Media Dishonesty - anybody else notice this?

[MCsNo1Fn]

Can't remember who said it, but I loved when they called this "The Great Distraction," meaning making such a big deal out of this, when AIG gave billions and billions to foreign banks and such, yet nobody's in an uproar about that. Good job!

 

[Lostlover]

everyone who hears about the bonuses seems angry - no matter from what party. it also seems that the amount is very small compared to the citigroup problems and other financial issues - distracting- from the larger problems. but - that bonus thing is easily understood and festers right away and gets the attention
ding

I'm not denying people are angry.

I'm just saying most people probably STILL haven't heard about the AIG bonuses.

And secondly, how is the media gauging America's anger? Message boards? Conversations at Starbucks?

I'd like a little data from the general public (and maybe some time to collect the data) before the media starts coming to conclusions about how people feel about a story that just broke.

 

[MCsNo1Fn]

I personally could give a shit about the bonuses. I agree with those who think that because the contracts were drafted before all of this mess, then those people ARE ENTITLED to those bonuses. Like I said, big hooplah to distract from the REAL problems. Even Obama is pretty much ignoring it and moving on to education reform.

 

[Kulindahr]

What?? The media forcing the story into their preconceived mold? Naw.

I don't listen to talk radio, but someone who does tells me that both the left and right wing radio shows are all ablaze in anger, or whatever. This might be what the papers are referring to..

That and the fact that news shows these days generate email even before the broadcast is over.

Bonuses are something that most Americans understand as being for exemplary work. Everyone knows we're talking about failing institutions here, and those who understand that the bonuses were set even before all this started still look at it as irresponsible and immoral to give (or accept!) bonuses when your company is doing far less than well. The places I've worked where bonuses were possible, we had to work our asses off, achieving really exceptional results, to get a bonus, but these guys are getting bonuses when the situation is nigh unto fubar.

That gets people pissed, and pissed people make phone calls, send emails, and zip off post cards fast.