When a Maryland teenager, Jonah Poole, pled guilty to the horrific murder of his former boss Edward Koza—burning him alive in his own car—you’d expect a media frenzy of epic proportions. Yet, mainstream outlets like CNN and MSNBC seem to be painting this as just another tragic story, focusing more on the judicial process than the bizarre, gruesome details of the crime itself. Why the reluctance to dig deeper? Could it be that they don’t want to provoke discomfort around violent crime committed by a young black male against an older white male?

Conversely, Fox News is delving into the implications of such violent tendencies in today’s youth, raising valid concerns about societal dynamics and values. But let’s be clear: they, too, are not beyond selective framing, often leaning on sensationalism which can overshadow the critical, nuanced discussions we actually need to be having.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about simply covering crime—it’s about accountability. Both sides of the media spectrum have an agenda, whether that’s downplaying what really happened for the sake of a narrative or stirring fear to bolster ratings. The reality is, there’s a total lapse in honest reporting when it comes to the complexity of crime, and it’s time for the media to step up and do their job.

Leah Jay Ramsey, a 35-year-old Australian fitness influencer, has undergone a harrowing ordeal: surviving emergency open-heart surgery while pregnant, only to face the gut-wrenching tragedy of losing her newborn daughter. The media’s tepid response to such a deeply painful experience is telling. While Ramsey’s story deserves heartfelt coverage, outlets like CNN and MSNBC often turn emotional human tragedies into sensationalist stories, stripping them of the personal gravity and instead shoving them into narratives that serve their corporate agendas.

Fox News, in contrast, might sensationalize aspects for clicks but still leaves the message of personal resilience somewhat intact. Yet even Fox can’t escape the patterns of clickbait headlines that overshadow the very real pain of postpartum struggles. The collective failure of media to frame this experience in a way that elevates the voices of the individuals involved—like Leah—bespeaks a larger issue. It reveals a landscape where the personal becomes political only when it suits the narrative of the day.

The raw truth of maternal grief shouldn’t be spun into a battleground for ideological warfare. Instead, Ramsey’s experience highlights an urgent call for compassion and understanding, even in a world rife with noise and negativity. We must demand better from those who claim to inform us—human stories shouldn’t be mere fodder for partisan agendas but rather a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and support.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s recent comments about patriotism are a perfect illustration of how the media spins narratives to fit their agendas. While she portrays herself as relatable and sympathetic, appealing to those feeling “unpatriotic” in these divisive times, it’s essential to dig deeper. Mainstream outlets like CNN are filled with cheerleading for her perspective, framing it as a heartwarming reminder that America has “good” things, regardless of who’s in charge. Spare me the manufactured sentimentality!

Let’s be real: when Ocasio-Cortez references American values, she glosses over the alarming realities facing citizens today—rising crime rates, inflation, and a government that stifles freedom in the name of “safety.” Instead of genuinely addressing these issues, the corporate media chooses to bathe her in a flattering light, effectively telling viewers to ignore the chaos. They promote stories featuring her serene smiles while conveniently sidestepping the uproarious discontent bubbling under the surface.

Now, let’s consider Fox News—a network that often critiques her. While they may spotlight the nonsensical policies she espouses, they sometimes miss the forest for the trees. Instead of framing her empathetic overtures as disingenuous, they often sensationalize her stances without juxtaposing them against the real aspirations and concerns of working-class Americans. The result? A disjointed narrative that fuels polarization rather than enlightening dialogue.

Ultimately, whether it’s Ocasio-Cortez’s platitudes or the media’s spins, it’s a montage of superficiality. Americans deserve earnest discussions about patriotism that acknowledge challenges while promoting genuine solutions—not just painting over cracks with feel-good platitudes.