Those Little D’s and R’s

[Debra Kline]

I'm not real excited about knocking doors, trying to convince people to vote for more government or less, or what the difference between socialism and capitalism is and why nations normally prosper on the latter, long term, while paying far too much for marginally better healthcare.Instead I'd like to write about "D's and R's", you know, those little letters identifying political party after the names of politicians? I believe that owners of television networks and movie studios, as well as political writers, talk show hosts, actors and other famous people, anyone who influences the votes of the masses, in any venue, should also bear a "D", an "R", etc., after their names when on the air or in print. So that when one is listening to a savvy man speak, such as the winsome George Stephanopoulos, "D", one knew there just may be "spin" there (ya think?). So that trusting viewers at least have a chance to consider - there just might be an agenda at play, rather than unbiased truths. Or, so people realize, that although the red and blue allegiants are divided about 50/50 in our country, about one Democrat to one Republican, that on "The View", it's a 4 to 1 designation. A Disney (D) owned station is entitled to balance a cast as it likes...all I'm asking for is a little "D" with the name. Same goes for famed republicans: just a little "R". Everyone knows what letter Rush gets because he is not trying to appear as an unbiased analyst and people pretty much know he couldn’t if he tried.Broadcasters, commentators and actors (famous, rich people, who influence votes, like sales, easily, due to their positions) tend to be liberal and most of what is broadcast in our society is done so, or driven, by the "D"'s. My friends and both my parents hold different political affiliations than do I. People have a right to believe and speak as they wish in America. It's not that.It's this: no matter who the person is, when they evaluate a debate or speak on an issue, no matter how well-spoken or confident sounding, one tends to filter information through one's own beliefs. It's human nature, at best. I won't say that there is a plan to sway votes via the media, but there is, by nature.I will say there should be a little "D" or a little "R" after the names of famous speakers, whether on talk shows, political forums or acclaimed newsprint columns, where candidates, et al, are alluded to. No one with a memory listens to Jane Fonda talk politics, so she is exempt. Tina Fay is just plain funny and can have whatever letter she wants.Debra Kline