If The Media Are Eddie Haskell,

Are We Lumpy?

To the Editor:

Last week in a letter to The Newtown Bee, the media of today were described by using a “Leave it to Beaver” analogy, as “Eddie Haskell-like.” Permit me to expand on that by saying that many of us act as Lumpy (aka: Clarence) from that show in that we are easily led by the “Eddie Haskell-media” and do not think for ourselves and form our own opinions. Most of us realize that media news coverage is largely hype with selective substance, which reduces key issue and policy discussions to mere sound bites. It is all about ratings and controversy. For example, this past week on MSNBC Tim Russert, when reviewing the Clinton/Obama race in Connecticut on a morning MSNBC show, provided more media hype and distortion by saying, in essence, that “Connecticut is an interesting state because you have Bridgeport and New Haven which are largely African American and the rest of the state is white wine and Volvos.” Well, I’m not African American, I drive a 1996 Chrysler, and I am not overly fond of white wine, so perhaps I do not belong in Connecticut … or at least in Russert’s version of Connecticut. Tim Russert is not alone in promoting simplistic and prejudicial views hidden under the veil of being a political analyst, and I dare to say that many in the print media are just as guilty.

It seems that major portions of what is “news” today (see Britney, etc) is what used to be relegated to talk shows and tabloids like the National Enquirer. While today, the talk shows (Stewart, Colbert, Letterman, Leno, etc) are now the only “news” outlets for a great number of people and many daily newspapers resemble the National Enquirer. In the media of today stereotyping abounds. It seems like one cannot read The New York Times without being labeled as a “nonpatriotic, left-wing liberal.” Also, one who reads the New York Post is labeled as a “blindly-patriotic, right-wing conservative.” Well, it is not as simple as black and white … or red and blue!

Next week all registered Democrats and Republicans in Newtown have an opportunity, indeed an obligation, to speak for themselves and vote in the Connecticut Presidential primaries. No matter which New York newspaper you read or what car you drive, you owe it to our great democracy to vote on February 5. Don’t be a “Lumpy” and vote based on “Eddie Haskell-influenced” preferences. Research the candidates’ positions; make a considered judgment on each candidate running for your political party’s nomination; and vote. Be sure that your voice is heard regarding who may lead our country as our president. Ward and June Cleaver would approve!

Richard English

3 Curry Drive, Newtown                                            January 25, 2008