Media Dilemma, Responsible Reporting vs Mass Murder Inspiration

First I'd like to say that this piece is not about bashing the media..  Much of that has been  going on for some time, and to be fair, responsible journalism and responsible media has done many wonderful things and performed many wonderful services to help not just Americans, but all people across the world.   You only have to look at how vital media is for those who are in the path of a major Typhoon or Hurricane.  Having lived through Hurricane Andrew,Katrina and Wilma, the media and news reporting was a great source of inspiration and guide.  Not just before the storm, but also during the storm, and the many weeks that followed in the post-storm recovery phase.

Sandy Hook Memorial
Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Hook_Elementary_School_shooting

We are just a few months away from one of the biggest spectacles on TV.  Those spectacles being the Super Bowl and the Olympics . They are some of the most widely watched sporting events, seen by billions around the globe. After the big game on Super Bowl Sunday, the buzz the next day usually is about what were some of the best, funniest and quirkiest commercials that were shown during the game. Big companies spend millions of dollars just for a few minutes of air time.  That in itself shows you how powerful exposure is, not just because it makes an impression on a viewers minds when they see the commercial, but even days after the game, that commercial, that brand and product that was featured is still locked in peoples minds.

So what's the point?  The point is negative media must have some sort of affect.  We may not be certain to what degree, not everyone that sees violence and aggression, will act on that violence and aggression that they see, much like those who viewed the Super Bowl commercial, will actually buy what was promoted by the commercial.  The problem with negative exposure of school shootings, mass murders, and these violent events we see on TV  is that it only needs to inspire one deranged or sanely evil person to act out on  these shootings they saw.

This is truly a dilemma that's going to be difficult to solve. Many years ago, we had 3 major reporting networks on TV.   Then it grew to 24/7 cable tv news reporting, now it's exploded to world wide, instant Internet and social media breaking news reporting.  At some point, experts from all fields, journalism, politicians, medical experts have to get together in a coordinated effort to either confirm, or disprove that a mass murderer is, or is not inspired to commit future mass murders by watching the latest shooting massacre. Before the anniversary of the Sandy Hook shootings, the families of the victims asked the public and media for privacy.  I hope the media and journalists don't take these sort of requests the wrong way. I don't believe as individuals, any of them would want to contribute to these horrific stories, but collectively they could be doing just that, even if it it's unintentional. We're not saying don't report these crimes, of course not.  As I mentioned earlier, media saves lives also, just be mindful of who your audience may be.   That's not asking too much.

Edward Snowden The Snowman Who Changed Snooping

Photo credit: DonkeyHotey

You've probably formed your own opinion by now about  Edward Snowden, the young talented NSA computer whiz that was in charge of collecting, and surveying  information for the US Governments top cyber-snooping agency, the NSA.   That's of course until he turned whistle blower and created an absolute firestorm that embarrassed our US Government at the hugest levels.

This story is fascinating in many ways, and it's not just because of Snowdens revelations.  After the 9/11 attacks, and the War on Terror  and the Patriot act was unleashed on American society.  Americans have pretty much resigned to knowing that our government has ramped up the snooping, That snooping applies to everyone, and I mean, everyone. This is what I found fascinating though.  When further details were released a few weeks ago after the government shutdown, you had Democrats and Republicans condemning Snowden. Yes, the same Democrats and Republican who couldn't come up with a budget to keep the government open, who were at each others throats, throwing feces  at each other debating and creating drama about our budget, were hand in hand, speaking with one voice, calling Snowden a traitor and a criminal.

Now you have to ask yourself. How is it that what  Snowden did, (which some believe is just be truthful)  could somehow bring US politicians together like no other major issue??  From healthcare, War in the Middle East, gay marriage, approving a budget.  All hot button, divisive issues, yet condemnation of a whistle blower unites the establishment in a common cause like no other.    The President has said that no content is being collected from the billions of  meta date transferred on the monitored networks. He goes further in stating what the NSA is simply  finding patterns that are suspicious and could be deemed a terrorist activity.

What kind of bullshit is that, and who do you think is stupid enough to believe it?  The problem with that is this:  You're collecting data with the assumption that anyone and everyone could be trying to commit a terrorist plot, that includes those who could be totally innocent. And here's the other problem. While the NSA collects and violates the Constitutional rights of the innocent, they still have even yet to even prove those who actually are committing crimes are guilty.  It's like if we searched everyone's home looking for a bomb. Yes, I may find a bomb, but suppose I don't? The presumption of innocence is not there, the probable cause is shaky at best.

We all want our politicians to get along, to work together for the common good of our country, As a free person, ask yourself if what Snowden did was right.  Did he have an anterior motive?  Was he really a spy and foreign operative trying to infiltrate the US intelligence?  From the short interview I viewed.  Here's a young man with a 6 figure salary in his late 20's, his office is somewhere in the beautiful state of Hawaii.  He's young, talented, smart, very articulate, if you were in his shoes, what do you think is at stake?   Now that he ratted our government out, he's facing serious charges, probably a life sentence.  Even worse, if some rouge CIA operative gets to him, he'll probably be kidnapped and brought back to the US, or he'll get missile dropped on his head by some Drone.

0440 spy plane drone (Photo credit: Kevin Baird)

Seems to me he gave up a lot, and really had nothing to gain, except his self respect, and clear conscience for knowing he didn't want to participate further in what our government calls national security, and this diabolical creation dubbed   The War on Terror by the US Government.

Iraq Revisited - The Error That Was and Is a Mistake

More War Mongering, same misinformation, different politician

What did we learn from the Iraq war?  Perhaps you would say "nothing"  if you take a look at what's happening in the Middle East today, approaching the end of 2013

We actually have learned something though.   We've learned a great deal, because unlike that preemptive war we engaged in nearly 10 years ago, we do have first hand experience today of what can happen when a war doesn't quite go according to plan.  Back then,  events were unfolding so quickly and our emotions were so stirred up from the 9/11 attacks, the days were just too  fast and furious.  There's no way this generation of Americans could have known what was in stored after the invasion. WE could only look back at Desert Storm, but even  that may have been slightly different because we did not suffer the same amount of casualties.   Now the previous generation  of Americans immediately recalled the Vietnam war.  I think it's definitely a legitimate comparison.  Not entirely , but certainly in part. 

Here are a few things we've learned:

• There are no easy wars. I remember during the Iraq invasion listening to Rush Limbaugh and when the US forces entered Baghdad and there was no resistance whatsoever, Rush started gloating like a fat Cheshire cat declaring victory was at hand. After that bold prediction, he confirmed to me what  everyone has known all along.  He's a complete idiot.  He was wrong in a massively clueless way.   War is a minimum 10 year investment, that includes both conflict, occupation and reconstruction.  Most of the cost funded courtesy of the American taxpayers. 
• True Democracy in the Middle East is an experiment.  It may work, and elements of democracy may actually result from our actions, but there are no guarantees, especially if democracy is created by a war. Democracy you say in once totalitarian regimes?? I wish you much luck. 
• The government will resort to extreme measures to persuade the American  people that its objectives are justified. Bare in mind, this justification does not take into account moral justification or moral authority of our government.  These actions put both American military lives at risk, as well as our credibility with our alliance and people of the region. That's a nice way of saying our US Government will either lie, or ignore facts, regardless or which party is calling the shots.. The weapons of mass destruction that were never found, or the links Saddam Hussein had with Al-Quada are the best examples

So why does any of this matter today?  Saddam is 6ft under, Iraq is under American control, Gadaffi got a missile dropped on his head by a drone, American influence is spreading in the Middle East right?

WRONG!   We've got serious credibility issues now, both at home and abroad. As the great John F. Kennedy said:    “An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.”

And I'll add: --> If in your defiance of refusing to correct it, you repeat it

History will prove that Iraq was a disaster. We paid billions and billions of dollars and sacrificed soldiers lives for nothing. That nation is still one of the most dangerous on the planet.  What should anger American's even more, is not just the relentless war mongering our government is continuing to engage in with Israel, but the means it will go to fan the flames of creating a new war. 

Whether it's proclaim the Syrian government was responsible for chemical attacks against civilians, which seems to be the same lie as the WMD's in Iraq, or other  outrageous endevours like supporting Al-Quaeda who are fighting with Syrian government forces.  The US Government has made very hasty decisions and miscalculations that are not helping end this Syrian conflict. 

It never ceases to amaze me how in almost every situation where we have to choose a side., the US government is on the side of evil. We'll touch on Syria again because we can learn so much of how our government does business just by looking how they've handled this whole Syrian War debacle.  Till then, please stay informed, and remember.  always seek the Truth, even if it hurts. 

The Fall of America the Achilles Heel

If there is one underlying situation that has contributed to the fall of America it's the extraordinary policies the government has instituted in the Middle East. 
For at least a generation, the Middle East has been one of the most complex puzzles for US foreign policy to solve.  Even when winning wars, removing dictators and oppressive leaders. It never seems like the US really ever comes out achieving its objectives in this part of the world.

If you listen to the following hearing on our foreign policy and specifically our relationship with Israel, it gives you a good idea  of how we approach Middle East policy and how flawed our reasoning is in trying to convince entire nations that the American democracy is the answer for their nation, and their lives.

As with other matters related to foreign culture, not just politics, not just religion, we in America usually only try to understand things from an American perspective. We either

1. Ignore why other cultures do things the way they do or
2. Know why cultures are the way they are, and we attempt to mold them in our image, discounting all the differences we have with that culture.

As mentioned by Michael Scheuer, religion is the best example of these things we ignore.  The biggest difference between the US and Western, in comparison to that of  the Middle East, is the role religion plays in the lives of people.  Even if a government doesn't make its decision solely on religion, religion for its people is part of their identity, it shapes their attitudes in how they see the world, both morally and politically.






Listen to how Scheuer is ignored by Congress members, specifically with King.  King represents  the policy line that has been repeated by both parties. None of it is true. None of the things he says have been proven or justified. None of it takes into account the billions of dollars we've sent in aid to Israel, and the lack of return the US has received for this aid. Congressman Stewart ignores the other aspect of the whole dynamic. That is, religious beliefs of many of those in the Middle East will always be at odds with how women are treated, or certain other groups. To believe you'll just be able to impose your ideology which is democracy on those is naive and arrogant, it's very evident in Stewarts tone, being an officer in the Air Force for 14 years will not make you understand that.


We'll have to expand on this topic of US/Israeli alliance because it's key to understanding the Big picture in the Middle East.  This relationship with Israel  has been unchanged for decades, regardless of what Administration has been in power. This support of Israel has weakened the US significantly in every issue we've tried to resolve in the Middle East.  I have yet to hear an argument that proves otherwise.

The influence and power of America has always been due to its wealth, innovation and freedoms.  The fall of America has been to export and squander the wealth of the nation for the past 5+ decades.  There's been a slow shift and realization of this mistake. With any luck, it won't be too late to salvage what wealth remains.

What the Duck is Really About

Hello world, here's exhibit #1 of what's happening in American culture. Ok, it's not always real, even though Reality TV is packaged that way.

Now if you haven't read about what the hoopla is all about. I'll just summarize it briefly and you can read the articles and decide for yourself if it's even a big deal to you.

Phil Robertson one of the stars of the Duck Dynasty show did an interview with GQ magazine, and made his beliefs known about how he feels about gays. The basis of his beliefs are based on his Christian beliefs.   In a nutshell:   Robertson called same-sex sexual activities "shameful" and "perversions." He also implied that homosexuality was a result of people who "suppress the truth about God," therefore, causing God's wrath.

Duck Dynasty Firestorm

Now Phil didn't make these remarks during the show, again it was an interview.Anyways, he got suspended by his producers for what he said. This has been happening in other industries, The UFC I recall took action when one of their fighters made a not so politically correct tweet about gays.

To me personally this is bullshit      Many American's are shaking their heads, not just myself. There is clearly a bias in media, particularly in political news and Hollywood that want to suppress all things contrary to religious belief. Freedom of speech to them should not include religious beliefs.  So what is this?? Separation of Freedom of speech and Religion?

Any Christian will tell you that homosexuality is sinful, it goes against Gods law. No matter how media and progressive minds want to twist it, that's how it was, is, and always will be. Now Phils only mistake may be that he's made a judgement on gays, that I may agree is a no-no, As a follower of Christ that's not something we should do.

The action taken against him though is wrong. If he said it out of ignorance and his intention was just out of pure hate, and malice, that may be different  However, If he and other believers say they don't believe homosexuality is moral, not only is the establishment wrong in taking action against him, they're hypocritical to not allowing contrary beliefs.  Free speech  doesn't mean endorsement of one belief.
I've read Cracker Barrel pulled Duck Dynasty merchandise off their shelves, only to change their mind when so many customers complained they didn't agree with how Phil was treated.

We've been conditioned through media to understand the term 'homophobic'. Perhaps someone can give me the equivalent for those who bash Christians who follow their beliefs. You see, this isn't about a TV celebrity who's making a controversial remark, far from it. This is about not being able to express what you believe honestly in public without repercussions from it.

American Civil Liberties Under Assault

Why another Blog?  Simple, for years and years, Americans have been silenced. The assault on American Civil Liberties has reached feverish pitches under both the Bush and Obama regime.
 We've been forced to ingest carcinogenic propaganda from media sources that clearly have a biased agenda.  This agenda rarely if ever is backed by moral reasoning.  It's oppressive, and insulting to free thinking Americans.

The result has been a spread of this one sided biased ideology that has destroyed this once noble and respected nation.  No longer are we the envy of the world.  No longer are we looked at as the light of freedom and liberty.  Even opportunity is following the same path of decline.

The only optimism I've had to counter much of the disillusionment I've felt the past few years, is I know there are many who share how I feel. Not just Americans who live in the US, but righteous people of all nations who give a shit about what's happening in the world, and who don't look down on those who have no material wealth, or influence.  Much of what I'll state will ruffle some feathers, It's very controversial because of in this climate of political correctness, you've got to watch what you say to so many who are thin skinned.

I say the hell with that, that's not what real free speech is all about. Now I'm not saying incite hate, divide and promote ignorance. I believe if what you say has elements of Truth, it's going to hurt some people, but better to be truthful, if the intention is for the overall good.