I do not understand the thought processes of so many of
those who posture themselves as journalists.
Mind you, I understand that there are a lot of people who may put
thoughts that are not properly researched or verified in a blog as I am doing
in this discourse. However, it seems to
me that those people who have access to a public forum such as cable, network,
newspaper ,radio, television, magazines
or other widely read or viewed forums have a responsibility to present their
information from a platform that reflects some degree of credibility. It seems to me that this is rarely apparent
in today’s world and thus, who or what to believe?
I don’t know how others cope, but I start from a foundation
of skepticism. I read, view and listen
to several different presentations of the same story by persons of opposing
views from all of the resources that I have at my disposal i.e.; television,
newspaper (digital I do not subscribe to
any newspaper per se), computer, radio and various books by authors whose
insight I wish to garner. From those
sources, I get individual perspectives from which I form my own. There are few
sources of presentations that are assuredly true, honest or fair.
I rarely agree with any one individual or source 100%. Most
purveyors of information make their case in a way that is convincing and with some
degree of merit. Hearing different presentations and views on the same subject
helps me when I hear views in which I do not agree. It provides me some understanding on as to
where that person is coming from and gives me some insight into the source of their
information philosophically speaking. I
think my biggest complaint of those whose views I oppose is their lack of
respect for my views and understanding of the effort that I have personally
made to understand the subject matter(s) on which we disagree. I find fault with those who are politically
biased (my party and only my party is right syndrome).
It seems that some “journalists” as well as others, might be
surprised to learn that there are many learned people who are Republicans,
Democrats, left or right of center in either party, Socialists and
otherwise. In my opinion (I am not
intellectually qualified to make a judgment because I have no credentials that establish
me as credible) positions are formed by a myriad of life events and the
educational platform from which we evolved.
It seems to me our political and/or life values have developed out of
our personal motivations, attitudes and our environment. For some it is a desire for power, search for
social justice, racial inequity, persona l prejudices and for some it may be as
simple as laziness (too much trouble to really stop and figure out what they
believe. (Let George do it.)
I find fault with the
supporters of Hillary Clinton who criticize women for not voting for the first
viable woman candidate for President of the United States. I believe that we (women and men or whatever
gender one may be operating under today) need to choose people who are best
qualified to do a job and for many of them, that was undoubtedly their
yardstick. To those who would suggest
that gender bias should be a worthy cause for support I say hogwash. We all need to stop and think about our
positions and what the results of those decisions may be. We need to get away from words, allegations,
untruths, hyperbole and rudeness. We
need to have respect for diverse points of view. “Journalists” or whatever the talking heads
perceive their selves to be, need to present both sides in a manner that is not
rude, intimidating or arrogant. They
need to consider that the people who are watching, listening or reading do not
seek to be lectured to or indoctrinated.
They seek to know the truth both in matters of political positions and
in news. If they can’t do that, they
need to get another life!
I think this guideline should also apply to those who would
attempt to destroy a President and, in the process our system of government,
our country and the freedoms in which we believe. Their disappointments of today are of the
substance that mine were yesterday under another Administration and in fact,
have been many time throughout the course of my voting history. When I hear people complain about this Administration,
I understand. I have felt their pain and
when I did I swallowed my disappointment and stood by while I saw many
decisions with which I disagreed implemented.
My fellow citizens had spoken and I accepted my defeat.
If the talking heads
and the naysayers have a problem with the system, perhaps they should consider
relocating to a place where the system is better. Good luck on that!
That’s my opinion and I’m stuck with it.
