NWA LETTERS

Just report news, not ‘might,’ ‘may’ opinions

In far too many cases these days, “news” outlets are reporting less and less news and more and more opinions, falsely offered as news.

My dad was a published writer and a college English professor. He taught me the importance, power and value of words and the requirement in communication to use them correctly.

In today’s world, I look through lead headlines of reported news stories and quickly set aside anything submitted as a “news” story that starts with or contains, the following phrases or something similar:

• It is “believed” that …

• “May” result in …

• “Might” offer …

• “Appears” to have …

• “Possible” scenarios or outcomes are … These “lead ins” are often found in stories being offered by political pundits (on either side) as “news”!

Reported stories, offered as news that do not spell out available facts but instead rely on possible outcomes or motives, should be summarily rejected without wasting any time reading or listening to it. The only “sure” fact presented is that you will not be getting “facts” about that piece of news but instead opinion.

With the exclusion of everything else, all “news” stories should be presented featuring these details: who, what, when, where, why and how. If any of these elements are “unknown” at the time of reporting, it should be identified as “unknown” in the news story itself.

I’m certain Walter Cronkite is spinning like a top in his grave right now. I grew up watching him report the “news” for years and to this day, I still don’t have a clue if he was a Republican or a Democrat.

KENNY PIEL

Bella Vista

Teacher of the year queries no surprise

It concerns me that a highly respected teacher who may not agree with all aspects of the LEARNS act will not be able to be considered for Teacher of the Year recognition unless he or she states in their application what they like or support in the act.

More “it’s my way or the highway” from the Sanders regime.

PETE RATHMELL

Garfield

As for debt woes, blame dates back

I have been following the debt ceiling issue since Treasury announced it started to take extraordinary measures back in January.

I have been following the news and most of the letters to the editor on it. Most people want to blame the political party they don’t align with for the entire problem.

Folks, our deficit spending and public debt belongs to every administration of the last 40 years or so. The Democrats and Republicans own it.

GARY SANFORD

Bella Vista

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