Sunday, September 06, 2009

Quick Thought

The same columnists that are simply AGHAST at the prospects of another election, are the same people who would be writing that Ignatieff's a wimp and the Liberals are rudderless and weak, Harper bested us again, if he announced he would "prop up" the government to avoid an election this fall.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

When you have space to fill, you have to write about something.

Look what's happening in the US -- they are now in "Obama is losing his mojo" mode. Once the healthcare bill passes, as it will, they'll be back to the "Obama is back" mode. If the Dems lose the Nov governor's race in VA, then it will be back to "Obama is losing his touch" and on and on.

That's the thing about opinion writers. They usually say everything in every way possible, because they are not really accountable for anything or to anybody. They are not paid to be consistent. They are paid to fill space.

Steve V said...

Just to add, from a partisan perspective, I'm pretty pleased with the overall initial acceptance in the media. Some scoffing, which was expected, but also some reaffirmation on the themes we're trying to develop. This is an evolution to acceptance, so far so good, all things considered.

Anonymous said...

It's also hypocritical, because elections are good for the media especially in bad economic times. They'll get millions of dollars of ad revenues passing through, plus their reporters will have something to do.

RuralSandi said...

Funny - opinion writers....it's just opinion folks, like you can get from a neighbour.

If people would just realize it's only opinion and think for themselves.

I think what's truly missing is investigative/truth reporting and the reporters/news media are cheating the public.

Steve V said...

Sandi

I think we've seen a decided shift, in terms of importance, from investigation to opinion. Unfortunately, part of this is a cost consideration. What's more cost effective, spending weeks and resources uncovering important storylines, or some person opining with no real cost, other than paying him/her?

They're almost like bloggers at this point. Oh dear.

RuralSandi said...

Hmmmm....I think bloggers are starting to do better - they question and try to find out. Well, some quality bloggers that is.

Cost? They say you have to spend money to make money - the media truly need to go out on a limb and try to be the voice of the people again.

Anonymous said...

Anon 9:19 That's the thing about opinion writers. They usually say everything in every way possible, because they are not really accountable for anything or to anybody. They are not paid to be consistent. They are paid to fill space. Follow your own advice.Now we know for a fact that the trolls on the blogs are paid employees of the Reform/Conners

Marie

Tomm said...

Anon 929 said:

"It's also hypocritical, because elections are good for the media especially in bad economic times. They'll get millions of dollars of ad revenues passing through, plus their reporters will have something to do."

That's the spirit! Our journalists should be constantly destroying confidence in our governments to generate more ad revenue for themselves. Well said.

What you said is sadly too often the case. Everybody chases the ambulance, the blood, or the ugly sound bite and then runs to political victim number two to get their reaction.

Journalists (and CBC news editors) should be required to have professional accreditation. You know, ethics, principles, standards of behavior...

Tomm said...

Steve,

Your comment is certainly fair. When the Leader of the opposition brings down the government, he/she should not be open to ridicule but reflection and consideration.

rockfish said...

I don't recall Harper being held to disdain and scorn when he knocked Martin off his pedestal. It seemed at that time it was acceptable for the leader of the opposition to oppose. I guess since Harper has been working at our 'understanding' of our democracy, its a Do As I Say, Not As I Do world. I'mm sure Tomm practices that at home, too.

Jon Pertwee said...

"I'mm sure Tomm practices that at home, too."

Tomm has a house rule about talking back and speaking out so you wont be hearing any about that.

Move on, nothing to see here.