Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Nothing to Fear. . .

Pick up a newspaper or visit a mainstream news website. What do you see? Maybe a story about how a lost dog traveled 800 miles to find its owners. Or perhaps a government warning that sitting at your desk too long can increase your risk of stroke. After that, you may find an item about an international election or a bill in Congress. Serious news.

The warnings are especially bothersome. Too much wine causes liver problems, among other things. But scientists contend a little is good for the heart. When I hear stories like that, I'm glad I don't drink at all.

Then there's tainted food. and vulnerability of the water supply. And terrorists. There are always terrorists.

Today we were told that six men planned to attack a military installation. Not only that, they made incriminating videos and sent them out to be turned into DVDs. I'm sorry. I really don't think they would be that stupid. Six guys against the U.S. military? It sounds like a ten-year olds fantasy. (There is no one in the world as strong as a ten year old boy. Just ask him.) But these were grown men. The storuy doesn't ring true.

It does serve the purpose, though, of keeping up the fear level high. Isn't that the main purpose of the news.

2 comments:

Christina said...

I sort of thought the purpose of the news was to sensationalize :)

Sakina

Jamilah Kolocotronis said...

I would lol, but that's too true.