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The Library => The SGA => Topic started by: Tarheel on May 11, 2010, 12:50:53 PM

Title: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tarheel on May 11, 2010, 12:50:53 PM
I had to get this out of my system.  I do not know if any of you folk have been watching "America: The Story of Us" on the History Channel lately but it has suffered a major blow in my opinion.

I thought that it was a well-presented albeit abridged view of American History relative to the other rubbish that is broadcast.  That is up until I watched Episode Four.  Amidst all of the Experts, PhDs, and Historians who interjected their musings and reasoning from time to time regarding the causes of the War of Northern Aggression I saw Al Sharpton, Bill Maher, and Sheryl Crow offering their 'wisdom' (I had intended to use another word there).  What were the producers of this program smoking in thinking that it was a really splendid idea to give these clowns any kind of camera time on a history documentary?  I practically spilt my scotch and dropped my cigar when Al Sharpton appeared.  This man has no credibility and has had none since the Tawana Brawley incident if not before. Bill Maher is about as much of a history expert as I am a Cosmonaut.  And, lastly, Sheryl Crow?  Honestly.  It was bad enough to see Brian Williams of NBC on there but I gave him a bit of a pass since he pretends to be a journalist.

These appearances have ruined what I would have otherwise considered a fairly decently rendered historical documentary.  I can't wait to see what socialist and leftist dogma gets introduced in the 'Civil' War episode which I have recorded but have yet to watch.  I'm sure they'll leave out all of the Southern Victories like they did in the Revolutionary War Episode (I gave them a bit of a pass on this too but Uncle Sani will testify that I did vociferously object to it at the time that I watched it with him).  And I'm sure the rote cause will be slavery.

This series has lost all credibility as far as I'm concerned.  No wonder they're giving it away free to all Public Schools Government Indoctrination Centers.

Anyway, apologies again if anyone else has posted on this series elsewhere on the board.

Apologies too for posting this mini-rant in The SGA but I assumed there would be an obstreperous defense of Bill Maher's enlightened geopolitical and historical knowledge since he, Stephen Colbert, John Stewart, and David Letterman are THE news sources for the youth of America.  Then again perhaps that was the point of the History Channel having him as as "expert".
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: AUTiger1 on May 11, 2010, 01:11:59 PM
Haven't watched that episode yet, but thanks for the heads up.  Cheryl Crow, Bill Maher and Al Sharpton as history experts?  So far it has been a decent watch, but I have seen a lot better work from the History Channel before and thought this to not be up to thier normal standards.

EDIT:  And good to see you on here again.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: JR4AU on May 11, 2010, 01:15:53 PM
I had to get this out of my system.  I do not know if any of you folk have been watching "America: The Story of Us" on the History Channel lately but it has suffered a major blow in my opinion.

I thought that it was a well-presented albeit abridged view of American History relative to the other rubbish that is broadcast.  That is up until I watched Episode Four.  Amidst all of the Experts, PhDs, and Historians who interjected their musings and reasoning from time to time regarding the causes of the War of Northern Aggression I saw Al Sharpton, Bill Maher, and Sheryl Crow offering their 'wisdom' (I had intended to use another word there).  What were the producers of this program smoking in thinking that it was a really splendid idea to give these clowns any kind of camera time on a history documentary?  I practically spilt my scotch and dropped my cigar when Al Sharpton appeared.  This man has no credibility and has had none since the Tawana Brawley incident if not before. Bill Maher is about as much of a history expert as I am a Cosmonaut.  And, lastly, Sheryl Crow?  Honestly.  It was bad enough to see Brian Williams of NBC on there but I gave him a bit of a pass since he pretends to be a journalist.

These appearances have ruined what I would have otherwise considered a fairly decently rendered historical documentary.  I can't wait to see what socialist and leftist dogma gets introduced in the 'Civil' War episode which I have recorded but have yet to watch.  I'm sure they'll leave out all of the Southern Victories like they did in the Revolutionary War Episode (I gave them a bit of a pass on this too but Uncle Sani will testify that I did vociferously object to it at the time that I watched it with him).  And I'm sure the rote cause will be slavery.

This series has lost all credibility as far as I'm concerned.  No wonder they're giving it away free to all Public Schools Government Indoctrination Centers.

Anyway, apologies again if anyone else has posted on this series elsewhere on the board.

Apologies too for posting this mini-rant in The SGA but I assumed there would be an obstreperous defense of Bill Maher's enlightened geopolitical and historical knowledge since he, Stephen Colbert, John Stewart, and David Letterman are THE news sources for the youth of America.  Then again perhaps that was the point of the History Channel having him as as "expert".

I wanted to see it, but lost track of when it was set to be on.  Thanks for the heads up.  Hard to believe they'd enlist these folks to comment on U.S. History.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tarheel on May 11, 2010, 01:43:37 PM
Haven't watched that episode yet, but thanks for the heads up.  Cheryl Crow, Bill Maher and Al Sharpton as history experts?  So far it has been a decent watch, but I have seen a lot better work from the History Channel before and thought this to not be up to thier normal standards.

EDIT:  And good to see you on here again.

Thanks AUT1.  My job has been a huge drain on my time for months (and still is...we need work!) but I'll make an effort to be here more often.  Facebook doesn't cut it for my political rants. 

And I heard that AUChizad missed me. :thumsup:
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: GH2001 on May 11, 2010, 02:42:35 PM
I agree Tarheel - Ive watched a few episodes of it and there are so many fallacies. I really had high hopes for the series but Ive been very disappointed.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tiger Wench on May 11, 2010, 04:46:59 PM
I have them DVR'd - are you suggesting they are not worth my time?  I was a History major as an undergrad - rewriting history pisses me off to the nth degree...
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tarheel on May 11, 2010, 04:54:20 PM
I have them DVR'd - are you suggesting they are not worth my time?  I was a History major as an undergrad - rewriting history pisses me off to the nth degree...

If you can get past the brilliant detritus of Maher, Crow, and Sharpton the first four episodes are not too bad.  I have not seen any episodes beyond those.  I could have done completely without their useless comments.  Sharpton's opinion and comments on any subject are enough to make me want defecate.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: AUChizad on May 11, 2010, 05:10:04 PM
If you can get past the brilliant detritus of Maher, Crow, and Sharpton the first four episodes are not too bad.  I have not seen any episodes beyond those.  I could have done completely without their useless comments.  Sharpton's opinion and comments on any subject are enough to make me want defecate.
I haven't seen it, but I'd be willing to bet this is their only crime as far as this documentary is concerned. I doubt they stated any historical inaccuracy, you just don't like the messengers.

Can you name a specific comment from any of them that was inaccurate?
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tarheel on May 11, 2010, 05:29:21 PM
I haven't seen it, but I'd be willing to bet this is their only crime as far as this documentary is concerned. I doubt they stated any historical inaccuracy, you just don't like the messengers.

Can you name a specific comment from any of them that was inaccurate?

Not off of the top of my head Chizad but I'll be happy to set down and watch episode four with you when you take the time to watch it. 

It does not matter what Sharpton says or whether or not I "like" him; his opinion is irrelevant because he is without any credibility for the reason stated above.  His very presence on this documentary diminishes it's credibility.

But, to satisfy your question I'll watch episode five regarding the War Between the States and tell you exactly what he says that is inaccurate as I'm sure it will be every word that is excreted from his pie-hole.  I've deleted all previous episodes in disgust.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: bottomfeeder on May 11, 2010, 05:31:31 PM
Facebook doesn't cut it for my political rants. 


I'm still trying.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tarheel on May 11, 2010, 06:06:01 PM
I haven't seen it, but I'd be willing to bet this is their only crime as far as this documentary is concerned. I doubt they stated any historical inaccuracy, you just don't like the messengers.

Can you name a specific comment from any of them that was inaccurate?

Chizad, I was curious as to the opinion of this program by TV media-focused publications; this was what "The Hollywood Reporter" said about it in part:
Quote
...there is no obvious justification for allocating precious time to comments from people with little or no insight or expertise. Given how little Ann Coulter or Al Sharpton contribute to the understanding of contemporary issues, it seems a colossal waste of time to have them ruminate about the past. Others with seemingly nothing but a name to lend to this project include Donald Trump, Sean Combs, George Lopez and Richard Harrison of History's "Pawn Stars." It's enough to make one wonder whether Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian weren't available?

I thought that was fairly telling in that if a shallow, entertainment-centric publication could be so critical of Sharpton (and, yes, Coulter) then you can imagine what someone with a background in history thinks of his appearance.

By the way, I thought that Chairman Maobama's introduction was dignified.  Prof. Henry Louis Gates (who you may remember from the famous Beer Summit) also appears on the program and in my opinion his comments were above reproach.

Source:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/tv-reviews/america-the-story-of-us-tv-review-1004084694.story (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/tv-reviews/america-the-story-of-us-tv-review-1004084694.story)
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: bottomfeeder on May 11, 2010, 07:53:37 PM
http://www.history.com/shows/america-the-story-of-us/videos#america-the-story-of-us-division (http://www.history.com/shows/america-the-story-of-us/videos#america-the-story-of-us-division)
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: GH2001 on May 12, 2010, 09:28:04 AM
I haven't seen it, but I'd be willing to bet this is their only crime as far as this documentary is concerned. I doubt they stated any historical inaccuracy, you just don't like the messengers.

Can you name a specific comment from any of them that was inaccurate?

The way they frame the Civil War episode is horrendous.  The fact they stated that the war was the internal war of slavery really pissed me off.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: CCTAU on May 12, 2010, 02:44:58 PM
The way they frame the Civil War episode is horrendous.  The fact they stated that the war was the internal war of slavery really pissed me off.
(http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6686/achmedracist0342004.jpg)
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tarheel on May 12, 2010, 04:53:15 PM
The way they frame the Civil War episode is horrendous.  The fact they stated that the war was the internal war of slavery really pissed me off.

Thanks for the spoiler but I expected as much.  I had planned on watching the War Between the States Episode tonight.  I already take exception with idea of the war being an "internal war".  The Blockade proved otherwise as did the fact that the CSA had it's own government with representatives in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America.

Slavery was a big reason for the war but it should be expanded into the proper context.  At it's very essence the war was a test of the 10th Amendment especially with respect to a state's right to secede from the rest of the states and a state's right to allow slavery.  I'd be willing to bet that Al Sharpton spoke eloquently on this subject. :heavy sarcasm:

Had there not been a civil war slavery would have ended anyway as the Industrial Age progressed in America and machines with interchangeable parts became less expensive.  I'm sure that they did not mention this either.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: CCTAU on May 13, 2010, 08:13:43 AM
Had there not been a civil war slavery would have ended anyway as the Industrial Age progressed in America and machines with interchangeable parts became less expensive.  I'm sure that they did not mention this either.

You would be amazed at the number if "highly educated" people in this country who have no idea this was going on at the same time. They are taught that it was about slavery and only slavery and that we should feel guilt. Why should we feel guilt? Unless you are one of the relatively few families that owned slaves. My family did not and many others did not either. But they are trying to tell me that all of the non-slave owners fought purely for slavery?

History has been rewritten and the guilt that government schools have taught our children to have, has allowed history to be written any way they want.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: GH2001 on May 13, 2010, 09:08:46 AM
You would be amazed at the number if "highly educated" people in this country who have no idea this was going on at the same time. They are taught that it was about slavery and only slavery and that we should feel guilt.

This is how I felt the documentary framed the entire war.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Saniflush on May 13, 2010, 09:43:40 AM
This is how I felt the documentary framed the entire war.

I tried to watch it last night when I got in but it was late, I was tired, and I only made through the first 15 minutes or so.  Will attempt again this evening.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: AUChizad on May 13, 2010, 11:03:31 AM
Slavery was a big reason for the war but it should be expanded into the proper context.  At it's very essence the war was a test of the 10th Amendment especially with respect to a state's right to secede from the rest of the states and a state's right to allow slavery.  I'd be willing to bet that Al Sharpton spoke eloquently on this subject. :heavy sarcasm:
I agree with this.

Some here will try to pretend that slavery was not a very "big reason". It was certainly over states rights, but the central states right in question was the right to own slaves.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: CCTAU on May 13, 2010, 11:40:58 AM
I agree with this.

Some here will try to pretend that slavery was not a very "big reason". It was certainly over states rights, but the central states right in question was the right to own slaves.

It was an economic reason for the south. It was an emotional reason for the north once support for the war started waning. Northerners really did not care. They would just as soon let the ignorant south go away. Lincoln really did not care about the slaves. his only concern was to keep the union together. Slavery for the south was just one reason. Slavery for the north was their justification for continuing a war they did not want. Freeing the darkies was their emotional inspiration.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tarheel on May 13, 2010, 12:49:19 PM
I agree with this.

Some here will try to pretend that slavery was not a very "big reason". It was certainly over states rights, but the central states right in question was the right to own slaves.

Hell must have frozen over.

I really think that it does a disservice to the history of America to deny that slavery was not a very big reason for the war but it was not the only reason as I've heard argued time and again.  Conversely the cry of "state's rights", as I also hear frequently, is disingenuous as a counter-argument for the cause without adding the context.  State's rights...to do what exactly?

It was an economic reason for the south. It was an emotional reason for the north once support for the war started waning. Northerners really did not care. They would just as soon let the ignorant south go away. Lincoln really did not care about the slaves. his only concern was to keep the union together. Slavery for the south was just one reason. Slavery for the north was their justification for continuing a war they did not want. Freeing the darkies was their emotional inspiration.

Breathtaking brevity about the issue of slavery at the time, CCT; very well put!

I tried to watch it last night when I got in but it was late, I was tired, and I only made through the first 15 minutes or so.  Will attempt again this evening.

Me too.  I was too tired to watch it last night also.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Snaggletiger on May 13, 2010, 02:20:48 PM
FTD
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tarheel on May 17, 2010, 03:40:34 PM
FTD

I have not watched that episode yet, Birdman...at least sober.  In my defense I did try to watch it last Thursday night but after LTs damn Jaeger shots I might as well have been watching an old TV test signal.

Stay tuned.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tiger Wench on May 17, 2010, 03:43:53 PM
I watched the first few minutes of the one about westward expansion and managed to stomach through until they had Native American activist and multi-volume author on Native American History Sheryl Crow talking about how badly the white man fucked over the Indian. 

**CLICK**
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tarheel on May 17, 2010, 03:49:57 PM
I watched the first few minutes of the one about westward expansion and managed to stomach through until they had Native American activist and multi-volume author on Native American History Sheryl Crow talking about how badly the white man phuked over the Indian. 

**CLICK**

Glad I'm not the only one who was irritated with her.
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: GH2001 on May 17, 2010, 03:51:28 PM
Glad I'm not the only one who was irritated with her.

I like Melissa Etheridge's commentary on the industrial revolution better.   :rofl:  :rofl:
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tarheel on May 17, 2010, 04:10:09 PM
I like Melissa Etheridge's commentary on the industrial revolution better.   :rofl:  :rofl:

Speaking of Etheridge one major irritation that I noticed in the Revolutionary War episode was the commentary on Baron Von Steuben's supposed sexual preference.  Besides from being complete conjecture it was unnecessary and simply added, in my opinion, to kow-tow to the gay mafia.  It doesn't matter whether he was gay or straight (and it's irrelevant besides); they should have simply focused on the fact that if it were not for his help and professionalism the Continental Army Regulars would have been an utter failure at fighting.  The manual of arms that he wrote was THE standard training manual for the army until well after the War of 1812.  I'm sure all of the German-Americans who celebrate Von Stueben Day along with members of the Von Steuben Society really appreciated that waste of air time on his sexuality.

(And, yes, I realize that this is coming close to reviving the DADT debate.)
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Saniflush on May 18, 2010, 09:53:09 AM
Speaking of Etheridge one major irritation that I noticed in the Revolutionary War episode was the commentary on Baron Von Steuben's supposed sexual preference.  Besides from being complete conjecture it was unnecessary and simply added, in my opinion, to kow-tow to the gay mafia.  It doesn't matter whether he was gay or straight (and it's irrelevant besides); they should have simply focused on the fact that if it were not for his help and professionalism the Continental Army Regulars would have been an utter failure at fighting.  The manual of arms that he wrote was THE standard training manual for the army until well after the War of 1812.  I'm sure all of the German-Americans who celebrate Von Stueben Day along with members of the Von Steuben Society really appreciated that waste of air time on his sexuality.

(And, yes, I realize that this is coming close to reviving the DADT debate.)

here here. 
Wonder why they didn't bring up that fucking war criminal Lincoln sleeping with his body guard?
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: AUTiger1 on May 18, 2010, 03:05:12 PM
here here. 
Wonder why they didn't bring up that phuking war criminal Lincoln sleeping with his body guard?

Where can I send your bottle of Makers Mark to you?

Bravo sir!!!
Title: Re: "America: The Story of Us" Rant
Post by: Tarheel on May 18, 2010, 04:14:22 PM
here here. 
Wonder why they didn't bring up that phuking war criminal Lincoln sleeping with his body guard?

That war criminal is beyond any reproach (even when it's the truth)...he shits marble.