Reply #17: both to q#1, yes to q#2

[reichstag911]

The government controls the media insofar as they allow free rein to the megalithic media corporations who are charged with "reporting" the news to the TV-swilling masses of the US. If these giants had not been allowed to consolidate to the extent they have -- with the blessing of the US government in allowing the mergers -- there would certainly be a greater diversity of political thought available to the average TV viewer. If the government were to exercise truly responsible stewardship of the public airwaves, some of their corporate media contributions would dry up, and we wouldn't want that, would we?

Also, while it may be true that a majority of those in the media glare have liberal leanings, that has no bearing on these corporations' editorial policies. GE, a major defense contractor, owns NBC; Disney owns ABC; and Viacom owns CBS. Does anyone really believe that middle management at these corporations would act against the financial interests of the billionaire owners? If so, I've got a bridge to sell ya.

As to laziness, that is nothing but a lowered standard of effort one is willing to exert to do one's job. It's human nature to become complacent when one is well-compensated and well-"respected" within their profession -- at least insofar as corporate careerists "respect" anything but their own ambition.

The answer to question 2 appears self-evident. Any society that could make ratings hits out of tripe like "How to Marry a Millionaire" or other reality crap seems pretty disinclined to think too deeply, or too long, about anything important.