In previous columns over the years, I’ve often expressed how much I enjoy the many different aspects of my role as a newspaper publisher.
One of those things I truly enjoy is writing a frequent column for our Editorial/Opinion page. I’m fortunate to have this opportunity, and I feel genuinely blessed to have a platform to share my thoughts and feelings on a wide range of topics. Not everyone agrees with me—and that’s exactly how it should be. But on the other hand, I frequently receive tremendous support and encouragement from our readers, and I’m thankful for that.
While I try to focus as much as possible on local people, events and activities, sometimes the national stage simply can’t be ignored. Even as a small community newspaper, we occasionally have to address larger—often political—issues.
National politics has been dominating my thoughts lately, as I’m sure it has for many of you.
Politics.
Traditionally defined, politics refers to “the activities, actions and policies used to gain and hold power in a government or to influence a government,” or, “a person’s opinions about the management of government.”
To me, politics is also about open debate on real issues. But in today’s climate, I wonder: Can we still have those open debates? Or are we heading toward a society where only one political opinion is acceptable—and if you disagree, your voice is silenced?
From a very young age, I’ve had a keen interest in politics, both the process and the people. I credit my father for that. Dad always encouraged my interest in government, locally and nationally. I remember him attending a campaign appearance by presidential candidate George Wallace in Shreveport in 1968. I was just 7 years old. Dad brought home a red necktie with “George Wallace ’68” printed down the front in bold white letters. I still have that tie somewhere around the house.
Politics—and the political process—never stops.
Pardon the analogy, but it reminds me a lot of the media business in that sense. We should all be interested in and involved with our political system. But I’m beginning to wonder: Do all of us still have a voice? Are those who disagree being silenced or marginalized? And are we still as engaged as we should be in the process that shapes our future?
For the past few decades, our political system seems to have shifted. Rather than being focused on real issues, it’s increasingly centered on pushing agendas and tearing down the other side through character assassination.
I’m old enough to remember when it wasn’t like this—or at least not to this degree.
There was a time when we could “agree to disagree,” and still work together to get things done. But those days seem long gone. Now, we see family members turning against each other, friends breaking ties, and an overwhelming amount of anger and hatred directed at anyone with a different opinion.
It’s as if, in many ways, our great nation is turning on itself. You don’t need me to tell you how dangerous that is.
I’ve heard elders say my entire life that if America ever fails, it will not be because of a foreign enemy—it will be because we imploded from within.
Are we getting close to that?
Randy Brown is Regional Publisher and Executive VP of Specht Newspapers, Inc.