Who can watch the news? I sure can’t. Somewhere between the last few presidential election cycles, I made a decision to abruptly stop watching The News. Period. Well, okay, occasionally I am weak and tune in local news and weather. But I carefully avoid major news channels. How can they call it news? Reporters don’t report. They debate and deliberate. Reporters have become political flame throwers. They decide which part of the facts you need to hear. They want to win you to their left or right side. Man, I just want to know if there was a wildfire in Wyoming or an earthquake in California. I don’t need a journalist to explain the wildfire was a result of climate change or bring an expert’s opinion the earth was reacting to fracking. What you hear and believe may depend on how you lean politically.
Seriously? It is a wildfire. It is an earthquake.
Yes, I cheat. On my lock screen cell phone, quiet banners alert me to voice mail, gmail, text, or if Amazon is Out for Delivery–Yay!– and I allow the Associated Press to send headlines with an option to Open/Clear/or Clear All. But even my cell phone sends cold-hearted random messages: ~A Russian missile struck a village in Ukraine today killing . . . . ~Subway announces their new lunch deal, $6.99 any footlong . . . . ~Leaf-peeping season is in full swing as people head out for scenic drives through New England . . . .
I’ve always been a news junkie. In 1980 when CNN launched a 24-hour news channel, I couldn’t get enough news. It was exciting to see life as it happened around the world anytime, day or night. Once upon a time, journalists were part of your family. When supper was over, we settled down to watch Walter Cronkite, David Brinkley, Peter Jennings and others who have long departed. We didn’t question their intent or delivery as they reported what had happened during the day while you were at school or at work. If something earth-shattering occurred, your normal broadcast would be interrupted to bring you an important message.
Today, I’m not sure if it is breaking news or faking news. It breaks my heart.
Keep heart, if you can, ConnieLakeyMartin, Editor HEART www.nostalgiapress.com
Editor and publisher of HEART, little literary magazine for prose poetry established by Nostalgia Press in 1986 from the low country of South Carolina. And a well worn legal secretary trying to finish writing a tired novel.
View more posts
2 thoughts on “HEARTPosts”
Connie, I’m the same. I used to turn on the news every morning to catch up on world events, but I avoid it now. Politics is ridiculous. We once had the “loyal opposition”, but now it’s all vitriolic insults and childish name calling. I fear that it’s only going to get worse.
Connie, I’m the same. I used to turn on the news every morning to catch up on world events, but I avoid it now. Politics is ridiculous. We once had the “loyal opposition”, but now it’s all vitriolic insults and childish name calling. I fear that it’s only going to get worse.
Yeah, it’s not worth the drama-keepheart!