11 Alive

A demagogue /ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/ or rabble-rouser is a political leader in a democracy who appeals to the emotions, fears, prejudices, and ignorance of the lower classes in order to gain power and promote political motives. Demagogues usually oppose deliberation and advocate immediate, violent action to address a national crisis; they accuse moderate and thoughtful opponents of weakness.  Since I learned this term in high school, it was not until now that I had a PERFECT example of it.  11 Alive’s new campaign “Holding the powerful accountable” meets the above definition perfectly.  Now as most of you know, I am no Kasim Reed fan.  However, if the mayor, like the rest of Atlanta, was getting his weather reports from 11 Alive, then he would have been expecting light snow flurries towards Tuesday evening.  It was also stated by the 11 Alive weather team that the snow was going to hit mainly in Middle Georgia and BELOW.  We had no idea that the snow was going to hit at noon.  Furthermore, had Mayor Reed called you all out of work to come get your children  “just in case” – and then it had not snowed, you all would be bitching that he had wasted our time for no reason.  You can’t have your cake and eat it too Atlanta.  When 6 million people all decide within an hour to go home at the same time, in a snow storm, with no experience driving on ice as a city- one may expect a huge disaster.  Hey I have an idea, lets keep the Braves stadium we already have, and use the extra money to buy the city proper snow equipment.  Maybe we could develop a web app that will allow stranded motorist to find a willing “host” family within a mile walking distance of their abandoned car.  I remember listening to Gill Patrick and Ducky Wall from WALB in Albany as a kid.  They were real professionals that were genuinely active in their communities.  I feel like we are all living in an Ayn Rand novel.  Hindsight is 20/20.  11 Alive – I expect better, more fair journalism from you all. Your motto should be, “Holding our own WEATHERMAN ACCOUNTABLE!!” Don’t appeal to the base inclinations of Atlanta.  Why use the word “powerful.”  How about using “elected officials?” Does that make then the all-powerful?  We elected them.  They are an extension of the voting public.  Stop using tag lines to gain viewers!  I promise, we are a smarter city than that.