by YAW

Created on: April 23, 2008

A Call to Conscience

The coverage of the United States Presidential Primary Elections has been somewhat fairly covered by the major cable television stations in the country. But there is room for improvement. In any democracy, the media play an important role in assisting the general populace in making informed decisions. With such a great responsibility, the media should be fair to all and sundry.

It seems as though, the public thrive on gossip and the media enjoy feeding it to them. According to some economic pundits, the United States is in a recession. The nation has lost over 235 thousand jobs since 2008 began. The United States is fighting two wars, one of which is illegal and unjust. The illegal invasion of Iraq was to some extend the fault of the media, in general, who did not ask the serious questions before the Bush Administration's rush to war.

During this primary election cycle and later in the general, too much is at stake for so much time to be wasted in the media, by media practitioners repeating over and over some pronouncements of the candidates and of their supporters and erstwhile friends. Why is Senator John McCain's age an issue for his becoming the president? If Senator McCain is 95 and in excellent health, why should he not be a candidate for president? Why is Senator Barack Obama's association with Pastor Jeremiah Wright and him speaking the truth that people are bitter the reason some turn to guns and religion? Why are some members of the media so hypocritical? When since a person for president must explain her or his every association they have had with others? This is absurd. Why are some people afraid of the truth? Why do some people think that Pastor Wright hates America? It is because they cannot handle the truth? Please go back and read some of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's speeches. It would not be surprising if after reading you would think Rev. King hated America. Then some speak of being patriots. It was Lord Acton who said "patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." Nearly quarter million Americans have lost their jobs since January 1, 2008 these are good people. Are you saying some of these people are not bitter and angry when they do not know where and when the next dollar is coming from to support them? Clearly, Senator Obama was not speaking of hunters and their guns.

The American people need to know what these three remaining presidential candidates will do if she or he becomes the president of the United States of America. They need to know how the next president will lead the country. The candidates should be judged by their characters. It is the duty of journalists to ask the candidates pertinent questions that the American people need to have answered. It is also the duty of each voter to pay close attention to the news that comes their way. Be careful of the news coming out of all the camps of each candidate. Be careful as if you were in the market buying food to eat. This is no time for distractions. The last massive distraction is taking place in Iraq. After five years, with over four thousand dead American soldiers, many suicide cases, thousands of permanently injured troops and billions of dollars spent on Iraq, money that is badly needed in the United States coffers. The American tax payer deserves better.

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