The day was Sunday, August 1, 2010. Former Fed Chairman, Alan Greenspan appeared on Meet the Press. When asked to discuss the Congressional debate on tax cuts, the man known to move markets, a person who leans to the "Right," offered a decisive decree. In direct disagreement with Republican officials and the profitable corporations that fund countless political campaigns, Mister Greenspan declared, "Look, I'm very much in favor of tax cuts, but not with borrowed money. And the problem that we've gotten into in recent years is spending programs with borrowed money, tax cuts with borrowed money, and at the end of the day, that proves disastrous. And my view is I don't think we can play subtle policy here on it."
This statement was as a slap in the face to corporations, or more correctly to the tycoons who head these firms. Multi-millionaire media moguls might understand this best. These television and radio Executives experience firsthand that influence over an industry can translate into influence over an outcome. Cable News Network Chief Officers are among those who actively make use of this truth. Tax cuts expired? "Never;" say network Administrators and the newscasters such as Allan Chernoff, who do their bidding.
Only today Cable News Network aired a report that suggests most of those who want a public option health care plan are African Americans, Persons in this population are more likely to be uninsured. Statistics show dark skinned individuals also seem predisposed to poor health. News broadcaster Kyra Phillips continues. Black people, when surveyed, say they think Mister Obama has performed well in office. In contrast, far fewer white Americans approve of what the Obama Administration has done on the job. Subtly, Ms Phillips reminds the audience, the current President of the United States is the nation's first Black Commander-In-Chief. The implication is obvious.
Yet, the tale is not necessarily as told. Witness the stories shared in a MoveOn.org video, study the faces, and consider the situation of those who say they cannot afford to wait for health care reform, Mostly white faces fill the screen.
Oh Henry! For some the words may evoke thoughts of tasty fudge, peanuts, and caramel candy. Others might be reminded of the famed American author, O. Henry. The statement may stir an apocryphal debate. Did the writer's work inspire the confection creator to call his chocolate bar "Oh Henry!" or did the strange name originate closer to home. Inventor of the sugary food, Tom Henry, may know for sure. However, while I trust the tale would fascinate many, on this occasion the use of exclamation is not meant to speak to sweets. I wish to offer my thanks to Cable News Network's Ed Henry.
Minutes ago, in a Press Conference held in Chicago with President Elect Barack Obama, Correspondent Ed Henry asked the soon-to-be inaugurated change candidate what many Americans, or at least I desire to address. I paraphrase since the transcripts are not yet available. Mister Henry posed, 'Countless announced Cabinet appointees seem to be persons from Clinton Administration. What happened to the change we can believe in?'
Sarah Palin speaks and America listens. This evening, on October 21, 2008, the Vice Presidential aspirant shared what she believes are her strengths in an interview with Cable News Network Drew Griffin.
Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin vowed on Tuesday to use her executive experience to tackle government reform and energy independence if she and Sen. John McCain win this year's presidential election.
"It's going to be government reform because that, that is what I've been able to do as a mayor and as a governor, you, you take on the special interests and the self-dealings. Yep, you ruffle feathers and you have the scars to prove it," Palin said Tuesday in an interview with CNN's Drew Griffin.
"You have to take that on to give the American people that faith back in their own government. This is their government and we've got to put it back on their side," she said.
The American people are the allies Palin seeks in her pursuit of the Vice Presidency. However, she realized, belatedly, earlier in this month she offended a few. Sarah Palin expressed her sincere sorrow.
The Chief Executive from Alaska, Palin proclaimed, surely, her words were misconstrued. She never meant to imply that the patriotic values of some are evident in "the real America," the "pro-America areas of this great nation."
Sarah Palin performs admirably, or was that Tina Fey. It is difficult to discern who is who. It is perhaps a greater challenge to determine which said what. Days ago, Katie Couric of CBS News, interviewed Vice Presidential nominee Palin. The original statements and much of the script is virtually identical or so it would seem. Tina Fey, may have meant to perform in parody. However, in the satire the humorist altered little. Indeed, Tina Fey directly quoted the Alaskan Governor. What a wondrous world. Wit and wisdom are one.
Regardless of a point of view, it may be true, the election coverage need not be the source of tragedy. There can be some comic relief. Please take time to laugh a little, cry a lot; weep for the Veep who may soon enter the White House. Moan for the United States citizenry Governor Palin may serve. Ponder the prospect, Sarah Palin, informed, innovative, a cause for intrigue, and an inspiration to others may soon preside over this country. The chances are good. Sarah Palin, if elected on the McCain ticket in 2008, may become President of the United States in the near future.
Please consider how important your ballot might be. Become conversant. Consider the issues and the individuals you believe might or do not represent your positions. Cast an aware vote. Research the candidates. Respond to more than the label Democrat or Republican. Realize, an election is not just a Party or political postures. Prominent may not equate to profound.
If you would, please share your thoughts on matters of import in this campaign season. You thoughts teach; no one else can tell your tale. I thank you.
Often a King, a Queen, a Prime Minister, or even a President is anointed for they have what it takes. A bloodline qualifies a person for a position of authority. An individual may have married well. A network of acquaintances often secures an honorable appointment. After all, people profess, "It is not what you know, but who you know." A court may declare an individual all-powerful, or a media mogul, with monetary ties to those who "count" may commit him or herself to a candidate, or to a campaign.
The reasons for a selection may not be obvious, or at least a naïve public would not fathom the possible influences. Yet, we observe the obscure rendezvous daily. The so-called objective press tells us what to think and whom we must consider a credible source. On Friday, December 28, 2007, America was reminded that Hillary Clinton was the chose one. She alone is more than qualified to be Commander-In-Chief.
On December 1, 2007 the American public and Democratic candidates had a rare opportunity to truly listen to the common folks. Presidential hopefuls were able to see and experience the pain that people of lesser means feel each and every day. The Campaign for Community Values hosted a forum. This organization opened the floor to each and every candidate for more than a moment.
Common citizens shared sorrowful stories. Real people informed the conversation. Americans were reminded that no one of us can pull ourselves up by bootstraps we are unable to afford. Tale after tale revealed a mentor, a member of the family, an association founded on the principle of community assistance helped many individuals to succeed. Triumphant individuals from dire circumstances appeared on stage with the Presidential hopefuls and shared real life sagas. The audience heard of nightmares and dreams that came true. After the narratives, Presidential aspirants were asked what they might do once in office so that no one would experience what these persons had.
In recent days, I am reminded of my own life as I watch the Democratic Presidential candidates quibble, over the timing of peace talks. Throughout the airwaves, and in every periodical, reports discuss the divisive dynamic. Senator Hillary Clinton thinks Barack Obama is naïve. She states the comparison he makes when discussing her point of view is silly. Thus, the former First Lady emphasizes a theme that has haunted the junior Senator. Is the Senator from Illinois too young and inexperienced to be President of the world's superpower?
Tonight we witnessed a change. Apathy is no longer part of the American election process. Cable News Network brought citizens to the tube and the televised Democratic debates to you, the voter. We, the people were given an opportunity to participate as we have never done before. Throughout the airwaves, the word is "This event was a success." The format helped to develop a dialogue. The conversation flowed. The panel was far more authentic. Responses were not rehearsed; the interaction was more real. Thus, we have reached a consensus. All agree, except for at least one, me. I think this broadcast was the pinnacle of what has been standard in politics since 1960. The medium is the message. Image makes a President.
Last evening we had an opportunity to assess the candidates, or perhaps their performance, produced and directed by Cable News Network.
Please, scan the stage. Be a critic, an analyst, or a theorist. Study the mis-en-scéne. Attempt to separate yourself from your political philosophy and your preferred candidate. What do you see? Examine the lighting, the colors contenders choose to wear, or the producers suggested they might don.
Observe the camera angles, and discern whom the audience is directed to consider the main character in this performance. Supporting actors also fill the scene. There are those clearly staged as background players. Might you recognize these.
In every concert, there is a climax. All that precedes it is foreshadowing. The dramatist walks the viewers through the set. Each moment builds on the other. Every event is planned in hopes of maximizing the effect. Sequencing is important. The first entrance is often more memorable, only the close of the play supercedes the introduction.
As a member of the audience, as an objective observer, what causes you to marvel. Do the speeches dazzle you, or does the "point of view" affect your ability to choose what interests you. Are you mesmerized? Perhaps, a few dominant deliveries distract you or the absence of others disturbs your sensibility. Remember, to truly be an effective reviewer you must do what no human can, separate your heart and heady soul from this scene. Report as though you have no care in the world . . . if that is possible.
Michael Moore is not the topic of this treatise. "Sicko" is not the source of my pain. While I long for Universal Health Care in America, in this missive I am discussing as Mister Moore does in the above interview, the media. The manipulation, or the "objectivity" within a message concerns me.
The mainstream media delivers a message and often the public accepts what they see or hear as truth. I believe an open mind questions all information. However, people easily trust what seems credible. Discerning the nuances can be challenging. We have faith. Those with resources will do the research. However, that is not always so. Granted those on the Right have long claimed journalists are liberal Left leaning masters of the message. In my estimation, the press is not necessarily Left or "right"; nor do they deliver with mastery. While I might offer this story or that, I will refer to only one recent report. Cameras lessen the likelihood of crime, or do they.
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