First-time readers, this blog is set in the future (sometime after the year 2020).  Each entry assumes there has been a 5th revolution in the US — the Revenge Revolution.  More about Revenge Revolution and author, Entry #1.  List and general description of entries to date.  Annual assessment whether Revolution plausible.

Note: most characters appear in a number of entries, with many entries building on previous conversations.  Profile of characters.  You’ll catch on quickly.  Thanks for your time and interest…and comments. 

Jordan: “Matt, before the break you said there was hope for countering the science deniers. What did you mean?”

Matt: “If I didn’t say so, I should have said, ‘I think there is hope.’ By ‘think’ I mean the Revenge Revolution seems to have marginalized a lot of the more radical fringe groups. Real adults are starting to be in charge. The adults are giving dunce caps to the whiny brats and forcing them to sit in the corner.”

Jordan: “I agree putting the whiny brats in the corner has been a major step forward. But what about your book? Is it still relevant?”

Matt: “Yes, think so. The emphasis might change a bit – from the impact of the science deniers to how normal people denied the deniers.”

Jordan: “I love the term ‘normal people.'”

Matt: “Well, I think that’s true. Normal people…or at least who and I consider normal people…are fairly logical.”

Jordan: “We might think we’re logical but aren’t you considered part of the so-called ‘liberal media’? How many years did you write for that bastion of liberalism?”

Matt: “You mean the dreaded New York Times?”

Jordan: “What I find most humorous is the most vociferous of those claiming bias of the ‘liberal media’ are the same one who frequently cite Fox News, the multitude of talk-radio shows and numerous websites as credible sources of information…but, of course, those sources are not part of the media. Can these guys connect even two dots?”

Matt: “For many conservatives a liberal media outlet is…or at least used to be…a source of information that does not toe the party line.  By not toeing the party line, the outlet must be liberal…and therefore biased. Forget whether their outlet of choice reports only a fraction of the story…or even makes up the story. If the conservative disagrees with the reporting, the outlet must be liberal media.”

Jordan: “As you mentioned, on the plus side the Revenge Revolution seems to have quieted some of the alleged reporters on Fox News and talk radio.”

Matt: “We both know that Fox News and talk radio are entertainment outlets. Entertainment is tied to advertising. No one ever accused Rupert Murdock of being stupid about generating income. Borderline unethical in reporting? Probably. Stupid? No.”

Jordan: “My beef is that Fox and the talking heads claim to be credible news outlets, not just entertainment. When I was director of marketing for you know who, the only media programs I labeled as off-limits for advertising were TV and talk-radio shows that I considered grossly biased.”

Matt: “What about advertising on shows considered controversial?”

Jordan: “Controversial shows were OK as long as the information was reasonably accurate or not overtly racist or derogatory.”

Matt: “So I take that shows like Rush Limbaugh, Hannity and the like were off-limits?”

Jordan: “During my watch they were off-limits. In a competitive market, brand reputation does not need to be sullied based on some jerk on TV or radio. Enough things can go wrong with the product without some egomaniac flapping his or her lips.”

Matt: “But some of those shows are incredibly popular. You still think it was a good business decision to ban advertising on those shows?”

Jordan: “Matt, which companies…and organizations…last the longest? Those that operate with ethical standards or those that exploit the customer?”

Matt: “I hear you. But I still wonder whether investors and some customers really care?”

Jordan: “Look at what happened to VW after the diesel-emissions scandal. Sales dropped like a rock. It’s not clear whether VW can survive in this country and many countries worldwide.”

Matt: “Where does this conversation leave us…or lead us?”

Jordan: “We both agree…at least I think we do…that the Revenge Revolution in the US caused many people to put on their big-boy pants and start acting like adults.”

Matt: “And the adults banished the whiny children – the science deniers and fact deniers – to go to the corner and keep quiet…and keep on their dunce caps. What else?”

Jordan: “Groups and politicians on both sides of the aisle started working together to solve real problems.”

Matt: “So my book can have a happy ending, or at least an optimistic ending. The US might start solving big societal problems after all.”

Jordan: “Sounds as if you’ve got an interesting story to tell, Matt. Let me know if I can help.”

Matt: “You’ve been a great help already. I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for your time.”

Jordan: “You’re welcome Matt.”