HT's Community Columnists Are Too Biased

In the August 4, 2005 addition of the Herald Times Michael Wilkerson, Community Columnist, provided another daily dose of biased and politically slanted rhetoric labeled “2004 Exit Polls Ask: Do We Still Have A Democracy”. The basis of his commentary was to once again insinuate that elections were stolen including that of the President and the 8th and 9th District Congressional Races. It is really getting old reading the same recycled talking points over and over again as it seems at least once a week the newspaper prints a column by a “Community Columnist” that allows them a platform to dispense their partisan doubletalk. This along with a continual barrage of letters to the editor provides the reading public with a controlled view from the liberal kaleidoscope. This organized and relentless effort is done solely to paint a negative image of our duly elected officials to the uninformed public. Their strategy evolves from the concept that if you throw enough mud some of it is likely to stick.

By indoctrinating the uninformed with a short list of talking points in various medias all without the fear of opposing viewpoints it is easy to see how these uninformed citizens evolve into nothing more than puppet voters. This psychological technique works best when used with negative stimulus. As an example, mention something good about someone and it is usually forgotten within the same day. Conversely, mention something bad about someone and it is locked into memory for weeks if not months. The same holds true for complainers. People are much more likely to complain than to praise. We allow this process to continue because we find ourselves in the group that rarely applies praise. You’ve all heard the reasons why not to get involved, I’m not a good writer, I'm too busy to get involved or it takes too much time. Obviously the liberal opposition in our community has overcome these concerns.

Start today; write something good about our President, and our Congressmen from the 8th and 9th Districts. Every time you read one negative letter see that two positive letters go to the editor and beat them at their own game. Unfortunately we only have one local newspaper, don’t concede without a fight. You should also take the time to email or write the newspaper and let them know how you feel about these politically biased Community Columnists. You can also email Mr. Wilkerson at wilkers@indiana.edu and inform him that you didn’t care for his column and you don’t share in his opinions. Let Mr. Wilkerson know that whether he likes the label or not, any Democrat that keeps beating the same old drum, as he says, is a "Sore Loserman".