as a nation we haven’t distinguished ourselves much of late. the times are filled with an emerging censorship of what is already the rightful press of our times yet we have not even begun the discussion of protecting the greatness of this new communications ability.
World view for most of us was formed with a technology which even now fades swiftly stage right. News “Paper” is dead. Unfortunately, the “press” hasn’t bequeathed its’ children much of the family wealth.
Without the protections and responsibilities of a free press, total control of our world view has been handed over to a cadre of whoever can pay the price, and it’s ALWAYS for sale. One of the sale conditions, is approval of the existing government. I find that to be an interesting situation indeed.
This is fundamentaly different from the old press. Increasing corporate control of the press is always a concern, but the situation now is much worse that that. We only have a few flaccid libel laws, and perhaps a bit of financial worry to protect us now.
There isn’t any governance at all operating to guarantee much of anything. A handful of unimaginably wealthy families control everything you see hear, read, watch. What do you suppose they would have you think?
There is no requirement that they tell the truth. There are scarce requirements at all. Since they are not the press, what are they? “Entertainment” companies. Movie companies. “Internet” companies. “Service provider companies.”. The currency of recognition.
In addition to making their owners wealthy beyond measure, these internet service provider/entertainment/movie companies are doing another thing quite well. They are separating us from one of the strongest pillars of democracy.
My little blog on the prairie... 