THE FIRST THREE MONTHS

It has been quite an opening three months for the year 2025. The world order is in complete disarray. As I listen to, and view, the variety of information coming over the airwaves on my multiple devices, I am obliged to filter and organise the various topics in the order in which they are presented by these outlets. There seems to be a general format adopted by most agencies. International, national and local is the usual sequence adopted, unless of course there is a particular national or local story that has attracted the immediate public interest. The matter of just what is in the public interest and what the public is interested in is of never ending interest.

One intriguing aspect of the news is the continuing existence of printed newspapers. Although printed editions are still produced, they are moving more and more towards online publication and are now, consequently, more reliant on subscriptions. I am guessing that whilst on line advertising does provide some income, the papers are offering subscription only access, with an increased fee to have ‘advertising free’ access. They also have a box to tick if you do not wish to receive promotional material from them over the internet. So, much of their income is far more reliant on attracting readers than attracting advertisers.  I do contribute to the Guardian, which, at the moment, asks its readers to make a contribution equivalent to a subscription, and still allows anyone to read its pages.

As to content and what the online papers choose to headline on their home sites, it is as you would expect from what one used to find - and may still- in their printed editions. The tabloids push out the same nonsense and are still committed to the same readership, perhaps with a bit more interaction as they may include some video element. They certainly maintain a degree of advertising.  Indeed, so far as all the online publications are concerned there is little difference between the printed edition and what one finds online. But that is to be expected when catering to the same readership. The style and layout, although expanded, is also in keeping with the readership’s expectations so as not to alienate but to comfort with the familiar. Of course, being a ‘newspaper’ the emphasis is on articles and texts to be read, with the odd accompanying photograph. Nevertheless the readership of printed additions has declined dramatically and the way people get their ‘news’ has expanded in numerous directions.  

That expansion and proliferation of devices through which information is transmitted has reached the point where just about every individual on the planet has become a network and studio on their own. It would seem we put out as much information as we receive, and in some cases, a whole lot more. The concept of ‘influencer’ has brought us to a stage where legislation is being contemplated to control how and what is being disseminated.  The entire concept of free speech is open to question. So much of what passes for information is in fact opinion, and belief based on opinion is extremely problematic.  This is how much of what is happening in the world is being organised and conducted.

The fact of Trump is that he does not see his pronouncements as lies. He is merely stating his opinion which he believes to be fact. Hence his deplorable views on immigrants have become fact for himself as well as his followers, without any evidence whatsoever. “They're eating the cats and dogs” was a classic example.  The ridiculous nonsense was swallowed whole by his Maga base and his acolytes. Marjorie Taylor Green, Kari Lake, JD Vance, Ted Cruz, Lindsay Graham etc. I could go on and on. They repeat ad nauseam Trumps opinions which they accept as fact.

His newest protege, press secretary Karoline Leavitt, is another classic example of opinion is fact. She claims, because Mr Trump has claimed, the Judiciary that dare to rule against him in a court of law are democratic activists, biased and wrong in law, as are their families. There is no evidence whatsoever that this is the case. That she cannot see that Mr Trump is the person who is biased and wrong in law does not even enter her head. That  Judges who have been adjudicating cases for years  might know something about the law is an alien concept because her only information comes from Trump’s opinion.

Indeed in Mr Trump’s opinion Mr Putin is a man to be trusted. In Mr Putin’s opinion the state of Ukraine is not a state and should not exist. Mr Putin also claims that the Ukrainian government is run by fascists and must be attacked and destroyed to save the nation.  This opinion has been actually promulgated as fact by Marjorie Taylor Greene before the House of Representatives.

So where does all that leave us on free speech, the ‘news’ and the world being in disarray? I know I always seem to come back to the horror show that is the United States at present, but it is, unfortunately, the most horrific show in town. Will that man ever learn that he is a sham and has no idea what he is doing. His ego is so large that he can’t see he is being played for a fool by most of those around him and in particular Putin. Everything was supposed to be sorted on day one, with a phone call. Well we’ve had the phone call and it wasn’t on day one. We are still no further along, despite the crap being said about it being a start. A start!! The only thing that has started is renewed bombing. If ever the phrase all mouth and no trousers described a situation….

At the end of the day one has to examine oneself and just where did one get one’s opinions or facts. How is it that my political views appear to be from the left of the political spectrum? Why do I not have a more conservative view? What was the affect of my formal education? Were my parents more influential than I realise? Was I or am I too easily influenced? These are some of the matters I must get to grips with. Why have I not done so before now? The difficulty with self examination so late in life is, does it really matter?

What really does mater is stopping the world violence, healing the wounds and rebuilding the homes. Everywhere getting people off the streets and a safe house to live in. Looking after the unable to do it for themselves.  Educating people to live up to the better nature of themselves. There is an appropriate poem by Eve Merriam (1916-1992)

The Coward

You, weeping wide at war, weep with me now.
Cheating a little at peace, come near
And let us cheat together here.

Look at my guilt, mirror of my shame.
Deserter, I will not turn you in;
I am your trembling twin!

Afraid, our double knees lock in knocking fear;
Running from the guns we stumble upon each other.
Hide in my lap of terror: I am your mother. 

Only we two, and yet our howling can
Encircle the world’s end.
Frightened,  you are my only friend.

And frightened, we are everyone.
Someone must make a stand.
Coward take my coward’s hand.

I do not know why this video was removed or by whom ???