L Milton Hankins Poet Quatrain

News Or Views

Once was a time when you could believe
Things happened like you heard on the news
Now, you cannot be too sure about that
For you are hearing a commentator’s views.

Reporting events has become so politicized
Everything is slanted to the left or the right
What comes across with sarcasm or a frown
Is calculated to instigate an on-going fight.

One network is still promoting Trump’s lies
While another spends all its time refuting
What listeners are already aware is untrue
Hearing rubbish, what’s the point of disputing.

Switching off the network news, I return to print
Where I can check sources and writers up front
I can read an article from several different angles
And make up my own mind, to be perfectly blunt!

written August 10, 2021

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Kenneth Cheney August 11, 2021 at 11:57 AM We could use a little Joe Friday in the news rooms, "Just the facts Ma'am". Unfortunately we get agenda driven news, spin, lies, and distortion. Glad you are willing to make up your own mind. L Milton Hankins August 11, 2021 at 1:52 PM I believe it is incumbent upon everyone to call out the news media on their spins, distortion and outright lies. I have done so; but, I've been forced to go to print media. Thanks for your comment, Kenneth.

Gershon Wolf August 10, 2021 at 7:29 PM Good news reporting lets us think for ourselves. Of course, these days many never learn to do so in our 'wonderful schools.' Oh, well. ~ Gershon L Milton Hankins August 10, 2021 at 7:32 PM Thanks for your thoughts, Gershon. Being so close to many school teachers, I dare not comment. The most important things I taught when I was a teacher was "thinking and reasoning" skills. They don't do that so much anymore, I'm afraid, but I still want my news straight out of the bottle!

Mystic Rose Rose August 10, 2021 at 1:46 PM I agree with you, we cannot trust what is being said on the news, Most of it is biast, and takes one side or the other, , I rather get me facts from a reputable source, like you, Thanks for the good read, and great advice. L Milton Hankins August 10, 2021 at 1:57 PM Thanks so much, Vie, for your thoughtful and appropriate comments.

Mike Gentile August 10, 2021 at 1:28 PM Great Idea Milton, we must not be sheep!! Happy Tuesday!! L Milton Hankins August 10, 2021 at 1:58 PM That is soooo true, Mike, because instinctively we tend to believe what we hear from an "authoritative" figure. Not always good! Thanks, Mike.

Sotto Poet August 10, 2021 at 10:47 AM Milton, this is a masterwork about disinformation and deception perpetrated by news and broadcasters. I like the ending because it's always better to research for your own sources. L Milton Hankins August 10, 2021 at 11:57 AM Thanks, Lasaad. Yes, it is true. Nowadays you can't believe half of what you hear and a lot you see!