Media viewpoint disappoints reader

Upon reading two columns in the Opinions section of the Exponent today, I feel that I must point out how they are a shining example of the disturbing state of the print media today.

To begin with, Mr. Thomas' article is a microcosm of the astounding yet pervasive arrogance displayed by the mainstream (read liberal) press in the United States. The article reads, without a hint of sarcasm or jest, that "the world revolves around the news" and that "[t]he paper is the backbone of American culture".

The world does not revolve around the news, much less those who are reporting it. People make this country and this world what it is, not what is printed in newspapers and what is said on television by the self-congratulatory, mainstream press. I do not deny the importance of a free, intellectually honest press, but give us a break.

More importantly, the backbone of American culture is certainly not the print media. The backbone of all aspects of the United States of America, from culture to economy to government, is freedom. Freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and the freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness without obstruction are the collective backbone of our country. To suggest that the columnists who write about this pursuit are somehow of cardinal importance to the process is both utterly insulting and condemnably narcissistic.

A second column questions why students do not write about the ever-so-cliched starving children in China instead of the fountains or the week in sports. Perhaps if you allowed more than 300 words per letter one could properly address the issues at hand. I can barely fit this letter into the allotted space. Liberal editorial board: free reign. Anyone who wishes to disagree: five brief paragraphs, if any.

Michael R. Dorwart

Graduate Student, School of Science

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