Comments on: Ben Stein: Why Should I Care?

Sunday Morning Commentator Says The Doings Of Drunken Celebrities Are Less Important In Today's World

[livt]

After listening to Ben Stein's admonition regarding what "we" are interested in regarding the news, and how "we" should be paying attention to news regarding nuclear weapons and the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, I became outraged.
The MEDIA needs this lecture, for it is the MEDIA that decides what we will hear and learn. The news on TV and the newspapers provide us with top news stories on celebrities, and it is the MEDIA that gives international and defense news a secondary status when reporting. I would like to not be asked "Are we stupid?" but rather ask how long do "we" have to put up with this nonsense, and what can "we" do about the media frenzy that takes place regarding celebrities and their problems. What can "we" do to make sure that our top news is news about the war in the middle east, the dying in Darfur, and international nuclear capabilities. And when these stories are reported, waht can "we" do about how they are sandwiched between insignificant stories and commercials!
The finger that Ben Stein points out to "us" should be redirected and pointed right back at the news media and boradcast companies that are in control. "We" may be making the mistake of watching, listening, or reading the newspapers.

[CheekyDee]

Here we go with holier and smarter than thou talking heads yelling about what we should be paying attention guilt trip. Ahh yeah compare one day's coverage of Paris to tons of coverage of a war most of us do not want, do not want to see one more solider killed, and according to most polls no one gives a *** about our opinions most esp. the president. Take any subject be it the cost of gas, terrorism, nuclear arms..yes we can do the old let me write my congressman but would would you have me as an indivual do seriously..most things are not in our hands..thus at times you are tired of even hearing it. Take for instance the strange and helpless feeling after 911 to see the terror alert elevated to a high point and what are we told to do.. well be aware they tell us.. of what? i say..? It would be nice if we knew what we might possibly be in danger of? Noooo..we can't do a *** thing..so if a day's coverage of a spoiled rich brat of any of it all ..gives us a little comic relief..so what??? *** if i had to watch what you'd have me i'd really need some mood altering drugs as i'd be ready to jump out the window. Oh and yes..let's watch the debates over and over that they are showing as my gosh..we only have almost 2 years to still hear all those windbags lying about what they will do..and don't. And lastly if i did as you say Ben i might look as dead, depressed and droll as you. Maybe you should watch some reruns of your stupid game show instead of blowing hot air Ben.

[livt]

After listening to Ben Stein's admonition regarding what "we" are interested in regarding the news, and how "we" should be paying attention to news regarding nuclear weapons and the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, I became outraged.
The MEDIA needs this lecture, for it is the MEDIA that decides what we will hear and learn. The news on TV and the newspapers provide us with top news stories on celebrities, and it is the MEDIA that gives international and defense news a secondary status when reporting. I would like to not be asked "Are we stupid?" but rather ask how long do "we" have to put up with this nonsense, and what can "we" do about the media frenzy that takes place regarding celebrities and their problems. What can "we" do to make sure that our top news is news about the war in the middle east, the dying in Darfur, and international nuclear capabilities. And when these stories are reported, waht can "we" do about how they are sandwiched between insignificant stories and commercials!
The finger that Ben Stein points out to "us" should be redirected and pointed right back at the news media and boradcast companies that are in control. "We" may be making the mistake of watching, listening, or reading the newspapers.

[livt]

After listening to Ben Stein's admonition regarding what "we" are interested in regarding the news, and how "we" should be paying attention to news regarding nuclear weapons and the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, I became outraged.
The MEDIA needs this lecture, for it is the MEDIA that decides what we will hear and learn. The news on TV and the newspapers provide us with top news stories on celebrities, and it is the MEDIA that gives international and defense news a secondary status when reporting. I would like to not be asked "Are we stupid?" but rather ask how long do "we" have to put up with this nonsense, and what can "we" do about the media frenzy that takes place regarding celebrities and their problems. What can "we" do to make sure that our top news is news about the war in the middle east, the dying in Darfur, and international nuclear capabilities. And when these stories are reported, waht can "we" do about how they are sandwiched between insignificant stories and commercials!
The finger that Ben Stein points out to "us" should be redirected and pointed right back at the news media and boradcast companies that are in control. "We" may be making the mistake of watching, listening, or reading the newspapers.

[gwbradley]

I couldn'agree more! The celeb/entertainer news does not qualify as news at all in my opinion. I have been saying fundamentally the same thing for years. Good job Ben. G.W.Bradley

[livt]

After listening to Ben Stein's admonition regarding what "we" are interested in regarding the news, and how "we" should be paying attention to news regarding nuclear weapons and the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, I became outraged.
The MEDIA needs this the lecture, for it is the MEDIA that decides what we will hear and learn. The news on TV and the newspapers provide us with top news stories on celebrities, and it is the MEDIA that gives international and defense news a secondary status when reporting. I would like to not be asked "Are we stupid?" but rather ask how long do "we" have to put up with this nonsense, and what can "we" do about the media frenzy that takes place regarding celebrities and their problems. What can "we" do to make sure that our top news is news about the war in the middle east, the dying in Darfur,international nuclear capabilities. And when these stories are reported, they are sandwiched between less significant stories and commercials! t
The finger that Ben Stein points out to "us" should be redirected and pointed right back at the news media.

[rcastanet]

Ben, this morning I watched you on CBS News Sunday Morning in disbelief essentially lecturing Americans to wake up from our obsession with celebrities and not paying enough attention to more serious matters of state and of world events as if we, the viewers, were the ones in the studios producing this trivial pursuit. I will point out that Americans must tolerate this inane parade of celebrities to glean any meaningful news from the average broadcast. If your concerns were truly sincere why don%u2019t you suggest to CBS producers that they produce nothing but material on Iraq and other important world events that affect us all? Or would that be more than Americans could bear? The media commenting about the follies of the media as if they weren%u2019t a part of it is colossal hypocrisy.

[mee323]

Excuse me???? Ben said "The VERY SAME PEOPLE WHO ATTACKED US " when he was referring to the war in Iraq. And this from an otherwise intelligent and erudite journalist. He ought to have his mouth washed out with soap and apologize.

I think you ought to ask Ben Stein, "Is it ever OK to lie?"

I think his superficial comments about Paris Hilton were all a ploy to be able to broadcast the BIG LIE linking 9/11 with the war in Iraq.

I've been a fan of CBS Sunday Morning since Kuralt, but I'm over you now, bigtime. You're turning into Fox.

[mee323]

Excuse me???? Ben said "The VERY SAME PEOPLE WHO ATTACKED US " when he was referring to the war in Iraq. And this from an otherwise intelligent and erudite journalist. He ought to have his mouth washed out with soap and apologize.

I think you ought to ask Ben Stein, "Is it ever OK to lie?"

I think his superficial comments about Paris Hilton were all a ploy to be able to broadcast the BIG LIE linking 9/11 with the war in Iraq.

I've been a fan of CBS Sunday Morning since Kuralt, but I'm over you now, bigtime. You're turning into Fox.

[mee323]

Excuse me???? Ben said "The VERY SAME PEOPLE WHO ATTACKED US " when he was referring to the war in Iraq. And this from an otherwise intelligent and erudite journalist. He ought to have his mouth washed out with soap and apologize.

I think you ought to ask Ben Stein, "Is it ever OK to lie?"

I think his superficial comments about Paris Hilton were all a ploy to be able to broadcast the BIG LIE linking 9/11 with the war in Iraq.

I've been a fan of CBS Sunday Morning since Kuralt, but I'm over you now, bigtime. You're turning into Fox.

[cathompson5]

Wow Ben Stein completly missed the boat on the significance of the Paris Hilton story. There are in fact other issues of importance in America outside of the war in Iraq. One of them being the widening gap between the rich and poor. Is addressing the massive double standard in treatment of people with means versus people without means insignificant?

[rkandik]

Thanks to Ben Stein for a provocative commentary on the state of oblivion that, seemingly, most Americans are living in at this time. The "all about ME" attitude of so many people we know says it all. The daunting state of affairs in the world today is so overwhelming to the average citizen that the daily news is mentally "turned off" and lighter topics prevail. Thus, *** movie stars whose own self-indulgence brings them down seem to gain our fleeting attention. Isn't there some way the media professionals can find the balance that you conveyed, Ben Stein, and help us with the GLOBAL picture-whether we like it or not? We need a reality check!

[cathompson5]

Wow Ben Stein completly missed the boat on the significance of the Paris Hilton story. There are in fact other issues of importance in America outside of the war in Iraq. One of them being the widening gap between the rich and poor. Is addressing the massive double standard in treatment of people with means versus people without means insignificant?

[nelsonml2]

Ben, you have glossed over the real reason for public attention to Paris Hilton's incarceration issue. The public is outraged and rightfully so - the celebrities who think their fame, wealth and notoriety earn them a get out of jail free card need to be slapped back to reality - otherwise, why should anybody serve a jail term for similar charges? So much for the credibility of a judge's sentence and the whole premise of our judicial system. What happened with Paris is legally, morally and ethically wrong and the American public should focus on it and resolve it.

[elisanphilip]

Thank you again, Ben!
Friday while at lunch with a group of co-workers we sat and chatted about how our world seemed to be insane with celebrity craziness and we noticed a tv in the corner, tuned to one of the 24-hr so-called news channels with BREAKING NEWS splashed all over the screen - crowds, reporters, police all gathered outside Paris's mansion waiting to take her to court. The entire hour we sat at lunch that was the only scene - BREAKING NEWS. We all just sat there wondering how this could be. That's the only important thing going on in the world?
While my husband and our friends serve in Iraq, and young men and women put their lives on the line THIS is BREAKING NEWS?? The only breaking news I want to hear is that my husband is coming home, I couldn't care less where Paris spends her time.

[peeples5]

The people that write the news for the news broadcasts should have to listen to Ben Stein's commentary every day before starting to work! A comment from Fort Bragg, NC.

[jbhilgers]

Although I wholeheartedly support your thoughts about the unimportance of the Celebraty fray over almost anything compared to really important news, it seems a bit hypocritical of you to be part of the media that promotes the same. You might think about holding up a mirror while talking about what you in the media "feed" to us as listeners. We can certainly turn off our sets, but it would only mean we wouldn't be watching, not that it wouldn't be saliciously protrade by your station!

[wrensis1]

Repeat after me. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11
Repeat after me. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11
Repeat after me. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11
Repeat after me. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11
Repeat after me. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11
Repeat after me. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11
Repeat after me. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11
Repeat after me. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11

[commo_dio]

This is what I've been saying everyday... People must be so tired of hearing about war on their precious TVs that the media captures their attention with "eye-popping" stories such as Paris going to jail. Here's the question: What do I care? Why should anyone have to feel the shame of feeling more shock at Anna Nicole Smith's death than that of a U.S. soldier, ten, or even fifty? Why are we more concerned about this celebrity gossip than what really matters? How much has the news reporting changed since the era of Cronkite, and why for the worse?

[bridsonb]

Totally agree. But please do the same rant substituting all sports coverage for celebrity coverage. Why should I care about millionaires chasing little white balls in parks? Or through the woods with clubs? As you say, there are far more important things we should be paying attention to.