Whom To Believe

[Steely_Dan]

I was switching from Fox to MSNBC to CNN while I was getting ready for work (as I always do...news junkie, don't you know?). Anyway, MSNBC was interviewing a Sgt. Major who has been recruiting for the past 11 years for the US Army. I was struck by the fact that this recruiter would not admit to any retention problems and/or recruiting issues. That is to say...all is well with the world and the US Army has plenty of fine young Americans signing up everyday.

I find this hard to believe based on the many articles I have read here and on other sites on the Internet.

This brings me to the obvious question: If all news organizations and web sites have an "agenda," where can I get factual and objective reporting?

I must say that I feel uneasy in the belief that I cannot receive "fair and balanced" reporting anywhere. Oh sure, I can filter out the bias and recognize the political leanings of different news media, but I gotta believe that some of the crap still makes its way into my head.

As Pink Floyd once said: "There's someone in my head, but it's not me."

-Paige

[liberalhistorian]

1. That's why I'm beginning to rely more on

foreign news sources than American sources.

[Michael_UK]

2. the BBC

The BBC is still, in my mind, the most balanced source of news one can find.

[Steely_Dan]

3. BBC

Yeah, I have a friend who suggested the same thing...I probably should check it out.

-P

[newyawker99]

9. Hi mh8782!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Mistress Quickly]

4. I think what it is

is the difference between re-upping and enlisting. We are getting new guys, but the tried and trues aren't re-upping.

[Supormom]

5. I used to be a news junkie, too.

Turn off the cable news networks. Even if you try to filter out the bias you'd be surprised how much is getting through.
I am sooo much easier to live with now that I stopped yelling at the TV. Just ask my husband!

[Steely_Dan]

6. 12 Step Program

Maybe I need a 12 Step Program to get away from the news. I'm completely addicted. At work, I'm checking the news sights at least once an hour. I get email updates. If there is a TV on anywhere in the building, I'm drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It seems that if I don't get my "fix" on a regular basis, I start having with drawl pains.

What can I do to replace this addiction???

-P

[Supormom]

7. Cold Turkey

Take a few days off and spend some time at a bed and breakfast in the country or a cheap motel with no cable. If you cannot leave home then unplug all TVs. Expect severe withdrawal for about 3 days. When you get the urge to find a TV, try listening to a favorite CD instead. Build a strong support network of friends and family. Call them whenever you feel the need. Most importantly, don't forget to check in here at DU on a daily basis! Good Luck!

[bobbieinok]

8. I stopped cold in June 2000

I'd been watching and freaking - seeing a very few interesting things.

Then I went to IA for the celebration of my son's marriage.

I apparenty bugged people a lot because I couldn't stop talking about my dismay at the coverage and the spin.

I was gone about 3 weeks - they didn't watch TV.

I returned home relaxed and decided NO TV. I did internet.

From then on I've done internet places like DU and followed the links to out-of-US media sources.

I read other people's posts about what's on FAUX, CNN, CBS, etc.

I still get very angry, but the immediacy of the STUPIDITY and CONSTANT RIGHT-WING SPIN is gone.