Fair and Balanced

[Duane Campbell]

On Tue, 12 Aug 2003 14:03:41 -0400 Laurence Horn

> to prove they're fair and balanced after all, which one would never
> have suspected otherwise

To bring this ... eventually ... back to language

I have tried to engage some very partisan liberal email friends in a
discussion on recent issues. It hasn't been terribly successful. Just in
the last couple of days I quoted President Bush in a speach that was
covered by Fox News, and I mentioned that CNN didn't carry it. His
response was, Well, That was Fox News, as if what the President says is
suspect in some way if it is covered by Fox.

i have noticed that there are several words or phrases used by the Left
that are automaticly ... can I say "evil"? ... and don't seem to need
further explanation. "Fox News" is one of them. Others are: corperations,
oil, fascists (as if Geroge W. Bush were a socialist), the rich,
McCarthyism. These are all words that are used without clear definition,
and, to my mind at least, words where a reasonable definition would
destroy their impact. The word "conservative" itself has taken on an
impetus much like the word "liberal" did a decade ago,  to the
displeasure of those left of center.

On the question at hand, Fox is admittedly slightly right of center (the
present center) by about the same degree that CNN has traditionally been
left of center. What's the problem? Isn't this what free and balanced
media are supposed to accomplish?

D