In America, we find that most people are unaware of the workings of their government. This is in spite of the 24/7 news cycle and more access to news and information than at any other time in our nation's history.
What accounts for this lack of interest and knowledge in governmental affairs?
We have grown complacent as a people. Much of this stems from the endless stream of entertainment news that permeates our days via radio, internet, and television. I suppose it is more enjoyable to follow the antics of the Kardashians than to keep up with what President Obama and members of Congress are doing and saying. Most Americans avoid news stories about governmental affairs. And, to make matters worse, the news media as a whole has ceased reporting 'news' and has decided to create 'news' that furthers their own political agenda. Citizens may be unaware of what is going on, but most agree that the media really doesn't present unbiased information anymore. The bias has grown so deep and so pervasive, that even those who are not regular consumers of news have become skeptical of what they are seeing in mainstream news coverage. Newspapers, political magazines, cable and network news broadcasts are seeing record low viewership. American's are tuning out. This is a dangerous time to be out-of-touch with the news of the day.
There is one bright spot in the world of journalism, and that is the rise of independent news reporting. Americans of all types are turning to the blogosphere to find out what is going on in the world. Many bloggers spend all their time promoting an agenda, but many news stories would never have seen the light of day if bloggers didn't push those stories out via social media. This is a new day in journalism, because news consumers now have to discern between fact and fiction. They have to turn to a variety of sources to read all sides of a story, but perhaps this is a good thing. Sitting back and letting the mainstream media direct a narrative and shape our thinking must end if we intend to preserve this nation. It may take a bit more time and patience to learn the facts today, but perhaps this is the first time in our history that we actually have the facts, because we are not being spoon-fed the news by an elite few.
This places a great deal of responsibility on the shoulders of citizen-journalists who choose to participate in news-gathering. We can not assume that most people hear about what is going on in this world anymore. With hundreds of cable TV channels to choose from, few American's choose to watch news coverage daily. Many American's never stumble across much of the relevant news stories online either, because Reuters and The Associated Press (who are the primary sources of news for most news agencies) are also pushing a liberal agenda. It is our responsibility to search out and report the news of the day and share all sides of these stories. It may be a clumsy endeavor, but I contend it may the best way to reach the masses with the real news.
The next time you are on Twitter, Facebook or Google+, extend a thank you to the friends of yours who send out links and report on news stories of the day. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to spread these news stories. Few of these individuals receive any reward for their efforts. They do it because they love America and feel a duty to inform fellow citizens of what is going on and what is at stake in this country. I thank God every day that we have the freedom to inform and be informed about what is going on in the world. Let's not take that for granted.
Let's help usher in the great awakening in America. It is time for every American to see what is going on around them. We must share the truth to those who are not paying attention and encourage everyone who cares about the future of this country to get involved and stay informed.
Hi Sue, you're right about people tuning out. I have friends who don't know the Presidents name, along with the governor and other elected officials. We live in an age where 3 out of 10 people are republicans and 4 out of 10 people are democrats while the rest are independents. For many people the two parties that are 100% responsible for our man made calamities are no longer of any interest.
ReplyDeleteWhat was missing from the Presidential debates? I can tell you it was Virgil Goode of the Constitution Party, Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party and Dr.Stein of the Green Party. Tweedle dee and tweedle dum are both responsible for the self inflicted economic wounds that afflict us and they are slowing being replaced. It is in neither parties interest to have people vote, which is why in the last election a whopping 4 out of 10 people even bothered. Great Blog Sue-bill
You are right, Bill. The parties control the candidates, the electoral process, the news media (for the most part); the two major parties direct the narrative, and since most people don't even keep up with the doings inside of Gov't or parties, we continue to allow the two major parties to diminish the power of 'ordinary' people by passing laws, passing party rules for the state and national conventions, controlling the debate process, maintaining control at the voting booth (controlling the precincts, regulating ballot access). All of this is wholly unconstitutional.
DeleteWe need to wake up and realize the problem with our government goes far beyond the individual politicians, but it stems mostly from the inability of any candidate to act on behalf of his constituency or his conscience, because politicians are beholden to the party elite who control the process in D.C. (Committee placement, amendment process, crafting of bills, etc).
Thank you for pointing that the other parties were excluded from the process during these debates (and they are also being denied ballot access in many states). We need more of our citizens to hear about this tyranny of the two parties. I thank you for being a diligent citizen-journalist. This is exactly the sort of reporting I was referring to in my post. Thanks for all your work and for your continued support. I truly appreciate it.
Thanks so much for all your very hard work, Susan!
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Mom
This is excellent Susan and I am one of those who does share these news stories that you are speaking about. I get SO VERY FRUSTRATED with all these people that will not STAND-UP for what they believe!! Complacency in the country is DEADLY and PATHETIC!! People are so afraid of OFFENDING.....jeez get over it........I do not give a rat's behind about offending people, if I believe it to be the truth; it seems this is ESPECIALLY TRUE AMONG SOME OTHER CHRISTIANS and that is very sad! Jo
ReplyDeleteAmen, Jo. We don't have the luxury of settling for the status-quo if want to keep the country our founders fought for. We are seeing a steady erosion of our liberties (including our religious liberties) and a destruction of our way of life .. and this is BECAUSE people who know the truth are held in check by a system that is designed to suppress opposition to the corrupt system.
DeleteI choose to speak out, and I am not alone (Thank God). Thanks for your support and continue telling the truth. It really does make a difference.