Bits and Pieces

Abu Ghraib versus Khashoggi murder: Saudi Prince MBS claims Biden’s reference to MBS’ role in the Khashoggi murder is a tit for tat value swap for what happened in the Abu Ghraib prison at the hands of US soldiers. What nonsense that is.

First of all, MBS is alleged to have called the shots in every aspect of killing Khashoggi. Hit men were dispatched to eliminate Khashoggi so his social commentary critical of MBS and his regime were silenced. Political. Murder. Hiding truth. Manipulating a nation’s will to one man’s perspective, for his own gain. Second, Abu Ghraib was a bunch of military jerks who ignorantly abused and bullied prisoners assigned to them. In war time, these men allowed their disgust of the enemy to become threatening and demeaning treatment of the prisoners. This was not policy. This was not ordered by any US authority. This was stupid behavior that embarrassed America.

No doubt Saudi Arabia resents America in many ways. Too bad that is the case. But adult minds can solve these differences better than this. Joe Biden did not have anything to do with Abu Ghraib’s perfidy. MBS ordered the murder of Khashoggi. There is a huge difference.

Aging Leadership: The GOP calling Democratic leaders old is dangerous. What about Mitch McConnell? What about the rest of GOP leadership and their ages?

I have long stated that Biden is too old to serve another term as President. His service was and remains valued for the times. The previous president was a horror show and the nation needed a President who would restore order and standards of decency to the position. Biden has done that. Our allies recognize this. The economy recognized this. None of the problems America faces is the direct fault of Biden. His handling of the many problems and crises has been quite good. No, Joe has been good for America. But his age nearing 80 makes him a poor choice for another term.

Democrats must nurture their leadership pool for a smooth succession from Biden’s single term. That would be healthy for the nation. Republicans ought to focus on their own leadership pool. Last time I checked it was a mad dog assembly of right-wing fools. The nation does not need any more of that.

State of Journalism: I have a morning landing page on the Internet. This is where I turn to scan the headlines and dig into topics of interest for greater consumption during the day. My go-to site is MSN – Microsoft News. They have had a wide-open reporting policy exposing the reader to the many sources of news. Many of those sources are of questionable value. In my opinion, Fox News fits the questionable category. Also, the Washington Examiner (previously owned and managed by the Rev Moon). Also questionable are The Insider, The Hill, and many others. I don’t like them or trust them. But they are there just the same.

I must admit, these poor sources are masters at headlines and manipulation. But then, that’s the means they use to hook unsuspecting readers. Not me. I look for worthy sources and read their contributions to the discussion of many topics. I catch them in misstatements and manipulation, too, but not as much of the time as the others.

My experience has been disappointment in the state of American journalism. Much must be done to restore this important partner in democracy to its former role.

July 19, 2022

 



 

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