News media fails to educate the public about the truth
During presidential election campaigns, the Cato Institute in Washington concluded that most voters were uninformed about the candidates and the issues, and they had, “little incentive to gain more political knowledge.” The result: A large political underclass of ‘know nothings,’ constituted 25% to 35% of the American people. (Washington Spectator, Jan. 2005)
The American people are subjected to controlled media that suppresses the political knowledge they should have to make intelligent decisions. There are little alternative viewpoints in a media that controls what we see on TV or read.
The media has a responsibility to represent the American people and give us journalists that do not cower from Washington’s influence and demands. CNN has a battery of journalists who parrot the same controlled nonsense every newscast. Round tables are a joke. The same so-called experts sit around mouthing the same platitudes day after day, with no alternative-thinking journalists sitting in. Why are Noam Chomsky, Amy Goodman, Howard Zinn, Barbara Ehrenreich, Ralph Nadar, Bill Moyer’s, and many alternative minds not allowed to sit in?
All journalists must question in depth, the misinformation, and blatant lies from our government. The American people must stop accepting false patriotism, and the continual glorification of war and especially the inept, shallow so-called political leaders and statesmen and women who do not justly serve their constituents.
Most of the world views the United States. as an arrogant superpower. The real greatness and power of a nation does not lie in its military, government, or corporations. It lies in its people. The people have not been heard. No one is standing up for them, except those alternative voices that are deliberately being silenced.
Pat R. O’Malley Ann Arbor
Comments
1bit
Mon, Oct 5, 2009 : 5:28 p.m.
No, the problem isn't the media - it is us. We're more interested in opinions than facts. We're more interested in picking a fight than listening. The responsibility for truth is no longer the "media", it is ours. So if you have a message people should know, then research it and write it up so people know it. Complaining that no one else is doing it is pointless.
Diagenes
Mon, Oct 5, 2009 : 7:30 a.m.
I want fewer so called Journalists to be heard from. The media should ask questions of people who have actually accomplished something tangible. If you want to know about the economy ask Fred Smith founder of Fed Ex, Steven Jobs founder of Apple ect. The media is an incestouis cesspool. Most people in the media are more interested in promoting themselves and their opinion than in being a fair broker in the disemination of infromation.
David Wallner
Sun, Oct 4, 2009 : 7:12 p.m.
I attended the march in Washtington DC on Sept 12. Originally it was to protest Government Healthcare, but it was obvious that this isn't the only hot button for people. As Mr. O'Malley said the media doesn't cover things like this due to their liberal bias. There were well over a million people on the mall in front of the Capital but hardly a mention of it in any media. Even the Washington Post who ran a front page story got it wrong when they said it was attended by "activists". The people in the crowd around me were as normal and wholesome a group of citizens you could find. No one, including me, ever did anything like this before and the root problem is that the media has held the wool over our eyes for the sake of the historic election of the nations first black President. Maybe out buddies in the media should have taken their responsibility more seriously because we are now in a big mess with a narcissistic, naive and inept leader who only knows how to organize special interests who will support his programs in return for influence and nearsightedness about their corrupt organizations. Why did the New York Time come forward with an admission that they missed the entire story about Van Jones and ACORN?
Doug Boynton
Sun, Oct 4, 2009 : 12:55 p.m.
We all believe that media we agree with is "unbiased." PBS, BBC or NPR unbiased? Baloney. When I was a kid, I wanted "Time," but Dad made sure I got "US News," as well. When I wanted the "Free Press," he made sure I read the "Detroit News," too. Thanks, Dad. Why shop at one place for your information? Intelligent people can listen to all points of view, and make up their own minds. The author of the original letter fails to mention that the Cato Institute, which authored the study referenced, may be non-partisan, but is hardly an unbiased source for a report like this, with its own libertarian agenda.
John Galt
Sun, Oct 4, 2009 : 11:38 a.m.
The Mainstream news media is simply a propaganda outlet. For one side for the other, depending upon the station--but mostly a left wing view-point. (And why not, 90% of the media are registered Democrats). The Fox news station is about the only conservative network, other than talk radio. And where are the unbiased news reporters? Nowhere to be found.
Sammy77
Sun, Oct 4, 2009 : 10:35 a.m.
I agree. The MSM has failed us. I don't know why I continue watching the useless conversation of Sunday morning pundits, especially David Gregory. But this very point was eluded to this morning on Meet the Press. If it bleeds it leads is the industry mantra. Allow me to suggest alternative sources such as PBS, BBC, NPR or Democracy Now. I personally get much of my news from podcasts because I don't have time to catch Bill Moyers (Bill Moyers Journal) or Amy Goodman (Democracy Now). Citizenship isn't free. We have a duty to remain informed. And repeating falsehoods and regurgitating pundit talking points doesn't count. In fact, it hinders the process.