FYI, I will be traveling to Israel, England, France, and Germany for the next six weeks.
So the blog will be temporarily down until I get back.
Keep an eye on the media for me while I'm gone!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Blog closed for international travel
Hi all
FYI, I will be traveling to Israel, England, France, and Germany for the next six weeks.
So the blog will be temporarily down until I get back.
Keep an eye on the media for me while I'm gone!
FYI, I will be traveling to Israel, England, France, and Germany for the next six weeks.
So the blog will be temporarily down until I get back.
Keep an eye on the media for me while I'm gone!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
The definition of NEGLIGENCE?
This is a question, related to the story from the previous day of various deaths at a local hotel in my hometown.
Read the end of this story and see if you think it meets the definition of negligence.
Wow.
http://www2.wataugademocrat.com/News/story/Updated-CO-blamed-in-hotel-deaths-id-011714
Read the end of this story and see if you think it meets the definition of negligence.
Wow.
http://www2.wataugademocrat.com/News/story/Updated-CO-blamed-in-hotel-deaths-id-011714
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
What is murder?
A horrible "tragedy" happened in Boone recently. Or was it really just murder?
First, an elderly couple was found dead in a hotel room in Boone.
Then, less than two months later, a young child was found dead and his mother rushed to the hospital. In the same room.
Turns out, as was widely expected by virtually everyone in the community here once they heard the news, the deaths were caused by exposure to carbon monoxide. Apparently, the heater from the pool (located directly below the room) was vented directly into the room. And the hotel was warned by the local health department to correct the problem immediately once it was discovered--BEFORE the death of the boy and near death of his mother.
Yet, either the hotel did not fix the problem or tried but did not successfully correct it (eventually we'll know). And if it is the latter, the hotel rented the room again without first making sure it was safe. And they did it before they received the results from toxicology tests on the first two deaths, which came in only a day or two after the death of the little boy!
So, whether it was negligence (i.e., failing to fix the problem) or recklessness (i.e., exposing innocent people to hazardous conditions), some hotel employee is guilty of murder. So, that should be the headling.
Ironically, on one local news site, there is a headline about murder in a hotel, but one that occurred in Hickory:
http://www.goblueridge.net/news/20278-murder-charge-filed-in-hickory-motel-death
As for the "tragedy" that occurred at the Boone hotel, it is of course too early for the media to report on murder charges (since there are none). Yet, its description of the incident as a tragedy as opposed to a culpable killing is irresponsible because it reinforces misconceptions about what murder is (and isn't).
Think of it this way: One man kills one person at a hotel in Hickory, and it's "murder." A for-profit company kills three people over two months, and almost kills another. And that is a "tragedy." If the hotel were a person, it would be a serial killer.
So why don't we call them what they are?
Boone, North Carolina (CNN) -- For a time, it had the makings of a mountain mystery. Three deaths -- first an elderly couple then, weeks later, an 11-year-old boy -- in the same hotel room with the same immediate response from authorities: cause of death undetermined.
The mysterious deaths in Room 225
Police: Boy likely died of asphyxia
First, an elderly couple was found dead in a hotel room in Boone.
Then, less than two months later, a young child was found dead and his mother rushed to the hospital. In the same room.
Turns out, as was widely expected by virtually everyone in the community here once they heard the news, the deaths were caused by exposure to carbon monoxide. Apparently, the heater from the pool (located directly below the room) was vented directly into the room. And the hotel was warned by the local health department to correct the problem immediately once it was discovered--BEFORE the death of the boy and near death of his mother.
Yet, either the hotel did not fix the problem or tried but did not successfully correct it (eventually we'll know). And if it is the latter, the hotel rented the room again without first making sure it was safe. And they did it before they received the results from toxicology tests on the first two deaths, which came in only a day or two after the death of the little boy!
So, whether it was negligence (i.e., failing to fix the problem) or recklessness (i.e., exposing innocent people to hazardous conditions), some hotel employee is guilty of murder. So, that should be the headling.
Ironically, on one local news site, there is a headline about murder in a hotel, but one that occurred in Hickory:
http://www.goblueridge.net/news/20278-murder-charge-filed-in-hickory-motel-death
As for the "tragedy" that occurred at the Boone hotel, it is of course too early for the media to report on murder charges (since there are none). Yet, its description of the incident as a tragedy as opposed to a culpable killing is irresponsible because it reinforces misconceptions about what murder is (and isn't).
Think of it this way: One man kills one person at a hotel in Hickory, and it's "murder." A for-profit company kills three people over two months, and almost kills another. And that is a "tragedy." If the hotel were a person, it would be a serial killer.
So why don't we call them what they are?
EDIT: Here is CNN's incredibly horrible coverage of the story ("mountain way of speaking?" Really?)
When the third death -- that of a South Carolina youth visiting Boone with his mother -- made news over the weekend in a Charlotte Observer story ("Mystery surrounds Boone motel deaths,") it brought on reader comments punctuated with words such as "terrifying," "bizarre," "really weird," "incredibly creepy."
"Bates Motel in Boone?" offered one reader.
In this town where the old ways of the mist-shrouded North Carolina mountains still abide alongside massive multi-million-dollar developments, a booming tourism industry and a lynchpin university complex at Appalachian State, the deaths in Room 225 at the Best Western Plus Blue Ridge Plaza hotel were indeed enough to get people talking.
The deaths of Daryl Dean Jenkins, 73, and Shirley Mae Jenkins, 72, in Room 225 were both from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Not so much in the realm of the unknown, however. More in the spirit of there's-got-to-be-an-explanation -- and with genuine mountain sympathy for the victims and their families.
"If it's the same (cause for all three deaths), this is ridiculous," Betty Austin, owner of the Mountain House restaurant near the hotel, told CNN Monday.
"Gotta be something going on," said Chuck Style, a manager at Idol's Tire & Auto Services also near the hotel.
"It's a real nice hotel. That's kinda what's so shocking about it," said Style, who added that the talk in town was focused on an unseen yet quite tangible probable cause: carbon monoxide.
The mysterious deaths in Room 225Police: Boy likely died of asphyxia
On Monday, investigators confirmed the locals' speculation.
Boone Police Chief Dana Crawford told reporters that shortly after noon on Saturday, when emergency personnel responded to the hotel to find 11-year-old Jeffrey Lee Williams dead and his mother, Jeannie Williams, 49, ill, "a presumptive test indicated elevated level of carbon monoxide in the room."
Crawford said after an autopsy on the boy's body, "preliminary indications are that he died from asphyxia." Other toxicology results were pending, he added.
Crawford went on: full-blown toxicology tests had concluded within the last 24 hours that the deaths of Daryl Dean Jenkins, 73, and Shirley Mae Jenkins, 72, from Washington state, in Room 225 in April were both due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Autopsies conducted soon after the couple died had been incomplete.
Left unsolved is the source of the smothering gas.
"As of today, the business remains closed and under the control of investigators," Crawford said Monday.
Examiners from the state board overseeing plumbing, heating and fire sprinkler contractors will be at the hotel on Wednesday, the chief said.
Williams, according to a relative quoted in the Charlotte Observer, had gone from home in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to Boone with her son to pick up her daughter from a mountain camp. She remained hospitalized in stable condition Monday.
An attorney retained by the hotel issued a statement to media saying the "health and safety of guests who stay at our hotel is our number one priority.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those involved," added attorney Paul Culpepper.
"We are cooperating fully with authorities who are investigating this truly tragic incident. The hotel will remain closed as we work closely with authorities to address any issues identified and authorities declare the hotel cleared for occupancy."
In Boone, where the mountain way of speaking to the point can cut as clean as a biting morning wind, restaurateur Austin summed up the attitude of many.
"If you had this happen one time," she said Monday, "why in hell didn't they do something about it?"
Monday, June 10, 2013
Today's top stories
Check out the top stories today from CNN.com:
Count them up. the first section contains stories under a headline called, "The Latest."
How many deal with crime or disaster? 8 of them.
Then 2 deal with Simon Cowell being egged on a TV show. Yeah, that is important news right there. (and technically a crime, raising the total to 10 of 11 stories dealing with crime or disaster).
Then, under a section titled, "More Top Stories," there are these stories:
Count them up. the first section contains stories under a headline called, "The Latest."
- 5th Calif. victim dies; new details
- Shooter
was 'ready for battle'
- NEW 15 killed by bomb in Iraq market
- Jury selection starts for Zimmerman
- Promoter: I slapped 'despondent' M.J.
- 7 Taliban die in attempt on Americans
- Simon Cowell egged during show
- Watch
smiling woman heave eggs
- Scout hike in heat turns deadly
- Police: 4-year-old shoots, kills dad
- 11-story
building gone in 10 seconds
How many deal with crime or disaster? 8 of them.
Then 2 deal with Simon Cowell being egged on a TV show. Yeah, that is important news right there. (and technically a crime, raising the total to 10 of 11 stories dealing with crime or disaster).
Then, under a section titled, "More Top Stories," there are these stories:
- Nelson Mandela in intensive care
- Philly crane operator denied bail
- NJ detective charged with murder
- Ariel Castro indicted on 329 counts
- Actress arrested in ricin case | Photos
- Copperhead
snake corners girl, 4
- Boy,
11, learns CPR, saves brother
- Odd
way daughter found stolen car
- Paris Jackson investigation ordered
- Erdogan: 'Patience has an end'
- Breastfeeding could save billions Time
- Video game consoles through time HLN
- LeBron dominates despite off night
That's 13 more stories. How many deal with crime or disaster? 6.
And then there are your sports stories as well as stories I'd call straight up silly. Somehoe vido game consoles through time is a top story.
And what is CNN's top story today?
Is man behind the NSA leak a crook or good guy?
Edward Snowden admits he's behind of one
of the biggest leaks in U.S. history. He exposed a top-secret program that
collects phone and Internet data. FULL STORY
Yep, it's a crime story.
Friday, June 7, 2013
I told you so, I did
Back in 2004, I wrote an 8-part series in the Watauga Democrat on the USA PATRIOT Act. I explained the good, the bad, and the ugly. Here it is.
Then I spoke everywhere I could get myself invited to speak about it, trying to build support for a resolution I was bringing to the Town of Boone. The resolution was supported by five other entities who passed support pieces. And we gathered about 500 signatures in support.
The resolution passed narrowly (3-2). Here it is.
This was a movement to call on Congress to modify the USA PATRIOT Act. Specific sections of the law were identified as serious threats to the Bill of Rights of the US Constitution. More than 400 towns and counties and eight states passed these resolutions.
Yet, here we are, nine years later (and almost 12 years since the law was passed in the first place), and we're learning about how the law is being abused, as well as other federal data mining and spy programs being employed across the nation. And, thankfully, it's all over the news.
Here are some examples:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/us-intelligence-mining-data-from-nine-us-internet-companies-in-broad-secret-program/2013/06/06/3a0c0da8-cebf-11e2-8845-d970ccb04497_story.html
http://www.thenation.com/blog/174696/its-worse-you-thought-nsa-spying-and-patriot-act
Obama Administration Under Fire
Author of Patriot Act Says NSA Records Collection 'Never the Intent' | VIDEO: Misuse of Patriot Act? 
Lawmakers Misled on Collection of Phone Records? | Verizon EVP Statement | VIDEO: Government Run Amok?
NY Times Editorial Board Says Administration Has 'Lost All Credibility' | VIDEO: McCain Says Explanation Needed
OPINION: Even New York Times Sounds Like Tea Party | OPINION: Records Grab May Be Legal, But Is It Wise?
I could say, "I told you so." But I won't
But I will say this: Thank God for the news media. I mean, this is why they exist, to operate as a check on power, to keep us informed, to make sure we are free. So this is a good reminder of why we need to make sure the corporations that own them don't dupe us or keep us in the dark.
My personal solution would be to wrestle control of the media from the corporations and give it back to the people.
And of course there are independent media organizations that cover these stories everyday, even when the mainstream media are not. Try Truthout and Common Dreams, just to name a couple!
Then I spoke everywhere I could get myself invited to speak about it, trying to build support for a resolution I was bringing to the Town of Boone. The resolution was supported by five other entities who passed support pieces. And we gathered about 500 signatures in support.
The resolution passed narrowly (3-2). Here it is.
This was a movement to call on Congress to modify the USA PATRIOT Act. Specific sections of the law were identified as serious threats to the Bill of Rights of the US Constitution. More than 400 towns and counties and eight states passed these resolutions.
Yet, here we are, nine years later (and almost 12 years since the law was passed in the first place), and we're learning about how the law is being abused, as well as other federal data mining and spy programs being employed across the nation. And, thankfully, it's all over the news.
Here are some examples:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/us-intelligence-mining-data-from-nine-us-internet-companies-in-broad-secret-program/2013/06/06/3a0c0da8-cebf-11e2-8845-d970ccb04497_story.html
http://www.thenation.com/blog/174696/its-worse-you-thought-nsa-spying-and-patriot-act
AP
Obama Administration Under Fire
Over 2nd Mass Surveillance Project
Director of National Intelligence Clapper defends administration's surveillance efforts after report says a secret program is allowing the government to mine nine American tech giants, including Facebook and Google, for user data, a day after report of a secret court order that allows NSA to seize millions of phone records for American Verizon customers.
I could say, "I told you so." But I won't
But I will say this: Thank God for the news media. I mean, this is why they exist, to operate as a check on power, to keep us informed, to make sure we are free. So this is a good reminder of why we need to make sure the corporations that own them don't dupe us or keep us in the dark.
My personal solution would be to wrestle control of the media from the corporations and give it back to the people.
And of course there are independent media organizations that cover these stories everyday, even when the mainstream media are not. Try Truthout and Common Dreams, just to name a couple!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Boom goes the dynamite! Finally a scandal with legs.
You remember when the George W. Bush administration allowed a national program that tapped phones of Americans? You remember how this was illegal? You remember how Congress approved it, after the fact, thereby giving the companies that participated in the program immunity from prosecution?
No? Check it out.
So, would it really be that surprising if the Barack Obama administration continued it?
Today it is one of the top stories in the news, as shown below:
Report: NSA snooping on U.S. phones
Source: Verizon forced to give info to spy agencies
No? Check it out.
So, would it really be that surprising if the Barack Obama administration continued it?
Today it is one of the top stories in the news, as shown below:
Report: NSA snooping on U.S. phones
Source: Verizon forced to give info to spy agencies
A top secret court order requires Verizon
to turn over the phone records of millions of Americans to the National Security
Agency on an "ongoing daily basis," a London newspaper reports. FULL
STORY
7 things to know Time
- A British newspaper claims in a new report NSA is collecting phone records of millions of American customers of Verizon on an 'ongoing, daily basis.'
ReutersWednesday, June 5, 2013
Wall Street considering marijuana legalization
From Truthout:
In a sign that business interests may trump Washington DC's obsession with marijuana prosecutions, a former Microsoft executive, Jamen Shively, is putting together a company to create the first national pot brand.
And Wall Street is interested.
So too are most Americans.
So you think this might be news everywhere ... but not yet.
Here is an article on BuzzFlash:
If you Google "marijuana legalization" these are the first links that come up today:
- ThinkProgress
-
Gothamist - 23 hours agoA new, damning report by the American Civil Liberties Union (PDF) illustrates how costly, ineffective, and racist the policing and criminalization ...
- E! Online - 20 hours ago
- THE Weed Blog (blog) - 17 hours ago
- Marijuana Legalization | The White House
- www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/ondcp-fact-sheets/marijuana-legalization
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
You wanna see a REAL scandal?
You've heard, depending on your news choice, about the so-called scandals of the Obama Adminstration when it comes to Benghazi, the IRS, and investigating journalists.
If not, Google it!
In my opinion, each of those "scandals" has a reasonable explanation indicative of something other than bad blood or vindictiveness or achieving some political ideology.
Of course I could be wrong.
But here is a true scandal of the Obama Adminstration. In cities all over the nation, including New York, young black males are being rounded up for a relatively minor behavior that Obama himself engaged in on a regular basis as a younger man (smoking or possessing marijuana).
In this article from the New York Times titled "Blacks Are Singled Out for Marijuana Arrests, Federal Data Suggests," the story reports: "Black Americans were nearly four times as likely as whites to be arrested on charges of marijuana possession in 2010, even though the two groups used the drug at similar rates, according to new federal data."
So why is this not being treated as a scandal, even as we know that the drug war has been a massive failure and is having such destrimental effects on the least advantaged people in the country? And how come no one is all upset about it on Fox News?
If not, Google it!
In my opinion, each of those "scandals" has a reasonable explanation indicative of something other than bad blood or vindictiveness or achieving some political ideology.
Of course I could be wrong.
But here is a true scandal of the Obama Adminstration. In cities all over the nation, including New York, young black males are being rounded up for a relatively minor behavior that Obama himself engaged in on a regular basis as a younger man (smoking or possessing marijuana).
In this article from the New York Times titled "Blacks Are Singled Out for Marijuana Arrests, Federal Data Suggests," the story reports: "Black Americans were nearly four times as likely as whites to be arrested on charges of marijuana possession in 2010, even though the two groups used the drug at similar rates, according to new federal data."
So why is this not being treated as a scandal, even as we know that the drug war has been a massive failure and is having such destrimental effects on the least advantaged people in the country? And how come no one is all upset about it on Fox News?
Monday, June 3, 2013
How come Americans know almost nothing about what's going on around the world?
Could it be because they do not regularly watch or read the news, and when they do, they get it from networks and organizations that cover this stuff as the top news stories?
I've italicized those stories that have an explicit international focus. I've starred (*) the "soft" or "lifestyle" type stories that have become so common in today's news. Finally, I've bolded those that deal with crime or disaster. If it is italicized and bolded, it is an international story that deals with crime or disaster.
Notice, for example, that the first three stories are international stories dealing with death and destruction. Also notice that the first eight stories deal with bad news--crime or tragedies here or abroad.
NEW At least 112
killed in plant fire
NEW 10 kids
killed in Afghan bombing
Deadly
virus spreads to Italy
Manning's
court-martial to start Monday
Exec: AEG
'knew nothing' of MJ drug use
Calif. fire
scorches 25,000 acres
Search on
for Yosemite waterfall victim
Mom,
kids trapped as canopy falls
Syria
issues Turkey travel warning
Turkish PM
refutes 'dictator' jibe
Turks
targeting prime minister
*Kanye and
Kim's baby: It's a ....
IRS
controversy turns personal
IRS
in hot seat over lavish spending
Issa:
D.C. directed IRS targeting
GOP
chief: Party 'open for repairs'
U.S. shocks Germany in soccer
High stakes for LeBron in Game 7
*NBA star fined 75K for cursing, gay slur
*Tennis star sorry for swearing at fans
Smugglers drive
grim trade in dog meat
Dogs
slaughtered in Vietnam
Fake
kidnapping ends in death
No
answers in gang rape and killing
*New gimmicks to sell beer Time
The
four worst tax breaks
Homebuilders
struggle to find workers
Baptists
leaving Scouts 'en masse'
Defiant
Scouts at gay pride parade
*Bruno
Mars' mother dies of aneurysm
Sex is
life's work for doctor
Zumba
instructor/prostitute sentenced
Runaway
llama gets Tased by police
Whites-only
not racist, resident says
Could it be this is why we are so clueless about the world?
I've italicized those stories that have an explicit international focus. I've starred (*) the "soft" or "lifestyle" type stories that have become so common in today's news. Finally, I've bolded those that deal with crime or disaster. If it is italicized and bolded, it is an international story that deals with crime or disaster.
Notice, for example, that the first three stories are international stories dealing with death and destruction. Also notice that the first eight stories deal with bad news--crime or tragedies here or abroad.
Friday, May 31, 2013
"It makes me feel sad"
That is what a 14 year old black kid said after he was tackled by the police after supposedly giving them a bad look.
But it should make him (and you) feel outraged.
The logical outcome of the law defining some acts as crimes (i.e., street crimes) while ignoring others (i.e., white collar and corporate crimes) and the media focusing on some people (i.e., people of color) while ignoring others (i.e., whites) is that we, as a nation, see crime as a black thing, even though in reality it is white people who do the vast majority of damage to us.
There is a ton of research on this by the way. Just Google "Travis Dixon" and "race" and "crime" ...
This king of thing--a 14 year old black kid holding his puppy getting tackled by the police--can only happen in a society whose institutions (i.e., the law and the media) have defined blackness as criminal.
http://www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/black-14-year-old-carrying-puppy-tackled-and-choked-police-giving-them-funny-look
Think about it:
1) Who makes the law? White, old, rich men (WORMs).
2) Who owns the media? White, old, rich men (WORMs).
Who is seen as dangerous? Poor, young men of color.
And who is not?
White, old, rich men (WORMs).
Coincidence?
But it should make him (and you) feel outraged.
The logical outcome of the law defining some acts as crimes (i.e., street crimes) while ignoring others (i.e., white collar and corporate crimes) and the media focusing on some people (i.e., people of color) while ignoring others (i.e., whites) is that we, as a nation, see crime as a black thing, even though in reality it is white people who do the vast majority of damage to us.
There is a ton of research on this by the way. Just Google "Travis Dixon" and "race" and "crime" ...
This king of thing--a 14 year old black kid holding his puppy getting tackled by the police--can only happen in a society whose institutions (i.e., the law and the media) have defined blackness as criminal.
http://www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/black-14-year-old-carrying-puppy-tackled-and-choked-police-giving-them-funny-look
Think about it:
1) Who makes the law? White, old, rich men (WORMs).
2) Who owns the media? White, old, rich men (WORMs).
Who is seen as dangerous? Poor, young men of color.
And who is not?
White, old, rich men (WORMs).
Coincidence?
Thursday, May 30, 2013
It's too bad this is on a blog!
But at least it is a blog affiliated with the Washington Post.
My question is, why isn't this THE news?
The following chart shows that even as we've locked up more and more people in prison and jail, the price of cocaine and heroin is falling.
Clearly this has not happened.
And when you consider that, during these same years, we've spent more and more and more money every year fighting the drug war (now in the tens of billions of dollars every year!), what you see is that what we're getting for our money is money inmates (which costs us more, obviously, in the tens of billions of year every year as well).
Drugs are not less available. Drug use is not down. We are not saving lives (more people are dying every year from drugs).
So why are we still fighting this failing war? And where is the media on this?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/05/29/the-most-embarrassing-graph-in-american-drug-policy/
My question is, why isn't this THE news?
The following chart shows that even as we've locked up more and more people in prison and jail, the price of cocaine and heroin is falling.
One of the stated goals of drug policy is to drive UP the prices of these drugs. As they get more expensive, less people will be able to afford them, thereby driving down use.Clearly this has not happened.
And when you consider that, during these same years, we've spent more and more and more money every year fighting the drug war (now in the tens of billions of dollars every year!), what you see is that what we're getting for our money is money inmates (which costs us more, obviously, in the tens of billions of year every year as well).
Drugs are not less available. Drug use is not down. We are not saving lives (more people are dying every year from drugs).
So why are we still fighting this failing war? And where is the media on this?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/05/29/the-most-embarrassing-graph-in-american-drug-policy/
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
What is terrorism anyway?
Did you know that terrorism experts generally argue that there is no single accepted defintion of terrorism.
So does this qualify?
International terrorism always gets headlines. Getting much less attention is the ongoing government-sanctioned terror against blacks in America.
This is not hyperbole. The problem is real, and systemic, and a new report out this month confirms it.
Terror is terror, and it often ends in incarcerating the innocent - or worse.
Domestic terror against blacks includes a death count at the hands of "police, security guards and vigilantes," resulting in the fatality of an African-American every 28 hours.
Read more: http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/16415-the-casualties-of-justice
Be sure to focus on the part focusing on Bill Moyers and his argument about "justice for all" being a lie. Hmmmmm.................
So does this qualify?
International terrorism always gets headlines. Getting much less attention is the ongoing government-sanctioned terror against blacks in America.
This is not hyperbole. The problem is real, and systemic, and a new report out this month confirms it.
Terror is terror, and it often ends in incarcerating the innocent - or worse.
Domestic terror against blacks includes a death count at the hands of "police, security guards and vigilantes," resulting in the fatality of an African-American every 28 hours.
Read more: http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/16415-the-casualties-of-justice
Be sure to focus on the part focusing on Bill Moyers and his argument about "justice for all" being a lie. Hmmmmm.................
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Stay focused on the trivial ...
I've been reading and writing a lot about major corporate crimes and deviance. Things like defective products (which kill about 20,000 Americans every year), hazardous working conditions under companies like BP and Massey Energy (who have repeatedly killed their own employees), and Wall Street and banking fraud (which caused the collapse of the US economy).
There is a lot of information out there in the media on these crimes. And by "the media" I mean the websites of independent news organizations.
But in the mainstream press, these are some of the leading stories.
From CNN:
From USA TODAY:
There is a lot of information out there in the media on these crimes. And by "the media" I mean the websites of independent news organizations.
But in the mainstream press, these are some of the leading stories.
From CNN:
Passengers scramble to the decks after a 2:50 a.m.
alarm warns of a fire on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship heading to the Bahamas.
FULL
STORY
From Fox:
These are each examples of "trivial stories" or news.
Why do such stories appear in the news, along with others about a little kid being bitten by sharks off the waters in Florida?
And why don't more serious stories, including those that kill and injure us and wreck our economy, don't make it?
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Now THIS is newsworthy
... which means you won't see it in the news.
In many of my classes and in the book, I outline the issue of "power to define," as in the power to define some acts as crimes while ignoring others.
This is a power that is in the hands largely of rich, old, white men, those that make the law (which determines which behaviors are illegal and which are not), as well as those that own the media (who determine what we see on TV and in newspapers and what we do not).
Together, these people define crimes and determine what we fear. They also determine which harms we ignore and don't learn about.
Take the crime of terrorism. We hear about it all the time. And of course many Americans fear terrorists, even though they almost never kill Americans.
Compare terrorism to a "non-crime" you've never heard about--terracide, and the people who commit it--terrarists.
Terracide could be the most harmful act on the planet. Yet, it is legal and will remain so. Even as we all ultimately die from it.
Yikes!
http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/175703/tomgram%3A_engelhardt%2C_the_biggest_criminal_enterprise_in_history/
In many of my classes and in the book, I outline the issue of "power to define," as in the power to define some acts as crimes while ignoring others.
This is a power that is in the hands largely of rich, old, white men, those that make the law (which determines which behaviors are illegal and which are not), as well as those that own the media (who determine what we see on TV and in newspapers and what we do not).
Together, these people define crimes and determine what we fear. They also determine which harms we ignore and don't learn about.
Take the crime of terrorism. We hear about it all the time. And of course many Americans fear terrorists, even though they almost never kill Americans.
Compare terrorism to a "non-crime" you've never heard about--terracide, and the people who commit it--terrarists.
Terracide could be the most harmful act on the planet. Yet, it is legal and will remain so. Even as we all ultimately die from it.
Yikes!
http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/175703/tomgram%3A_engelhardt%2C_the_biggest_criminal_enterprise_in_history/
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Two days later and it's back to the scandals
... for Fox News.
Only two days after a deadly tornado, Fox News has returned to its pre-storm coverage of the scandals associated with the IRS, etc.
Official Says Choice to Use Planted Question on Scandal 'Bad Idea' | VIDEO: Groups Suing IRS
FOX NEWS POLL: Voters Say Gov't 'Out Of Control' | FOX NEWS POLL: Majority Thinks White House Knew About IRS
Imagine if the network had focused such attention on the numerous scandals during the previous presidential administration.
Imagine if the network focused its attention now on the harmful acts of white-collar and corporate criminals, the people who nearly collapsed the entire US economy (and would have if not for taxpayer bailouts). Yeah, what about those?
I'm not excusing the acts of IRS or Justice Department or State Department. But I am saying such things have been going on for many, many years. They've even made the news.
Just not Fox.
Until now.
And it's all politics. That's pretty disturbing coming from a "fair and balanced" source of information, from a channel that claims to report and let "you decide," and from the most watched cable news network in the country.
Only two days after a deadly tornado, Fox News has returned to its pre-storm coverage of the scandals associated with the IRS, etc.
AP/Fox NewsTop IRS Official Pleads The Fifth
BREAKING NEWS: Lois Lerner, director of IRS division that targeted conservative groups, invokes her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and refuses to answer questions during testimony this morning before House hearing on agency scandal.
Imagine if the network had focused such attention on the numerous scandals during the previous presidential administration.
Imagine if the network focused its attention now on the harmful acts of white-collar and corporate criminals, the people who nearly collapsed the entire US economy (and would have if not for taxpayer bailouts). Yeah, what about those?
I'm not excusing the acts of IRS or Justice Department or State Department. But I am saying such things have been going on for many, many years. They've even made the news.
Just not Fox.
Until now.
And it's all politics. That's pretty disturbing coming from a "fair and balanced" source of information, from a channel that claims to report and let "you decide," and from the most watched cable news network in the country.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Amazing how a disaster pushes all other news aside
It's like a reminder--literally from above--of what is important.
In this case, it's a tornado.
Now, IT is the only news that matters.
For example, from CNN:
Searching 'board by board'
24 dead including 9 kids
And from Fox:
DEADLY TWISTER HITS HEARTLAND
HOW YOU CAN HELP PEOPLE AFFECTED BY OKLAHOMA TORNADO
Deadly Tornado Tracked Path of 1999 Oklahoma Twister | Missouri City Devastated By 2011 Twister Aids Oklahoma
Photog Describes Rescuers Pulling Kids Out of Rubble | VIDEO: Photog Captures Images of Heroic Effort
Worried Parents Seek Out Kids at Oklahoma School | VIDEO: Rescuers Search for Kids Trapped in School
VIDEO: 'Loudest Noise I Ever Heard' | Obama: We Will Be There | How Is Twister Formed? | JOIN THE LIVE CHAT
PHOTOS: Tornado Tears Through Oklahoma 
| Deadly Tornadoes in US History | EXTREME WEATHER CENTER
Just yesterday, right before the storm, the news was scandal this, scandal that (mostly imagined and not legitimate), especially on Fox. In fact, it took Fox at least two hours after the storm hit to change its website to the storm as the lead story.
The phenomenon of media coverage of disasters helps us understand why crime is so attractive to the media, as well.
Random.
Violent.
Deadly.
= news
In this case, it's a tornado.
Now, IT is the only news that matters.
For example, from CNN:
Searching 'board by board'
24 dead including 9 kids
- Rescuers in Moore, Oklahoma, in frantic hunt for survivors
- "This is a tough community," Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb says
- Looks like a "two-mile-wide lawnmower blade" hit DEVELOPING STORY
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DEVASTATED
THE TORNADO AND ITS AFTERMATH
And from Fox:
DEADLY TWISTER HITS HEARTLAND
Rescue teams search rubble for survivors after tornado kills at least 24
Oklahoma City officials lower tornado death toll to 24, which includes 9 children, as rescue efforts continue after monster storm destroys homes, buildings and an elementary school.
| Obama: We Will Be There | How Is Twister Formed? | JOIN THE LIVE CHAT | Deadly Tornadoes in US History | EXTREME WEATHER CENTER Just yesterday, right before the storm, the news was scandal this, scandal that (mostly imagined and not legitimate), especially on Fox. In fact, it took Fox at least two hours after the storm hit to change its website to the storm as the lead story.
The phenomenon of media coverage of disasters helps us understand why crime is so attractive to the media, as well.
Random.
Violent.
Deadly.
= news
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