First, I'd like to start this article by stating that my politic views are independent and there is no significance to any example I give. I am no fan of any political party...
So much news! So many sources! I have been really bothered by the way people seem to obsess over stories that really don't matter much. News agencies have to create content to generate ad revenue, so they publish or broadcast the stories that are most likely to generate interest...not what matters most. This is a very dangerous way to base a democracy who's citizens needs to know about the most important issues and not the most salacious and inflammatory National Enquirer style nonsense.
So back to the question. How do you figure out what to pay attention to? Here is a tip. Try and follow my 1 year rule...the next time you hear a story about some writer who dissects the details of a tweet Donald Trump made, ask yourself this question... WILL THIS MATTER TO ANYONE A YEAR FROM NOW? The 1 year rule will help clear the fog and give you perspective.
If you were to run a company, wouldn't it make sense to create a detailed list of all the priorities necessary to make your business run it's best? I know it would to me. Then why do we never see politicians making or announcing a list of what issues really matter to them and openly discussing this list with the media and the people. Shouldn't this be something we expect every elected official to do?
Guess when we will hear a politician next speak about election reform? During the next election...maybe. When it is too late to do anything about it. This is just one of countless examples of things that are far more important for the media to discuss than the minutia and drivel and soap opera style nonsense we hear day after day. If anyone really thinks that the Trump/Russia situation is the most important thing that could have been reported since the election then they are nothing more than a brainwashed sheep. If you didn't see the under cover video from the reporter who secretly filmed the CNN executive saying that there really was no story or evidence but they need to continue the narrative due to the fantastic ratings...google it.
The media is a joke. The fact that technology has made television the easiest way to get the news means it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that this is an unbiased and honest way to deliver the most important and relevant stories available. The fact that news broadcasts are even allowed to be sponsored by corporate ads is something we don't think twice about, yet it undermines the entire fabric of a democracy.
THE MEDIA IS THE ONLY SAFETY NET THAT A DEMOCRACY HAS. People need to stand up and demand that the entire public broadcasting system separate itself from corporate interests when dealing with any news stories or at least designate a specific broadcast segment daily that is free from all ads. How else do we attempt to ensure that news is not chosen and broadcast for the wrong reasons?
We also need to stop bickering and name calling and fighting back and forth between the left and the right and start to unite against the establishment that has abused it's power for so long. The next time you call someone a Libtard or a Nazi, try and realize that we all want a better country and a better system of government and the name calling needs to be directed at the folks that contribute the the massive level of corruption we have become used to.
