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December 20, 2008 Download the Podcast for Saturday Session - December 20, 2008 (MP3). Today on Saturday Session with Bishop, live on 970 WMAY, The News and Talk of Springfield; streaming world-wide at WMAY dot com: So much to say, so little time. There are riots in Europe while the EU focuses on fishing regulation. The UN is split on human rights for homosexuals and the US takes over a UK nuclear weapons plant. Russia could be hurt by low gas prices, according to the World Bank, so expect gas prices to go up in the near future. The Fed is refusing to disclose the recipients of over 2 trillion dollars worth of assistance ... What was that about transparency? Maybe Madoff made off with a chunk of that. Illinois is suffering from political bipolar disorder with the mania of Obama and the depression of Blago ... Did the Feds move faster than they would have liked ... if so, why? If you haven't heard the BlagojeGrinch song written and performed by Jim Leach, be sure to download it HERE. Cheney and Rummy may have had more to do with torture and the admin previously disclosed ... even with orders being handed down, why do people follow them? Is the person evil in a situation, or does the situation make someone evil? Part II of the first Zeitgeist is about 9/11, and challenging what you thought you know. Do you think we should just forget about this and move on for hope and change? Or can we not afford to move on and ignore the truth? This and your calls at 217.629.7970 or email Bishop@wmay.com |
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December 18, 2008 This is the final essay written by Greg Bishop for the Fall 2008 Political Studies course 'Democratiztion and the Public Sphere' with Richard Gilman-Opalsky at the University of Illinois at Springfield Sometimes social movements do not follow the concepts and theories behind democracy. Is this necessary for the movement to be effective? Cohen and Arato believe this is to exert influence over political channels to gain recognition in the public sphere. It is important to distinguish the difference between the public sphere and social movements. The public sphere is the place where social movements perform civil disobedience. Like a plant in need of water, the public sphere’s thirst for democracy may be refreshed with civil disobedience. Unfortunately the public is like a cactus and able to go through long droughts. Hopefully the inactive participants take up social movements for justice like a sponge. Optimistically, society is willing to differentiate fresh, clean, and flowing water vs. stagnant, filthy, and infected water. In a movement for individual gain, some may harm the public sphere more than help. But what are some of the facilities the public can use to bring about social justice in the public sphere? Civil disobedience is necessary for our journey to the unlikely; purely free and involving democracy. I say unlikely because I too have “sacrificed to realism the utopian core of the radical democratic project, namely, the goal of achieving of genuine citizen participation in public life (Arato, Cohen, 565).†We will never get to the utopian core of the radical democratic project, but our goal should be focused on more involvement from not just the professionals, but all of private society in the public sphere. What is the motivation behind social movements? “Social movements seek to democratize civil society, to protect it from economic and political “colonization,†and to exert influence on political society (Arato, Cohen, 565).†The credibility of the movement depends on what motivates them. Benevolence should be a goal, if there is any hostility towards society the movement will decay from the inside. Sometimes hostility will be focused on the state, which may be necessary for recognition and protection from economic and political colonization. When social movements strive for recognition they can go about gaining an open ear in two ways. Acknowledgment can be realized by means of the legal system (unlikely), which is based on bureaucracy – or – they can force recognition by violating norms and laws (guaranteed). The first option is not based on justice, which is what the latter’s focus should be. “The peculiarity of collective action involving civil disobedience is that it moves between the boundaries of insurrection and institutionalized political activity, between civil war and civil society†(Arato and Cohen, 566). This movement in between insurrection and institution can further guarantee at least the status of being recognized by the state. The authors of 'Civil Disobedience and Civil Society' talk about civil disobedience being “extrainstitutional†(beyond formalized interconnectivity or organization.) Arato and Cohen also point to the contradiction of civil disobedience being granted by law … this reminds me of how a public sphere cannot be created by the state. In both cases the effectiveness, efficiency, and credibility of the movement in the public sphere is not realized. State mandated civil disobedience is the equivalent of covert military industrial provocateurism – or – black operations funded privately (or secretly with public funds) to force a march towards tyrannical power. This is possible by the fear that can be instilled in society by an unknown or invisible social movement. Hidden transcripts (conscientious refusals beyond closed doors) are different from civil disobedience in the fact the public’s awareness of the hidden is unclear or even misunderstood. "What distinguishes civil disobedience from conscientious refusal is that it is public in the dual sense of not being concealed or covert and of appealing to the general political principles of justice presumably shared by everyone in a constitutional regime, rather that to one’s personal morality, religion, or particular or group interests." (Arato and Cohen, 571) In Scott’s 'Domination and the Arts of Resistance – Hidden Transcripts,' there is an Ethiopian proverb he alludes to at the beginning - “When the great lord passes the wise peasant bows deeply and silently farts.†This really does sum up his article, but understanding there must be more analysis of his theory and how it challenges the conventional notion of the public sphere, we’ll continue forward. In the HBO series John Adams, the second president is portrayed in France as disgusted with the presentation of excess of his hosts while on a political trip. This type of showmanship or onstage appearance “requires that we routinely exchange pleasantries and smile at others about whom we may harbor an estimate not in keeping without public performance.†(Scott, 1) As understood in interpersonal communication studies, the public as a whole has hidden transcripts and public transcripts or on and off stage presentation. This deals with face and how we as individuals go about saving face. For the public in its entirety, there are two ways class structures communicate. Public transcripts are open and public interactions between dominators and the oppressed are basically euphemistic or made digestible, not detestable. The pill is easy to swallow as long as it’s laced with sugar. The critique of power that takes place off stage when power holders are not present is the hidden transcript. “[T]he greater the disparity in power between dominant and subordinate and the more arbitrarily it is exercised, the more the public transcript of subordinates will take on a stereotyped, ritualistic cast.†(Scott, 3) If stakes are high for society (loss of life, money, property, and freedom) then the public’s mask is thick. Let me be sure not to confuse the fact that there are hidden transcripts on either side of the class scale. The powerful rulers have hidden transcripts contaminated with detest for their subjects, and vice versa. Public transcripts of the elite are meant to preserve power and prevent ridicule, for threats to power and ridicule could pose problems for their control over increased neo-liberal (securing rights of corporations) progression towards globalization. The other side, as a slave does to his master behind his back, struggles with being taken advantage of. Theories of the public sphere learned up to this point through course material and class discussion cannot involve resistance or rebellion. Sometimes strife in the public sphere breeds perlocution, not illocution. On the flipside – hidden transcripts are not in the public sphere. Social movements working offstage have no filter, which can unleash raw emotions and uncensored positions and possibilities. Cultivation of true revolutionary change, however, can only take place if the oppressed make their hidden transcript public. This challenges the conventional notion of the public sphere by shattering social norms. There is no way to heal the fatal wound to public trust unless grievances are made known and clear. Obviously the hidden transcript no longer becomes unseen when it is made openly available to all, sometimes in defiance of laws and norms. A movement I see as being powerful in the past, present, and future for the public sphere is the Truth Movement. This movement may have been with us since the end of the Second World War, but has excelled with each major event up to the current financial crisis. For me, I have noticed this faction of free-thinkers in the past 5 years since becoming politically conscious. The ideas espoused by the Truth Movement are considered of the fringe, but it encompasses all across the terrain of politics. In my own experience, the situationism only takes you so far before you offend, bore, or confuse the audience. There are some definite points to take from the situationism mentality, and that is the element of surprise. For the truth movement to get noticed there must be a moment, an epiphany, for the mass to see what is being presented by the fringe. By “waking†people up, as it is termed by the movement, the public sphere and the private citizens found within, rediscover the urgency for accountability and action. This can be accomplished through communicative action, or ideas being facilitated though individuals inciting achievement for freedom. Imagine, as I am sure you can, a classless society of monotony; people waiting in line to be given the bread, the substance, the word necessary for life. This world is bland and lifeless, but great for control over society. The water for the cactus in this world is stagnant and infected. The only colors are grey and a dull blue with the occasional red for ketchup and blood. The Truth Movement is active in the public sphere. But they can be more active. A problem this social movement has with the public sphere is the lack of acceptance by the public sphere. Impacting the public sphere through alternative media, localized politics, active investigation and staunch classic conservatism of limited government, I see as being very powerful in maintaining, if not accelerating the ideas of Democracy. Even our concepts of Democracy must be checked at the door and allowed to give more power to a minority opinion. This can’t be fixed by technology, only facilitated. Be it the end the fed rallies, the 9/11 truth squad, or even the UFO movement (even they have a valid argument about government secrecy), the truth movement has power to make us think for ourselves, even in its infancy. |
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December 12, 2008 Final Interview with Greg Bishop By JC Pelc For this final assignment I again spoke with Greg Bishop, UIS Student and host of the local radio progam Saturday Session With Bishop on 970AM WMAY. As I mentioned last time, Greg is very much interested in politics but offers a more fringe approach and less mainstream view of things. I find that his willingness to look at all sides of issues and do independent research rather than simply relying on spoon-fed national media refreshing. Here is what he had to say about the 2008 election after the primaries. JCP: Greg, what were your thoughts after the primary election? GB: It was really disheartening after the Feb. 5th primary. When you volunteer your time out of school, work, and life to actively campaign and organize for the candidate of your choice, and then it slips away overwhelmingly, it is hard to get back up. |
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December 11, 2008 Springfield's Mobile Home, Blago Redux, auto bailout passes the House, states in trouble, trials denounced by 9/11 families Springfield A Lincoln-era home that has caused controversy in the capital city, will finally find its way off the middle of a downtown city street. The Maisenbacher home will be transferred to its permanent lot Friday, but the foundation has yet to be poured. The owners, prominent bussiness owners Court and Karen Conn, purchased the home in hopes the city would help fund the transfer and renovation with Tax Increment Financing funds. The house was moved nearly a month ago and the project was halted to a stop after the Springfield City Council refused to approve over $800,000 dollars for a foundation and renovation. A loan of $165,000 dollars was denied by a bank for the foundation. The rental company providing the equipment the house is resting on in the middle of Jackson Street says it will start charging the Conns one-thousand-dollars a day, if the equipment is not returned soon. Springfield's Mayor Tim Davlin, who supported Gov. Blagojevich for re-election in 2006, is refusing to comment on the arrest of the Illinois governor. His spokesperson says he is busy with city business. Illinois Illinois Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. is denying he is SENATE CANDIDATE 5 in the complaint against Gov. Blagojevich. In the 76-page report, an aid for SENATE CANDIATE 5 offered to raise $500,000 for Blagojevich in exchange for the senate seat. A Nov. 9th Report from KHQA calls into question whether President Elect Barrack Obama had contact with Blagojevich concerning the senate appointment. "Obama met with Governor Rod Blagojevich earlier this week to discuss it. Illinois law states that the governor chooses that replacement," according to the news organization. Having denied contact with Blagojevich about the appointment, Barrack Obama has joined other Democratic leaders in calling for Blagojevich to resign. The Illinois Legislature plans to meet next week to discuss the best way to strip the appointment power from the current Governor. Senator Dick Durbin has called for a special election for voters to choose the next Illinois senator. In order to do this, special legislation must be passed. However, the Governor can block or veto the bill that would strip him of his appointment power. Another option the Legislature has is to vote for impeachment. This would start in the house, and if passed, the Senate would hold a trial against the Governor. Both options could take the debacle into the new year. If the Governor decides to choose a Senator to replace the President Elect, the Senate could deny his choice. National The Senate Democratic Caucus has joined Barrack Obama in calling for Governor Blagojevich to resign. 50 members signed a letter asking for Blagojevich to resign, allowing for his successor to pick the next senator. The House of Representatives passed the controversial $15-billion dollar automotive rescue plan 237 - 170. The bill is expected to run into hurdles as it enters the Senate. Free Internet? The White House says no. The Bush administration has denounced a plan by the Federal Communication Commission in hopes to derail the proposal. The FCC is set to approve its plan for a free, nationwide wireless Internet. Google has decided to ramp up their powerful street view feature for their mapping site. Maine, West Virginia, North Dakota, and South Dakota now have some coverage from Google's Street View. Cities now covered include Memphis, Tenn., Charleston, S.C., and Birmingham, Ala. National Public Radio is joining a slew of other media in falling on hard times. NPR has announced it will cut 7 percent from their workforce. Other cuts announced include 10 percent from the National Football League and 2,200 jobs from Office Depot. A report from the Center of Budget and Policy Priorities said 43 states suffer from budget shortfalls either now or next year. Of these, 16 states decided to cut funding for health and education while 20 others plan cuts in their state's workforce. A letter posted on an ACLU website indicates 33 families of victims from the 9/11 terror attacks denounce the military tribunals being used on 'enemy combatants' as being illegitimate and unfair. The statement says "Many of us do not believe these military commissions to be fair, in accordance with American values, or capable of achieving the justice that 9/11 family members and all Americans deserve." The BBC reports that other family members of 9/11 victims taken to the trial by the Pentagon praised the trials as being fair. |
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Stories from here, around the world, and beyond December 10, 2008 The United Nations celebrated the 60th anniversary of Human Rights Day yesterday. Springfield Heartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, a subsidiary of insurance giant AIG, and the City of Springfield have come to an agreement on a claim for the explosion of the Dallman power plant November of last year. The company has already paid out over $30 million for the claim. The remaining to be paid by the AIG subsidiary falls short by about $1.8 million of the total $52.5 million. The November 10, 2007 explosion is blamed on faulty valves. Repairs are at around 80% and the new power plant, that was being built in November of 2007, is also in the last stages of completion. CWLP is a publicly owned utility. Illinois Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich celebrates his birthday the day after being arrested for charges of corruption. Posting nearly $5 thousand dollars bail, Blagojevich is free and awaiting trial. Attorney's for the Gov. say he will not resign and that he did nothing wrong. Blagojevich is being charged with bartering for favors for him and his wife, for both political and financial gain. These charges included withholding funding for a children's hospital until donations where made, calling for the firing of the editorial board at the Chicago Tribune and how Obama's election could open up jobs and money. US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald says he was arrested to keep any further illegal activity from occuring. Monday, the Gov. said anyone wanting to record him can do so. He made the statements just after announcing that the State of Illinois would stop business with Bank of America if the bank did not give in to worker's demands at a window and door factory in Chicago. The Bank of America canceled financing for the Republic Windows and Doors Company. Displaced Workers staged a sit-in at the factory, demanding back pay and vacation pay. Bank of America has since given in to the workers demands. Former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar says that Blagojevich should resign and that Illinois voters are partly to blame for the continued corruption in Illinois. Senator Dick Dubin has called for a special session for Illinois to select a replacement for President Elect Barack Obama. Meanwhile, the Illinois Legislature is planning legislation to allow for a special election to fill the open senate seat. Though he has not being charged with anything, there are questions about Obama, and those close to him, back-stepping on having contact with Gov. Blagojevich about the senate appointment. National A Congressional report is accusing Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin of abusing his power. The report titled "Deception and Distrust: The Federal Communications Commission Under Chairman Kevin J. Martin" claims Martin manipulated and withheld information from the other FCC commissioners and from Congress, neglected his statutory responsibilities to produce certain information to Congress, and ignored evidence that certain national communications programs were being grossly mismanaged, according to the report issued by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Secretary of State Condeleza Rice and the woman who could replace her, New York Senator Hillary Clinton, dined at Rice's apartment in Washington's Watergate complex Monday. It is reported they dined on sea bass, wild rice, and mushroom soup while talking about foreign policy. Three of five Guantanamo Bay detainees that agreed to confess to the charges of plotting the September 11, 2001 terror attacks have retracted their decision. This is after a judge required competency hearings on two of the three. International Musicians from around the world, including Massive Attack and Tom Morello are banning together in protest of their music being used as part of the "advanced interrogation techniques" in Guantanamo Bay. The campaign will include moments of silence at concerts to bring about awareness of the common act of using music to break-down inmates - according to Reprieve, who represents dozens of Guantanamo Bay detainees and is organizing the campaign. Donald Vance, a private contractor from Chicago, claims he enjoyed rock music before being imprisoned. Vance now tells the associated press he is near suicidal. He claims to be held for reporting illegal weapons deals. The Associated press reports "According to a lawsuit he has filed, his jailers said he was being held because his employer was suspected of selling weapons to terrorists and insurgents. The U.S. military confirms Vance was jailed but won't elaborate because of the lawsuit." Not all musicians are against the practice. The lead singer for Drowning Pool, who's song "Bodies" is a favorite at Gitmo, is on record saying the band is proud to have their songs used to help deter the next 9/11. "It's very simple — we want the government to fall." The shooting of a teenager by police in Greece has sparked riots that has lasted for four days. The burial of the 15-year-old boy in Athens was attended by around 6,000 people. This comes amidst uncertain economic and social reforms and the Socialist Opposition leader calling for early elections. Petros Constantinou, an organizer with the Socialist Workers Party, said in Athens "This government wants the poor to pay for all the country's problems — never the rich — and they keep those who protest in line using police oppression." Pakistan says it is ready for war with India if they plan to be aggressive after terrorist gunman from Pakistan killed over 170 people late November. India claims the group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is responsible for the attacks. The group is from Pakistan. Though Pakistan has arrested 16 people in connection with the attack, they refuse to extradite them India. Odd A Swiss philanthropist who donated $65,000 to her local fire house had her home burn down. The truck Annemarie Geckeler helped purchase, alongside five other trucks, could not save the 79-year-old's multi million dollar home. Beyond Planet Earth German astronomers claim to have discovered a black hole within our solar system. Using telescope in Chile, they tracked over 20 stars in the Milky Way circling a black hole. The "black pearl" is four million times heavier than the Sun, according the astronomers. |
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December 09, 2008 "Its a sad day for Illinois" according to investigators Tuesday morning. Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich is under arrest on many charges of corruption on pay-to-play politics. In a press confernce held Tuesday morning, stunning accusations indicate Gov. Blagojevich saw his chance to oppoint a new senator in place of President Elect Barrack Obama as a way for personal gain. Among other charges include taking contributions for the senate seat, and placing pressure on the Chicago Tribune to fire members of the their editorial board. US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald mentioned Blagojevich also wanted to oppoint himself to the senate seat for a variety of reasons, including possible "speaking fees" and a possible run for president in 2016. "If Illinois isn't the most corrupt ... it sure the hell is a competitor," In questions about Obama's awareness, Fitzgerald said there is no evidence of that. "He is still the senator." This comes after years of investigations into the Illinois Governor for pay-to-play politics. A federally authorized wiretap provided evidence for a "political corruption crime spree" and "something that would make Lincoln would roll in his grave" according to Fitzgerald. Blagojevich will remain governor untill he is convicted or impeached. No complaint has been raised against Barrack Obama. More to come, be sure to tune into to reaction from the capitol city on WMAY dot com. |
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December 06, 2008 Tonight on Saturday Session: We may hear from the owner of Capitol City Arms Supply about the Run on Guns after the election of Barrack Obama. What else could be the reason for the Run on Guns? What's the latest on the terror attacks in India? What will happen with Pakistan, and just how much blame can be placed on the Pakistani ISI? This proves to be yet another way attacks can take place place, we must be prepared. Also, Posse Comitatus may be threatened ... but it has long been coming. Do you have a concern that the military will start acting in the capacity of police actions? Did you know that is against the law? Also, Part I of the film Zeitgeist will be covered on Saturday Session with Bishop, on 970 WMAY, the News and Talk of Springfield. Call in at 217.629.7970 or email bishop@wmay.com |
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December 05, 2008 While Jim has the day off, the schedules get a little tricky, but WMAY is sure to keep you informed and entertained. Bishop will be live from 10a to 2p, streaming worldwide at WMAY dot com. Today: With the economy officially in a recession and bailouts occurring all over, what are some of the issues not being discussed? War, terrorism, human rights, equal rights for all, and more! What do you think are some of the more important issues? Today is the anniversary of the repeal of prohibition. Be sure to check out Bishop’s proposal to abolish the 16th amendment! It appears that the popular band Coldplay is being charged with plagiarism by Joe Satriani. This affords us to the opportunity to talk about other cases of song ‘plagiarism’. Also, George bush was in a secret society in college … what are some other secrets Gee Dub has? This and your calls to the public sphere at 217.629.7970 or email bishop@wmay.com |
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November 29, 2008 Bush pardons two turkeys. Could one of them be George Ryan? Sen. Durbin says he is considering commutation for former Gov. George Ryan. Gov. Blagojevich could be seeking sympathy from Illinois voters by reaching across the isle to agree with commutation. Former Gov. Thompson also seems to be on board with commutation. Did you know Thompson's law firm helps defend Ryan? *Caller notes this could be psy-ops by Sen. Durbin to stick it to the Illinois Government Machine. Closure of the Dana Thomas House may be the wrong address ... why don't we shut down the Gov. Mansion! Also, are we re-writing history by wanting to move the House that Lincoln owned? Maybe they shouldn't have agreed on that adjustable mortgage. There is chaos in India where several sites witnessed ghastly terror attacks by gunmen with bombs. the death count is over 200 including up to 20 possible gunmen. Reports indicate there is a Pakistani link. India continues to investigate, but what about the initial warnings that preceded the attacks. These should be focused on. Also, how can the Problem Reaction Solution paradigm play a role in this? Or is this just a conflict over Kashmir? President Elect Obama has given 4 press conferences since "winning" the election. 3 have been just this week about the economy. He is nominating Clintonians and former Fed Governors to key positions of advisory boards. Is this really the change voters expected? Its more of the same of what I expected. This and your calls to the public sphere @ 217.629.7970 or email bishop@wmay.com Warning, Middle Eastern Terrorist names will be mispronounced! |
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November 26, 2008 - Thanksgiving Eve Greg Bishop fills in on from the Downtown Studio today on 970 WMAY from noon to 3, streaming worldwide on WMAY dot com. Reasons for being late Here's the scenario ... you work early mornings, you take a nap mid afternoon ... you wake after 2 hours, look at the clock and think you are late for work the next morning. Your heart races, you hunt down some clothes, you grab your phone to call explain why you are late to work ... What do you say? - Take the poll: What is the best reason for being late to work? Of course this happened to me last night! As I am running around like a Thanksgiving turkey with it's head cut off, my girlfriend asks what's wrong ... I ask, is it 6A or 6P? Sure enough ... it was still evening! That feeling sucks! Disclaimers Watching your allotted time for TV, you are bound to see not just one, but many drug commercials. Some could be late night male enhancement 'natural supplements' that do not necessarily need a disclaimer ... while others during prime time could be for a better heart, or for stronger bones. Why is it that when you see a drug commercial on TV, when the disclaimer or side effects are narrated, the actors in the commercial are always happy go lucky and very active? Is it different when you hear the spot, without the visuals? And - What are you thankful for this year? Personally, I am thankful for my health, relationships, family, knowledge, jobs, and life ... now if we could just get a little more freedom, justice and liberty I will be ecstatic! This and your calls live from downtown at 217.629.7970 or email bishop@wmay.com |
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