BLOGGERS OPION OF MEDIA"S FAILURES

Dear Editor

What has become of our fourth estate?

On July 14, 2012 there was an article by Mark Scolforo and Maryclaire Dale, and it was captioned; "Joe Paterno would have faced many charges". It asserted that Paterno did not tell the full truth to the grand jury and that he also attempted to avoid or conceal what would be bad publicity for the Pennsylvania State University. Reference is also made in the article, to the Philadelphia priest who was convicted of child endangerment for his handling of assignment of other priests that were accused of sexual abuse. These findings should raise consciences of all citizens regarding our actions and attitudes concerning what we should do with regard to the truth. The full truth is a must so long as it is factual. This does not mean that we should spread rumor or innuendo.

The press is sometimes referred to as the ‘Fourth Estate’. The expression means that the printed and electronic press has the duty, under freedom of the press, to stand between the two major political parties. The full and accurate truth is their responsibility. This should apply to their exercising of the vetting process of political candidates at all levels. This means that members of the third estate should and must present and expose the full and accurate truth and not shade their reporting because of their allegiances or persuasions.

The past performances of the press with regard to the vetting of Barack Obama, in my opinion, were tantamount to criminal, if not just plain dereliction of duty. The short comings of the press in the reporting of President Obama’s associations, experience, and connections, left many with a party’s endorsement of the less than qualified. The press coverage was omissions by intent.


Barack Obama has openly refused to enforce or changed laws regarding immigration, and the Defense of Marriage Act. His Attorney General refused to prosecute the Black Panther voter intimidation incident which occurred in Philadelphia, claimed a “slam dunk" by experts. His Health and Human Services Secretary has removed the work requirement from the Welfare law. At inauguration the presidents swear to uphold and defend the laws of the United States. It is not the power of one branch of government to waive portions of laws. The press’ quiet mentioning of these actions is not producing the full truth. Very few of the press ever explained Obama’s association with characters of concern, such as Tony Rezco, or George Soros. Like 2008 everything questionable tends to be overlooked or down played.  Where is the full truth? Many in the ‘Third Estate’ have become the mouth piece of silence with regard to facts. Silence is the same as a lie when the full truth is ignored.


Gerald Keer