Sometimes, the 'news' is just lies

On Nov. 9, the New York Times reported, “Donald John Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States on Tuesday in a stunning culmination of an explosive, populist and polarizing campaign that took relentless aim at the institutions and long-held ideals of American democracy.”

This is an example of “news.”

A man described as a “YouTube star and serial prankster” was recently escorted off an airplane for speaking loudly in Arabic to his mom on his cell phone. Adam Saleh, who claims more than 1.5 million followers on the video site, has also posted a number of videos on YouTube that present titles such as, “Arabs on a Plane” and “Never Wear This on a Plane in America.”

On occasion, the regular news media pick up these tidbits and presents them as “news.” This is an example of “fake news”.

In an effort to create a front page, above-the-fold news story, major media will take what would normally be a mundane story and amplify it to create the appearance of an earth-shaking event.

Two examples of the above are the way print and electronic media portrayed the requested recount of the recent presidential election and the attempt to overturn the election results in the Electoral College.

While both the requested recount and the appeal to “faithless electors” to change their votes qualify as news, there was never the slightest chance that either the recount or the “faithless elector” ploy would change the election. Those requesting the recount had no official standing to make such a request and 38 electors were never going to change their votes.

This is an example of media trying to turn “news” into “NEWS.”

Federal laws governing the handling of classified information are some of the most simple and straight-forward regulations published anywhere. The primary reason for this simplicity is that millions of people covered under these regulations have the potential to be charged with a crime even if they inadvertently mishandle classified material.

The law states explicitly that the act of mishandling classified information is sufficient to complete the offense. The intent of the person mishandling information is of no consequence.

The sitting president went on television and told the audience that his secretary of state had no intention of harming America, so she could not be guilty of mishandling classified material.

That is not an example of either “news” or “fake news.” That is an example of a “damn lie.”

Rube Render is the Curry County Republican chairman. Contact him at: [email protected]