(My recent letter to the editor of the Chicago Tribune)






Dear Editor,

My purpose in writing this letter is to express my distaste for the way media, television talk show hosts in particular, have affected democracy.

Certain entertainment media hosts have managed to obtain respect and support from millions of people across the world. Widely acknowledged as the most successful in this
field is Oprah Winfrey. And rightly so, she has worked hard to get where she is and she has done great things for lots of people. In fact, I had quite a lot of respect for this talented role model myself. But her open backing of Barack Obama is done in blatant disregard for her influence, or the likelier scenario, because of her influence and in disregard for the ideals that this country is founded on.

Am I accusing the American people of blindly following a television personality? Not as such. But one look at the way the markets change when Oprah has something to say will tell all. Her book club produces consistent best sellers, with all copies flying from the shelves within a couple of hours of her announcing it on the show. Companies love her “Favorite Things” show because it’s better than advertising. If Oprah likes it, It must be good. And in the long run, that’s just fine. Let her sell your products. Let her help get information out on new treatments for disease, on hot topics in the world. Let her entertain us all every afternoon. However, to abuse her talent and ability in order to further her own political agenda is not only unethical, it is unpatriotic.

I have no problems with Senator Obama or his campaign for President, except this misuse of power. As one of the most influential women in the world and fully aware of her powers of persuasion with the American audience, Oprah has committed a brutal attack on the idea of educated voting. Her support for Obama will greatly affect the decisions of many viewers prone to trust and respect her viewpoints despite little to no knowledge on the other candidates. And though he may be a great choice for Ms. Winfrey and he may stand firm on the topics that matter most in her own life, there is a curtain over the voting booth for a reason. It was her responsibility as a respected public figure to, if anything, use her standing in order to inform her viewers of the advantages and disadvantages, the platforms of each candidate so that they could cast their vote for the runner who best fits their needs. That is the only purpose our voting system serves.

I would never impede on Ms. Winfrey's right to support whichever nominee she chooses. Let her vote for Obama. I might vote for him myself, who knows. But allowing her public support for one presidential candidate is bordering on autocratic, if not magisterial.

As a 21 year old, middle class female I understand the desire that young women have for a role model like Oprah, not just young women, lots of women and she has earned their admiration. But when she uses these good deeds and her personal clout to manipulate the voting public, she goes much too far.

Acknowledging that the sentence for treason (I believe it is still capital punishment) is not quite equal to this particular crime, in no way am I suggesting she be arrested for this. But I am hoping she will open her eyes and apologize to her audience for this slap in the face of democracy and perhaps reverse the damage that has already been done. This is one topic that shouldn’t be public.
Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
JH
Pasadena, TX



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p.s.
Thank you to the lovely sIo for the helpful criticism and editing.

And thank you to my lovely Darun for helping out a poor little girl with the proper use of the word "hanged". Tell me Darun, would it be proper to say "He must be very well hung"? ;)

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