A week or so ago, Keith Olbermann of MSNBC, appeared on Real Time with Bill Maher. There was something Mr. Olbermann said that struck a cord with me. While describing a conversation he had with FOX Conservative Talk Show host Sean Hannity, Keith’s conclusion was, if promoting the Left Wing agenda would be more profitable, Sean Hannity would switch sides in a heartbeat. Even Bill Maher was shocked at that statement. But, Keith Olbermann stuck to his words. So, that brought back a thought I had some years ago.
I used to listen to Sean Hannity when he had Alan Colmes as his sidekick. What turned me away from him and other Rabid Right Fox Talk Shows was his coverage of the Terri Schiavo situation in Florida. I resented his accusations towards Terri Schiavo’s husband and what I thought were very ignorant and outright slanderous remarks. Even though I was disturbed by all of this, the end for me came when Mr. Hannity had the Reverend Jesse Jackson on his stage as a guest and called him his dear friend. I did not resent Reverend Jackson’s appearance. However, to call him his dear friend was so hypocritical, I almost wretched from disgust. I could not understand how someone, who seemed so passionate about what he believed, could turn around and claim friendship to a man and a political belief that he fought so hard against.
I saw the same hypocrisy, occurring from time to time, with Bill O’Reilly as well. I even saw both these men defend an administration that was harming our country and justify it all by calling it Patriotism. That was when I began to think they are just some goons who drink the Kool Aid. But, after listening to Keith Olbermann, could they really be nothing more than very expensive Salesmen. Men who have no personal belief beyond how fat their wallets will get? Or, are they just another version of the oldest profession. Do they really not believe what they try to sell but, use their verbal assets to promote an agenda? Well, if that’s the case, then Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly and now Glenn Beck have found a way to make Prostitution legal in this country. However, I believe in Beck’s case, heavy drug use can be considered acceptable as well.When I listen to a Talk Show, I not only want to be entertained but, would like to learn something as well. If I want to be sold a bill of goods I’ll go to a used car lot. So, think about the next time you listen to a Talk Show. Remember, entertainment is first then its sell, sell, sell. I guess hoping to learn something is asking too much. How will you ever know if, it is knowledge or propaganda, your hearing?
That’s how I see it.
I agree completely. I watch John Stewart and Stephen Cobert religously and when I get a chance Bill Maher (I don't have HBO so that is not very often), and I wonder the same thing. I know they say the things that make me laugh because deep down inside I believe they think like I do, and the reason they have the type of humor they do is because they are making fun of it for people like me the way I could not do because I am not that talented enough to do it myself. With that being said, is this truely accurate information just being presented in a humorous way for ratings? And, possibly to start a movement for accountability and honesty? Or is it being altered the way I have seen Fox News stories clearly edited to promote an agenda, and in the end, make money? I am not sure I know the answer, and I am not sure there is a clear way to know for sure because of the amount of disinformaion at your fingertips. As much as I would hate to admit it, I think discussing appropriate types of censorship borders on free speech issues. It becomes increasingly subjective to make those determinations when you view what is legitimate news and what is fabricated to promote an ajenda. Depending on what your point of view may be it may seem to be a legitimate cause to one side while not to the other depending on that particular vantage point, and no man should have the power to censor based on that level of subjectivity. Is there an answer? I think promoting and funding all levels of education for our children and providing them the tools and the skills they will need to make those decisions for themselves when it is there time is the answer. Not just that but while we are all here we should be honoring that priviledge and make the best decisions we can to promote and teach that to our children. What ever polical system sees the TRUTH in this will see it will flourish and inspire other nations to follow. Hell, before you know it, the entire world may marvel in cooperation and democaracy. Thats my thoughts...
ReplyDeleteI agree with both you and Mike. I think the point is that depending on your POV you'll see it as either truth or propoganda and hopefully you take the time to educate yourself on what's real as opposed to the bullshit you're being fed on some sponsored program looking for ratings. Daily Show and Colbert Report are more my speed- I need entertainment value for my ADD. But I think that in order to be a "great nation" and set an example for other countries (and not just blowing smoke up the asses of all who are watching) it comes down to educating ourselves. Until we all take the time to pay attention to what's going on and discern for ourselves what the truth is we're going to have shit-slingers trying to fill our heads with garbage and swaying our opinions and beliefs. It's a personal responsibility issue more than a corporate censorship issue. Just taking the time to have your own thoughts and questioning what you're watching/hearing is more than what a lot of people do, so already you're ahead of the game. It's hard for me to see "kids" my age trying to discuss politics knowing damn well they're regurgitating something their parents told them instead of formulating their own conscious thoughts (but at least some of my generation is talking, right?). But at any rate, if you don't like the programming that's what the remote is for. At least we have that luxury.
ReplyDeletei don't necessarily agree with your points but you at least seem like someone who is open to all ideas, that's good. the problem is Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck are all idiots (and olbermann is worse than that). i would say i'm an average guy like you but i tend to believe in republican ideals. that being said, i don't believe what those 3 stooges represent those ideals. that's the problem, everyone thinks they do represent people like me and that's false.
ReplyDeletei'm trying to take the party in a libertarian direction. for example, i don't agree with what people perceive as the republican views on the terri schaivo case, abortion, religion and so on but i still think that overall more freedom is to be found on that side of the aisle. if you want a talk show host that represents my views, it's neal boortz.
in any case, i'd be interested in what you think of my ideas at republicanremix.com