American “free press” is a lie because it practically does not exist in America!
Specifically, the rich control the press, not only the traditional media (e.g., newspapers and TV), but also the social media (e.g., Facebook and Twitter). The press, in turn, serves the rich, including both the commercial and political establishments!
1. Traditional media in America
Traditional media is [mostly] controlled by for-profit companies, for which ratings are everything: They give you what you want (e.g., the Iraq War and the war in Ukraine), and you give them what they want (e.g., putting up with the ads).
Simply put, it is just business: “I help you feel good and you help me make some money.” Little else matters, not even the truth, especially in politics.
The image below highlights the reality in America today.
2. Social media in America
Let’s focus on Twitter and Facebook, and briefly highlight them, respectively.
2.1 Twitter
Here is a recent news story: Elon Musk buys Twitter: Everything you need to know.
What did Mr. Musk do first and foremost?
He abused it, as exemplified by the image below!
In short, Twitter has apparently become a platform of “free speech” for him, and him alone! Everybody else can be regulated, as he sees fit!
2.2 Facebook
Two recent news stories:
- Facebook played a major role in coordinating the Capitol riot’.
- How Should We Limit Facebook’s Power?
The image below is worth more than 1,000 words.
3. Discussion
Media distortion has accompanied America throughout its life so far. For more, read Media distortion in America.
Social media are new. While many good things have come with them, such as connecting with friends and families, their negative impact on society must not be ignored.
Bottom line: The media must be controlled, beyond regulations as Americans know it.
This is the job of the government. Unfortunately for America, it simply does not have a responsible and effective government, by design, to do the job.
In contrast, over there in China, the government has been doing a great job in not only media control, but also public education via the media, both traditional and social.
The image below highlights the key difference between China and America today.
4. Closing
American “free press” is a lie!
America, reform our failing political system, as I have suggested (read History 2.0 – China’s Comeback vs. America’s Decline), or become a fiddle, second to China!
