Independent voice needed in media

Re: “Mexico’s cartels are winning,” We Say, The Kamloops Daily News, Saturday, July 14, 2012 and “Liberals clear on one thing” We Say, The Kamloops Daily News, Tuesday, July 17, 2012.

The intellectual capacity to understand a role of the media is affirmed and demonstrated. Yet for decades the press has conveniently ignored the issues and/or solutions which the political establishment considers to be inconvenient truths.

Spouting “rehearsed” comments is the way the political status quo works. And for decades the media has just blithely and obediently regurgitated the political pablum. So, in case there is any doubt, The Daily News supports mining.

Einstein is credited with this comment, “It is foolish to continue doing the same thing, and expecting different results.”

Confucius is credited with this comment, “It is only the very wisest and the very stupidest who cannot change.” (Tidbits of Kamloops, July 6, 2012).

If you really believe an independent press is vital to a functioning democracy, why are you not evidencing your independence by questioning assumptions, shining a light in dark corners and offering solutions? Is it because you believe an independent press is vital only for functioning democracies in the third world? Is it because you no longer believe we have a “properly functioning democracy,” thereby justifying inaction?

What about your capacity and determination to actually be an independent voice?

RAY JONES

Kamloops