Media Bias

Whether bias has always been present or not, because of the internet, the media is now feeling pressure to become more fact-based if they are to survive as an informational outlet. Media are fighting for viewers and readers using hype and highly emotional stories. Unfortunately, the American people are easily manipulated and mesmerized by “reality” stories, causing the news to shift to less important drama while giving real news a pass. Some examples of news almost unworthy of the national attention and playtime received are car chases, Natalie Holloway, mine disasters, OJ, Paris Hilton, and Jessica Lundsford. While these stories may merit some airplay, they received much more attention than straight news stories regarding crime and punishment in America, successes of the U.S. healthcare system, or the economy.I’ll follow with some examples which should interest the public, but would not be "acceptable" to some news outlets. NOAA gave 2007 a 75% chance to have a worse than average hurricane season, but according to Florida State University, hurricane activity is lower in 2007 than in any other year since 1977. If hurricanes had been worse, we would be bombarded by stories about global warming and how the Bush administrations policies were either causing them or leaving us unprepared for disasters because the National Guard is fighting in Iraq. Since everyone understands the complex mechanism of global warming, I'm certain they can explain why there are less hurricanes in just one year.Here's another story. Recently, the Democrat head of the Homeland Security Committee told congressional aides visiting a NASCAR event to undergo vaccinations prior to the trip. These vaccinations included hepatitis, diphtheria, tetanus, and influenza. The story was blown off as a necessary precaution since they were touring medical facilities at the track. One wonders if they get these same vaccinations prior to travel to Johns Hopkins or Walter Reed. This story could be indicative of a little bigotry. Where's the national outrage and an explanation?Extremely important were Hillary Clinton's remarks at an Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Committee luncheon. Hillary said she would immediately end the war in Iraq upon taking office. She's also said she supports the war, will create a plan for withdrawal within 60 days of taking office, and has stated that she will not take any options off of the table with Iran, including war, if Iran pursues nuclear weapons. I don't personally know anyone who has changed their mind about war more than once...and everyone I know is not a US Senator running for President. Also, at a town hall meeting in South Carolina in October, Hillary stated that any attempt by Iran to disrupt the oil flow would warrant military retaliation. Is she for or against war? Would someone please ask her bluntly and in-depth what she does believe?Although the mainstream media mentioned all of these issues, they aren't debating and investigating them as they should. It’s dangerous when the daily stories involve emotional news instead of important news which would enlighten the public. I know the issues I cited are conservative ones and there are liberal ones too, but a biased media of any slant can slowly lead us into the Orwellian world of the novel "1984." Orwell published it in 1949. You need to read it. I remember reading it in high school and thinking how ridiculous it was with "right-think" and "newspeak." They even had government workers going into news archives and books changing the text in the documents. Most people don't realize that congress can "amend the record" and actually change the historical transcripts of the congressional proceedings. "Big Brother" in Orwell's novel controlled everything and no one was there to stop them. The media is our "Big Brother" and needs to watch over us all and hold people accountable for damaging words and actions of a national importance. Let's hope they come to their senses soon.