A Simple Suggestion: Make the Media Break It Down

[Tom Rinaldo]

We can agree that rhetoric has become over heated "on both sides". We can agree that the tone of political discourse should be raised "on both sides". And we can agree that threats of, allusions to, and/or use of force have no legitimate place in our national political dialog, "from either side".

Then ask the media to break it down. Which of the above transgressions is potentially most serious? Point out specifics "on both sides". When are transgressions articulated by identifiable political leaders, elected officials, and influential national opinion makers "on both sides", rather than isolated sign holders and faceless bloggers?

There is Name Calling. There are Threats. There is Physical Intimidation. And then there are calls for and preparation for Armed Sedition against the government of the United States of America. Call them all sins. Say that sins exist "on both sides". But even the Catholic Church knows that not all sins are created equal. Break it down for us media. Do your job. For both sides.

[Tom Rinaldo]

1. lol, OK maybe I thought it was a better suggestion than it is...

But the only way the media has been able to get away with their false equivelency routine is by remaining completely vague as in "there are problems on both sides". Sure there are. Just like there are problems in Haiti and problems in the U.S. That approach to discussion is ludicrous if applied to virtually any other major story. Well what are the worst problems on both sides? I think we should press them for specifics, apple to apple, oragne to orange.

[chimpymustgo]

3. Now Tom. Asking the media to do their JOBS? We'll get real gun safety laws before that happens!

[Tom Rinaldo]

5. "Some may say I'm a Dreamer..." :) n/t

[scarletwoman]

2. Won't happen. It's not in their interest to deconstruct their narrative. (nt)

(edited for "duh" error)

[Tom Rinaldo]

4. No it's not in their interest. But there are enough chinks in their wall

... that we can force some discussion along these lines if the minority of honest centrists and center leftists who get scraps of air time focus on that theme, and if the blogosphere does also. It really is where the media blockout is most vulnerable. Print media might be more initially responsive.