Media Filter and Programming

This is not for a moment, to suggest bad things are not happening in other places, but rather to raise the question, "What if the violence we are seeing is the exception, rather than the rule?"  We know our news is filtered here in the land of the free, so it would only make sense that our news sources determine what we view from other countries, as well.  We full well know much of the Middle East is actually quite luxurious, yet we are shown the war torn headlines.  We also know Israel is under constant threat of attack by Palestinians, yet when Israel responds, she is portrayed as the aggressor.  I'm certainly not suggesting that war torn regions are rosy, not at all; but I am saying we simply do not know the details.  Someone in another country who saw headlines from Ferguson, MO two years ago, might envision the entire country to looked like that.

The point of this blog is two fold.  First, the American pundits, who by the way, are only well known because of the American media; pound the programming that American media cannot be trusted.  So, those most vocal against the media, are using said media to propagate distrust and hate.  Second to raise the question; in the realization that media is clearly filtering our national information, what gives credence to the international reports?  And what are other nations seeing from our country?  Is our media filtering what the world sees, or are other nation's filtering what their people see?  None of us can sit in one place and presume to know what information is traveling the globe.

Am I eluding to a vast conspiracy theory?  Hardly!  It's not a theory, and my guess is, the power calling the shots is not much of a conspiracy, but rather simply, one of the powers prophesied in the book of Daniel.  I'm guessing those who have sold their souls believe they are all a part of it, but . . . Have we really given any consideration to our level of distrust regarding the information sources that we continue to listen to, even though we say they can't be trusted?  I realized today, as I sat at my table in tears . . . There are not many people I actually trust at all.  I'm not distrusting, per se, just aware that everyone shares information from their own perspective, and very few share my perspective on some very core issues in my life.  I'm also well aware that others undoubtedly feel the same toward me on some level.  We simply cannot take life at face value any more.  We don't have to be cynical and distrusting to realize our society is polarized, our politics is choreographed, and Messiah said our enemy would be of our own household.  Trust does not abound!  If our enemy would be of our own household, that leaves little hope of getting the straight scoop from anyone making a living at keeping the pot stirred and the ratings high.

Religion has also become a focal point of media and the programming is obviously intentional and  atrociously biased.  The attempt to devalue spiritual beliefs, even vilifying those who would stand by their values is gaining momentum in the media.  When it comes to spiritual matters, I'm called to proclaim without compromise, so if I lose a google ad or social media "friend," I accept that as part of the job.  As for matters of emotion and intelligence, that can cover a great deal of ground, and as it turns out that ground can be filled with landmines, especially when it comes to religious politics.  Perhaps, the lack of logic in our political system while commingling religion, is the reason any discussion can become so emotionally volatile.  Religion is often more emotional or political than spiritual.

Considering the power of filtering and programming, while witnessing the obvious results in a culture that considers itself intellectually elite and insightful with open disregard of media; raises the question as to how each of us decides what information we choose to believe.  As far as I am concerned, the only thing I can believe with full trust and no doubt is Scripture and The One Who inspired it.  When it comes to everything and everyone else, there is room for doubt, especially when there is an agenda . . .

With the treatment of the ranchers in Oregon, the blatant programming and influence became so obvious, I was sickened.  The adjectives used by mainstream media were intentionally biased and derogatory.  The fact that ranchers are held with no bond, no trial, and their jail is called prison should be alarming, but in this society of programmed viewers, it appears to have gone by most, virtually unnoticed.  The fact that one of the men being held is an alternative news journalist should cause alarm for anyone who believes in the First Amendment, but most are more concerned about the "mock election" already proven to be decided by someone other than "we the people."

As I read the headlines and watch the reactions and comments, I can't help but wonder what, and how much of our craziness is being shown to the rest of the world.  In what context is our news being reported to foreign countries?  Do other nations know our federal government is doing a huge land grab and holding the citizens captive?  America has the largest percentage of incarcerated citizens in the world.  Is it just a matter of time until another country decides America needs to be "liberated?"

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  words of Messiah

GPS- Global Public Square

Recently I had the opportunity to view a Sunday morning talk show.  Without a television, I believe I stay pretty well informed through internet articles.  I prefer to read my information, rather than watch it, and I have no appreciation for pharmaceutical advertisements, but this interview caught my attention.  Bill and Melinda Gates were guests on GPS.

Although the interview was promoted to focus on the rate of advancement of technology, the small portion of the interview I saw leaned more toward their foundation efforts.   Bill and Melinda Gates tie education with income, progress, and advancement.  I think learning is essential to living, but in this country much of our education system amounts to programming and Bill Gates is the perfect example for the success of dropping out before the programming got him . . .

This thought of course, took on a life of it's own in my head, as I contemplated the fact that most of the early successful entrepreneurs that really changed the world were not highly educated, but they were avid readers.  Many of the great composers were not men of higher education, either.  Although Mr. Gates attended Harvard, and I went to community college, I'm guessing we probably have about the same number of credits . . . As I considered my own life's work, I realized most of the knowledge I rely upon was gained by independent study.

In reading about Bill Gates at Wikipedia, something definitely stood out about this genius.  He was born into financial comfort, which may have afforded him the opportunity and luxury to avoid public high school.  At the age of 13 he enrolled and attended an exclusive preparatory school instead.  He was allowed and encouraged to follow his natural curiosity and develop skills based upon the talent given to him by our Creator.  He was even excused from math class and allowed to pursue his interest on the Teletype model 33 with a block of GE time.

Although he and Melinda made their pitch for education, he is "the proof in the pudding" that we should actually learn the basic reading, writing, and 'rithemtic, then move toward perfecting our talents.  Until public education became a controlling business of the last century, students were not mass programmed.  Abraham Lincoln studied law on his own.  In America, even doctors were trained as apprentices, rather than "schooled" until the 19th century.  People pursued knowledge in the areas of their talents and interests, rather than paying for a piece of paper and a license or certification to "make money."

One fact in the article really leapt out at me that I mentioned in a previous paragraph.  He was excused from math class to pursue his interest in technology.  I don't believe money is the sign of success, but I do believe Mr. Gates had gained enough math knowledge by 13 to now be able to count his millions to a billion, plus.  The more I read about him, the more I believe he would not be who he is today, had he followed the crowd in pursuit of a college degree.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says YHWH . . .  Prophet of Holy Scripture