[PAA-Discuss] What is the mission? and Flashpoints

[Paul Myers]

Hello again,



Please excuse me for the delay in responding to the notes about Flashpoints.  My AT&T phone and DSL have been out for over a day as the fellows testing the lines to ensure that video can be transmitted over the phone line mistakenly disconnected my phone and DS, or so the repair man said. 

 

I find the recent messages about Flashpoints quite interesting and at the same time perplexing.

 

It is most confusing, to me, that while there is time to use words that express criticisms and make judgments, both positive and negative, about the Flashpoints show and the people involved, there is, with few exception, not much written about the bigger issue, KPFT programming and adherence to the KPFT Mission Statement.

 

While I express it somewhat differently, I received a message, in response to my message on Saturday, that makes a similar point, "once again it seems Houston's management team is "out of sync" with the Pacifica mission statement at best, and flagrantly disregarding the mission statement at worst.  Either way, a gross abuse of their fiduciary responsibility."

 

My observations go way beyond the Flashpoints show, as most of KPFT's programming about Israel and the conflicts there, in my opinion, provides symptoms and strategies and rather than what is required by the KPFT Mission Statement, understanding the "root"  causes and what is really going on over there and why.  



Is not the conflict that has been going on for at least 39 years that may lead to WWIII, a topic worth more time, focus and understanding?



Is it factual that the part of the KPFT local advisory board supports the position that it is more important to develop local programming than to broadcast superior products from other KPFT stations or elsewhere? 

 

Back to Flashpoints

 


I too sometimes feel uncomfortable when Mr. Bernstein speaks, not because of what he says or how he says it, but because I understand how some folks may be critical, make judgments and even become angry.  Sometimes I fear that the commentator's behavior may distract from the substance of the reports from over there.

 

I can also understand why Mr. Bernstein expresses himself as he does, in the same way I can understand why the Palestinians and Lebanese resist the occupation of their land.  However, I do not necessarily agree with it.  The more information that I obtain that is denied to the consumers of US media, the more I sometimes feel like Mr. Bernstein sounds and it is difficult to express these feelings in less critical and judgmental terms.  It is like how much can people take before they behave in a manner that is not their true nature?

 

For me the value of the Flashpoints show is the reports from folks over there.  These reports provide information I cannot find in the US mainstream media and is difficult to find in other places.  It shows me some of the "what" is going on and some of the "why".  I believe these reports are consistent with the Mission Statement of KPFT.  Could it be that these reports contain information that some people don't want to hear, or aware of or heard by others?

 

While I do not agree with all of what is said on Flashpoints by the commentator, I try not to sit in judgment of the commentator.  I do not judge him as sensationalistic, whiny, or a cry-baby or shrill and hysterical.  As I am a not a journalist, I can not consider the commentator an embarrassment to anyone who calls themselves a journalist.



If we are to believe the note from Flashpoints, the folks at KPFT won't communicate with the Flashpoints folks.  Has anyone provided any feedback to Mr. Bernstein besides being upset because he refuses to pitch during fund drives because his show was moved to 11 pm? 

 

As listeners of KPFT why do we not know why Flashpoints is to be discontinued?  Why was Flashpoint moved to 11pm?  Why is so much of what goes on at KPFT a secret?

 

I personally would prefer to hear superior programming in line with KPFT's mission statement than some locally developed productions that do not in content or in execution meet the requirements of the Mission Statement.  I would much prefer to put up with Mr Bernstein's rants than listen to some of the current local programming.  

 

If you are interested in an example, read on, and if you are not, stop here.

  

Paul





On a recent program I hear two gentlemen guests, associated with "Peace" organizations, agreeing with each other and expressing understanding and empathy for why Iran might desire to have nuclear weapons, as well as explaining details of the road blocks to security arrangements in the area (Middle East).

 

Then a man called in who expressed himself, with strong feelings, about his perceptions related to failings of the peace movement.  I was quite surprised when one of these gentlemen who moments ago were so empathetic changed his demeanor and expressed equally strong feelings of disagreement with the caller. Then he proceeded in a shouting match with the caller saying, "you are wasting our time"..."that is ridiculous".  I thought to myself, "is this a guy dedicated to peace?"

 

The line then went to a dial tone. Was the caller was cut off?

 

Then I heard the host suggest that the caller desired a "violent overthrow of the government" or words to that effect..

 

Actually, for a moment I thought I was listening to representatives of the Bush administration or Fox news responding to someone they did not agree with. I thought, have we become that which we are against?

 

In any event I heard criticisms and attacks that I could not agree with based upon what I heard the caller say.

 

I did not hear the caller say anything that would have stimulated the response, in me, that the guest and commentator expressed.  In fact I do understand and see some truth in what the caller said.




It is difficult, for me, to understand the behavior of the guest and commentator and I suggest the behavior is not consistent with what they profess to promote, "peace" nor with the KPFT Mission. 



There is more, but time, space and your patients are running out.

 

 
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