So We Were a Tad Off

I’m on record as giving the media as much credibility as, I don’t know, let’s say a Brittany Spears run for State Senate. Here’s another example; the Clinton Campaign says they raised $35 million during the month. “Wow, that’s a lot of money,” says the media. “Let’s put that on the front page.” And so they do. Only problem is, and it’s one of them pesky ones, the fact is not true. Wankers.

And listen, I don’t blame the Clinton Campaign for this in any way. You fudge the numbers. It’s what you do, and why not. It’s like telling a little kid if he doesn’t brush his teeth the Sugar Monster will ripe his cuspids out when he’s asleep. It’s not true, but the kid brushes his teeth. $35 Million. Load of crap, but the media will report it. Like I said, Wankers.

So the lesson here is, and has always been, just because it’s in a paper, or on television, doesn’t make it true, and we’d all do well not to base our opinions on anything the media tells us. Live as close to direct experience as you can, and maybe, probably not, but maybe, one day papers will have a “oh yeah, we fucked up” in hindsight section that’s as big and prominent as the Life, Money, or Sports section.

March 21 2008 01:35:07 PM EDT