How are you preparing for Gustav?

Posted by jerry as news, politics

I was glued to my TV and computer 3 years ago when Katrina hit, and watched the disastrous aftermath unfold.  What struck me, other than the incompetence of managing the situation at every level of government, was the sheer futility of a inhabiting New Orleans.    So, as we watch this storm lining up to deal NOLA a blow through it’s still unrepaired levees, we have politicians announcing that the country stands beside the people of New Orleans.  After I tired of the spectacle of Katrina, I started to resent New Orleans.  Residents and officials have known for decides, if not hundres of years, that New Orleans is in a precarious place.

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Electotainment

Posted by jerry as news, politics

I just finished reading this article and have to respond.  The author doesn’t directly come out and say it, but is basically accusing the new media of dumbing down the political process, and we, the electorate are the victims.  We are NOT the victims… We are the cause.  Have you seen what’s on TV lately?  What are the most popular shows?  American Idol, Dancin with the Stars, reality show dejure.  The media is pavlov’s dog, and the public has been in control of the bell for a long time.  They are the monster the WE made. 

It isn’t that CNN doesn’t want to let loose Hillary’s view on Yucca Mountain!  CNN doesn’t want a million people saying “oh my god, this is boring shit.  Lets see what’s on Fox News.  Maybe there’s a police chase or a good apartment fire we can watch.”  And they’re right.  I may be interested in Hillary’s view on Yucca Mountain, the credit collapse, the slowing economy, what to do with Iran, but I represent a small minority that probably doesn’t fit into their demographic anyway. 

Up till recently, I hadn’t watched CNN or Fox News in about 2 years.  I was really bothered by what I saw when I did have a chance to watch it recently.  Every news show on CNN Headline News is presented by a “commentator”, not a reporter.  I could not believe that was Headline News.  It used to actually be 24 hours of an anchor person giving the news.  But, they’ve adapted to what the viewers want. 

 For pete’s sake, PLEASE STOP BLAMING THE MEDIA.  They’re doing what they do best – sell advertising.  They can’t sell advertising if no one watches their programming because “hard hitting journalism” can’t compete with Dancin with the Stars.