Heavy Metal Thunder

I don't write about politics or current events on this site for much the same reason I don't discuss these things with strangers in bars: the resulting exchange is usually less a dialogue than two people talking (or shouting) past one another.

However I certainly follow, and read about, politics and current events a great deal. Some of the places I visit are listed on my blogroll, and there many others. In an effort to stay informed I look to a variety of sources, mainstream and independent, liberal and conservative, and many points in between. And in doing so, I always try to remain aware of how the news I'm reading has been spun or manipulated by the person or persons presenting it.

The ocasional nostalgic foray aside, it's been a long time since I've considered myself a metalhead. Prior to today I'd never heard of the band Iced Earth and it's leader Jon Schaffer. But in reading this interview I can't help but admire Schaffer's forthright way of expressing himself and the direct manner in which he confronts his interviewer's bias. A few examples...

BW&BK: "Do you think 9/11 will be viewed as the first event in the US empire's decline and fall?"
JS: "No. This is not an empire, first of all. If the United States was an empire, your country would be our 51st state."

BW&BK: "So you don't see the Bush regime as being cultural imperialists? You don't see them as trying to force the American way of life on to a nation that maybe doesn't want it?"
JS: "No. If you think that's true, then why are 70 or 80 percent of the people are thrilled to have us there. Have you not seen that? And it's not a regime, by the way. You keep up that kind of language I'm going to end the interview right now."
BW&BK: "Ok. I understand."
JS: "I'm serious."
BW&BK: "I'm sorry. It's just my Canadian bias I guess."
JS: "Yeah, it is your Canadian bias. I'm sure it is."

BW&BK: "I'm glad you ended it on that note. I'm as proud to be Canadian as you are to be American. Your words speak for themselves, and I don't know how I could spin this story."
JS: "Well, that's cool. But the way you asked your questions, you were asking biased questions. Calling our president the Bush regime? That's a tainted thing, dude. That's not like saying, 'How do you feel about President Bush?' Saying 'Bush Regime' is a bullshit way of saying it. That's spin, alright? But you can say it however you want. It's in your hands. You're the one who has to live with it, not me. Because I'm cool with who I am.

For another good example of media bias, take look at Jason Van Steenwyk's thorough analysis of the way multiple major news outlets presented - and distorted - a press conference with USMC Gen. Mattis.*

Like I said before, I don't write about politics and current events here. I'm not interested in trying to sway anyone's opinions or change their minds. I do encourage, strongly encourage, people to dig deep and think for themselves. Seek out a variety of sources and opinions. Don't parrot the rhetoric of the right and left - be an informed citizen.

*Jason's site Iraq Now carries some damn fine media analysis. I highly recommend it.