Media Idiots
From time to time, the news media tends to prove just how useless it is. It wasn't too long ago that they rigged gas tanks to explode. They had to recant that tale. Before that it was a false expose about gynecological labs giving incorrect diagnoses. Another story they had to "adjust" for fear of law suits for false reporting. Even before that, the news media tried to tell us how dangerous three wheeled ATV's were. Again, that report was exposed as being bogus when it came out that the riders were actually riding the ATV's incorrectly and with the intent to flip them. Credible? Not really.
On top of their falsifying reports at the expense of others and for ratings gains, they also have a tendency to take themselves far too seriously. Dan Rather is a prime example. After a scathing report about George W. Bush's service in the military was exposed as a load of bullshit, he defended his bad reporting, refusing to admit his own error and putting the blame on everyone else. Then, he questioned the American people and their refusal to investigate Bush's military record, suggesting that his false report was grounds to do so. Obviously, this is a man who takes himself so seriously that he believes it is his duty to make up stories for the benefit of the American people. It's a good thing that self-importance isn't a crime.
As of yesterday, the news media, once again, proved how inept, overly serious and stupid they are. It was reported, by many media outlets, that the jazz-rock band Steely Dan was pissed off at Owen Wilson for his movie "You, Me and Dupree". This was done because of an "open letter" the band wrote to Owen and posted on their website.
The letter was accusatory of Owen Wilson and those who wrote the newly released movie. It accuses all involved with plagiarism and offers lush and biting commentary on Owen Wilson's latest movie. Further, the letter is mildly threatening and highly critical of Owen and his work. However, each comment, threat and critique is couched in such a silly manner, language wise, and is so astronomically outlandish that it cannot be taken seriously by anyone with half a brain.
The media outlets reported it, by and large, as if it was a serious letter. In fact, in searching out the reports of this letter on the web, I would venture to guess that 9 out of every 10 reports seemed to believe the letter was dead serious. This little piece of info also made its way to web logs and entertainment media outlets. The funny thing is; it was taken completely seriously by 90% of those people too.
I am now in fear of my life. Much of the information that is brought to the President of the USA is via news outlets like CNN or Fox or some other major network. With so many self-important and humorless people reporting the news, I can only imagine what would happen if Vladimir Putin made a joke about our country - along the lines of when Ronald Reagan said he was going to bomb Russia - everything could end in a flash.
