Light/Breezes

Light/Breezes
SUNRISE AT DEATH VALLEY-Photo by Tom Cochrun

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

A Stake in the heart of Trump's America?

    Ever have a time when innocence and wonder seem more desirable than our dramas?
     the story of the old goats
high on caffeine 
     What these times have done to us-as told by some old old goats who drink coffee!
      For a decade they've gathered on the deck of a unique coffee shop and have seen a few of their number pass on or move away but they persist in an earnest endeavor to solve world problems. What have they achieved? They amuse or annoy tourists and regulars though sometimes visitors just can't help but jump in.
      In the last couple of years I've wondered if proprietors Michelle and Mike have added a blend of zeal and volume to their brew-because the conversations have amped up. It might also be the idiot stooge in the oval office. Frequent readers know my disposition, but there are other points of view and our coffee dialectic exercises and exorcises them every Monday and Friday.
     The core of this hardcore "cafe democracy" debating society is a former navy flyer and scion of a California family of wealth and cabinet level influence who is a lovable and loquacious pot stirrer. There is a former history teacher, football coach and athletic director of midwestern origin. He roots us in the narrative of historic fact. There is an inventor, patent holder, self made man of dignity and style who fled a Soviet take over of his eastern European home. He came to the US as a young lad with the shirt on his back, no English but a brilliant mind and the willingness to work and serve his new nation. He earned success. There is an entrepreneur, music industry veteran, raconteur with a passion for life and a  sense of humor. Recently moved away but occasionally returning for the verbal jousting is an author and retired editor of the Wall Street Journal. There is the beautiful tennis queen and artist who while she mostly listens, moderates our volume. And there is your's truly. 
      There are a couple of others who saunter in or out, but they are more like observers, except our Semper Fi, Sicilian pal by way of Brooklyn who's primary objective is to tout the Mets and poke Dodger fans in the eye. There is also the concert violinist, gourmet and gourmand with the rapier wit of Jackie Mason on steroids.
       While there have been jokes that we need to put these dialectics on Youtube, I'm sure the scene is played out across the country by people of a particular generation with a capacity to yack.
      So it breaks down that despite no one needs to reveal whom they voted for, there is a clear divide over this regime. A very spirited divide! Some of us think trump is not only unfit and unqualified but have come to suspect he may also be the face of evil.
      Some who announced they voted for his orangeness, believe he is being misunderstood, treated unfairly, but is doing a good job especially of shaking up Washington. They think the Mueller investigation is ill begotten and simply politics by the old guard trying to get rid of trump. They were Hilary haters though one voted for Obama. So, there you have the genesis of what can be two hour performances that surely compete with any high octane French cafe dialogue.
     We probably resemble most of America, our minds are made up, though we try to challenge each other with facts, history and truth-the kind that is real and the kind of "truth" that is tweeted by king liar or oozed by a Kelly Ann. 
      Hopefully we are still listening and willing to learn. While we argue across a divide, like the 60-40 split in America, we always reaffirm our fondness and friendship. That is important. I'm not so sure those last two elements are reflected in the larger debate beyond the bounds of our open air dialectic. The old goats and the tennis queen are divided, but we remain civil. Wish it were such for congress and the US electorate.


a threat to the democracy
      In a  word, Sinclair Broadcasting. They were a laughable, cheapskate and slimy operator of local stations back when I reported or worked as a news executive. But they've continued to buy stations and are now the largest local ownership group with some 190 stations that they hope to fashion into a network to "out fox, Fox news"-translated that is to go even further right and be more biased. 
     Outdoing the sinister designs of the late sexual predator and bloviator Roger Ailes is one sick idea. By now you've heard how "Commissar Sinclair" is forcing local news operations to carry propaganda and pro trump bilge. They made a lot of news by forcing local anchors to "sincerely" deliver a propaganda tome that even Pravda would be proud of. 
     It is stupid, makes a journalist's blood boil, violates good conscience and is truly dangerous. You can see how ludicrous and un American it is, by watching this less than two minute piece, that is a warning to America--"a threat to the democracy..."


      It's enough to make you want to scream---or go play like a kid and a cat.





       Here's to sweeter and simpler times, with plenty of room to play, and maybe just yell! But in a friendly way!

       See you down the trail.


      

15 comments:

  1. One of the sad things about the Sinclair initiative is that KTLA 5 in LA is now a Sinclair station. Klaus Lansberg founded KTLA in the late 1940s, and it was one of the first TV stations in the country to do remote news broadcasts. KTLA was, for a long time, a very revered station. Lansberg also launched the career of Stan Freeberg by casting him as Cecil the Seasick Sea Serpent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the history note. Sad, indeed.
      Glad you mentioned Freeborn, he was a genius.

      Delete
  2. Everybody at WIBC hated the "Fairbanks Editorials" they were against cancer.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice to see that at least Hemingway and that young 'un can see eye to eye.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Can we pause and imagine Walter Chronkite's, or Ed Murrow's to this latest travesty of journalism? Unimaginable in those few years since they were trusted with bringing us the fact.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sad to think how far the craft has fallen since those lions did their work. Of course they were free to pursue information first. Today the industry seeks ratings first and there you begin the decline.

      Delete
  5. I was aware, I realize only vaguely aware, of this propaganda until it was composed and synchronized into a choral reading. You have done me a great service here in showing me what I'm up against. Thanks Tom. Don't let up, not for a moment. I'm not an imbecile, but I need news like this. To see the sheer scope of this indoctrination is terrifying. Don't let up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ps: as I sent this comment, my internet connection suddenly failed. Corrected by restarting router and completed comment, but do check to see if your blog is being compromised by Sinclair --wouldn't put it past them.

      Delete
    2. Geo, I deeply appreciate what you say and the encouragement you offer.

      Delete
  6. It always amazes me that after a naitonal discussion, 24/7, about whoever the President happens to be, his approval rating will go up or down 7 points.

    Seriously? After all that discussion and those hardened opinions, THAT MANY people change their minds about the President on a routine basis? Who are these people?

    It's fine, though. If we can talk about even the worst of what this Administration has to offer without thinking the worst about those with wehom we disagree, there's still hope for us!

    ReplyDelete
  7. And on a much needed brighter note....I just saw pics of Henry-- SOOO happy for all of you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jill. It is amazing to have two wonderful grands and their great mothers-makes me proud.

      Delete