Hope Flocks

The Huffington Post reports that the media's only now turned away from Obama. But did you really think for one minute the MSM would let it be otherwise?

The obviousness with which the media has historically evaded stories about Armenia, the Holocaust, East Timor, Cambodia, Darfur, the oligarchic reign of George Bush and the groundswell of a possible Obama presidency shows its overall mission to divert its consumers from anything compelling them to think for themselves, to ponder their own existences which might ultimately obviate the need for a mainstream media itself. But since they are rarely given that option people mostly forget they should care, as long as they are fed manufactured versions of life. They need it like they've always needed the story of the risen Christ, et al.: without it, the bleak reality would be too much for animals so cursed with self awareness. Truth (i.e., mortality) is just too terrifying to face without hopes, even if they are patently false.

To the all-powerful data-disseminators, the education of the individual is important only as it reinforces tribal cohesion and the nature of our modern society seems to suggest that life be lived in the macro rather than microcosm; the essence, the complexity, the beauty of the individual is ultimately fleeting, ultimately subsumed. It is the dense, dull momentum of the mass that seems to matter, understood only when seen as if from a great height, the individual sparks obliterated by the distance supplied by our media masters. No, no, this is how you should think, this is how you should feel. And above all, buy this...

So citizen: inform thyself and free thyself.

But how to? By severing our addiction to the vast amount of info-teats we tickle every minute we would surely starve. Didn't we create from necessity an information network of umbilical cords tethering us to mother society because we began to feel the pangs of curiousness? A nation of disparate hermits fumbling around trying to gather data pertinent to their own individual existences would be as efficient as those old electric vibrating football games where the "players" shivered aimlessly across the metal field, almost never scoring except by sheer accident.

So we trusted. But after a while trusting the media was the same as trusting that Og the Big One Who Went Outside The Cave would return with an objective report. What choice was there? We were scared of mammoths and the moon. The unfortunate thing is those trustees eventually weighed personal profit with responsibility and the former won out.

What better exemplifies both the dream and the reality of democracy? It is proof that for the tribal leaders the part of the brain wherein the conscience stirs is tiny, if not in ounces then in ethical scope. They are the parts of the brain that evolved intact from the trogs who wielded the most threatening bludgeons. Like all animals, humans flock. They all have some idea of where they'd like to go but in the end the appointed leader sets the course. And if said leader leads them to warmth and security, very well. If, however, it guides them into the side of a rocky butte, the leader pulling up at the last moment to save itself while the rest dash themselves, well then really: what could be more natural? But the question remains: when we see that crash coming--and we do--why don't we pull up?

Because trusting ourselves rather than our appointed leaders is the most frightening prospect of all. We'd be stepping out into a void. We'd be letting go of mommy and daddy's hand. When Adam and Eve eats the apple, self-awareness results in banishment and knowledge is death.

It's not so much that I am a rabid Obamabot, as some might say between snickers. It is that I am a rabid Hope-bot. And hope seems to dwell inside a particular individual who expressed a sentiment not heard for some time and in a way that seemed to imply a chance at individual empowerment unseen and unheard for too long a period. In an environment where the tribal imperative seems to be 24-hour a day consumerism, it is the message of hope offered as an alternative to the dull inevitability embodied a blindly trusting and too easily led mass which inspires. As concepts they shouldn't be mutually exclusive. But as tales woven by the Mainstream Media, they are and forever shall be.

Comments

[Citizenofreality]

Hope is a dangerous thing Steven, and it is something we of the unwashed masses cannot be allowed to have.

[bethinCary]

Highly excellent post Stephen.
Love it..

What it comes down to:
is that I trust myself more to make the correct decisions now...

A person can be snowed that a person is strong just by simply "making a decision".
I've learned though, that there has to be a period that follows of reflection about those decsions to know truth...
Truth is measured against yesterday,today, and tomorrow..it's always changing..
Politicians know this---but want to keep the debate in yesterdays' truth. (not acknowledging present,future)
iow..over the past 8 yrs.(really even further than that)-we don't allow reflection.
Imaging the mistakes our country could correct if we actually had a separately-controlled by the people-"reflective agency".
Katrina, gas prices, economy, NAFTA, NCLB, the war....we may actaully get the desired outcome we want.
I know how to make a decsion.
I know how to reflect.
What I've determined is that Sen Obama has the courage,wisdom,insight to know ALL aspects of truth-and address it..
So he's more closely aligned with my own values..
HRC only knows truth by comparison to past..
The only way to correct problems is to be able to know the WHOLE truth.
HRC does not.

[Dansden]

Brilliant, Steven, yet the most painful lesson that brilliance must remember:
We shoot the 'MESSENGERS' who deliver the truth and facts to our 'resident petrie dish' and,
for those, like yourself, who dare to 'stir' our 'dish' with knowledge, insight and education there are those who 'would just rather go get a beer' and use their head for the most paltry and petty contrivances of our existence...
Thank you again for 'stirring' the pot of our complacence, compromises and coercions that keep us addicted, addled and apathetical....

[KerkorianKnot]

Billionaire Kirk Kerkorian has bought this election for John McCain. It's the perfect setup. Obama gets left high and dry at the right moment. John McCain coasts into an easy victory. Hillary gets blamed. And for desert ... Bill Clinton is accused of being a racist.

[dapaul]

Who ever thought the so-called liberal media was for Obama? Every Obama misstep has been ruthlessly exploited by the media, while the tons of ethical problems with Clinton has been buried by the neo-con press. Does anyone think that the neo-con media that brought you the Iraq war is actually going to let an anti-war candidate win?

[writeaway]

You obviously haven't watched much MSM. Or if you did, you had Obamaton blinders on. You see what you want to see or hear what you want to hear. It was easy to be an anti-war politician when you did not have to vote on it and how many "present" votes did he make when he did not want to take a position that might jeopardize his political chances?

[BillyT]

Tell us why "Screw 'em, Bill, those southern white voters never do anything for you anyways" comment by Hillary gets no air time?

Tell us why PA win in which Hillary gets 12 more delegates (THAT'S IT, all you spinsters ready to turn PA into Waterloo) than Obama after campaigning for SIX WEEKS is called "seismic shift." That's 2 delegates per week. Hardly a seismic shift unless your perspective is from that of an ant.

You can't have any legitimate explanation for these MSM Hill-Billy affinity examples. Except that Obama gets more scrutiny.

By the way, the media just wants a close race. When there isn't one, they just want a race. When there really is no race, Hillary will lose, will never catch up in any meaningful parameters....

the media concocts a race by going hyperbolic on PA.

And now they are declaring Indiana "pivotal" when it has 72 delegates and NC has 112. Why? Because only in IN does Hillary have a chance.

She will lose all her PA advantage in NC. But the media wants to ignore NC because they know Obama will win so it's not exciting. Did they do that with PA where everyone knew Hillary would win?

How is IN more pivotal than NC? That's the selective eyesight of the media at work: always looking for a ratings edge before newsworthiness considerations.

[billydog]

I think we need a test like the IQ test only for fear. The FQ, or Fear Quotient. Fear seems far more a determinent of where America is going today now that corporations have adopted a slave model of
"make them comfortable and they'll never run away". Imagine if they'd have only thunk that up back in the days of black slavery. Make the slaves comfortable instead of scared to death. Being comfortable is far worse than being scared to death in the sense of slavery. Being comfortable means you never want to stop being a slave. Thats right where corporations and politicians have America today.

Enjoy your stimulus dog biscuit treat. Gooooooooooood boy. Goooooooooood girl.

[dadw5boys]

TOO MANY ARE HEADLINE READERS AND ARE EASILY FOOLED BY SKEWED NEWS STORY WITH NEGATIVE HEADLINES.

[bryand1]

The problem lies with the people. The masses trust the media and the government so blindly, so stupidly sometimes that it's really no wonder we're so screwed. We elect them - we decide what media is shown in our home....we should always hold all of them accountable. But no, we believe it all. Luckily, the tides are turning...people are realizing that our systems are severely broken. Our government is an elitist organization. Our media is controlled by elitist corporations. Our legal system is ruled by money. Our supreme court is controlled by the right wing. Our religious institutions are archaic and moldy. We're in trouble...but we still want to fight about Bill's sex life or Hillary's tears or Obama's pastor. McCain will make sure the country realizes that they don't want a black nationalist - regardless of whether there's an ounce of truth to that. Lies work. Ask Bush/Cheney/Rove and their terrorist gang.

Our President lies to us on a regular basis and can accurately be described as a war criminal. Our VP's disdain for 'the people' is as palpable as his party's discomfort with his lesbian daughter. Movie stars are treated as sages when the reality is that actors and performers are usually the most narcissistic, self centered people you'll ever meet. The problem lies with the people - we've drank the kool-aid over and over again...and we only just barely realize that our teeth have rotted.

[swoosie1]

Steven, we can see that you spent all Saturday afternoon by the pool writing this one. Please get a day job--or find someone to edit your material--you show your ignorance.

[definitelyNOTmisterRIGHT]

D-E-L-U-S-I-O-N-A-L-!

[swoosie1]

Oh--and you really lost me when you decided to coin the term "info-teats"---I am so embarassed for you.

[piquet]

Steven..let it go.
It will NEVER happen in yours and my lifetime. We will never witness a movement that inspires the best in what is human. The disease of consumerism has taken hold like a bacteria with an insatiable appetite mutated into a sea of vanilla. Translation...there are too many mindless gluttons unable to be inspired by what could be. Long gone are the days of exploration and inquisitive thought that brings us passed the grunts of only 2 dimensions.
It only takes a shiney object such as a lapel pin, illogical fears and a funny middle name to nudge todays cow into line. It's best to just tap out. There are too many. We will NEVER convince the mob that they are killing themselves slowly and with little resistance from their glazed over minds. My friend organize your thoughts and lose yourself in you. Because they don't care...period

[Igglesbee]

Your comment brings to mind one of the unbreakable laws of nature: A satisfied need does not motivate. Think about it. We do not fight for air unless we're deprived of it.

The gluttonous Americans (you speak of) have been wholly unmotivated because their needs have been largely met - they can easily feed their addictions at the malls, restaurants and grocery stores.

But.

This is changing. As American's needs are not met, they become more engaged. Perhaps the motives (a desire for cheap food and entertainment) is less than admirable, but it will nonetheless produce a more capable government. This is the hope, albeit cynically framed, that I hold onto when I envision President Obama.

No, Americans will not launch to their feet to vote for a righteous candidate with a heart of gold. But, they will race to the polls to secure their access to material stuff they *think* they need. Yes, I know, cynicism is a sorry kind of wisdom. (Obama said that.)

[DiogenesII]

A wise person once uttered,

"Satisfaction is the Death of Desire".

As long as we fall subject to, and allow others to define the objects of our desire, we will, cravenly pursue these objects; a fallacious image of need, with hopes that they will somehow feed our souls and to our dismay, the nourishment we seek is now to be found in packaging labeled "New and Improved". It's a vicious cycle of dependency, the very model of capitalist consumption, designed to perpetuate the myth that this moveable feast, if obtained, will save us from the starvation of an empty soul. The illusion, suspends logic or puts it to sleep.

The Clinton's claim experience. I'd suggest it is simply a very large
serving of empty calories. There are too many lies, too much deceit,
in their soulless recipe. They HOPE you are sleeping .

Many are now asking what is the matter with Obama? That question
should be asked of the person who had every conceivable advantage
at the beginning of this process. So, what exactly is the problem with
Billary?

[scepticalobserver]

The networks and cable news have allowed the Pentagon to use a massive propaganda machine to spin the war for years and only PBS has said a word about it.

John McCain has 47 corporate lobbyist's working for his campaign and it' s crickets.

Clinton has been mathematically eliminated as a contender, yet the media insists that there is still a contest. The popular vote is irrelevant or every state that held a caucus would have held a popular vote instead.

Obama has energized people who had given up on the electoral process to register, most for the first time, and a government by the people, for the people is scary. As is social justice.
Clinton will play ball, no one can predict what Obama will do. Hell, he might actually listen to Americans.

The spin is in high gear.

[swoosie1]

It's not the math stupid---its the reality of having a candidate like Obama that can't win in November.

[loper2008]

how do you know he can't win?

[scepticalobserver]

Well perhaps you might try listening to stupid as opposed to running your mouth. You appear to think that McCain will walk into the White House because of the weakness of his Democratic opponent. Allow me to disabuse you of the idea.

John McCain called his wife a cunt in public, in front of three witnesses. He supports privatizing Social Security and continuing the tax cuts for the wealthiest of Americans while this country slides into the worst recession in our lifetime. He opposed SCHIP.
No wait. That's not the kind of thing that you understand.
Let's try something down at your level.

McCain is is a vindictive little prick, who's been milking his hero status since he was released from a P.O.W. camp. He received nineteen medals and commendations for less than thirty hours of combat because his father was an Admiral.
He's been a crook since he was first elected and a vindictive one at that. He sold out the Navajo's in Arizona to benefit his buddies at Peabody coal the same way that he sold his wife down the road to marry the bookkeeper for the Keating 5; because she was filthy rich and would be a greater benefit to his political career than a crippled wife.

But the dude oughtta' be a shoo-in. You're right, the Republicans love that kind of bio. Us stupids think we can do better.

[Igglesbee]

Steven, I'm so sorry I ever thought Tim Daly was hotter than you.

[RRonin]

Sounds like a bunch of elitist talk to me. I need a shot and a beer.

[Nezua]

ditto.

[DickTater]

That was great Mr Weber. I fail utterly at being comprehensible when trying to explain this stuff.
People have to wake up from the bad, tacky, commercial dream we have all been drugged into.
Trying to shatter the illusion, or gently peel back the curtain.....it is very hard while they sleepwalk on. Like talking to a wall.

Question for people:
Can a Corporate Giant remain adequately objective about our health care? Pushing Meds at us right and left? Our Free Press daily requirements? Can it remain free from constantly making us feel inadequate, in order to pressure us into buying teeth whitener and breath freshener? Can it provide our basic political and civic needs?
When corporate giants own the very LENS we all gaze into, and all the content therein....and they themselves are dependent on OTHER corporogiants for huge cashwads of advertising....can we really trust them to treat us gingerly....or report on ummahhhh... A Corporate Takeover of America?!!!
Probably not.

The airwaves are the property of the People, the government merely LEASES them to the networks - in return for PSAa and Fairness Doctrine and to not subliminally advertise to us and also they prob. shoudn't subvert/pervert the political process. They still do PSAs tho! Sure doesn't seem like they want to give them back. Since it turned out to be The Most Powerful Instrument Devised By Man and stuff...they seem to want to keep playing with it. Still their turn, or sumthin.

[JanetE]

Steven Steven Steven, with all due respect because I have enjoyed your acting work, right now you seem to have listened to too many Obama speeches. Oy. What in the world are you saying? Can you not speak plainly???

OK, I got it that you don't think the MSM is doing a good job. I agree. Aren't they supposed to be neutral? I wonder how Peter Jennings would have handled this? I miss him.

OK the rest sounded like blah blah blah ... Hope-bot.
Yes, I hope we as a country can overcome our economic problems, our bitter problems, our race problems, our housing problems, poverty, homelessness, autism, cancer, terrorism, veteran's emotional/physical health problems, the cost of oil and gas .... and on and on .........

I HOPE that we can begin to solve those problems with someone who has the experience and wisdom to deal with these things. The combined Clintons have this. Obama is way too green.
I HOPE and pray he is not elected president of our hopeful, optimistic, wonderful country.

[graffen48]

If Clinton wasn't such a liar and a flip flopping hypocrite, I'd agree with you. Oh, and that little thing about nuclear obliteration......we all know that can be done, she didn't have to trumpet it out there for votes. Thats cheap and fear-mongering at its worst.

[Shaddup]

Apparently you didn't read the editorial. Wasn't Clinton one of the "Ogs" that led us into Iraq and then pulled up at the last moment to save herself. Oh, except for that whole "give Bush the power to declare martial law" thing.

[esky]

Right on sister. Read mine. We should collaborate? Are these people all 12?

[RanTheMan]

You write of experience, and then tie Bill directly to Hillary's hip as "The combined Clintons...".

Your 'hope" that the pair will bring back the success of Bill's two terms (Which alone, we could debate for hours) in the White House is, quite simply, naive.

I'll take the candidate that has best exemplified organizational ability, open-mindedness, honesty, and dignity over one that has to spread lies and innuendo (Remember, her camp admitted to the "kitchen sink" tactics) to win an election.

If the country truly is hopeful and optimistic, they would see it the same way I, and many others do. And based on the numbers, ANY way you twist them, they do.

Obama '08

[Bluesage]

Very well said JanetE and I agree. I HOPE our party will wake up before it's too late and not nominate Obama but I think the media has ignored way too much for too long and he will be the nominee. It may be too late now so I will just HOPE that Democrats work very hard to increase our numbers in the Congress so that McCrazy can do no harm for four years.

[stellanoir]

Reports of his political demise have been vastly embellished.

He's simply got too much savvy, enlightenment, and is far too cool.

Just wait till we see him play 3 on 3 Basketball on Saturday.

If his interview on ESPN hadn't gotten scrubbed he would be the undeniable frontrunner.

But NO, they just replayed his gutter ball and Reverend Wright's mere snippet endlessly in gutter ball politics fashion.

It's nauseating. She's caustic, disingenuous, and totally self serving.

Now . . .about those voting machines. . . .