Dear Ms. Roesgen:

Ms. Susan Roesgen:

I was stunned when I saw your so-called interview with the tax protester at the Chicago “tea party.” I thought reporters were supposed to report the news, and not add their spin on the issue. Then I realized I was not watching the news, but CNN. I realize that CNN's main function nowadays is to suck up to Obama and promote his agenda, but your behavior was beyond shameful. You rudely interrupted the man simply for daring to talk about "liberty." What a shame that you are so afraid of that concept that you insisted on badgering the gentleman. You twice demanded him to tell you, "What does this have to do with taxes?" Do you really not understand the relation between liberty and taxes?

When you asked "Do you realize you're eligible for a $400 credit?" I understood you were not a reporter after all, but a paid shill for the Obama administration. You may not realize it, Ms. Roesgen, but some people are not willing to sacrifice essential liberties for $400. The people at the protest do not want hand-outs. They want smaller government. They want to control their own lives. They do not want big brother telling them what to do 24 x 7. How sad that you do not understand the average American. (No doubt you would understand the average European socialist.)

"Do you know that the state of Lincoln gets $50 billion out of the stimulus?" you asked. First, I assume you meant "Land of Lincoln" (not “State of Lincoln”) which is the state's nickname. I will forgive you that error, as you obviously attended one of those progressive schools that passes out "A" grades simply for trying, rather than for actually learning something. But I cannot forgive you for the stupidity of your question. Exactly where do you think the federal government will get that $50 billion you feel it is so graciously "giving" the citizens of Illinois? It will come from higher taxes (which will cause $50 billion in lost jobs somewhere else), borrowing from China (for which we'll be paying interest for decades), or printing money (which will lead to hyper-inflation). I think Illinoisans would be better off if Washington stopped taxing and spending and pretending it's a good idea. That was the purpose of the protests. It's a shame you did not understand, and were instead preoccupied with pushing the Obama agenda. (In a sad day for "journalism," I assume you and your fellow CNN "reporters" were instructed to insult and humiliate and otherwise ridicule the protesters.)

Because you were so rude to the man, at least one person in the crowd yelled for you to "shut up." That was apparently what prompted you to say "...this is not really family viewing." Yes, sensitive ears should not hear the phrase "shut up." But it was somehow perfectly acceptable for CNN's Anderson Cooper to use a vulgar comment about "tea-bagging," while he snickered at his own sophomoric humor. From CNN's view, "shut up" cannot be heard, but Cooper can joke about the testicles of conservatives. What lovely broadcast standards you have at CNN…

You were right about one thing, however. The protesters probably were largely "anti-CNN." Inasmuch as they believe in the Constitution of the United States - while CNN chooses to be the mouthpiece of the Obama administration - yes, they are anti-CNN. And, thanks to you, so are many more Americans!

After additional thought, I believe I understand why you reacted with such vengeance, and why you support the leftist Obama agenda. If you had appreciable journalism skills, you would have confidence in your own abilities and would understand the tax-and-spend concerns of the demonstrators. Your coverage would have been objective, and you would have given the man you interviewed a chance to speak without being rudely interrupted. But I suspect you know you have no good journalism skills, and subconsciously realize that you were hired because of your appearance. In other words, you are a "token chick reporter." That is hard to accept consciously, but you entered a profession where many are hired for reasons other than competence – looks, race, gender, tone of voice, etc.

All of you keep the secret locked up inside, of course. But it is reflected in your politics, when you gravitate toward big-government schemes to hand things out to skill-less parasites. You feel less threatened if you live in a world of other skill-less parasites, so you thrive on reports of people who can’t survive without some kind of “help.” You have no choice but to feel a general connection with such people… they are just like you.

But when you were up against strong-willed Americans who have confidence in their own abilities and who neither need nor want federal hand-outs, something inside you snapped. Your inner self finally realized who you were and why you were given your job. You must have felt quite alone, helpless, and frightened. Your cover was blown. Your worst fears rose to the surface of your psyche. It must have been a horrifying moment, to see in others the confidence, skill, and self-assuredness that you yourself lack!

No wonder you lashed out. Granted, you will no doubt be fired by CNN as a result of thousands of complaints from viewers. But don’t take it personally. It has nothing to do with your looks. You may have been hired for your looks, but you will be fired for a much simpler reason – tossing you under the bus for the sake of ratings. I suggest that you use some of your newfound extra time to seek psychological help. I’m sure you have some hidden potential that will allow you to get a job that requires actual skills. Your self-esteem will be much improved. And when your looks fade and you start to age, you may still have a career.

By the way, Fox beat CNN three to one yesterday…

…and the token chicks on Fox are far better looking.

Don Fredrick

April 16, 2009