American political commentary abounds. You can access it on your computer, read it in the mornings newspapers, watch it on your choice of television channel, listen to it on the radio, or engage in it yourself around the water cooler or across the dining room table. It's almost overwhelming, if you really care about the issues. Sifting truth and fact from propaganda and obfuscation is very hard, which is why many citizens choose a news outlet and depend on it for insight.
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.
Both conservative and liberal commentators become celebrities, and people love calling in to add to the discussion or leaving comments on blog sites. The issues are so complex that people often are undecided about which view is most worthy of their support. The underlying view of the world that each contributor holds often defines their position, which is why there are such great differences in opinion on every topic.
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.
Christians generally have a more conservative viewpoint, believing in pay as you go, the worth of individual freedom and incentive, and the advantages of free enterprise. Those who do not share their beliefs often cannot understand them at all. Those who look to God for direction, help, and provision seldom believe that government knows best and should handle most of society's ills.
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.
Controversy rages on many subjects. Those who receive benefits don't want to give them up, while the taxpayers who pay for them feel unjustly burdened. Some lawbreakers receive unduly harsh punishment under federal minimum sentencing laws, while illegal aliens are clamoring for amnesty, rights, and services. Public schools fail to educate, while parents question the federally-funded curriculum. Failing banks, working with government regulations and requirements, are bailed out while many people lose their homes as their jobs evaporate.
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.
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.
Both conservative and liberal commentators become celebrities, and people love calling in to add to the discussion or leaving comments on blog sites. The issues are so complex that people often are undecided about which view is most worthy of their support. The underlying view of the world that each contributor holds often defines their position, which is why there are such great differences in opinion on every topic.
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.
Christians generally have a more conservative viewpoint, believing in pay as you go, the worth of individual freedom and incentive, and the advantages of free enterprise. Those who do not share their beliefs often cannot understand them at all. Those who look to God for direction, help, and provision seldom believe that government knows best and should handle most of society's ills.
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.
Controversy rages on many subjects. Those who receive benefits don't want to give them up, while the taxpayers who pay for them feel unjustly burdened. Some lawbreakers receive unduly harsh punishment under federal minimum sentencing laws, while illegal aliens are clamoring for amnesty, rights, and services. Public schools fail to educate, while parents question the federally-funded curriculum. Failing banks, working with government regulations and requirements, are bailed out while many people lose their homes as their jobs evaporate.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment