Framing

Whatever happens today or in the coming days, this (fictional) exchange is illuminating as it is based in truth:

Ring, ring

National Public Radio, How can I help you today?

Me: I was listening to one of your segments yesterday, about the protests in Iran, and you discussed a statement put out by “the moderate President of Iran.”
NPR: Yes, did you have a question about that?
Me: My question is, how many Presidents does Iran have?

NPR: Just one.

Me: Iran must have two Presidents, a Moderate President and a Regular President.

NPR: No, just one President.

Me: When you refer to the President of France, you just call him the President of France, not the moderate President of France.

NPR: That’s correct.

Me: And when you refer to the President of Mexico, you just call her the President, not the moderate President.

NPR: That’s right.

Me: So the President of Iran must be much more moderate than either the President of France or the President of Mexico.

NPR: Um…

Me: So I’m curious about what makes the President of Iran a moderate. Before he could run for office, he had to be approved by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, right?

NPR: That’s right.

Me: The people of Iran couldn’t vote for just anyone they wanted.

NPR: That’s true.

Me: So what it means that he’s moderate. Is he in favor of freedom of speech?

NPR: No.

Me: Is he in favor of freedom of religion?

NPR: No.

Me: Does he believe women should have the same rights as men?

NPR: No.

Me: Is he in favor of, or against, shooting rockets at civilian targets in Israel, such as hospitals?

NPR: He’s in favor of that.

Me: Does he favor Iran having full diplomatic relations with Israel or the US?

NPR: No.

Me: Is he in favor of wiping Israel off the map?

NPR: Of course, yes.

Me: Does he believe that homosexuality should be legal?

NPR: No.

Me: Does he believe that someone who insults the Prophet Mohammed should be put to death?

NPR: Yes.

Me: Is he in favor of giving Iranians the right to vote for candidates who are not pre-approved by the Supreme Leader?

NPR: No.

Me: Did he express disapproval when, at the urging of the Supreme Leader, an Islamist stabbed Salman Rushdie in the eye?

NPR: Now you’re just being silly. Of course not.

Me: Ok, thanks for clearing that up. I just wanted to understand what NPR considers “moderate.”

NPR: You’re very welcome! I’m glad we could help! Have a nice day!

If something happens and you are surprised, sometimes it is because the people you trusted to inform you didn’t.