A few days ago, I got into a discussion with someone who claimed that the media is being too soft on President Obama when it comes to the rise in gas prices. He said that former President George W. Bush was treated much harshly by the media when gas prices soared a few years ago, with some even blaming him for the crisis. But when it comes to President Obama, they treat him with kid gloves. He also said that there had been no news stories about rising gas prices, or any stories blaming President Obama for the increase on any of the three major neworks, ABC NBC and CBS. When I explained to him that I had personally watched news stories dealing with this topic on a daily basis, and even a few discussing whether Obama is at fault, he dismissed it as the media trying to protect President Obama, and just another example of how the liberal media works.
Here's the deal: While I would agree that the mainstream press has approached this latest gas crisis a bit differently than they did a few years ago, it has nothing to do with protecting anyone. It has to do with perception. Former Pres. George W. Bush and former VP Dick Cheney were perceived as "oil men" who were in the pockets of oil companies. Fair or not, that was the perception. As for me, I don't care who the President is, I want him to do something about these gas prices.
As for the so-called "liberal media," they care about three things: ratings, revenue and getting the story first. Nothing else. Whatever topic or issue that generate ratings and money, that's what they'll run with. Has nothing to do with being "liberal." If the mainstream media could make money and generate huge ratings painting President Obama as the devil, that's what they'll do. They don't care. Example, the tornados that ripped through the south this past week. Hundreds dead, hundreds missing, homes and communities destroyed. But what dominated the news this past week? The royal wedding. And that will dominate the news cycle until the next thing comes along, like Lindsay Lohan back in rehab or something.
But seriously, if you're still looking to get your news from the mainstream media, or expect them to be fair or balanced, you're waisting your time for the most part. They are what they are, and they're not going to change. Besides, there's so many other ways to access news and information today that worrying about whether the media is "liberal" or not is a complete waste of time. And that's real.
I concur. I don't care who's to blame for what, I just want them to fix it! There is no oil shortage ... the prices are just soaring overnight and the only solution we're given is to buy a more fuel efficient car. That is a great idea ... perhaps a government grant would like to help front the money for it! =)
ReplyDeleteLiving here in SD we are somewhat cushioned from the effects of gas prices. The Dakotas both north and south are known for two things their lack of culture and their ability to have survived fairly unscathed during these tough economic times. That being said, last week I watched several news reports on the possibility of gas reaching $4 here. However, the news did not focus on our political leaders but treated the topic more like a human interest story. I agree about your comments about the media. After studying several books and articles on the training of journalist last year, I learned that shock and awe value is all that they are concerned about. Maybe we, the viewers are so use to our economic state that there no longer is any shock value. Or maybe the fact that there is nothing being done about it is no shock at all. What is going to entertain and hold the interest of more viewers, Obama zinging Donald Trump by using a clip from the Lion King as his birth video or Obama doing business as usual i.e. doing nothing about the gas prices or the economy?
ReplyDeleteWell put, and well said. Would love to see the Bakken Oil field in ND pursued more vigorously.....since it's estimated to be several times larger than the oil reserves in Saudi Arabia......drill baby drill.....
ReplyDeleteWhat was the point of the Alaskan pipe line ? Where is the oil that WE are suppose to have in reserve ? I remember the oil shortage of the 70's, when I had to get up and be in line, on my even day at 5:30 am ! Happiness was having a full tank...are we going back to that?
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