The Fascination 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.

Understanding major legislation is not a priority for most citizens. For this reason, they may turn to high-profile commentators for explanations and guidance. This may give commentators too much influence, but most people have neither the time, experience, or inclination to follow the workings of public policy. Mainstream media outlets are not seen as objective, although many still believe what they read or see, and elections often go to the candidate who spends the most money.

Conservatives often have a Christian worldview, which makes absolutely no sense to those who are more humanistic - they would say practical. Conservatives tend to favor less government interference in daily life, education, and the marketplace. Progressives think that government should take care of needy people regardless of the cost, feel that free enterprise leads to income inequality, and think that social programs are key to a stable society.

Stronger frameworks for public policy, like a strict interpretation of the Constitution or a balanced budget amendment, could make deep divisions in our society less likely. However, today it seems that party politics reign supreme, with representatives voting along party lines rather than their own convictions. Many people don't believe that legislators have the good of the country or the public as their motivation.

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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