I always read Mr. Glasser”s letters to the Editor, although I have to say my reaction is more often one of tolerance rather than agreement or disagreement.
But his letter of Feb. 1 is such that I feel I need to add some words. I certainly agree with him that censorship is wrong and odious at best.
And his quote of Mr. Jefferson is of merit, probably more now than in the primitive time when the quote was written.
What disturbs me with his letter is the complete absence of mention of the really informative (and opinion neutral) programs provided by the PBS.
I cannot believe Mr. Glasser is not aware of these sources of world ad national news. KRCB, for example, offers not only the News Hour, but news from Japan (NHK World) and from Germany (Deutch World).
El Azira has its own channel. If you are not interested in the wide view, I agree that Fox and MSNBC are there for very prejudice viewpoints.
The important thing is the personal interpretation of all views. In addition, there are many publications that also provide background information.
Mr. Glasser notes Mr. Jefferson”s statement “Democracy demands and educated and informed electorate,” Great, but understand that this was written when the elite were running the country in the late 1700s when almost no one (of the people) could write or read.
Communication was verbal, or by letter or print, and the people looked up to the elite for guidance.
While in those days a University graduate probably knew more Greek and philosophy than today”s high school graduates in the subjects today considers important they were seriously inadequate/uneducated. Personally, I figure that it is a whole lot more difficult to live up to Mr. Jefferson”s statement in our present world.
Guthrie “Guff” Worth
Lakeport
