“Versions”

c. 2020 Rod Ice

All rights reserved

(3-20)

For this writer, being a ‘news junkie’ has come naturally. From the family habit of browsing through newspapers and magazines at our kitchen table, or getting real-time reports through radio and television. I have always liked to stay connected.

The recent global pandemic has furiously redefined life on our planet. But when viewed through the lens of various news organizations, the story has been different in tone. Sometimes, the most useful perspective comes not from domestic channels with popular ‘opinion’ hosts, but instead from a foreign source. Thus, my Roku stream has been invaluable, providing coverage from the United Kingdom. A valued alternative to our own particular slant.

What follows here are not literal examples but paraphrased bits of prose:

Coronavirus -

CNN: “Today, President Trump deepened the chasm opened by his ignorance as our nation’s chief executive. A circus trick he continues to perform each day as the pandemic worsens.”

FOX NEWS: “President Trump’s leadership in this time of crisis has continued to be extraordinary. Like Lincoln or Roosevelt or Ronald Reagan, he is keeping a steady hand steering our ship of state.”

SKY NEWS: “In America, Dr. Anthony Fauci has become a trusted figure for those seeking to understand the Coronavirus. A voice of reason.”

Stimulus -

CNN: “President Trump has one priority, to bail out his corporate pals. The welfare of regular Americans will sadly be neglected.”

FOX NEWS: “President Trump puts America first and families first. His opponents put politics first.”

SKY NEWS: “Americans officially reject socialism, but will once again embrace a government rescue of their economy.”

Faith -

CNN: “During the pandemic, gathering for worship is risky behavior. Americans need to put their faith in science.”

FOX NEWS: “During the pandemic, gathering for worship is needed more than ever to bolster the American spirit.”

SKY NEWS: “Technology means that persons of faith can worship via internet connections. Another wrinkle in the habit of using social media platforms.”

The 2020 Election -

CNN: (To be continued.)

FOX NEWS: (To be continued.)

SKY NEWS: “Americans will vote in the fall, but seemingly in an election that has all but disappeared from their notice. In this age of ‘social distancing’ citizens in the United States have become very much separated from the idea of picking their leader for the next four years.”

Climate Change -

CNN: “Perhaps even more frightening than the Coronavirus is the global threat our environment faces. This has been neglected by Republicans in general, and President Trump, specifically.”

FOX NEWS: “The hoax of climate change continues to ring hollow in our heartland.”

SKY NEWS: “World leaders speak to each other. Greta Thunberg speaks to the world.”

Sports -

CNN: “Americans miss basketball.”

FOX NEWS: “Americans miss baseball.”

SKY NEWS: “The world will fret while waiting another year to meet at the Olympics.”

Toilet Paper -

CNN: “Panic has caused hoarding. The American people need better leadership to calm their nerves.”

FOX NEWS: “Our supply chain remains strong. Stores run out of product only to have shelves restocked quickly. It is the miracle of capitalism at work.”

SKY NEWS: “Americans have plenty of bath tissue but not enough masks or ventilators. A perplexing situation across the big pond.”

China -

CNN: “President Trump’s use of the term ‘Chinese Virus’ remains troubling.”

FOX NEWS: “President Trump has rightly identified China as the source of COVID-19 and will continue to speak his mind.”

SKY NEWS: “The pandemic is now worldwide. It’s point of origin has no literal importance.”

Social Distancing -

CNN: “Americans should heed the direction of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and stay apart from each other during this crisis.”

FOX NEWS: “Americans should heed the direction of President Trump and stay apart from each other, but it is difficult for a free-spirited nation to take orders. It is not in our DNA as a people.

SKY NEWS: “As with many other situations, the Coronavirus seems to be ignored by some people in the U. S. A. as they refuse to practice keeping a standard amount of distance between each other. The result will be obvious and catastrophic.”

Partisanship -

CNN: “Americans can’t help feeling disappointed that the Republican Party has not put aside partisan concerns in this time of crisis.”

FOX NEWS: “Americans can’t help feeling disappointed that the Democratic Party has not put aside partisan concerns in this time of crisis.”

SKY NEWS: “Many Americans have shown more concern over Quarterback Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots than learning how to properly wash their hands.”

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