Cagle World

We, in America, have been living in alternate states of reality for quite some time. They are neither red or blue. They are states of consciousness and perception.

New borders and boundaries have been erected to divide us. They’re often alphanumeric in construction; rising and falling with every stroke of a keyboard, button-push of a remote control, or swipe of a touchscreen. They open the gates to awareness, while simultaneously shutting the door on reason.

How we perceive our world is increasingly defined by the cable channels we view, the radio stations we listen to, the websites we surf, and to a lesser extent – sadly – the newspapers we read.

For as long as the printing press has existed, journalists have expressed differing points-of-view. In their earliest incarnations, books, pamphlets, and newspapers were put out by individuals who voiced their opinions in hopes of moving their readers; to convince them to take a similar stance even more than they factually covered events. The “news” was an extension of those who had the means to publish.

Newspapers historically followed this pattern in cities and towns, large and small. People “took” papers that reflected their personal values and worldview. In many communities, multiple print news outlets existed, whose coverage and advertising targeted those with similar sensibilities. Broadsheets appealed to traditional conservatives, some to more progressive audiences. Tabloids often spoke to the working-class and, sometimes, to immigrants or the radical fringe.

Reporters who wrote for those publications covered the same stories, fought for the same scoops, and spun their coverage based primarily upon those owners and publishers hoped to influence. The papers were run by upstanding citizens and civic leaders. They wielded considerable power but were not demagogues. Most sought to open readers’ eyes to new realities and societal changes. Few propagated lies and deception. If only this were true today.

Demagoguery does exist, and it is motivated by both profit and perspective, no matter how distorted the prospect may be. Major media conglomerates, whose leaders have included families with names like Murdoch, Sinclair, and Breitbart, often host those who are not beyond expressing outright lies. They also accuse other mainstream outlets of purveying “fake news,” no matter how well-substantiated the facts may be.

Brakes are rarely applied to the editorial ramblings of many of these news outlets. It’s even worse online where bloggers, creators of what are truly “fake news” sites, as well as some that are more legitimate, preach to choirs comprised of the angry and disaffected; giving voice to extremist positions. And let’s not forget those sites under the control of outside influencers whose sole intent is to foster discord among us.

It would be disingenuous to avoid examining the voices of other cable networks, those whose ownership is associated with corporate logos more so than surnames; the usual suspects, like MSNBC and CNN, that are targeted by right-leaning ranters. Sorry to disillusion their critics, but what is seen interspersed with opinion on those channels is news; based on hard, well-documented facts. And when mistakes or errors in judgment occur (and they sometimes do), those responsible are subjected to intense scrutiny; with public apologies, corrections, or retractions being made.

While some mainstream conservatives may cringe when extremist or ignorant sentiments are expressed by friends and colleagues, by the president, or on the channels and sites that serve as their platforms, they are loathe to publicly denounce them. Self-preservation and careerism is clearly more important than veracity.

Ongoing cries of “fake news” and the constant repetition of lies and half-truths only strengthen the borders and boundaries that divide us. Those on both sides oftentimes remain cloistered, living in separate states of reality to the detriment of us all.

In the days before cable news and online websites ran amok, legendary journalist Walter Cronkite ended his television broadcast each weekday evening with the phrase “And that’s they way it is… “And we believed him. These days, many of us don’t really know who or what to believe. That’s just the way it is.

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Copyright 2018 Blair Bess distributed exclusively by Cagle Cartoons newspaper syndicate.

Blair Bess is a Los Angeles-based television writer, producer, and columnist. He edits the online blog Soaggragated.com, and can be reached at [email protected].

By Blair Bess

From the moment he took office, President Trump has repeatedly experienced buyer’s remorse.

In the last week, the president has undermined a key member of his administration and reversed course on his own foreign and economic policies. This should come as no surprise. It’s standard operating procedure for the Trump White House. President Trump promised to “Make America Great Again” and to put America first. By acting in a wishy-washy manner, he demonstrates he is incapable of doing either.

On the campaign trail, the president promised he would be tough with our adversaries. That he would pull out of NAFTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). That he would punish those he believed were treating the U.S. unfairly. He did so by slapping tariffs on international trade partners, including some of our closest allies.

When it was explained to President Trump – repeatedly – that tariffs might provoke a trade war, he walked things back by carving out exemptions – allegedly temporary – for fellow NAFTA members Canada and Mexico. He’s now considering trade “exceptions” for Australia. Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and the European Union are seeking similar treatment. The president is thinking about it.

Days after taking office, the president signed an Executive Order withdrawing the U.S. from the TPP. After doing so, China launched a full-court press in hopes of becoming the dominant trade force throughout the Pacific Rim. The result could be a weakened American economy and a diminished role in international trade.

Someone must have schooled the president on this. Last week, he took steps toward tearing up one of his signature economic policies, and reconsider whether withdrawing from the TPP would be as advantageous – or intelligent – a choice as he’d originally believed. Until he decided he wasn’t sure.

The president now says he wants to “renegotiate” the TPP. Hard to do when it’s an agreement you’re not a party to. No matter. Late this past Tuesday, the president changed his mind yet again, saying he doesn’t think the TPP represents a good deal for the U.S. Well, which is it, Mr. President?

Should the tax plan he so strongly supported begin to falter and the deficit skyrocket, he will likely disown that as well.

What’s next? Will he soon repudiate EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, acknowledge that climate change is a reality, and renounce his withdrawal from the Paris climate accord?

When it comes to foreign policy, the president doesn’t fare any better.

The Washington Post has reported that, after expelling 60 Russian diplomats in response to the Russian government’s attempts to poison one of its former spies who was quietly residing in England, he exploded in anger. While being briefed, he was apparently “distracted” and didn’t realize how large the number would be or what exactly he was ordering.

Anything related to Russia or Vladimir Putin is subject to presidential flip-flopping.

After dumping hundreds of millions of dollars of ordnance on Syria last week, President Trump announced that he was also imposing new sanctions on Syria’s benefactor, Russia. Nikki Haley, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, said as much last Sunday morning on CBS’s “Face The Nation.”

Though Haley apparently made her announcement after consulting with the White House, the president, by proxy, hung her out to dry, denying further sanctions were on the horizon. His economic adviser Larry Kudlow – no expert on foreign policy – later told Fox News that “There might have been some momentary confusion about that.” Haley, who is no shrinking violet, had none of it, stating “With all due respect, I don’t get confused.”

Unfortunately, the president of the United States does. Frequently.

The issue at hand is not one of policy. It is one of erratic behavior; of competence and determination. About the president taking a position and sticking to it rather than Namby-pamby around and walk it back.

President Trump, given to hyperbole, has talked about the “big button” that sits on his desk. Here’s the thing. Once you push the “big button” and nuclear warheads are halfway to their destination, it’s a little too late to reconsider your decision and call your missiles home. Because they ain’t comin’ back. No matter how “smart” they may be.

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Copyright 2018 Blair Bess distributed exclusively by Cagle Cartoons newspaper syndicate.

Blair Bess is a Los Angeles-based television writer, producer, and columnist. He edits the online blog Soaggragated.com, and can be reached at [email protected].