I was going to do a bit on the Baron Sacha Cohen thing, but Michael Bane said it better.
Michael Bane
KIDS, WHAT HAVE I BEEN SAYING FOR, OH, THE LAST DECADE OR SO? The MSM in ALL FLAVORS are our BLOOD ENEMIES!
Have that tattooed on your arm if you’re prone to forgetting it.
The MSM will NEVER:
Do a “fair and balanced” report or documentary on the 2A and gun rights in America.
“Tell the truth” about anything — the NARRATIVES is the only thing that matters.
There are, effectively, NO PRO-GUN VOICES in the MSM; if a journalist, documentarian, reporter, whatever tells you they are pro-gun, they are lying.
You may not like to admit it, but professional interviewers are better at extracting what they want than you are at maintaining control of an interview. I say this as previously one of the top magazine journalists, specializing in “hard target” subjects, in the country. Ask me how many times I walked into a tough interview and didn’t get EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED. Hell, I taught people how to interview at that level!
Let’s say by some intervention by a benevolent god you actually WIN an MSM interview. I guarantee you that you will LOSE THE EDIT! The edit is done behind closed door. You have no say whatsoever. Whatrpever you say will be twisted to maintain the narrative. I say this as the guy who is in control of the edits of my shows — I KNOW HOW THIS WORKS!
NET NET: STFU!
One of my favorite cop shows was Homicide: Life on the Streets. “The Documentary” has to be one of the best if not the best episode of the series. You should watch this part of the show whole, but heed the words of Frank Pembelton and even though it is related to a homicide investigation, use them in your dealings with the media.
It’s not just on gun issues. Too many people seem to lose their critical thinking skills when a camera and microphone are placed in front of them. Everybody craves their fifteen minutes of fame. In addition, somehow they think that they are sooo clever that they can outwit someone who does this for a living. Even people who are professional interviewees (politicians, PR reps, corporate spokesmen, etc) get caught. For the average person going into a hostile interview (pro tip, they’re all hostile) with a reporter is like going into a battle of wits half armed.
It ought to be required that they show that clip to anyone who is taken in for questioning. I’ve said it a thousand times, and I’ll say it again – if you are being questioned, and there is even a HINT that they are questioning you as a suspect, it is ALMOST NEVER IN YOUR INTEREST to talk to law enforcement. And if you must talk, make ONE statement, and stop. No more. Don’t go over it again and again – they are trying to create inconsistencies that they can use against you.
Remember – when that detective takes you in for questioning, he’s not there to get the truth (he thinks he already knows the truth, or he wouldn’t be taking you in). He’s there to get a CONFESSION.
And “confession” and “truth” are not necessarily the same thing.
Don’t think that “if I don’t make a statement, he’ll think I”m guilty!” He already thinks you’re guilty. He’s just trying to get you to confirm it – and he’s trained and experienced in coercion and psychological manipulation in order t get you to say it.
STFU.
Also remember that the police are allowed to lie to you (not the reverse). Don’t buy into the “If you just tell us what happened, you can go home.” idea.
There’s a good reason the written statement read in a monotone is the only real contact one should have with the media.
See also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NNmixz2mhc
In general, if someone comes into your place of business with a camera crew tagging along behind them it’s a solid bet they don’t have your best interests in mind. Don’t help them screw you over.
If it’s a camera crew you are paying for, and you get a final say in what goes out, you’re probably okay.