We Deserve Honest Responsible Reporting of the News

I realize that every single person has a point of view—it would be impossible to be a thinking human being and not possess personal biases.  That is normal and acceptable.

However, the people who make decisions for the major news media—television, print, radio and web-based—ought to make an effort, as much as possible, to present all the important and legitimate news events of the day in a straight-forward, fair and objective manner. 

I understand this cannot be done in a way that will be perfect and it certainly cannot be done in a way that will please everyone.  But an honest and sincere attempt should be made for truthful, fair objectivity.

Our society was set-up in such a way that the press has a purposeful and important role.  The press is not superfluous, they are necessary to the type of republic in which we live.  The press—among other functions—serves what could be thought of as a “watch-dog” role.  They are supposed to help us keep an eye on those in leadership.  They are supposed to be keeping us informed of those, on the left and the right, who wield great influence and power.  They should be reporting relevant facts regarding significant stories whether people would consider the stories to be favorable to the left or the right.

When the press—and in particular I’m thinking of the “news” media—evades and abdicates this important role they are negligent in a way that is deplorable, scandalous and, frankly, even dangerous.

I’m somewhat hesitant to write these types of posts because I have friends who get upset if they perceive that I am getting political.  In my view, however, the issue I’m raising here has more to do with “right and wrong” and with admonishing those in the news media to serve honestly and responsibly than it has to do with politics.