News That's News
May 29, 2007
How many times are we going to turn on the news and have to listen to the Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton train wreck stories? Hollywood and our media have a lot more important things to say and do and tell than to cover such paparazzi-pandering voyeurism.
Being a parent of three children I am very aware that teenagers run into drug and alcohol problems. I have had to put my foot down with all three of my kids who had to experience outdoor programs, boarding schools and inpatient programs so that they could learn how to be strong in themselves and not follow the pack or the so called “crowd.” It was my job, (and a not so popular campaign in my home) to yank on the kid’s strings when they started making poor choices.
Is it any wonder why it is really difficult for this generation to make good choices when their role models are the likes of the two mentioned above? We sit back and do nothing while the media publicizes and idolizes bad behavior. All of the other kids in America are expected to play by the rules and make good choices in life. But you tell me where is the media coverage on the kids who stand out because of their admirable accomplishments?
Lindsay, Paris or anyone else who thinks they are above the law because they are famous or because their parents are rich should not get any favors. I hope they do the time, get the help that they need and start making better choices!
The media needs to take a good look at some of the stories they are covering and consider why so much attention is paid to them.
The issues that surround us are critical to the future of our country. Our educational system is terrible. Forget no child left behind. They are all getting left behind. Our health care system is laughable. Our environment has gone to the toilet. Jobs are in short supply. There is an epidemic drug problem in this country.
And what are we going to do about the WAR?
All of these issues affect the health and safety of all Americans.
This is important. Not the minutia of Paris and Lindsey's foolish life choices.
If the media showed us just how bad things are and did not sugar coat it, then people– parents, students and government–could focusing on how to change these things. It's certainly a better use of time than watching what the hell Lindsay and Paris are doing. Then maybe we could affect some change.
I congratulate media when they step up to the plate and tell the unpopular stories.
For example, CBS2 news in Sayreville, New Jersey just ran a story about a site that we have been looking at regarding the air pollution and the numerous cancers and issues in this community living close to a DuPont and Hercules chemical plant. Because of this story, the community has become aware and is now banning together, talking and wanting to do something about the problem.
And it's a big problem. For the past fourteen years, this community has had over THREE MILLION pounds of carcinogenic chemicals released into the air of which over 500,000 LBS. are actual fugitive emissions.
How many of these types of facilities are there throughout the US? What if only a few have same problem? What if there are thousands of these businesses–large and small–spewing out various degrees of fugitive emissions under the radar?
You do the math.
Tell me you don’t believe in Global Warming.
Tell me why we see so many cancers.
What is bothersome is that these statistics were taken from the US EPA website. The figures from these facilities are not available for 2006 and 2007 Industry is two years behind in reporting.
What is going on? Why do we set all the rules and regulations and then do nothing to enforce them? Is it because no one is talking about them? How about we start covering human issues and stories that AFFECT us.
If the tide doesn't turn, then we have to turn it ourselves.
Let’s get people involved again and not sweep things under the rug. Let's not pay so much attention to things that don’t really matter and certainly don’t help others. Let’s get back to the news, back to the people and back to America.
Currently, I am the President of the consulting firm, Brockovich Research & Consulting, where I am involved in numerous major environmental cases 
Comments
You are absolutely right. I wish more people would open their eyes to see that some spoiled and rotten rich kids who need more than rehab should not be the highlight of the news. I am sure by the end of today every station will have footage and photos of Paris heading in for her first days of jail. I want to see photos of the soldiers who are suffering and away from their family fighting for humanity. I want to hear about what companies are doing to help the environment. The biggest problem I have come across lately is companies who try to help the environment but pass the buck off to consumers by calling items 'special' such as Levis green jeans. Great that they biodegrade faster but seriously-who can afford that much for one pair of jeans? There has to be a medium for everyone. We have to start somewhere.
Posted by: Amy | June 3, 2007 1:25 PM
I loved your movie because a. you remind me of my little sister who hs same attitude, b. I test water for heavy metals for a living, c, have been involved in pro bono case, d. worked at chemical plant near Hinkley in Trona at one time. In this apathetic world we really need chmpions, God bless u
Posted by: loretta | June 3, 2007 10:29 PM
Erin, I've posted a Carl Sagan narration that is germane to your points here. I wish you'd post more. I like your stuff. Don't always agree, but I think that's the beauty of blogging.
Give me a visit when you have 5 minutes: www.murphyspeaks.blogspot.com
Posted by: Murphy | June 12, 2007 3:29 PM
Thank goodness for blogs Erin.
Thank you so much for posting about media impact on young minds.
I often see something on television and wonder how a young mind perceives and interprets the theatricals.
It seems that the more popular bad news becomes, then the more popular bad news becomes. Over many years, media has cleverly trained the masses to pay attention to the negative.
How sad it is that media sources which do not over-sensationalize and attempt to show the good news or empowering stories, are unable to survive the market place.
Advertisers go where the viewers are and help to pay for the perpetuation of visuals and impressions that desensitize and young minds.
You are right in asking, where is the media coverage of the young people who stand out because of their admirable accomplishments?
I'd much rather see heroes like yourself being in the spotlight with the popular media carriers.
Until then, my television and radio is turned off. I select the specific programs to which I'm willing to subject my mind.
You're an inspiration Erin. Thank you for everything you do.
Namaste, Thea
www.forwardsteps.com.au
Posted by: Thea Westra | June 23, 2007 8:44 PM
I just found your web site. I commend you for this article.
I am a victim of chemical contamination and suffer many health issues. I never realized I could reach you. Your post of willingness to help others is very generous and kind. If I live through this nightmare I will committ myself to saving others.
Thank you for this article and your web site.
Penny Sellers
Atlanta, Georgia
Posted by: Penelope Sellers | June 23, 2007 8:57 PM
This article struck a chord with me. I have the same feelings about these things. I look at my step-sister, who is nearly 16, and wonder if she'll ever have a good life because all she does is worry about what the Parises and Lindsays of the world are up to. While that may be normal for a 16-year-old, it certainly is not normal for anyone older than that. I think it's time a lot of people grow up in this country. I am only 25 and already have experienced more than many people do in their entire lives. I am a lot like you (at least as you were portrayed in the movie): I live VERY paycheck-to-paycheck, I pay a substantial amount in child support for a child I am not allowed to see for no definitive reason, and I HATE it when people take advantage of those less fortunate than they. Most of the time, the less fortunate ones won't stick up for themselves, probably because they feel trapped. I'm glad you stuck up for what you believe in and did what you needed to do to make it right. I only hope I can extend the same favor to someone someday, although I'm sure it won't be on as grand a scale as your efforts were!
Like you, I have been longing to find a niche in life where I feel TRULY helpful; like I am really making a difference in someone's life. When I find it, I'll let you know. Until then, I get to continue serving people their pancakes and listening to them complain about them.
All the while, I am thinking, "If that is all you have to complain about, I will gladly trade lives with you. Sit down, shut up, and eat your pancakes. There are people worse off than you, trust me."
Thanks for being such an inspiration.
Charlie
Minneapolis, MN
Posted by: Charlie Severson | August 14, 2007 1:52 AM
yes Erin I agree with all of that, but remember its our own government that runs the media. 6 major corporations control it all. It's called Corporatism.
Repuplican/Democrat...doesn't matter, it's just a dog and pony show. the illusion of choice. The war will continue, the elite will profit, and they will just pass the baton to Hillary.
9/11 was an inside job, research yourself and learn the truth. http://911research.wtc7.net
INFOWARS.COM
Posted by: Dan | September 5, 2007 12:46 AM
Exellent work, respect.
kjeuxhsixshfye
Posted by: vanessa23 | October 24, 2007 1:35 PM