Lies = Alternative Facts
Fake News = REAL news
People who do not agree with Trump = Enemies
Enough of the 1984 Doublespeak—I for one need reliable news and guess what folks, that does NOT include FOX. I agree that every media organization may have a “lean” to the right or to the left but a reputable source will do its best to eliminate that lean, maintain neutrality and stick to the facts. FOX for years has pandered to its base and leans so far to the right that it fell off the map of reputable news media sources long ago. When we look back to identify the divide in America, we will need to identify the role that FOX played. How it set the stage for Doublespeak and defining of “fake news”. FOX for years has played around with a role in propaganda and seems to be embracing its influence over redefining reality.
FOX news IS the fanbase that elected DT and it is the main news source of DT supporters. So denying it played a role in election outcomes or it’s role in creating the culture of the DT fan base would be denying reality.
(source from NYT, 1)
Since his campaign DT has focused on the media and what he calls failing or “fake” news and he willingly throws this term out, labeling any media outlet that does not buy into his crazy, that does not paint him the way he wants, that focuses on facts and not his administrations’ “alternative facts” –as failing or “FAKE NEWS” . In the case of CNN at the press conference this week he went a step further with a combative and vindictive approach, “Very Fake News.” Here is a transcript of the exchange:
QUESTION: Just because of the attack of fake news and attacking our network, I just want to ask you, sir…
TRUMP: I’m changing it from fake news, though.
QUESTION: Doesn’t that under…
TRUMP: Very fake news. (3)
This is not funny. His war with the media highlights a big issue. Bigger than where does he get his news (because I am pretty sure FOX & Friends is his main news source) but when he casts doubt on all other sources, his base is only exposed to what media he determines as “real”. There is no accountability and we truly become the 1984 society, Orwellian society.
His tweet yesterday—ignoring its implications is dangerous. By discrediting all sources he does not agree with or sources who do not promote his propaganda—as fake sources and now ENEMIES is fascism at its finest. It does help us normal folks, identify the news sources we should be watching NYT, CNN, NBC (he actually deleted this tweet–only to add more news sources to his enemy list). Thanks, DT.
(Source 2)
Our reporters are now our FREEDOM FIGHTERS and soldiers against the administration’s movement away from reality and the blind acceptance of the bull$*** DT, Spicer, Miller and Conway (although, she may be gone–have not seen much of her this week) are shoveling.
This week in San Antonio, Tx, at a PBS station we can see a clear example of how the administration tried to silence free press and almost succeeded (4).
“The story began with a Jan. 24 speech that Representative Lamar Smith, Republican of Texas, gave on the House floor regarding what he described as the unfair way the national media was covering President Trump. He said for instance that the media ignored highs in consumer confidence, which of course it did not. And he ended with an admonition for his constituents: “Better to get your news directly from the president. In fact, it might be the only way to get the unvarnished truth.” (4)’
Two scary things are happening here: 1) discrediting the news media, following DT’s lead and 2) suggesting his constituents get their news directly from the 1984 Big Brother aka DT. WOW! Do I smell fascism here? What other governments suggests getting news only from “the leader”? North Korea, Nazi Germany, Italy under Mussolini…..my god, did an elected public official actually suggest this? The terrifying thing is that many of DT’s followers believe it, believe that mainstream media is “fake”.
So a broadcaster, Rick Casey, picked up on the absurdity of the comment and the far reaching implications and created a commentary piece that included a reference to North Korea (which was an easy association by anyone who heard Rep. Lamar Smith’s original comment) [5]. Good ole’ Lamar got wind of the segment via Facebook and called the station manager and chief operator, Arthur Rojas Emerson and next thing you know the piece was pulled [5]. Pulled most likely for a few reasons 1) DT’s admin is pushing for defunding of PBS (more on this later) and 2) Emerson and Smith had an old working relationship (5). Thankfully when people caught wind of the cancellation Emerson ended up doing the right thing and letting it air at a later date but you can see how making decisions about what news to air based on government funding or government retribution means the news is no longer neutral and freedom of the press is revoked.
NPR released an interesting post today about a potential lawsuit by The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel in Colorado (5).
“The dispute began with an opinion column in the newspaper supporting a bill that would give journalists and others greater access to public records. Scott, who represents Grand Junction and serves as assistant majority leader in the state Senate, postponed a hearing and vote on the bill (5)”
Senator Ray Scott then posted this to his Facebook page:
“The very liberal GJ Sentinel is attempting to apply pressure for me to move a bill. They have no facts, as usual, and tried to call me out on SB 40 know as the CORA bill. They haven’t contacted me to get any information on why the bill has been delayed but choose to run a fake news story demanding I run the bill (5).”
I for one, hope they do file the lawsuit or better yet, I hope CNN files a defamation lawsuit against DT and his administration–maybe go after Spicey Spicer first, the weak link. This would set a precedent and put an end to the slander… or at least try.
For now, folks, Fake News = REAL NEWS and DT’s enemies aka reporters should be recognized as the freedom information fighters that they are. Stand tall reporters, focus on the facts and do not fall prey to the propaganda that DT and his administration push. We, the public, are relying on you. #RESIST
Mother of 3
Nurse
Colts Neck, NJ
Resources:
1 Here’s why Trump’s attacks on ‘fake news’ succeed, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/02/17/heres-why-trumps-attacks-on-fake-news-succeed/?utm_term=.7aa144c72b5a
2 Trump Calls the News Media the ‘Enemy of the American People’, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/business/trump-calls-the-news-media-the-enemy-of-the-people.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0
3 Full Transcript and Video: Trump News Conference, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/16/us/politics/donald-trump-press-conference-transcript.html?_r=0
4 In Trump Era, Censorship May Start in the Newsroom, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/business/media/trump-era-media-censorship.html
5 When A Politician Says ‘Fake News’ And A Newspaper Threatens To Sue Back, http://www.npr.org/2017/02/17/515760101/when-a-politician-says-fake-news-and-a-newspaper-threatens-to-sue-back
It has been quite a week for the White House. Between the rumored fighting of Brietbart Bannon and Kushner (where Bannon is targeted as the loser), the bombing of Irag-whoops, I mean Syria, dropping the Mother of All Bombs (MOAB) on Afghanistan (only killing 36 with a bomb which is said to be the strongest, only second to a nuclear bomb), Trump playing bully with unstable North Korea via tweets and then heading to Mar-a-Lago, and finally Spicy Spicer’s “whoops a daisy” reference to Hitler, stating that not even Hitler used lethal gas to kill his people… Well, it has been a long week.