Don’t fall under spell of false charisma
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Editor,
The thing that has stood out for me in all my listening and watching of newscasts is this: There are too many examples of powerful news outlets exercising their right to freedom of speech with the most damaging-to-truth coverage that can be imagined. Much of it is outrageously negative and filled with half-truths, vicious innuendoes, lies, and contrived reporting all in the name of news. The entertainment component and giving the American public the drama, controversy and conflict it relishes influences the very tone and temper of many newscasts. Will we ever change this? Do we want it to change? I wonder.
And another thing that has to do with a change in attitudes is this: If our democratic system is ever to emerge, grow and flourish in the manner intended by our forefathers, “We The People” had better do our part and take responsibility for leadership through the power-of-the-masses. What we have presently in America is not a democracy but a plutocracy. A plutocracy is a government ruled by big money, by wealth, and by all the obvious influence surrounding money. For example, you can just imagine the money-power of the extreme radical right presently dividing and frustrating the Republican party. It is all about money, not political consensus. It is all about money, not good legislation. It is all about money, not what’s right for America.
“We The People” actually have the real power and influence but we are not functioning as a true democracy. This should be of great concern to all of us. What can we do about it? Become better informed. Be active in whatever way we choose, but make the choice. Speak out about this. Be concerned enough to help influence our youth to critical thinking. Corporations are not people. Only individuals who are thinking, speaking and acting with personal integrity are people.
Listening to the latest loudest and most angry voices, simply because it makes good theater, and then being mesmerized by these performances will drag our nation down as surely as it has dragged down many nations who fall under the spell of false charisma.
Bob McClellan
Polson
