006 8:30 PM PDT
I commend KC and CBS for the segment of free speech by Mr. Rohrbaugh. I wholeheartedly agree with him in the decline of our public schools and our country. I pray things will change and God will be allowed back in so that kids can know there is a God who loves them very much. And Choose to die for them instead of us having to pay for our own sins.
I was disappointed her KC words of choice by saying Mr. Rohrbaugh, opinion might be repugnant to some. However that is often the same thing I get when posting my Christian concervative opinion.
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by tokdoc1 October 4, 2006 8:32 PM PDT
Hi Katie,

I think you will be surprised to see how many people agree completely with Mr. Rohrbaugh. It seems that the kids who did the killing at Columbine, had on their T-shirts, slogans referring to natural selection, survival of the fittest etc. This is one of the underpinnings of Mr. Rohrbagh's argument that the secularization of our schools and society in general plays a part in incidents such as the recent school shootings.

It seems to come as a shock to liberals that many Americans are still traditionalists regarding moral absolutism and the desire to keep God in the public square. I'm hoping the feedback you get on this story will awaken you and CBS to the fact that most folks in America don't find anything said by Mr. Rohrbaugh 'regpugnant'. On the contrary, I, and millions of other Americans stand behind his views. And CBS should be applauded for airing them, despite the network's reservations and lack of understanding regarding what most Americans think.

Lee Langley
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by sgorty October 4, 2006 8:38 PM PDT
KC,

Thanks to Bill O'Reilly I heard your word of the day is "repugnant".

God bless Mr. Rohrbach,his comment on CBS and your segment allowing him to speak. Finally we conservatives have a "voice" on the liberal news network.

Mr. Rohrbach's comments were heartfelt & dead on.




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by zella3 October 4, 2006 8:42 PM PDT
I do not watch CBS due to your liberal stance, however, I did see the "free speech" segment with Katic Couric on O'Reilly tonight....with Mr. Rohrbough...congratulations for having someone on who has Godly morals in this age of "immorality"... I agree with everything he said...and the fact that Katic Couric, used the word "repugnant" really turned me off...surely she could have used a much kinder, better word to say for those who may disagree with him. Maybe this segment will wake up some in America to the absolutes that are needed in this country and that not everything is "relevant"...there ARE rules to live by and this country which is "slouching toward Gomorrah" needs them and God.
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by skeezix06 October 4, 2006 8:50 PM PDT
Congratulations. You chased off all those nasty liberal types (your former viewing audience) and brought in the new political correctness; neo-conservative.

So what have you gained? 3rd place? small whoopee.



Reply to this comment
by chief36gd October 4, 2006 9:00 PM PDT
Lets face the facts majority of Americans are Christians and what Rohrbaugh said reflects most of our values and beliefs. After all it is the Christian faith that promotes tolerance,equality, and understanding. Our God loves and Jesus taught nonviolence so why not teach these things in school don't forget the second half of the 1st amendment that says that congress shall or can't even prohibit, prayer,(religion) press, and speech. This is what makes our country wonderful. Lets keep up the good job. We are the only country and government in the history of this world that allows these liberties so lets not throw them away just because we disagree over silly matters.

To Katie and CBS excellent move to have this segment of free speech this is the only way a people can truly discuss things that are on their minds.
Reply to this comment
by ptaylor40 October 4, 2006 9:16 PM PDT
KC,

You are repugnant. May god bless Mr. Rohrbaugh.

PT
Reply to this comment
by evetsopinion October 4, 2006 9:25 PM PDT
Congratulations to CBS for the "free Speech" segment. There is nothing more nightmarish for a parent than to loose a child, such as what Mr. Rohrbaugh experienced with the murder of his son at Columbine. I believe that this gentleman has done a lot of thinking and soul searching of the value of life after the tragedy he has experienced. To call this man a right wing extremist is totally void of thoughtful consideration and a lack of honest tolerance for an opinion different then the critics of Mr. Rohrbaugh.
Reply to this comment
by katylewis October 4, 2006 9:39 PM PDT
Suggesting that Mr. Rohrbaugh's comments might be "repugnant" to many viewers is just another indication of the overwhelming liberal bias of CBS News and Katie Couric. Why would these words about abortion, lack of morals in society/education, godlessness, and evolution be so repugnant? The only thing right that CBS did was to air these ideas. Thank you! It's a first step even though it might surprise CBS that so many people actually support Mr. Rohrbaugh's ideas 100%. It's about time that CBS wakes up and realizes that over 50% of the people in this country are conservative and do not find these ideas "repugnant". On the contrary, these are the core ideas they embrace as truth! Wouldn't it be wonderful if somehow the liberals and conservatives could come together for the betterment of our society and mankind?!! Maybe CBS and Katie Couric could start a new trend and work towards better understanding, acceptance, and cooperation instead of constantly leaning to the left and ignoring the right. Take your blinders off and be more objective PLEASE! Maybe you could make a difference and help improve things instead of promoting divisivness, polarization, enmity, and misunderstanding. Go for it!
Reply to this comment
by happystan-2009 October 4, 2006 10:02 PM PDT
Who's God would you reintroduce into the schools?

Protestant? Catholic? Mormon? Jehovah's Witness? Allah? the Jewish God? Native American? Taoist? Budhist?

Thankfully the Deist authors of the constitution (Jefferson, Adams and Franklin) had the intelligence to establish a clear separation between church and state so that those of us in the minority (non-Christians) would not be oppressed by the views of the (christian) majority.

Thankfully all the NeoCons (so-called Christians) running this country into the ground cannot undo the laws our Deist (non-christian) founding fathers established.

That said, I think "Free Speech" is great and what makes this country great. Keep up the good work Katie. Oh and BTW, it's nice to see some HOT LEGS on the evening news for once instead of some shriveled up geriatric with a 2 pack a day habit.
Reply to this comment
by thirtymodela October 4, 2006 10:06 PM PDT
Hi Katie, sorry to say I have not watched CBS,
NBC or ABC for some time now - just too liberal!
However, I did see Mr. Rohrbough on Bill O'Reilly
tonight.
The above comments reflect my own. I just read
the comments on the Washington Post site. It
was scary, the number of people who said Mr.
Rohrbough was a nutcase. They were angry that
CBS actually let him air his views. Nothing,
apparently, is sacred to these people.
I can remember a time when children were raised
by a mother and father that taught them right from
wrong. They all went to church on Sunday and then
home to a good dinner together.
People were not killing children and children were
not killing other children. We have become a land
of barbarians! Partial-birth abortion is a good
example of how far down we have fallen.
My God, what has happened to our beloved country?


Reply to this comment
by papoubill October 4, 2006 10:09 PM PDT
I have always supported Katie, and I support her now and see nothing wrong with her "free speech" ploy for better ratings. One must discount those complaining that get their news from Fox - and especially O'Reilly - given their well document problem telling the truth about anything (last night O'Reilly - a taped, edited, delayed show put on the tape not once but twice a 15 second photo of Foley with the words under his name saying "D-FL" - I don't think it could get more obvious.

As to "repugnant" that is a fair description to a majority of Americans of the book burning like dump on evolution - like exactly how has teaching the fact of evolution corrupted the morals of the nation? And does the fact that the majority are pro-choice make the majority of Americans evil and without morals?

Keep up the good work Katie - exposing the right wing nuts - via showing their own words and lack of logic - is the best way to rid ourselves of this cancer on society that practices the opposite of what Jesus preached, while telling us they are moral because of their deep affection for any 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 cell zygote (or do we call this clump a pre-embryo, or a pre-pre-fetus, or a potential, albeit with rather low probability, pre-pre-pre baby).

Hang in there Katie - you're doing great!

Reply to this comment
by cyberfred October 4, 2006 10:25 PM PDT
You at CBS Evening News just don%u2019t seem to get it. You think that the cause of the big uproar about Monday%u2019s %u201CFree Speech%u201D segment by Mr. Rohrbough was a knee-jerk reaction by liberals to his conservative views. I think many of us also had a deeper, more emotional, reaction. It has to do with the very human traits of taste and sensitivity. Katie professionally covered the horrible story. I was stunned by it. A few moments later Mr. R. was introduced. I expected to hear of his grieving and expressions of sympathy for the latest victims. My heart went out to him. Instead, he dispassionately delivered what can only be described as a moralistic speech laden with simplistic conservative cure-alls. I was shocked at what he said, how he said it, and what he didn%u2019t say --and doubly shocked about when CBS let him say it. I felt that someone using Trojan-horse tactics had rudely blindsided my freshly exposed emotions. It didn%u2019t matter whether his opinions were conservative or liberal. The over-riding factor was that, considering the time and setting, they were starkly out of place. Would CBS have offered a Muslim fanatic the chance to air similar opinions on the Evening News of September 11, 2001? This ugly episode demonstrates, at best, extremely poor taste and a lack of sensitivity on CBS Evening News%u2019 part. The only consolidation I can see in all of this is that the grief-stricken Amish mothers and fathers of those slain girls did not have a television.
Reply to this comment
by papoubill October 4, 2006 10:39 PM PDT
zygote (zeye-goht)- The single cell that results from fertilization of an ovum by a sperm. After dividing several times, it implants in the uterus. It continues to divide, producing more cells and passing through the stages of embryo and fetus.

Not putting a 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 cell zygote ahead of the life or health of a women makes society immoral leading to evil occuring in our society.

And the hard and well documented science of evolution being taught in our schools makes society immoral leading to evil occuring in our society.

As someone once said, in a free society your freedom ends at the tip of my nose. These folks want to force their rules on me - ending my freedom. Repugnant is a good word to describe this.
Reply to this comment
by pilgrimsway-2009 October 4, 2006 10:42 PM PDT
Free Speech what is it? Is it with no control? No values? No direction in one%u2019s own responsibility towards self and others. Hey an idea just came into my head. Lets asks the courts to put prayer into schools, for guidance, and lets put the Ten Commandments on the walls of these schools for control., and lets asks these kids if they want the school there in to have all these things in there schools to promote values, to vote in this free society. Man, then I think this would be free speech. As it is now the core of this free speech, which everyone would agree, is restricted to hypocrisy. The courts ruling against the above and the majority of the parents wanting the above mentioned. I pray for all the other people who wrote in on this segment that was against this free speech, that they would come to know the love of God and His forgiveness for them in Jesus Christ personally. Thank you CBS, without knowing your intention, that you may have an idea of what parents are really experiencing in the real world and that answers are needed to try to change the way these school really are, from war to peace. I think the hardened atheist would at least want this for America%u2019s children.

Ps. I bet most people do not know that separation of Church and
State is no where in the Constitution!
Reply to this comment
by jakes222 October 4, 2006 10:47 PM PDT
hi katie... after reading these blogs,i wonder. does anyone remember the pledge of allegiance? one nation,under God, with liberty and justice for all.
Reply to this comment
by twister47-2009 October 4, 2006 10:50 PM PDT
As a retired public school teacher (34 years), Brian Rohrbough's comments have much merit. There does not seem to be any responsibility for one's actions- from presidents to peons. I taught in a upper middle class public high school where parents hired criminal lawyers to appeal their sons/daughters suspensions.The events at Columbine were a result of adults-parents of the boys, administrators, and teachers-not paying attention. We are still not paying attention. Some students are so troubled that their needs cannot be met in a public school setting; however, administrators and school committees exert much pressure to keep disturbed students at their local schools because of the prohibitive cost. Following Columbine, I walked into my school every day wondering if "today" would be the day that a student would "go over the edge".When the parent of one of my students called the housekeeper to determine what medication his son was taking for his behavioral issues, I decided it was time to call it a day. Schools will have to develop security procedures similar to airports ( some already have), and yet, if adults aren't doing their respective jobs, a determined person will always be able to "slip through the cracks". Our society has lost its moral compass, and until individuals, be they adults or children, start taking responsibility for their MISTAKES rather than looking for some outside cause, I am glad that I am on the way out and not on the way in.
Reply to this comment
by evilroy48 October 4, 2006 11:11 PM PDT
You received a comment from someone who goes by the handle of lynncs who wrote of a "Christian Tailban" whose members "enjoy igorance and wallows in the comfort of fellowship with people who epitomize ignorance". lynncs further states that he/she with remove CBS for his/her remote. Apparently conservative views are igornant and don't derserve to see the light of day. If you really want to know what is repugnant, it's the unmitigated gall to compare Christians to the Taliban. I'll pray for the soul of lynncs.
Reply to this comment
by razs3 October 4, 2006 11:33 PM PDT
Hi Katie I herd mr.Rohrbugh on the radio Factor and saw him tonight on Bills show. I agree with all he said.Thankyou for letting him say what was in his heart.Good luck with your show.
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by starglow8946 October 4, 2006 11:36 PM PDT
I was shocked and disappointed to learn of your referring to Rohrbough's comments as possbily "repugnant" to your listeners. Katie, grow up and realize that we are talking about the future of America. To continue on in the way we are going with "free speech" at all costs, America is writing her own death sentence. Have courage to stand up for traditional values that honor God, the Constitution, and what our Forefathers founded our country on: biblical principals, and all of the laws in Levitidus, which have been the basis of our legal system since our country's birth, laws that are based on a absolute TRUTH, not the wishy washy post-modern era where anyone can contrive his or her own truth.

Have courage to stand up for what is right! I look forward to seeing your faithful portrayal of those values. You can do it!
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by annhamm October 4, 2006 11:38 PM PDT
I just learned of the Free Speech segment and the comments made by Brian Rohrbaugh. I am in agreement with Mr. Rohrbaugh 100%. Liberal elitists can't seem to understand why the teaching of evolution (which, by the way, is a theory and has not been proven, and cannot be proven, because it is false) would have a bearing on the tragic school shootings. That is because they thumb their nose at the Creator of the universe. I challenge everyone who disagrees with Mr. Rohrbaugh to read the Bible and see what God has to say to all of us. Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Free speech, guaranteed by our constitution, and now allowed in a CBS News segment, is a wonderful right. However, we would all do better to speak less and listen more, especially to the Word of Truth.
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by happystan-2009 October 4, 2006 11:41 PM PDT
It's pretty sad that Brian Rohrbough used up his 15 minutes of fame toeing the Republican party line instead of pleading for compassion and reason.

It's interesting that the same NeoCons who fight for the right to bear arms, now blame "kicking God out of our schools" for the attrocities madmen foist upon mankind.

After Ellie Weisel watched his entire family being murdered during the holocaust he devoted the rest of his life to making sure we never forget man's capacity for inhumanity or our even greater capacity for human compassion.

Too bad Brian Rohrbough blew his shot at doing the same with the chance his son gave him, instead of making political hay for the NeoCons pushing an agenda of bigotry and inhumanity.
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by oncnurse-2009 October 4, 2006 11:49 PM PDT
I whole heartedly support Mr. Rohrbough. We don't live in a vaccum no matter how much some would like to believe we do. What you do affects me, what I do affects you. We are becoming a morally "repugnant" country with what we allow and what we say is "truth." Whatever you believe regarding evolution, partial-birth abortion, etc. it affects the fabric of our country. There ARE right and wrongs, black and white issues. Children use to be off limits. But with todays society they are just a "thing" to so many. They are an advertising vehicle, a "thing" to sexualize with no remorse. It is so sad to see that the network news shows find what he said so shocking - no wonder more and more are turning away from them to other areas to get our news - NOT THEIR OPINIONS. How sad for our children and our country.
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by armymp1970 October 5, 2006 12:10 AM PDT
I do not wish to comment directly on this issue but one that has been brought up due to this issue. Several people are inserting the gun contol law into this tragedy. Well, if you are outraged that this man used this venue to further his ideaological views, you should be equally outraged at those who are trying to use it for advocacy of stricter gun laws. As far as I can see, there hasn't been any report that this lunatic used a weapon that he had accuired illegally nor has there been any report of anything that would have prevented him from obtaining one when held to any litmus test. Let us be compassionate towards those who lost their loved ones, focused on protecting those vulnerable to such attacks, and openminded to new ideas.
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by aquilito-2009 October 5, 2006 12:23 AM PDT
I am a 17 year old senior in High School. On school nights I am usually in bed by 11:00pm, tonight is different. Is 12:00am and I am writing on this blog. It just happens to be that tonight I can't believe that there are places in the world like The Democratic Republic of Congo, places that in my four years in high school I haven't learned about. I have had to wathched Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN tonight to learn how the world looks like outside of Holbrook the town where I live, outside of Massachusetts the state where I live, outside of the United States the country in where many wish to be.
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by mel_snyder-2009 October 5, 2006 12:24 AM PDT
Katie, I was amazed at the naiveti of your speculation on how much good the billions of dollars spent on the space program might have done if they were spent here on earth on the poor, etc.

Our investment in space paid for the development of miracles as wide-ranging as the earliest ICs, satellite communications, plastics and metals used in artificial hips and knees, and too many other advances to count. Conversely, the first world has poured billions of dollars and Euros into Africa, and has yielded only starvation, genocides, dictators and corruption. Here at home, Johnson%u2019s %u201CGreat Society%u201D yielded slums and a dependent underclass.

Rather than speculate on what might have been done with the space program money, why not speculate what might have been done if the billions wasted on Africa had been spent on space exploration, or on expanding the college loan program?

You're too young to remember the late Frank McGee%u2019s (NBC) interviews with Martin Luther King and Werner Von Braun during one of the early Apollo flights. King had lamented how the money should have been spent on the poor. Then, McGee turned to Von Braun, and asked. %u201CIf the money hadn%u2019t been spent on the race to the moon, what might the money have bought here on earth?%u201D Von Braun answered, %u201CThe fins on the new Cadillac would be three inches longer.%u201D
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by willjeffrie1 October 5, 2006 1:04 AM PDT
I disagree with Mr. Rohrbough even though I applaud his courage to share his views. That is what America is all about -- freedom to do things like speak out; we don't need to degrade ourselves with insults and name-calling.
Mr. Rohrbough said that evolution is responsible for all the terrible wars and violence in the world. But the truth is, wars and violence have been around since man's beginning, but evolution is a relatively new teaching, getting its first significant push in the mid-1800s by Darwin. Most wars are actually carried out in the name of religion, not evolution. Even after evolution was well-known, the two great wars of the 20th century were fought by "Christians," not evolutionists. Hitler was a "Christian" who led "Christian" Germany and Catholic "Christian" Italy against the "Christian" Allied forces, mainly Britain and the U.S.
This is not unusual. The Bible even begins with a murder, Cain killing Abel. But Jesus warned that "he who takes the sword shall perish by the sword." Bush and the U.S. -- mostly Christians -- started a war in Iraq. Does that make Bush and most Americans evolutionists? Obviously not. But what it does prove is that if Christians would spend their time trying to apply the laws and principles of love that Christ himself commanded upon them, they would spend less time spilling blood and violating those laws while trying to enact laws upon a few people -- all in a futile effort to gain God's good graces.
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