Hey President Trump! Even Dictators Tolerate Negative Media Coverage
Accepting criticism is a lesson that Trump should learn from Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. White House chief of staff Reince Priebus has made a shocking threat: President Trump’s administration is exploring changes to libel laws that protect free speech. Priebus warned the press should “be more responsible with how they report the news.” His statement on the ABC program ‘The Week’ came on the heels of Trump’s speech in Pennsylvania in which he condemned the media, calling reporters “very dishonest people.” Trump held the rally instead of attending the White House Correspondents Association dinner, whose theme was free speech. Traditionally, presidents submit to being lampooned at the annual event which Trump attended before becoming commander-in-chief. The last time a commander-in-chief missed the dinner was in 1981, when President Reagan called in instead of attending in person because he was recovering from an assassination attempt. Trump has proven to have remarkable difficulty tolerating negative media commentary. He has referred to the media as the “opposition party” and tweeted that “any negative polls are fake news.” A term he seems to use for any media reports he doesn’t like, regardless of whether they’re true.
The Chinese government, which can censor any domestic media coverage it wishes actually allows limited reporting that is critical of the government since it serves as a useful pressure valve, allowing people to air their grievances without overthrowing the Communist party. President Putin could tell Trump the same thing. The Russians use a different official institution, the legislature, to give an outlet to the opposition. In September, Putin’s party, United Russia, won a supermajority in the Duma but 13 of the 26 committee chairmanships in the legislature were given to opposition parties. Why? Giving opposition politicians a role in the legislature keeps them from mobilizing in the streets. Similarly, the free press in the U.S. benefits Trump, a remarkably unpopular president because Americans have peaceful ways to express their displeasure without storming the White House. Trump’s approval ratings at the end of his first 100 days are the lowest of any president in history. That’s why free speech is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. Therefore, for Trump and for any leader, criticism is normal and even helpful. But if Trump continues to try to respond to every perceived slight, he will only exacerbate their damage to his reputation. Complaining about information that is reported often backfires because it makes the issue even more high profile than it otherwise would have been. In Trump’s case, we wouldn’t still be thinking about a lot of the media coverage he didn’t like if he didn’t keep talking and tweeting about it, ensuring that it dominates more news cycles. Even if Trump isn’t informed or thick-skinned enough to accept debate as a normal part of the American political process, he should be able to see that even dictators tolerate dissent. Negative media coverage often serves the interests of the very leaders who are criticized by providing innocuous ways for outraged citizens to voice their concerns.
Will Trump Ever Accept His Media Criticism?
Susan Z’s Conclusion:
Absolutely not! You have a Napoleonic personality in charge thinking he can run the White House like he ran his reality TV show “The Apprentice”. Saying “your fired” to the media is not getting the same results. Lol!
Ace of Pentacles: Inverted (Upside Down)
This card is about gaining and having wealth. I believe this is what trips up Trump every time. He is an entitled and spoiled wealthy man who is used to having his way and getting what he wants. Inverted means he is NOT!
The Hanged Man:
This card is about victim energy and holding on to past slights. Trump has shown clearly that he can be unforgiving and vindictive. He is very good as dishing it out but obviously cannot take it.
Temperance:
This card is about balance, harmony and bringing in opposite viewpoints. I feel this card was pulled as this is the foundation of Trump being incapable of seeing someone else’s viewpoint. He enjoys disruption so will keep it going.
Susan Z Rich is an emotional addiction counselor, spiritual intuitive and holistic therapist. She counsels others to see life in a more positive way and teaches personal accountability for life choices. She is also the author of several children’s books and Soul Windows…Secrets From The Divine.