Water Cooler Conversations

Written by Pat Perry
President, ERC 

There are many reasons why the newspaper industry is dying a slow death in this country.  Primarily, they are not offering value to their readership. What was once considered news is now an array of shock headlines of information most of us learned about prior to the morning paper delivery.  Technology has afforded us instant access to information from across the globe.  Incredibly, the newspaper industry “leadership” is stubborn to change, making them the modern day horse and buggy.

Not far behind are the mainstream television stations and cable networks.  The nightly news has for some time pandered to the negative; reflecting the media’s censorship of what they believe is the news of the day – murders, rapes, robberies, corruption.  Ironically, they try to make it all better by closing the show with a “feel good” story after most everyone has tuned out or turned off the “newscast”.

The media’s defense is that they have a “responsibility” to report the news…that is true…but it has been a long time since they have been responsible.  Here is a revelation for the media - good news is also considered news.  And, believe it or not, our region has a ton of good news.  It is there for the taking.

Since our local political leadership has fallen by the wayside the past few years, perhaps an opportunity to lead the region can be ignited by the local media.  The power to influence is still alive and well…people are praying and hoping for real leadership…real risk taking and real positive change. 

The local media still has tremendous power to influence its readership and viewers.  I would challenge all of them to try something different, even if it would be for one day…don’t report any negative information or spin including the shock headlines.  Leave words like crisis, doom and failure out of the vocabulary for one day or better yet for one week. Imagine the psychological impact – it would be a cool thing.  In fact, I would bet if the local media tried this for a week, they would be hard pressed to go back to the status quo - maybe that is what they fear.

And, if I’m wrong, nothing is lost but a few days of bad news.

Written by Pat Perry
President, ERC 

This has certainly been an interesting year.  The Presidential campaign, gasoline prices, Black Monday, Russian invasions and the continuance of the wars in the middle east to name a few.  It would be no wonder if the average American is a little dazed and confused.  Wow…2008 is not the year I thought it might be…it had so much promise.

I was watching CNN the other evening and they were illustrating on a chart, the expansion of the
U.S. deficit with the so-called “bailout” to exceed $16 trillion.  The American public should be screaming.  The mess that has occurred over so many years is going to take a very long time to correct, even if the right measures are put into place. 

The deficit and the financial mess we are in are byproducts of a bigger problem in this country that has no signs of slowing down.  We are saddled with a leadership deficit, the likes of which may be the biggest in our nation’s history.   I think my generation blew it.  We had our chance.

I am hopeful that the upcoming generations look at the childish and gutless behaviors of our elected officials and corrupt CEOs and recognize that reform is a must.  It is not an option.  It’s going to take guts and determination.  But they will have their chance and here is one Boomer that is praying that my kids’ generation don’t follow our horrible lead. 

Shame on us.