"Balloon Boy" and the Run Away Media

By now, we all know that the runaway balloon with the little boy inside was a hoax. For a while the saucer-shaped balloon became a media event similar to the helicopter chase of O. J. Simpson. (Remember that?) The networks even cut away from a speech by President Obama to go to live coverage of a daring rescue attempt involving two military helicopters and chase vehicles on the ground. The Denver airport was even closed down for a time as the balloon drifted into the flight paths of the planes. It was very exciting theater.

The next day, the major news outlets were tripping over themselves trying to interview the “relieved” dad and his little boy. I remember watching Good Morning America, as I ate my breakfast that morning, and Diane Sawyer immediately went to a live interview of the whole family. The father was now suspect after the little boy seemed to “spill the beans” during an earlier interview with Larry King. Nevertheless Diane pursued the interview with her inane questions of the father and I watched him “tap-dance” trying to feign offense at the suggestion of a hoax. He was holding the little boy close to him during the interview (better to control him?) when the poor kid said he was going to throw up. To her credit, Diane Sawyer finally broke in and asked if the boy shouldn’t be allowed to go to the bathroom. I expected her to cut away at that point and move on to other stories that morning (like perhaps the President’s speech?). Instead, I watched in disbelief as the father let go of his son and told him not to trip over the wires. Diane broke in again and asked if one of the parents shouldn’t go with the boy. At that point, the mother raised her hand and asked if it was okay that she go take care of him. She had been sitting meekly at the other end of the couch next to the other kids who looked like “deer caught in the headlights.” When the mother finally tip-toed off, I thought surely Diane would cut away to other stories, but no. As we were treated to the little boy retching in the background, Diane kept trying to solicit comments from the other kids (who looked scared to death) while the father continued his rambling discourse. It was agonizing and uncomfortable. Finally, the mother and the little boy returned after much off screen retching. Diane welcomed them back and attempted a few more pointless questions before mercifully breaking away. I have never seen Good Morning America spend 20 minutes of airtime on ANY story, let alone such drivel.

What the hell has happened to journalism and the news business and what is considered newsworthy these days? Have we all been taken in? Have we all been duped? Are we all being lulled to sleep while the rest of the world falls apart? Am I wrong to think that there are more important things to know about? We have pressing issues of healthcare reform, global warming, education and economic recovery to discuss and we spend 20 minutes listening to this publicity hound babble on while his son throws up.

In my lifetime, I have witnessed the death of independent news and integrity. It seems to have been replaced by the rise of corporate media productions with agendas. The news is delivered as entertainment in slick sound bites sandwiched between ads for prescription drugs and Depends undergarments. Our once trusted, stalwart newspapers are dying in this new world of I-pods and online news. Bloggers and paparazzi have replaced journalists and investigative reporters. I suggest that our “Fourth Estate” has been hijacked and manipulated to the point that I don’t know who to trust for accurate, comprehensive and fair news of the day. Where do I go to get unbiased and complete information on things I need to know in a world that reveres FOX News and the likes of Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck?

Where is Walter Cronkite when we need him?

Food for THOUGHT...

Texas Justice in the 1840's

Last Saturday, was Fall at the Alamo. Again this year we had mock trials giving our visitors a glimpse at justice during the 1840’s when Texas was its own sovereign nation. We were the Republic of Texas! Many of us from the Alamo Education Department dressed in period clothing and we tried cases that were typical of the time period. We had a great time playing our parts. Last year, I was a counterfeiter and this year I was the plaintiff in a Bowie knife fight. Our juries were made up of historical reenactors and Alamo visitors. After hearing the evidence in the mock trials, they go off and decide the fate of the accused.

There were many interesting cases on the docket this year. Many of our visitors are surprised by what was considered crime and punishment back in the 1840’s. Here is a sample:

1) A probate case. Wife of her deceased husband asking the court to settle her husband’s estate.
2) Arson case. Was it arson or the weather that night? A capital offense, death by hanging.
3) A murder case. A capital offense, death by hanging.
4) A case of horse theft. Fine up to $1,000, 39 lashes on the bare back and branded with the letter “T”
5) A case of counterfeiting. A capital offense, death by hanging.
6) A divorce case. Settlement depends on grounds and circumstances.
7) A case of gaming (cards and dice in public). A misdemeanor with fines of not less than $50 nor more than $500 and jail time at the court’s discretion.
8) A case of a duel. A capital offense, death by hanging. Seconds and others who assist shall be fined and imprisoned at the court’s discretion.
9) A case of unlawfully detaining a slave and confiscation of a weapon. Suing for return of property.
10) A case of assault (with a Bowie knife). Imprisonment of not less than 1 year nor more than 5 years.

Frontier justice was often harsh by today’s standards and it was as swift as taking the convict out to the nearest tree to be hung by the neck until dead. Our Alamo visitors came away with another view of Texas life during those Republic years. Courts and the Rule of Law were important on the wild frontier. Yes, they dealt with things like murder and theft but also were expected to settle estates and grant divorces.

Societies rely on a system of justice in order to function and resolve disputes. The Republic of Texas was no exception, but it is fascinating to see what was considered crime and punishment over time as we became the modern State of Texas in the United States of America. I cannot help but wonder what will be considered crime and punishment as we march into our future?

Food for THOUGHT…

Flu Shots

Fall has finally arrived and the push is on to get our flu shot… or shots? In past years, we were told to get one shot, a seasonal flu shot. It covered a combination of all the likely strains of flu that season. But this year, we are being told we may need three separate shots. So what is going on?

With the outbreak of Swine Flu (or the H1N1 Virus) this spring, our government and vaccine manufacturers have been busy preparing enough vaccine for the expected outbreak again this fall. Some researchers say that we will need two shots about three weeks apart and others say that one shot only may be just as effective. I’m glad medical science has that settled. I feel better now. Wasn’t it just a year ago that the medical community was worried about the Bird Flu Pandemic?

It seems like medical science is looking for “the big one” just like California is waiting for the big earthquake that will create beachfront property out of western Nevada. I find it interesting that man still believes that science and technology can outsmart Mother Nature, that scientist can figure out just when an average every day virus will mutate and become lethal. What are the odds we can stop it? If we do create just the right vaccine, what are the odds that we can produce enough vaccine for every man woman and child in time?

Still, I get my flu shot(s) every year, like a good little soldier, just on the off chance that it will protect me. Perhaps one day science will develop a shot that will protect us from…stupid politicians.

Food for THOUGHT…