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Blogs by ~ Chanti
America - some of my views
2/26/2009 12:34:45 PM
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I've lived in the States on and off for about four years. During this time I've watched quite a bit of television, specifically channels devoted to news in order to learn more about the country I plan to make my home. Over the past few months most of the news has been devoted to political discussion and I've listened (watched) these with interest. I haven't become fixed in my views one way or another but the one thing that has struck me is how politicians spend such an inordinate amount of time criticizing opposition and often resorting to out-and-out smear campaigns. After listening to view on both sides, one starts to wonder what is truth and what is not.
Now this is my opinion and mine alone so please don't shoot me down for this but I honestly don't believe that one needs to bring someone else down in order to gain power for yourself or your party. Wouldn't it be better if politicians addressed issues rather than attacking their opposition's characters? I would respect the politician who refused to do so and kept his arguments to the issues at hand and focused on solutions instead of on problems alone. I understand that politicians need to be vetted in ensure their suitability for office but I find the verbal sparring and character assassinations between left and right to be quite disturbing.
I love the fact that Americans are so patriotic. Their love of this land is without question. I know that Americans ALL want to see this country prosper and in turn prosper themselves but I can tell you that it's not going to happen while politicians and the media continue to rage on in destructive tirades against one another and also when the media casts such a bad light on the future of this country. It is my opinion that the media is largely to blame for a countrywide state of fear. This caused by a constant barrage of negative press. If I could I'd declare a week's ban of all negative press and inform the media that they can only print or air news with a positive slant. It is said that only bad news sells but I personally believe that people are hungry for good news and that this week would make a massive difference to this country. Ok ok I know what they say about freedom of speech but positivity is learned. Positive speak is a skill that can be taught. It's not deception it's perception I'm talking about here. I'm also not talking about reporting about events but rather opinion.
I know that this is a pipe dream because there is very little chance that news agencies would take this suggestion seriously but consider this. If we could encourage the media to report this way, it would definitely have a positive result. Negativity can only breed after its own kind. I'm not saying that we should be ostriches and keep our heads in the sand. Yes, we need to know what is going on around us but like I said, what I'm talking about here is mainly political commentary. Television stations air much political debate and newscasters and hosts speak out about their own opinions and all I hear is 'Disaster', 'Crisis' 'Doom' etc. etc. Be real but be optimistic and direct the citizens of this country in a positive way.
Just for the record, I still think this is the greatest nation on earth and few realize just how lucky they are to live here. Having lived in South Africa for so many years I can assure you that few Americans understand what hardship is really about. Stick together folks and keep an optimistic view. I believe in this country and its future. I wouldn't be here if I didn't.
Chanti
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February 2009 Blogs
• America - some of my views - Thursday, February 26, 2009
• The Blob - Tuesday, February 03, 2009
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