The Timing of the Foley "Fallout" (Kingdom, America)

[Feathers in Hair]

I'm hoping that this won't come across as paranoia/ conspiracy theory, but I'm just puzzled about the events of the last few weeks- more specifically why they all have happened so recently.

Is the Bush administration just having one of those periods where things are piling up? While I know the Foley scandal is of great interest to the media, the headlines seem to be focusing on that and not some of the other issues of national interest. (Such as the temporary "OKing of Domestic Spying" and the Senate allowing the President interpretation of the Geneva Convention.) I understand that the Foley issue has the makings of something that will grab ratings, but does focusing on it distract us from what might be larger issues?

[Djamila]

It only distracts those who are willing to be distracted. The Geneva Conventions and Spying stories are much bigger than the Foley scandal in Europe.

[Victor]

Unfortunately news companies go by ratings, rather then larger issues. Politician scandals are spicy because it brings some extra salsa to what people already believed about politicians. They are all a bunch of __________.

Personally I'm with you about focusing more on larger issues while leaving out the salsa.

[Victor]

Originally Posted by Djamila

It only distracts those who are willing to be distracted. The Geneva Conventions and Spying stories are much bigger than the Foley scandal in Europe.

Anything that points at our horrible policies and how our system isn't as great as we think it is will be news in Europe.

[Feathers in Hair]

Originally Posted by Victor

Unfortunately news companies go by ratings, rather then larger issues. Politician scandals are spicy because it brings some extra salsa to what people already believed about politicians. They are all a bunch of __________.

Personally I'm with you about focusing more on larger issues while leaving out the salsa.

Thanks for the reality-check, Victor.

[Djamila]

Originally Posted by Victor

Anything that points at our horrible policies and how our system isn't as great as we think it is will be news in Europe.

Hehehe - yes. There really is no exception. Even countries with rather pro-American governments, like the United Kingdom, have a largely critical media. And laughing at American policies is practically a national sport in France and Germany, through which most European countries get the... tone... of their media.

[Victor]

Originally Posted by Djamila

Hehehe - yes. There really is no exception. Even countries with rather pro-American governments, like the United Kingdom, have a largely critical media. And laughing at American policies is practically a national sport in France and Germany, through which most European countries get the... tone... of their media.

Didn't Germany legalize consentual cannabalism? Don't worry we have our share of laughs as well. While we are behind on tolerance, we sit back and watch the results in Europe and say "that sure didn't work".

[Feathers in Hair]

*waves hand* I'm sorry, all. *blushes* While I appreciate the views of other countries and their citizens on this matter, I'd like to hear more about the people who are 'directly involved'.