Dancing Through The Betrayal…
by John Donnelly…….
Some journalists and authors from established media outlets, to include “The New York Times”, have devolved into proliferating merchants of misery for anyone thinking differently than they. If a real or imagined challenge threatens the sanctity of their beliefs, a reflexive conditioned response will provoke them to unleash an iron-fisted attack upon the perceived menace; collateral damage be dammed.
Although such conduct has become all too familiar and accepted, it’s not the mark of an accomplished publication that has boasted of only “printing the news fit to print”. Growing up in the Big Apple, I believed in and trusted “The Times” as a reputable newspaper committed to an unbiased and accurate portrayal of the facts.
Perhaps my understanding was never true. It appears no longer to exist. Lacking integrity and a sound mind, the pseudo intellectuals operating large scale publishing houses have allowed their biases and prejudices to corruptly influence them.
Henceforth, their job has become to utilize the printed word, so as to bring victory and power to the political candidates of their choosing. They lack the will and have lost the means to produce a fair, balanced and impartial account of the facts. They don’t even go through the motions of producing an equitable product anymore. A publication that deliberatively and accurately assess integrity, competency and success, as it relates to the professional performance of those seeking public office.
Journalistic and editorial violations are commonplace. No longer can one expect objectivity, neutrality and detachment from those covering the news. This malfeasance has set a contemptuousness and ill-informed tone, when it comes to discussing issues of the utmost importance.
Unfortunately, for our Democratic Republic, the Media has taken sides with their darling candidate for president. I can understand putting a good word in for one’s preferred candidate, and positively framing that politician so they might win. Even throwing some cash their way via pay to play arrangements and shooting some angles on their behalf; might be viewed as reasonable behavior. It has been said: “If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying”.
However, what’s particularly disturbing, is the overwhelming partisanship and formidable backing given to one presidential candidate over another, by most of this nation’s news outlets. A “press and media” that enjoys constitutional freedoms and protections, so that the American people might be given all the relevant facts regarding the truthfulness, competency and accomplishments of those seeking the most powerful position in the world. We’ve been regularly duped by a 4th Estate that has lost the will and desire to establish a firm, fair, detailed and accurate relationship with those seeking public office; so that an authentic record of fact can be reported to the world and citizens of this nation.
Objectivity and hard hitting questions must be directed at both candidates, with follow-up inquiries when an individual refuses to answer said question, or is lying. During one interview I watched a news anchor passively sit and nod in agreement, while a candidate aspiring to be President of the United States lied about lying.
We are at a point in history where anything less than obeisance and complete agreement with the information set forth via the rhetoric and narratives established by the Medias favorite son or daughter; will trigger a voracious personal attack, the depths and gravity I’ve not witnessed during my lifetime. Such partisanship has become divisive and disruptive, as it has inspired angry, violent and murderous behavior .
If these media moguls are so certain of their beliefs and confident in the support they’ve given to a particular presidential candidate, why are they so hostile towards and threatened by another’s experience or point of view?
By the way, before moving on, would you care to partake of some freshly made Kool-Aid? Most assuredly, it will quench your thirst.
Speaking of which, the so called GOP “debates” became one of the most bizarre election happenings in recent history. The formats themselves were so out of sync that the best candidate by far from both sides, Governor John Kasich, was practically silenced without a chance to speak while Cruz, Rubio and Trump dominated with what seemed like one continuous back-and-forth grade school food fight. The format allowed a candidate to respond if he/she had a statement directed to them, and so, viewers were presented with this trio trading mostly childish jabs at each other. Rarely did any of these 3 have much of substance to say, and when they did I doubt seriously if their remarks could stand up to a fact check. In a one-on-one debate there was no one on the podium who could have stood up against Governor Kasich’s numerous innovative and successful programs that he has initiated, as well as his proven reputation for being able to cross the aisle. But now we are left with 2 EXTREMELY POLARIZING individuals and what could turn out to be an American tragedy.
Ben
Excellent commentary…Spot on…Thank you…
We would not be at this point in time if in fact, the GOP debates, and ‘most importantly’ the debate moderators and organizers, had actually intended to conduct a substantive and authentic vetting of the candidates; so that the People might be better able to make an informed decision.
It was all about ratings, the moderators making a name for themselves and manipulating personalities for entertainment purposes; while ignoring the credible, convincing and bona fide achievements of Governor John Kasich. Unfortunate for him, the moderators did not find him provocative or captivating enough for their Show.
Although the Governor was never really given a chance; his stage presence, appeal and style did not allow him to gain traction, so the debate might move his way.
During these raucous GOP gatherings, John was not given an opportunity to demonstrate his leadership, depth of character and accomplishments. It was my hope that his team would get to him and provide him with some coaching, instruction and practice; so that he could move the debate towards recognizing his stellar performance and proficiencies as a leader in government.
Remember through the years, those moments, when a statement or two, at the right time, completely changed a debate and swung the momentum in another’s direction.
Sincerely appreciate your insight, views and understandings. Thanks again…
Blessings & Respect
Right, Gov. Kasich is more of a doer than a BS’r, and it seems many Americans want to be BS’d. He obviously made campaigning mistakes, but campaigning is not his forte and the debate formats and crowded field of candidates was definitely not to his advantage.
What was interesting, or perplexing to me, was how political commentators and the general public perceived Mitt Romney’s debate performance against Obama in the last election. Forget the Republican vs Democrat competition, but one particular instance stands out that EVERYONE missed: The fact that during the debates Romney AGREED with Obama’s stance or remarks on a few issues, and from there the public responded with criticism against Romney that Obama might as well be kept in office if Romney agreed with him (even though on just some things). HOWEVER, these people failed to see what this meant – and that was Romney, like Kasich, had always been able to cross the aisle in NECESSARY compromise from time to time just to get a job done. Apparently, compromise was viewed as a weakness instead of a strength when not viewed in depth.
And to emphasize what compromise and crossing the aisle can mean for a country, when Gov. Kasich was a U.S. Representative during the Bill Clinton presidency, Kasich led the charge and greatly helped us to have a balanced Federal Budget. This was an example of strength, not weakness, and also a sign that a polarizing president, no matter who it turns out to be, is not good for America.
Ben
Analysis and rationale well taken. Since Kennedy and Nixon’s 5 o’clock shadow on televised debate; particular attention must be paid to optics, when appearing and performing before an audience.
If a politician wants to gain access to the most powerful position in the world; so that they can bring their problem Solving and Leadership skills to serve the American people; they must attend to the manner in which they present their ideas, speak and carry themselves; or they will not make it to the promised land.
Passionate, exciting, convincing and a motivating manner when discussing one’s achievements and accomplishments; could have lured the debate moderators and voting public the Governor’s way.
It really isn’t BS; if this important calculation isn’t included into one’s campaign and debate practice, most of the time the candidate will not succeed.
Negotiating for a debate format that best fits the candidate’s style, is very important. It cannot be ignored.
Working well with others, Compromise, is an extremely valuable characteristic. However, I believe other concerns predominated the psyche of the debate moderators and American people.
The moderators wanted to put on a good Show and the Public wanted to be entertained…
Excellent points, John, and I’ll continue to keep some of them in mind for future use.
Ben
Thank you so very much for engaging me on this topic. It was interesting to watch last night’s debate given the information we’ve exchanged.
Through your many intelligent, inspiring and thought provoking contributions to “The Blue”; I’ve learned many things, expanded my consciousness and explored other avenues of thought. Sincerely appreciate and value all of your insights and ideas. Thanks again.
Blessings & Respect…