WHAT MOTIVATES MOST PEOPLE?
IS IT NOTORIETY AT ANY COST? PT 1.
As We Continue to see Politicians Doing and Saying Things that seem to Border on Behavior you would expect from a Minor Child, what does this Indicate about Our Country, Our Species, or Our World?
I Think the Best Way to Understand this Phenomena, is to look at the Type of News Programming that Dominates the Airwaves. Why? Because it seems this is Where Most Americans Get Their Information about Government, and The Leaders who Create Law and Policy.
By Turning the Channel Selector, we find Different Options Available to us. While the Title, Station and Hosts may be Different, The Writing, Dialogue and Commentary are Often Interchangeable.
No Longer is the News Person just a Respected Member of the Media, a Seeker of Truth, and the Guardian of Free Speech. While at one Time Journalism was a Position of Trust for all Citizens, in Todays Society it has Often Become the Purveyor of Gossip, Rumor, and Innuendo. Such Types of News Items, Would Have in the Past, Been Rejected as BENEATH THE DIGNITY OF ANY TRUE NEWS PROFESSIONAL.
Not Anymore.
WHAT MOTIVATES MOST PEOPLE?
IS IT NOTORIETY AT ANY COST? PT 2.
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News Programming, in All it's Forms, is not Uniform in Nature. The Level of Safeguards and Precautions set in place to Avoid Incorrect, Invalid, or Irrational News Items can Differ greatly.
These EDITORIAL STANDARDS can Vary Greatly, From Channel to Channel, or Network to Network. Unfortunately, it seems that Most Viewers do not Understand the Degree to Which some News Outlets place on Entertainment Value, at the Price of Veracity, Importance, and Quality. What is Really Tragic, it seems like the Entertainment Emphasized News Shows represent the Majority of the Options currently Available to Those Tuning In. The Result, as I Mentioned in PT 1, are Offerings that seem Interchangeable and Identical in Format and Content.
So what does This Tell Us about Individuals and Groups that seek News and Media Coverage to Promote Themselves, or a Particular Agenda?
WHAT MOTIVATES MOST PEOPLE?
IS IT NOTORIETY AT ANY COST? PT 3.
You really have to wonder what goes on inside the mind
of someone who deliberately sets up Themselves, Family, and
Friends to be the Object of Scorn and Ridicule. Is Fame so
Important, that Attaining it in any Manner is a Worthwhile Life
Choice?
Well, in some cases, it seems so. Why? Because the Foolish,
Vain, Egotistical, Ill- Informed, Selfish, Irrational and Prejudiced are
Often Celebrated and Rewarded in our Society, with Financial Benefits
that encourage others to follow the same path. In Fact, some of Them run
for Political Office, and Win.
This is the State of much of the Programming we see in the Visual Medium,
often Cloaked under the Guide as being News Worthy.
Time and Time again we Hear these "Media Darlings" Spew outright
Garbage into a Microphone, giving Their Opinions on Medicine, Politics,
Social Programs, Science and so on...
Guess What? This may be difficult for some to understand, but Media
Exposure and Availability does NOT MAKE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY
ANY MORE REASONABLE OR INTELLIGENT JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE
GIVES THEM AIR TIME.
However, the Biggest Tragedy is that the Message or Opinion is Allowed to
Stand by the Hosts or Producers, without any Dissension from someone
who Actually knows what Their Talking About.
(NO I AM NOT GOING TO LIST THE NAMES OF "CELEBRITIES,"
THEIR FAMILIES, PEOPLE FAMOUS FOR DUBIOUS OR NONSENSICAL
ACHIEVEMENTS, TALK SHOW DARLINGS etc. If you want to find Them,
I'm not going to help. Research Forces Me to View Samples of this Mindless
Drivel, which is Almost Painful to Watch.)
WHAT REALITY T.V. HAS TAUGHT ME.
- That it is Easy to sound Intelligent
when you have no Opposition to Balance the Garbage you are spreading over the Airways.
- No Matter how Serious and Relevant the Subject Matter may be, which Includes Confronting Social Problems and Injustice, it can still be Lowered into the Cesspool of Ignorance, Stupidity, and Irrationality by Those chosen to Appear and Speak on Screen.
- No Matter how WELL- EDUCATED, CREDENTIALED, OR EXPERIENCED THE HOST IS, THEIR ABILITY TO STOOP TO NEW LOWS IN MINDLESS GOSSIP, BAD INFORMATION, AND EXPLOITING THE WEAK AND MENTALLY FRAGILE CAN STAND WITH ANY SUPER MARKET TABLOID.
- That Many People still get Their Information about Important Subjects like Science and Medicine from Celebrities and Entertainers, who may know no more about the Topic Than your Pet Dog and Cat.
- That Being Well Spoken, Informed, and Tolerant is being Phased Out when considering Guests. Instead we get Vulgar, Uneducated, and Confrontational.
WHAT REALITY T.V. HAS TAUGHT ME.
- That You can be a Truly Reprehensible Human Being, but still find Fans and Viewers willing to Watch You Behave like a Complete Egocentric Reprobate on a Regular Basis. (HOPING OR BELIEVING THAT THIS IS YOUR REAL PERSONALITY.)
- That Many of Those Tuning In to Observe the Usual Antics
of REALITY T.V. STARS, will often go to Great Lengths to Find
Excuses to Explain the Abominable Behavior Seen on the Screen.
This Sometimes Means saying Things Like:
"They're Just Keeping it Real."
"Don't Hate the Player."
and other such "ENLIGHTENING" PIECES OF DRIVEL.
However, it shows me that as much that We as a Species have
Evolved Intellectually and Socially, it is not nearly far enough.
It is Amazing How Some of us Demand Change and Justice for
Victims, Yet Sit and Watch Other Human Beings Degrade and
Debase Themselves and Each Other, and call it Entertainment.
That, in itself, is Troubling Enough. But Then These "REALITY STARS"
are BROUGHT ON AS "GUESTS" ON POPULAR TALK SHOWS, AND
ASKED TO GIVE "ADVICE" TO VIEWERS. I'm Sorry, but LIFE MUST
HAVE TAKEN A WRONG TURN FOR YOU, IF THIS IS WHERE YOU
SEEK "WISDOM."
DON'T LET THESE VICTORIES
GO TO WASTE. PT 1.
The SUPREME COURT RULINGS DURING THIS PAST WEEK ARE EVIDENCE THAT LOGIC, REASON, MORALITY, AND JUSTICE ARE TERMS AND CONCEPTS THAT CAN COME TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH A COMMON GOAL.
THEY ARE NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE. THE DECISIONS TO AFFIRM THE LEGAL STANDING OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, ALONG WITH THE RULING THAT GOVERNMENT CANNOT DENY SAME-SEX COUPLES THE RIGHT TO LEGALLY MARRY, ARE PROOF OF THIS.
Of Course, Some of those who Opposed Such JUDICIAL DECISIONS ARE CRYING FOUL, AND WILL DO ANYTHING IN THEIR POWER TO OPPOSE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE DECISIONS INTO THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND PUBLIC POLICY.
HOWEVER, THEIR ARGUMENTS AND TACTICS HAVE NOT CHANGED. EQUALITY, RIGHTS AND JUSTICE ARE TERMS MANY DELIBERATELY USE INCORRECTLY, TO SUPPORT AN IRRATIONAL POINT OF VIEW THAT DOES NOT STAND UP TO SCRUTINY.
BUT THEY ARE NOT THE REAL DANGER. THE SELF- CENTERED INDIVIDUAL WHO CARES NOTHING FOR OTHERS, ALONG WITH THE RELIGIOUS ZEALOT WHO BELIEVES GOD IS THEIR PERSONAL PIPELINE, ARE WITH US NOW AS IN THE PAST. THEY CAN BE DEFEATED, AND WILL BECOME LESS AND LESS OF A FACTOR, AS LONG AS THOSE WHO ARE CELEBRATING TODAYS VICTORIES REMEMBER THE ETHICAL JUDGMENTS, AND MORAL ABSOLUTES THEY SUPPORTED TO ACHIEVE THESE GOALS.
DON'T LET THESE VICTORIES
GO TO WASTE. PT 2.
So what Moral Absolutes am I Talking about? I have Discussed These in Earlier Posts, and on other Pages, but it is Important to Remember Them.
- Creating a National Health Care Plan that Benefits all Americans, by Making Medical Insurance Affordable and Accessible, is a MORAL DECISION THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BELIEVES IS A DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITY IT HAS TO THE CITIZENS OF THE U.S. To Some it will be an Immediate Benefit, to Others a Safety Net Against Loss of Employment and a Reduction in Financial Status. Many Americans may Never Need to Use it, but it REMAINS A SAFEGUARD TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELL- BEING OF ALL.
SO WHY IS IT A MORAL ABSOLUTE? THE "GOOD" THAT COMES FROM SUCH A LAW TRANSCENDS THE ECONOMIC POSITIVES OR NEGATIVES THAT MAY ISSUE FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS PLAN. IT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE AN ETHICAL QUESTION THAT SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE WHIMS OF THE MAJORITY, WHICH WOULD MAKE IT IMPRACTICAL TO ADMINISTER IN THE LONG RUN.
There are PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS THAT CAN LEAD TO ECONOMIC BENEFITS FOR THE NATIONAL ECONOMY, THAT WILL BE A PRODUCT OF THIS NEW LAW. However, that is AN ANALYSIS THAT CANNOT BE DONE AT THE INITIAL STAGES OF IMPLEMENTING THE SYSTEM.
FOR NOW, IT IS SIMPLY THE "RIGHT" THING TO DO.
I will DISCUSS THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE LEGALIZATION OF SAME- SEX MARRIAGE IN THE NEXT POST.
Date- 7/10/2015.
Scroll down for future posts.
DON'T LET THESE VICTORIES
GO TO WASTE. PT 3.
Let us Sit Back, and Think Carefully. What does the LEGALIZATION OF SAME- SEX MARRIAGE IN THE U.S. REALLY MEAN?
What Does it Create?- COUPLES OF THE SAME GENDER CAN NOW ENTER INTO A LEGALLY RECOGNIZED MARRIAGE, WHICH IS, AT ITS HEART, A CIVIL CONTRACT.
THEY NOW HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS, AND THE SAME RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF HETERO- SEXUAL COUPLES.
THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS DECISION THAT CREATES FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES A DIFFERENT OR ALTERNATE SET OF RULES IN THE EYES OF THE LAW, THAT WERE CREATED BECAUSE OF THE DECISION.
- A LEGAL SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS SUBJECT TO THE SAME CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES, FOR VIOLATING CERTAIN PARTS OF THE LAW, (I.E.,
MINIMUM LEGAL AGE TO BE MARRIED, INCEST, POLYGAMY, CONSENT, MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS etc.), THAT HETERO- SEXUAL COUPLES ARE SUBJECT TO.
SO WHAT'S THE PROBLEM, WHERE DOES THE CONTROVERSY LIE?
Date- 7/16/2015.
Scroll down for future posts.
DON'T LET THESE VICTORIES
GO TO WASTE. PT 4.
Unfortunately, the Controversy
can be found in the Usual Place, WHEN WE DISCUSS ENFORCING OR LEGISLATING RELIGIOUS FAITH INTO LAW:
IT IS THE SELF-CENTERED JUDGMENT THAT FAITH ALONE SHOULD DECIDE THE MORAL AND ETHICAL GUIDELINES THAT ARE TO MAKE UP AN ESTABLISHED CODE OF LAW, BINDING ON ALL.
FREEDOM OF RELIGION, as it is defined within the CONCEPT of INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS, Means:
ALLOWING THE MANNER OF WORSHIP, PERFORMANCE OF RITUALS, AND THE PUBLIC EXPRESSION OF A BELIEF SYSTEM TO BE FREE OF GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE AND POSSIBLE SANCTIONS...
...UNLESS SUCH BEHAVIOR VIOLATES A SEPARATE CODE OF CONDUCT,
ESTABLISHED TO PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN THE REPUBLIC ITSELF, ALONG WITH THE SAFETY, FREEDOM, AND WELL- BEING OF ITS CITIZENS.
WHY?
A CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC CREATES TWO SETS OF LAWS WHICH SEPARATE THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES OF PROPER AND ACCEPTABLE MORAL BEHAVIOR...
SEE NEXT POST.
Date- 7/22/2015.
Scroll down for future posts.
DON'T LET THESE VICTORIES
GO TO WASTE. PT 5.
CATEGORY #1- Laws that place Guidelines on Behaviors and Judgments that Could Undermine the Peace, Safety and Liberty of the Government and its Citizens.
CATEGORY #2- Laws that Protect Individual Beliefs and Behaviors that do not
Endanger the Stability of the State, or Infringe upon the Civil Liberties of other Individuals.
What Many Americans Forget, or Don't Realize, THAT A RIGHT IS NOT A GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CARD, ALLOWING ANY CITIZEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE THE BILL OF RIGHTS TO EXCUSE OR JUSTIFY ANY BEHAVIOR OR JUDGMENT AGAINST ANOTHER.
For Example;
FREEDOM OF RELIGION- Does not Include:
- Child Abuse.
- Polygamy.
- Forced Observation of Certain Holidays.
- Enforcing Moral Attitudes on Everyone Else.
,,,AMONG OTHER THINGS.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH- Does not Include:
- Insulting Your Employer, without any possible
Repercussions.
- Disturbing the Peace.
- Slander.
- Perjury.
...AMONG OTHER THINGS.
... AND SO ON.
SO MANY AMERICANS SEEM TO IDENTIFY WITH THE FOLLOWING...
A CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC IS A POLITICAL SYSTEM SET UP TO
PREVENT GOVERNMENT INTRUSION INTO CERTAIN ASPECTS OF AN INDIVIDUALS LIFE.
YET, THEY FORGET...
IT IS ALSO SET UP TO PREVENT CITIZENS FROM INTRUDING INTO CERTAIN ASPECTS OF OTHER INDIVIDUALS LIVES.
THE U.S. CONSTITUTION PROTECTS AMERICANS FROM UNDUE AND UNNECESSARY INTRUSION INTO THEIR LIVES BY GOVERNMENT, AND BY OTHER CITIZENS.
Date- 7/29/2015.
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