In the ’90s (when I could finally find a way to afford it) I subscribed to the Wall Street journal and read it every day. At the time it claimed to be something like “the journal of the American dream.” It was filled with dry economic facts, relevant foreign news, and investment advice. I figured it was excellent reporting. Which had to be mostly true to help investors place money wisely .
Over the years it was sold and had to react to the wipeout of most printed newspapers. And now, although I still enjoy the actual news articles, it has become something totally different from what it once was.
First, investors are now speculators – not what is something worth in the long run, but will it go up or down tomorrow. The economic news features puff pieces about “business leaders” paid millions a year even when they fail. The editorials – once calm and conservative – have become hysterical religious rants. And at least half the paper is now devoted to wealth. It reads like the Great Gatsby. Mansions to buy and decorate. Fabulous world vacations. obscenely expensive cars, clothes, gadgets .
It had to change to survive. It is doing well, so in that respect its owners made the right moves. I place what it once was into my bin of golden olden nostalgia and decide that I myself must now move along and let the wealthy play with themselves. It has little remaining value for me .
HuntingtonHarborThoughts 