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To the editor:
A recent letter correctly notes the danger polarization poses to our democracy (“Polarization,” The Chief, April 4). I believe the root cause of these divisions is the proliferation of misinformation and “alternative facts.” There are now essentially two camps. One trusts establishment news organizations and the other firmly believes their reporting is “fake news.”
In 2007, before the Donald Trump era, former Vice President Al Gore recognized this danger in his book “The Assault on Reason.” He wrote “The assault on reason is an assault on democracy, as it undermines the informed citizenry essential for its functioning” and this assault “perpetuates a cycle of misinformation and distrust.”
Prophetically, this is exactly where we find ourselves today. The American people no longer share a common set of facts to guide their actions and judgment. Misinformation machines like Breitbart, NewsMax, InfoWars, Fox and others spread provably false propaganda daily — Obama was foreign-born, Iraq was behind 9/11, the Sandy Hook massacre was staged, the 2020 election was stolen, liberals engineered Hurricane Helene to destroy property in the Southeast, immigration is fueling a crime wave, etc. — to an eager and ravenous audience. As a consequence, that audience distrusts conflicting news reported by all other sources and Americans grow farther apart.
I don’t know how or if we can bridge this divide, but I do know our nation will fail if we can’t agree on what is and isn’t true. As Gore warned “When reason is abandoned, demagogues and charlatans thrive.”
Joseph Cannisi
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JDonne
**Problem:**
Misinformation and alternative facts are the primary causes of polarization, undermining democracy by creating two distinct camps with divergent beliefs regarding “news sources.” This division, exacerbated by “fake news,” poses a significant threat to the nation’s ability to function effectively.
**Solution:**
A promising solution lies in promoting fair and objective media reporting. Both Democrats and Republicans are equally culpable in perpetuating political propaganda. It is disheartening that the media instead chooses to disseminate false information, fueling hatred and division among racial and ethnic groups, as well as individuals with differing opinions. We bear a responsibility for allowing the media to manipulate the American mind.
Wednesday, April 16 Report this
reenjoe
**Better solution**
Reinstate the Fairness Doctrine that Reagan eliminated which required that broadcasters provide equal time to opposing points of view. With the Fairness Doctrine in place, news outlets like Fox and MSNBC would either provide balanced news or lose their broadcast licenses. There would be such thing as conservative or liberal biased news.
Ironically, Trump wants to defund the only news outlets that still adhere to the Fairness Doctrine - the PBS News Hour and NPR. Both are rated as the most trusted news year after year. They also come cheap, costing taxpayers $1.50 per person per year.
Sunday, April 20 Report this
JDonne
reenloe
No Spin Zone
The Fairness Doctrine, which applied only to broadcast licenses, wouldn’t apply to cable networks such as Fox News and MSNBC. The First Amendment guarantees the right to free speech, and therefore, it is the media’s responsibility to report the news objectively. Any regulation that impairs free speech is a violation of the First Amendment.
Refrain from interjecting political propaganda; it’s a cheap tactic!
Tuesday, April 22 Report this
reenjoe
JDonne, Noting the politicians that contributed to polarization while discussing polarization is not propaganda nor is it a cheap tactic. If you can think of policy decisions made by Democrats that had a similar effect, please list them.
Reagan's elimination of the Fairness Doctrine certainly fueled media bias, which led to our current polarization. Polarization will also be fueled if Trump successfully defunds the only broadcast news sources (PBS & NPR) that currently present "fair and objective media reporting" according to years of polling data.
As for cable networks right to free speech, how do you propose we reach your **solution** barring regulations?
Also, since the FCC does regulate over-the-air broadcast licenses, why not re-implement the Fairness Doc on those licensees, including talk radio broadcasts?
The choice I make is to get my news from the PBS Newshour and NPR because I, like most Americans, trust them. I don't watch cable news or listen to "shock-jock" talk radio for exactly the reasons you cite.
Tuesday, April 22 Report this
JDonne
I suppose you’re completely unaware of the facts; you persist in spreading half-truths and expect to be recognized for your one-sided opinions. Instead of writing a balanced letter, which you clearly cannot, you simply spew one-sided political propaganda and personal attacks on Trump. Unfortunately, your efforts are futile. Your articles are favored by Democrats; try writing a letter on a center-leaning political website; the intellectual stimulation will overpower your biases.
Thursday, April 24 Report this
reenjoe
JDonne, here's a thought - try writing original letters of your own, rather than being an armchair critic. Give you full name, put yourself up for criticism and go into the sunlight.
“There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” – Aristotle
Friday, April 25 Report this
JDonne
reenjoe
YYour letter is a poor imitation of the letter titled “Polarization.” The only letters you can write are inconsistent and inferior imitations. Let’s see some originality. On second thought, that’s beyond your capabilities.
“Fine words! I wonder where you stole them.”
-Johnathan Swift-
P.S. That’s why your political essay, which I’m being generous about calling a political essay, was titled “Doublethink.”
Tuesday, April 29 Report this