Irresponsibility

Today I am a little miffed at the media. Maybe even a lot miffed. I don't really like jumping into controversial arenas but I'm going to do it anyway, because I feel it is the next right thing to do. Rarely have I found the next right thing to be the easier, softer way.

I'm on vacation in Arizona and, from what I've seen, they have only taken steps to preserve their state. They are protecting this part of the United States from all enemies, both foreign and domestic. I think that is what all U.S. citizens are supposed to do. You should see the way illegal immigrants have trashed the route they use to enter the U.S. in this state. It is an incredible tragedy that needs immediate attention. If a U.S. citizen trashed their yard half as bad as the desert here is trashed, the media would make damn sure we were outraged.

However, the media has sorted through the facts of what is happening out here and chosen to show us only the facts that will influence our thinking to be what they want us to think. In doing so, they have been irresponsible.

Arizona has been denigrated, insulted, verbally attacked and boycotted because they made a law making it illegal to not obey the law regarding illegal immigrants. (If you are having trouble understanding that last sentence, talk to your local politician.) And, to a large extent, this was caused by the media showing only part of the story. This tactic is known as manipulation. As a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, I understand manipulation; it was one of my favorite tools to trick people into helping me destroy myself and those who love me. When I got into recovery, I had to grow up and start acting like a decent human being. That meant the selfish exploitation of others had to stop.

Many times the First Amendment of our Constitution has been used by the media to exploit the privacy of someone; spreading gossip and under the cover of our First Amendment. I have been aware of some instances when the media hounded people, often during their darkest hour, just to sell it as 'news'. Sure, they wrap it up in pretty wrapping paper that practically screams out 'Freedom of the press', but often they are essentially guilty of emotional rape. They do this to manipulate our opinions, I think. Telling us that we are too stupid to make decisions and that they will do it for us. How thoughtful. I love the convenience of having someone make up my mind for me, don't you?

Have a good and sober day.