Profanity On-Air: North Dakota News Anchor Should Not Have Been Fired

     A.J. Clemente should not have lost his job for inadvertently saying, "f---ing sh--" on the air. 

     For nearly 40 years professionally - nearly 44 years including non-professional work - I have been involved in some way or another with the broadcasting, journalism and entertainment industry on television, on radio and on the Internet.  And the very first thing I learned - the very first thing I was told - before I made my debut on my high school closed-circuit station was, "When you go in to a studio...always think that the microphone is on."  It is generally a common assumption by every broadcaster.  Sadly, A.J. Clemente forgot about that rule on Sunday night, April 21st.

     As he sat behind the anchor desk at KFYR-TV Channel 5, Clemente was rehearsing the name of the winner of the London Marathon when he could be heard saying under his breath, "f---ing sh--."  Clemente was obviously unaware that his newscast had gone live.  But that didn't matter to the management of the NBC affiliate in Bismarck, North Dakota.  The next day, Monday, April 22nd, Clemente was fired after only one day as the station's weekend anchor.

     This is so ridiculous.  Totally absurd.  This is not the 1950s.  We don't live in a world where profanity is not heard on cable television, in the movies or unfortunately in practically every home in America.

     Personally - and my family and friends will attest to this - I rarely, rarely, rarely cuss - (if cuss is a word that anybody uses in this day and age).  However, I've unhappily heard the "F" word and other foul language from the mouths of children as young as 7 or 8.  And I hear parents all the time - in supermarkets and elsewhere - scolding their kids, as the mothers and fathers use every four-letter word in the book.  So let's not be all high and mighty with regards to what was mistakenly spoken by A.J. Clemente.  It's not as if people haven't heard or haven't used the "F" or "S" words themselves.

     Profanity is used so commonly in today's society that there's very little shock value taken when such words are spoken on TV - even by a news anchor.

     When I was a youngster, if a kid blurted out a so-called "bad word," the child would have his or her mouth washed out with soap by mom or dad.  And when I was growing up, such foul language was never used by girls or women.  I'm always amazed of the filth I hear spewing from the tongues of females today.  The words that were considered obscenities 30, 40 or 50 years ago are everyday parts of conversation in the 21st century by girls and women, boys and men.  Of course, we were better off when those "bad words" were avoided, but as with everything else - we can't go back. 

     A viewer of the KFYR newscast commented on Clemente's firing, on the station's Facebook page, and said, "The kid screwed up big time, but he shouldn't have to have his early career ruined because of it." 

     I agree with only part of what the KFYR viewer wrote.  Clemente should not have been fired.  There have been more famous, veteran broadcasters who have knowingly used profanity on the air and their careers were not ended so abrubtly. 

     As for his career being ruined - on the contrary - he will probably have a new job in no time.  After all, he's made several appearances on network television shows including Today on NBC and Late Show with David Letterman on CBS - where Dave went to bat for A.J. and told the Bismarck station's management to give A.J. back his job.  Good goin', Dave.  Thumbs up to you.

     It's a shame Clemente made a poor first impression, but just look at all the people in "show business" who have made poor impressions time and time again, yet they still are successful and continue to be paid lots and lots of money. 

     This should never have cost A.J. Clemente his job.  He has apologized numerous times.  Let's give the guy a break and let him move on.  Besides, I've worked in enough radio and television facilities to know that most stations have a stage manager, a floor director, even a cameraman - somebody - to count down to air.  But at KFYR, nobody did.  Clemente has stated publicly that he didn't even have an earpiece to hear the director cue him.  And when his co-anchor, Van Tieu began the newscast, Clemente simply didn't even know they were on the air.

     Clemente's broadcast gaffe has made him an overnight star - perhaps for the wrong reason - but nevertheless, his blunder has given the rookie anchorman a rise to prominence and his career is far from over.  He deserves a second chance; and he'll probably be working for CNN, MSNBC or his dream job at ESPN by month's end.  No doubt a network or station somewhere - perhaps back in Bismarck - will be knocking on his door - if they already haven't done so.  Hey...stranger things have been known to happen.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

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Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

For A Safer America, We, As Citizens, Must Keep Our Eyes And Ears Open - But We Must Not Live In Fear

     We, as a nation - and as individual Americans - must not surrender to the threat of terrorism.  We cannot live our lives in fear.

     What happened at the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15th 2013 - during the city's Patriot Day celebration - was painfully tragic.  As I - and many of you - watched on television, we heard the screams and cries for help from the bloody bombing victims.  It was a horror.

     All that being said, it is so very important that we continue with such events.  Moving forward, we cannot cancel community functions; nor can we be scared that a terrorist is going to attack when the public gathers for a civic occasion.  We need to be vigilant, but not afraid.

     Americans have learned a lot - the hard way - since 9/11...and our education to fight terrorism has been applied to nearly everything we do since September 11th, 2001.  But we cannot become obsessed and pre-occupied with terrorism or else the terrorists win.

     There are sick people in the world and they are not just individuals from foreign lands, nor are they necessarily people involved with large, organized terrorist groups.  There are so-called "lone wolves."  And there are psychotic radicals, who are homegrown here in the U.S.  They are Americans - whether born in this country or naturalized citizens - who, for whatever reason in their deranged minds, want to hurt and murder others.  And it may not be that they want to kill thousands - as with 9/11 - but there is the potential of smaller attacks - and the targets may not be in big cities or at huge events.  Whether we live in or visit a major metropolis...or reside or are merely passing through a suburban township or village...we - as citizens of this great country - need to keep our eyes and ears open and we need to advise police when we see or hear something that could be a possible threat to people's lives.  Each and everyone of us needs to pitch in...and be aware of anything that seems to be out of the ordinary.  We need to be observant, perceptive and alert, but - at the same time - we need to be cautious.

     We live in a world where technology has provided "Big Brother" not only with the opportunity to watch us, but for us to watch each other.  There are millions of surveillance cameras focused on everything and everyone.  But the cell phones that most of us carry enable us to take videos and photographs when we witness something that is disturbing...or we detect or discover someone who appears to be leary or questionable. 

     The nationwide campaign - IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING - is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crimes.  The campaign focuses on emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.

     On Sunday, April 21st, 2013, Senator Dick Durbin, Democrat from Illinois and the Assistant Majority Leader of the United States Senate told NBC News correspondent David Gregory on Meet The Press, "We've got to make sure that we give to the intelligence and law enforcement agencies - federal, state and local - the resources they need to keep America safe.  We live in a dangerous world.  We live also in a free and open society, which we value very much.  In order to keep Americans safe at every public event, we need to invest the resources that are necessary for law enforcement."

     It took less than a week - with extraordinary efforts by national law enforcement officials and police throughout Massachusetts - to quickly capture the two men - two brothers - who are apparently responsible for the devastation of human lives and property in Boston.  The older brother, 26-year old Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed on Friday, April 19th, but fortunately, the younger sibling, 19-year old Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is alive, yet hospitalized with serious wounds.  I say he is "fortunately" alive because we want - and need the answer to the question - "Why did you do this?"  What would prompt two young men to come to America - become U.S. citizens - but have the desire to be so destructive?

     Beyond the capture of the Tsarnaev brothers, there is a silver lining, as a result of the gruesome and cataclysmic bombings that rocked Boston.  And that is the beauty of the Boston people and the magnanimity of citizens all throughout Massachusetts and elsewhere across America.  When the bombs exploded, people ran towards the blasts to help those in need.  There were acts of kindness to overpower the acts of violence.  And when the younger Tsarnaev brother was arrested on Friday night, April 19th and taken by ambulance to a hospital, the streets of Watertown, Massachusetts were lined with residents as they applauded every FBI, ATF and police officer who walked or drove passed the crowd of onlookers.  Their corner of the country was now safe - at least for now - and these quaint communities of New England would no longer be locked down.

     What is normal today?  After 9/11, we were all in shock.  We had never suffered or experienced such a national catastrophe.  How can we go back to life prior to 9/11?  Will any generation ever be able to live life in a normal way again?  Or is how we live today - the new normal?

     The death of anyone - especially when unexpected and at the hands of criminal activity - is heartwrenching.  But when the life of an adorable and angelic child is stolen from his parents, the calamity is even more disastrous.

     About a year ago, a photograph was taken of Martin Richard, the 8-year old boy from Dorchester, Massachusetts, who was killed when the bombs detonated at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.  In the photo, Martin is holding a picture that he drew.  Surrounded by two hearts are the words, "No more hurting people.  Peace."

     It is mindboggling to imagine and perplexing to think that a child would make such a profound statement in a schoolroom drawing...and then be killed by an act of violence.

     Let us hope that this is NOT the new normal.  Let us hope that the innocence of young Martin Richard becomes the reality for us all.  "No more hurting people.  Peace."

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

 

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Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

The U.S. Senate Deserves An "F"...For Failing Americans

     The United States Senate's vote on Wednesday, April 17th, 2013 is proof that many of our elected politicians don't care what Americans want.  In poll after poll, survey after survey - in a nation where there are almost as many weapons as there are people - about 90 percent or more of U.S. citizens - including gun owners and Republicans - have emphatically stated that we need tougher and more sensible gun control laws.  It's disgraceful to think, but it's obviously true that Congress is nothing but a pawn for the National Rifle Association (The NRA).  Unfortunately, we - as a nation - have elected a syndicate of spineless senators - many of whom - need to be voted out of office.

     It's been 18 weeks since a lunatic went on a shooting spree at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut and murdered 20 children and 6 adults.  How on God's green Earth - after Newtown... after Aurora, Colorado...after Fort Hood...after Tucson, where former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords survived being shot in the head...after Columbine...and after numerous other tragic massacres - can the U.S. Senate continue to make it easier for deranged madmen to kill innocent people?  Why do we cast our ballots for useless individuals who go to Washington...become rich and famous...but get nothing accomplished? 

   

  President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden worked tirelessly - with speech after speech - as they traveled the country - in the hope that the word of the people would make a difference to our Congressional lawmakers.  But their crusade was an effort in futility, as there are too many Senators who - simply put - will not cross the NRA.

     I applaud Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden for presenting solid gun control proposals and packages to protect people.  But instead - the Senate - 41 Republicans and 4 Democrats...yes, 4 Democrats too...voted down a bipartisan amendment, which was devised by

Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Republican Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and several others, which would have expanded backgrond checks for gun buyers.  The bill needed 60 votes to pass and there were only 54.

     In addition, a ban on assault weapons was given a thumbs down by 60 senators and 54 lawmakers voted against a limit on bullet magazines.

     President Obama said Wednesday that "It was a pretty shameful day for Washington."  Forgive me, Mr. President...as I don't mean to correct you... but it was a pretty shameful day for the entire United States of America.

     Is the horror that took the lives of 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School - including 20 first grade children - nothing more than a forgotten tragedy?  Apparently it is for 45 U.S. senators.  All they did on Wednesday was add to the already too many tears that were shed by parents of those 20 precious little kids.

     How did 45 senators vote in favor of gun violence?  Yes...that's basically what they did.

     How did 45 senators say "yea" for mass murders?  Yes...that's basically what they did.

     How did 45 senators give sick, mentally ill monsters...the freedom...to kill children?  Yes...that's basically what they did.

     Why would anyone in their right mind want to allow between 20 and 40 percent of all guns to be purchased without a background check?  That's right. The Senate rejected a bill - that as law - would have required a background check for buyers at gun shows and on the Internet...something that is not mandatory today.

     A law must be passed to help keep Americans safe.  New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg released a statement on Wednesday that "Democrats - who are so quick to blame Republicans for our broken gun laws - could not stand united.  And Republicans - who are so quick to blame Democrats for not being tough enough on crime - handed criminals a huge victory."

 

    Former Representative Gabby Giffords wrote Wednesday that "It's clear to me that if members of the United States Senate refuse to change the laws to reduce gun violence, then we need to change the members of the U.S. Senate."

     If the brutal attack of an elementary school and the savage slaughter of 20 6-year old children...didn't make a difference to 45 U.S. senators...then shame on them.  And shame on us...if we re-elect them.

     President Obama said Wednesday...as he stood alongside families of the Newtown victims..."Sooner or later, we're going to get this right.  The memories of (the) children demand it...and so do the American people."

     How many more dead - and even wounded - do we need...before Congress performs in a positive way?

     Americans must stand together - united as a nation - to express our outrage against the U.S. Senate.

     In the classic 1976 motion picture, Network...written by Paddy Chayefsky and directed by Sidney Lumet...Academy Award winning actor, Peter Finch - in his brilliant performance as raving network news anchorman, Howard Beale - ranted on the air...telling his viewers that "I want you to get mad.  You've got to say, I'm a human being.  My life has value.  So, I want you to get up right now and go to the window...open it...and stick your head out and yell...I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!"

     In order to get a gun control law passed...it may just may take all Americans to echo the words of Howard Beale.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.

Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Railroad Engineer Saves Puppy's Life, But The Man Who Tied The Dog To Train Tracks Goes Free And Unpunished. WHY?

     My commentary today focuses on a story that needs to be examined much more thoroughly by law enforcement officials and animal protection organizations.

     Authorities in southern California say a 78-year old man tied a 10-month old puppy to railroad tracks in the Mojave Desert near Mecca last week, but thankfully a quick thinking and very alert engineer was able to use emergency brakes to bring his train to a screeching halt to keep it from crushing the mixed breed poodle-terrier.  The Riverside County Department of Animal Services says the dog - nicknamed Banjo, a reference to old train traffic signals - is doing fine and is up for adoption.

     It was April 2nd, 2013 when a sharp-eyed, heroic railroad engineer - whose name has not yet been made public - observed the elderly man walking away from the tracks.  Later...when a special agent from the Union Pacific Railroad responded to the scene, he called it "one of the worst things I've seen."

     The agent reportedly untied Banjo and told journalists that the man claimed his family "didn't want the puppy, but didn't know what to do" with him.  The agent stated that he couldn't charge the still unidentified man with a crime of animal cruelty because he appeared "confused or senile, and didn't understand what he had done."  The man was, therefore, released to his family and Banjo was taken to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, California, where he was treated and bathed.

     This is a horror of a case, which needs a complete investigation.  The elderly man may indeed be suffering from a mental health problem.  But such a diagnosis should be determined by a doctor and other medical experts; certainly not by a special agent of a railroad company.  Furthermore, a district attorney, a judge, a grand jury - they are then to conclude whether prosecution is warranted.  Just because a person appears to be "confused" doesn't get him off the hook.  If that was the case, the prisons in our country would be nearly empty.  Think about it for a moment.  Can you hear a defendant, who is on trial for murder saying the following?  "I'm sorry, your honor, but I was...confused...when I shot to death those 12 people."  We need to find out - and fast - whether the man who tied Banjo to the train tracks could be a danger to himself...or more importantly...to others.  Obviously...he was a danger to Banjo.

     Is it possible that this man is - plain and simple - an evil, evil man...and that he has tortured other dogs in the past?  Is it possible that this was not the first time he's performed such a gruesome and ghastly act of violence?  If so...fortunately... this time he was caught.

     I was curious to know if there is any connection between animal cruelty and violence towards people.  There can be.  In an April 27th, 2011 issue of Psychology Today magazine, Dr. Joni E. Johnston, Psy.D writes that "statistics show that 30 percent of children, who have witnessed domestic violence, act out a similar type of violence against their pets.  In fact, the link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence is so well-known that many U.S. communities now cross-train social-service and animal-control agencies in how to recognize signs of animal abuse as possible indicators of other abusive behaviors." 

     When authorities, families, friends or any responsible person detects signs that an individual may become violent - for any reason whatsoever - we must act accordingly.  There have been mass shootings and other criminal activities in America where deaths of innocent people could have been easily avoided...if someone spoke up.

     How heartless can anyone be to sentence a puppy to death by a speeding locomotive?  At the very least, the man should have been fined - perhaps a thousand dollars - perhaps even more - and the money used to help Banjo and other dogs against inhumane behavior.

     There isn't a day that goes by that I don't see a commercial on television that advertises the ASPCA, the SPCA, The Humane Society or other animal protection organizations.  There are no-kill shelters that would have gladly welcomed Banjo and found this adorable, precious puppy a warm and loving home.  There is no excuse for anybody to say they "didn't know what to do."

     I can only imagine how terrified Banjo was when he was tied to the tracks and the train roared toward his tiny, little canine body.  Thank God, there is a happy ending to this story.  I can only hope there is someone within the legal system in Riverside County or in the state of California, who is smart enough to investigate this case more intently.  It is, of course, quite possible that the senior citizen involved in this particular incident is truly the victim of senility, dementia, or some other form of mental disease that is prone to affect elderly people.  But if not...I shudder to think what could be on his mind next.

     Tying a poor, defenseless puppy to railroad tracks was a premeditated act of violence.  What happens if the 78-year old grandfather decides one day that he doesn't like one of his grandchildren.  Is he going to tie the kid to the train tracks too?

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.

Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.

Jew In The Box: An Insulting Exhibit That Is Disrespectful And Disgraceful

     A new exhibit in Berlin, Germany is degrading and demeaning to Jews all around the world.  In what The Jewish Museum is calling an effort to educate post-World War II generations, I am calling a disgrace.

     Nearly 70 years after The Holocaust...of the 82 million people living in Germany, fewer than 200,000 Jews are part of that population.  As a result, not too many Germans born after 1945 are reportedly - personally acquainted with any Jews - or for that matter - even know much about Jewish people and our culture.

     On March 22nd, 2013, The Jewish Museum began The Whole Truth...Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Jews - where a Jewish man or a Jewish woman sits inside a glass box for two hours a day to answer visitors' questions about Jews and Jewish life.  The words printed on the base of the box asks, "Are there still Jews in Germany?" 

     The exhibit, which is scheduled to continue through August, is a presentation of the utmost disrespect.  To belittle the Jews - or any group of people in this manner - is humiliating and shameful.  This is a horrific idea that is obscene and objectionable.

     The Jewish Museum's manner of thinking is a totally useless and inappropriate way for Germans or anybody else to learn about Jewish life and the culture of Judaism.  To ask questions on placards such as, "How do you recognize a Jew?" or "Are Jews business savvy?" are stereotypical acts that are atrocious and appalling.

     If The Jewish Museum or any organization wants people of other religions or ethnicities to learn about Jewish life, that's terrific.  But not this way.  Instead, organize a seminar.  Invite Christians, Muslims or persons from other non-Jewish groups to join together to discuss such subjects as - why Jewish men - and not women - wear yarmulkes...or what is the significance and importance of a Shabbat dinner?  You don't ask these questions to a so-called, "Jew In The Box."

     Synagogues all over the United States and throughout the world have educational centers where people can ask questions.  There are Chabad communities - including one in Berlin that spotlights Judaism and provides daily Torah lectures and Jewish insights.  Chabad centers welcome citizens from other faiths to share their thoughts and ask their questions to Jews close up and intimate... without a Jew sitting in a glass box.

     There is a curiosity, by others, about Jews - and Judaism as a whole - and that is as understandable as anything else, which is not the norm for a particular person.  That said, officials at The Jewish Museum in Berlin have reportedly stated that a great many of their visitors are not familiar with Jews or with the meaning of the Jewish religion.  It is obvious to me that not much brainstorming went in to this project when the creative and administrative team got together. 

     "What is the Jewish take on Jesus...or on Mohammed?"  "Why are Jews called - the chosen people."  Those and others are legitimate questions that non-Jews may want to ask - just as there are questions that Jews may have about the life of a Catholic or someone from another religion.  But an exhibition such as the one in Berlin is to me - antisemitism by Jews - which makes no sense whatsoever.  Of course... antisemitism of any kind is senseless.

     The tragic killing of 6 million Jews, ordered by Adolf Hitler, is still a tremendously sensitive and emotional subject for Jews everywhere; but Germans need not associate all Jews to The Holocaust and the era of Nazi Germany.  There were millions of Jews before Hitler and millions of Jews after him.  Each and every Jew - as each and every Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or person from another faith - has an individual history about their heritage, which is unique and yet similar to others of their own belief; and sharing thoughts, ideas and backgrounds is essential to bettering the lives of all people around the world.  But placing a Jew in a box crosses the line of decency and is not a comfortable way to connect non-Jews with Jews.

     The Holocaust caused the murders of 80 percent of the German-Jewish population - and did so - in part - by the GAS chamber.  The GLASS chamber is certainly not a death box, but I am still astounded that anyone in his right mind would create such an insulting exhibit - especially a Jew.

     Jews are not animals in a zoo where people come to gawk outside a glass cage.  Promoting the understanding of Jewish life is a wonderful notion; and it would be beneficial to all religions - and to all people worldwide if we were knowledgeable about the reasons one person believes...this way...and another person believes...that way.  However...I am shocked and offended by The Jewish Museum that they would put Jews "on display" as if we were a piece of art to either admire or criticize.  If the curators of The Jewish Museum truly feel their exhibit will be a productive way for non-Jewish Germans to learn about Hebrew history, Jewish life and all of Judaism...they need to go back to the drawing board.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comments" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.

Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.