In a November Washington Post article, Ted Koppel noted, a "long-gone era of television journalism, when the networks considered the collection and dissemination of substantive and unbiased news to be a public trust," which is a far cry from today's news. As I read the article, the bells and whistles went off in my mind and heart, as a reliable source verified what I had thought and felt for years.
The New York Times' motto is "All the news that's fit to print." Doesn't that sound comforting? Unfortunately, substantive and unbiased news is not easy to find these days. Why? Because its' not as profitable or highly rated as biased, opinionated sensationalism that massages the ego and manipulates the mind. It seems that the world of news has gone the way of the entertainment and advertising industries, who worship at the shrines of Mammon (materiality; money) and Baal (carnality; sensuality). Rather than presenting what is truthful, they curry favor to worldly riches and ego-centered carnal impulses (which include emotion). Don't believe me? Do a little research. "Google" the words "news you can trust or rely on." And, as they say "read it and weep."
Of course the first thought that comes to mind is, "so...if you don't like it, don't watch it." That leaves us in the position of being ill informed regarding what is going on in the world and the realm of human consciousness. Why is this important? Because...as we teach in Unity...the thoughts we continuously hold in mind, become manifest in our world. For the majority of the population, what is heard on the morning or evening news becomes truth...the framework which decisions are made, votes are cast, and lives are impacted. This is especially toxic because in Truth (that which is absolute, eternal and unchanging) we are One. What affects one ultimately affects all. Biased news; false witness, separates, rather than unites us.
The first thing we need to do is to be able to recognize Truth, or its absence, when we see/hear news. Scripture tells, "I will put my Law within them. I will write it on their hearts." Whenever we hear something questionable we generally 'feel' it in our 'heart,' which is the combined thinking and feeling nature. Be willing to look at both sides of controversial issues. With practice in the spiritual gift of discernment you will find this is not difficult to do. Ponder the questions: Is it true? Is it needful? Will it help? Who will benefit or profit from this?
I do not like the implications of Truth coming second to "controlled pseudo-reality." This "reality" stands in the way of world peace, prosperity and spiritual transformation. Koppel points out in his article: "Advertisers crave young viewers, and these young viewers are deemed to be uninterested in *hard news, especially hard news from abroad." How sad is that? These young people are our future. *Hard news is factual news without opinion.
We are blessed, in our country to enjoy freedom of speech, but right use of that freedom has the unspoken implication that the speech will be truthful. We will either live in Truth, or experience the consequences of deception.
Koppel's article ended with a rather deflating note of pessimism; that this is the way it is going, and that there is no turning back. He mourns "days gone by" and seemed resolved to a continuing downward slide. Well, that is not good enough for me! And it should not be good enough for you! I encourage you...and URGE you...to start questioning, and start thinking for yourself. Just because it's in the news, doesn't make it true.
Sort out opinion from Truth. When "experts" are interviewed, verify their claims. Usually they are selling a new book. When the President's speech is over, turn OFF the opinion of the commentator. Form your OWN opinion. When the statistics on the state of the economy are presented, check the facts. Make your own decisions. Stand for something. Speak your Truth. Boycott the products of advertisers of these programs. Claim your power! Educate yourself. Standing around the water cooler, where opinions are rampant, ask for supporting evidence. You will be shocked at how little there usually is.
Today, John Hofmeister, cofounder of Citizens for Affordable Energy said "Any political turmoil is going to have an immediate psychological effect on oil price because oil hates uncertainty." The cause is psychological, not based in Truth. Just like in the Seventies when we lined up for hours to fill our tanks. How important is Truth at the filling station?
Okay...here I go again...because of our ultimate Oneness, it is very important that we are individually and collectively Change M.A.C.Rs. We are Mutually Accountable and Collectively Responsible for the presence of Truth in our lives and the world we live in. If you and I don't do it, who will? The Good News...we CAN make a difference, individually and collectively. What we cannot do as individuals...Together We Can Do It!
In the Gospel (aka "good news") of Mark, Jesus says to his disciples, "Come! We must go and share the Good News with the people." What is the "good news?" That when we change our minds, we change our lives. When we live in Truth, integrity and honesty, Truth, integrity and honesty live. When we demand better, we WILL get better. We can change the world. We start by changing our lives.
Truth or Consequences...The choice is ours. I'll take news I can use, not news I can lose.
RevAli
