There's No Lack Of American Political Commentary

By Jerri Perry


Passionate men and women are engaging in American political commentary, eager to get their point of view across to citizens whose votes may decide the future. They try to keep confused, discouraged citizens engaged in politics, so that they will vote and also contact their representatives to let them know their views. It would be nice if there was a 'truth meter' to determine the accuracy of news reports and opinion pieces; unfortunately this does not exist.

Today American is a divided country, where people feel that representatives are unresponsive, that government is sold out to forces that work behind the scenes, and that the country is going in the wrong direction. What that direction should be is a topic for sharp disagreement and spirited debate. Unfortunately, whenever vast amounts of money are at stake, there will be those who buy, sell, and distort public opinion, truth, and reality.

Conservative and liberal talk show hosts, media columnists, and news anchors become celebrities, as people confused by the complexity of the issues turn to them for information and guidance. Unfortunately, the world view of every commentator comes into play and dictates what will be discussed or emphasized. This is clear from the wide difference in what is reported in daily talk shows, broadcasts, online sites, or newspapers.

The mainstream media seems determined to steer public opinion in a liberal direction by seizing on every error on the conservative side and glossing over mistakes made by the administration and Congress. Major legislation is ignored while celebrities are given headline attention.

Many conservatives are Christians, with a world view that dictates their politics. Unfortunately, this viewpoint might make no sense whatsoever to others. Christians look to God for guidance and provision, and are notorious all over the world for embracing personal freedom and resisting tyranny. They don't believe that government should control social issues or that government should decide moral questions.

Without such playing field levelers as a balanced budget amendment, an objective media, and an involved and informed citizenry, policy is pretty much dictated by who spends the most money to influence policymakers and voters. Entrenched politicians tend to vote the party line without considering all the consequences of legislation, issues get too involved and complicated for even lawmakers to understand, and people get used to benefits they receive and don't want to make sacrifices.

Major controversies rage over peace efforts in the Middle East, amnesty for illegal aliens, public education, student loans, national debt, and health care. Commentators have no shortage of subject matter, since these and other subjects are coming before the legislature and the courts on a regular basis.

American political commentary is informative, but everyone should remember that it is inevitably biased. This makes it more interesting, of course, since dry, impersonal news is not as dramatic. However, many wish they had access to objective reporting on important topics of the day.




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