You know Dan, the government is made up of people, folks like us, as a group they are utterly incapable and incompetent to make us all think what they want. That's aside from the fact that they have no clue what they want us to think anyway.

They can try to spin a story to make it seem better or worse, but they can only try.

The media are the only folks who really have some control over what we read and see. Guess what? Their motivation is all about $$$$$$$$$$$. Ratings are everything, ratings mean money in their pockets, very BIG money.

They're also incapable of making us think a certain way, but they can make many of us FEEL something. Fear, panic, outrage, and sexual excitement all focus our attention, it drives our lives and effects what we watch and read and buy. A good life of peace, prosperity, health, and happiness would be very bad for the media business.

The media does not have to make anything up to accomplish their goals. A tragic traffic accident can be inflamed into an outrageous incident. Just film someone crying and sobing over lost loved ones. Interview all the family members who survive and watch them scream in grief.

Where was the stop light?
Where were the cops?
Who was drinking?
Where did the alcohol come from? Who sold it? Why?
Think of the children, dear GOD won't anybody think of the children?

I do wish the media would tell us a bit more about WHAT happens instead of what a few of the folks involved are *feeling* about it.

I read rather a lot, but no one has been able to tell me what to think yet.
-Not the government.
-Not the media and press.
-And not even you Dan.