If Ryan White had been YOUR son, do you think you would wear a Red Ribbon on World AIDS Day then?

Frank,

I wonder if your feelings would be different about wearing a Red Ribbon one day out of the year on December 1st, if you had lost someone you loved dearly, someone very close to you in your family, to AIDS?

Looks like the US military is ramping up another surge..

And it isn't where you think it is.. Whay doesn't KTLA report on stuff like this, why is it Russia has more of an open news service then American.

From the Russian Times..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ky0BEH5NcU&eurl=http://bulletins.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.read&authorID=63558531&messageID=6239290179&MyTokeniurl=http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/8Ky0BEH5NcU/hqdefault.jpg&feature=player_embedded

Frank,

I also appreciate your professionalism. I have not been a viewer of KTLA news since Carlos left and I was channel surfing as you were explaining your position on air. I was deeply upset about your co-anchors lack of professionalism. Her behavior is indicative of many local news anchors when you do not agree with their positions. She could not sit there and look at you or the camera as you explained your position, but squirmed in her chair like a freshman at her first high school dance. Perhaps your behavior will influence her in the future and she will become the co-anchor KTLA wants her to become.

Hi Frank,

I appreciate you being the "professional" journalist that you are. I loved you at CNN & was so glad to have you come to KTLA.

I agree with you about the ribbon. I do NOT want the journalist that I listen to & watch TELL me what to think. I want you to be open, honest & objective.

You are NOT over thinking this. You have integrity, ethics & standards. I admire & appreciate these qualities in you.

Keep up the great job you are doing.

Hi Dan,

Cher still does the 6am shift along with Asher Blake. But she doesn't do the 9am water cooler stuff anymore. However I did see her out in the field reporting the other day, after her anchor shift ended for the day... During the morning news. I don't know why she is not on the 9am anymore. Maybe too much estrogen? Who knows??

Take care!

Is Cher really no longer there? They still have her bio listed! I thought she was on a leave of absence - wasn't she engaged to be married around this time???

“Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so”

- Douglas Adams

The Neo-Alchemy of the Federal Reserve

Ron Paul

As the printing presses for the bailouts run at full speed, those in power are no longer even pretending that the new giveaways will fix our problems. Now that we are used to rewarding failure with taxpayer-funded bailouts, we are being told that this is “just a start,” more funds will inevitably be needed for more industries, and that things would be much worse had we done nothing.

The updated total bailout commitments add up to over $8 trillion now. This translates into a monetary base increase of 75 percent over the last two months. This money does not come from some rainy day fund tucked away in the budget somewhere – it is created from thin air, and devalues every dollar in circulation. Dumping money on an economy, as they have been doing, is not the same as dumping wealth. In fact, it has quite the opposite effect.

One key attribute that gives money value is scarcity. If something that is used as money becomes too plentiful, it loses value. That is how inflation and hyperinflation happens. Giving a central bank the power to create fiat money out of thin air creates the tremendous risk of eventual hyperinflation. Most of the founding fathers did not want a central bank. Having just experienced the hyperinflation of the Continental dollar, they understood the power and the temptations inherent in that type of system. It gives one entity far too much power to control and destabilize the economy.

Our central bankers have had a tremendous amount of hubris over the years, believing that they could actually manage a paper money system in such a way as to replicate the behavior and benefits of a gold standard. In fact, back in 2004 then Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan told me as much. People talk about toxic assets, but the real toxicity in our economy comes from the neo-alchemy practiced by the Federal Reserve System. Just as alchemists of the past frequently poisoned themselves with the lead or mercury they were trying to turn to gold, today’s bankers are poisoning the economy with accelerated fiat money creation.

Throughout the ages, gold has stood the test of time as a consistently reliable medium of exchange, and has frequently been referred to as “God’s money,” as only God can make more of it. Seeking superhuman power over money in the way alchemists did in ancient times caused society to shun them as charlatans. In much the same way, free people today should be sending the message that this power and control over our money is no longer acceptable.

The irony is that even had the ancient practice of alchemy been successful, and gold was suddenly, magically made abundant, alchemists still would have failed to create real wealth. Creating gold from lead would have cheapened its status to that of rhinestones or cubic zirconia. It is unnatural and dangerous for paper to be considered as precious as a precious metal. Our fiat currency system is crumbling and coming to an end, as all fiat currencies eventually do.

Congress should reject the central bank as a failure for its manipulations of money that have brought our economy to its knees. I am hoping that in the 111th Congress my legislation to abolish the Federal Reserve System gains traction so that the central bank can no longer destroy our money.

The first morning President-elect Barack Obama led a team of advisers onto the stage to stand behind him during a news conference, Antonio Villaraigosa's beaming face separated him from the crowd. You could feel his elation as he rocked from heel to toe throughout the conference.

Whether he chose to pass on a possible appointment in the Obama administration or the timing was wrong is speculation. Recognition of his talent may be enough this time. Good to know he enjoys his current job enough to want to stay until his term ends.

Hillary Clinton. Let's hope Congress approves her appointment. She couldn't be a better candidate for Secretary of State to Obama. I often think about the Clinton-Obama debate when she sat down he held her chair. They duked it out, then congratulated each other. As they shook hands and talked in each others ear I thought, they admire each other. And wondered where the road would lead them. He even acknowledged that no one knows the road he's traveled better than Hillary. When rivals can come together so readily after such a brutal competition our future is in good hands.

CALIFORNIA DEBATE (1/31/08)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMajrjJ5Q5I

Frank, as usual a great blog. I totally agree with your 'position'. I watch less and less of the morning news and it is NOT because of you. In fact, YOU and Gayle are the reason that I DO tune in every so often. Although I was born and raised in socal I now live in South Dakota. I had the MISFORTUNE of THE day that I did watch to hear Mark's rude comments and put downs regarding South Dakota. On more than one occassion he has said rude remarks concerning a variety of things. He is defintely NOT professional. I did not watch the show in regards to Michaela's unprofessionalism with her facial 'remarks'. I don't believe that this is a 'first' for her. I am sorry to read that Cher is no longer on the morning news. It was a great program when she and Emmett co-hosted. I along with the others appreciate your professionalism Frank. I understand that Stephanie is coming back as co-host of the Rose Parade. That is great. Anyone know how that came about? I too, think that YOU should be on the last hour as well. KTLA is LUCKY to have you Frank.

Yes Craig,

I agree about Tony V.

Not that I think he is doing a bad job... I just think he has a lot to do here. He is still learning his job. LA and CA has it's own unique problems, budgets that are not working, crime increasing, traffic problems, immigration issues, NO on 8 NOT going through making a lot of unhappy people. Tony V has his work cut out right here in LA.

Yes adding him to the cabinet may have been a mistake so happy it didn't happen..besides Tony is not so squeaky clean himself. He maybe able to redeem himself if he steps up to the plate and corrects LA"s problems. Besides is he's got his on the Governator's job...and who knows after that he just might be hoping for a bigger job in DC.

1st Latino Pres??? He will probably try for it in the future if he makes it to all the way to governor. America does have a huge Hispano population. I wouldn't be surprised if he's thinking Oval Offc someday himself...although if that was the case ...he might of thought of that before he cheated on his wife...many people may have a problem with that if he wants to go further even to Governor. CA is liberal ..only time will tell if CA is that liberal! Let’s see if he can fix LA then we might endorse to move on to more important jobs.

But as far as Hillary goes I totally support her appointment!

Sorry for the double post! I didn't think the first one went through!

PLM - I respect and am pleased with most of Barack's selections to his cabinet. This morning however, gave me some pause. Barack almost made his first major error in judgment if that story that he offered the Labor secretary position to our current mayor, Tony V.
I consider our mayor to be "all show, no substance" and would be a disaster as Labor secretary. Tony V. is just a "camera hound for PR" mayor that doesn't seem to be doing the real work of being mayor. Too busy covering his steps on his affair! I would hope that Barack interviewed him and gave him a shot but realized he wasn't qualified. (IMHO)

PLM - I think most of Barack's selections show his determination to get the best minds around him, no matter if friend or foe. This morning, on the news, I was disturbed to hear that he had offered our current mayor a cabinet post as Labor Secretary that the mayor claims he turned down. I hope that wasn't true, that he was interviewed and then Barack's team decided better of it. Our mayor is nothing but a "camera hound for PR", but I don't believe he would be anywhere near qualified to be a Labor secretary. I believe Tony V. to be "All Show, No Substance" and not what Barack needs in his cabinet. I would have considered that Barack's first major error in judgment. (IMHO)

Joan - she can express her views on the air via dialogue, i.e. The spoken word without acting like a "junior high school" student. I would just ask Michaela to step up and speak up with a coherent, logical argument as to why she believes the way she does instead of making faces, ect.. That is so juvenile to portray on the air. I know the morning show gets silly sometimes, but that topic was of a serious nature and should of been treated that way. Time and a place for everything! Disrespecting your co-anchor on camera diminished the real issue of AIDS research they should have been discussing instead of the etiquette of whether to wear a ribbon or not!! I just always thought Michaela was above demonstrating that type of behavior on air. She could do better!

Frank, I could not agree with you more. Report the news, do not become a part of it. Great response on your part.

We miss Cher!!!!

my, my...

So much to do about so little.

Isn't there far more pressing matters to discuss in the world today...than who smirked, or who did or did not, wear a ribbon?

How about Barrack pickng Hillary as Secretary of State?

She will make an excellent comunicator to our foreign friends or adversaries. She is smart and knowledgeable...and having Bill to disccuss issues over with is also a big asset!

Positve change should be the focus.

Craig,

Isn't that why KTLA is the newscast that we all choose to watch? A variety of personalities with varied opinions, no matter how different, and yet they all have the right to express them.

Totally agree with you 100%! It would be totally stupid to wear every single cause on a ribbon every time you are on tv. And everyone shouldn't expect you to. Someone's cause would eventually get left out. Reporters and anchors need to remain impartial. It goes to show how classy and professional you really are, Mr. Buckley!

If your management supports on-air employees wearing a ribbon or bracelet, wear or not to wear a symbol should remain a personal choice.

I didn't see the portion of the news when Michaela did that but to answer your rhetorical question, Joan,
When you make faces, smirk or show obvious disgust for your co-anchor's opinion on camera, that shows a lack of professionalism. If you are going to be on the air and considered a news journalist, you must show some level of decorum - you can disagree without being so "disagreeable". I like Michaela, but if she acted that way, shame on her for not respectfully disagreeing with your co-anchor's opinions. I can manage the firestorm Frank would receive from woman's groups if he had disdained her in that same way. He would be called a "male chauvinist pig" along with other vile names and there would be a petition to get him fired from his job! Frank shows class and integrity, maybe Michaela needs to take some lessons from him!

Michaela has a right to her feelings about all of this. And I don't see that Frank has a problem with it so why would anyone make negative comments about her reaction?

Journalism 101, report the news, don't become part of the news.

Frank chose to believe that, great. Others felt otherwise and were supported by management, great.

But couldn't Mikaela cover her disgust better or perhaps the director could have gotten a shot without her in it while she smirked, looked away and did everything in her power to show she disagreed.

Thanks, Frank for your explanation, although you didn't owe the viewers one. And to Mikaela, the camera man, and the director that chose that two-shot--thumbs down.

Frank, you are the best reporter on the show and I agree with your reasoning on not wearing that or any other ribbon. Newscasters should remain neutral on issues. But I found the faces that Michaela was making while you were explaining it, was very rude and spoke more than her voice could have. It is obvious that she disagrees with you and it was very disrespectful. I enjoy your reporting on the Morning News. Thank you.

Frank, I understand your opinion; it's America & we can agree to disagree. HOWEVER, when Gail A. goes to cover an event at BHHS to help educate teens, what do u think about wearing a red tie? You're so handsome that I'm sure it would look grt on u!

For anyone to make such horrible comments regarding Mark tells me that person has "missed the boat". Mark is very intelligent and insightful. Yes, he has a unique way of expressing himself and at times becomes very passionate while expressing, but, do not mistake that for having a low IQ. Saying Ms. M is warm and friendly tells me that the ramblings of that person is just that ramblings. Case in point, while Frank was explaining his decision to remain "above the bar" she sat there making facial expressions and then said, she did not have anything to say. She had spoke volumes with her face.

I miss Cher from the 9:00 show and I now watch her at 6:00. I hope she opted to not participate because of the loudeness of Jessica and the "all over the place" of Jessica's approach to news.

Thanks for Frank, Mark, Sam and Gayle.

Isn’t it possible to be supportive of all research for aids, breast cancer, etc. without wearing it on your sleeve? I would personally like to be able to contribute to everything that helps anyone but unfortunately I can’t. There are too many. While we like to see our favorite newscasters in a more personal light, aren’t they supposed to be neutral as the conveyors of the news? Wouldn’t they otherwise be politicians looking for approval? I know that the KTLA morning news is a more personal newscast, which is why we all watch it, but why would anyone try to put a negative light on someone who wishes to be private about their support? Perhaps judging someone for their personal manner of support is part of the problem we face in joining together for a cure for humanity. Is there only one way to support all the causes before us? Probably not but private contributions and personal support can go a long way. You rock, Frank.

I watch KTLA morning news because they tell the news and show no personal bias as Channel 7,4 and now 2 does. But this morning when Frank was telling it like it is, Micaela was smirking and making faces which was a little disgusting especially to a co worker. I agree with Frank, he gave his truthful opinion. I too do not wear all the ribbons or bracelets, yet I am a huge supporter of many causes. Micaela has done this before, enough is enough, she needs to learn a little respect to her fellow anchor, before I choose not to watch KTLA because of her.
This was not good to see on TV!

SHAME ON YOU!!!! SHAME, SHAME, SHAME!! I will now choose to get my 'news' elsewhere but no worries, there are plenty of idiots out there who will be happy to support you. Anyone who thinks the news is "real" and not what they are told to report is lost.

Hey Frank,

I must say that you have a real talent for tellingit like it is, and I respect that.

However, I must say that, I don't understand why you aren't on the "water cooler buzz" segment of the nine o'clock hour?

The fact that Mark "the weather guy" has a speaking part is crazy.

Is he not the dumbest white man on earth? He's a walking headshot. Whenever Mark opens his mouth I can feel the whole studio, as well as your producers in the booth, hold their breath waiting to hear the random thoughts that enter into his empty head.

I don't know the guy personally, but being a loyal viewer for years....I just have to address his lack of IQ.

Please go back and review every clip of him speaking off script/prompter...and its like a nine year old speaking about things he doesn't understand. You will see he is as dumb as a bag of hammers.

While, Jessica is the cute weather girl; Mickela(mispelled) is the warm and friendly anchor with great insight and depth; Sam is the sharp entertainment reporter with great connections; and yourself (Frank) is the classic news anchor....where does Mark fit in?

Sometimes he just opens his mouth and you can almost hear Homer Simpson running on a treadmill in the area of his head where his brain is suppose to be.

He should worry less about his hair and spend more time fixing what's underneath his hair (if you know what I mean).

Mark is to be seen not heard.

Personally, I was delighted to see you NOT wear a red ribbon just because it is aids day. I agree you, or anyone, should be able to elect not to follow everyone just because it is popular. As a professional you should remain neutral. Your professionalism is above most on TV. Thank you.

The only difference here Frank, is this is a hybrid "morning show" with both news and entertainment. This is a much more "fun" style of news, not a straight newscast like CNN, which allows you to "freestyle" and be subjective as well as objective.

I'm with you, and understand what you're saying completely, but are you going to stop interjecting your own personal beliefs and opinions while bantering with the others? Because as it is now you do.

Fred Mack

Frank, you are 100 % correct in not wearing the ribbon on camera. Aids is a very serious issue however as a news caster it is your job to remain impartial. Doing the story on camera gets the word out. What's next , doing commercials for consumer products. You never see news people do TV commerials . You have to remain impartial.

Hi Frank, I surport and agree with thoughts. You all are there to repor the news and add a little personality with it, not insert your opinions. I often will change channels when I hear reporters inserting their personal stuff into reports. I have been watching Ktla channel 5 for 20 years and will continue thanks to you and the rest of the morning crew. Thanks and keep up the good work and hold your good integrity and morals too!!!

Bravo Frank! I'm with you.

Frank, I think you do a great job and the way you think is what seperates you from the rest. On another note, on the stimulus package I think that the government should think of this. Don't just give the people a couple of thousand dollars and think that everything will be ok, because the people that receive it like myself and family woll most likely save it for food or some quick payment. This is me though on the money they want to give us. Everyone over the age of 18 and a US citizen should get a minimum of $50,000.00, with this kind of cash people can payoff large bills and try to get back on track instead of trying to help the large banks, auto companies, and other places that I don't think would make sence. If everyone got this kind of stimulus I can see the economy getting better very quick and less houses being foreclosed. That's my opinion and I think this would work.

I agree with you 100%.
The rest of the anchors and reporters on the Morning News should follow your example.

I agree with your philosophy. I admire and appreciate integrity and objectivity in news media and your decision sets the example.

I used to feel that way when I saw all the Lance Armstrong Yellow wrist bands, and then I contracted cancer....now I wear a Yellow wrist band!

I used to feel that way when I saw Red Ribbons until I lost my child to AIDS...and now I wear a Red Ribbon PROUDLY.

My God, it's only for 1 day out of your life a year to just wear a Red Ribbon and remember all of those we have lost to this horrific disease.

Can't you be Neutral 364 days a year - or since this WAS a Leap Year, it would still give you 365 days....

That's ok though...I still love you Frank!

Frank,

So many newcasters DO show their own opinions today. I 've always thought that the choice for you not to on the panel of the 9:00am Show with Michaela and Jessicia, was for that very reason. That you wanted to remain nuetral and maintain your journalistic objectivity and integrity.

Well you show us viewers daily that's who you are. We appreciate it.

Keep up the good work!

Frank -

Concerned about integrity in journalism?

Showing neutrality and objectivity when reporting/reading the news?

Well, Frank no need to worry about either of those questions! Your professionalism and experience definitely comes across to the viewers and is greatly appreciated.

So too are your explanations, reasons, and thoughts shared on your blog topics.

Red ribbon or no red ribbon, the story was given its proper due. I just can't wait though until the day that AIDS Awareness Day becomes AIDS Cure Day.

-m

Frank...I watch almost every morning. I love the KTLA team. I noticed but had no opinion about you not wearing the red ribbon. I also think it's great that you took the time to write your reasons why, and good reasons they are. I love you Frank...keep being you.

Pam/Ventura

Frank - Your explanation makes sense and the fact that you want to keep some "old fashioned journalistic objectivity and integrity" is admirable when it would be easy to follow the crowd at KTLA and wear the ribbon. Once again, you have shown yourself to be upfront and honest about your actions and be willing to answer to those actions. You have my respect!

Way to go Frank,I agree with you 100%.