“The major media—particularly, the elite media that set the agenda that others generally follow—are corporations ‘selling’ privileged audiences to other businesses. It would hardly come as a surprise if the picture of the world they present were to reflect the perspectives and interests of the sellers, the buyers, and the product. Furthermore, those who occupy managerial positions in the media, or gain status within them as commentators, belong to the same privileged elites, and might be expected to share the perceptions, aspirations, and attitudes of their associates, reflecting their own class interests as well. Journalists entering the system are unlikely to make their way unless they conform to these ideological pressures, generally by internalizing the values; it is not easy to say one thing and believe another, and those who fail to conform will tend to be weeded out by familiar mechanisms.”
— Noam Chomsky, Necessary Illusions
“The readiness with which the media and intellectuals adapt to and serve their leaders’ rampaging surprises many who don’t grasp the extent to which the corporate media are a part of the imperial enterprise and structure, and how naturally the intellectual community accepts and works within the parameters fixed by imperial needs. If the structure of imperialism gives the United States the power to impose its will in many foreign locales, its institutions and intelligentsia will, as a matter of course, normalize and support the ensuing projection of power.”
— Edward S. Herman, “Nation-Busting Euphoria, Nation-Building Fatigue,” Z Magazine, December 2002
The Observer began publication in 1994 as a printed monthly tabloid, reaching an initial list of over 5,000 people, mostly Snohomish County residents. Thereafter, only five percent subscribed; the Observer accepted no advertising. It ceased operations in early 1995, but was resumed—as a much smaller magazine—in 1999. Upon election to public office, the publisher discontinued the written Observer in January 2003.
What you are reading is an effort to establish an online presence. Since the web-based Observer, as with all previous versions, will be a one-person operation, the posts will likely be irregular—in accordance with the publisher’s energy and schedule. Talent is always a constraint.
— Dave Aldrich
Note: You can find more about me here.
