Ben Franklin's Idea

- Cal Thomas, part 2

     The "free" press may rule tyrannically because it is liberated from considerations of justice or precedent. It can subvert rational habits of mind and reverence for the law. Some 250 years ago, Ben Franklin witnessed the birth of a new class, a press corps. For him, a free press must be checked by a vigilant and jealous public, to energize against "abuses of liberty." 

     (We wonder, how can we "check the press" when we - as a whole - have no other source of truth?) 

      When I became a reporter, the evening news lasted 15 minutes. When it expanded to 30 minutes, some feared there might not be enough news to fill the time. Now that news is 14/7/365...airways are filled with factoids that are mostly to fit a narrative, then recycled endlessly to be opined upon by commentators who, though not necessarily knowledgeable, happen to be comfortable in front of cameras. 

     David Brinkley once said, "We must try to be fair." While journalists cannot empty themselves of certain prejudices, we can set those aside to impartially report all sides. If only that were the goal of modern media.

     Instead, many in media pander to a limited audience and reinforce what they already think. That isn't reporting. In totalitarian societies, it's called propaganda. 

To be continued

Journalists vs. George Washington  

- Cal Thomas

     Our first president and other Founders were targets of journalists in Colonial times, but they believed that a free press was necessary for a strong democracy - or in this case, a constitutional republic. The press is the only profession mentioned in the Constitution. 

     Thomas Jefferson: "No experiment can be more interesting than that  we are trying, and which we trust will end in the fact that man may be governed by reason and truth."

     A 2022 Gallup poll found that just 7 percent of Americans have "a  great deal" of trust and confidence in the media. Well over a third have no confidence at all in newspapers, TV and radio."

     And yet, nothing happens. Journalism is the only profession of which I am aware that seems not to care what the public thinks of it. The media ignore or disparage what people want. They write and broadcast for themselves - money, ratings, fame - and the liberal or conservative demographics to which they cater. 

     The so-called Fourth Estate, once envisioned as a check on government power, now enjoys unchecked power itself. 

     The press has power that does not fall under any constitutional check. Created to attack false knowledge and political corruption, in practice it is neither limited nor moderated by either its own idealism or by any institution. 

To be continued

     

Looking for Truth 

     Cal Thomas and I, Jimmy Donut, began our journalism careers in 1961. That's about all we have in common, other than our faith. I retired unknown, in 1999, while Thomas is still providing national information that is cancelled by other "journalists" today. 

     In some cases, the latter may be non-journalists planted in news media to lead gullible Americans down the path to godless, communistic ruin.

    This coming week we will share some of Cal's reflections on the last 50 years. Here, we share his response to questions by Lynn Vincent in WORLD magazine.

What has America Lost?

     "They have lost Truth, which has been replaced by opinion from a secular progressive perspective. It is why trust in the media is near a record low. Objectivity is impossible since we all have worldviews. Fairness is another matter - it means reporting what one sees without an agenda." 

What are the chances there will be another "you" in mainstream media?

     "As for being a believer and succeeding in this business, I think you have to read everything others read and know what they know. Then it's important to join organizations they belong to and let them see you don't behave like a drooling fanatic. Christian faith has intellectual depth. I tell aspiring journalists to get in the door, have a servant spirit, and let their light shine. A Christan can suggest stories that actually lead to real solutions, rather than the familiar rhetorical combat one sees on TV."

 

 

      

 How Much Time Do We Have?

     Not only are hard leftists raining on our values...earth itself is sinking into the oceans. 

     Subsidence in Houston, New Orleans, Norfolk and San Diego will affect millions. 

     To that, add the coast north of Tampa. That's us - Pasco County. 

     Global seas rise 3mm per year. Subsidence accounts for another 6mm in coastal areas. So, 9mm/year is one inch in three years, and one foot in 36 years. Not to worry.

     Here at Views by the Sea, we are 14 ft above sea level. In 432 years, 2455, we will really have a view by the sea, but impossible living conditions. 

     Sadly, we face the fact that we'll have to move and change our view or retire from blogging altogether at the age of 516. 

         Jimmy

     Confused and disgusted with the way our world is going?

     Here's an idea from God's Word, Romans 12:1-2.

     "Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is your spiritual act of worship.

     "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and prove what is God's will is...his good, pleasing and perfect will." 

 The Central Event  

     We receive our righteousness by faith, not by works. Anyone who denies Christ's bodily resurrection cannot legitimately claim to be a Christian. 

     His death and resurrection is the central event in salvation. It is the central event in history.

     "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9 

     The earliest confession of the New Testament church was not "Jesus is Savior," but "Jesus is Lord." As Lord, he has power, dominion and authority. As Lord, he is declared equal with God, and worthy of power, worship, trust, obedience and prayer. 

     The Christian believes in the Lord with an inward, sincere attitude of the heart. He is Lord over all of life. - Luke 6:46-49; John 15:14. 

     Jesus is Lord over spiritual matters, at home and in the church, and in intellectual, financial, educational, recreational and vocational spheres ... again, all of life. 

His Heart's Desire 

     Paul, a descendent of Abraham, tribe of Benjamin, turned his life 180 degrees after hearing from heaven ... Jesus himself. From 100 percent dedicated to tradition, to single-minded devotion to Christ. 

     In Romans chapter 10, Paul addresses his hurt: "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge."

     "Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes." 

     Thousands of Jews have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, while keeping to their traditions. Despite Israel's general unbelief, God is working his plan. 

     Paul, like all authors dependent on the Holy Spirit, writes of the Jewish "remnant," and God's ultimate plan for full-circle redemption to Israel. 

     When Christ returns to imprison the demons, and to reign on earth for a thousand years, his headquarters will be in Jerusalem. Only then, Jews will be loved by those who survived his wrath.