Thought #3 - Media Manipulation

Has anyone seen the documentary Outfoxed? Its a documentary that focuses on the bias of Fox News and discusses it in detail. I saw it around a year ago and not much of it shocked me considering its not news to anyone that they almost always lean conservative regardless of the issue (or the fact that they hired Karl Rove.) There was really only one moment in that movie that shocked me. This clip right here:

Now, if you don't have the time, speakers, etc. to be able to view this clip here is a breif summary: John Ellis of Fox News, cousin of George Bush calls the election for Florida for George Bush when in fact he should have come to the same conclusion as the AP: Too close to call. This held over for the next 37 days and is probably why the supreme court chose Bush.

That being said 8 years have passed. New election, new candidates etc. But what kills me is the blatant manipulation by all of the media (ABC, CBS, FOX, CNN), turning this into entertainment in an effort to score high ratings, blowing reports out of proportion and giving unequal time to people. Allow me to elaborate:

Firstly, blowing reports out of proportion. The biggest evidence of this that infuriated me, I found on the Daily Show. I'd love to post a clip but I can't find it anywhere. I know it was from either January 21st or January 22nd. It was all of these different networks saying how Hillary Clinton made a racist statement compiled together. Eventually, the actual clip was shown. It was Hillary Clinton talking about how Martin Luther King struggled and had this beautiful dream about equality and how it took him working with a president for it to become a reality. Her point being that presidents are elected for the interests of the people and to acomplish things.

This really made me angry and I'm not even a fan of Clinton! How can the media knowingly skew what the viewers see and frequently report on such a falsity? They know that the viewers chance of seeing the original clip is slim.

Also, the media eagerly chooses for us which candidates stand a chance and which don't. I'm sure we've all seen the correlation between those getting the most votes and who has the most media coverage. Clinton, Obama, Romney and McCain are easily those with the most media coverage. Forget Edwards, Ron Paul, Mike Hukabee, Richardson and did you know there is still a candidate on the Democrat side named Gravel?

We have 24 hour news networks. It isn't like they are strapped for time.

Thought #1 - Freedom of Speech

Freedom of speech.

This is something we hear quite a bit in both Canada and the U.S. Being a citizen of both, I commonly compare the two. Freedom of speech is something highly valued in both nations. A great concept it stresses too; the ability to speak your mind without fear of persecution, being 100% entitled to your thoughts and the expression of them. No one can tell you what to say nor can they stop you from saying it.

But if you really think about it who is going to listen? You could have the world's most awesome plan for restructuring the way a government works but who cares. You're no one. You can run for president to have your voice heard but who has that kind of money? Who would donate the money to you so you can be heard. You're no one remember?

Then along comes the internet. People who wanted their voices heard have a place where people who want to listen are happy to spend time reading their thoughts. Happy to spend time contemplating and responding in a respectful manner so that it doesn't matter if you agree or disagree its really just nice to have a debate with someone or at least know that people are interested in what you have to say.

What am I interested in? Well lots. Politics, Social issues, current events (and I'm a news junkie so I am well informed) and really anything. I plan to put my opinions whenever I feel strongly enough right here in black and white for anyone to read. Comment, discuss, debate or contemplate if you enjoy or feel strongly in the opposite direction or just to let me know you're reading. I welcome any sort of comment as long as its made in a respectful manner.

Even if no one reads, I will continue to write although a little disappointed.

Because sometimes it just feels good to exercise your freedom of speech.

P.S: If anyone knows how to properly work this spell check feature I will be eternally greatful. My spelling is terrible and I can't seem to get the hang of it.