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Forum Post: Mainstream press article attributes rise in labor strikes to Occupy Wall Street

Posted 11 years ago on Dec. 10, 2012, 8:05 a.m. EST by therising (6643)
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104 Comments

104 Comments


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[-] 8 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

It's funny when you think back to how incredibly lame the coverage of Occupy movement was by NPR and other mainstream news outlets....and how so many of them now grudgingly admit the major impact this movement is having on the country.

What got them to actually cover the protests finally was numbers. We need to keep that in mind. Please see this: http://www.occupywallst.org/forum/the-1-running-scared/

[-] 8 points by Ache4Change (3340) 11 years ago

This is even more positive proof of just how OWS has begun to change the discourse in this country. Thanks for posting. Never Give Up! Go Occupy! - http://occupytogether.org/ . Onwards, Upwards and Solidarity!

[-] 4 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

And it all started with a few people in a park!

[-] 5 points by Ache4Change (3340) 11 years ago

Mighty Oaks From Tiny Acorns! We Must Never Give Up Planting For The Future! We are actually in a generational struggle and there are no shortcuts to hard work and persistence because nothing will be handed to us - http://occupytogether.org/ . Go Occupy!

[-] 4 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Oaks from acorns. Well said. The trees we plant today will shade future generations. They will thank us simply by living freely. Deep in their bones, they'll remember.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

We are in the struggle of an age - and it will be very difficult going forward until a certain point of awareness education and involvement is reached by the public at large.

So yes keep planting the seeds of education awareness and of possible action to be taken.

[-] 2 points by Ache4Change (3340) 11 years ago

Yes, 'education and involvement' is key. OWS has to get loud and proud again as soon as the winter is over. http://occupytogether.org/ Go Re-Occupy The Parks, Squares and Public Spaces! Never Give Up!

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

And in the meantime - All Supporters of a Better Healthier World For ALL - must keep sharing and circulating good information - by word of mouth or Internet or any other means.

[-] 3 points by Ache4Change (3340) 11 years ago

The people are actually ahead of the politicians - http://www.nationofchange.org/climate-talk-results-people-ready-climate-action-world-leaders-are-not-1355150936 . Occupy The Future! Never Give Up!

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Fundamental change for the better for ALL has in the past come from the involvement and actions of "The People" and this continues to be true today - this is how we will make changes today for the better. It is sad that government can not do what is right ( FOR ALL ) without major protests from the population.

[-] 4 points by Ache4Change (3340) 11 years ago

It is waay beyond 'sad' - it's Totally Outrageous, is what it is! The U.S. Govt. and POTUS is owned by The Corporations, The 'MIC' & of course The Bankers! The SCOTUS could have been our last line of defence but that is stacked with people who think 'Corporations = People and 'Money = Speech'!!

Our democracy is a standing joke and that's why we are here, right?

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Yep - to point out the hypocrisy corruption and wrong doing. To get the public aware and educated - involved and acting.

[-] 3 points by Ache4Change (3340) 11 years ago

Amen to that! Never Give Up The Struggle! Occupy The Issues!

[-] 3 points by VQkag2 (16478) 11 years ago

"change the discourse" yes! And the behavior, confidence of the 99%.

I think worker saw how young people stood up to police in the occupations and have derived strength.

Another step towards equity.

[-] 4 points by Ache4Change (3340) 11 years ago

Resistance breeds awareness. The 99% take inspiration from each others' struggle, wherever we are. 'Most often our lives are too narrowly focused to allow us to understand the larger economic and political forces impacting us. We know our local area, we know the work we do (or did), and we know what those in leadership positions tell us. But all of this knowledge turns out to be inadequate when we are hit by debilitating social change.' - from - http://www.nationofchange.org/blogs/lawrence-davidson/nationalism-vs-capitalism-1342887645 . Never Give Up! Go Occupy!

[-] 1 points by VQkag2 (16478) 11 years ago

Well said. We can't stop now. Change is only now barely visible, & we have only now succeeded at truly hurting the enemy of the 99%.

Solidarity.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Good article - they even have a quote from a CATO dickhead speaking against living wages. For those who are wondering CATO = ALEC = Heritage Foundation = Koch = corpoRAT Interests = Profits over people/environment/world.

[-] 4 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

I can't believe ALEC is still in existence. More people need to understand what that group has done and is doing to undermine our democracy.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

They will only here the truth and get an education on the internet or word of mouth - until the back of corpoRAT rule has been broken.

[-] 4 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Looking back, it seems like the physical occupations are what got the word out the most.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

The physical protests/occupations - were AWESOME - Yes -AWESOME they got out into the public awareness in a huge way. From that 1st moment - TPTB - new they had to crush the movement or the people would be at their door demanding change. TPTB have spent a great effort ( continue to spend a great effort ) trying to keep news from reaching the public - THEY HAVE FAILED - they have slowed down the spread of information - But - THEY HAVE NOT STOPPED IT.

[-] 3 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

There's nothing so powerful as an idea whose time has come. :). We all need to keep in mind the power and energy of THIS: http://occupywallst.org/article/november-17-historic-day-action-99/ . Look at that photo. You think 1%'ers didn't choke on their coffee when they saw that? And that was only the beginning.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Absolutely - there must have been quite a few wet pants that day in the halls of the greedy.

Each time a protest happens now - Is A Statement - That - NO - WE WILL NOT GO AWAY - WE WILL NOT STOP - WE WILL MAKE A BETTER WORLD FOR ALL. Each continuing protest also resonates in the mind of the Public - sure it may piss em off ( to begin with ) but it also gets the Public Thinking and Looking Around - and that leads to more pissed off People - BUT - For the Right Reasons - and so more people who will get involved to set things right. More unity in cause of action against the enemies of The People/civilization/ environment/world.

[-] 3 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Exactly. And it's when people hit the streets in places like Egypt, Tiananmen Square http://timethemoment.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/ap890605058t.jpg?w=735 and New York http://occupywallst.org/article/november-17-historic-day-action-99/ & http://publicintelligence.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy-the-bqe.jpg that Americans and citizens of the world rise up and take notice and that's what REALLY shakes the power structure, the LIGHT OF DAY.

We collectively have the power to shine that light wherever we want to aim it. It's a powerful fucking light.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

It also helps that with these world wide actions - that there are real parallels to what is wrong right here in the U.S. of A. This is not an isolated problem it is systemic to the world today.

[-] 3 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

I agree 100%. The rich have unified globally with corporations. Now it's the people's turn :)

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

The tide is beginning to turn and the Greedy are getting very desperate and nasty as their power continues to be challenged.

[-] 2 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

And this is when we need to push even harder.

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Yep - take another deep cleansing breath - and - PUSH

[-] 3 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Ahh. Well said. And I look forward to more of thisi http://occupywallst.org/article/november-17-historic-day-action-99/

[-] 3 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

Talk about lame mainstream coverage . . . at one point in this article they ask the question, in essense, of whether in seeing a resurgence of the tactic (of strikes) they are seeing a resurgence of the tactic?

This is the kind of twisting themselves in knots to be non-controversial to their handlers that will overthrow mainstream media in favor of social media altogether. They are so scared shitless that they can't even speak straight anymore. NPR has become one of the most obsequious and nausiatingly servile of them all. Could you believe that turgid, slack-jawed, idiot, Jim Lehrer's "moderation" of the first presidential debate? He did everything but get down on his knees and suck Mitt Romney's suspender clasps! I never saw anything so revolting.

[-] 4 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

I was really shocked awake about NPR and the New York Times when I watch carefully their coverage during the early days of occupy Wall Street. It was actually bizzarre how silent and quiet they were and when they did print articles they just didn't get it. Or maybe they try not to get it. And these are the news sources that are supposedly of the people.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

There was a time when N.P.R. was progressive, but that was a long time ago now. I will give the NYT a little more credit. At least they still publish Krugman, and at times other truely progressive thinkers, but NPR is now firmly in the corporate pocket, at least as far as the editorial side - probably even more sold out than CBS. Anyway, the whole thing is a complete mess, and I think it is very important to find some way to restore a genuinely free press. I was amazed at the resounding silence from people while the media was bought up-and consolidated over the last 40 years! A free press is an essential cornerstone of democracy - absolutely essential, and it might be a good idea to focus some serious protest effort on That situation. Perhaps the two could be combined to re-boot the protest side of the movement.

[-] 3 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Oh yes. That would be fantastic. Occupy NPR at the same time as fox news would make a serious point to the American people.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

I think that would be a very fun thing to see:)

[-] 3 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Totally!! :)

[-] 1 points by VQkag2 (16478) 11 years ago

Excellent post. Those who see failure in OWS should take note.

Thx

[-] 4 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

We certainly shouldn't measure success based on what they cover or don't cover, but mainstream press coverage is significant nevertheless because, despite our inclination to ignore it, it's one of the best ways to reach the most people. Gandhi and King knew that.

[-] 3 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

Yes, it is very significant if you can get it. We are fortunate to now have social media as well. That was something we didn't have in the 60's and the takeover of the media in the 70's by the corporations really was a huge factor in silencing that movement. They can't do that as effectively now because of social media, and that's why we must not allow the net to be censored.

[-] 5 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Great points. In either case (social media or mainstream media), there needs to be a newsworthy story to tell -- and it spreads fastest if the news is something remarkable (as is quite natural). I think, in addition to lots of other incredible benefits like community building, te physical occupations and major marches, gatherings and strikes make it further in all types of media --- think about the Brooklyn bridge protest going worldwide. Think about the occupations in all the cities that just couldn't be ignored by the press. Think about the Walmart strikes. I really think the consciousness of Americans (who are naturally busy with their own lives trying to survive and thrive as best they can) is penetrated when we are in the streets and visible. Walmart protests a few weeks ago made national mainstre news around water coolers and living rooms... And that's emboldening others to speak out. We need more of that. So we may need more action in the street, nonviolent of course.

Social media as you put it so well can help fan the flames to a point that mainstream media can't ignore it. But it may be that there has to be a physical story. Unfortunate but possibly true.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

I really agree there. The media narrative is that this movement is through, and it's up to us to prove them wrong. One thing I have thought in regard to that is that any action must be sizable enough to protect the participants from police violence. They haven't gone after demonstrations of more than about 5000, I don't think . . . I guess if I am a little hesitant it is because I'm not somewhere close enough to participate, and it is hard to advise Others to but their bodies on the line.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

The Brooklyn Bridge - But That Police Action Got The Police In Hot Water.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

Yeah, that's right, but I also saw footage of cops hiding in their cars and saying stuff like . . . "Man, there's a shit-load of them out there!" and "Man, I'm just goona stay in the fucking car until they all get the hell out of here," and stuff like that..

It's a lot easier to face a crowd of 300 than 30,000, of course.

[-] 4 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

That is so true. Mass numbers make difference on so many fronts. Something got people out there in the streets. This movement connected with people and mobilized them. We need to understand what got people to travel to New York and march 30,000 strong through the streets and take over the Brooklyn bridge. We need to really really think about this seriously. Because that can be replicated.

Most media were perplexed. What was the "match" they asked? What got this started? It seemed to pop out of nowhere. When I was in Liberty Plaza / Zuccotti Park, you could feel the positive energy crackling in the air. You could feel the intelligence, the drive, the passion and the goodness. It was heartening. I honestly think that THAT energy, the energy of people physically visiting the occupations all over the U.S. and the world help light this movement up.

This can and WILL be replicated. I'm sure of it. We just need to understand how it happened.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Yep - the larger the crowd the better - gets people to stop and do some thinking and considering and recognizing.

[-] 3 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

That too, for sure. Not only is it safter, it sends a much more powerful message.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

But even small continuing protests help - as people see/say this is not going away - sometimes a small protest that is abused by TPTB draws more attention to the protest and the fact that those protestors were abused for no reason - other then the fact that they were speaking out against what is wrong.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

True, but I've done the tear gas, rubber-bullet, billy-club, thing and as you know it isn't any fun. Personally, I would advise people to engage in small protests only if they have reason to believe the police response will be moderate.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

That is always the hope of a peaceful protest - and all occupy protests have been pretty damn peaceful - until in some instances when the police got out of hand.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

I think it is possible to demonstrate in ways that limit the police retaliation. I know you are aware of the issue and care equally about people's saftey. I just think that small demonstrations tend to be more dangerous for those involved

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Yes small demonstrations leave the protestors very vulnerable - they who take part in such protests are very brave.

[-] 0 points by VQkag2 (16478) 11 years ago

Media must be coopted. Indep/internet media has been irreplaceable. An effort to break up the media conglomerates should be started.

Certainly an effort against coming fcc decisions regarding allowing big media to own yet more media outlets must be mounted.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-moyers/fcc-may-give-murdoch-a-ve_b_2246124.html

[-] 3 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

You're so right. This is very important.

[-] 0 points by VQkag2 (16478) 11 years ago

Haven't seen many protests on this issue but I'm always on the lookout.

I suppose right now the immediate problem is right to work for less issues, and getting the right fair tax policy.

But this will come.

[-] 3 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

I Absolutely agree with you there! The corporate takeover of the media has been a Disaster for free speech!!! I think we should try to get measures on the ballot in the next election!!!

[-] 0 points by VQkag2 (16478) 11 years ago

Referendums are an important tool, especially at the local level where we can begin this effort.

Not sure if we have that ability at the fed level. I think certainly educating people, organizing protests, & prioritizing the issue is an important step.

Raising the alarm, being heard, offering alternatives.

[-] 2 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

I'm really into that fight! I think it's Very Important!

Thanks.

[-] 0 points by VQkag2 (16478) 11 years ago

Thank you. For contributing here.

Too many come here to play, or disrupt,

You are steadfast & always on point.

[-] 1 points by GypsyKing (8708) 11 years ago

Thank you, and likewize!

[-] -1 points by BurmesePython (-66) 11 years ago

Again, only one company should be unionized, WALMART. All efforts should be concentrated at that one spot. Once Walmart falls, the rest will like dominoes.

[-] 4 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

I think it works the other way around. The more action on the more fronts, the lore people become emboldened. All workers should work toward unionization. Once we realize we have more in common than we have separating us, we'll be able to make decisions from a position of unified strength rather than demands from a position of divided weakness.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

And perhaps one day in the future - unions won't be needed - because Humanity will Have Matured - But - FOR NOW - The People Need Unions - The People Need To Unite

[-] 3 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Capitalism and capitalists need all sorts of guardrails to prevent the system from destroying the very people it's meant to serve! The people are rising!! The Walmart protests have the 1% shaking in their boots.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

It would be so awesome to see a national union formed by wallmart workers - that would be a huge statement and step forward in putting greed back under control and close supervision.

[-] 3 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

I wouldn't have imagined it 6 weeks ago but now it seems entirely possible. It would have a major ripple effect. A momentous shift that reverses what was started by Reagan. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvVAPsn3Fpk&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

It has been an amazing year of growth for the spirit of the people - good actions to follow as the spirit grows.

[-] 2 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Yes! Good stuff. A virtuous cycle.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Think positive act positive and get positive results - deny depression and negativity - rise up and win.

[-] 2 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Yes. Impossible is only a word.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Absolutely - nothing is impossible no matter how improbable - impossible is a mistaken assumption for something that has not yet been done - because the thought of impossibility stood in the way and stopped further inquiry/effort.

[-] 2 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

I think this guy may have understood that impossible is just a word. http://www.promisedlandblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/tank-man-tiananmen-square-19891.jpg

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Yes - perhaps - it was an extraordinary moment.

[-] 0 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

Again?

Why should WallyWorld be they only place with a union?

[-] 0 points by BurmesePython (-66) 11 years ago

Who said it would be the only place? But once a company with one million employees is unionized, no one else could say no. The reverse is not true.

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

You did.

I hate to be a quote monkey, buy here ya go.

"Again, only one company should be unionized, WALMART."

You said that.

If you want to help, come to Michigan and protest the Kochs "right to freeload" BS.

[-] -3 points by town (-374) 11 years ago

The rise is due to obama s election. They feel empowered by the rampant lawlessness of the administration and their cozy relationship with the union leaders.

[-] 2 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Lawlessness?

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

town is somewhat confused I do believe he/she is thinking about the lawlessness of the corpoRATions - snuggling with their bought ( rented? ) government officials.

[-] 2 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Good point

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Sad to see such a confused ( ? - as it would be really sad to think it was intentional ) individual.

[-] 1 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Americans just need to hear about what's really going on and they'll take the right steps to correct. They just don't know for the most part.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Truth

For the most part people are un-aware of the actions being taken against them - until of course they are out of work or applying for food stamps and other aid because their job does not pay enough anymore.

Word is getting out for people to take a look at the world around them - see what is going on and how that does or can or will affect them - see the trends of even the last twenty years.

Awareness/awakening "IS" happening - but until the beast's back is broken - the word will move by word of mouth/internet - and so somewhat slowly - until critical mass is reached. The beast can try to stand in the way of education - but that only slows down education - it does not stop it.

[-] 2 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Cheers to that. I think it was Martin Luther King, Jr. who said "Truth crushed to earth rises up."

[-] 0 points by town (-374) 11 years ago

We have 3 branches of govt for the purpose of checks and balances. We have 3 branches so that one branch does not have a concentration of power. Under obama , over 1000 executive orders , when he didnt get what he wanted he circumvented congress.

[-] 3 points by DanielBarton (1345) 11 years ago

no more like 138 which is on par with Clinton and bush

[-] -1 points by town (-374) 11 years ago

obama has issued over 1000 executive orders in less that 4 years. Look it up.

[-] 3 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

You can count them here... I have. It's 138. You can also look up other presidents exececutive orders here as well. Raygunz tops them all.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/executive-orders

[-] -3 points by town (-374) 11 years ago

10997= govt takeover of all electrical power, gas, petroleum fuels and minerals. 10998= govt take over of all food resources including farms. 11003= govt take over of all aircraft and airports including commercial planes. 11005 govt take over of all railroads, inland waterways and private storage facilities. 10995 = govt take over and control of all communication media

[-] 2 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

All of this happened once before... during WWII. We survived. I'm not afraid of this.

[-] -2 points by town (-374) 11 years ago

EXCEPT this is 2012 , no WW going on.

[-] 1 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

Hey towny!

1. Two weeks ago, 200 US Marines began armed operations in which country?   a) Afghanistan b) Pakistan c) Iran d) Somalia e) Yemen f) Central Africa g) Northern Mali h) The Philippines i) Guatemala

[-] 1 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

I can think of at least two fronts we are involved in now, and if Syria gets stupid we will be there as well.

[-] -1 points by town (-374) 11 years ago

we may be involved but the rest of the world is not. Thats why its call a World war.

[-] 2 points by geo (2638) from Concord, NC 11 years ago

We are currently conducting military operations, fighting where people are dying in all of those countries listed......a) Afghanistan b) Pakistan c) Iran d) Somalia e) Yemen f) Central Africa g) Northern Mali h) The Philippines i) Guatemala

If you noticed, these countries are all around the world. We are at war all around the world, with a few allies, namely the Brits.

[-] -1 points by town (-374) 11 years ago

a world war is when the majority of countries are involved fighting as our allies.

[-] 1 points by DanielBarton (1345) 11 years ago

i did thats why its 138 can you point to where you got the 1000 from

[-] 2 points by therising (6643) 11 years ago

Gosh, you're kind of off topic, don't you think. Remember the original post?

[-] 1 points by Ache4Change (3340) 11 years ago

The 'checks and balances' are wholly illusory! You probably just hate Obama but where were the 'c&b' when your boy Bush took us into illegal wars? How is the U.S. supposed to declare war? On the whim of the POTUS? You are probably such a right-wing republican as to be blinded to the fact that Obama is basically a right-wing conservative by any international measure or by any reading of American history. Never Give Up Trying To Understand! Re-Occupy Your Own Mind!

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

I think town needs a 1st time occupation of her/his own mind.

[-] -2 points by town (-374) 11 years ago

obama is far left, and will go farther by continuing to exlcude the 2 other branches of govt.

[-] 2 points by Ache4Change (3340) 11 years ago

You are clearly a twit! Give Up Right-Wing Paranoia! Turn Off The Fox-Box! Go Re-Occupy Your Mind!

[-] -2 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

Far left of what?

FLAKESnews?

The John Birch Society?

Breitbart.com?

Matt Drudge?

Limbaugh?

C'mon.....far left of what?

[-] 0 points by town (-374) 11 years ago

far left of the dem party.

[-] -1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 11 years ago

And that would make Limbaugh a centrist?

LOL

You need to lay off the bath salts.