The "press," both print and media, has been considered the Fourth Estate - the watchdog of our constitution and as such, forms a vital part of a democratic government. I happen to think it's true. This is an awesome responsibility. It requires courage and an abiding sense of justice, equity and search for truth, no matter where it leads, by those that undertake this noble profession. Sadly, many no longer trust our government institutions or the press. We must find a way out this crisis, and I believe it has to start with the Fourth Estate, if we are to have a chance of turning things around. This is no easy task. It will take real self examination and reflection. I think it begins by recognizing that people do think the press, both print and media, are biased. Why else do we easily label newspapers or television news right or left leaning, blue or red? The New York Times leans left or blue, The New York Post right or red. I know we can do it. I was privileged to serve as the citizen representative on the Post-Star's editorial board twice, once in 2009 and again in 2019. I witnessed journalists putting aside personal views, and discussing issues on the merits and examining facts. So I know it can be done.
Yes, worry about news and about something as simple as teaching, being on a school board, being an election worker or a voter--all are subject now to aggressive attacks, making people fearing, making them retreat. I think of Fascism's brownshirt and blackshirts--violence as a tool for power...and the silence of those who could and should condemn acts of violence. In Arizona, Nevada, and Florida people just voting are being accosted..."Breaking the News" and "Courier" are sources for what is going on. And I will definitely come to Crandall library on Nov. 17.
Just as an aside: i have much respect for all of your work on the Post Star that has managed its integrity--gave good news about the climate crisis, printed different points of view, and did reality checks, covered some world news, and recognized early on the danger of Trump to our Democracy and, despite our area being heavily republican, knew not to endorse someone who clearly harmful to democracy. It wasn't a question of conservative vs liberal, but of staying close to words facts, truth, reality...and not the "myth" of presenting "two sides" when on side continually lied and intentionally misinformed.....Thank you,
The "press," both print and media, has been considered the Fourth Estate - the watchdog of our constitution and as such, forms a vital part of a democratic government. I happen to think it's true. This is an awesome responsibility. It requires courage and an abiding sense of justice, equity and search for truth, no matter where it leads, by those that undertake this noble profession. Sadly, many no longer trust our government institutions or the press. We must find a way out this crisis, and I believe it has to start with the Fourth Estate, if we are to have a chance of turning things around. This is no easy task. It will take real self examination and reflection. I think it begins by recognizing that people do think the press, both print and media, are biased. Why else do we easily label newspapers or television news right or left leaning, blue or red? The New York Times leans left or blue, The New York Post right or red. I know we can do it. I was privileged to serve as the citizen representative on the Post-Star's editorial board twice, once in 2009 and again in 2019. I witnessed journalists putting aside personal views, and discussing issues on the merits and examining facts. So I know it can be done.
Not sure what it says about our society when newspapers and mainline churches are dying from lack of support. It’s probably not good, tho.
Yes, worry about news and about something as simple as teaching, being on a school board, being an election worker or a voter--all are subject now to aggressive attacks, making people fearing, making them retreat. I think of Fascism's brownshirt and blackshirts--violence as a tool for power...and the silence of those who could and should condemn acts of violence. In Arizona, Nevada, and Florida people just voting are being accosted..."Breaking the News" and "Courier" are sources for what is going on. And I will definitely come to Crandall library on Nov. 17.
Just as an aside: i have much respect for all of your work on the Post Star that has managed its integrity--gave good news about the climate crisis, printed different points of view, and did reality checks, covered some world news, and recognized early on the danger of Trump to our Democracy and, despite our area being heavily republican, knew not to endorse someone who clearly harmful to democracy. It wasn't a question of conservative vs liberal, but of staying close to words facts, truth, reality...and not the "myth" of presenting "two sides" when on side continually lied and intentionally misinformed.....Thank you,