(Journalism)
I do follow “current affairs”, not religiously, and always with a cynical eye on who is reporting, and trying to listen for what is not being said.
There is a quote I like, regarding journalism, for which, sadly, I cannot find the attribution:-
“If someone says it’s raining and another person says it’s dry, it’s not your job to quote them both. It’s your job to look out the window and find out which is true.”
But irrespective of its origin, I feel that it’s sadly ignored in popular media today.
However authoritative or factual an announcement may be – whether political, economic, or scientific; it seems that news now requires that a rebuttal, however asinine, far-fetched, or make-believe, must accompany it.
Don’t get me wrong. It is important to challenge the veracity of authority and to question the legitimacy of claimed evidence, but returning to my quote, there are times to open the window and just see if you get wet.
I actively try to avoid the whole US election (not easy). I didn’t understand why they would elect a man who publicly mocked a disabled individual (on camera) the first time, never mind the myriad other allegations. It’s their country and if that’s their idea of “make it great again” that’s their business.
My opinion of the US radical right’s nonsensical beliefs and positions is – I hope – shared by most level-headed people outside the States, with even a smattering of education.
My sympathies do go out to those afflicted by the natural disaster of Hurricane Milton, whether Republican or Democrat, it must still be a terrifying experience.
I can, to a certain point, understand that in the approach to their election, aspects of this event would be politicised; the preparedness, the evacuation, and the organisation of response. It seems plausible that there can be conflicting opinions on how these things are handled, or at least paid for. Me, I’d be having that discussion after, but… Americans.
But the news, the news here, HERE!
Some Republican’s outlandish conspiracy theory that the weather is being directed against them (personally) by the current administration appears, not as some “amusing end piece” but as a statement in the (Radio 4) national news!
OK I can grant that, it is factual that some loon did say this. Why is it relevant? Why give them even that much currency? If the report was examining the mental state of the US populace, it might (might) have some relevance, but in a natural disaster, update! Do we even get, “outlandish” claim, “astonishing” claim, or even, “spurious” claim? We do not.
I despair (again)! I can only hope that the reporting journalist didn’t think it was a real possibility.
or,
Maybe it’s me?
Next week on IaDL : The fire safety officer# left the (hot) laminator running, after preparing the safety guide [# was’ny me]
Dalmallyfest the Asylum 