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Nighthawk Introduction - Page 45

Ah, but did you notice how I worded my rant?

I said that I consider a journalism degree to be the 2nd most worthless college degree. I also said that I hold journalists in contempt in proportion to the way they hold ME and MINE in contempt.

There are, of course, journalists that I don't hold in contempt. John Stossel comes to mind immediately.

But what I really find distasteful are the many journalists (read the New York Times) who claim to be objective, but can't stop praising gay activists, communists, enemies of the US, and radical feminists, all while blaming President Bush, Mr. Rumsfeld, Ms. Rice, and the "neocons" for all the troubles in the world.

Yes, I used generalities. But I certainly recognize that there are guard dogs mixed in among the wolves. The problem is, the guard dogs are getting destroyed by the wolves (John Stossel is a good example again).

Introduction Nighthawk

Hi Nighthawk,

I didn't even know this section existed until today. I have read over some of your personal thoughts about the discussion board and it would appear that I have a caused you some grief with some of my posts.

Mate I am so sorry, I really had no idea I was upsetting or offending you.

I admit I can be very opinionated and hold very firm beliefs, but I certainly don't mean to offend anyone by them.

We have very different views about a whole range of issues but that doesn't mean our views should not co-exist. While I disagree with a lot of things you say I actually respect you for several reasons.

You take a lot of time to research your arguments and are not scared to stand up for what you believe in. These are good qualities Nighthawk that will serve you well.

A journalism degree is about as useless as an Engineering degree, Business degree etc. All it is is a piece of paper. But it's what you do with that degree that makes it worth anything.

I never got into journalism to express my political views about the world. I actually got into to it to be a sports broadcaster intialy, but now I cover news.

I can understand you are very sceptical of journalists. That is fair enough. But not all journalists are politically aligned or hate everything you believe in.

Just to clear up a few mis-conceoptions you may have about me. I don't hate your culture, ideals or country. My remarks about the US administration are in relation to their activities. And political leaders must be scrutinised.

Anyway mate I hope you continue contributing to this discussion board and please don't get upset by anything I say.

regards

Arvhic

Nighthawk Introduction Sharing Member & Introductions

Well, in my experience, an engineering degree really is worth something. In order to earn an engineering degree, a person must learn advanced math, statics, dynamics, physics, and a host of other difficult subjects. The same with such degrees as physics, chemistry, astronomy, etc.

In a liberal arts degree, a person must come to a deep understanding of a wide variety of subjects such as literature, art, or philosophy.

In my opinion, from watching what so many journalists do, a journalism degree doesn't teach much of anything, other than political indoctrination, since the vast, vast majority of journalists are extremely leftist, opposed to any action made by the US, take stances against the US Constitution, wanting it to change to fit their prejudices, and generally support the enemies of the US. This is true whether the journalist is an American, Chinese, Russian, British, French, or any other nationality.

Now, I know that this is offensive to many people. That is why I am discussing it in the Rave section. It is my opinion.

Page 45 Introduction Nighthawk

I think this statement is unfair, simply because you are generalizing based onsome journalists. Have you traveled to China, Russia, Argentina or even Trinidad? If you have traveled to all these countries and then experience by first hand the kind of journalism each contry possesses then I could accept your reasoning. Other than that, I think you are putting most journalists in the same bag.

There is not such a thing as 100% objectivity in anything. So if you feel some journalists are biased (and they are many), aren't we all? They are as biased as you are when you defend your own country.

I have worked as a journalist for more than 10 years, most of those years I worked in the area of investigation journalism and I did my homework, reported the cases as I have seen it and then give my ownview on it (after all it was MY own radio show). Some people tend to think that journalists should just shut their mouths and report the news but they tend to forget that there are some areas in journalism that you can actually express your opinions and views. I have done it for years and whether or not I was labeled as "leftist", I was within my right to express how I saw things. People will get on the phone and called when they did not like what I said and argued. Then if it is within their right to do that, why cannot they accept that as a journalist I was entitled the same privilege? It was not anybody else's radio show, it was my own show therefore, it was my right.

Introduction Nighthawk

Granted, I don't know the whole world. I am judging based upon the articles from all those countries that are published and translated (where necessary). So, apparently the vast majority of those who aren't completely biased against the US must only work on local stories, sports, and such things as that. Because their articles and commentaries certainly aren't making it onto the international scene, are they?

As I said, this is my opinion, based on my observations.

Nighthawk Introduction

I"m sorry you feel that way about the media.

From what I have seen of the US media, I would argue that the mainstream is far from left leaning. Certainly Murdoch is about as conservative and pro-US as one can be.

I felt the US media's coverage of Iraq was extremely supportive of everything the US said. They towed the official line very obediently. Many would argue had they done their jobs properly, the invasion may not have been so easy to sell.

Most reporters I know are not leftist at all, so I"m not sure where you base your assessment on.

Has it ever occurred to you that journalists seek to report the truth, and if it is negative towards the US Government, then maybe that is their own doing? You claim that reporters deliberately target the US. Could the same be said about President Mugabi, China, Al-Quaeda, North Korea and other figures who cause destruction in the world? I can't remember too many kind reports about those regimes.

The US Administration is not near as bad as some of these other regimes and I have rarely seen it reported as such.

If reporting the truth leads people to dislike a government, terrorist, dictator etc, than who is to blame? Why blame the messenger for exposing the truth? If we didn't have the media then we can't have democracy, because people could get away with corruption, murder and other crimes without any scrutiny. The media often uncovers acts that officials, elected or public servant, cannot disclose.

As for a journalism degree being useless. I would argue it's as useful as any other degree if it is used appropriately. Most journalists who work on the foreign desks wouldn't even have a journalism degree as it is only recently they have become necessary to get a job.

My father is one of the best electrical engineers in Australia so I appreciate the value of that profession. I too was very good at Engineering and Physics at school and enjoy that kind of work. But to compare different degrees is like comparing apples and oranges, they all serve a different purpose.

Nighthawk Introduction - Page 45

I hate the spoil the show... but Rave Threads are about getting to know the Member, how they are doing, etc. At first I thought this was just Nighthawk clearing his mind, but now it is an ongoing Discussion. I do not wish for the Rave Section to turn into a Political showdown. May I suggest a Thread started in the Politics & Activism Thread or even Education with regards to Journalism on this basis. In fact, I believe a couple have already been started about the reliability of effective Journalism and similar Topics. If it is that rants want to be made with no replies then there are a couple of Blog areas to do that. Thanks for understanding.

Nighthawk Introduction Introductions & Member Sharing - Page 45

Yes, it WAS meant to be just a rant. I didn't have access to a blog at the time.

Sorry about perpetuating the discussion here. I didn't expect it at all.