Yup, lots of valid points by both, it is sad and the constant drone and blaming gets old. I chalk it up to one common denominator - outright hatred that is fanned by our free press. I know it sounds like a broken record, but it is the common root denominator to a lot of the polarity. The question that I can't get over nor ever find an answer to is "Why"? Louis, your point of Tip O'Neil and Ronald Reagan is probably the best correlating one. They were Polar opposites but they respected each other's election and position. I (and do not read this politically, I am stating a fact), repeat I contrast this to the scene we saw at the most recent State of the Union Address. You had the Speaker of the House rip up the President's written speech on National Television. That should not be acceptable or respectful behavior, but it was practically praised in a lot of "print". I find that sad. This is just one example across the spectrum, but to me it was the epitome of what is occurring. Respectful discourse and discussion is welcome, antics, outrage, violence are not.
TD
This is where Tom and I have some disagreements. No doubt that a portion of our free press is biased, no doubt that there is a portion of our free press that is incompetent and no doubt that we have a percentage of our press that has evolved into punditry rather than news. But the media is only one part of the "blaming and outright hatred" in this county.
You also have to look at our political and economic system and our political leaders. We have a President who is the most divisive leader I have witnessed in my 70+ years. He insults, attacks and threatens anyone who disagrees with him. He constantly tells lies and fans conspiracy theories. He has made the press "the enemy of the people" and yes some resent and even hate him for that. All you have to do is listen to his speeches and read his tweets then do your own research. I am non-partisan, I supported John McCain and other Republicans as well as some Democrats, There have certainly been other divisive leaders. You also have to look at our culture and demographics. Fifty percent of American families live paycheck to paycheck and can't come up with $500 for an emergency. The wealth and income gap in our country is larger than any other industrialized nation. We will shortly no longer be a majority "White" nation and we are probably the most diverse country in the world. All of these realities create fear, anger, blame, bigotry and hatreds. There are some great journalists who risk their lives to get us the real story, whether it is in a war zone, a natural disaster or a corporate cover up. I don't agree with your generalization of the media.
We live in a Capitalist economy and society where profit takes precedence over ethics, truth and even life and health.
We have a majority of our population who are ignorant about government, economics, history and science. I am not saying these people are stupid but they have little motivation to research the news and listen to opposing ideas. How many people get their news from one or two sources? How many people will read or listen to someone who doesn't fall into their comfort zone of beliefs? We have a society that values entertainment over learning and that is what the profit oriented news media has focused on. People want quick answers and information that addresses their fears, shortcoming and prejudices. As the cliche goes "they can't handle the truth" and they don't want to think about what is uncomfortable or time consuming. Sensationalism and partisanship sell!
Because I was alway interested in journalism and politics, many years ago I started reading the editorials from many different newspapers. My son set me up on a program to get editorials from 26 newspapers from the conservative to the liberal. I also try to watch "news" from many media outlets although I admit some turn me off so much with their agendas I find it difficult. I also rely heavily on actual interviews with politicians, historians, economists and scientists.
I know up front which news outlets and journalists have their political biases so I can better evaluate their opinions. Still I find a good portion of editorials to be informative especially if you are willing to read the opposing views and do some research.
Lets face it that getting the facts is not a priority for most people. Most people are struggling to support their families, keep their jobs and spending time with their kids, taking care of elderly parents and their own health.
I teach a course in NYC High Schools about journalism and marketing. I teach these students on how to substantiate real news and verify the quality and veracity of marketed products and services. Perhaps this should be a mandatory course for all our children along with civics, history and science.
The news media is a product of our capitalist system and our population's aptitude. Shame on us for patronizing the pundits who spread hate and disinformation. But don't throw the baby out with the bath water, there are plenty of honest, competent news people out there you just have to look harder
and do some research. I can give you a list of all he good reporting that has saved lives and exposed corruption and violence but its very long.
Education, term limits and an end to lobbyists would certainly help.
These are my opinions and I don't mean to offend anyone. I welcome different ideas and opinions. Democracy is based on Compromise, Communication and Civility.
