MSNBC caters to those that tend to look at President Trump less favorably. OK… I am trying to be too delicate here. They can’t stand him. They are still besides themselves that he somehow got elected. The talking heads talk about taking too long to react and whatever being done is not enough. One guy even suggested that people not watch the White House briefings on this pandemic and only listen to the medical professionals. They just had a panel talking about the unfairness of the money the Republican Senate is planning to deposit in each taxpayers account. They suggested that the planned distribution is unfair and leaves the lowest income brackets underserved. The went on to talk about the number of people that die daily from living in poverty and that we have never declared and fought a war on this. They went on to talk about what we need to do after this crisis passes to make things better for the poor moving forward. The current segment is now criticizing the Republican Senators that sold stock before the crisis really set in last week.
Fox News? Well, they cater to folks more likely to vote for President Trump. OK, again, who am I kidding? The viewers of Fox love Trump. They think he is best thing that ever happened to this country. The talking heads here are also talking about this crisis being a war. They are, in contrast, giving credit to Trump and team for reacting quickly and resolutely to rev things up. They put a positive spin on what has been done and how we will get through this. The talking heads here are talking about the economy and how this will drive us into recession and what we need to do now and afterwards to get the economic engine back to normal. One guy suggested that we are overreacting now to the detriment of the economy and this will drive us into a depression. Others commented that the stimulus or relief legislation will have no impact on helping improve the economy. In writing the above two paragraphs, I have most likely irritated everyone. People will post strong and emotional statements trying to correct me and get me to see the light. It is inevitable.
Both channels emphasize the seriousness of what is going on and rightfully acknowledging the dedication and work of the health care professional care professionals on the front line.
There have been reports on the dire circumstances in Italy. No one has reported on South Korea and, even more so, Iran which may be even worse. I wonder if the pandemic has reached North Korea and, if so, what is the impact there.
I reiterate, the truth is somewhere in the middle. Are we doing the right thing? I think we are. But, this is uncharted territory. We might have to make restrictions more severe or get back to “normal” faster depending how things unfold. We will come out of this, but we will be in a recession and likely a depression. When we emerge e-commerce and remote working will have gained ground. Some businesses will be stronger, some will have to declare bankruptcy.
I can only watch one of these for maybe ten or fifteen minutes at a time before having to change the channel. I get it, both broadcast 24/7 and need to fill all of that time with content. Watching this all the time, in home isolation, can only make one feel down and depressed. Many of will respond to this saying, they have stopped watching the news altogether and doing other things that help make for a more positive state of mind through this unprecedented imposed lifestyle change. I detest the politicization of this crisis no matter which side does it… and both are doing it.
One perspective that I try to maintain is that I am comfortable in my home where heat, electricity, cable, internet, and phone are all working. We have plenty of food. While any or all of this can change, I have to be thankful for this. People are fighting for their lives from this disease. In the past, people have been displaced, lost everything, or been killed due to man’s inhumanity to man. This is a war for sure, but not as grim as a real war.
Woulda, shoulda, coulda? We can all be Monday morning quarterbacks and point fingers. Before the crisis contingency planning is an iffy exercise at best. Most of the time, leaders and organizations don’t want to invest tons of money to be ready for what was deemed as a low probability event. When the low probability event hits, we find ourselves unprepared. It takes some time to refocus resources, research, and manufacturing to react to the crisis. There is strong evidence that is happening. We will figure out how to ration if needed or more likely to regulate and meter who can go out to grocery stores if that is necessary.
Both MSNBC and Fox News are showing Governor Cuomo’s press conference. He is doing a great job of helping us keep it in perspective in terms of numbers of this virus vs. the flu and even the 1918 flu pandemic. He noted that the food and pharma supply chains still functioning, and transportation is still working. Don’t freak out and hoard groceries. Don’t make up your own facts. I really relate and agree with his view and challenge to all of us on how to keep this all in perspective.
Be well, stay healthy, stay home, and wash your hands… a lot.
Great post. Thanks, Mark. Once this is all behind us we should grab coffee or brunch sometime. Be well.
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