NPR (National Public Radio)

I rarely watch the news, read the paper (I live in Colorado Springs...the paper is extremely conservative and heavily influenced by the folks that think Sponge Bob Squarepants is gay), and definately don't have time to keep up on world events like I would like to. However, I do listen to the radio quite a bit and have been tuned to National Public Radio (NPR) for the past couple of months.

I'm really amazed how much I've learned. Lots of folks call the reporting liberal, but I really can't label it as that. Usually, they just inspire you to think a bit differently than what you might be used to (aka brainwashed to do! :) ). There are too many great stories to share, but I have learned a great deal about the volitile relationship between Syria and Lebbanon, some of the more interesting business practices of Walmart and their effect on the local economy, and the first amputee soldier to request remaining in the military and is be redeployed to Iraq.

It's really very amazing. I also listen to an EXTREMELY conservative (aka right wing) station at work. Well ok, I don't have a radio at work, but the gentleman two cubicals down does and he must be hard of hearing based on the volume level he's listening to a talk show. It's really amazing how often they quote NPR or take snippets from their stories, distort them, and then preach on the evils of american society based on the manipulated portions from NPR. If their audience actually listened to NPR, they'd never go back to the trash that the conservative stations are playing. When I hear folks call in to these stations, I've yet to hear one have a critical comment for the conservative station that the conservative station is willing to acknowledge.

Well...if our president and his cabinet can hand pick the audience for rallies, hire reporters to pose in press conferences, etc...I'm not too surprised the radical right does the same. It appears that "the truth shall set you free" has them frightened to the point that they are willing to sacrifice their integrity, their ideals, and most importantly, their faith to keep the wool pulled over their sheeps eyes.

Ok, now I'm both sad and angry. ;)

Have a good weekend!