Do I want to be informed or entertained?
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Editor,
There are such a bunch of serious issues dividing the Republican party now that it is not at all certain the party will be able to launch a sensible and coherent primary which will galvanize its constituency. Presidential hopeful Junior Senator Ted Cruz from Texas could be one of the reasons. His views are thrilling one segment of the Republican Party and horrifying the other. Just listen to him and see what you think.
And with all there is for Congress to settle in the next few weeks, this is going to be a very interesting ending for 2013. For me, I find it very helpful to listen to all sides. While Rush Limbaugh is mainly entertainment, Fox News is for hard-hitting attacks on the Democrats. This, of course, is countered by MSNBC, which hits just as hard at the Republicans. Then there is CNN, which voices both sides pretty well. And PBS is always in there with the most thoughtful analyses, with panels and interviewers who do not yell and all talk at once. I like this because you can actually understand what they are saying. Not that it really matters many times, I suppose.
But actually hearing what they are saying is not nearly as entertaining as, for example, “The Five” on Fox News every afternoon. Then, of course, there are interviewers like Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, and Chris Mathews who ask a question and then cannot stop themselves from interrupting the guest before she or he has even uttered three sentences. Again, entertaining, but not very informative.
I often ask myself: Am I more interested in being entertained or being informed? Am I interested in actually listening thoughtfully to those I disagree with? Do I have all the answers? Am I prejudiced in any way? I have to admit: I like being entertained. I often yell at the TV at those I disagree with. I think I do have the answers. My prejudices often show.
This I do know: I am an American.
Bob McClellan
Polson
