‘NEWS’: Check their agenda

My mom instilled in me the responsibility to think for myself. She said everyone has an agenda; most of them won’t be the same as yours. Whether it is a boy on a date, a classmate or a politician — they have an agenda.

I had great college professors, especially in social studies. They presented us with politically charged situations and asked our opinion. Then we were asked to take an opposing view to research and debate.

After class, my classmates and I continued to discuss the issues. We truly learned by researching different viewpoints from a variety of sources. Sometimes my opinion changed, sometimes I became more convinced of my opinion. I learned to read widely and make up my own mind about issues. It is one of the great gifts of my life.

I did not simply agree with someone who said they were on my side, my team or a particular political party. Research bore my mother out; everyone has an agenda.

The Fairness Doctrine protected our airwaves until the FCC was deregulated in the 1980s. Now we have so called “news” channels that are 100% opinion. Last time I checked, opinions are not news.

If you believe anyone because they say they belong to the same group as you, make them prove it. Especially the so-called “news” channels. Think for yourself. What is their agenda? If you think your “side” is not managing information to get something, you are not paying attention.

BARBARA OSTIPWKO

Coeur d’Alene