Momnesia

Tables Turned? Or Spinning?

Lots of people accuse our newspaper of being "a liberal rag." Coming from outside this area as I do, I find it to be - generally speaking - more centrist that it's perceived in Augusta. But it's certainly farther left than the conservative enclave in which we publish.

Hmm. That sounded accusatory. I meant it merely as factual.

Our efforts are generally focused on telling a good story that is also balanced and accurate, and on entertaining people. That's what alt-weeklies do: long-form journalism, arts and entertainment, and humor.

Sometimes our humor falls short. And then sometimes they let me write about zombie escape plans. Try and find THAT kind of necessary, life-saving, survival information in The Augusta Chronicle! Ha!

In contrast, the local daily is decidedly more conservative than we are. It's more conservative than a lot of papers - and stands in stark contrast to the Atlanta-Journal & Constitution, which is what I read growing up. Or, whatever incarnation of the present brand that existed at the time. Does anyone else remember getting both the morning and afternoon papers? Anyone? Bueller? Who had the time to read all that?!

Anyhoodle... the really funny thing is that these labels - conservative, liberal, centrist - are relative for most people. Take this gem from today's rants and raves section of the Chronicle's website: "THIS IS A RANT to your newspaper. Ever since that socialist communist was elected president, you've been featuring his picture on the front page every day. I don't remember President Bush's picture being on the front page every day after he was elected. Print this if you got the guts and courage to, 'cause you're lilly-livered just like the rest of the communist Democrats."

See? The way something looks to them is the way it is. (And, also, John Wayne is alive and living in Augusta! "Lilly-livered?") To that person, the Chronicle staff is a bunch of communist Democrats. From across the street where we sit, the Chronicle staff is a bunch of nice people who think differently than we do about stuff, but for whom we'd buy many beers at Stillwater if given the chance. At least, the editorial staff. The sales staff... yeah. We're not allowed to play their reindeer games.

Anyway, my point is that perception is reality. Bob Barr, for example, would probably take the Chronicle's editorial staff (Hi, Mike! Not criticizing you guys!) to task about their recent editorials on the business bail-outs. I know I would.

Perspective is so important in politics and journalism. Who can sit down and list the various characteristics that actually define the positions of the political poles? (ASU Political Science department, you are exempt from this pop quiz) I think you'll find there's a lot of confusion among the general public, and thus there's a lot of confusion about how balanced print journalism actually is.

People don't remember the original political recipe. They go into their mental card catalog (Gah! I'm old!) and find that the writing on the recipe cards has smeared and blurred. They can't distinguish between the instructions (as an example) for cultural conservatism and political conservatism. So they take what they think they remember, mix in a bit of free-market economics, blend in some nebulously defined emotional or religious convictions. Dash of xenophobia optional. Or, if they don't have the time to bake their own set of beliefs, they can just go to the market and purchase a box of Rush Limbaught or Austin Rhodes brand (hi, Austin! Not criticizing you! Just saying some people don't bother to think for themselves!) (Hi, Rush! I'm TOTALLY criticizing you!).

Worse, American politics seems to have taken a "pick a team" approach. Does the below graph explain part of the reason why? Is it the fault of the (shudder) "drive-by media?"


more music charts

Sigh...

I don't know. I hope not. Especially considering the vast wealth of information that exists on the International Truth Machine, thanks to Al Gore. I mean, does anyone even know that there's a philosophy called "liberal conservatism?" Well, how about the idea of "conservative liberalism?" It also exists! As well: "libertarian conservatism!" Wait... did I hear someone just scream "blasphemer!"? Or was that my subconscious?

We try very hard to remain true to the philosophies that guide us at The Metro Spirit and Metro Augusta Parent: factual reporting, accurate current events analysis, support of democratic ideals (thus our annual Metro's Best competition), sound business ethics, and the pursuit of beer.

I can't tell you by what principles The Augusta Chronicle operates, but I think one can tell from its editorial page writing that they're not aiming for the middle of the road when it comes to journalism.

And when the major media organization in an city, state, or country leans in one direction, it's even more important for alternative media to present a different perspective. It helps an informed citizenry to stay, well, informed, as opposed to conditioned. That's why there's a Washington Post AND a Washington Times. That's why the Boston Herald exists alongside the Boston Globe...

... because an informed citizenry is essential to the continuation of American democratic ideals. Our system of government required participation. Successful participation demands sound decision-making. And sound decision-making can only be achieved through knowledge of the issues.

Barring a surprising population explosion, Augusta will never be a so-called "two paper town." But that doesn't mean that any one media outlet has all the answers. We hope you find answers in your well-reasoning mind, after assimilating all the information you can (you know, amidst work, home, and the rest of your life).

All we ask is that you don't believe everything you read on the Internet.