America Isn't The Greatest Country In The World

It isn't as much about that as it is the current state of the news media

Below is a scene from season 1, episode 1 of HBO's series entitled "The Newsroom". It wrapped up it's 2nd season on September 15, 2013. Those who were fans of 'The West Wing" are delighted. Those who feel that show was left wing propaganda... well they will absolutely hate it. Both were created and written by Aaron Sorkin who also was responsible for 'A Few Good Men', and 'The American President' to name two others. There may be a 3rd season, but it still up in the air at the time of this writing.

Since I don't have HBO I can't say I'm familiar with it. However as a fan of 'West Wing' I found the opening to Season 1 Episode 1 interesting. Let me explain why. In the scene below a star network news anchor is part of a Q&A. Typical of what news media has become, he avoids any conflictive statements. However when pushed too far he blows.

I relate this to much of what has being going on in this country. Megyn Kelly says something about Santa and gets trashed. Phil Robertson of 'Duck Dynasty' was asked his opinion and now the show is in jeopardy of being cancelled. To name a few others who ran aground was Lara Logan of '60 Minutes', Martin Bashir at MSNBC. Keith Olbermann and IMUS formerly with MSNBC. Paula Deen, Alec Baldwin and the list goes on and on.

Here locally nearly every newspaper investigative reporter that might cause controversy is no longer working for the papers.

As you watch this see if you agree with me on this. Everybody in the media is scared of their own shadow for good reason. Media at all levels has become more concerned about not rocking the boat and are trying to avoid taking a hit on their profits via boycotts.

I am of the opinion the problem is not so much with viewer outrage as it is within their own group of peers working at another media outlet. It is they who are juicing the story and relentlessly trying to whip people up against their competition. As a result of their hostility towards one another it is we, the readers and viewers who are worse off for it. Anything for a buck, right?

In the this clip the newsman was trying to avoid being anything but all lollypops and roses, until he got fed up and spoke his mind. It is then that he tells us what he really thinks. Not what's he's expected to say by his network bosses. I wonder how many actual news reporters feel he's saying what they would like to, but can't?





Official Website for 'The Newsroom"
YouTube Clips From The Show



Some other select clips I found somewhat more informative then either CNN, MSNBC or FOX

Gays In The Militiary



U.S. Christian Nation?



Obama Coming For Your Guns?