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For God's sake, it's only an opinion
The Oakland Press endorsements are done for the Nov. 2 election.
As I’ve mentioned in past blogs, we couldn’t endorse in every race but we did pick in the most high profile races, which included Congressional races, the battles for governor, secretary of state and attorney general, and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
Of course, even though we’ve endorsed in fewer political campaigns, we still managed to aggravate, upset and in some cases, anger some readers. That is never our intention but it seems to go with the territory.
Jokingly, we say that we manage to infuriate at least half the candidates in the races that we made an endorsement.
Seriously, why do we make endorsements? It certainly would be a lot easier on the staff if we didn’t. The Circulation Department would probably appreciate it since we do sometimes lose subscriber who don’t like who we pick.
But the answer is pretty basic — it’s expected of a local newspaper. It’s one of the tenants of a good newspaper dating back at least a couple hundred years. Sure, it’s a tradition that we could stop and it certainly is one that we’ve had to alter because of the economy and changes in the newspaper market. But despite all of the modern-day concepts and technology, people who read a newspaper expect the endorsements. Some people even appreciate them, saying that in certain races they were given insight that they previously didn’t have. They may not agree with who we endorse but at least they see a different perspective on the candidates or the issues.
There are some who say our endorsements actually help them make a decision, which is refreshing considering the criticism we always receive.
We really don’t mind the scoldings but when the comments turn vitriolic, it is disappointing and upsetting.
It’s times like those when I try to remind the infuriated reader that the endorsement is an opinion — one they don’t have to agree with. And that’s why the endorsements are on the Opinion Page.
As I’ve mentioned in past blogs, we couldn’t endorse in every race but we did pick in the most high profile races, which included Congressional races, the battles for governor, secretary of state and attorney general, and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
Of course, even though we’ve endorsed in fewer political campaigns, we still managed to aggravate, upset and in some cases, anger some readers. That is never our intention but it seems to go with the territory.
Jokingly, we say that we manage to infuriate at least half the candidates in the races that we made an endorsement.
Seriously, why do we make endorsements? It certainly would be a lot easier on the staff if we didn’t. The Circulation Department would probably appreciate it since we do sometimes lose subscriber who don’t like who we pick.
But the answer is pretty basic — it’s expected of a local newspaper. It’s one of the tenants of a good newspaper dating back at least a couple hundred years. Sure, it’s a tradition that we could stop and it certainly is one that we’ve had to alter because of the economy and changes in the newspaper market. But despite all of the modern-day concepts and technology, people who read a newspaper expect the endorsements. Some people even appreciate them, saying that in certain races they were given insight that they previously didn’t have. They may not agree with who we endorse but at least they see a different perspective on the candidates or the issues.
There are some who say our endorsements actually help them make a decision, which is refreshing considering the criticism we always receive.
We really don’t mind the scoldings but when the comments turn vitriolic, it is disappointing and upsetting.
It’s times like those when I try to remind the infuriated reader that the endorsement is an opinion — one they don’t have to agree with. And that’s why the endorsements are on the Opinion Page.
posted by Allan Adler at
7:53 AM
1 Comments:
Dear Mr. Adler,
I am not a resident of the 9th Congressional District nor of Oakland County, but I did see the Oakland Press' endorsement of Gary Peters as opposed to "Rocky" Raczkowski. As the previous TV ads state "I too know Rocky", and he is far from the sleezeball that Gary Peters portrays him to be in his television attack ads.
Mr. Peters skewers the truth so much that one just gasps at the lies and the audacity of what he says. I'm glad I don't have him as my representative. This man lies outwardly and manipulates the truth every which way he can just to win this election. How can he be trusted to represent his constituents? The only person he represents is himself. He has ingratiated himself with Nancy Pelosi and her ilk for two years, and now he claims to be an independent voice? He's voted with them 95% of the time. What has he done to help the 9th District? I have 2 children who live in the 9th district with their families, and they certainly will not be voting for Gary Peters.
As for another liar coming to town in support of Gary and some fellow Democrats who are in the same boat as he, is this the best the Democrats have to offer? Also, two million dollars in Gary Peters' war chest and Nancy Pelosi's top guns being sent here to fight against Mr. Raczkowski makes it difficult to overcome this "evil" negativity. But "Rocky" is a man of honor and class, and he does have a lot of support out there from people who know the real score. He needs to win because it is people like he that this country needs at this time. As for Mr. Peters, he has no integrity and no honor. And when you don't have that, what have you got left? You have a liar who does not belong in the Congress of the United States. I'm ashamed of him as an American.
I hope the residents of the 9th Congressional District will do the right thing and vote for a man who I know will fight for them in Washington, D.C.... Andrew "Rocky" Raczkowski.
I'm sorry that the Oakland Press has done this disservice to the people of the 9th District with its endorsement of Gary Peters.
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