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Laura Ingraham

Posted: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 12:08 PM by Elizabeth Neumann

This morning we had a segment with guest Laura Ingraham who has just come out with a new book titled, Power to the People.  Laura's book addresses, among other issues, the "pornification" of America and the need for parents to take action to protect their children from offensive and lewd images in popular culture.  WATCH VIDEO

While many parents, I'm sure, will agree with Laura's points, it is interesting to note that Laura herself is not a parent and has not stepped into a parent's shoes before stating what parents should do. 

Here is a sampling of some of the things you had to say about the segment from our viewer email folder - send us your thoughts as well:

I agree whole-heartedly with Laura Ingraham. Sex and nudity on TV and explicit lyrics in music is out of control.
I can't watch TV (even the news or the Today show) or listen to the radio with my 7 year old son for fear of what
images might come on or what might be said.
-Kim Baker, Austin, TX

Frankly, I was shocked (and I am from New York, originally), at Ms. Ingraham's behavior. If she dislikes NBC so much, then why not be truthful about it and just tell NBC that discrediting (by innuendo), NBC is/was her real reason for coming on the Today show program? Why bother coming on the show to "bash" your Today program and the entire NBC organization under false pretenses? The premise was (so portrayed), to discuss her book "More Power To The People", re: Ms. Ingraham's opinion of the deterioration of society, particularly its "icons" to which young people used to aspire to be. (Obviously, the three detractors mentioned are not even worth mentioning by name. And yes, we do have serious issues to contend with in media broadcast, of such behaviors as seen on MTV, etc.). Ms. Ingraham's book became shadowed way behind her political agenda during this one-sided interview (more like a grilling of both David and NBC).
-Deborah A. Massey

Amen! Thank you Laura Ingraham! I love the Today Show. I am not bagging on the Today Show. But I despise the filth that is sometimes broadcast from your program. I want to know that when I am watching your program my kids and I our safe from harm. I despise the porn that flashes on the screen any time of day. Whether it is commercials or programs our kids aren't safe. Pretty sad. Please do something about this. Take the higher road. Take a stand. We the people deserve it. You have a great opportunity to make a difference!
-LaChere

This is my first visit to the Today show website - and it was prompted by Ms. Ingraham's appearance on your program. She apparently is outraged at our culture but attempts to profit from it. Her interview was disjointed and her criticism of the Today show was just plain weird, as the images were setting up the discussion for her book. For those reasons and more, I enjoyed watching David Gregory stick it to her.


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Comments

I thought Ms Ingraham's interview was just plain bad. Since she is not even a parent where does she get off with such tripe? Why did Today even have her on? There is an on and off switch with most televisions. Since she bashed the show which did give her air time she just shows her intense lack of profesionalism. I found her very offensive. Only David's rebuke saved me from doing what is my right, turn the channel.
I applaud Laura Ingraham and her statements on Today this morning.  While Today is my favorite morning show, it has been increasingly difficult to get past all the "fluff" and borderline porn.  Laura is right on target!
Finally, a person standing up for moral values and decrying the junk we are bombarded with in our society.  Thank you, Laura Ingraham
How sad that the Today show invites a guest to talk about her new book and she uses that opportunity to run down and criticize the show.  I applaud David Gregory for his classy interview and his ability to continue to interview this annoying woman when she kept insisting on slamming the wonderful show that is "Today".  I will not be buying her book.
I completely agree with Laura Ingraham.  I am really glad to see someone take a stand on these issues.  So many of us feel the same way but we are not sure what to do.  I do not believe she is "profiting" from this in any way.  She feels strongly about these issues and is bringing them to the much needed public.  I love the Today Show but I agree as well, that much of this "junk" should be kept off the air. Does the Today SHow really need to broadcast this junk to make money?  It is rediculous.  We need to have more class in this country!  If something is not done, we will all be affected in a very negative way.
The points that Laura Ingraham made are supported by nearly every phychologist or psychiatrist who appears on the program. Doctors and studies say that our kids are being inundated with increasingly prevalent explicit sexual content in the media and that it's having a negative effect.

The Today Show can be classified as "media". There are numerous examples of The Today Show presenting sexually explicit material. Ms. Ingraham pointed out that The Today Show is an example of the point she was making. Why shouldn't she point that out? The Today Show uses the same techniques as Ms. Ingraham when they're making a point.

Many parents agree that The Today Show is indeed veering into territory that is inappropriate for family viewing. Why should The Today Show be exempt from criticism? Are they so fragile that they can't address valid criticism?

I have often thought that we are producing our children to be "bump and grind" artists. What ever  happened to common decency? I'm tired of watching the new singers look like striptease artists when they sing. Are we are allowing our youth to mimic this? We all should chaperone a high school dance once-what a eye opener!
I agree with Ms. Ingrham about the "pornification" however, her behavior this morning on the show degraded her and her book. Why would I bother to read it,if she bashes every morning news program she's on-just to "push" her book? Congratulations to Mr. Gregory for putting her in her place.
I have never sent a message before, but was so disgusted with Ms. Ingraham's NBC bashing.  
Because of her bashing of one news outlet I would never purchase her book.  She mentioned the Brittney Spears event, but forgot to mention every news outlet reported on the topic.  She made it sound like NBC was the only outlet with that news item.

You don't have to be a parent to recognize porn and the corruption of our children.  We are too busy and too lazy to shield our kids and make their welfare a priority.  Instead we put them on antidepressants and look the other way.  I am a parent but I was also a happy kid once and am thankful my parents and society protected me.
I’ve been watching “The Today Show,” for many years now and have never listened to such a rude guest.  I have always liked the diversity of the show but, cannot understand you own guest attacking the show she was invited to speak on.
The very notion that we are a nation of mindless idiots is very insulting, but not half as insulting as her bombastic spew of the following:
1.  On the one hand she keeps harping on about the Amendments and our rights, then she says that she is against all of the things being shown on television and that she needs to have the remote control in her hand even during “The Today Show,” because her child is watching with her.  I didn’t realize that this was a show geared towards children.  I thought those shows were called cartoons, but then she might not want her child to watch cartoons either, some animals wear no pants, and this might be in the pornography category in her feeble mind.  So because she finds many things on t.v. unacceptable, then the rest of the nation should also be banned from watching, and that would be an infringement upon our so-called rights
2.  She went on to ask “How do we reclaim the power that is rightfully ours,” and that the American Left has been at the controls of our culture, our academia, the court system, the media and Hollywood.  That our Founding Fathers did not risk their fortunes, sacred honor, etc.  Has this woman ever read our history?  Because as far as I can remember these same Founding Fathers were also: adulterers, cheats, thieves and more.  This nation was also founded by: wars, bootleggers, and so forth and so on.  She tells us that an ordered society was our founder’s goal, yes, and they also were of the mindset that only rich white men could make all of the nation’s decisions.  Maybe she has read a text of revisionist history and that is how she has come up with her conclusions.   So what precisely is she getting at here?  Her extremism is blinding her to the truths around her, and she is so self righteous, that it’s scary!!  
3.  She also attacks illegals crashing our borders as a national disgrace, and that crime comes mainly from these groups, is ludicrous to say the least.  The only national disgrace is that she has actually authored a book with this unrearched writings, and that people will actually read and listen to what she is saying on her radio show.  There is not much distance between an extremist and a terrorist, as one begets the other.  She claims national power and identity, what identity? This nation was formed with outsiders, and unless she is an American Indian, and I doubt that she is, then she is also here because of her family’s immigration from another land!  She says that our national power and identity comes from our shared American culture and language?  How deluded is she? Our culture and language comes from many places around the globe.  I would also like to know how she thinks that we should defend our borders.  By shooting every man, woman and child who attempts to come across?  Is she insane, she is offering a permutation of the truth, hatred, violence and extremism, coupled with exaggeration?
4.  As to having our rights taken away, the right to abortion is one of those on her list, free speech on television, which shows to watch, etc.  What’s next, book burning? destroying famous paintings, since the majority have nude scenes, is the statue of David.  So I imagine that to her the human body is dirty and therefore, so is sex, she is against schools teaching about sex.  Then where would some of children learn about this subject, since most households won’t even mention this very important topic?  
5.  She is against scientific evolvement, surgery to alter our bodies, and anything and everything that makes people feel good, just who does she think she is, God? She also criticizes parenting, musicians and actors and groups the later two with pornography, and prostitution, wow.  She wants to know why we are watching this trash on television, and my answer to her is because we want to, and since one of our rights, to watch or not to watch, that is our CHOICE, and not hers.  She also makes pun of Rosie O’Donnell’s weight, now, I may not always agree with Rosie’s retorts but, Ingraham is so self righteous that she does not even gain weight. She mentions Rush Limbaugh as one of the prople she looks up to, she forgot O'Reilly and Ann Coulter, who could be her twin.

In my opinion this woman needs psychiatric help, and not to be promoting her anger, and offensive opinions in public, without a valid point or research.  Terrorists usually start out as extremists and this is the one thing that she is against, pretty much herself.

So I applaud David Gregory’s professionalism in handling this embittered harpy with her animosity towards all, with his elegance and class, things which she lacks.



David Gregory: For what it's worth, NBC wasn't the only network to air B.Spears "performance" on the VMA's, morning,evening, or otherwise. Laura Ingraham is a conservative republican and the only reporter she feels comfortable talking with is Bill O'Reilly.
Why Britney couldn't have just put a band together and sang is beyond me.
Ms. Ingraham's focus is sadly misdirected.  Commercials which *support* television, describing every concievable bodily function-and some inconcievable-are the true culprits of the dumbing-down of independent deductive reason.
I agree that some of the subjects covered should not be shown on daytime or primetime TV. I thought half dressed women were only on TV after 9pm. And who cares what Britney Spears or Paris Hilton are doing or wearing! Britney Spears will have to explain herself to her own children someday, and it would be interesting to know how she will explain her actions in public to her kids. They will know in a short time, they are getting older. As for my own children I thank the lord everyday that none of the celebrities are idols of theirs.
This is my first visit to this site, I was very pleased to finally hear someone speak up for our children. Everyone wants to know what the problem is with the kids today, well hello - take a look at what is around us, these kids only do what they see and hear. parents need to be more involved and know what their children are watching and hearing. I hope more parents will stand up for their children.  
While I do agree with Laura that all media outlets are pushing out material that would have never been seen some odd 30 years ago, I fail to see the point she is trying to make in censoring that material.

Maybe it does take a parent to understand what a tragedy this is, but it shouldn't take an economist to understand why its happening.

Put it simplest, if people (men) didn't want to see people (beautiful girls) three-quarters naked jiggling their assets, then the media would not provide it.  I guess those without children out number those with?

Singling out the Today show as an example didn't seem very smart either.  Include it in a sentence, but don't ramble on and on about how the Today show is a perfect example of how the media has become pornographic when you are using it as a forum to make your point.
After hearing Ms. Ingraham talk on and on, I will not be reading her book. If it was up to her, we would never had TV's computers and since she wants to go back to the dark ages, we wouldn't have books either.  I'm glad my children didn't have her as a teacher.
I totally agree with Ms Ingraham's comments WHETHER SHE IS OR NOT A PARENT!!  I am a parent, and I feel the same way about televison.  I do watch the Today show regularly and hate having to change channels everytime a provacative segment is shown.  The mainstream media has gone overboard with the sexuality shown.  Leave that stuff for HBO and late night shows NOT early morning FAMILY shows!
I am an 80 year old mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and am continually embarassed by the porn on TV.  Good for Ms. Ingraham for bringing this up.
She was so inarticulate.  The Today show is not the villain, and frankly neither are other media outlets. We have become a nation of "fifth grade girls" and we are soley responsible for this culture change, because we drive television ratings.  I love it when the people who make these complaints about the media, and especially intrusive photographers, all while flipping through the latest People or US magazine.  
We need more people like Ms. Ingraham to speak "the truth".  Simply stated, all of the recognition that this inapropriate behavior, sexual inuendos, porn...ect..is recieving only shows our younger generation that this sort of behavior is o.k..  It is NOT!  As far as her bashing the Today show...I believe she was speaking about any and all T.V. shows, programs, even commercials.  Almost everywhere you turn this garbage seems to be acceptable to broadcast.  I also don't believe you have to be a parent to know when somthing is inapropriate.  I happen to watch the Today show everyday, however, I don't think having Ms. Ingraham on the show will hurt them any.  
Thank you, Today Show, for having Laura Ingraham on your program.  I wholeheartedly agree with her about the "pornification" of America.  I think she makes a VERY good point, and it's time that we take a stand.  It was refreshing to hear someone say that we don't have to take this lying down.  We CAN make a difference, and we don't have to allow the media to shape our children into sex-focused adults who will undoubtedly face all of the problems that kind of lifestyle brings.  While I applaud Ms. Ingraham's platform, I don't quite understand why she seemed to focus on the Today show as her target.  I'm sure it was just to "stir things up".  I hope that parents across America WILL "stir things up" and take a stand against the media that obviously cares nothing about our children's best interests.
Laura Ingraham is right.  It doesnt' matter which media outlet she attacked, her point was that our culture is becoming corrupt with lewd images and immoral actions by ALL the media outlets...including the grocery store aisles.  I agree with her and am tired of worrying about my daughter seeing this filth.  And no, I am not an extreme conservative who never gets out of the house either, nor a person who thinks we should go back to the fifties.  I'm just a person who is tired of untalented, over-marketed "celebs" appearing on every facet of every media outlet almost 24/7 - and usually are appearing in an immoral way.  Has anybody tried to watch more than ten minutes of MTV lately?  "Music television"??  I've seen more talent at grade school plays.  And for the network stations...their primetime shows have gone to the dumps.  So Laura is right...it's time for a change and I will continue to simply turn it off or watch halfway decent channels such as Discovery channel until it does change.  
I didn't see Laura Ingraham attacking the Today show at all. The Today show is not normally sleazy and is, in my opinion, set to a higher standard. It was way out of character of the Today Show to have such a distastful and disgusting segment about Brittany Spears. Leave that stuff to other shows...

I liked the Laura Ingraham segment. She's feisty and articulate. I agree with her about the junk on most of TV today. Bring her back!
I agree  with what Miss Ingraham said.  I have a 14 year old grandson and a new great grandson.  What is our world coming to???  Where have our MORALS gone? I guess I to live in the dark ages.  I will buy her book and read it. I wish her the best.  We need to get a hold on our children, they are the future of this great nation.
Well personally I think David Gregory took this a little too personal.  Laura was just using the Today show as an example to the trash that is on all the networks.
Frankly, I am a fan of the Today show, so much so that I Tivo it every morning, but I have to say that the show seems more liberal all the time.  Most of the people interviewed on the show that are "conservatives" seem to be raked over the coals much more than all the liberals on your show.  I don't think there is a lot of fair balance.  
Bless you Laura for standing up what is right.  This country is going down the tubes because we are allowing this nudity and sickness to become our "normal" in this world.  No wonder so many of our kids are screwed up, on anti-depressants, and addicted to drugs.  
What difference is it that Laura isn't a parent?  How ridiculous is that?  You don't have to be a parent to look around and see how parents today just don't want to be involved.  Parent or no parent, it's time for this world to wake up. I would rather have Laura hang out with my teens as an influence that those people who are too afraid to be a REAL parent!

Any day Laura is on is a good day; I don't have children (some of us don't have children not by choice, but by fate) but am deeply involved in the lives of my grade school nieces and nephews who I luckily see every day and am constantly trying to help my brother and sister keep an eye on what they are watching or what their friends are leading them into.  Let me tell you what Laura says is so true.  I've given up even looking at the entertainment shows because the kids have walked in on some nasty stuff that appears on the screen.  Where are the good old days when a George Clooney would be on the ER set joking around and setting up gags?  Power to the people indeed...shut off the crap the kids are exposed to on tv, get off our butts and play board games, read outloud, play GameCube or Wii with the kids in your life to help them spend less time on the bad stuff.
I am thrilled to see this issue discussed on the Today Show.  Thank you!!  My husband and I have noticed a steady increase in unacceptable nudity, suggestive dialog and departure from commom sense television at all hours.  It used to be save to have the TV on before 9 PM...now you never ever know when this junk is flashing across the screen.  I will do what I can and reading Laura book will be one of my actions.
Laura Ingraham’s criticisms of “Today”, were awkward, off topic, and flat out offensive to the outlet that she was broadcasting on. Where does this woman get the gusto, to start attacking the host on the show which she agreed to appear on!?!  Her out of line comments were just as awkward to watch as Matt Lauer’s interview with Tom Cruise.

I have watched television all my life and have never seen any porn in primetime, or on the news. Risky photos and video clips…yes. However instead of attacking the people that produce this material (which they are allowed to do), and attempt to safeguard children from every little piece of skin that is shown on the human body, a concerned parent would teach their child what is wrong with that image, and how to accept such behavior is not acceptable.  Don’t be so concerned with what your children are viewing, because kids are kids and they are gong to see and hear about it anyway. Worry more about how they view the material and how it is interpreted. Stop blaming the media for everything, and do the parenting yourself.
The fact that what is on television whether it is in the morning or in the evening has become the demoralization of our nation.  There is not a time during the day that something inappropriate for our children to see is on television no matter what the station is.  The fact that most Americana do not recognize this is my proof.  We have become desensitized to what is appropriate and what is inappropriate.
While I liked Ms Ingrahm's message, she really was out of place bashing the Today Show, after all she was a guest. She could have mentioned the Today Show and TV in general and left it at that.  I do feel we need some kind of reforms.  We will reap what we sow. This is the first time I have been moved enough to even look at any programs web site.  Modesty does not seem to exist in this country any more.  We probably should remove the word from our Funk & Wagnels (sp ?).
I just wish the news would realize that no one over 12 cares about the antics of Britt
I have never replied to anything like this before.  While I can't say that Laura was very polite or professional, I must side with her on the topic of our culture leaning toward pornography in commercials, tv, music videos, etc.  I implore NBC, as well as every other network to make a stand against this trend.  I thought all day about her comment " is this the legacy we want to leave behind?".  I know I am disgusted by what I see, even in the cartoons my children watch.  I just saw a commercial on YouTube from Hardee's/Carl's Jr..  It is a high school classroom setting in which the teacher stands on her desk, touching herself, dancing, while the high school boys sing a rap tune about "flat buns".  I hope the email I saw was a hoax, but if it isn't, my, my, shame on all of us! If others are disgusted, please take a stand against this trend.  I agree, parenting is up to us, however, the media, hollywood, etc. are starting to go over the edge in my opinion about what should be allowed to be seen on TV.
I think she is correct in her evaluation of the lower standards that we are accepting in the media and the influences on our children. She is correct in saying that if we do nothing to upgrade what we are reading and seeing and raise our expectations, the whole climate of our social structure will have a negative impact on our future generations. I applaude her courage to tell it like it is. I recognized some resistance and defensive reaction to what she was saying, but I don't think she was being listened to closely. I didn't hear her attack NBC directly. I think her statments were blanket in nature regarding all media venues.


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