After the shooting in Arizona the nation seems to demand an end to the overly zealous rhetoric. I agree and see a desperate need for some calming on a local level. The Daily Astorian, Hipfish and North Coast Oregon are all guilty of fueling this flame and it is time they all step back, take a breath, calm down and become responsible sources for news that is reported objectively without bias. May the best outlet succeed and reap the rewards of satisfied readers and advertisers. Better yet, may they all succeed providing an atmosphere of objectivity.
There has been a lot of polarization over candidates past and present; those who have been in office and removed from office justly, or unjustly. It is history and it must be placed on a shelf and we need to move ahead.
We have new County Commissioners that have been elected by a majority of the citizens. If they have their own agendas, fine. Most voters were aware of their baggage and voted for them maybe because of their baggage and maybe just for “change.” Future history will expose them as heroes or villains of our time. They need the opportunity to fail or succeed on their own merits and accomplishments. It isn’t fair for the media to prop them up or tear them down, yet. If these elected servants do well they will get the chance to seek subsequent terms. If not they may be shunned or worse yet, recalled by the voters.
This is not a promotion of complacency, but rather one of understanding, compassion, fairness and perhaps forgiveness. We all need a fresh perspective and a fresh start. This becomes more of a task for everyone. If the people demand it, the media outlets will take notice and adapt their editorial platforms into one based in respect and tolerance for all opinions while raising the bar on objective and fair journalism.
