MoreWhat Matters: News Briefs
Following the content listed in most popular news on Google and Yahoo has been a regular occurence here. At first it was disappointing that so much of what made it to the listing were stories with topics that probably shouldn’t rank as high as they did. But that just seemed to indicate a sad trend that ‘clickers’ at these venues concentrated on items that really do not matter. The tabloid type of content was getting the lion’s share of the most popular ratings by click. Again, sad that important issues were being neglected by whatever the demographic was. If one assumed that the readers were a representative slice of the general public the bulk of what they were reading was an even more dismal trend.
But over the months it seems more public affairs issues are being digested if only for a moment. A snapshot of one of this morning’s lists has been reordered below by this blog’s opinion of what matters most.along with a commentary on each. Links are maintained except for those items designated here as useless stories.
News Analysis Choice of Palin Is Bold Move by McCain, With Risks
The central argument in the NYT piece seems to be that McCain’s VP selection gives ammunition to Obama while diminishing McCain’s criticism that Obama is not ready to lead due to inexperience. Right out of the blocks, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has executive experience and a resume’s considerably more accomplished than Senator Obama’s. No one said you cannot take on the VP slot as it does not lend itself to on the job training. And as for the ability to step in to the Presidency if disaster would strike, how many former VP’s would have been ideal for that contingency? If Palin ends up spending four years as VP she will likely be quite prepared for the Office of President in 2012. Even with the unlikelihood that she would have to take over as President, by then the McCain Adminstration would be in place and the typical resources used by each President would be available to Palin for executing the office. In contrast, nothing about Barack Obama equals that assessment.
Additionally, Mr Hope and Change Obama selected a Washington insider which conflicts with his new everything claims and that McCain is more of the same. It also cnocedes his lack of foreign policy experience which most suggest will be of primary importance to the next President. Like it hasn’t been every year.
Obama campaign buoyed by convention
The report above offers more of the same from the Dems more of the same complaint against McCain/Palin. It also cites a Gallup poll showing an 8 point lead for Obma post-convention. While Obama did a fine job of bolstering his celeb status which has little to do with leading the country, the Rasmussen poll shows the lead to be a mere four points. Just a few days ago it was a dead heat as indicated by just about everyone. It would not be a surprise if the polls reflected dynamic swings over the next few weeks.
David Broder says it for all those suspicious of Barack Obama. From reminding readers that little is known about the freshman Senator to describing his nomination speech as ordinary and focusing on traditional liberal talking points, the change meister (Obama) has squandered his big moment by making a convincing argument for his opponents that an Obama Administration would offer nothing new.
Michelle Obama: Bringing back the brooch
Ah, the significance of Michelle Obama has materialized. She wears a pin. Let the fashion statements begin. So Dems comparing Barack to JFK will lead to comparisons of Michelle to Jackie? Oh, please.
Obama: An American Dream and a Promise for Change
For those who may have missed the opportunity to drink the liberal Kook-Aid, the above link is for you. All of what the Dems would like you to believe is in this. If any of it were likely the Dems might have something but just like the long awaited Obama nomination speech it is a terrible letdown. Nothing to believe in. Nothing to hope for and nothing will change from the liberal realm.
Obama turns to Greek columns for support
The celeb strategy is alive and well in the Obama campaign. Wanting to make a connection and comparison between himself and MLK and JFK rather than Ayers and Rezko, Obama opted for the Greek thing. Just another example of smoke and mirrors that appeal to the far left. Could it be they are attracted to fantasy and fiction more than reality and logic?
Unconventional Ratings: Obama’s Speech Draws Record 38 Million Viewers
Just another example that the Obama celeb thing has the capacity to attract those inspired by fads and bells and whistles. To be fair, there is the possibility that those sincerely seeking change may have paid attention. But as reported by Broder in another item above, Obama missed his opportunity to make the case and instead optted for traditional Dems talking points and the party line.
The other items linked below are secondary in importance. The report on Russia is another reminder that cold war sentiments may resurface. The mention of Gustav and threats to the Gulf Coast remind that NOLA is still the only part of the area that will get the bulk of coverage from the MSM and we haven’t learned the lesson of not putting all our refining capacity or most of it in one vulnerable area.
The IT topics represented by Microsoft, Apple and Comcast represent a trio of standouts all compromising the digital landscape. MS continues its habit of trying to convince users that things are different now. Apple has become as notorious as a techo-gangsta’ as MS with its idiot phone marketing as the latest Comcast episode proving net neutrality is an issue.
The unlinked titles below, of course, represent the least important topics offered on the list of most popular news items. Have a fine Labor Day Weekend and start clicking on the important stuff. Focus on MoreWhat Matters
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
S. Ossetia to be absorbed into Russia
Gustav strengthens off west Cuba
US Oil, Gas Producers, Pipelines Brace for Gustav (Update1)
Microsoft: No more Windows Live Mail crashes with IE8 Beta 2
Update: Steve Jobs - Alive And Kicking
Mystery ‘iPhone Girl’ On Her Way To Meme Status
Comcast to Place a Cap on Internet Downloads
Duchovny in Rehab
Lindsay Loses Grandfather, Calls for Family Peace
Earwax: Too Much of a Good Thing?
Two films will vie with ‘Tropic Thunder’ for No. 1 at box office
A-Rod abors through traffic to get to Stadium before game
Thai prime minister vows to sit tight despite anti-government protests