Journalistic Ethics (12-9-20)

Posted on June 19, 2024 by Luke Ford

I was watching this Mike Fisher video he was he was ranting about Skip Bayless saying what a horrible man skip Bayless is. And Troy Aikman, Fox football analyst and former Dallas Cowboy championship quarterback, also said how very disappointed he was that Fox had hired Skip Bayless to do the morning show Undisputed.

And they both both made the bogus accusation that Skip Bayless in his book on the 1995 championship Cowboys team that falsely accused Troy of being gay. And it’s not true. There’s a chapter in it where Skip simply mentions how widespread the rumors were around the Dallas cowboys that Troy was gay, but he made very clear in the book that he that he know no evidence that this was true, He was just shocked that Barry Switzer the coach seemed to believe that Troy was gay or at least was hearing there’s those rumors. So there comes a point where the the accurate reporting of rumors, those is it’s good journalism is is necessary to to understand what’s going on. Skip put the rumors in context, he said I now have no factual evidence for them, but all these people in the Dallas Cowboys organization seem to believe that Trey was gay.

So there’s a night and day difference between the accurate reporting of a rumor and pointing out that there’s no factual evidence for it versus making the allegation of the rumor.

So that that led me to getting into discussion with a friend what what are journalist ethics. Journalist ethics not like The ethics for doctors, ethics for lawyers because the ethical obligations to whom you owe your obligations, they’re so varied for journalists. So as a journalist, do you primarily owe ethical obligations to your readers? You primarily owe ethical obligations to your sources of information? You primarily owe ethical obligations to the people you write about? Do you primarily owe ethical obligations to your profession? Because journalists depend heavily on cooperation from general public. Who do you primarily owe?

Ethical obligations to your employer, to your advertisers? There’s so many competing ethical obligations and it’s not at all clear to whom journalists owe their primary obligation. So that makes journalist ethics quite unlike the ethical codes of other professions. For example, it’s pretty clear that the doctor’s primary ethical obligation is to his patients. And an attorney’s primary ethical obligation is to his client and to the to the legal system. An accountant’s primary and obligation is to the general public, particularly, let’s say, investors, potential investors, those who might be affected by who are relying on the the accountant doing an honest job. And dentists, obviously, their primary ethical obligation is to the patient. But dentist, that’s interesting. So many dentists, push things that are bogus.

Right? There’s so many dentists abusing the the trust of their. Their patients. Is there any profession that so often abuses their clients as dentists do. Much of what dentists recommend is bogus. For example, there’s no empirical evidence that floss does does any good. Some dental procedures are often unnecessary. All they do is line the the dentist pockets. So so there’s a great article in the Atlantic about how off the hook dangerous dentists are with their just lack of ethical behavior in getting people to have unnecessary root canals, all sorts of painful expensive surgeries that line the dentist pockets, but do the patient no good.

Yearly dental x-rays are often over a $100. Be highly skeptical of what your dentist suggest you spend because abuse is just rampant and the profession hasn’t demonstrated much interest in curtail it.

So really watch out for your dentist and car mechanics. I don’t know anything about the workings of the automobiles. I don’t know how often they’ve taken advantage of me. I suspect they’ve rooked me for tens of thousands of dollars. The primary ethical obligation for the car mechanic is to a client, but then also to the state. For example, if we have laws about emissions. There are many people who do emissions, and they help people cheat the standard and the result is we all suffer from decreased air quality.

So there are all sorts of professions that exists primarily for the benefit of the profession not for the public and they have no interest in curtail abuse. Think about mortgage brokers and mortgage lending. They they have you sign such complicated lengthy documents that that there’s no reason to expect an ordinary person to understand what’s going on. There’s are so many fees that you are not not cognizant of, it’s clearly a profession where they have aligned a complicated way of doing things, so that they can screw you over.

For journalistic ethics, the most important thing is to know the name of the person who’s committing the work. Ethical questions will sort themselves out because the most important capital you have as a journalist is your reputation. So You get a reputation for misquoting people. People aren’t going to talk to you. You get a reputation being unfair. People won’t want deal with you. People won’t give you information. So as a journalist you you largely depend on other people cooperating, giving you information. That you honor on or off the record. So you quickly develop a reputation for fairness and accuracy and integrity. Do you make an honest effort to show different sides to a story?

So as long as your name is on your work, your ethics are going to sort themselves out.

Because if you show yourself to be a bad character, people are gonna shun you. Like most professions, journalists are most concerned about their reputation with their peers. So they probably socialize mainly with other the journalists. They want to look good to other journalists and so that that gives them an incentive to operate by the standards of their profession.

That also provides them a tremendous incentive for protecting their group. I got called by a CNN booker in 2007 because I was the guy who broke the story about the mayor of Los Angeles. He’d stopped wearing his wedding ring, he’d been having an affair with a news reader on a Spanish language TV station that covered him. So CNN wanted to bring me on the show live, so they sent a limo to pick me up at 4AM.

And I got into the CNN Los Angeles studio on sunset Boulevard about 4:30AM, and then they said, oh, we’re moving the interview back till it’s not gonna be live. It’s gonna be taped, and they when when we do the taped interview, I didn’t get to see the the woman anchor was asking me the questions. That’s by design, so that you’re on the defensive. And I noted that it was well known among journalists that for many months the married mayor had not been wearing his wedding ring, but the journalists were reluctant for various reasons to report on the mayor’s dissolving marriage because they wanted to support the first Latino mayor of Los Angeles in over a century and they generally agreed with this politics, and so they they were protective of mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa. And the CNN anchor said, how can you say the about Los Angeles Times. They’ve Pulitzer surprises. Well, Pulitzer prize does not denote journalist excellence. It’s a popularity contest with other journalists. So New York Times journalists who lied for Stalin and covered up the the Ukrainian genocide. He got a Pulitzer prize.

Janet Cooke of the Washington Post invented a story about drug kids who are born with drug addictions. She just completely invented the story, and she she won a Pulitzer prize. So lots of long boring stories win Pulitzers because they’ve hit the sweet spot of what the profession regards as important, what it should support. S

So CNN did not air any of my interview. They didn’t wanna hear me criticize all the journalists. They didn’t wanna hear me point out that other journalists were aware of the same story I was, but that the journalist profession in Los Angeles had covered up for the mayor over the previous 6 to 9 months because they didn’t wanna break any embarrassing story about the mayor’s marriage.

Jeffrey Goldberg is the editor of The Atlantic. Like other journalist elites, he paid no price for lying America into invading Iraq in 2003 by pushing bogus stories about Iraq having WMD. Who suffered a hit for Russiagate promotion? Many of the perpetrators of that bogus story got Pulitzer prizes.

Journalists don’t generally pay pay a price for political activism. As long as their political activism fits in with the the world view of the the reigning elites.

So the New York Times found that there was the most money to be made and subscriptions to be gained from publishing opinion pieces about how horrible Trump was. So the New York Times has moved from an primarily advertising based publication where you’re rewarded for getting hits to a subscription model where you’re rewarded for reinforcing the world the world view of subscribers. So newspapers and Tv channels they’re are also a business. So just like Fox, they they tap into an audience, by largely telling the audience what they wanna hear. So to the New York Times has found its business model in telling telling its audience what it wants to hear.

Rather than what what may actually be true.

That’s the the winning business model. People have a particular view of the world, and they wanna be able to tune in to you and get that view of the world reinforced and extended into new areas.

The most powerful human desire is the desire for status. So status simply means the opposite of humiliation. So instead of going to work in the bar saying to you hey dexter bring me a cup of coffee. The boss says, hey, can you come into my office? And what do you think about this?

Love to get your opinion on this? Or you have people who who wanna know your opinion or respect you or treat you with, say some defer, so desire for status has a huge effect on our political opinions. Generally speaking, people are going to subscribe to the politics that fits in with the crowd that they wanna belong to. So if you’re an orthodox Jew you want to subscribe to a politics that fits in with the generally conservative political world of orthodox Jews. If you’re in the news media, you’re gonna wanna subscribe to a politics that fits in with with the worldview of your peers.

So you reject what our ruling elites believe is true, and you develop status in an alternative world. So you promote special knowledge aka conspiracy theories. So is there any more dramatic way to oppose everything that is held sacred in the Western world in 2020 than by denying the Holocaust. If you deny the holocaust, then you are completely giving up all options for status in the mainstream world, and you are making a dramatic play for status in the alternative world. So if you say Covid is a hoax, holocaust is a hoax then you’re rejecting status in the mainstream world and you’re are vying for status in the alternative ward.

So is it anti-social not to want status? Or even to want the opposite. I don’t believe that there’s anyone who doesn’t want status. It does seem anti-social, anti-human. If you don’t want status what you’re saying is that you’re you’re fine with humiliation which is incredibly dangerous to your well being. It’s incredibly dangerous to your health. It’s incredibly dangerous to your survival. And if you don’t want status, then you’re reducing your ability to form bonds with people. Because nobody who wants to be bonded to someone who is just continually being humiliated. Someone who is a walking talking humiliation, what kind of person will wanna bond with such a person? Only a fellow loser.

Playing to your audience is a very good business model. Having contempt for your audience tends to be a bad business model. Not wearing a mask inside during a dangerous influenza pandemic is also trying to gain status in an alternative world.

Posted in Journalism | Comments Off on Journalistic Ethics (12-9-20)

PhD History Student Matt “History Speaks” On The Middle East Conflict (6-19-24)

Posted on June 19, 2024 by Luke Ford

01:00 Matt’s substack, https://historyspeaks.substack.com/
03:00 Matt’s Twitter, https://x.com/History__Speaks
09:00 Realism vs moralism in international conflict
21:00 The sources of our self-esteem
26:00 The seasons of a man’s life
27:00 Matt is a lawyer (University of Chicago)
29:00 Why did Luke never marry?
31:00 Luke diagnosed with ADHD, Matt with obsessive-compulsive disorder
33:50 Enlightenment means respect for fact
42:00 The buffered identity vs the porous identity, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=149512
53:00 The invention of racism as a moral category
57:00 Luke & Matt share their hero systems
1:00:00 That Noble Dream: The ‘Objectivity Question’ and the American Historical Profession, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=138784
1:02:50 Matt’s activist Twitter feed, https://x.com/History__Speaks
1:05:00 How Matt has been changed by studying law
1:13:00 Matt’s asked about serious thinkers who are Zionists, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_Morris
1:18:00 JPOST: Experts: ICC, UN blamed Israel for a famine that never happened in Gaza – exclusive, https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-806735
1:26:00 Everything, including the category of civilian, is contingent
1:35:00 The “Good War”: Preparations for a War against Civilians, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=155491
1:53:00 Human rights, https://www.lukeford.net/Dennis/indexp2a.html
2:00:00 AP: The war in Gaza has wiped out entire Palestinian families. AP documents 60 who lost dozens or more, https://apnews.com/article/gaza-palestinians-families-israel-war-deaths-a9f8bcfe402c17f1f78903eae67b7a7d
2:03:00 BBC: ‘I’m calling from Israeli intelligence. We have the order to bomb. You have two hours’, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67327079
2:15:00 Black September, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_September
2:20:00 No, we’re not in a new cold war with China, https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/05/07/cold-war-cold-peace-united-states-china-xi-decoupling-trade/
2:30:00 The Last Utopia: Human Rights in History, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=142846
2:37:00 Matt’s first published scholarly article – did the Nazis plan world genocides? https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17504902.2024.2326262
2:42:50 College protests for Palestine
2:45:00 Mearsheimer: ‘Israelis wouldn’t mind a general conflagration because that would facilitate ethnic cleansing.’, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=153903
2:48:00 Israeli morale has plunged over the past three months
2:52:00 Ze’ev Jabotinsky – serious Zionist thinker, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ze’ev_Jabotinsky
2:55:00 Matt’s substack, https://historyspeaks.substack.com/
2:57:30 Dooovid joins, https://x.com/RebDoooovid
3:22:00 BBC: ‘I’m calling from Israeli intelligence. We have the order to bomb. You have two hours’, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67327079
3:36:00 A Short History of International Humanitarian Law, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=155471
4:13:00 Elliott Blatt joins, discusses Juneteenth
4:15:00 Why can’t black pride and gay pride work together?
4:20:00 Human rights as a Marxist motte-and-bailey trick, https://quillbot.com/blog/motte-and-bailey-fallacy/
4:29:00 The reorganization of priorities after a tough illness
Complete transcript of the show: https://lukeford.net/blog/?page_id=155712

Podnotes summary: I chatted with my friend Matt “History Speaks,” a history PhD student at the London School of Economics. We discussed his Egyptian heritage and how it shaped his views on the Israel-Palestine conflict, contrasting with typical American perspectives. He feels that while Christians in Egypt face discrimination, they generally sympathize more with Palestinians.

Growing up half-Egyptian in America made him feel like an outsider sometimes, but he had a good childhood overall. We also talked about historical narratives and who shapes them, using World War I trench poets as an example of powerful storytelling.

Matt believes enlightenment values have brought progress worldwide despite some traditional norms being beneficial too. On social media’s role in self-esteem, Matt spends much time there but gets more satisfaction from professional achievements than online interactions.

Lastly, we touched on love’s impact on self-esteem and how relationships can reveal our true selves even as we might present ourselves more empathetically to loved ones. As for life stages, men often focus on building their “kingdom” until around 40 before turning attention to family and community – a concept Matt finds interesting given his own journey from law to academia.

Matt: I struggled with my career as a lawyer, despite doing well in law school and serving on the Chicago Law Review. I wanted to establish myself before starting a family, expecting that my current self-centeredness would diminish over time.

Luke: My father theorized that we can only do about six hours of intense intellectual work daily.

Matt: So now, I’m focusing on building my own “kingdom” during these prime hours. In the future, I plan to devote myself more to others—like a wife and children.

Luke: I’ve never married or had kids due to poor health from being raised vegetarian until discovering beef organ capsules three years ago which improved my condition significantly. Discussing masculinity last week, I argued it’s defined by one’s ability to support a family—a view not everyone shares but is common among traditional perspectives.

Eight months ago, an ADHD diagnosis changed everything for me; this disorder made it difficult for me to focus on mundane tasks and influenced my emotional stability. With medication, however, life has become much more manageable.

We also discussed how enlightenment values like respect for facts shaped our understanding of science and progress while maintaining religious beliefs. Some enlightenment thinkers questioned established doctrines yet held onto their faiths.

The right often views human nature skeptically—believing in the necessity of societal structures like religion and state for guidance—while the left tends toward trusting individual judgment in determining morality.

As someone who believes what happens around us affects us deeply (a porous identity), even neighbors’ actions feel impactful personally. However, many adopt what Charles Taylor calls a “buffered identity,” where they don’t feel affected by external behaviors or morals unless directly involved—an outlook reflecting modernity’s detachment compared to pre-modern interconnectedness.

Matt: In discussions about anti-slavery sentiment, it’s clear that such views largely stem from the Enlightenment. Earlier moral and religious teachings focused on treating slaves kindly rather than abolishing slavery altogether. Notable figures like Jesus, Mohammed, and Aristotle did not advocate for abolition.

Luke: As for personal hero systems, I value truth-seeking as a heroic trait and believe in a divine being who rewards good over evil. The concept of a hero system was introduced by Ernest Becker in his 1963 book “The Denial of Death,” suggesting we all seek meaning to counter our fear of insignificance. Even those with secular beliefs adhere to some form of heroism by standing against ignorance or pursuing scientific truths.

Matt: On the topic of legal studies influencing one’s perspective, it can lead to viewing issues through a lens of contentious logic or finding ways to deconstruct arguments—a skill often used by lawyers but less desirable elsewhere. In my view, many lawyers are poor writers despite their intelligence.

Discussing serious Zionist thinkers brings up historical figures like Benny Morris who is critical yet influential in Israeli history despite his controversial views on Palestinians.

Finally, learning new skills or knowledge comes at the cost of losing other abilities or perspectives—much like how studying law has shaped my analytical approach but also limited my appreciation for certain literary forms.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) aimed to retrieve hostages and end violence.

Matt: Despite powerful allies like the United States, Israel may face consequences for these actions. During initial months of conflict, Israel bombed homes deliberately, targeting even low-level Hamas militants at home with their families—resulting in high civilian casualties.

After World War II, international laws evolved to protect civilians during war—a relatively new concept that reflects changing values rather than eternal truths. Western nations now take such norms more seriously compared to past conflicts like Vietnam and Korea.

Netanyahu’s references to World War II suggest he saw his cause as justifying severe wartime actions similar to those once accepted by “good guys” like Churchill. However, today’s standards condemn many acts from WWII as crimes against humanity.

Civilian protection has become increasingly important since WWII, though initially there was resistance and legal ambiguity about aerial bombardment of civilians. Today’s attitudes have shifted significantly due to evolving narratives around civilian suffering and moral responsibility during conflict.

Ultimately, human nature can lead people to support extreme measures against perceived enemies when feeling threatened—yet liberal institutions do exert some influence on behavior modification over time. For instance, Israel reduced its rate of killing after initial responses post-October 7th attack by Hamas due largely to external pressures and incentives.

In heated debates, it’s hard to change minds unless someone is already on the fence. Emotions run high and people cling to their beliefs. As an Orthodox Jewish convert, I’ve noticed that being part of a group can make you more defensive about its views. For example, most Jews shun those who are anti-Zionist unless they align with intellectual or political groups that hold different values.

We’re all biased by our communities and upbringing, which influence our judgments. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t recognize clear facts when emotions subside. Consider jury duty; even if biases exist, overwhelming evidence usually leads to just verdicts.

Matt: Douglas Murray argues Israel has a moral army because it warns civilians before attacks – a claim I find misleading since such warnings have often been insufficient or nonexistent according to recent reports.

Finally, group identity plays a significant role in how we perceive others and make decisions. While genetics and socialization are crucial factors in forming our preferences and morals, reason also matters over time as passions cool down and facts become clearer.

I’ll criticize them differently, without assuming bad faith. Which Middle Eastern army sets the moral standard in war? It’s tough to say; none seem to fully comply with the laws of conflict. Both sides often commit numerous war crimes.

The Turkish military might be better than some, but still not ideal. For instance, Egypt and Israel would behave differently in a conflict compared to Hamas, yet neither would adhere strictly to the law of armed conflict as we understand it.

Matt: Which nations have militaries that respect human rights most closely? The United States, France, Britain, and Canada train their soldiers for compliance with international law. That doesn’t mean they’re perfect—U.S. actions in Afghanistan and Iraq differ from Israeli conduct in Gaza.

For example, Israel has targeted homes with bombs killing Hamas members along with civilian families—a practice documented by Airwars and testimonies about a program targeting family homes.

The U.S., however, wouldn’t engage in such tactics in Iraq despite its own issues like torture post-9/11 which was later reversed under Obama’s administration. These examples show some norms are taken seriously.

In terms of brutality within Middle Eastern conflicts—the rate at which civilians die is high when compared globally—even Jordan once killed thousands during an uprising against Palestinians.

Palestinians have been disruptive when displaced to countries like Lebanon or Syria due partly to discrimination but also demographic concerns regarding citizenship—which could disrupt delicate communal balances within these societies.

Academics sometimes hype threats for job security—like how IR scholars may exaggerate a new Cold War with China after jobs dropped post-Cold War era.

Human rights concepts evolved significantly after WWII; previously tied more directly to what states granted citizens became seen as universal post-1960s through organizations like Amnesty International.

However personal beliefs can bias our views on sacred topics—we should strive for objectivity even though complete detachment from our values is challenging.

Matt: My first scholarly article debunked claims that Nazis planned exterminating Jews outside Europe—while acknowledging any Jew under Nazi rule was indeed at risk given their ideology.

In 1943, Jewish slave laborers in Tunisia received better rations than those in Europe, highlighting varying policies. Historians focus on what happened; I believe there was no extermination plan in Tunisia contrary to some claims.

Regarding the Middle East conflict, many intellectuals and historians lean towards Palestine over Israel. The release of Israeli documents led to critical perspectives from “new historians” like Morris and Pappe. Despite societal pressures, I’ve spoken out for Palestinian statehood without endorsing extreme measures like Hamas’s actions.

Western opinions on the Middle East differ significantly from those within the region itself. For instance, after October 7th, Western polls showed opposition to certain events that were supported by majorities in the Middle East.

The pro-Palestine protests on American campuses are significant as they raise awareness much like Vietnam War protests did despite not being universally popular. These movements could impact Israel’s reputation if allegations about targeting civilians during war are substantiated.

John Mearsheimer suggests that while the US seeks stability in the Middle East without escalation, Israelis may see benefits in a complicated situation facilitating territorial control and addressing security concerns with Hezbollah.

Matt: My analysis is that emotions rather than rational strategy drive current Israeli actions against Hezbollah and Hamas – this approach seems counterproductive and risks damage to their international standing.

On my Substack platform, I’m analyzing Gaza health data to infer civilian casualty ratios which seem higher than reported by Israel – challenging official narratives with demographic-based evidence.

Luke: My standard is to share more than 50 percent of earnings or donate gifts through PayPal. This applies to anyone who comes on my show, like Mike Enoch and Eric Striker.

When we get significant super chats, if it’s over $50 or $100, I give at least half to the guest because they’re often the reason for those donations. But this isn’t common in our industry; usually, you negotiate shares beforehand.

No one has ever shared their earnings with me. Once when I brought it up and was refused, I felt foolish and didn’t ask again—though it does bother me.

Dooovid: You should discuss these things upfront; otherwise, guests might back out.

I’ve only earned about $300 from streaming over four years; most years don’t even meet tax thresholds. Church of Entropy chose not to monetize our joint streams.

At chess clubs or synagogues, making people feel welcome can have a huge impact—especially on those with low self-esteem—but many organizations fail at this inclusivity once they establish their core group.

The richer a synagogue is, often the less welcoming it feels—they must convey exclusivity somehow without outright rejecting people.

On human rights: They depend on enforcement by power holders—the illusion that individuals can protect their own rights doesn’t hold much weight in reality. Self-esteem varies based on success but having supporters outweighs dealing with haters.

An article about Israel’s military warning Gaza residents before bombings highlights complex moral issues surrounding conflict and identity narratives important for some people’s self-perception as part of an ethical nation-state.

Dooov: In society, a person who didn’t attend university but found success in business is often admired, especially within the Orthodox community. These wealthy individuals become heroes and protectors of their communities despite sometimes engaging in less respected professions like real estate or nursing homes.

However, in more progressive circles, respect from non-Jews and academia is also valued. This difference reflects varying identities within Jewish culture – some prioritize internal community validation while others seek external approval.

The idea that each generation morally declines contrasts with beliefs in human progression towards rationality and enlightenment. Views on international humanitarian law have evolved too; previously military necessity trumped civilian needs, but modern treaties emphasize humanitarian concerns.

Many countries haven’t signed these protocols due to disagreements over definitions and principles like proportionality. This has led to debates about how wars are fought and whether certain actions constitute war crimes or human rights violations – topics still hotly contested today.

The end of war brought a call for more humane international laws, but critics argue these new rules are confusing and hurt civilian protection. The formalized approach to humanitarian law seems idealistic, yet some say it’s more about feeling good than practical change.

Critics believe the development of such laws blurs lines between civilians and combatants, endangering non-combatants by shifting responsibility from defenders to attackers. They also see the push for “humane” regulations as unrealistic, likening it to gender differences in competition—men understand its rules while women may not engage similarly.

This critique extends to feminist and Marxist influences on international law that propose impractical changes. These academics prioritize utopian ideals over real-world effects, focusing on victims’ rights without considering broader implications.

Human Rights Watch’s interpretation of wartime legal obligations faced skepticism from experts who favored traditional principles like proportionality—a vague concept allowing military actions if justified by necessity.

By the late ’90s, focus shifted towards ethnic conflicts in Yugoslavia and Rwanda. With UN intervention came a renewed interest in enforcing humanitarian law. This period saw an influx of young female professionals into the field, influenced by feminist and Marxist ideologies aiming for nurturing government roles.

Despite initial resistance, many now accept Protocol I’s provisions as customary law due to advocacy by organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. These groups emphasize civilian protection during conflict—a significant shift from pre-World War II norms where civilians’ fates were tied with their state’s fortunes.

Elliott Blatt: During Reagan’s presidency, media would often mock his slip-ups. Now, when a Republican becomes president, homelessness is highlighted as a major issue. Under Biden, despite claims of economic success, homelessness persists or worsens.

Our perceptions are influenced by our own biases and belief systems—just like an evangelical Christian has their faith; others have their ideologies they consider superior.

Switching topics: Rony Guldmann has great ideas but isn’t the best speaker. Academics often struggle with public speaking due to overcomplicated writing styles that hinder clear communication.

I’ve subscribed to Podnotes for $34 a month; it provides 1200 minutes of transcription and summarization services. Removing “you know” from one show transcript cut out 369 instances!

Post-illness brings nihilism followed by internal reorganization and reprioritizing life goals—for me, fixing simple things like a hole in the wall and focusing on career ambitions while eliminating distractions.

On the technical side, I’m learning to edit my video shorts better after initially uploading many with awkward pauses. It’s tedious correcting these mistakes made before mastering the AI editing software.

Lastly, I haven’t tried monetizing my content much since it doesn’t go viral; my audience is small yet selective—a bit like Spinal Tap’s “more selective” fan base reference.

EB: Anyway, I’m working today instead of celebrating Juneteenth—let’s catch up tomorrow.

Posted in America | Comments Off on PhD History Student Matt “History Speaks” On The Middle East Conflict (6-19-24)

Decoding The Israel v Hezbollah War (6-18-24)

Posted on June 18, 2024 by Luke Ford

01:00 Is it safe to go out on Juneteenth?
03:00 Why so many events getting canceled for safety reasons on Juneteenth? https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-05/leimert-park-juneteenth-festival-postponed-over-safety-concerns
11:00 I’m in love the tv newsreader but she only brings me bad news, https://genius.com/Alex-lahey-newsreader-lyrics
15:00 Trans whistleblower charged with four felonies
19:00 What will an Israel v Hezbollah war look like? https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/06/18/israel-hezbollah-lebanon-conflict-war-border-gaza/
22:00 WP: Israel says Rafah attack near completion, in potential shift for war, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/06/18/israel-rafah-offensive-gaza-hamas/
25:00 A Short History of International Humanitarian Law, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=155471
45:30 Dooovid joins, https://x.com/RebDoooovid
54:00 Juneteenth and guns
1:07:30 Morale down among Jews worldwide, not just in Israel, where morale has plunged
1:12:00 How are the haredi Jews reacting to tough times for Jews?
1:16:00 Who determines the winning narrative? https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=155583
1:19:00 Dooovid visits Jewish Voice for Peace and finds many attractive young women
1:23:45 News: Defense attorney accuses Samantha Woll’s ex-boyfriend of lying to police after confessing to murder, https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2024/06/18/detroit-synagogue-presidents-ex-testifies-im-afraid-i-did-it/74137391007/
1:31:00 I have a somewhat fraudulent image of myself as a righteous man when in reality I’m often selfish and inconsiderate
1:36:50 Dooov says Jewish Voice for Peace attracts hotties, https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/
1:39:00 Sexually promiscuous women tend to be left-wing while right-wing women tend to be choosey
1:41:40 Dooovid’s anti-Zionism isolates him from most Jews

Transcript.

The Podnotes AI summary of the show: I’m asking for a friend — is it safe to go out and enjoy a zesty Juneteenth?

I’m struggling to find clear information online. Events in Los Angeles are being canceled for safety, which is concerning. How can we stay safe on this day? There’s little guidance available.

Safety should be a priority. In Akron, the city canceled events due to these worries, causing disappointment and financial loss for many.

The mayor of Akron decided to cancel public events after council members raised concerns over last week’s shooting incident that left one dead and others injured. This has caused frustration among organizers who have invested time and money into their events.

Elsewhere in Round Rock, Texas, a celebration turned tragic when two people were killed during a shooting at Old Settlers Park. Now the FBI is involved as the community mourns.

Amidst all this chaos and sadness surrounding what should be celebratory occasions like Juneteenth and Pride Month, there appears to be confusion about how different communities should come together harmoniously without overshadowing each other’s importance or facing security issues.

In light of recent violent incidents during expected celebrations, it raises questions about our country’s ability to uphold the true spirit of such important days without succumbing to fear or division.

In 1977, the Additional Protocols of the Geneva Conventions marked a significant advancement in international humanitarian law. However, the effectiveness and impact of these laws are still hotly debated today. It wasn’t until late in the 20th century that practitioners began to emerge, influenced by human rights organizations born out of disillusionment with leftist ideologies.

Historically, rights were granted by nation-states to their citizens; there was little concept of universal human rights. The updated “laws of war” introduced new principles like proportionality—the idea that civilian well-being should take precedence over military objectives.

The push for international humanitarian law has been driven by activism and a desire for recognition and influence rather than tangible changes on the ground. Advocates often claim an extensive history for these laws to strengthen their moral authority while critics point out its recent origins and ideological underpinnings.

Before the 1960s, concerns about civilian suffering during conflicts weren’t as prominent—civilians’ fates were tied to their states’. International humanitarian law as we know it is relatively new but is often conflated with older traditions of warfare rules.

Key figures like Sean MacBride—a former Irish Republican Army chief who later co-founded Amnesty International—played pivotal roles in advancing this field. These developments reflected differing worldviews between developed nations and others regarding conflict resolution.

Israel’s challenges with Gaza highlight contemporary issues within international humanitarian law—debates around state responsibility towards non-citizens and how historical narratives are used or misused in legal arguments regarding warfare conduct.

Doovid joins the show: In our area, barbecues might have many armed attendees due to concealed weapons. Shootings are not uncommon; one occurred near my home recently. Therefore, I’m hesitant to attend events where guns may be present, including Jewish or public celebrations like July 4th.

I don’t celebrate holidays much anyway. For instance, Juneteenth affects me only because it delays shipments for my book orders since the post office closes. As a businessman, this is inconvenient.

Regarding rent collection from tenants on Juneteenth, it’s irrelevant as rent has set due dates and a formal collection process that doesn’t involve door-to-door visits.

Many Jews run businesses like payday lending and pawn shops which can be tough industries with security concerns. In risky situations like these or in low-income housing management, there’s always a structured approach to handling evictions or financial issues rather than direct confrontations.

Luke: The morale among Jews seems down lately due to challenges faced by Israel and its leadership. This impacts confidence within the community both domestically and abroad.

Dooovid: My friend remarked once that I was willing to take any job regardless of pay during low points in my life—a sharp observation about survival tactics when times are hard.

Finally, narratives in media often seem driven by professionals looking to increase their relevance and income by expanding definitions within their fields—like mental health experts broadening what constitutes mental illness or genocide scholars framing conflicts as genocidal for attention.

Dooovid: I might be able to approach a woman and get a date without going through matchmaking like in Orthodox circles. I’ve humbled myself, admitted my failures, and realized that many Jews don’t respect me even though I love Judaism. So, I shifted focus to more successful areas of my life.

We also discussed the difference between individual narrative identity and group narrative identity on Sunday. My individual identity was tied to being part of the Jewish community, but now it’s uncertain. However, I’ve developed new identities as a chess coach and concerned neighbor—possibly with groups like Jewish Voice for Peace.

Luke: My participation in Orthodox studies hasn’t changed much over the past 8 years; instead of attending Torah classes and praying regularly, beginning in 2015, I began investing less time in davening and more time in 12-step programs.

As we age, our social circles change too. In West Los Angeles, there’s an active social scene for single Jews in their twenties but by forty most are married or dysfunctional.

Regarding the Samantha Wall trial today: her boyfriend testified with immunity from prosecution—it’s unclear why he was called since he could still be a suspect despite his testimony today seeming nervous which some may interpret as guiltiness.

On personal relationships: initially dating promiscuous women can seem exciting due to easy sex but often comes with mental health issues which strain relationships when infidelity occurs—even if not directly involved in cheating scenarios myself.

In terms of self-image versus reality: sometimes our actions reveal selfishness contrary to how we view ourselves as good people—a painful realization akin to those exposed during true crime trials where private lives are scrutinized publicly revealing flaws we prefer kept hidden.

Dooov: Jewish Voice for Peace has grown significantly attracting younger members including educated young Jewish women; however they bundle leftist causes together making it challenging for non-leftists who only want peace activism without other political commitments—reflecting broader trends among reformist Jews where fundamental disagreements eventually lead to severed ties unless intersectionality allows temporary alliances until no longer beneficial or necessary.

Being anti-Zion while most Jews live in Israel feels disconnected from mainstream Jewish thought—I believe peaceful coexistence with Arabs is possible without needing an exclusive state yet this stance isolates me within the larger pro-Zionist majority who see a strong connection between Judaism and Israel’s existence despite my continued religious practices.

Our opinions on world affairs may not be that significant. Attending Synagogue can illustrate this: having even one supportive friend could make all the difference in whether we keep showing up or not. Without someone sympathetic, we might lose interest, but with a friend’s encouragement, our commitment is likely to remain strong.

It’s crucial to have at least one friend who believes in you—a positive influence who nudges you towards better choices, like quitting smoking. Such support is invaluable during tough times; it’s essential to have someone brave enough to give constructive criticism.

Posted in America | Comments Off on Decoding The Israel v Hezbollah War (6-18-24)

Did The ICC Betray The Legacy of Nuremburg? (6-17-24)

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Luke Ford

01:00 WSJ: The ICC Betrays the Legacy of Nuremberg, https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-icc-betrays-the-legacy-of-nuremberg-c44d850f
02:00 How the Gaza genocide will lead to Israel’s collapse, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly7qO9fGYZA
03:00 A Short History of International Humanitarian Law, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=155471
09:00 Revolutions in International Law: The Legacies of 1917, https://www.amazon.com/Revolutions-International-Law-Legacies-1917/dp/1108495036
24:00 Dooovid joins
24:15 Detroit News: Samantha Woll’s ex-boyfriend: ‘I began to believe that I was responsible for her death’, https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2024/06/17/prosecution-defense-question-samantha-wolls-friend-on-dating-life/74125818007/
26:10 Samantha Woll’s promiscuity included an affair with a married man
45:00 JPost: David Duke, antisemites, Israel-haters find common cause at failed Detroit rally, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-806611
56:20 The Nuremberg Trials, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vywGZzb9O4M
58:00 Revolutions in International Law: The Legacies of 1917, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=155559
1:01:00 Christian nationalism as niche construction, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=155459
1:10:00 Who determines the winning narrative? https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=155583
1:30:00 The “Good War”: Preparations for a War against Civilians, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=155491
1:36:00 The Genesis of the Civilian, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=155545

Posted in Human Rights, International Law | Comments Off on Did The ICC Betray The Legacy of Nuremburg? (6-17-24)

Who Determines The Winning Narrative? (6-16-24)

Posted on June 16, 2024 by Luke Ford

01:00 Who determines the winning narrative? https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=155583
03:00 Christian nationalism as niche construction, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=155459
05:00 LEADERSHIP LAB: The Craft of Writing Effectively, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtIzMaLkCaM
10:00 Electronic Intifada: How the Gaza genocide will lead to Israel’s collapse, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly7qO9fGYZA
41:20 Dooovid joins, https://x.com/RebDoooovid
42:00 The stories we tell about ourselves: understanding our personal narratives with psychologist Dan McAdams, https://northbynorthwestern.com/the-stories-we-tell-about-ourselves/
1:36:30 Dooovid leaves
1:51:00 Halsey English joins the show
1:57:00 How Halsey English dealt with growing internet censorship after Charlottesville
2:06:00 Halsey on Israel’s trajectory
2:18:00 Claire Khaw joins
2:21:00 What creates winning narratives?
3:27:00 Sam joins from Haifa
Transcript: https://lukeford.net/blog/?page_id=155670

Podnotes AI summary: When we tune into the news, a dominant narrative often emerges. But who decides this? Take Donald Trump’s rise: mainstream media painted him as an outsider disrupting politics and democracy. Barack Obama’s election was framed as America’s redemption from racism.

Consider Russiagate—three years of headlines about Russian interference in the U.S. election, despite scant evidence that it swayed Trump’s victory. It seems more like a convenient explanation for his win than reality.

Understanding narratives involves supply and demand factors. Larry Mc, ex-head of University of Chicago writing program, suggests knowledge is shaped by ongoing conversations among select experts—an expert being someone recognized by other experts.

Academic journals differ vastly from popular media in content; what academics deem important rarely aligns with public concerns.

Amanda Alexander’s essay on “the genesis of the civilian” reveals how World War I poets eventually defined that war’s narrative over others—a process not always logical but driven by those with influence or power to shape perceptions.

Lobbies impact U.S. policies significantly—like retiree groups shaping welfare or the Israel lobby influencing foreign policy based on survival beliefs for Jews and Israel.

Narratives also meet human demands; stressed people may favor stories blaming outsiders for their troubles. Hence powerful individuals and groups can steer narratives to serve their interests or ideologies.

Experts need hot topics to secure jobs and prestige; thus they might amplify issues like genocide or threats to democracy to remain relevant.

In conclusion, professionals often prioritize self-interest when crafting narratives – whether it’s international relations scholars hyping up new Cold Wars or mental health professionals broadening definitions of illness for greater reach and status after all survival instincts drive us predominantly towards securing our own good over public interest.

The dominance of a certain group in defining knowledge is changing, albeit slowly. This shift is crucial because what we consider valuable information evolves over time. Perspectives from different backgrounds, like the one on Gaza’s situation, highlight this change.

Media outlets previously seen as reliable are now accused of spreading misinformation. Israelis’ understanding of international perceptions, such as South Africa’s stance on Israel and genocide allegations, is limited by language barriers and selective media consumption.

Discussions about military strength become irrelevant when strategy lacks clear goals; instead, it becomes an act driven by vengeance. The legitimacy given to punishment often stems from a desire for vengeance.

Questions arise about why police racism became such a focal point in 2020 after George Floyd’s death—despite his criminal history—it shaped the dominant societal narrative. Legal scholar Robert Cover argued that law intertwines with narratives filled with concepts of right and wrong which influence our moral judgments.

Narratives also shape identities—personal stories define us but can clash with others’ perceptions or social roles we’re expected to fill. Jewish identity especially plays into every decision for some individuals despite external contradictions or misunderstandings from others.

Maintaining personal narratives against opposition requires immense strength; deviating behavior can cause conflict within oneself and discomfort among peers seeking consistency in your story—a struggle evident in my own experiences aligning actions with beliefs while live streaming prior to 2020.

Understanding one’s narrative identity could benefit from therapies focusing on rewriting personal stories toward positive self-perception and overcoming past misjudgments or delusions about heroic endeavors.

Every action we take, good or bad, shapes our story and the roles we assume in society. For instance, someone may see Luke as a great person based on his positive deeds while others focus on his negative actions. Our narratives are influenced by these perceptions and can lead to us adopting certain roles—like being cynical or charitable—to meet expectations.

Our personal identity is complex; it’s shaped by both how others see us and our intrinsic traits. In group contexts like politics or Israel-Palestine issues, narratives become even more layered with collective beliefs.

When facing opposition, maintaining your narrative requires strength. The feedback you receive impacts this significantly—if it undermines your story, it can weaken your resolve to share your perspective publicly.

Reflecting on intentions versus outcomes adds another layer of complexity. People often want to be seen as well-intentioned heroes despite circumstances but understanding true motives is challenging since they’re multifaceted and not always clear even to ourselves.

Dooovid: Over time, my own narrative has shifted from being an active community member to acknowledging my failures due partly to rising anti-Semitism and unmet expectations. Despite this change and the criticism I’ve faced, supportive feedback keeps me going.

In communities like synagogues, having at least some people who understand and accept your narrative is crucial for participation. Without that support network—even if small—it becomes difficult to stay involved in any meaningful way.

Personal experiences of exclusion remind us how painful it can be when others don’t include you due their misunderstanding of your story—a common struggle for unique individuals navigating social dynamics throughout life.

Ultimately, adapting one’s narrative might serve as a defense mechanism against harsh realities or simply reflect changed circumstances over time; discerning which scenario applies isn’t always straightforward but continues shaping our journey through life.

Being different, I can be viewed as a hero in my own story rather than just another person causing dissonance. By labeling myself a “failed Alt,” I avoid pressure from the Orthodox community since admitting failure reduces their pushback. It’s tough to adhere strictly to Orthodoxy; it was too challenging for me, and I couldn’t succeed.

People initially buy into one’s personal narrative but may grow skeptical over time, especially in relationships. In discussing narratives like delusions of grandeur, we realize that they can shift and change within us.

Luke: In broader contexts like media coverage of conflicts or historical events, dominant narratives emerge. These are influenced by those in power – often reflecting political or cultural bias – and shape public perception until perhaps new evidence or alternative perspectives challenge them.

Experts don’t deal in certainties but probabilities which is difficult for many people who prefer definitive answers provided by conspiracy theorists or authoritative figures.

Narratives also play out on larger scales such as wars where military objectives intertwine with narrative goals. Once a narrative collapses, it often signals an end to conflict because support wanes when stories no longer resonate with people’s beliefs or values.

Ultimately, understanding why certain narratives prevail requires examining who benefits from them and how they align with existing structures of power and influence. Personal biases always color our interpretation of events; thus listening to multiple sides remains crucial for a balanced view.

Margaret Sanger linked birth control to women’s liberation, using the language of freedom to challenge patriarchy. Critics argue that liberalism is not about excess but deceit, masking its true motives behind a facade of rationality. They claim the degradation of ordinary people fuels the political and cultural capital of the left.

Our political attitudes are shaped by emotional narratives with heroes and villains, which are hardwired into our brains. While politics can change, deep-seated narratives resist change unless new language reshapes our brain connections.

Halsey English: To understand news events, it’s crucial to read multiple sources critically since both sides may distort information for their agendas. Commentators like Tucker Carlson or Rachel Maddow offer opinions more than factual reporting.

Halsey: Many journalists today lack the means to verify sources, so I’m skeptical of their reporting and prefer studying history. Regarding America’s trajectory, financially we’re heading towards a crisis due to immense debt. This will force us to address unsustainable spending.

Luke: People often choose an ideology that aligns with their desired way of life, especially concerning marriage and family planning.

Even if you don’t believe in objective morality, most people instinctively categorize actions as good or evil. This innate sense of right and wrong is why hero systems resonate with many, including those who deny moral absolutes. Heroes provide a framework for meaning that transcends our existence. Scientists, for example, find purpose in the noble pursuit of knowledge.

Regardless of one’s background—secular Australian or devout Christian—hero systems shape our motivations and values beyond mere morality. These systems are evident even in language; words like “problematic” often mask underlying judgments to avoid imposing views on others.

Academics may use terms like “problematic” because they strive to appear impartial and factual, avoiding overtly subjective stances that could reveal biases within their own belief structures. Similarly, while some shun the word “righteous,” others embrace euphemisms aligned with their worldview to feel validated.

Discussing masculinity reveals societal expectations: men are judged by their ability to provide financially more than physical protection—a reflection of current norms over historical roles.

Each worldview has strengths depending on context—atheist or believer, left-wing or traditionalist; each provides unique insights into life’s challenges.

Ultimately, individual narratives serve personal hero systems where everyone seeks validation through beliefs that position them centrally in their universe while relegating others to mere supporting roles.

Today, the protection of civilians under international law has become a significant global issue. The citizens of Gaza are now at the forefront of world news and humanitarian concerns, unlike before World War I when they weren’t prioritized. Experts in international humanitarian law now see civilian protection as fundamental to global order—a concept that was unimaginable pre-World War I.

The idea of ‘civilian’ evolved during World War I. Initially, non-combatants were seen as passive or potentially threatening citizens. During the war’s onset, Germany accused Belgian civilians of being dangerous while Allied propaganda depicted them as harmless victims. This period marked a shift in how governments and military strategists viewed civilians—as both vulnerable individuals and essential parts of the war machine.

In modern times, ‘civilian’ implies someone not part of the military who deserves protection—this definition only became clear in 1977 with Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions. Previously, people were protected due to their occupational or social group membership or perceived innocence.

Before World War I, legal scholars believed that all inhabitants could be legitimate targets during conflict if it helped win a war more quickly—even though targeting passive enemies wasn’t necessary for victory. These ideas have since changed dramatically; today’s conflicts like those in Israel-Gaza highlight how much our understanding and respect for civilian life have evolved over time.

Posted in America, Narrative | Comments Off on Who Determines The Winning Narrative? (6-16-24)