In The News

Shonk, over at Selling Waves, has been reading G.K. Chesterson’s The Ball and the Cross, and, ties a quote from said book, to a post by fellow contributor Curt, and then expands on that thought. The thought deals with what is in the news and objective reporting of the news.  Shonk’s conclusion.

"So what’s the solution? Well, to be honest, I’m not sure there is one, but it might be a good start to acknowledge that “journalistic objectivity” is not merely an unattainable goal, but actually a very harmful and oxymoronic conceit."

I gave up watching the teevee news about five years ago, encouraged by a friend to take a two week fast from the idoicies that beam into my living room, that continues to this day.  I still get a daily newspaper, but its value is mostly as a feed for local happenings.  I receive my news from the internet.  Granted, the content on the internet is basically the same as the content in dead tree print or moving pictures, but, at least I do not have to listen to some “news” reader’s tonal inflections, accompanied by a treacly smile, of approval or disapproval of what is being read.

Posted by on 01/30 at 05:38 AM

  1. I’m pretty much the same.  Except I don’t even get a newspaper.

    Posted by shonk  on  01/30  at  06:59 AM

  2. And I probably shouldn’t get the newspaper considering I usually blow through it in a matter of 15 minutes or less.  Plus, I’d save thirteen bucks a month, not including tip.  I could then afford three additional fine cigars too.

    Posted by  on  01/30  at  07:55 AM

  3. When I’m in the house, I keep a TV tuned to cable news channels at every moment.  In the evening I never, ever, miss the CBS Evening News.

    I submit the following for your consideration:

    "Keep your friends close.  Keep your enemies closer.”

    You’re doing yourselves a disservice, folx.  It is crucially important to keep track of the bullshit fed to the booboisie, and if you’re not watching television news, you’re missing a vital element of the game.  I know it’s painful, believe me.  But it’s got to be done.

    Posted by Billy Beck  on  01/30  at  08:05 AM

  4. Damn Billy, I hate it when you’re right, sonofabitchin teevee and enemies anyway.  I recall your sharing that admonition with me in an earlier discussion.  I consider myself chastened.

    Posted by  on  01/30  at  09:09 AM

  5. Well, it’s a completely disgusting thing to have to live with, John.  I mean, if I was herding cattle in my living room, I don’t know how that could be worse.  I’ve just steeled myself to it.

    Posted by Billy Beck  on  01/30  at  01:17 PM

  6. Billy, it’s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it.  But I draw the line at getting cable.

    Posted by  on  01/30  at  05:45 PM

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