It’s an interesting invitation that Wally Maslowsky presents in his March 10 letter to the editor, inviting Biden voters to enlighten him as to why we made that choice.
Although I would have preferred a progressive such as Liz Warren or Bernie Sanders, I was happy to vote for Joe Biden. I made phone calls and knocked on doors for him. I sent money to his campaign. At his election I felt relief and hope for a new direction for the country.
Do you remember the Fairness Doctrine? According to Wikipedia, “The fairness doctrine of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC), introduced in 1949, was a policy that required the holders of broadcast licenses to both present controversial issues of public importance and to do so in a manner that was honest, equitable, and balanced. The FCC eliminated the policy in 1987.”
Under the Fairness Doctrine, news organizations were required to present two sides of an issue. After it was removed, the door was opened for news organizations to become separate ghettos of opinion, presenting only one side of any issue, and helping to feed the polarization we are experiencing. I have heard a few voices calling for a return to the Fairness Doctrine. I think that would be helpful, although unlikely.
We seem to be addicted to our news feeds that orient and distort as we choose. Where might there be a basis for understanding or agreement between us? That we care about our loved ones, our communities, their present and future; that we live in a beautiful, remarkable world, we are fortunate to share for the time we are here?
I look forward to hearing if your invitation is for real.
—Miriam Marcus,
Lum
