Putting the Old Gray Mare (er. Lady) Out to Pasture
Former AIG Chairman and billionaire Hank Greenberg is attempting to wrest control of the New York Times from the Sulzberger family via a hostile buyout.
I have argued for some time that the Conservative Movement will not succeed unless we take steps to break the stranglehold the Left has on the dissemination of information-particularly the mainstream media. Our blogging and talk radio are fine, but they simply don`t have the impact on the views of the general public that the Dinosaur media still enjoys; they may be dinosaurs, but we are cavemen trying to beat a T-Rex with clubs. This last election was a testament to this power our political enemies still wield; America would never have put the cut-and-run party in power if they hadn`t been told daily that Iraq is a total disaster (despite evidence to the contrary) and there is no War. That the press was able to lie so boldfacedly to the public, and convince enough people that this Big Lie was true-illustrates that our ``new media`` is still far too weak to win this battle for the sould of America. Global Warming is another example; many Americans believe this is established fact rather than a nebulous theory without solid scientific evidence. Why? Because the media has been beating this tom-tom for twenty five some odd years. We simply MUST break this chokehold! Until both sides of the issue are presented in a fair and open manner the Left will continue to dominate.
That`s why I`m not sure what to think about this situation with the Times; Greenberg was a heavy donor to Bush Sr. and Bush Jr., and he donates to the Heritage Foundation, but he seems to be a man of business first, and I`m not at all sure he will push for the changes needed to turn the Gray Lady`s hair back to blond. Still, any change is a step in the right direction, and financial pressure on the Times may force publishing changes.
This should show us the way to progress; we can buy up enough shares in our enemies to force them to honesty. We`ve got to learn this lesson, and understand the importance of this, or we will never succeed in our mission.
I have argued for some time that the Conservative Movement will not succeed unless we take steps to break the stranglehold the Left has on the dissemination of information-particularly the mainstream media. Our blogging and talk radio are fine, but they simply don`t have the impact on the views of the general public that the Dinosaur media still enjoys; they may be dinosaurs, but we are cavemen trying to beat a T-Rex with clubs. This last election was a testament to this power our political enemies still wield; America would never have put the cut-and-run party in power if they hadn`t been told daily that Iraq is a total disaster (despite evidence to the contrary) and there is no War. That the press was able to lie so boldfacedly to the public, and convince enough people that this Big Lie was true-illustrates that our ``new media`` is still far too weak to win this battle for the sould of America. Global Warming is another example; many Americans believe this is established fact rather than a nebulous theory without solid scientific evidence. Why? Because the media has been beating this tom-tom for twenty five some odd years. We simply MUST break this chokehold! Until both sides of the issue are presented in a fair and open manner the Left will continue to dominate.
That`s why I`m not sure what to think about this situation with the Times; Greenberg was a heavy donor to Bush Sr. and Bush Jr., and he donates to the Heritage Foundation, but he seems to be a man of business first, and I`m not at all sure he will push for the changes needed to turn the Gray Lady`s hair back to blond. Still, any change is a step in the right direction, and financial pressure on the Times may force publishing changes.
This should show us the way to progress; we can buy up enough shares in our enemies to force them to honesty. We`ve got to learn this lesson, and understand the importance of this, or we will never succeed in our mission.
posted by Timothy Birdnow | 6:03 AM
3 Comments:
Buying media space won't win back those, like me, who do not have faith in either party. I use to believe that at least Republicans stood for a few things I agree with such as ethics in government, fiscal conservatism, and policies that help create a level playing field.
The last few years has proven that Republicans are better than Democrats... at least in spending our money, doling out favors, expanding the scope of government, creating disharmony,... I'm sure you get the picture.
Utilizing the Old Grey Lady as a mouthpiece in a region that is already politically deaf will not solve any of our nation's ills and negative trends.
Hi anonymous!
I agree with your complaints about the Republicans and chorus a hearty ``amen``. I don`t want a Republican mouthpiece; I want conservatives to take over some of these traditionally left-wing media outlets and at least force them to be fair.
The problem with the Republicans stems largely from fear of the media; these guys got into power and were so afraid of losing it that they kowtowed to the media emopire. The MSM largely sets the agenda in this country. They decide what to discuss, how it will be discussed, and who won`t be allowed a forum. As a result, the American People receive a very biased, managed news which sways their opinions in favor of a more liberal bent. The ``culture of corruption`` mantra was a classic example of this; did we hear anything about ethics problems with John Murtha, Harry Reid, Alcee Hastings, Ted Kennedy, et. al.? We heard about Tom Delay`s political indictment, about the non-story of Mark Foley, etc. Coverage of the War has been even worse, and now we`re treated to this shameful business about calling it a Civil War to further undermine efforts to protect this Nation. How about the incessant leaking of classified information? How about the ``domestic surveillance`` business? It was really surveillance of AL QUADA telephone numbers, but what`s the truth matter to the Gray Harlot? A fairer press would have given the Conservatives huge leverage over the Republican Party. Since it was obvious to members of said Party that conservatives were far weaker than the Media, the linquini spined Republicans sloughed off their base to curry favor with the Democrats` Media Wing.
Anonymous, you`ll never have change as long as liberalism is the Pravda (official truth); this transcends Party issues-it`s a far deeper matter. Liberals have always understood the importance of control of the dissemination of information, and they have wormed their way into the American mind via public schooling, higher education, the media and news outlets, movies, television, and control of publishing. Conservatives have never grasped how powerful this domination is, and the importance of breaking this stranglehold. Would gay marriage be an issue without the might of this coalition?
Continuing to disregard liberal control of the media is a recipe for the status quo at least.
Thanks for a good comment!
Yes Tim the media often sets the agenda but the dedication and commitment of writers, like yourself, will, if not already, change the balance. As the numbers demonstrate, traditional media has lost millions, in readership and in market capitalization.
Setting the agenda though does not guarantee us better government... I wish it was that easy. Maybe it can change the debate for awhile and provide support for those who are otherwise afraid to speak out. Solutions should start with drastic changes in public education (ie. schools). As proven, Republicans have failed miserably and few people trust the MSM anyway.
Look at the bright side. Perhaps giving more power to liberals at least assures us of facing our inherent and growing problems sooner rather than later. Our children will be worse off, but wiser, and eventually may apprceiate the lessons of history.
Perhaps then our grandchildren (or their children?) will be able to enjoy the fruits and rewards of free markets, fair play, and accountability.
Yes Tim I see little hope in correcting these problems whether our leadership is mainly Republicans or Democrats, in office or in the editorial board room.
I hope I'm wrong and you're right!
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