WHY I CAN’T HELP MYSELF
At year end, I mentioned to most of you that I intended to cease political commentary for several reasons. First, there is such a constant barrage of same, and I felt I didn’t have anything significantly different to add to the cacophony. There are also a plethora of articulate and thoughtful pundits and writers offering many more salient observations. Second, third and seventh…the exercise was raising my blood pressure and stress levels beyond that of my typical irritable, yet charming self.
HOWEVER, I can’t help myself when I see Trump’s polling numbers rise, reflecting the perception that he’s doing a good job of handling the coronavirus challenge, or any issue for that matter. He and his Administration have done a horrible job, as has our Texas Gov. Abbott. They’re way over their heads as to realtime governance, have poor support teams, and are left to lie, distract and constantly misinform to give the appearance of leadership action. They are constantly being caught in this shell game, but too many suffer in the process…and, in this most serious challenge, too many DIE.
NOTE: I now have a better understanding of Trump’s temporary boost in the polls. History shows that such is not uncommon during times of crisis. In such times, an element of patriotism pushes us to look to our leadership for consolation and hope. The President has the bully pulpit and is constantly being seen addressing the challenge. For those not paying close attention, that can equate to leadership action and success. Thus, the presumption that the President is providing leadership, when in fact, in our case he’s just being Trump. Enough said. We’ll take care of that in November.
A QUESTION OF FACTS…NOT POLITICS…SOME EXAMPLES
The Critical Priorities
When reporters ask about supply shortages, Trump touts mask and glove deliveries, but evades responding to the most critical needs of ventilators, testing kits, personal protective gear for health workers and hospital isolation room capacity. To date, we’ve been unable to have any COORDINATED response to these logistical challenges. The U.S. and Texas have both been behind the response curve due to incompetent leadership. The few Dr. Faucis and Cuomos of the Country have been outnumbered and overshadowed by political bluff and bluster at every level. Hopefully, that’s changing.
The stark contrast between press conference fabrication and real world truth is seen daily as we see the firsthand reports from healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines. The politicos tout hopeful/imagined success, the frontline Docs and Nurses report their realtime truth. And, that brings me to my most important Mosey theme…the critical importance of facts, and the journalists and reporters who report them…IF WE PAY ATTENTION.
THE IMPORTANCE OF JOURNALISTS AND THE TRUTH
There are too many uninformed citizens in this Country, and that’s dangerous for a functioning society. Many of these folks are labeled “ignorant,””willfully ignorant,” or “stupid” in various contexts, but polite society would prefer “uninformed.” While some who fit this description are easy to spot in their various habitats, others may be among our families, friends and business colleagues. And, I’ve occasionally encountered one when I’ve passed a mirror.
The antidote for this challenge rests with responsible journalists—factual, truth-seeking organizations and high-integrity media groups with a goal of serving the public interest. With humans involved, there will always be questions of objectivity and spin. Thus, the importance of multiple sources to narrow the odds for thoughtful balance. And to counter our vulnerability to “alternate facts.” Always seek several sources to keep you and yours well informed, and better able to debate differences of opinion.
It’s important that we support those organizations that enable journalists to do their jobs. By subscribing and/or contributing financially where appropriate. I enjoy reading my daily newspapers and magazines, hope they’ll remain an option. We still look forward to leisurely Sunday mornings with the New York Times and the CBS “Sunday Morning” show. But, with the demise of newsprint journalism, we’re noting the new online models that are rapidly having an impact. We’re proud to be early investment supporters of two notable e-pioneers.
The Texas Tribune is celebrating a ten-year success story as an online nonpartisan non-profit journalism model, focusing on Texas government, policy and politics. The Tribune now has the largest Capitol press corps in the Country, and is winning numerous state and national awards for journalistic excellence.
Two outstanding Tribune veterans have just left that Mother Ship to create another unique news gathering effort. Former Tribune Editor-In-Chief Emily Ramshaw has gathered several other women superstars to recently launch The 19th, a non-profit, non-partisan newsroom “reporting at the intersection of women, politics and policy.” Two great reminders that responsible journalism is not dead. It’s just being reimagined and recreated. And we all win in the process.
