Labeling Liberals

Broadcast media can't resist using labels, especially when describing Democrats. Despite the bludgeoning taken by the GOP in the last election, and despite the ongoing disaster in the White House, newscasters seem intent on slamming Dems while granting Republicans immunity.

When was the last time you heard anyone describe Rudy Giuliani as a Liberal Republican? When was the last time you heard anyone describe Jack Murtha as a Conservative Democrat? These labels are as true as any, but you'll never hear them because they don't play into the stereotypes that so-called journalists love to fall back on.

When was the last time you heard anyone call Bush, Cheney, Rummy, Gingrich, Brownback or their ilk "radical fundamentalists" or "far-right fanatics"? Never. When was the last time you heard anyone call any number of Democrats "lefties" or "far-left liberals" or "on the liberal fringe" or "hysterical activists"? Just turn on the television.

I noticed on MSNBC that commentator Norah O'Donnell enjoys taking an obviously mocking, derisive tone when talking about Democratic Presidential hopefuls. In my experience, she has yet to do the same with Republican contenders. Shame on her, and shame on so many other commentators who lack the integrity and imagination to stop using convenient slurs in favor of commentary worthy of a journalist.

Here is a letter I wrote to O'Donnell in frustration:

Dear Norah,

Watching MSNBC Live recently, I noticed that you consistently describe Democratic presidential hopefuls in ways that are insulting, personal and derisive. You often use a mocking tone, as you did today when you suggested that Hilary Clinton's presidential announcement was softened to contrast her, using your words, "cold, calculating" persona.

I'm not sure if you consider yourself a journalist, but if you do, I'm wondering when I will get to hear you talk about Republicans in the same way.

For example, when will I hear your voice take on a phony-southern accent as you describe John McCain as a "hypocritical flip-flopper"?

When will I hear you dumb down your voice to describe Sam Brownback as a "right-wing extremist fundamentalist"?

For that matter, when will I get to hear you knowingly describe President Bush as a "lying, incompetent failure"?

Thanks for all the editorials. I'm sure Focus On The Family will give you a nice seven-figure consulting job the minute you want to leave MSNBC...

- JT Compton