Show Me Don’t Tell Me
November 15, 2016
| How many times do you hear it? |
| It goes on all day long |
| Everyone knows everything |
| And no one’s ever wrong |
| Until later |
| - Show Don’t Tell, RUSH, Lyrics by Neil Peart |
| . |
As we reflect on this week’s momentous result, and the months of reporting and polling that preceded it, we aim to rededicate ourselves to the fundamental mission of Times journalism. That is to report America and the world honestly, without fear or favor, striving always to understand and reflect all political perspectives and life experiences in the stories that we bring to you.Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr., Publisher
Dean Baquet, Executive Editor
My reaction?
| SHOW ME DON’T TELL ME |
| You’ve figured out the score |
| SHOW ME DON’T TELL ME |
| I’ve heard it all before |
| SHOW ME DON’T TELL ME |
| I don’t care what you say |
| SHOW ME DON’T TELL ME |
| . |
If the publisher and editor of the Times are sincere, they need not wait for some future event to demonstrate this. I offer the following list of stories, all of which have been less-than-fairly covered by the mainstream media.
I will begin about 15 years ago. I could go back much further, but there was a particular event that offered a particular inflection point that greatly changed the intensity by which events have unfolded since – one could easily argue that it was this list of events that led directly to the supposedly shocking results of last week’s election.
September 11, 2001
This date needs no further explanation. There is much evidence available that makes clear that the official story is not a credible story. What happened? Who was involved? Why?
Global Warming / Climate Change
The “inconvenient truth” is that the science has been so bastardized that no one can conclude anything on this topic other than if scientists have reason to lie, we have reason to not believe them.
Invasion of Afghanistan and Ongoing Occupation
Even if the original story was true, why such a major operation to capture a handful of criminals? Why remain after the supposed mastermind was supposedly captured and shot? Speaking of…
Osama bin Laden
What’s up with this guy? He was working for the US, then against the US. He was reported dead several times. He had an incurable and deadly disease, yet somehow survived in a cave or compound for a decade or more. And his death? Really, they dumped his body in the ocean in respect of Muslim tradition?
Invasion of Iraq and Ongoing Occupation
What’s the deal? It is painfully obvious to everyone that this invasion was based on lies. So why not take to task the liars-in-chief that brought this catastrophe to Iraq and the region?
2008 Financial Collapse
What caused it (hint, it wasn’t greed – at least not how this term is normally considered)? Why TARP? Why did the Fed increase its balance sheet fivefold? Why bail out AIG, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, etc.? Why have billions been paid in bonuses to the same people who brought on this disaster in the first place? Why has no one been prosecuted for fraudulent and criminal activity?
Continued Wars of Choice
Libya (and don’t forget Benghazi), Syria, and Ukraine all come to mind.
Forcing Confrontation with Russia and China
It doesn’t take a rocket science to read a map. At some point, one of these two is going to say enough. At that point, it will be too late for the editor and publisher of the Times to decide that maybe honest reporting is called for. They won’t survive to write it, and we won’t survive to read it.
Refugee Crisis
The United States Government played a direct role in turning the lives of millions of people into hell. Who will take the individuals responsible to the task?
American “Allies”
Israel, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia all play for purposes contrary to the stated purposes of the US Government. Either the US Government is lying about its purpose, or these are not allies.
Treatment of Palestinians
There is a story of the violent birth of Israel that has not ended even until today.
—————————————
Mr. Sulzberger Jr. and Mr. Baquet,
Some of these topics will provide several months’ worth of daily investigating reports; all will provide opportunities for at least one week or more of daily reports. The Times would see its readership reach highs not seen since before the invention of the internet.
The narrative that you have so faithfully supported for several decades, at the cost of reporting “honestly,” is coming apart. Although some saw this with the events of September 11, the first overt sign was delivered with the financial crisis of 2008 and the government’s reaction to this – ongoing even today. You missed a big sign with Ron Paul’s candidacy in 2008 and 2012. The most recent sign – prior to last Tuesday – was delivered with the Brexit vote.
You need not wait for the next opportunity “to report America and the world honestly, without fear or favor…” You can begin today, by working your way right down this list.
Conclusion
| You can twist perceptions |
| Reality won’t budge |
| You can raise objections |
| I will be the judge |
| And the jury |
| . |
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