President Donald Trump has called the media, specifically the news, as the enemy of the people. Indeed, they are President Trump's most vicious opponent, with sometime malicious contempt and criticism, even from conservative havens like Fox news. The question here is whether or not Trump is correct in his assessment of the news media; as a amateur historian, the question is far more complex whether they are the enemy or pillar of liberty.
The prominent American newspaper man back at the turn of the century, William Randolph Hearst, is quoted as saying "You furnish the pictures and I’ll furnish the war." After the sinking of the battleship USS Maine in Havana (which turned out to be a engine explosion, not a mine), the United States declared war against Spain and took most of it's territory in the Caribbean and the Pacific.
In the AMC historical drama "Turn", the character of James Rivington, a newspaper man in New York, used intelligence reports articles in his paper before the events happened. We later learn the tragic past of the usually jovial Rivington, his paper was attacked at the onset of the war by rebels after publishing articles to give a case for both sides. Unfortunately this still happens today as media outlets are forced to pick a side rather than simply report and provide a forum for different opinions.
At the end of the day, however, what is the main agenda of news and media outlets, beyond their political ones; money. There is more money in over dramatizing the news and pundit tugging on people's emotions than simply sitting down and reporting. If anything, Trump is own enemy in this case, not the media, his tweets and demeanor provide enough ammunition that it's equivalent to a gold mine.
So is the media the enemy? Senator Lindsey Graham said best (and the only time I will agree with him), it's not the enemy, "they are a pain in the ass."
Sources:
http://www.iancfriedman.com/?p=29
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Quick Thought: From Russia with... ?
Yesterdays President Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a conference seemingly more controversial than the summit with Kim Jong-Un earlier this summer. Because of Russia's interference in the 2016 election, Russia is viewed by many Americans as our primary enemy, their annexation of Crimea and support of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad hasn't helped quell this idea. Indeed, Russia is probably the most aggressive rouge state out there and Putin isn't afraid throwing his weight around, which includes one of the world's largest nuclear arsenals.
Theodore Roosevelt gave us one of the best quotes on international diplomacy, "Speak Softly and carry a big stick." Trump's handling of this summit leaves much to be desired. His statement saying that Russia did not interfere in the 2016 election is possibly just as bad as invading Russia in winter. While trying to ease tense relations in order to create more global cooperation is a good, this only exonerates a leader who helped exacerbate global tensions.
While the world should take a strong stance against Russia and it's actions, they are not an ally of the United States, but that doesn't mean we can't talk. Though this isn't exactly a Neville Chamberlin appeasement situation, which had the mindset of avoiding the horrors of the First World War (though scenes of that war should still be in our minds). Roosevelt's words ring out loudly, we should tell Russia we want to work with them, but don't screw us.
Theodore Roosevelt gave us one of the best quotes on international diplomacy, "Speak Softly and carry a big stick." Trump's handling of this summit leaves much to be desired. His statement saying that Russia did not interfere in the 2016 election is possibly just as bad as invading Russia in winter. While trying to ease tense relations in order to create more global cooperation is a good, this only exonerates a leader who helped exacerbate global tensions.
While the world should take a strong stance against Russia and it's actions, they are not an ally of the United States, but that doesn't mean we can't talk. Though this isn't exactly a Neville Chamberlin appeasement situation, which had the mindset of avoiding the horrors of the First World War (though scenes of that war should still be in our minds). Roosevelt's words ring out loudly, we should tell Russia we want to work with them, but don't screw us.
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Quick Thought: Life is What we Make of it
I've been asked recently what the direction of my life is, and I answered that I generally have no real direction. While my writing would fit the bill, that is more of a long term goal as the process takes a lot of time. My life currently consists of a five day work week at the family print shop then a two day weekend, standard for most people. Since the end of college my life hasn't changed beyond this daily repetition, and for many people that level of consistency is welcomed. But as I keep getting "reminded" I'm not making any progress, so lets examine this.
Like many people my age I live it at home, with high housing prices and a plethora bills it's more financially sound. We all want to move out and feel that rush of independence, but without a firm foot to stand on that feeling might have a bad taste to it. However, does this really give meaning to one's life, does it provide direction? I would say, yes... and no.
I know that this all might seem a bit confusing, however that mirrors life itself, decisions are based up what you think are right for yourself. Life is all what you make of it, if living independently is a defining part of your life then go for it. While it is important to me, it doesn't define me, my writing is what believe will define me.
Another part of this examination is that other people should not define what gives your life meaning. Many people believe that their ideas are the correct ones everyone should follow. I am not say these ideas should be discounted, but that only you can form your perspective. However, the issue arises when advise forced in a biting sort of way, when you are looked down upon for meeting the standards people set for others.
In summary, my confusing ramble here about taking charge of you own life. Do not let anyone take that away from you. This can be applied to any decision you make, "moving" happened to the topic of discussion over the weekend. Again, life is what you make of it, and only you can make it.
Like many people my age I live it at home, with high housing prices and a plethora bills it's more financially sound. We all want to move out and feel that rush of independence, but without a firm foot to stand on that feeling might have a bad taste to it. However, does this really give meaning to one's life, does it provide direction? I would say, yes... and no.
I know that this all might seem a bit confusing, however that mirrors life itself, decisions are based up what you think are right for yourself. Life is all what you make of it, if living independently is a defining part of your life then go for it. While it is important to me, it doesn't define me, my writing is what believe will define me.
Another part of this examination is that other people should not define what gives your life meaning. Many people believe that their ideas are the correct ones everyone should follow. I am not say these ideas should be discounted, but that only you can form your perspective. However, the issue arises when advise forced in a biting sort of way, when you are looked down upon for meeting the standards people set for others.
In summary, my confusing ramble here about taking charge of you own life. Do not let anyone take that away from you. This can be applied to any decision you make, "moving" happened to the topic of discussion over the weekend. Again, life is what you make of it, and only you can make it.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Quick Thought: Reaction
Our emotions are the fickle aspect of out short human existence. They override rational judgement and throw our minds into chaos, for good or ill. They make us feel love, hate, happiness, sorrow, satisfaction, and anger. Controlling those feelings is often one of the greatest tests in endurance that one can face.
How we react to a situation is a major test in character, especially in one with negative connotations. Those emotions throw is into more chaos and dig deeper into our emotional well being; as well as how others react to you. In the heat of the moment, there is almost no good way to burn them out, and they linger for the longest time.
However, there are times where they do need to be confronted with the offending party. It's not always a pleasant experience, and may not you the way you want, but it's better then letting it build you like an over inflated ballon.
I would say though that this often a two-fold circumstance. Whether or not you believe your words are offensive and that other person is over reacting, if behooves you to understand their side of it. Your reaction is just as important as theirs; and because this has often been over looked, we can find the seeds of much of human conflict.
I write, not just as a means off getting this discussion off my chest, but as an idea people should look closer at. Our reactions, without thought, have been the source of many of problems (though not all). And don't damn yourself for having a poor response to a situation, life is about learning, and not learning from our mistakes is the greatest failure of them all.
How we react to a situation is a major test in character, especially in one with negative connotations. Those emotions throw is into more chaos and dig deeper into our emotional well being; as well as how others react to you. In the heat of the moment, there is almost no good way to burn them out, and they linger for the longest time.
However, there are times where they do need to be confronted with the offending party. It's not always a pleasant experience, and may not you the way you want, but it's better then letting it build you like an over inflated ballon.
I would say though that this often a two-fold circumstance. Whether or not you believe your words are offensive and that other person is over reacting, if behooves you to understand their side of it. Your reaction is just as important as theirs; and because this has often been over looked, we can find the seeds of much of human conflict.
I write, not just as a means off getting this discussion off my chest, but as an idea people should look closer at. Our reactions, without thought, have been the source of many of problems (though not all). And don't damn yourself for having a poor response to a situation, life is about learning, and not learning from our mistakes is the greatest failure of them all.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
A Quick Thought: YouTube, The Discussion is Over
YouTube, once the haven for creative minds, an open space where one could create and share, has finally begun closing the last doors on that dream. Just this week, YouTube has rolled out new regulations restricting "gun" content on the site. Instead opening the door to discussion, they have closed it and has made it quite clear that there will be no debate.
To make it clear, gun channels aren't the only ones effected by YouTube's new regulations. These include both Liberal and Conservative channels that YouTube likely deems too controversial. It is clear that they are trying to push a new image, an image to attract advertisers. This isn't some giant conspiracy by the left or the right, it's about setting an image, and that image is one that is safe and makes them money.
Guns are their newest target line stretching back to their fist efforts to wipe out copyright infringement. The later was a noble goal, copyright is important to respect, but their efforts (and lack of oversight) often negatively effected reviewers who were covered by Fair Use (more on that at a later date). As for guns, the vast majority of these channels (which vary greatly in format) are enthusiasts, many provide education both in safety and history, not encouraging gun violence.
While the recent shooting in Florida is definitely the catalyst for this new assault on gun channels, again it is part of YouTube's rebranding. This effort is likely to be their downfall, when your try to build interest in your product, the last thing you should do is alienate your audience. Instead of working with these people, they've been branded, in essence, villains are and slowly being pushed off the boat.
One part of this new regulation prohibits links to sites that sell firearms. Many gun shops are small businesses, not large corporations like Google. Many don't just sell guns, but also provide education in gun safety, hunter courses, self-defense courses, and some even have indoor ranges. They also support sporting leagues and shooting competitions. I would encourage anyone to go to a gun store and inquire about the services they provide and you would be surprised about what actually goes on there.
However, YouTube will continue to alienate it's user base and kill the soul that once made it great. Other sites will rise up and fill the gap. They've made it quite clear, through their algorithms and inability to converse with the people who made them great in the first place, the discussion is over.
YouTube's new Policies:
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7667605?hl=en
To make it clear, gun channels aren't the only ones effected by YouTube's new regulations. These include both Liberal and Conservative channels that YouTube likely deems too controversial. It is clear that they are trying to push a new image, an image to attract advertisers. This isn't some giant conspiracy by the left or the right, it's about setting an image, and that image is one that is safe and makes them money.
Guns are their newest target line stretching back to their fist efforts to wipe out copyright infringement. The later was a noble goal, copyright is important to respect, but their efforts (and lack of oversight) often negatively effected reviewers who were covered by Fair Use (more on that at a later date). As for guns, the vast majority of these channels (which vary greatly in format) are enthusiasts, many provide education both in safety and history, not encouraging gun violence.
While the recent shooting in Florida is definitely the catalyst for this new assault on gun channels, again it is part of YouTube's rebranding. This effort is likely to be their downfall, when your try to build interest in your product, the last thing you should do is alienate your audience. Instead of working with these people, they've been branded, in essence, villains are and slowly being pushed off the boat.
One part of this new regulation prohibits links to sites that sell firearms. Many gun shops are small businesses, not large corporations like Google. Many don't just sell guns, but also provide education in gun safety, hunter courses, self-defense courses, and some even have indoor ranges. They also support sporting leagues and shooting competitions. I would encourage anyone to go to a gun store and inquire about the services they provide and you would be surprised about what actually goes on there.
However, YouTube will continue to alienate it's user base and kill the soul that once made it great. Other sites will rise up and fill the gap. They've made it quite clear, through their algorithms and inability to converse with the people who made them great in the first place, the discussion is over.
YouTube's new Policies:
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7667605?hl=en
Thursday, January 11, 2018
A New Year Reintroduction
It's New Year, so let me reintroduce the blog the world...
Welcome to the "Mental Rambler", a blog were we discuss topics from religion and politics to video games and movies, and everything in between. Feel free to discuss the topics in the comments section or on the Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/Blacksword4/ ; please be thoughtful and respectful with your comments.
This blog is opinion, I provide facts to back up those opinions, but please that in your mind while reading. My goal is to get people to think and consider other view points on a wide verity of topics. In this day and age of social media, it is important to think clearly and objectively, rather than letting your emotions run wild, and too often, that is is case on places like Facebook and Twitter.
I do apologize for the random schedule of posts, however with a full time job at my family's print shop; http://gatewayprinting.org/ , and a novel, the frequency of which I post is a bit... random... However, I should have at least one article posted per month.
Also, check out my art blog, "The Printed Rambler". I don't post there with the greatest frequency, there are some interesting topics there. I also plan to start posting some of my photography there in the near future.
http://theprintedrambler.blogspot.com/
If your interested in more in depth discussion about film, check out the "The Movie Musers". A burgeoning YouTube channel started by me and some friends where talk about movies.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwXnCkj7_s6ljBCi8bfDSA
Once Again, Welcome to the Mental Rambler and Happy New Year!
Welcome to the "Mental Rambler", a blog were we discuss topics from religion and politics to video games and movies, and everything in between. Feel free to discuss the topics in the comments section or on the Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/Blacksword4/ ; please be thoughtful and respectful with your comments.
This blog is opinion, I provide facts to back up those opinions, but please that in your mind while reading. My goal is to get people to think and consider other view points on a wide verity of topics. In this day and age of social media, it is important to think clearly and objectively, rather than letting your emotions run wild, and too often, that is is case on places like Facebook and Twitter.
I do apologize for the random schedule of posts, however with a full time job at my family's print shop; http://gatewayprinting.org/ , and a novel, the frequency of which I post is a bit... random... However, I should have at least one article posted per month.
Also, check out my art blog, "The Printed Rambler". I don't post there with the greatest frequency, there are some interesting topics there. I also plan to start posting some of my photography there in the near future.
http://theprintedrambler.blogspot.com/
If your interested in more in depth discussion about film, check out the "The Movie Musers". A burgeoning YouTube channel started by me and some friends where talk about movies.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwXnCkj7_s6ljBCi8bfDSA
Once Again, Welcome to the Mental Rambler and Happy New Year!
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