The purpose of this column is to make the reader aware of current events in politics and media and to explain the facts from both sides to get a real picture of the argument instead of having message skewed through mainstream media. This is one man trying to relate to college students the hot issues of the world so as to make the information for accessible. The column will present an opinion but will do the it’s best to only use opinions supported by lines of evidence.
Patrick Olds
– Opinions Editor –
During the course of this column, the one main theme that has been repeated from beginning through its conclusion is media literacy. Pessimism pays when reading news and deciphering sources in order to find truth.
This past weekend was the celebration of the decade. Finally, after 10 disappointing and grueling years, the United States had killed Usama bin Laden.
A group of 40-plus Navy Seals on four Blackhawk helicopters stormed a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and apparently were ordered by America’s chief executive, President Barack Obama, to “shoot to kill.”
It was quite odd how news and events unfolded Sunday night. When the news came out, there was shock and disbelief. “Could bin Laden really be dead?” He was and the president made sure everyone knew it. In his address to the nation, Obama made sure everyone was aware that he gave the order and implied that he should get some praise.
Sure, he thanked the soldiers but it was odd how he presented this information. It was almost as if this event had happened and, as Obama’s former Chief-of-Staff Rahm Emmanuel said, “Never let a crisis go to waste.” Obama wanted to exploit this event as a political rallying point.
Whether he did it on purpose or not, it’s a fair discussion to have. Is Obama now positioned to be unstoppable during the 2012 presidential election?
As soon as news was out Sunday night about bin Laden, there was a crowd quickly gathered outside of the White House, almost too quickly. If anyone was being pessimistic about the gathering they might have asked what group of people was doing the celebrating outside of the White House. It looked like a very young crowd, which is unusual, to say the least.
Based on recent history and observations, usually college-age students are generally anti-war and hesitant to celebrate any military victory. That’s why it was odd to see such a young group.
As I watched further, hand-held political signs started to stick out that made it seem more likely that this was a staged event to rally political support for Obama. Political signs such as “Latinos for Obama” were being raised. The crowd seemed overly bloodthirsty for a group that usually is so pacifist. It’s almost as if people were told to rally around the White House and yell and scream and shout support. It didn’t seem like people knew what they were chanting about.
This country usually doesn’t lust for blood like the lust that was on display Sunday night. Usama did terrible things. He furthered hate and murder as much as anyone on Earth. Americans don’t chant for blood, though.
This idea of pessimism may seem over the top to some, but, in actuality, people should be this way all of the time.
Don’t take for granted the news or information that is sent through the airwaves. Everyone should be their own reporter and political analyst.
The idea that the media have public’s best interest at heart is no longer true and hasn’t been for a long time.
Everyone has bias. Therefore, even if a reporter does what they can to be ethical, it’s not always a reality.
Watch out for yourselves.
