'Deflategate' and clueless American media

Years ago, I heard the expression, "What the American public doesn't know is what makes them the American public."

The more I experience in life, the more I find this statement to be true. There truly is a lot out there that we think we know; we assume we know, but in actuality we haven't a clue. Many of us spend an ample amount of time "informing" ourselves via news and information media such as the site you're on right now, newspapers, books, blogs, television, etc., with a supposition that we are educating ourselves on the current events in the world around us. Let me be the first to burst your bubble; you're not.

Why do I say this? Well, there's something I've known for quite some time that I've just recently been reminded of. The mainstream American media, which presents us with the overwhelming majority of information that we "educate" ourselves with, is nothing more than a slightly more informed extension of the American public.

To most of the American media, you are not someone they are trying to educate; you are a customer. They are simply trying to sell you information via print or the spoken word, which you wouldn't "buy" unless they presented themselves as a foremost authority. Let me tell you, however, the American media may be slightly more educated than the average individual, but when it comes to being an "authority" on most subjects, the majority of journalists leave much to be desired.

When it comes to matters of sensitive information, it seems that most journalists rarely take into account the existence of lies, misinformation and the lack of full disclosure when conducting investigative interviews in an attempt to bring facts to the American public. I've personally been involved in numerous situations whereby another individual and I have had a good laugh at a journalist's expense related to the bogus answers given to a series of questions during an interview only to find those answers displayed for all the world to see the following day. Regarding certain subjects, it was always our opinion that the truth regarding those subjects would be given on a strictly need-to-know basis. As far as we were concerned, the media didn't "need to know."

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Take the latest "-gate" scandal the media has created, Deflategate. As it turns out, the Patriots seem to have simply been caught doing something that, according to numerous retired players, has been somewhat common for years. No one who's currently playing would ever admit to it, so the media simply report to the American public the redundant lies and half-truths. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, those in the know have a good laugh at the media and the American public's naivety. It is the opinion of many behind the curtain that some things are better kept in private, as it is doubtful that a logical understanding of certain matters would ever be grasped by those on the outside.

Read Rocker's firsthand account of his public battle with the PC thought police: "Scars and Strikes," at the WND Superstore

Several years ago, another Boston franchise had its own scandal to deal with when some poor unsuspecting journalist stumbled upon a pre-game whiskey shot ritual by members of the Boston Red Sox. Similar to Deflategate, the media created an uproar regarding this unbelievable revelation that some Major League Baseball players drink alcohol before a game.

Here's another surprise: Santa Claus and the tooth fairy aren't real, either.

I've played with guys who would drink a beer (and sometimes do worse) in the tunnel between every inning. I played with a guy who would drink at least one beer each of the first five innings and then take two with him in a red solo cup to the bullpen, and this guy had a helluva 12-year career.

The media and the American public don't need to know these colorful tidbits of behind-the-scenes life, however, as they would simply react as they did when information leaked regarding the Red Sox ritual. What the American public doesn't know is what makes us the American public, and that, by and large, includes our "trusted" media.

Now the past few scenarios I've described are several of many of which I have firsthand knowledge. I'll take the specific details to my grave. In the great scheme of things, these scenarios are harmless and in the right company can actually be entertaining when talked about.

But what about misinformation promulgated by our esteemed American media of a more serious nature? What about the kind of information, or lack of information, that affects the outcome of elections and can have rippling effects throughout the world?

What about the half-truths and biased propaganda that are incessantly perpetrated on the American public that lead to riots in Ferguson, Missouri, or attacks on New York City police officers?

The media can get duped (and does so quite frequently) in the world of sports, which in general day-to-day life doesn't matter. But there are times when what the American public doesn't know – or in some cases, think we know – where it absolutely does matter. And it's in these situations that we the American public need to understand before we jump to rash conclusions, because those selling us information aren't any more informed than we are.

Media wishing to interview John Rocker, please contact [email protected].