Why Watch the News?
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The problem is that the most media is pretty unreliable. At least the mainstream media. Better go for some independant (political) journal. Also you don't need daily or weekly informations. Monthly is pretty sufficient. You'll fastly get the big news anyway through the people who watch the news. You might even to be much better informed since there isn't that much bullshit (the thing what the mainstream media insists to about 90%) which you have to block. (You can easier distinguish between usefull and useless information)
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I get my journalism straight from the source, legit and underground XD.
No, really, college papers made by journalism students are good, seeing as they aren't influenced too heavily by outside forces (yet). They report what they see as important news, unlike major networks that've just morphed into glorified paparazzi.
No, really, college papers made by journalism students are good, seeing as they aren't influenced too heavily by outside forces (yet). They report what they see as important news, unlike major networks that've just morphed into glorified paparazzi.
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Fiery_penguin_of_doom wrote...
:Warning: This spoiler contains adult language, adult content, psychological nudity. Reader discretion advised.
Spoiler:
This is a interesting read, through I hate to admit it but I don't have the intelligence nor the time to put up a fight. The government has it all set up against us before we can rebel by controlling almost everything we need and do(food, education, pop-culture); making us useless against them because we don't know shit, we are too busy with other entertainment from video games to unimportant stories about another black man arrested and we're not getting enough nutrients in our brains to actually know what the hell is going on around us. Everyone is probably thinking that they will live their lives through apathy until things get really outrageous, then our animal instinct would tell us to move to a different niche to start all over.
I don't think I have anything to add to this, the facts that you've stated can't be rephrased to be more truthful than it already is.
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FPoD, I would like to know what you use to know what is going on in the white house because I am very ignorant to be honest. And the politics things you use to keep track on what's going on.
Please let me know.
And actually I read your whole post.
Please let me know.
And actually I read your whole post.
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I think I already said this on another thread, I used to be into these sort of things but at one point I thought to myself, what difference does it make even if you know the truth, even if you figure which of are the lies and which are not.
The campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan, what they do here locally, or what goes on in other countries... what CAN you do? What you said Shag is true, for you to want to do something about this, then one should rise into a position where in s/he can do something about it otherwise, it leads to nowhere
As for the news, I dont watch TV, coz I do not have one. I at times read whats online but merely for entertainment purposes now. You have to admit, news is not about the truth anymore - its more of a commercial commodity nowadays.
The campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan, what they do here locally, or what goes on in other countries... what CAN you do? What you said Shag is true, for you to want to do something about this, then one should rise into a position where in s/he can do something about it otherwise, it leads to nowhere
As for the news, I dont watch TV, coz I do not have one. I at times read whats online but merely for entertainment purposes now. You have to admit, news is not about the truth anymore - its more of a commercial commodity nowadays.
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ashcrimson wrote...
The campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan, what they do here locally, or what goes on in other countries... what CAN you do? What you said Shag is true, for you to want to do something about this, then one should rise into a position where in s/he can do something about it otherwise, it leads to nowhereHere's a tip rattle someones cage.
A few alternatives
Write your rep
Redundency is redundant.
Another tip: Call them, easy enough to pick up a phone book and look'em up.
Last resort: Brick through the window but, only if you've *really* got your panties in a knot over something. Oh and don't forget the note, a brick through the window doesn't say much on it's own. Though I don't condone violence...except revolutions...and riots. Oh I do so love a riot.
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fiery, I know that is possible, that you can try to contact your political representatives here but the thing is... even if you do and they get your message, can they/will they do soemthing about it. Its either their into the mess thats going on themselves or they cant do anything or they wont even believe you or they cant disclose the information that youd seek. I mean can you ask a congressman on what is going on with the depleted uranium ammo matter and how many have died or? they wont give you that info. I mean not everyone in the government knows what is really going on about everything as well.
Of course, im just making assumptions and im just being paranoid and probably stupid
Of course, im just making assumptions and im just being paranoid and probably stupid
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For the depleted uranium ammo numbers, file a freedom of information act lawsuit. A good judge will force the government to hand over all information regarding the subject. Best to get a few people on your side and sue the ever loving hell out of them.
The point i was trying to make is that, you may get things done. The only certainty of sitting idle is that nothing will get done. That is what irritates me about people with Shag's mentality. They figure it's pointless or futile to try so they never bother and only fall into a vicious cycle.
The point i was trying to make is that, you may get things done. The only certainty of sitting idle is that nothing will get done. That is what irritates me about people with Shag's mentality. They figure it's pointless or futile to try so they never bother and only fall into a vicious cycle.
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i think its to watch the news once and awhile. I dont tend to watch it since there are either other shows on or Im on fakku. My dad likes to watch politcal news. Stuff about trashing obama. I tend to enjoy it to be honest. Im sorry if you dont like my opinion. I think obamas a dumbass. but yeah if you dont watch the news you have less to discuss with certain people =w=
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I guess if youd really push, there are some info that can be obtained, but not all still since it can be easily labelled as a matter of national security and youd end up getting paperwork/reports covered in black ink and theres almost nothing left on them.
But yes ofcourse trying here is not in question I mean, it is a right afterall and a supposed obligation of your government to let you know what is going on - or so i believe it is.
And I can get what youre saying penguin, about trying instead of doing nothing. And I will admit, I guess I have become really just apathetic now about these things. If its a government tactic to wear down those who care, I guess it worked on me... even if i still care about these things its just I dont know.
But yes ofcourse trying here is not in question I mean, it is a right afterall and a supposed obligation of your government to let you know what is going on - or so i believe it is.
And I can get what youre saying penguin, about trying instead of doing nothing. And I will admit, I guess I have become really just apathetic now about these things. If its a government tactic to wear down those who care, I guess it worked on me... even if i still care about these things its just I dont know.
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The populace not being aware and not caring about politics and political corruption is a vicious downward spiral.
Even you have no interest in running for office, I strongly believe that an understanding of politics is of great benefit to the people. Especially when have the boon of a democratic system. The reason why it all seems like a load of hogwash is because with each passing generation the roll of electors becomes an increasingly smaller number of less informed people, simply voting for whomever their friends happen to be voting.
So as the people are quickly developing a general apathy towards government bodies, so too shall the people in power become more inclined to pour gold into their coffers- and less into projects that could actually benefit the country.
Both parties are at fault here.
Anyways, that's slightly off-topic.
In accordance with the OP- yes. The news is just a load of bullshit. I'll read the papers for sports and the funnies.
Even you have no interest in running for office, I strongly believe that an understanding of politics is of great benefit to the people. Especially when have the boon of a democratic system. The reason why it all seems like a load of hogwash is because with each passing generation the roll of electors becomes an increasingly smaller number of less informed people, simply voting for whomever their friends happen to be voting.
So as the people are quickly developing a general apathy towards government bodies, so too shall the people in power become more inclined to pour gold into their coffers- and less into projects that could actually benefit the country.
Both parties are at fault here.
Anyways, that's slightly off-topic.
In accordance with the OP- yes. The news is just a load of bullshit. I'll read the papers for sports and the funnies.
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This is the one in a trillion event where I agree with Shaggy.
I never keep up with political events unless I need to get the bile going. Whenever I'm in dire need of some tasty acid reflux, I pick up a newspaper.
The appalling incompetence and corruption of the political caste is only compounded by the worthlessness of the journalist cadres, which makes any reportage these days a nice pretext for throwing up in my mouth. No, thanks.
I find it hard not to belittle people who still believe in the fairy tale of any kind of popular sovereignty, or even only political influence of the individual citizen.
I never keep up with political events unless I need to get the bile going. Whenever I'm in dire need of some tasty acid reflux, I pick up a newspaper.
The appalling incompetence and corruption of the political caste is only compounded by the worthlessness of the journalist cadres, which makes any reportage these days a nice pretext for throwing up in my mouth. No, thanks.
I find it hard not to belittle people who still believe in the fairy tale of any kind of popular sovereignty, or even only political influence of the individual citizen.
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Brittany
Director of Production
THE ECONOMY wrote...
I find it hard not to belittle people who still believe in the fairy tale of any kind of popular sovereignty, or even only political influence of the individual citizen.I think if everyone was as interested in politics as they are in American Idol, then there would be more influence by the citizen.
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Ziggy wrote...
THE ECONOMY wrote...
I find it hard not to belittle people who still believe in the fairy tale of any kind of popular sovereignty, or even only political influence of the individual citizen.I think if everyone was as interested in politics as they are in American Idol, then there would be more influence by the citizen.
I disagree. Interest needn't be a good thing.
Oh sure, there'd be more flags flown, more symbols worn, more slogans chanted. Perhaps a clash of riled-up splinter-group followers here and there.
But really, it would be the same old: Each group would be paying attention to whatever voice is telling them that they are the greatest, that their interests matter most and that $scapegoat is to blame for everything wrong with the nation.
Any more of a disturbance to the corporate marionettes-in-chief than the current complacent couch potato populace? Marginally at best, at the grievous cost of worthless radicalisation. Same shit, new flies.
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There's a lot of stuff here that I cannot reply to (I'm a bit late and the conversation has grown cold, as well as the fact that I am unsure how to respond to some things), but I can throw in something that I hope adds to the conversation and will perhaps start another discussion.
This is going to sound weird, but on the video games section of an imageboard, I saw this post: "Westerners think they're not sheep. Easterners have resigned themselves to their fate." It was about the differences between Western and Japanese RPGs, but I took more from it. I saw truth in it; I'm not going to bother with the many meanings you could take from it though, instead focusing on how it relates to this thread.
I feel that American culture dictates that I care about the inner-workings and try to be independent, come to my own conclusions on everything. In practice, however, American culture is exactly the opposite, with news shows being highly opinionated and slanted. We're always jammed into groups; we shout loud when in these groups, as if that makes me more free, when really, nothing is different. We're still being herded around.
When a law is being pushed forward that I dislike or disagree with, I can fight back, through protesting, but would it get me anywhere? If I'm the only one standing on the street with a sign, nobody with power is going to listen, and there is nothing I can do to change that. I cannot force people to side with me or listen to me. So, is there any reason to do anything, when I have no real control over things?
That is incredibly defeatist, and something I would have argued against in the past, and perhaps will argue against again in the future, but when it feels like we never make a difference, how can we not feel helpless? Even if more people come to protest, the odds of us having an effect are very slim, unless some big-wig gets involved. Even if you have all the information in the world, does it really help you when it comes time to vote? Does your information make others more aware? Wouldn't you have to dedicate your life to informing others to really make a difference?
Politics aside, what about information about the world? I caught a few minutes of The Daily Show the other day while doing something on the computer; Jon Stewart was talking about the Pope covering for a child molester or something, and he groaned and said to put up kittens, to make him feel better. That's what I want to avoid - the need to clear my head after hearing some crazy news that I cannot change. Does it help me if I know that the pope keeps child molesters from being prosecuted, or does it just hurt me? Knowledge is power, yes, but what if you already possess the knowledge you would gain from the story? I know people are horrible, so hearing about the pope and his shit teaches me nothing. It simply gives me yet another explicit example. Would I have missed anything if I had not heard about it?
This is going to sound weird, but on the video games section of an imageboard, I saw this post: "Westerners think they're not sheep. Easterners have resigned themselves to their fate." It was about the differences between Western and Japanese RPGs, but I took more from it. I saw truth in it; I'm not going to bother with the many meanings you could take from it though, instead focusing on how it relates to this thread.
I feel that American culture dictates that I care about the inner-workings and try to be independent, come to my own conclusions on everything. In practice, however, American culture is exactly the opposite, with news shows being highly opinionated and slanted. We're always jammed into groups; we shout loud when in these groups, as if that makes me more free, when really, nothing is different. We're still being herded around.
When a law is being pushed forward that I dislike or disagree with, I can fight back, through protesting, but would it get me anywhere? If I'm the only one standing on the street with a sign, nobody with power is going to listen, and there is nothing I can do to change that. I cannot force people to side with me or listen to me. So, is there any reason to do anything, when I have no real control over things?
That is incredibly defeatist, and something I would have argued against in the past, and perhaps will argue against again in the future, but when it feels like we never make a difference, how can we not feel helpless? Even if more people come to protest, the odds of us having an effect are very slim, unless some big-wig gets involved. Even if you have all the information in the world, does it really help you when it comes time to vote? Does your information make others more aware? Wouldn't you have to dedicate your life to informing others to really make a difference?
Politics aside, what about information about the world? I caught a few minutes of The Daily Show the other day while doing something on the computer; Jon Stewart was talking about the Pope covering for a child molester or something, and he groaned and said to put up kittens, to make him feel better. That's what I want to avoid - the need to clear my head after hearing some crazy news that I cannot change. Does it help me if I know that the pope keeps child molesters from being prosecuted, or does it just hurt me? Knowledge is power, yes, but what if you already possess the knowledge you would gain from the story? I know people are horrible, so hearing about the pope and his shit teaches me nothing. It simply gives me yet another explicit example. Would I have missed anything if I had not heard about it?
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I watch the news just to see WTF is going on also to prepare myself for what may happened later. I keep complaining that the professional politician should be voted out but there is too much BS. This proves:
You may fool all of the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time.” ~ Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. President (1809-1865)
“You can fool some of the people all the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on.” ~ George W. Bush, 43rd U.S. President (1946 - )
This is one of the main reasons the public school educational system dropped 40% or more in the United States.
You may fool all of the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time.” ~ Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. President (1809-1865)
“You can fool some of the people all the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on.” ~ George W. Bush, 43rd U.S. President (1946 - )
This is one of the main reasons the public school educational system dropped 40% or more in the United States.