OPINION:
From outstanding world leadership to wealth and power during and after World War II, the U.S. has declined and now has levels of unprecedented debt. Current inequity and polarized division are reminiscent of our Civil War era.
Since media is our primary source of information, an examination of its role in promoting contemporary national trends is paramount.
Escape from the pressures and humdrum of everyday activities make entertainment an essential part of civilized social structure. Court jesters were a vital part of feudal society, but not in a leadership or trend-setting capacity. Past generations, while placing value on and patronizing theater, cast a wary eye on thespian ability to portray individuals and situations that were not genuine.
Today’s view of actors and entertainers has reversed. Celebrities are role models and make more than corporate CEOs. Sports figures make millions by endorsing anything from socks to candy bars. TVs, laptops and phones have made media influence inescapable. News programs are ranked on popularity, not content. Many of these sources are owned or influenced by multinational corporate winners who wish to distract from trade and economic reform.
If continuing the current national trade and economic policy that inhibits U.S. productivity while producing trillions in national debt seems to make sense, we must be overly influenced by our modern-day court jesters. Shouldn’t the result take precedence over the message? Must we continue to congratulate the salesmen who sold us this supply-side lemon?
New criteria should be established for naming our national airport and warships to avoid the disunity of using partisan icons. The carriers Enterprise and Lexington are shining examples from our glorious past.
LOUIS L. BOEHM
Orchard Park, New York
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