Drowning in a puddle of little stories, more likely. And they go away, and new little ones are spilled in their place.
The dangers of our 24/7 newscycle, if not readily apparent before, are becoming staggeringly so now. Let us recap some of the major stories that have come out in the past few weeks - none of which will be given much play in light of the hurricane coverage:
(this list is largely off the top of my head - others can post ones I've missed in the comments if they like) (also, I'm not linking any of these first ones under the assumption that Kossacks will recognize the stories)
· The Iraq War.
· Rove leaks CIA agent's name to press. Investigation started, some reporters get a little jail time, and Rove is free to continue business as usual.
· Pat Robertson calls for assassination of Hugo Chávez, then gets second posting of places to donate money on FEMA's website.
· An Iraqi constitution, or lack thereof.
· Bush is on vacation for month of August, again. Has had more vacations than any president in US history, and during a time when most Americans are working more and taking less time off.
Those were a few largely domestic issues. What about foreign issues?
· Flooding in Europe kills dozens, displaces thousands, and costs billions.
· Flooding in India kills hundreds (again) (an annual event, sadly).
· Typhoon socks Southeast Asia.
· UN Oil-for-Food program investigated, with Secretary-General Kofi Annan one of many blamed for the $64 million scandal.
· Hey, did anyone know that Egypt had an election?
This is a bit of an age-old question, but one that keeps coming up in these Dark Times: What are the responsibilities of the press?
Other questions: Can we really expect them to keep up with all of these stories when their audiences (like it or not) just want to hear the "breaking news?" How much does the Bush Adminstration depend on our constant media blindspots and quick jumps to distractions (another missing white girl, a new celebrity marriage/split-up/hair-do, etc.)? Is there a way to change the mainstream media, or should I just piss up a rope? Oh, that would be a good poll...