I Pledge To Take My Business Elsewhere Every Time Fox News Is Playing…

[20score]

and the business refuses to turn it off. I’ll always be polite and tell them why I’m leaving, but if they don’t switch the channel, I will leave.

I’ve been doing this for years, usually just asking if someone would turn the channel in the restaurant/lobby/waiting area and there has only been one place that refused. In an airport in Texas. Keith Olbermann asked the same thing the other day and that’s what has prompted this post. I’m hoping that people will start to do this all over the country.

The typical Fox viewer is loud, ignorant and wrong; but they don’t know that. They assume they are the “Real Americans” and the people who don’t watch Fox are ‘the others.” It’s time to let them know they can’t monopolize the conversation anymore and they don’t hold a patent on truth.

I did this today at a pizza parlor in San Pedro and waitress was more than happy to turn it off. She told me her boss likes it, but most people she knows can’t stand to have it on. We had a good conversation after that and she was shocked at some of the things that have been said on Fox. I told her she could tell her boss that if Fox News is on anytime I come in; I’ll find another place to eat.

(I have been away from the computer for a couple of weeks, so I apologize if this has been previously posted.)

[Az_lefty]

1. me too...I swear, I cannot understand how people can listen to that crap!

...peace

[Ian David]

7. They HAVE to listen to it. It's the only TV completely confirming their biases and bigotries. n/t

[izquierdista]

19. Or they are forced to

There is a Taco Bell I frequent where the staff is almost all African-American. They always have FOX news playing in the dining room area. Now here in Georgia, there is a 90%+ chance that they are Obama supporters. On the other hand, they have a largely white clientele, which have a 70%+ chance of being dumb redneck crackers.

Maybe I can convince them that the dumb crackers will be equally as happy watching the bass fishing channel.

[Ian David]

22. You know what made me happy? Going to Nassau and finding Olbermann playing on the TV in a restaurant

It made up for the fact that they were out of their island's signature dish-- a dish that was part of the restaurant's name--

Yes, they were out of conch.

But they were playing KEITH!

On the island of Nassau!

[Kalyke]

58. Conch Fritters.

:)

[RavensChick]

68. Good luck with that one!

You didn't say what part of GA you're in, but if it's along the I-20/I-285 area I can certainly identify. I have a large family down there so I know my way around the rednecks and everyone else.

If I walk in a business and I see they have a TV with Faux Noise blaring, I do a big time 360 and roll out, me and my money, and go somewhere else!

I'm so glad Keith said this the other night. Trust me, when those idjits start seeing the ad revenues go down the toilet, they'll listen!

[JonLP24]

2. It reminds me of a time during deployment

I was at the TMC in Arifjan to get my broken hand re-evaulated and while in the waiting room Fox News was on the TV. One of the nurses came by with a paper and had us vote on either CNN or Fox News as to what is played in the waiting room. I of course voted for CNN, Fox News won the vote and one soldier jokingly suggested "Can I vote for Cartoon Network?". Anyways it wasn't exactly I could refuse to go anywhere else as that was the only TMC in Camp Arifjan.

However from now on I will suggest that.

[Ian David]

5. You should have voted for Logo. They would have sent you HOME.

"Come, ON! Put on Logo! It's the season finale of Ru Paul's Dragrace!"

[JonLP24]

9. Logo?

I'm sorry I'm unfamiliar with what Logo is.

[Ian David]

11. It's the Gay Entertainment Channel.

The one that won't accept advertisements for gay-friendly churches.

Because it's owned by anti-gay Clear Channel.

[JonLP24]

14. Oh ok

lol to what you originally said.

Never did hear of it before. Is it a premium cable channel? All I have is basic cable and does not carry that channel.

[Ian David]

15. It's mid-tier in my system. n/t

[muntrv]

3. While visiting my stepbrother down in Florida, we went to a cigar bar after dinner

(I don't smoke, but he wanted a stogie)and sure enough, fox snooze was on the tee-vee. Fortunately, I couldn't hear the sound.

[Ian David]

4. Same here. But my wife HATES it when I do that. Especially if I make a fuss about it.

I think what I have to do from now on, is bite my tongue when my wife is with me...

But then go back another time by myself and be a DOUBLE-PRICK about it.

[20score]

44. Now that was funny!

[lib2DaBone]

6. I can't figure out why people think Faux is Politically correct...

I went to my Doctor's office.. they had Fox News on. I went to my FOrd Dealer.. they had Fox News on.

Maybe they think it is poltically correct. But didn't the last election show that the U.S. is solidly to the left?

[Ian David]

8. IIRC, 80% of car dealerships donate Repuke. n/t

[quakerboy]

89. I had a car in for service. TV was on Fox

Changed it to MSNBC. The salesman in the room stared daggers, but I was the only customer in the entire place, so he had the limited wisdom not to say anything. I'm sure he took great relish in switching it back after I left.

[Tigress DEM]

97. Well, they sure are getting their comeupance now.

The repukes convinced the big auto companies to do the whole heavy truck and suburban even hummer markets up big time and ignore energy efficient cars by giving these sinfully huge write offs for the beast cars so the oil companies could make obscene profits at the expense of everyone in America.

Listening to *ush really didn't help them then.
Listening to FAUX isn't helping them now.
Are they EVER going to learn?

[Orsino]

72. To the left of the center aisle in Congress, sure...

...but that's the difference between the center-right and the hard-right.

Fox' job is to pull us all as far right as possible. If they occasionally pander to the center and the left, it's only to make money to finance their main agenda.

[Tigress DEM]

98. Because FAUX SAYS they are politically and factually correct.

Why would they lie?

:sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm:

[havocmom]

10. Could we get these gadgets and just zap it?

[Ian David]

12. They need to make one that's as strong as an LED flashlight. n/t

[backscatter712]

51. They do! (or did)

It's the TV-B-Gone Pro SHP.

https://www.tvbgone.com/cfe_tvbg_buy.tvbgpro.php?PHPSESSID=d70404d6932bff92910d209357830bef

It's the size of an iPhone, and can turn off TVs 100 meters away!

Unfortunately, it's currently sold out.

[backscatter712]

61. You can make your own Super TV-B-Gone.

The plans and firmware are open-source, if you've got skills in electronics.

You can buy a kit for a steroid-infused Super TV-B-Gone here...

http://www.adafruit.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=73&sessid=517cce8ed46cead185c3eb44fc77f4bd

[Ian David]

86. Can you make one the size of a giant spotlight and drive around your neighborhood with it?

Something like this...

[RavensChick]

69. Already? Damn!

Hopefully I get on the backorder list. Thanks for the heads up!

[Ian David]

84. I will make it my life's mission to obtain one! n/t

[Jane Austin]

18. Yes! It works!

I've only had to use mine once but it worked great.

[backscatter712]

46. I just got one!

Haven't had the occasion where I felt compelled to use it so far...

[Tigress DEM]

99. I want one.

[HughMoran]

13. Have been doing this and will continue to as well

It's definitely not as effective if you don't tell the owner of the place why you won't do business there.

[Suich]

16. FOX used to play on military bases in Iraq

during the previous administration. I wonder if anyone's changed the channel yet.

I live in a pretty blue area...we just watch sports!

:hi:

[JonLP24]

20. Sometimes they did, sometimes they didn't

They had, I think Armed Forces Network. Very limited channels and they didn't have modern commercials. For example they would have Armed Forces related commercials such as commercials for a JAG lawyer or commercials saying you don't need a passport to go to Germany for leave, talk to your command, etc. In dining facilities they usually have two TVs one showing news and other showing sports. CNN is played on TV quite often, also at MWR's it's always Sports or movies. No one goes to the MWR to watch the news.

[Suich]

28. Thanks for the info, JonLP24!

It wasn't exactly keeping me awake nights but I was curious!

:hi:

[20score]

29. Hola Suich!!!

[Suich]

32. Hi!

Was wondering where you were lately!

:hi:

[tblue37]

54. And Rush is on constantly on Armed Forces Radio, but

left-leaning programs are not allowed.

[salguine]

17. Maybe it's just me, but I kind of fail to see how walking into

someone else's place of business, demanding they change the channel, and telling them you'll "punish" them somehow if they don't acquiesce to your demand isn't rather assholish behavior. It doesn't matter what's on the TV; it's the principle. I would never enter someone's business and act that way.

[suede1]

21. It is just you.

[Ian David]

24. Not like he's the CUSTOMER or someone expected to give them HIS money.

He should just be grateful they let him in the front door... looking like he does and all.

[suede1]

27. I assume you're responding to salguine, because we agree.

I thought it was ironic he or she is coming into a thread telling someone not to be an asshole, by being an asshole. Don't think salguine has a point at all, especially considering what you said.

(Kind of a weird position on DU, really.)

[salguine]

33. I've been a small business owner. When you spend twelve-hour days

at your business, and put all your energy into it, it's pretty much like an extension of your home. I don't take well to someone coming into my home and DEMANDING anything.

He has every bit as much of a right to play what he wants on the TV in his business, just as anyone else has the right not to patronize his business for that reason. Why can't you just not go there? Do you have to get all up in the business owner's face and DEMAND he change the channel? Or you'll take your business elsewhere? It's a form of passive blackmail.

And if you'll read the post again, I didn't call anyone an asshole. I characterized that behavior as assholish. And, now that I've had some time to think it over, I'm forced to conclude that, yes, it's still assholish.

[20score]

35. Are you being deliberately obtuse? No one said anything about getting in the owner's face and

demanding anything. You seem like you have an issue with something else and decided to come into this thread and just scold.

Since you so miss the point of this, I hardly know where to begin.

[pipi_k]

60. No, it's not just that person

What if there's another customer there who insisted that the channel be turned to Fox news?

What does the owner do then...figure out who's going to spend more and then tune the TV to the channel favorite of the bigger spender?

Or maybe he can give each party a remote control and let them duke it out electronically.


Try going into a big retail store or a mall and demanding that the owners change the background music from "elevator music" to something different.

Oh, and the crappy music some businesses have on "hold"...maybe people can threaten to take their business elsewhere unless those businesses change their tunes.


sigh...

:eyes:

[rwheeler31]

26. Do you business people want customers?

[salguine]

34. Not ones who think it's their right to come into my business and walk all over me, no.

[MineralMan]

50. How is telling you that the Fox News Channel is annoying

"walking all over" you? It's information on one of your customers.

[Posteritatis]

74. A customer who's trying to decree how someone runs their business

I wouldn't shed a tear at someone who walked into any business I owned or was employed by and said they'd never come back unless we catered to their political views.

[20score]

78. So, part of your business plan is to make sure that you have station on that calls the majority of

the country traitors? What business are you in? Because unless you work for Cheney or Fox News, it doesn't seem to be key to being successful.

[quakerboy]

90. How about if someone came into your business

and politely asked you to change the station while they were there.

If I walked into a business, I can ask for what I want. And the business can provide it or not. And I can return or not. Freedom all the way around, yeah?

[backscatter712]

47. Who says we should start by being an asshole?

Most of the time, just pipe up to the waitress with a "Could you please change the channel?" and the problem is solved. Most business customers don't care enough about what's on the TV to make a fight over this.

Then again, there are some businesses (McDonalds comes to mind, specifically, some franchises, not all restaurants) that actually have a contract with FOX News that requires them to have FAUX Noise on at all times.

At that point, well, we're dealing with two evil corporations, not your friendly small-business owner, and it's time to use the TV-B-Gone...

[pipi_k]

62. Assholish indeed...

or childish, at the very least.


It would be pretty funny (and probably just as childish, but what's wrong with fighting fire with fire here) if the business owner caught on to the silly little game and called all the rest of the (similar to his) businesses along the street and told them to turn Fox News on and tell a certain person to take a hike when s/he walked in and wanted the channel changed.


"Hah!!! you want a haircut? Go cut it yourself at home while you watch whatever the hell channel you want on your own TV!"

:evilgrin:

[live love laugh]

66. It would be pretty stupid if businesses did what you said. But then FOX devotees are stupid. nt

[20score]

77. Good, why don't you start your own pro-Fox News thread? That will teach those people trying to slow

down propaganda's reach. Maybe while you're at you can start a pro-Rush thread too?

[Dramarama]

85. Agree

[ihavenobias]

23. K & R #10.

Is it just me or is Glenn Beck on Fox 12 hours a day?

[Ian David]

25. Glenn Beck doesn't sleep. Sexual fantasies about his sister keep him awake.

I guess Pat Buchannan is fantasizing about Glenn Beck's sister too?

[RavensChick]

71. Ewwww!

No wonder he's so fucked up! He really ought to be in prison or a mental institution!

[sfpcjock]

30. They are grotesque!

I happened to be testing my cable setup and stumbled by Fox with In-Hannity's show tonight. Guess what was on: that's right, Hannitude listening to the Drugster Limbo enthusiastically asserting with a straight face that "most of the American people disagree with Obamas policies". In fact, about 70% of those same American people think the President's policies are good or are neutral in opinion about them. Also, Obama's popularity is in the high 60%'s.

The idiocy is so PURE! 90% of Fox is just Hitler's Big Lie or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Lie">Große Lüge originating in his "Mein Kampf". Interestingly it fits perfectly with a lot of Republicans like Cheney and his bat-crap crazy daughter, Mary.

[bullwinkle428]

31. Tick-tock, tick-tock until the first poster chimes in with

"ZOMG...U R TEH SENSERSHIP!!!1!11!"

:rofl:

K&R, by the way!

[backscatter712]

49. OMGWTFBBQ!!! TEH SENSORSHIIP BERNS!!!

I got a good dose of that when I posted my previous thread suggesting the judicious use of a TV-B-Gone.

One dumbass actually made physical threats of violence, said if he saw someone using one, he'd loom over him with his XOBX-HUGE 6'5" body, take it away and smash it.

What a tool...

[1]

36. urrrggg... walmart don't play fox, my local "mom and pop" do... what to do?

urrrggg...

[Historic NY]

37. I've turned the TeeVEE off at the hospital or changed the channel

and hid the remote. I have walked out of a couple places. I've even locked out the channel on a few cable boxes.:evilgrin: I find this is the most effective especially at a place where i'm a member. Most FOX viewers can't figure out tech stuff.

[JVS]

40. Put mom and pop under for being dumbasses

[1]

43. ok. cool. fuck them. i am ok with that. walmart it is...

[punkin87]

38. K and R. This is the kind of thing Democratic Underground should be great at. Main page this.

[20score]

39. Why, thanks!

[NYC_SKP]

41. K&R

[Suich]

42. Late night kick! G'night!

:kick:

[HopeHoops]

45. I first ask if they will change the channel to a NEWS station.

If they say "This IS a news station", I respond, "No, a REAL news station. One with actual NEWS." They usually don't get it, but change the channel anyway. If they don't, I make fun of it until my beer is gone and then leave.

[backscatter712]

59. I do that to my mom.

She still watches FAUX Noise, so when I visit and I see the TV on FOX, I grab the remote, change it to MSNBC, and tell her "I thought I'd put some news on!"

:evilgrin:

[vadawg]

48. theres nothing worse than the TV bully anywhere a TV is on

my local dealership had Fox on and some guy insisted it get turned off, not for any political reason, just so he could have quiet to study. He got very loud and obnoxious with an older lady who hgappened to want to watch whatever their show was at that time and i had to step in to advise him to lower his tone and that he could step outside to study if he wished. He was lucky the people he was pissing off never knocked him out.

[havocmom]

53. Really? 'Nothing worse'?

So a "TV Bully" is worse than the people who push FAUX propaganda to sell wars for profit, and racism as a means of maintaining WASP males in positions of power? Really? TV Bullies are worse that all that?

The old saying about being part of the solution or part of the problem comes to mind.

[Ikonoklast]

56. The poster you responded to hasn't found a right-wing meme

to disagree with.

Ever.

[havocmom]

64. have noticed that.

also noticed poster has no response to my questions ;) Might be waiting for email?

[CrispyQ]

52. I ask if they will switch to a sports station - any sports station.

They are always happy to oblige.

[suede1]

55. Kick. Fox News has been harming the country for too long!

[LynneSin]

57. I did this at a nail salon once time

The owner was like "Well we just put random channels on there". I always ask first - "Did someone specifically ask for Fox" and if the guy says "NO" then I'll say well would you mind changing it to "X" (I'll pick a station not playing).

If he says "yes" then I'll just leave - not like there isn't another nail salon down the street.

[ColbertWatcher]

63. Good for you. k+r

I'd just like to know when the hell businesses all needed to have TVs on all the time?

[backscatter712]

65. FOX News buys big flat-screen TVs for businesses.

And they make them sign a contract stating that it will be tuned to FOX News at all times.

When you see that kind of relationship at work, that's when it's absolutely time to wage psychological warfare with them using the TV-B-Gone. I love destroying business models...

[ColbertWatcher]

67. I have never heard of this before. Do you have a link? n/t

[backscatter712]

70. Here's one link...

http://blog.buzzflash.com/analysis/346

[quiller4]

73. I got both my nail parlor and my hairdresser to change channels.

When I asked there was no question. My hairdresser said that she hates FOX, too, and was glad I asked. When I spoke up, the other three women getting haircuts siad; "Yes. Anything but FOX."

[Mira]

75. Here's what I have done in doctor's offices:

First I ask the people in the room if they are listening.
Then I approach the receptionist and say either: They are not listening, and I am offended, may I turn it off. If they say no, I leave and re-schedule if I must ( I never had a "must")
Or I say: they are listening, unfortunately, to a propaganda station that offends me. I would like for me to put me into a room with no television.

Either way I create a commotion and get my way. They don't know what to do with me, so they comply.

[RadicalTexan]

76. Duh,

nt

[grace0418]

79. Sometimes it's on in the locker room of my gym. I just go up and change the channel.

I also sent them an email saying "I come to this place to get healthy, I do not need to be inundated with sickening lies and propaganda at my health club of all places."

[mullard12ax7]

80. Me too

It's good to see so many people doing this, I think most Americans have had enough of being misinformed.

[Wednesdays]

81. K&R

:kick:

[Hepburn]

82. I have done this for years...and loudly announced that I will NOT...

...remain at any business that allows that anti-American crap to be played. After Obama became POTUS, I added to that protest that after all we are at war and I consider it treasonous conduct to not support our President.

I do ask politely at first to please change the channel...and often add how dishonest and disgusting Fox News is. But is they do not change it, I really hit the protest and leave.

What is intersting is that anymore, I do not have to leave that often and others join in and request that Fox is NOT on the TV.

:hi:

[octobermoonaeryn]

83. it is the default around here....

Mr. Aeryn and I always ask to have it changed, and we've never had to get up and walk out. The service staff (who generally aren't rich, after all) is too happy to change it. :)

[we can do it]

87. I've Bee Doing It Since 2005 - I Promise To Continue

I am fed up with it and the idiots who think its factual....

[armyowalgreens]

88. I really don't give a shit.

The local Kripsy Kreme plays fox. Another Burrito place I go to plays it.

There's nothing like a little comedy when enjoying a meal. I don't hold it against the owners for playing a popular channel for their customers.

[20score]

91. Well, good for you! Not giving a shit can be tough for those with a higher than luck-warm IQ.

And if you fall into that category, then keep up that apathetic behavior. You'll look cool! All your friends are doing it.

[armyowalgreens]

92. You'd be hard pressed to find a more empathetic person than myself.

But some fights are dumb ones.

Not every last little thing needs to be a conflict. Especially when I'm enjoying my dinner.

[anigbrowl]

93. I'm curious

I wonder how people would react to a freeper thread with, say, MSNBC substituted for Fox. Personally, I avoid places where there is always a TV going anyway, on the theory that if I wanted to watch TV, I could have gone and sat in front of one in my house.

[BlooInBloo]

94. I've been pleased to see MSNBC on "naturally" in more and more places.

[greenbriar]

95. count me in

I have already done it at my car dealership and at my fav viet. resturaunt

[tsuki]

96. I have been doing this for years. It is amazing. People assume that

everyone wants to watch FAUX, so that's what they turn on. Many places are only to happy to hear a dissenting voice.

[Tigress DEM]

100. Can't we just have a group lawsuit for their failure to live up to truth in advertising?

Can't we legally point out all their propoganda peddling that led up to the war and beyond?

Can't we legally sue O'Lielly for his bald faced lies that mislead people and disrupt voter's ability to be properly informed?

I would just like to sue them for so much they can't possibly repay and force them to turn over their financial and physical assets to be used for public television stations.


I used to go up to the front desk at work and complain everytime it got switched over to FAUX - someone had to get up on a chair and manually configure it because after it got put on several times they deleted it off the auto select.

I have a bad problem. I simply yell at TV's when the crap starts flowing. I just don't watch anymore. Except when Obama is on or my local legislature or CSPAN. Even CNN bothers me because they tend to pander as if the right and the left are directly opposing center if they aren't in "certain waters". NO ***holes, half way between the truth and a lie is a half lie and it's just as stupid and MORE dangerous.

[madamesilverspurs]

101. Favorite restaurant plays Fox.

By the time we go in for a late lunch, the place is about half full. Wait staff is glad to see us because we joke with them and leave good tips. If the TV is doing its thang, we point and laugh, a couple of the guys squeal "toxic teevee! make it go away! eeeewwwww!" Staff was startled the first couple of times, now they kind of expect it, and yeah they change the channel.

Sadly, our hospital has the Fox package; several Fox stations plus CNN, no MSNBC, no CSpan. Rotten thing to inflict on sick people. I asked my doctor how he expects people to get well when they're given doses of brain poison over the airwaves. He just shook his head.

[W_HAMILTON]

102. It's funny this has come up so much lately.

I work in a hotel, and there's a large screen TV in our greatroom that people watch. When I saw it on Fox News (which seemed to be quite a bit), I turned it to CNN. Then I found out that we have MSNBC, so I turn it to MSNBC on the weekdays, and CNN on the weekends. It seems like the only people that have every asked me to turn the channel to a specific station have been those wanting to watch Fox News. I think I've had one person in about 2.5 years ask to turn it AWAY from Fox News, which I gladly did.

It kinda funny, since I just had an experience with this this weekend. A lady came up to me and asked me to turn it to Fox News. I pretended not to know the channel. She asked for the remote, and I gave it to her, and told her to try channel 26 for a news channel (it is CNN). I didn't have the guts to tell her to turn it to 70 (MSNBC), though :) She eventually found Fox, but when the room cleared out, I turned it back to CNN :)