Herald shouldn't issue endorsements

I realize most newspapers endorse political candidates, but that doesn't make the exercise any less shameful and intellectually dishonest.

According to "Our View" dated Feb. 4 and titled "It should still be a thrill to cast a vote," the Our View crew says, "You want to know how the candidates really stand on issues you care about, not just what they say… The Daily Herald tries hard to be helpful in this regard, publishing stories that detail the candidates' positions on important issues."

So far, so good, but factual content should be the only objective of any reputable newspaper.

Then they say, "We also offer our opinions on whom is most qualified to hold elected office, or if those tax hikes are justified, in the form of endorsements."

That was then followed by the predictable disclaimer when they said, "You don't have to accept our recommendations."

That begs the question. Why make endorsements in the first place? They serve no purpose except self-serving.

I'm not sorry to say that anyone using the Daily Herald's biased recommendations as a basis to cast a vote should stay away from a voting booth.

You know who you are. You don't know the issues. You don't know the candidates' ideologies. You want to think "your vote does matter," as you are told. So you take the easy road of voting the consensus opinion of the Daily Herald. By doing so, your vote is compromised.

You can't legally drive unless you can demonstrate you know how to drive. You shouldn't allow yourself "the thrill to cast a vote" unless you know what and whom your voting for. The onus is on you.

Allowing your vote to be compromised is an insult to our democracy and your right to vote. And the method used by the newspaper media, to garner extra votes for the issues and candidates of their choice, is disgraceful and arrogant.

A newspaper is a business. A newspaper should mind their business and not attempt to steer the voter.

Frank Gabl

Prospect Heights