There is a never ending dog and pony show going on at fever pitch on what is for sale. The problem is that the pitching machine continuously fires curves, change ups and even spitballs. Classic bait and switch strategy determines what is sold as the blue light special shuttles quickly back and forth from aisle to aisle. Spinning news, facts and appearances to make them more palatable to the public is the job of the pundit, political consultant, press secretary or marketing department. Sometimes, delusion and deceit are the goal. Is it possible to discern what is really going on and why? What really are they selling now? Technical experts provide opinion and conjecture about ‘Who’s on first?’ Missing are Abbott and Costello… Missing also is the humor.
There is the narrative. At the same time there is the reality of the situation. The press has the responsibility to make the public aware of this changing landscape. Mostly that works. However, when the press has an agenda other than delivering the news, a free for all usually ensues. Most destructive to the process is name calling and animosity between those covered and those providing coverage.
The root of the problem appears as much a perceived motive as the motive itself. Deflection of questions is more frequent when people perceive intentions that do not meld with the image or message they want to promulgate and project. Those that permit motive or perceived motive to interfere are despicable. Focus is key to looking beyond slights or attack. Failure to keep their eyes on the prize results in a chaos of cacophony.
At much to blame for the animosity is the press that seems to refuse considering that they are part of this embarrassment. Possibly it is a question of simply asking the right question. The right question must also be asked of the correct person. That person in turn must be motivated or compelled to provide the right answer. Persistent analysis and examination of what is the result of immensely insultingly interactions is going nowhere. Conscientious reviews and critiques by journeyman press experts fail to address the real issue of the degrading relationship.
Are we asking the right questions of the right people? The dodge and redirect is not working for the Trump administration in response to tough questions. Conversely, asking leading, accusatory questions is also not working well for the press. The press needs better research before going off on wild goose chases. Surely, they will make some contact flailing around blindfolded in the dark. Will truth be one of them?
“I don’t know’s on third… Oh, I don’t give a darn. No, that’s our shortstop.”
SR+ An IngeniousVortex 