My, how the headlines have changed since that blessed day on January 20. 'Iraq election hailed as great success,' was splashed across the top of MSNBC's website on Saturday. This is not only newsworthy, but significant to Americans. The headline is neither misplaced nor overstated.
It is, however, strikingly bizarre following years of negative, downbeat stories by MSNBC regarding Iraq during the Bush years.
Also notable is the blurb toward the middle of their web page about a certain "George Obama", half brother to our very own Barack Obama. George Obama was arrested for alleged marijuana possession. This is a story worth mentioning. It was placed where it belonged and was given the proper amount of attention.
However, had this been George W. Bush, imagine how MSNBC would've placed these stories. The two would've been switched around and, under no circumstances, would the blurb regarding Iraq been titled, 'Iraq election hailed as great success'.
The media ought not to put themselves above the likes of slimy politicians. In many ways they hold the same imperious power and have the ability to set the tone for and persuade the thoughts and minds of their audience.
George W. Bush had an abysmal approval rating in part because of media outlets such as MSNBC and CNN . Americans have only the words of journalists with which to base their opinion.
True, Bush may not have been the most popular president regardless of coverage, but the mainstream media was on a witch hunt in their portrayal of Bush. They knew the power they had over their audience, they used and will continue to do so until we begin to see beyond their misuse of power.
Note: The word "Obama" appeared three times in 'Iraq election hailed as great success'. After years of dedication to spreading democracy, I'll let you guess how many times the word "Bush" appeared in that same article.
