I made much the same point last week, calling this media habit a practice of "moral relativism". See the details in my prior post.
~~~
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Did Krugman see my last post?
Here is Paul Krugman's latest article from New York Times on Friday. He makes the case that great damage is done by the media for always airing both sides of an argument but never making it clear when one side bears more culpability for the chaos in Washington.
I made much the same point last week, calling this media habit a practice of "moral relativism". See the details in my prior post.
I made much the same point last week, calling this media habit a practice of "moral relativism". See the details in my prior post.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Ahem . . . on deficit reduction, are you part of the problem?
~
So, just like in Dec 2010, with the Bush Tax cuts and unemployment benefits, we have another national political "hostage" situation. This time, it's the Debt Ceiling, and the USA's debt rating and economy are on the line against the Republican position of "no new taxes". Never mind that President Obama has offered a 3 to 1 plan, of spending cuts to tax revenues, to address what the Republicans ran on - Deficit Reduction. But the Republicans can't say "yes". Are they crazy? Good question.
The thing about Republicans is that they turn against any of their own ideas as soon as they are adopted by President Obama and the Democrats. Not only that, but neither the media nor the public hold them to account for this. Instead the mainstream media, in their commitment to presenting both sides of the story, foster a complacent approach of moral equivalence.
Let's look at this briefly in another setting -- one that is important to most concerned Jews. Supporters of Israel like to point out that fair-minded people should not fall into the trap of "moral equivalence" - where Palestinian Terrorist acts are given the same moral standing as the actions that Israel takes when exercising its right to self defense. The media and Israel's enemies are rightfully blamed for propagating this moral equivalence.
In the context of US politics, equating right wing actions as simple mirrors of actions on the left is similar in this regard. On the one side are mountains of bad faith activity, and on the other, a bunch of mole hills. But superficially, both sides do it. When the media reports an issue, both sides of an argument are presented, leaving the impression that all issues are 50/50, but they are not. Fox news is not simply the right wing version of MSNBC, and Republicans, who play for winning at all costs, with the stakes set at "all or nothing", constantly outplay the ninny Democrats, who get tied up in nuances and are always willing to compromise.
The habit of saying "No" is not about principle. If it was, everyone would acknowledge that the Republicans are unable to say "yes", even to things they initially believed in themselves. It's simple hypocrisy.
Let's be specific now, on 2 counts in regard to health-care reform. The "individual mandate", meaning that everyone has to buy health insurance, and which the Republicans now oppose, was originally proposed in the 90's by the Heritage Foundation. It was a counterpoint to the Clinton's proposal of universal managed care. Mitt Romney, to his credit, went on to enact this concept in Massachusetts. But as soon as it became a Democratic "idea" for health-care reform proposed by President Obama and the Democrats, nope, the Republicans were automatically against it. Simply changed their minds!
Same thing with deficit reduction. The recent offer, of 3 to 1 - budget cuts to increased revenues, was more than reasonable, except to the Republicans.
Oh yes, I forgot, everybody does this, no?
Anyway, here is Paul Krugman's take on the issue of Republican Sanity. Look it over . . .
and make your own diagnosis!
~
So, just like in Dec 2010, with the Bush Tax cuts and unemployment benefits, we have another national political "hostage" situation. This time, it's the Debt Ceiling, and the USA's debt rating and economy are on the line against the Republican position of "no new taxes". Never mind that President Obama has offered a 3 to 1 plan, of spending cuts to tax revenues, to address what the Republicans ran on - Deficit Reduction. But the Republicans can't say "yes". Are they crazy? Good question.
The thing about Republicans is that they turn against any of their own ideas as soon as they are adopted by President Obama and the Democrats. Not only that, but neither the media nor the public hold them to account for this. Instead the mainstream media, in their commitment to presenting both sides of the story, foster a complacent approach of moral equivalence.
Let's look at this briefly in another setting -- one that is important to most concerned Jews. Supporters of Israel like to point out that fair-minded people should not fall into the trap of "moral equivalence" - where Palestinian Terrorist acts are given the same moral standing as the actions that Israel takes when exercising its right to self defense. The media and Israel's enemies are rightfully blamed for propagating this moral equivalence.
In the context of US politics, equating right wing actions as simple mirrors of actions on the left is similar in this regard. On the one side are mountains of bad faith activity, and on the other, a bunch of mole hills. But superficially, both sides do it. When the media reports an issue, both sides of an argument are presented, leaving the impression that all issues are 50/50, but they are not. Fox news is not simply the right wing version of MSNBC, and Republicans, who play for winning at all costs, with the stakes set at "all or nothing", constantly outplay the ninny Democrats, who get tied up in nuances and are always willing to compromise.
The habit of saying "No" is not about principle. If it was, everyone would acknowledge that the Republicans are unable to say "yes", even to things they initially believed in themselves. It's simple hypocrisy.
Let's be specific now, on 2 counts in regard to health-care reform. The "individual mandate", meaning that everyone has to buy health insurance, and which the Republicans now oppose, was originally proposed in the 90's by the Heritage Foundation. It was a counterpoint to the Clinton's proposal of universal managed care. Mitt Romney, to his credit, went on to enact this concept in Massachusetts. But as soon as it became a Democratic "idea" for health-care reform proposed by President Obama and the Democrats, nope, the Republicans were automatically against it. Simply changed their minds!
Same thing with deficit reduction. The recent offer, of 3 to 1 - budget cuts to increased revenues, was more than reasonable, except to the Republicans.
Oh yes, I forgot, everybody does this, no?
Anyway, here is Paul Krugman's take on the issue of Republican Sanity. Look it over . . .
and make your own diagnosis!
~
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Coffee House at JCC
Sunday
July 24th
7:00—9:00 PM
Coffee House
To benefit the Journey to Wellness Fund of Charleston Jewish Social Services
Jewish Community Center
1645 Wallenberg Blvd
Did you know?
Globally, Psychological Disorders rank second only to cardiovascular disease?
Armed with this knowledge, a fund has been created at Charleston Jewish Social Services to support families who are unable to provide the necessary treatment for their children diagnosed and struggling with psychological and/or psychiatric disorders.
Treatment is very costly and in most cases insurance only covers a small portion of the expenses. The Journey to Wellness Fund will be available to help families manage, or offset such costs. To donate, please make checks payable to Charleston Jewish Social Services, and remember to include, “Journey to Wellness Fund,” in the memo line. Thank you in advance for your support!
For more information, please contact Irene Gilbert, iGilbert@comcast.net
Please join us for an evening filled with exceptional local talent featuring
Gilah Fish, named the winner of the 2010 Low Country Talent Competition
As well as adult & youth singers, actors including members of the Charleston Stage Performance Troupe
ADMISSION - $10 - Adult,
$5 - Child ages 3-12
Includes 1 beverage per person
Desserts and additional beverages available for purchase
The evening will end with an “open mic” segment
All proceeds benefit the Journey to Wellness Fund
This evening is presented by the Rosenberg Family & friends.
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