Today's Mozen: BEWARE FAUX NEWS

Frank LoBuono

When I saw it, my jaw dropped. I was channel serving when I quickly noticed a banner across Sean Hannity's Fox News program. But first, let me make something perfectly clear. I am NOT a regular viewer of Fox News. In fact, because I find their so-called news programs full of inaccuracies, pointed exaggerations, and flat-out disinformation so egregious that I have dubbed it Faux News. Be that as it may, I will occasionally stop and watch for a minute or two just to see how outrageous their alternative facts might be for any given story.

The banner was highlighting the news that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was investigating CBS in support of President Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit (that’s right $10 BILLION) claiming that CBS had selectively and deceptively edited a Kamal Harris answer during a "60 Minutes" interview while she was campaigning. In an unprecedented move and under FCC pressure, CBS released a longer, more complete answer that was used for another program. Hannity played both clips and went on to encourage viewers to see how they deliberately turned “word salad” (his words) into a coherent, more positive response.

Are you kidding me?

That college dropout, blowhard was trying to explain a process most people, including him, have little or no idea about?

Fortunately, I do know something about it.

You see, I spent over 40 years in the TV production/news business working in about every position that profession had to offer. During that time, I performed as a production assistant, a producer, reporter, writer, director, technician. editor, and more. I spent the last 20 years of my career working for the National Desk at CBS News in New York. I have been retired for the last few years but still maintain my press credentials and I teach a multi-media graduate level course at Fordham University, Lincoln Center. So, without false modesty, I know what the hell I’m talking about. And I know this:

1.    I watched both clips of the interview and there was NO so-called word salad. Both clips made perfect sense. One just happened to be a bit longer because it contained conversational words that aren’t necessary in the final interpretation.

2.   That’s what editing IS! EVERY interview, especially those involving National figures, is ALWAYS longer than the final EDITED version. Interviews of that nature can last a half hour or more. It is simply impossible to use the ENTIRE interview in a news piece that lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 or 15 minutes in TOTAL!

3.   It’s the JOB of the producers and editors, who are HIGHLY TRAINED TO DO SO, to condense ALL of the information into a usable form while still preserving the SPIRIT of the message.

4.   CBS did an outstanding job in doing just that.

It’s a classic tactic that earned them the title Faux News. They parade the handsome Mr. Hannity before his adoring audience (I have witnessed them at LIVE events, and they are totally enamored) to make nonsense sound good. And, let me tell you, it IS nonsense. But if you choose to believe it, despite the expertise I offer you do counter him, than there is little I can do to convince you otherwise. But, be warned. This constant drumbeat of misinformation is another drop in what will soon become a torrent washing away ALL of the freedoms we supposedly hold so dear.

The way to resist is through vigilance and acquired knowledge. But we must WORK on it. Do not believe everything that you hear or read – at least until you have researched it further. Good, accurate information IS available - IF you make the effort to find it. Beware of cognitive dissonance. Do not start out simply looking to prove your point. Search for the truth and you will find it.

Today's MOZEN: WHO ARE WE??

 

 

Words and photos by F LoBuono

Dictionary.com defines ethos as: noun

1.    Sociology. the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period:

In the Greek ethos the individual was highly valued.

2.    the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc.

It’s a word that, considering the state of our current government’s administration, should take on a particularly powerful meaning now. You see, as I predicted many years ago and continue the drumbeat to this very day, the Presidential election of 2024 would be – and IS – a referendum on what it means to be an American.

It’s time to take a good long look into our hearts and souls and answer that question. Let’s look beyond the realm of politics and delve into the moral. What ethos, i.e. fundamental character or spirit of a culture, do we want to represent the legacy of our era?

Despite his protestations, it has become clear that by his ACTIONS that President Donald J.Trump and his cronies are implementing the draconian principals laid out in the Project 2025 doctrine. EVERYONE should know that the ideals within that document will fundamentally change the very core of American policy both domestically and internationally.

But it’s more than just political change. It’s a moral issue too, as already seen in the flurry of Executive Orders issued by Mr. Trump, many of them indicating the implementation of Project 2025 doctrine; a world ruled by white, privileged men, and the uber wealthy. Those not willing to accept these standards will be shunned, cast out, or worse. And there are many other tenets that are equally morally reprehensible.

There are already many examples of these facts. Too many to list for any one article. But, for just one example, anything to do with the Federal Government’s attempt with providing a fair opportunity for ALL Americans to work and be included in the so-called American dream was cancelled when he dissolved DEI (The Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). And he did so with joy as if equity and inclusion were dirty words! He was even so petty as to have even any mention of the words erased from any Federal office or building. Then he doubled-down by blaming the horrific mid-air collision in Washington, D.C. on DEI hiring – with NO PROOF, as they were still recovering bodies from the Potomac! Of course, he was completely supported by the UNQUALIFIED lackies he appointed to key positions in his Cabinet.

Is this leadership? Hell no! It’s downright deplorable. A REAL leader would have offered strength through words and deeds of compassion to the families and the Nation.

And there is more. Too much more to describe them all. But let’s review just a few more examples.

In addition to the inexcusable act of pardoning the Jan.6^th traitors and criminals (1500 of them) he has taken his domination of America’s justice system to a new low by firing any inspector who might find malfeasance in any of his Administration, dismissing any prosecutors in the Department of Justice who had any involvement in the Jan. 6^th trials, and demanding the records of ANY agent who may have been involved in the investigation for possible further action.

This is unconscionable! He has once again put himself above the law and is getting away with it – again! Why? Because people continue to support him. But they can no longer in good conscience say, “don’t mind what he says. Look at what he does.” Well, I am looking and it’s disgusting.

There are SO many examples of this man’s attempt at bring us to, ah, yes, the dreaded word: fascism – dreaded AND real. Allow me to make one more point.

In another action, Mr. Trump basically dissolved the US Government’s program to assist those most in need in other countries known as USAID. By providing food and other life essentials to those struggling, it was our attempt to show that the United States not only has a big stick, but it can provide a healthy carrot too. When asked, one his newest lackies, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, summed up the new policy by basically saying (paraphrasing): it’s not about THEM. It’s about US.

No more carrots. Here’s the stick.

And there you have it folks, the new American ethos. But perhaps I’m wrong. Maybe we’ve always been that way. Afterall, over 77 million Americans voted for this man and his agenda. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why so many people would elect a man with so many serious character flaws. Was it because they saw their own faults in him and that made him relatable? But can they REALLY look at themselves in the mirror today and say, “I want to look like that – BE that?” Even Now?

The way things stand today if any Trump supporters were to actually read this, I find it highly unlikely that it would change any of their minds. But if my words can inspire even one person to stop this madness, spending the few hours to write this will have been worth it. You see, maybe I’m old fashioned, but I remember when Americans stood up for the little guy, the less fortunate, the underdog – because that’s what WE were, and I want us to be again. THAT’s our ethos. And either you believe in that, or you don’t. Act. Before it’s too late.